Calgary Garden Coach

April 2012 garden blog round-up

The problem with gardening in Calgary is that a lot of information that's available out there is just not appropriate here.  We're "special"!  ;-)  Here's the last month's online gardening "news" which I think contains useful information pertinant to our Calgary conditions.

(If you follow me on facebook you would have seen these in "real time".)

from Not Another Gardening Blog:

Good Lines mean Good Designs - Comprehensive info on garden design themes using lines! I took a class from Sue last year - she is an expert at this stuff.

from the Garden Professors:

Why oh Why returns! - Itching to get to the garden center in a few weeks? Don't let this happen to you! In my own anecdotal experience, these problems are much more prevalent at big box stores than good garden centers.

from A Way to Garden:

Tomato 101 - Everything you need to know about growing tomatoes!

from Houzz:

Cream-of-the-crop vegetable gardens - Time to start planning my veggie garden for this year! Mine won't be as fancy as these, but it's fun to dream.

Vertical Gardens Raise the Limits for Landscapes - Some beautiful photos and surprisingly practical information here. And wow, love those Terra Trellises!

8 Space-Savvy gardens - Some inspiration for small-space gardeners here, including an Alberta balcony garden!

Great Design Plant: Ornamental Allium - I love ornamental alliums (and so do my kids -they make great magic wands!). Purple sensation does especially well in Calgary.  Make note and plant some in fall!

from homedit:

Top 30 planters - DIY and recycled - There are some neat planter ideas here! I have a lot of tree stumps in my yard leftover from some tree removals and I'm thinking about trying to make the tree stump planters this spring. I might paint some pots, too.

 

see you at the Garden Show this week-end?

http://www.calhort.org/events/gardenshow.aspx

I'll be browsing on Saturday, doing a workshop on Sunday morning, and volunteering at the Community Gardens booth on Sunday afternoon.  If you're around on Sunday afternoon, drop by and say hello!

Gardening with Kids article in the Calgary Horticultural Society's magazine

If you're a member of the Calgary Horticultural Society (and if not, why not?), you will be receiving the latest magazine this week, with a "Gardening with Kids" article by me!  Let me know what you think!

PS. I don't usually post photos of my kids on the blog but these photos are all several years old and the girls don't even really look like this any more, so I figured it was OK.  It is fun to showcase my girls, for a change, in the garden playground I have created for them.  Feel free to gush about how gorgeous they are!

March 2012 garden blog round-up

The problem with gardening in Calgary is that a lot of information that's available out there is just not appropriate here.  We're "special"!  ;-)  Here's the last month's online gardening "news" which I think contains useful information pertinant to our Calgary conditions.

(If you follow me on facebook you would have seen these in "real time".)

from Garden Rant:

As Pollinators for a Native Plant Garden, honeybees suck! - With the recent interest in honey bee-keeping, I've often wondered about this. Apparently they're great for making honey, but if you think keeping them is an environmental act which is beneficial to our native flora and insect population, think again. I'd rather buy my honey at the local farmer's market.

from A Way to Garden:

Refresher Course: Thinking About Starting Seeds

Coping with Spring Frost in a Garden - Much of the eastern side of our continent is dealing with something that we Calgary gardeners deal with almost every spring - what to do about cold weather that arrives after the first warm spell? Of course, we typically have this problem in May... so file this away for future reference!!

from Garden Buzz:

Can We Say Spring Out Loud Yet? - It's a little too early to say 'spring' perhaps, but I did see of plenty of ladybugs out crawling around this past week-end! Have to keep reminding myself we're likely to get plenty more snow in the next month or so...

from Blogs and Blooms:

Starting Seeds with Stamina - more about, you guessed it, seed starting

from the Calgary Herald:

Sewing the Seeds of Urban Agriculture - "Food and the City is an ambitious, impressive, and thoughtful look at the way communities from Paris to Milwaukee have paired city and country life by creating gardens in urban centers."

from Houzz:

Raised Beds Lift Any Garden - Some great photos here to get you exciting about spring! Does anyone know a place to get metal troughs and pieces of culvert pipe? I love the industrial look they add to the garden.

