Follow a self-taught backyard gardener in her gardening obsession
A reflection on the successes and failures of establishing a native garden. From the enthusiastic spreading of Pearly Everlasting to the disappearance of native milkweeds, gardening is always a learning process. Get real-world insight into the challenges of creating a native backyard garden.
Follow along as a backyard gardener starts a native wildflower garden from foraged and donated seeds. From winter sowing to garden design, this post has many ideas about how to start a backyard native wildflower garden in Montreal, Quebec.
Follow along on my second year of winter sowing in Montreal. I explain how to winter sow seeds. My own technique combines the use of milk jugs and plastic bins. I discuss the relative merits of different methods and share my insights.
Planning for the 2024 growing season in Montreal, Canada. I am considering various growing techniques for poppies and cosmos, including winter sowing. With a focus on trying to add more native plants to my garden design, I consider the relative benefits of keeping geranium and non-native rudbeckia.
After the horrors of last week, we’re back to regularly scheduled content, with lots of gorgeous images. I have so many pictures to share! That's because, along with roses and columbines, hydrangeas have to be some of my favourite shrubs. And with good reason. Their blooms are reliable and long lasting. They come in a... Continue Reading →
Types of RosesPests, Diseases, and CareTreatmentDeadheadingPruningRose Colours and MeaningPink roses – gratitude, elegance, and sweetnessYellow roses – warmth, friendship, and joyOrange roses – pride, energy, and intense desireWhite roses - innocence and spiritualityRed - Love and Passion Not to brag, but I have quite an impressive rose collection for an urban garden. Or an insane... Continue Reading →
Am I kidding myself by thinking that most of the hard work of gardening is complete? That all I have to do now is put my feet up and wait for everything to take off? I’m sure there’s stuff I’ve forgotten, but for now, I’m feeling pretty pleased with myself. Clean Up I cleaned all... Continue Reading →
I have a confession to make. I am a columbine seed head thief. You might see me in late July furtively cutting the seed heads off your columbines before scurrying back home. A Love Story I fell in love with columbine in the winter of 2020. In fact, I think that’s the year my gardening obsession... Continue Reading →
Martha's Garden Obsession 