This is subscriber Kadi's suggestion. I was on Fresh Air recently and here's the answers to what you want to know. 1. The grass: Eco-lawn. Go to www.wildflowerfarm.com for all you need to know and to buy 2. Garden Builder: half compost and...
Continue ReadingOn CBC's Fresh Air yesterday I mentioned some of my favourite shade perennials. Here's the list: Forthergilla gardenii great little shrubs with white spring bottlebruch blooms. For some great shade plants, choose from this list of natives: Woodland poppy (very hard to find but worthwhile); Aquilegia...
Continue ReadingThis is the garden this morning back lit by the rising sun. It's come along at an astounding rate but it's still early days. Don't be tempted to put vulnerable plants outside; wait a bit to plant perennials. You can put in woody...
Continue ReadingThe garden is popping in this weather. which has been over 20C day after day. Even magnolias are coming out, and the the Viburnum bodnantense has never looked so magnificent. It's thrillingt to walk by and be overwhelmed by that intoxicating scent. This was Gertrude...
Continue ReadingI'll be at Ben McNallys wonderful Brunch with Books at the KinG Edward Hotel this Sunday, March 28 at the King Edward Hotel (best eggs benedict ever) starting at 10 a.m. Next Tuesday I'm speaking at The Toronto Botanical Gardens at 7:30. That's March 30. And...
Continue ReadingI was on The National last night begging people to slow down with their thoughts about spring gardening. Unless you live in Vancouver and Victoria and all those other BC enclaves of warmth, we've got a few more weeks of grim weather. The rest of country...
Continue ReadingI just got a phone call from Edward O. Phillips one of my favourite novelists. He lives in Montreal and like the gentleman he is he read me a great review of THRIFTY: living the frugal life with style over the phone. Someone will have...
Continue ReadingI came home from a glorious concert by Tara BAxendale at the Vaughn Playhouse to a flood in the back yard and weird sump pump sounds from the basement. Good thing Tara is a wonderful singer, writer, lyricist, and performer. Took the edge off what's happening...
Continue ReadingTonight is the fundraiser for Toronto Botanical Gardens at Grano. Some tickets are left if you can come. Shinan Govani did a really adorable mention of it in the National Post on Sat: Really looking forward to this event. And will get back...
Continue ReadingThe garden and the beach have a lot in common: they present a new face each day depending on weather and light and all the other exigencies nature throws in their way. They never fail to amaze, amuse and baffle. Which is why we...
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