5 Hot Cool-Season Grasses - Consider adding some low-maintenance ornamental grasses to your garden this year. All of these varieties grow in Calgary!

Cream of the Crop Vegetable Gardens - Time to start planning my veggie garden for this year! Mine won't be as fancy as these, but it's fun to dream.

Down to Earth Week and Seedy Saturday

There are lots of interesting events starting tomorrow, for Down to Earth Week, and the annual Seedy Saturday is this week-end, which I highly recommend as a great event for gardeners!

I'm sorry to say I'll be out of town.  OK, not really too sorry.  I'll be in Vancouver for work, but soaking up a little moisture and greenery on the side.  Have a great week!

well, I don't need to bother writing about design anymore!

I first bumped into Sue Gaviller after I wrote this post about a beautiful front yard garden that many of my own friends and clients had commented to me about.  Turns out she designed it, and she even wrote me a very detailed description and explanation of the plant choices for that garden (click on the link above and then scroll down).  In all of my subsequent encounters with Sue, she has displayed the same professionalism, attention to detail, and high quality work.

I have since taken a couple of garden design classes from her, and then had her over to help me with my own garden design.  I had specific problems in the back yard I wanted advice on, but she gave me great advice for my front garden too.  I've been totally impressed.

Now she is starting her own blog.  I'm sure it'll be great.  You should follow it.

January and February 2012 garden blog round-up

The problem with gardening in Calgary is that a lot of information that's available out there is just not appropriate here.  We're "special"!  ;-)  So I have sorted through the last two months' gardening "news" and here are the posts that I think have useful information pertinant to our Calgary conditions.

If you follow me on facebook you would have seen these in "real time", but just in case, here are some links to check out while you're dreaming and scheming for spring. 

from Garden Buzz:

The American Elm -I used to live on an elm-lined street in West Hillhurst that looked like the first photo in this article. I do miss those big beautiful trees!

The Inevitable Schubert Choke Cherry - Common for a reason, the Schubert choke cherry is a nice tree for a small yard.

The Iconic Maple, eh? - Manitoba maple 'Baron' is a good choice for a shade tree in Calgary.

The Unpopular Poplar - Some good information here on appropriateness of different poplars in different situations, plus why topping a tree is bad, plus a plug for the new Paskapoo poplar!

from Digging:

Grasses liven the winter garden, so back away from the pruners - So true! Calamgrostis (feather reed grass) and helitotrichon sempervirens (blue oat grass) are some suitable grasses for Calgary.

from Blogs and Blooms:

Falling in Love - See, I'm not the only one thinking about gardening already: some seed-ordering tips and a heads-up for Seedy Saturday in March!

What Not to Plant in Calgary - Summary: don't try to grow eggplants, peppers, okra and artichokes in Calgary. Instead, try carrots, parsnips, potatoes, onions, beets,and the lettuce family. Note: I also grow tomatoes every year, even though they don't thrive here. The taste of a freshly picked tomato is worth it, though, IMHO.  I also know people who have grown tomatillos, no problem.

from the Calgary Horticultural Society:

Announcing the CHS Perennial Plant of the year - Helenium autumnale 'Mardi Gras' (Helen's Flower)

from Flowery Prose:

Flowery blurbs, volume 6 - More gardening news from another Calgary garden blogger: new poplar tree variety, Calgary Hort society's perennial plant of the year, vertical farming, and online plant id lecture.

from Black Walnut Dispatch:

Lessons from the Winter Garden (of my discontent) - A practical and honest take on "winter interest"!

from Grounded Design:

Perennials to Interplant in Grasses - Everybody's talking about grasses!  Do you like the meadow look?

from A Way to Garden:

Seed-shopping tactics -Love this cartoon!

from Gardening Gone Wild:

Garden on a Windowsill - Here are some ideas for some easy indoor flowers, in case the weather these days is getting you down!

from Houzz:

Great Design Plant: Redtwig Dogwood -Dogwood is a great shrub for winter interest and looks especially good in front of evergreens. Some varieties are more drought tolerant than others - Bow Point nursery sells a good Calgary-friendly variety!

