This Christmas elf is an easy and fun craft that doesn't need expensive supplies or a great dill of skill and doesn't take a long time to complete. Follow the process with help from the pictures below. 

If you are keen on growing edibles but aren’t enthusiastic about the look, installation or maintenance of a traditional vegetable garden, consider a French kitchen garden, referred to as a ‘potager’ garden. Leave it to the French to come up with an ornamental designer veggie garden that looks good no matter what time of year it is. What makes potager gardens so appealing and attractive is their symmetrical geometric beds. Within the beds, veggies, fruits, herbs, shrubs and even fruit trees are planted formally to conform to the geometric shaped beds.

The area was measured and a plan was made to accommodate four beds with a central bed in the middle. The beds are exactly the same shape and size. Generous three foot wide paths provide access, convenience and mimic classic potager garden style. 

I'm a firm believer of sheet mulching, so no grass was removed except to install a trench for the wooden frames for each of the beds. The frames were made from 2' x 10" pine boards, treated with an organic wood preservative. We tried to purchase cedar, but due to the pandemic, it was not available at the time. 

I watered inside the beds, that were still full of grass then laid an inch of newspaper on top. I was careful to overlap the layers of newspapers to totally smother the grass. The newspaper was thoroughly wetted then compost rich soil was added to each bed. 

To make the mulched paths, landscape fabric was pinned down with coat hanger wire that was cut into four inch pieces and curved into U-shapes. Cedar mulch was ordered but when the it was delivered it was too pale, too big and too coarse, and certainly not suitable for what I had in mind. After contemplating it for a while, I bit the bullet and bought bags of non-cedar mulch since I couldn't find any fine cedar mulch locally. The darker and finer mulch was laid on top of the cedar mulch to create a thick 4 inch layer. The cedar should slow down decomposition of the non-cedar mulch (hopefully), prevent the lawn from infiltrating the paths. It will also be nice and soft to walk on. Weeds if they do manage to appear, will be easy pull out. 

Although the potager beds encompassed only part of the back garden, the mulch was extended to the fence. The whole idea of this project was to reduce maintenance, so keeping small strips of grass wouldn't work. Extending the mulch made a more generous garden, which incorporated the two large lilacs, that now are more noticeable and are more of a feature than just background noise. 

Behind a tall English laurel hedge hides a little green gem of a garden. Like a miniature forest, plants are layered with a multitude of shrubs and perennials. Tucked away, behind the hedge and among the flora, is a perfect little pond donning a flawless pink waterlily. A large magnolia acts as a bold and broad anchor that oversees the plants underneath.
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There’s no sign of a lawn as none is needed, but there is a path. It weaves its way to the side garden; it’s a short trip, but with every step there’s something to see. All sorts of perennials and shrubs intertwine in a sea of greenery punctuated by gentle colours of maroon and pink.

This shady garden is permeated by shafts of light that finds its way through the leafy canopy. The conditions are ideal for the many hostas that make a bold statement among the more delicate flora.  Strategically placed plants with chartreuse foliage brings a lightness and energy to this intimate and natural landscape. 

Where once a chafer ravaged lawn once stood, bodacious lilies, bright ligularia and bold hostas now grow.  Rising above the flowers, and amid the strategically placed ornamental grasses, roses and a host of perennials are placed for close inspection. A winding path allows intimate views of the many dazzling lilies that hug the curves.  

Each plant has its own space in its own place despite the fact it all looks very loose and natural. The vertical stems of Karl Foerster Reed Grass (Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'Karl Foerster') adds a striking contrast and drama among the many flowers. This vertical element stops the eye so each plant is seen and admired.  A few edible plants have been included. Blueberry shrubs are a pleasant surprise as they are used effectively as an ornamental and are a quite pretty with their deep blue ripened berries. This informal mix of perennials, punctuated with roses, shrubs, edibles and grasses is an effective way of making each plant special. 

Upon approaching this property, it's reminiscent of an estate from yesteryear – and it is! Over 50 years ago it was a cherry orchard and a chicken farm. It’s vast and expansive front and side lawns are festooned with beautiful lush borders filled with roses, perennials, shrubs and trees. The house sits far back on the property and the owners have taken full advantage of their huge lawn by creating meandering beds full of bee friendly flowers.   
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This garden has good ‘bones’ so matter what time of the year, this garden has something to offer. Majestic mature trees surround the property and gracing the garden. A couple of craggy old apple trees that look like they’ve been there from the dawn of time adds to the garden’s charm. This is not just a pretty garden, it is a functional one. The fruit trees are loaded and the veggie garden is full of goodies. Mature shrubs and trees dot the landscape and flowers are buzzing with bees. An inviting covered seating area is nestled among a purple smoke bush and goldenrod, is perfectly placed to view this expansive and generous garden. 

