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.
Seeing bees buzzing around my garden is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. I've compiled my list of the top ten plants to attract bees. Why not plant flowers that are not only beautiful, but help the planet by feeding bees and other pollinators? You'll love having a garden buzzing with life!
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.
A deep dive into native plants blooming in zone 5 in early September.
If you’re an avid gardener, you’ve probably experienced the push to plant more native plants. There are so many excellent reasons to do so. They provide the ideal food for local birds and bees. They won’t take over and become invasive. They help prevent erosion and many require less watering because they are adapted to... Continue Reading →
Martha's Garden Obsession 