Old School Green Design: Add Texture with Grass - Are ornamental grasses "an acquired taste?" I don't think so!

Checklist: What to do in the garden this month - Most of these ideas I like! Can't see myself ever making decorative plant markers, though!

Great Design Plant: Golden Creeping Jenny - I use this plants in containers for the summer, then plunk it in the ground in fall. It makes a great, colourful groundcover so I usually leave it in place the following year, although I could dig it up for more pots again in spring. Either way, it is a very useful plant!

In the News:

Is tap water killing your soil?  The experts weigh in - A case for using rain barrels whenever you can.

How to eco-fit your garden - Here's a beautiful re-design of a small, rectangular backyard. 

5 Good Reasons to start your own seeds - from organicgardening.com

 

Garden Show plans?

Are you going to the garden show this year?  I will be volunteering at the Community Gardens booth on Sunday morning (plan to come say hello!), and for the first time ever, I'm also considering taking a workshop.  In the past I either didn't want to spend the money and/or to take valuable week-end time away from my young kids, but this year I'm thinking "Meh!  Why not splurge a little?  And the kids are a little older now, they can take me being a little selfish for one week-end, can't they?"

If you've followed my blog for a while you know that I still have major work to do in several areas of my yard, and spring is always a very busy, energetic time in the perennial garden.  While I'd love to spend time preparing a beautiful container or two, I just never get around to it.  So I'm thinking of doing either the "Perennial Planter" or "Fabulous Container Garden" workshop this year, although they all look great.  How about you?

from the Hort Society:

The 2012 Garden Show at Spruce Meadows

April 14 & 15
Perennial Planter - with John Duncan - presented by greengate Garden Centre


Featured Workshops:


Fabulous Container Garden - with Tricia Ingram - presented by Cobblestone Garden Centre

Alpine Tufa Planter - with Irena Burns - presented by C.R.A.G.S.

Ladybugs & Dragonflies Garden Sculptures - presented by Red Roof Studio & Olds College

Bliss Balls - with Abrah Arneson - presented by Olds College

Living Wall Container - with Tricia Ingram - presented by Cobblestone Garden Centre

Succulent Wreath - with Lorie Bjorkman - presented by Countryside Garden Centre 

Veggie & Flower Planter - Cathy Baceda - presented by Urban Gardeners

Herbal Healing Salves - with Abrah Arneson - presented by Olds College

Garden Bug & Fairy Sculptures - presented by Red Roof Studio & Olds College

 

 

 Hands On Workshop participants receive expert advice and instruction while creating marvelous garden projects to take home and enjoy.  

*pre-registration fees include materials & free show admission* Register Today!
Online registration closes April 12th

 

Visit Website for Garden Show Details

for the record - very warm December and January!

 Despite the record cold snap we had a few weeks ago, this article from CBC says the winter in Western Canada has been the second-warmest on record.

 Environment Canada blows winter forecast

And this weather map taken from CBC news shows above-average temperatures and below average precipitation for January:

 

I'm sure glad I got rid of those water-sucking spruce trees as soon as possible!  Did you know evergreens will use water all winter long, whenever temperatures go up?

garden planning - 10 ingredients of a beautiful winter garden

I spend a lot of time in winter, staring out my windows, analyzing the structure of the garden and conceiving of changes to be made in the next year.  Houzz just posted on this topic, and started with the statement:

"Winter is the best time of year to take stock of your gardens and plan for the future. It's the time of year when gardens are laid flat, exposing their bones and allowing you to see the base of their structure. Take advantage of this time to restructure your design, order new plants or start plans for new hardscaping."

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1006984/list/10-Ingredients-of-a-Beautiful-Winter-Garden

Some of the gardens featured on Houzz are a wee bit over-the-top for the average person, but nevertheless, check out their photos, drool a little, and think about how you can apply the principles inyour garden!