Although this garden wasn’t open for the tour, their boulevard was recommended for a visit. It certainly is worthy of a mention. The owners had made good use of their property along the fence on the boulevard. Yellow and orange flowers filled the beds in this tranquil scene. An inviting bench is nestled in among the orange-red crocosmia and yellow daisies. This simple mass planting is an effective and colourful ground cover. A mountain ash, dripping with clusters of hanging orange berries, ties everything together and provides needed structure to this perennial bed that echoes the colours below. Just goes to show that you don’t need lots of different plants to make lovely little haven.         

I needed an inexpensive but effective way to support my cucumbers, peas and other climbing veggies. It had to be sturdy but portable, easy to dismantle and to store. I’ve tried many systems and rigged up all kinds of things over the years, but this one method fits the bill, and I bought everything at a dollar store!
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Instead of chicken wire or flimsy netting, I used  a roll of thick plastic mesh I found at the dollar store, but it's also sold in home hardware stores and garden centres. It's easy to cut with just a pair of scissors to any length you need.

​First secure the stakes in the ground but space them just an inch wider than the width of the mesh. Wrap the zap strap around stakes to connect them to the mesh. Tighten firmly then cut the excess tail off the strap.  At the end of the season, just remove the vines, cut the zap straps off then wind up the mesh and store. 

Here's a quickie on how to grow tomatoes via pictures. It starts with growing tomatoes from seed all the way to harvest. I use cell packs as it allows for numerous types of seeds in one cell pack, but you can use what you like. 
Keep plants well fed and well watered, especially during the summer and happy harvesting.
Cheers,
Amanda

​I like to keep my colour palette simple as it is more elegant and easier on the eyes than a cacophony of colours, but that is my preference. Have fun with your creation and I hope this blog has inspired you to make your own garlands. 

Oh, and one last word, garlands aren't just for Christmas. You can make them for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and garden parties. All the same rules apply, just change up the Christmas theme decor to whatever is appropriate and have a garland for every season and occasion! ​

Supplies: 

• one or two, 4 ft long or longer flexible branches or vine
• thin gauge wire, preferably on a spool
• 2 autumn leaf garlands (dollar store)
• faux or real acorns, colourful berries
• gourds
• gold spray paint
• glue gun
• wire cutters
• scissors

Built in 1946, this quaint house and garden has evolved with the help of reclaimed and recycled plants, hardscaping and garden accents. The entrance to this delightful but somewhat unusual garden, begins with a rose covered arbour atop a skillfully made wooden path. But that’s not what caught my eye; it was the dramatic grouping of blue delphiniums framed by a huge green cloud-like evergreen topiary. There were numerous larger than life tightly clipped evergreens throughout this small manicured garden. The giant topiary of a martini glass, stir-stick and olive included, was a whimsical and humorous touch.  A bit of whimsy continued into the back yard with an upcycled, pretty blue ‘she-shed’. It was the perfect accent to the circular paved patio that provided an idyllic spot to enjoy this well-thought out garden. 

Walking into this 1910 property’s garden felt like going back in time. The mossy old flagstone path is lined with a plethora of plush plants that thrive in the shady, moist conditions. It meanders to the back fence and exits into an enchanting sunken garden reminiscent of an old fashioned museum display. Instead of antiquities, the boxes are filled with edible botanical treasures. They poke their way through the wooden display boxes that are topped with matching lids. Flowers awaits those that climb the stairs to the spacious upper deck. A grapevine laces its way overhead with dangling grape clusters. It extends beyond the covered area and wraps around the walls enclosing a bevy of beautiful dahlias, miniature hostas, begonias and a glorious clematis. This truly is a garden full of  delightful botanical treasures - oh and no lawn included!

It was such a nice surprise to find a community garden participating in the tour, especially one with so much to offer. Riley Park Community Garden is not just a vegetable garden, it produces organically grown veggies, fruit and flowers whilst educating the public. The many demonstration gardens show off drought tolerant plants, ground covers as lawn replacement alternatives, a pollinator garden, herbs, espaliered fruit trees, native berries and much more. Functioning compost bins, rainwater harvesting, upcycling of used items are a few of the innovative and exciting ideas that make this volunteer run garden a gem among those on the tour. 

​A tiny garden sits at the back of a townhouse that was once part of a 1930 Craftsman house. Its entrance begins with a bold black planter full of coleus, fuchsias and other shade loving lovelies. An amusing frog statue begrudgingly guards the way to the back yard. Every inch of space has been utilized to its full potential, including the small strips of earth at the bottom of the fences. They are planted with hostas, astilbes and other suitable shade loving perennials that aren’t going to become too unruly. To maximize space and to accommodate the needs of the owners, the backyard consists of two small but well-appointed areas - a sunny garden and a sunken patio with comfortable seating to enjoy year round. Just goes to show that limited spaces can functional and beautiful. 

Garden #6 No Lawn Needed
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​There’s no need for a lawn when perennials provide colour, texture and form. A simple bistro table and chairs are nestled into the scene by surrounding plants. They provide a diverse palette of greens, purples, whites and bright chartreuse. Leaf textures and shapes are combined to either complement one another or make others become the star like the soft pink filipendula that rises above its lower companions. An elegant urn sits at the corner of this refurbished house that was originally built in 1907 – imagine that! The urn points the way to a back yard full of sunny perennials including a stunning salmon pink cape fuchsia and blue veronica spires. It’s obvious, there’s really no need for a lawn. 

