Minter Country Garden Blog
Early Spring Planting
This will be a winter to remember as it seems to be one that is determined to keep going and going…and going. Many folks are understandably anxious to get back in their garden and begin planting early vegetables, including perennial veggies, fruit trees and, of...
Success with Seeds
It’s around this time of year when millions of Canadians are leafing through seed catalogues or browsing through seed racks in garden centres. They are imagining all sorts of wonderful colour schemes for their garden and anticipating baskets of fresh produce, most of which are going to come from seeds. And while it all seems fairly easy, in reality, I would guess that less than 50% of all the seeds purchased actually grow to maturity. This is not because the seeds are defective, even though we like to blame them for our bad luck. It’s most often because we need a little more information on how to have success with seeds.
Valentine’s Flowers (& Plants!) to Make People Happy
There’s been an enormous change in public perception of Valentine’s Day in recent years. It’s become less about romantic relationships and more about showing appreciation of friends, family, and loved ones. It is also less about spending a lot of money, and more about being thoughtful of what might make someone happy!
Indoor Plant Care for Winter
This is one of the hardest times of the year for our indoor plants due to the extra warmth from heaters and fireplaces and the low humidity inside our homes. The short daylight hours aren’t much help either! Things do get better, though, as we inch along with increasing daylight, but there are a number of important things we can do now to keep our plants back in good shape.
Winter Flowering Shrubs
Now that we’re officially in winter, any outside colour is a real treat. Believe it or not, though, a wealth of flowering shrubs have been blooming in many gardens since late November!
Gifts for the Gardener (or the Gardener at Heart)
When it comes to gift giving, they say it’s the thought that counts, and it’s true! Should you be stuck for ideas, however, we are happy to offer you several. No matter what kind of gardener is on your list – from ‘The Pro’ to ‘They Kill Plastic Plants’ – we have a plethora of beautiful, practical, fun, long lasting and/or tasty gifts to shop from!
Winter Porch Pots
I love the idea of continuing colour into the winter months using outside porch pots. They are beautifully assembled collections of hardy evergreens, deciduous plants, or cut branches that really pop in winter artistically arranged in an attractive container. In addition to looking amazing, though, they need to withstand the abuse of winter weather (with some protection in the worst conditions) without losing their aesthetic appeal.
Indoor Flower Bulbs
Hyacinths, ‘Paperwhite’ narcissus, and amaryllis are winter delights to enjoy in our homes when the weather has changed our outdoor gardens into cold, grey, bleak winterscapes. All of these ‘indoor bulbs’ are specially prepared to bloom easily inside our homes. The trick, however, is to create the very best conditions for optimum flowering over the longest period of time.
Winterizing Your Garden
Strategically plant your winter colour in groups, contrasting blocks of bright colours, like yellow, with more pastel shades for the most vibrant effect. Centre groupings of pansies with the many unique colours of evergreen carex grasses and add colourful conifers,...
My Favourite Ornamentals For Fall Foliage Colour
Sourwood Tree I can't make up my mind if I like a sourwood tree (Oxydendrum arboreum) better in August or in October. In August, its cascades of white flowers are a nice treat. Then in late summer, its foliage turns to red, lasting well into late October. It’s a...