For me personally, I am really enjoying the view of my new trellis out the dining room window (above).  The snow makes it especially nice since you can't see that those chairs are actually fronted by an unfinished pit of mud, rather than by the nice patio that I didn't get to completing last year!

So now you know what (some of) my plans are for this year!  What are yours?

ack! frost warning tonight!

Here's a good, quick summary of what to do with your vegetable garden when frost threatens.

reader question re neighbour's tree

Hi, I have just moved to Calgary, loving it.  I am in a duplex, and next to me is a single house.  They have about a 50-60 foot pine tree about 2 metres from my property, however the branches extend about 20 feet over into my front yard, they have killed my grass, and my birch tree is being squished.  Also, in the back, their trees are tangled up in my wires which run to the house.

The city says it is not their issue.  I called a Davies tree service who told me it was illegal to trim branches which are in my yard.

Additionally, the root of the evergreen is extending largely into my yard, 

do you have advice?  where can i go for it?  i am not able to find anything about this in a legal sense on line

thanks so much, shirley

--

Hi Shirley,

With so many big trees myself, I sympathize with you, I really do!  Fortunately, my problem trees are on my own property so I only have to deal with my husband rather than neighbour in trying to handle them!

My understanding is that you are allowed to cut off branches of your neighbour's tree that are reaching into our own yard.  I expect the tree company is just referring to the fact that they are not allowed to (you can't hire someone to trim someone else's tree) but you can do it yourself. You might want to double-check that.

The roots are another issue that you can't really do anything about.  If you want to plant in that area, assuming there is enough light once you cut back branches, the best bet would be to raise the soil level (perhaps build raised beds?) with really good quality soil and water regularly.  This isn't actually best practice for the tree but perhaps will satisfy your needs!

I would be careful before doing all of this, however.  Is a raised bed going to be attractive enough to distract you from a misshapen tree looming over your yard?  Try to visualize it.  Can you put some nice bark mulch under the tree and perhaps a few pots to make the area attractive instead?

That's about the best advice I can give without seeing the actual yard.  Readers, do you have anything else to add?

Janice

LIKE the Calgary Horticultural Society!

Whether or not you're a member, here's something you can do to help support the Society and it won't cost you a thing!

All you have to do is 'like' their Facebook page www.facebook.com/calhort by the end of September, and if they hit 1000 fans, everyone gets a free REAP coupon book.   REAP's Little Green Coupon Book includes $2,000 in savings on green products and services ranging from personal care products and fashion to mattresses and building supplies.

Of course as additional benefit, you'll be more connected to fellow gardening enthusiasts and get regular updates on the latest and greatest gardening resources and events.

What kind of plant is this?

Hi There,

 

I just found your website and thought maybe you might know what kind of plant this is??? It showed up this year out of now where and took over my Iris' that were there....very fast growing, fuzzy soft leaves about 12' long...no flowers so far this year...please help! :)

 

Thanks!

Hi Julie,

It's difficult to say for sure from the photo but my guess is that this is verbascum.  I have the common yellow one in my garden and the overall shape of the plant is the same and the leaves are definitely soft and fuzzy.  This plant seeds itself like crazy so I would pull it now.  That is, unless you like the look of it (it is a bit weedy looking but I like the yellow flowers against the blue background of my house) in which case you can deadhead (cut off the flowers when they are finished) all but a few flowers and let a few seeds fall.  The seedlings are easy to recognize and pull up unwanted ones - but you will have tonnes!  The plant is biennial so once it flowers the same plant will not come back.

You can find some more information here.  Hope that helps,

Janice

garden envy in Nakusp, B.C.

I just a wee bit of garden envy when I visited the public gardens in Nakusp, where the moister and milder climate makes everything grow twice as big as it gets in Calgary (the fist-sized slugs did make me feel a little better though.)  The pergola gardens on the waterfront near the Leland hotel were gorgeous...

