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.
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.
A deep dive into native plants blooming in zone 5 in early September.
Have you been noticing strangers lurking around your garden lately? Perhaps you’ve noticed someone furtively brandishing a pair of scissors and an envelope? An interloper snapping a quick pic before snatching the seed heads from your plant? Well, that creepy individual might well be me. The plans have been in the works for a while.... Continue Reading →
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 →
This post should come with a trigger warning. It won’t be my usual gushing prose interspersed with gorgeous pictures of my garden. No, it is going to be full of decimated, damaged, and besieged plants. Consider yourself warned! Japanese BeetlesWhere do Japanese Beetles Come From?Will Japanese Beetles Kill My Tree or Plant?Japanese Beetle TrapsNeem Oil... 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 