Garden #7 An Artist’s Palette
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​This simple garden doesn’t boast a plethora of floral beauties and rarities, but it’s beautiful nonetheless. The owner, Rae Mate is an artist and her studio in the backyard sits under a magnificent twisted trunk of an old plum tree. Below the tree a table is decorated with deep blue bachelor buttons atop a matching blue and white tablecloth. A red climbing rose accents the door to the charming studio. Yellow and white daisies and yellow loosestrife work perfectly with the many blue accents; the birdbath, starry sky petunias, clustered bellflower and blue-black petunias. It’s an effective use of colour and with added ornamental features artfully placed and arranged, it’s easy to tell an artist lives here.

The twisted trunk of an old plum tree provides accent to the patio. 

Garden #8 No Lawn, No Problem 
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​Instead of a lawn, pale blue stars of the aptly named blue star creeper, hug the boulevard and flow between the stepping stones. After many years of losing the fight against chafer beetles, the owners decided to scrap the lawn. To take its place, the front garden consists of geometrically arranged heathers and boxwoods. They form strong lines among the perennials and shrubs. There’s no lawn in the backyard either, but there’s a striking rectangular pond. Japanese Forest grass, a sweet Japanese maple and happy hostas work to accent strategically placed large rocks, which are fringed with round pebbles. The garden is designed by Radina Jevdevic.

Garden #9 Gothic Romantic
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Old, discoloured recycled red bricks from days gone by surround this romantic style garden. The bricks, salvaged from around the city, were selected for their patina resulting in old English gothic charm. The enchanting brick wall not only encloses the garden, it provides for intimate seating that’s shyly placed for solitary contemplation or a romantic rendezvous. With such a setting, plants act as features that invite attention. The theme continues into the backyard with old moss covered pavers and generous stone stairs. They lead the way to the raised brick vegetable beds and patio, which features a simple fountain that pores water from grey blocks into a hollow below. It a harmonious garden that blends the softness of the plants with the aged brick and stone. It’s a delightful visit into another time and another place. 

Garden #10 French Formal Sophistication
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​This garden is one of French formal elegance that showcases perfect pink roses, sky blue hydrangeas and deep green tightly clipped boxwoods. It’s a sophisticated design with a colour scheme that pairs well with the blue framed windows. Spiral topiaries in elegant urns, life-size statues, rose covered arbours and mass plantings of roses surrounded by boxwood hedges are the epitome of elegance.
Formality is left behind when proceeding to the back garden. Hostas, ferns and other shade loving perennials casually line the path that opens up to a spectacular back garden. We are greeted by an ornate French-style white pavilion that dominates the rear of the garden. A spacious circular seating area, fire pit included, sits in the foreground. Garden beds attached to the house repeat the pink and blue from the front garden, but instead of a formal design, it's charmingly casual. Loose and feathery hot pink astilbes, sky blue delphiniums and creeping bellflowers work together to create a French masterpiece. The pavilion and fire pit was designed by Tammy Anne Garden Design.

Garden #11 A Garden of Many
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the The original Mock Tudor house was built in 1922, but both house and garden were totally redone in 1999. An expansive English styled garden greets visitors upon arrival. It's replete with a large circular pond and fountain. There are many themes within this garden including a rockery, a Mexican patio or ‘terraza’, a vegetable garden, herbs, fruit trees and berry bushes. It has it all. The owners are avid gardeners with collections of rhododendrons as well as hellebores and other perennials. It doesn’t stop there; as with many enthusiastic and able gardeners on the tour, they’ve also taken over the back and side lane!

It’s the little things that make this garden unique, as unique as the sculptures that grow among the greenery. They were made by the owner herself, Judy Osburn, who is not just an accomplished artist, she’s also a passionate gardener. Roses fill the beds, scramble up the 1910 Craftsman house and tumble over arbors. Nestled among the vegetation and artfully arranged sculptures is a pond swimming with golden koi. The garden doesn’t stop within the fence, but extends to the neighbouring lane for everyone to enjoy. 

Garden #13 – A Cottage Garden
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​This cottage style garden is replete with a white picket fence, roses and hollyhocks. It is the perfect match to this 1912 house for the nostalgic design and use of plants. There’s so many flowers including a plethora of shrubs and a vast array of perennials. Plants are featured in blocks and en masse to make a big impact. The robust shrubs and perennials are no shrinking violets. There’s an impressive goatsbeard plant, a standout variegated red twig dogwood, a darling pink and a white hydrangea. This well-thought out sumptuous cottage garden is simply stunning. 

