By Cynthia B, Lauer, Master Gardener, SCMG The Basics of Taxonomy Have you experienced the surprise of discovering that a celebrity has an underworld sibling? What about the shock of learning that you have a…
By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener, SCMG Dog Strangling Vine, (DSV), tops my list for most “unwanted invasive species”. Having spent hours and hours this past year cutting seed pods, digging out root systems and mowing…
By Stephanie Brash, Master Gardener, SCMG Are your flowering containers and baskets feeling the heat? Are annuals that were once glorious starting to look straggly and tired? All is not lost, you can return them…
By Gail Cocker, Simcoe County Master Gardener, SCMG A lot has been written recently about the merits of planting natives in your garden; vital for our local ecosystem by providing essential food and shelter for…
By Cynthia B. Lauer, Master Gardener, SCMG Bad bugs are notorious in their diversity and in the damage they do. Aphids swarm zinnias, roses, and dozens of other prized plants, and spider mites suck the…
By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener, SCMG How would you feel if you didn’t have to spend your weekend mowing your lawn? I suggest it is possible to look out on a lush green yard without…
By Scott Mcintaggart, Master Gardener In-Training, SCMG We've all heard a lot about the role that butterflies, birds, bees, bats, insects and other animals play in facilitating pollination (the transfer of pollen from the anthers…
By Cathy Krar, Master Gardener, SCMG Companion planting is about natural balance and growing plants together that can be mutually beneficial. Planting your vegetable garden with plants that repel pests will help increase yields, reduce…
By Scott Mcintaggart, Master Gardener In-Training, SCMG Scientific Name: Cirsium arvensis Family: Asteraceae Common Names: Canada thistle, Creeping thistle, California thistle, Field thistle, Cursed thistle Canada Thistle is not Canadian! Originally from Northern Africa, Western…
By Cynthia B. Lauer, Master Gardener, SCMG Whether it’s periwinkle, English ivy, creeping bellflower, garlic mustard, dog-strangling vine, honeysuckle, or buckthorn among many others, chances are that you’ve done battle with an invasive plant. Digging,…