...with phlox, daylilies, rudbeckias, grasses and more in bloom, and the biggest joe-pye I've seen in my life,

...but it's the views from the inside which are most spectacular:

 

That's Daughter #1 and Daughter #2 (below) briefly enjoying running through the gardens before getting way too hot and wanting to head to the beach.

Fortunately, there was another, Asian style garden on the way:

And just to prove I was there, here's me in holiday mode (no make-up, no hair-do!):

But really, who even needs a garden (gasp!  did I just say that?) when you have this:

We had the public beach almost to ourselves (that's my 3 girls in the photo above.)

 

and our own, wilder private beach (above) backed by a wildflower meadow and cedar trees (below.)

Sigh.  But it's back to reality now.  And once I'm done some laundry I may have time to tell you about what I'm hoping to get done in the garden before the end of the summer...

 

 

 

July 2011 garden blog round-up

You can tell it's full-in gardening/holiday season because this past month I didn't collect nearly as many articles related to sustainable gardening in Calgary.  Gardeners just aren't posting as frequently these days!  And why would we? The season is too short to be spending too much time on the computer if you ask me.

But here's what I did find.  To get them in "real time", you can follow my Facebook page.

Blogs and Blooms

• Beets and Other Bouquet Ideas - great idea!?  Why not a healthy bouquet of beets?

 A Way to Garden

• My Fall Vegetable Garden Plans - Margaret's growing season is longer than ours but there are still some useful tips here

Houzz

• Garden Edging, Clean Lines for your Landscape - This article missed one option: using nothing and just cutting a clean edge between lawn and garden a couple of times a season. It looks great and is cheap!

• Are you ready to lose the lawn? - Inspiring photos of lawnless yards with lots of character.
• Plants for your pathway - Of the plants shown in this article, I grow woolly thyme between my pavers in the vegetable garden, and I have turfgrass growing between hopscotch stepping stones in the back lawn.  How 'bout you?

June 2011 garden blog round-up

Every month I post a month round-up of useful and interesting articles I've read that are related to beautiful and sustainable gardening in Calgary.  Here's what I found for June.  If you'd like a more timely update, you can get them in "real time" on my Facebook page.

Blogs and Blooms

• To feed or not to feed. - some tips on fertilizing your potted plants.

Garden Buzz

• The Aspens are Red.  It must be spring.  - were you wondering about your red aspens?
• The Number One Garden Scourge - some tips on reducing hail damage
• Good Bug. Bad Bug. A Modern Day fairy tale - a good case against pesticides!
• Is this a Weed or a Plant? - a practical post on dealing with weeds.

Grounded Design

• The Best Planting Tip I ever Received - a great tip for planting rootbound plants!

Fine Gardening

• Veggie Garden trellising ideas

Houzz

• Inspiration from New York's High Line - Add some Urban Chic to your own stretch of green
• Creating an Art-Inspired Garden - benches and pots and focal points, oh my!

May 2011 blog round-up

This year I started posting a monthly round-up of interesting articles I've read that are related to beautiful and sustainable gardening in Calgary.  Here's what I found for May.  If you'd like a more timely update, you can get them in "real time" on my Facebook page.

Alberta Perennial Trials

• Evaluation and Demonstration of New Perennials 2008-2010

Garden Buzz

• What is happening with spruce trees? - Nora explains possible reasons for tops dying
• Too many tulips? - take note now of where you would like to have more tulips next year!

Blogs and Blooms

• Kids & worms in the Calgary garden - sifting through my vermicastings is what I'll be doing this rainy season, as well.  My kids think the worms are great fun!

The Garden Professors

• reasons to consider getting a soil test if you are starting a vegetable garden - a rant about urban farming
• visiting GP takes on fertilizers - the message of this excellent post: know your fertilizers. know your soil

Gardening Zone 3b

• a plant list including trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals - planting for butterflies and bees
• information about a project to foster bumblebees in Calgary - Can you Babysit a Bumblebee?
• noxious weeds in Alberta

Last Frontier Garden

• reliable perennials in Alaska are also reliable here in Calgary - Oldies but Goodies

Life on the Balcony

• a cool idea! How to turn a Pallet into a Garden

Houzz

• Inspiring Garden Gates - What's Behind that Door?
• Bamboo screens make your garden glow
• 4 Steps to the Perfect Garden - some good general design tips here, but I'm not sure about the mirror suggestion (dangerous for birds!)