My neighbour’s Hicks yew must be on steroids. This previously inconspicuous, sane little yew grew a couple of feet last year - seriously. I gather it liked the weather, but for whatever reason it decided to morph into a big green blob. What to do? It was tempting to take the hedge trimmer and give it a haircut, but it would still look ugly, especially at that location, and let’s not forget the maintenance of trying to keep it small. It would be a shame to chuck it out, but converting into a wee tree is certainly doable. After a brief discussion with my lovely neighbour, it was agreed – and the metamorphosis began.

To convert a large shrub into a tree is not difficult. Keep the biggest branches but remove all others, including all the lower branches. Don’t go mad chopping away. Assess each limb and take your time and remember to step back.

As you can see from the picture, the previously blobby yew is now a little tree with reddish-brown stems. Rhododendrons, which also can become rather large, are also good candidates for this pruning method. They also have reddish smooth bark and an attractive vase-like form.

So instead of topping and shearing plants that have become too big for their britches, consider removing their lower limbs to reveal their charming bones.

If you want to learn how to prune plants in your garden, I will show you how to prune or I can do it for you. Click here to book an appointment. 

​I have been to many rose gardens in my time throughout Canada, England, Italy and Florida, but I have yet to see anything like The Rose Test Garden in Portland, Oregon. It surpassed all my expectations and I look forward to visiting it again as there is so much to see.  

To read more click here. 

​Being creative and making a seasonal planter is a great way to thwart winter's bleak, grey skies. If you already have some planters outside that look sad, just add some evergreen boughs, maybe some ornaments and battery operated fairy lights, and voila, it’s done.
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If you don’t have an existing planter to doll-up, use any container large enough to accommodate some branches. Fill with evergreen boughs, twiggy branches and berry stems. Add some pine cones, a weatherproof bow and anything else that suits your fancy. Don’t know how to make a pretty bow? Check out the dollar stores – they have all kinds. 

Step 3: Add floral oasis, or mulch or potting soil into the container so it is  3/4 full. Moisten the mulch or soil.  Add water to the cans in temperate climates where it doesn't freeze, or omit the water altogether. It's best to use mulch or soil for areas that freeze. ​

Step 4: Place shorter evergreen boughs in first to cover the base of the arrangement. Be generous as it not only looks better when its full of lush foliage, they help keep everything upright. 

Step 5: Add more branches from other evergreens including evergreen magnolias, yews, boxwood, pines, junipers etc.

Step 6: Follow with interesting and colourful stems: red twig dogwood, Emerald & Gold wintercreeper, curly willow, Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick, Stewartia and white birch. 

Step 7: Spray paint does a great job converting boring bare stems into colourful vertical accents. Same goes for evergreen branches; they take spray paint quite well. Turn green evergreen branches, gold, silver - any colour you like. 

Step 8: Use dried hydrangeas, leaves, ornamental grasses, interesting seed heads and pine cones. Go for the natural look or spray paint them gold, silver or any colour you fancy.

Step 9: Add stems of red holly berries or purple beauty berries or purchase faux ones from a dollar store.

Step 10:​ Add ornaments, or just finish it off with a simple bow. For nighttime sparkle I like to use battery operated Christmas lights 

Christmas trees are pricey so it makes sense to do your homework before you shell out your hard earned cash. Here’s some information on cut, flocked and living Christmas trees (they have not been cut and are grown in containers) and their care.  

Tree farms grow a variety of coniferous evergreen trees for Christmas. They often clipped in summer to create denser branches and better form. Picking out the right tree is a tricky thing. Mostly everyone wants an ideal shaped tree with full sturdy branches that don’t droop with heavy ornaments. Good needle retention is essential, while fragrance is a bonus. 

Measure: Measure the area where you will be placing the tree. Don’t forget to include space for the tree topper and its tree stand. Include the available width of the area, as some trees can engulf a room. It’s a good idea to bring the measuring tape when you go tree hunting. It’s uncanny how a perfectly sized tree miraculously grows to twice its size by the time you get it home.
Needle Test: They should feel supple, not dry or crispy and they shouldn’t snap easily when bent. Give the tree a shake to check for excessive needle drop. 

Noble Fir

• best needle retention
• bluish-green fragrant foliage that twists upwards
• good branch spacing
• sturdy, dense and stiff branches
• retains water well extending its longevity
• expensive but most desirable

Grand Fir

• excellent needle retention
• shiny, deep green needles that are soft and flat
• the most fragrant of all Christmas trees

Douglas Fir

• fair needle retention
• soft light green needles
• lax branches not suitable for heavy ornaments
• citrusy fragrance
• economical 

Fraser Fir

• excellent needle retention
• sturdy, dense branches and short needles
• fragrant, soft, flat, dark green needles with silver undersides

Balsam Fir

• good needle retention
• delightful fragrance
• flat dark green needles with a rounded or notched tip
• not suitable for heavy ornaments

Concolor Fir, White Fir

• 2 to 3 inch long blue-silver needles
• good needle retention
• dense growth, holds ornaments well
• citrus like scent

Nordmann Fir

• excellent needle retention
• soft glossy dark green leaves of medium length
• dense foliage

