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,…
By Pat Cook, Master Gardener, SCMG Hellebores - Do you have hellebores in your spring garden? Early spring is when hellebores take center stage in Ontario gardens. Even when flattened by the harsh temperatures of…
Spotted Lantern Fly (Lycorma delicatula) By Joan Sundeen, Master Gardener in-Training, SCMG Why should we be concerned? This striking but destructive insect poses a threat to Canadian agriculture and your vigilance is needed. The Spotted…
By Cynthia B. Lauer, Master Gardener, SCMG Lush, green lawns are a dominant landscaping feature. The standard blend of Kentucky bluegrass, fescues, and perennial rye grass serves as an outdoor carpet whether in an urban…
By Pat Cook, Master Gardener, SCMG It’s getting to be that time of year when I long to start my vegetable garden. I’m sure my neighbours wonder why there is a bright glow coming from…
By Marianne Lepa, Master Gardener In Training, SCMG Those of us lucky enough to have room for fruit trees in our gardens know the delights of enjoying homegrown fruits right from the tree. From…
By Cynthia Lauer, Master Gardener, SCMG Cottage. Modern. Eco-Friendly. Prairie. Depending on personal taste (and a few other factors), these popular garden designs are available for a gardener’s enjoyment. While the advantages of working with…
Flowers for Valentines: A Long-Honoured Tradition of Love and Romance By Susie Cosack, Master Gardener, SCMG Flowers have long been associated with expressions of love, and no occasion displays this symbolism more than Valentine’s Day.…