Calgary Garden Coach in the Calgary Herald!

http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Kids+their+hands+dirty+with+urban+gardening/4769250/story.html

Calgary Garden Coach is quoted in the Globe & Mail!

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/gardening/gardening-trends/need-a-hand-garden-coaches-coax-a-harvest-from-the-seeds/article2016998/

April 2011 blog roundup

Recently I started posting a monthly round-up of useful and interesting articles I've read that are related to beautiful and sustainable gardening in Calgary.  Here's what I found for April.  If you'd like a more timely update, you can get them in "real time" on my Facebook page.

Garden Buzz

• Nora shows a picture of vole damage and describes how to prevent it.  - Oh! those voles!
• this post highlights hardy and interesting trees for Calgary - It's a Good Day to Plant a Tree

Gardening Zone 3b

• this post describes one easy way of making a new garden bed - Making Your Bed (but I wouldn't recommend this is if you are making a bed next to a pathway or patio, in which case if you don't somehow retain the soil, you will always be sweeping it off your pathway/patio)

Digging

• a wonderful Mexican-themed garden is featured - lots of colour and creativity here! - Enchanted evening in Lucinda's cantina garden

Houzz

• some really great photos of creative edible gardens - Unexpected edible gardens
• some beautiful rain chains - I want one! Design with Weather
• 10 secrets to beautiful outdoor rooms (not gardening photos persay but beautiful, nonetheless!)
• photos of ornamental grasses used in minimalist designs - Ornamental grasses in the landscape
• inspiring trellis/arbour/pergola photos - 12 one-of-a-kind trellis and arbour designs

A Way to Garden

• soil-saving tips for planting big pots

Chatelaine

• this is the time of year that every magazine you see has some kind of pat gardening article in it, but I agree with everything in this one! - 7 dirt-cheap tips for your garden

Garden Show inspiration

So I volunteered at the Garden Show yesterday afternoon and several of you came by and said hello - thanks and it was so nice to meet you!  I definitely had more fun working the Community Gardens booth than I would have had wandering around on my own because I got to chat with so many people.

I must admit, I haven't usually gone to the show in the past.  First of all, I hate crowds.  The only thing I hate more than crowds is shopping in crowds.  Plus I feel like I keep up with all the current gardening trends and information already, and I'm not shopping around for a landscaper, so I didn't feel there was much need to go.  I do know that the speakers were all excellent this year and I also heard great things about the workshops.  I can also say that it was superbly well-organized.  And I will definitely volunteer again.

And it turns out there were quite a few unique and interesting things I saw there that inspired me:

Above: some screening structures I saw provided more inspiration for the one I want hubby to build in our backyard this summer.  Hmmm, perhaps I should plan for a chandelier?

Above: this cute little arbour was one of the prizes from the Hort Society's raffle.  I have scaled down my expectations for hubby to build a pergola but I wouldn't say no to this!

Above: Some of the entries in the kids' container garden competition, themed 'Funky Junk', were very creative and fun!

Above: These musical water sculptures by Douglas Walker were AMAZING.  Not exactly in my budget though...

Above: ...but I did manage to do a little shopping and picked up this pot fountain from Elemental Gift and Garden.  I've always wanted one and I thought this one was a deal.  I coveted that rain chain too, but I was a good budgeter and passed it up.  Maybe next year!

I also picked up a pot of pansies for the front step, two new pairs of gardening gloves, and a free tomato plant as a thank you for volunteering.  Score!

resources specific to vegetable gardening in Calgary?

I would like to find instructional resources specific to vegetable gardening in Calgary.  I live in the far north west and have a small garden on the north side of the backyard that is protected by a fence.  I have had reasonable success in the past but I don't seem to be able to get the hang of the timing and then how to properly harvest and not have to eat 15 lbs of carrots in one day before they go wilty.  I grow carrots, beets, peas, radishes, strawberries, lettuce nothing crazy.  I would also like to know about container gardens for vegetables and even herbs.