Blue Spruce

• silver blue foliage
• stiff branches suitable for ornaments
• needles are sharp

Black Hiills Spruce

• shorter and softer needles that the Colorado blue spruce
• stiff branches suitable for ornaments
• Sturdy branches spaces far apart suitable for large and heavy ornaments

​White Spruce

• slender but strong branches suitable for ornaments
• dense, dark green, curved foliage
• thirsty tree, uses lots of water so check it regularly

White Pine

• dense tree with soft green foliage
• soft needles clusters of five
• its long, flexible needles make it difficult to add ornaments

Scots Pine

• excellent needle retention
• dense dark green needles in clusters of two
• stiff branches 

Snow covered (flocked) Christmas trees are coated with an anti-flammable, non-toxic mixture made from fiber, corn starch and boron. The boron is a flame retardant. Flocking locks in moisture extending the tree's freshness. 

A living Christmas tree has not been cut and is grown in a container. Once the holidays are over either plant it in the garden or keep it in the container for next year. Container grown Christmas trees need to be either root pruned or repotted into a larger pot as they will outgrow their pot.

• Keep it outside for as long as you can so it stays fresher longer.
• To protect the tree from drying out spray with an anti-desiccant such as Wilt Pruf to reduce moisture lost through the foliage.
• Before bringing inside, acclimatize it in an unheated garage or protected location or a few days.
• Place a drainage tray under the container to prevent a mess when watering.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist; don’t let it dry out.
• Can’t be kept inside for more than 10 days as start to grow, breaking their dormancy, ultimately killing it.

• Before placing the tree outside permanently, do so gradually by placing it in a cool room, then an unheated garage, then outside against the house. Don’t forget to water.  

I love expanding my burgeoning plant collection by gathering seeds from my favorite plants. It’s cost effective, extremely rewarding and very mysterious yes – mysterious…  

​Seeds often don’t resemble their parents, just like people are not exact duplicates of theirs. I’ve grown some pretty cool hellebores from my Lenten roses that don’t resemble their mother plant. That’s how new exciting varieties come about from plant breeders. These plants are referred to as hybrids. How do you know if the seeds you have will grow into exact replicas of their parent or a different version? Seeds from hybrid plants will not be identical to the parents, however, seeds from plants that are non-hybrids should look like their parents. If you don’t know what you have, experiment and enjoy the mystery. 

Tomatoes & Cucumbers

• save seeds from mature fruits that are fully ripe
• remove seeds with the pulp and juice and place into a container
• allow seeds to ferment in their own juices for three days at room temperature
• in a few days remove any mould and seeds that floats to the surface
• after a week, rinse the seeds that remain on the bottom
• allow seeds to dry on paper towels, then store

Peppers:

• remove seeds from mature red and orange peppers, green peppers are immature

Peas, Beans:

• select plump, mature pods

The Heritage Vancouver Society offered up a fundraiser I couldn’t resist; a self-guided tour of 15 exclusive gardens in the prestigious Vancouver's West Side. A special thank you goes to all the homeowners and designers that allowed me to feature their gardens in this blog. For more information on Heritage Vancouver Society click here. 

The tour started with an unassuming shady front garden, which did not hint of what lay beyond. The back garden is long and languid. This huge lot, 66 ft x 342 ft, has a huge main grassy area in the back garden bordered by undulating beds filled with trees, shrubs and perennials. In the centre, a golden Julia Child rose invites visitors to come closer and enjoy its fragrance and beauty. In contrast, a shady narrow path runs along the fence providing another perspective. Harmonious colour schemes, complimentary plant shapes and varying leaf textures give this garden an easy and relaxing feel. 

A self-confessed plant addict, the owner has adorned her garden with some lovely specimens, especially roses. It was a spectacular rose, the Pink Martini, which grabbed everyone's attention. It was smothered with fragrant, brilliant, deep pink blossoms. Right beside it was the Carefree Delight rose donning scented, large single soft pink flowers. The long narrow back garden was accented by a rustic arbor accented by a deep red rose called Take It Easy. Hostas, astilbes and other shade loving plants filled the beds – and more roses wherever the light allowed, took center stage. 

​There are two basic gardens surrounding this 1940 CBK Van Norman tudor styled home. A large ceramic urn in the front garden provides a focal point to the lush woodland shade plants. Stairs flanked by a smooth barked eucalyptus invites people down the stone steps to the garden below where the woodland theme continues. The sumptuous garden is punctuated by unusual plants such as the Spotty Dotty Podophyllym with its huge flat crinkled leaves and the funky Jack-in-the-Pulpit plant. The woodland settings gradually evolves to a more formal scene.  Trimmed boxwoods define a large seating area under the white hanging lanterns. A dining area with an Asian feel hides under the balcony. It’s intimate and restful with a rustic stone head as its focal point. Trimmed boxwoods edge the deep garden beds to provide a loose formality. Feathery astilbes peak out among the greenery, a bold gunnera pairs well with white trimmed hosta and tall ferns compete with rhododendrons. It’s an appealing loose formality.  

This sculptural Japanese themed garden is dramatic in its use of rocks, water and plants. It was designed as a miniature Japanese landscape with rocks mimicking mountain ranges. The water features simulate waterfalls, streams and lakes. Stark pines replicate wind ravaged evergreens atop craggy mountaintops. It’s so well done that this garden has been featured in movies, television and magazines.  

​There’s no lawn in front of this delightful Craftsman house, but it does have a meadow. It consists of numerous low growing sun loving perennials, but it was the Mexican Feather Grass that stole the show. Its flaxen, silky, hay-coloured stalks partnered well with lavender, blue cranesbill geranium and yellow stonecrop sedums. A turquois ceramic urn topped with red geraniums provided a dramatic focal point. A productive vegetable garden plus raspberries and blueberries takes up the back yard. This lovely garden was designed by Linda Shulman. 

​Blue accents bring harmony to this creative and colourful garden. It starts with a deep blue bench atop thyme rimmed flagstone taking the place of a lawn in the front garden. It is repeated out back with cobalt blue planters, blue and yellow striped cushions, the flowing azure starry flowers of the Waterfall Serbian bellflower and the deep navy spires of the Royal Candles speedwell. There’s a charming pond in the back yard, replete with a water sprouting frog. Artistic and colourful combinations of plants and ornaments are used throughout. 

​There’s no need for a lawn when food and flowers take priority. Raspberries, blueberries and veggies take up one side of the front garden while a birdbath surrounded with bluestone pavers provides a focal point on the opposite side. Ornamental grasses, flowers and shrubs comprise the rest of the gardens including more veggies in the backyard. Designed by Linda Shulman. ​

As visitors enter the ivy covered arched pergola, they are transported into a magical world of gnomes, dragons, moss covered statues and other old world ornaments. The path made from recycled old red bricks winds its way throughout this gothic English style cottage garden. Lush green plants intertwine, cascade and intermingle with the art pieces and drip into the numerous water features.  The piece de resistance is a black Victorian gazebo. A wisteria and rose drape across the top providing a green lacy ceiling. Inside there’s a small table draped in a white tablecloth and two chairs inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the enchanted surroundings. 

The owner and the designer, Anne-Talbot Kelly, worked together to create this eclectic garden. It has touches of industrial, Asian and West Coast beach, and practically everything is recycled. The most impressive feature is the waterfall made from an old air duct pipe with bins atop to collect rainwater. Water cascades down the chains into a large elongated metal bin below. It was made by Robert Delahanty, a bike mechanic and welder. Cooking oil cylinders and semi-truck wheel drums make unusual but effective planters. This garden has numerous areas to entertain, but the crushed shell beach area is a cool place to hang out. There’s even a fireplace for chilly nights made out of an old barrel with a gas insert. It’s an ingenious and very functional garden made for entertaining. 

The Arthur Erickson Foundation is the sole owner and caretaker of this iconic home and garden. The foundation offers tour from July to October. Click here for more info.   "A clearing in the forest." is how Arthur Erickson, famed architect, described the garden he enjoyed for over fifty years. It's more of a contemplative retreat rather than a traditional garden as there are no floriferous, colourful garden beds, nor a veggie bed waiting to be harvested. Instead there is a stand of Douglas fir and dogwoods framing the pond. Glossy green water lily leaves coat the serene water. Rhododendrons become bold statements especially when combined with the tall graceful bamboo. Large ferns sprout from the bare undergrowth in the dappled shade. It's a serene setting, with simple rustic benches placed to view the artistic vistas made by the light playing upon the scene, changing slowly with the moods of the sun. 

​An arbor shadowing the style of the house provides an entrance to the front garden. Jasmine’s sweet fragrance fills the air. Their pure white star-like flowers drape over the wooden fence enhancing the attached bench accented with lime green cushions. Designed by Anne Talbot-Kelly, the numerous seating areas are cleverly placed to enjoy this multilevel garden. 

​This 1908 house still has the original wrought iron fence that wraps around an old fashioned garden, but it doesn’t stop there. The garden spills out with all sorts of shrubs and some small trees past the fence, much to the delight of people passing by. A memorial bench located at the corner of the lot is dedicated to the previous owner and avid gardener, Diana Snow. It is tucked in and wrapped by a lush green hedge for passing pedestrians to rest and view the ocean beyond. Within the fenced area the garden lends itself to comfort and conversation with two curved, green wooden benches arranged in a circle. A huge and original magnolia provides a rich green canopy overhead. Its dappled shade extends far and wide creating lacy speckles of light below.  

Outdoor living is the focus on this design and installation by De Haas Landscape Design Ltd. A clipped formal yew hedge is accented by black granite pavers that leads to the back garden. An elegant white covered patio looks over this inviting garden designed for entertaining. There are numerous areas to sit and enjoy the flora including a separate seating  tucked up against the wooden fence. 