Hi Cindy,

You're smart to ask about information for Calgary, because as everyone who gardens here knows, there are some specific things you need to be aware of!  But the good news is, gardening here isn't difficult if you know the tricks (and have realistic expectations!)  I wrote a post recently Vegetable Gardening in Calgary 101 that has a few important links you could check out. 

But for a hard resource, the book The Calgary Gardener by the Calgary Horticultural Society (is not limited to vegetables but) has tonnes of information about timing of planting and techniques for extending the season, etc.  I recommend it as a good all-around resource. 

Also, the book Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew is extremely useful regarding general gardening techniques and skills that are appropriate anywhere, including planning succession planting so that you don't have everything ready to harvest at once.  Even if you don't plan to use a square planting pattern, this book is an excellent resource.

And you are in luck!  Donna Balzer and Steven Biggs' new book just came out: Garden Coaches Chat. No Guff. Lots of fun.  I haven't seen it yet except for a few page previews and it looks great.  Again, not exactly specific to Calgary but Donna does garden here and her perspective comes through.

Hope that helps and happy gardening!

 

See you at the Garden Show...?

I will be volunteering at the Community Gardens booth at the Garden Show this Sunday from 12:30 to 5:00. 

Drop by and say hello!

The full program is available in the Calgary Herald today and also online here.

Best tips for dealing with shrubs and evergreens for tough (dry, exposed) Calgary conditions - by Jim Hole

Here is Jim's answer to the Calgary Gardening question competition sponsored by the Calgary Horticultural Society:

--

While a wide variety of shrubs and evergreens grow very well within the microclimate of the City of Calgary, the more exposed outskirts can be a challenge.

 

The first step on the path to any successful garden is to improve the environment for growing shrubs and evergreens. Good soil is the foundation of a good garden—regardless of where you live—so it’s important to ensure there’s plenty of organic matter in the soil. Therefore, compost, well-rotted manure or rich topsoil to your garden is an essential first step.

 

Keeping the landscape well watered and using that water efficiently is the next critical step. Remember soils with plenty of organic matter hold more water than sandy soils and have less surface run-off relative to clay soils. Watering at the base of trees and shrubs, rather than irrigating overhead, will also get more water to the roots and reduce evaporation loss. And collect rainwater whenever you can. It’s a great free resource!

 

Lastly, choose tough, drought-tolerant shrubs and evergreens. Some of the toughest are buffaloberry, caragana, Russian olive, sea buckthorn, junipers and mugo pines. Most importantly, remember that gardening is about the experience, so don’t be afraid to try things that might fail. After all, nothing is ever a mistake if you learn from it. Enjoy gardening!

--

Thanks Jim, thanks Calgary Horticultural Society, and thanks to all you readers for playing!  See you at the Garden Show!

Calgary gardening question for Jim Hole - we have a winner!

It was tough to choose a winning question from those that you all submitted.  They were all good questions and I could sense the pain and frustration in some of your words! 

I grouped the questions into several themes:

• tomatoes / vegetables
• rabbits & deer
• small garden challenges
• soil and amendments (what to put in raised beds as well as what can grow in poor soil)
• snow mold
• alkaline water
• shrubs and evergreens for tough (dry, exposed) conditions

I was really wishing I had been more specific about the criteria for choosing a winning question, because depending on whether I grouped the questions into broader (and fewer) or narrower (and therefore more) themes, the most frequent question came out differently!  But the other criterion was being most relevant to Calgary, and considering that criterion as well I think shrubs and evergreens for tough conditions comes out on top.  I think this is an especially great question for Jim because while his What Grows Here books are written for Alberta, we all know Calgary is special and what grows well in say, Edmonton or St Albert, doesn't necessarily grow as well here.