​A number of large trees shade this 1925 Craftsman home and the accompanying small paved courtyard. It features a rock fountain that gently cascades into a quaint pond. Tall bamboo becomes a striking form against the pale walls and wooden fence. The Italian inspired patio is is dotted with pottery and art from the owner’s travels. In addition to the delightful art and keepsakes, Keith Rice-Jones sculptures were discretely displayed among the ferns, the hostas and coral bells for this special event. 

​If you are not a lover of roses, this garden might just change your mind. Unlike most formal rose gardens with blocks of roses surrounded by boxwood hedges, Nola has incorporated bold, beautiful and floriferous roses throughout her garden. They are artfully interspersed between vibrant peonies, lilies, clematis and other garden beauties. Climbing roses are an obvious favorite of hers as they have been accommodated by the many trellised covered walls and arbours. 
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Nola’s roses are virtually blemish free, but such healthy and beautiful roses must need lots of care, right? Well, that is just not the case. There is no spray program except for an occasional application of dormant oil/ lime sulfur mix in the winter. Fertilizer is applied yearly in early spring and a layer of a rich organic mulch on top of the soil is applied every other year. They really are easy care roses. 

As a member of the Vancouver Rose Society, Nola knows her roses and makes a point of growing those that are resistant to black spot and mildew. This is why she likes the new modern roses that are bred to be disease resistant as well as the reliable and tough Old Garden roses.

When asked which rose were her favorite, Nola responded with three different ones ‘Dublin Bay’, ‘South Africa’, and ‘Summer Wine’. Sadly Summer Wine was not in flower during my visit so I don’t have any pictures.

Although I already love roses and have a few in my garden, Nola inspired me to grow more. I have no idea where to put them in my bursting garden, but I just can’t resist. Oh no! 

A tall retaining wall greets all that pass Helen’s garden. Rugosa roses cover one end of the rock wall and bright yellow creeping jenny and stonecrop sedum provide a brilliant groundcover at the entrance.  It’s only when you walk up the stone path that you get a sneak peak of what’s to come. There’s a circular sunken patio with chairs and table inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the sunshine. It was a nice surprise. This patio becomes the main focal point when viewed from the house, but relaxation isn’t the only intent of the front garden. There’s a path that winds its way around the patio with vegetables and ornamental plants blending together in harmony. Asparagus, pole beans, squash, basil, garlic, chives and other edibles are mixed in with peonies, spirea, ninebark and other ornamental plants including a stunning deep purple clematis.

When walking from the sunny southern facing front garden to the back yard, the bright sunshine gave way to coolness and shade. Green leaves of different hues, shapes and forms dominated the small but well-appointed garden. And it is full of life. A netted fish pond sits below an ivy covered wall and active bird feeders hang above in overhead tree branches. Helen has added many lovely little touches to amuse and delight. A stone frog, a bunny by the stairs, a wee frog in water-filled rock, a rustic birdhouse tucked in behind Japanese forest grass and at the front, there’s a clay pot on its side spilling out succulents. Helen has artfully created two distinct gardens that are both functional and innovative.

This heritage home has been in the family since it was built in 1924. The large 84ft x 120ft lot is divided into numerous rooms to serve specific functions. The front garden display gardens wrap around the large lawn and the garden’s perimeter. A concrete garden urn provides an accent and a touch of formality while the wood wheelbarrow with a container of Bishop’s weed provides country flair and breaks up the large lawn.
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The backyard is a whole different ball game, literally as it opens up to a vast lawn with a basketball hoop on one end. With generations of the Moore family growing up in the house, the garden must be multifunctional. There is a kitchen garden full of edibles that doubles as a play area for small children that includes play house. As Larry explained, the kitchen garden opens up to the living room where people congregate and sit. Tucked away in the 'living room' is a serene pond laden with fish and waterlilies for everyone to enjoy.

For privacy and to rest, another garden awaits on the other side of the property. It’s shady, intimate and features green and white plants that adds to the serenity. A striking stained fence provides a warm, fresh backdrop to the white goats beard, hosta and other shade plants. A bucket of blue campanula seems to flow aimlessly out of an old water pump. It provides a fine accent to the stylish bench beside it.

This garden is one for all ages, which is evident with the garden rooms that perform specific functions for every member of the family, no matter what their age.

If you love roses but are afraid of taking the plunge or just don’t want the extra maintenance, new shrub and landscape roses as well as old garden roses, may change your mind. They are all beautiful, easy to grow and most need little maintenance depending on your climate. 

The following roses do well in the Pacific Northwest, specifically Vancouver, BC. Winters are wet; sometimes it snows but mostly its green and wet. Summers are not very hot, but they are quite dry. Most of these roses do well here, despite the lack of sun and heat for much of the year. Black spot is a problem, so is mildew, never mind the aphids. We need disease tolerant roses that don't mind wet, grey days and cool temperatures.

​No matter where you live, select roses that grow best in your area. Most of the roses mentioned here do well in most of North America and the UK. If it is difficult to grow roses in your neck of the woods, go to your local nursery, ask your rose growing neighbours and check out rose clubs and societies in you area. 

For more information on types of roses, click on the following subjects: 

• Types of Roses
• How to Grow Roses
• Climbing Roses
• Pruning Roses
• Roses Insects & Diseases​

Species roses (wild roses) have been unaltered by plant breeders. They grow on their own roots and are not grafted like the hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas. This makes them hardy and pest resistant especially when grown in their native habitat. The Nootka rose hails from Nootka Sound in BC, others include Lady Banks’ rose, Alberta rose, Musk rose and the Multiflora rose.

Billowing and blossoming shrubs, stately towering trees and drifts of flowers greet visitors at the Dart’s Hill Garden Park. From its conception, a mere 70 years ago, this garden park has matured into a beautiful oasis. This 7.5 acre garden has something for everyone. There are numerous plant collections including rare plants for us plant lovers, heritage trees, an old but well-kept apple orchard, a pond, stream and borders crammed with plants of all kinds. 

Huge rhododendrons thrive underneath the expansive tree canopies. The lush undergrowth features swaths of pink primroses, blue bluebells and yellow leopard’s bane daisies.

Although Darts Hill feels and looks very natural, the gardens were created by Francisca Dart. With help from her husband Ed, Francisca laid out the gardens and filled them with rare and unusual trees and shrubs. It’s a plant lover’s utopia with old-boned trees providing living walls and ceilings made from their leaf laden branches. The resulting dappled shade are the perfect conditions for many plants, especially rhododendrons, camellias, primroses and azaleas.

​It was a sunny day in May when I visited Darts Hill with the Dunbar Garden Club. The timing was perfect as the rhododendrons were on full display. It was breathtaking. I especially loved the path lined with blue-flowering Rhododendron augustinii... and the pond.

The pond is so serene. Its babbling brook spills over strategically placed rocks into the still pool below. It is beautifully landscaped with a perfectly situated bench to admire the view. My pictures do not do it justice.

​The Darts house still stands and rises above a vast expanse that includes a heritage apple orchard. But it's the humongous heritage walnut tree (Juglans cinerea x J. siebolidiana v. 'Cordiformis'), that steels the show. Its branches are so long and heavy, they are supported with metal braces.

Eventually Francesca had to give up the garden but instead of selling the property to developers, Francesca donated it to the City of Surrey in 1994. Along with the city, the non-profit Darts Hill Garden Conservancy Trust Society, work together to educate, protect, maintain and cultivate this little piece of paradise in South Surrey.
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The garden is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in April, May, June, July, and September. They also have special open Houses on May 26, September 22, and October 20. Tours are also available, which I recommend as there is so much to see. Become a member for extended openings and opportunities to volunteer. For more information go to Dart’s Hill. ​

It was the end of April when my daughter, Jessica and myself, visited one of my favorite places, the VanDusen Botanical Gardens. It was a pleasant sunny day; a perfect day to enjoy the many beautiful flowers that were strategically featured throughout the 55 acres.

Going to any garden or park is always good for the soul and VanDusen doesn't disappoint with its natural plantings as well as its more formal designs. I took lots of pics, grabbing ideas as we sauntered through the displays. 

It doesn't matter if you miss April's floral treasures at VanDusen, because no matter what time of year it is, even in the depth of winter this garden doesn't disappoint. 

I like to grow kale because it is easy to start from seed, it does well in my garden and it is tasty. Spring kale's new leaves are delicate with a more subtle flavor than the mature foliage from fall. An added bonus is they flower their second year and they are delish. They are great in a stir fry and salads, so are the tender new leaves and stems.

Kale is a biennial, and flowers only in its second year, then it dies. The first year it throws out robust foliage, but in the following spring the centre of the plant elongates producing a loose cluster of simple yellow flowers. Bees love them. If you don't want huge plants, but still want the flowers and baby leaves, harvest the main stem as it elongates. The remaining plant with pump out more delicious stems and flowers.

So here are my kale plants. I have a few since I love them so, but no one else in the family is as keen. All the more for me! 

The Northwest Flower & Garden Festival, February 2018

​The Northwest Flower & Garden is THE place to go for the latest in garden trends, landscape design and new plant introductions. Garden enthusiasts, horticultural gurus, landscape designers, plant collectors and crazy plant nuts, like me, flock to this exciting expo of what is new and exciting in the plant world.
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This is the 30th year Seattle has hosted this five day event, which is held every February. Gardening is not just celebrated, it is explored, re-imagined re-invented and celebrated. 

​This year’s theme; The Garden Party, went beyond pretty teacups nestled among floral finery. All kinds of wonderful plants at their peak of loveliness were used to create competing gardens by the pros. Designers, growers and nurseries brought gardens to life within the walls of the Washington State Convention Center. Twenty professionally designed gardens vied for gold, silver and bronze awards. There were gardens fit for bees, fantastic container garden combinations and ones echoing the Cascade Range. Ancient forests with waterfalls, indigenous plants in natural settings, elegant geometrically designs, winter bloomers, edible landscapes and Zen inspired gardens were part of the contest.