So there you have it!  I'll send in the question and post his response in the next few days.  Thanks again to everyone for your excellent questions!  I am going to answer a few of the others myself over the next few weeks so keep checking back!

Thanks also to the Calgary Horticultural Society for organizing this.  See you at the Garden Show next week-end!

Garden Show tickets - we have a winner!

Thanks to everyone who participated this fun giveaway event!  And a special thanks to the Calgary Horticultural Society for organizing and supporting this.  This post announces the easy part of the contest - picking the winner of the free tickets to the Garden Show next week-end.  I used a random number generator to pick.................  J. Speers!  Congratulations!  I will send you an e-mail directly with information on where & when to pick up your tickets.

An announcement regarding the winning question that I will ask Jim Hole to answer on this blog will follow soon...  this one will be much harder to choose as they are all so interesting and I wish he could answer them all!

last reminder - vote for a question and enter a draw for free tickets to the garden show

This has been fun and I've loved hearing from all of you with your questions (despite the frustration I sense from many of you!)  One friend of mind said she couldn't think of a "great question" but remember, it doesn't have to be great and you don't even have to think of one yourself... you can vote for one that has already been submitted!

So get out and vote for a question (click here) and tell your friends!

I'll be choosing the winners on Sunday.

March 2011 garden blog round-up

 Last month I started posting a monthly round-up of interesting articles I've read that are related to beautiful and sustainable gardening in Calgary.  Here's what I found for March.  If you'd like a more timely update, you can get them in "real time" on my Facebook page.

Blogs and Blooms

• Video: How to start seeds  the message - it's easy!
• Video: Transplanting your seedlings, including hardening them off - a critical step.
• Silliest veggie transplants - Donna's right.  Don't buy silly things like carrot transplants!  See my post when to start vegetable seeds in Calgary and you'll see carrots should only be direct seeded outside.  Since they're a root crop they don't transplant well.

Garden Buzz

• how to grow tropicals such as callas, gladiolas and dahlias - start them now from bare roots and bulbs!
• asian long horn beetles and spruce sawyer beetles - bad and harmless, respectively and how to tell the difference between them.

Adventures of a Green Gopher

• a summary of the Hort Society's workshop on indoor seed starting  (it's not too late BTW, I will be starting more seeds next week!)

A Way to Garden

• 12 top composting faqs - besides the info posted here is there anything special you need to know specific to Calgary?  Yes, just be prepared to water your compost once in a while to keep it moist (like a wrung-out sponge, not soggy).  It's so dry here that your compost bin usually needs a little extra help.

Digging: It All Starts with a Patch of Dirt

• Modern Succulent Planter made of cinder blocks - while the plants grown in this Austin garden are not hardy in Calgary, this cool planter design would work almost anywhere.
• Bridging Earth and Sky with Vertical gardening - some very cool ideas here to dress up your space, whether big or small. I love the painted tree with the birdhouses!

Houzz

• High Design the Easy Way - lots of examples of using ornamental grasses en masse

The Home Outside

• Calling all Gardeners: It's time to share space with our fellow Earthlings! - a compelling argument for planting more natives in your garden

Fine Gardening

• Go Green on the Patio - some neat pictures here of patios and pathways made with recycled materials (although the fact they mention getting salvaged materials shipped across the country when the article is supposed to be about green building is a bit of a joke!)

reminder - enter a draw for free tickets to the Garden Show by submitting a gardening question to Jim Hole!

One week left, please don't forget to submit a quesion!

Sponsored by the Calgary Horticultural Society.

Details here.

Ask Jim Hole a gardening question and everybody wins!

To promote the Calgary Horticultural Society's upcoming garden show, they have lined up Jim Hole to do a guest post on this blog regarding a frequently asked Calgary gardening question.  Yes, Jim Hole.  I'm so excited!  Jim is a HUGE name in Alberta gardening (as if you didn’t know) and is, of course, the son of the late Lois Hole.  He publishes books including the What Grows Here series, answers gardening questions on CBC radio, and will be one of the guest speakers at the Hort Society’s Garden Show on April 9 and 10.  It will be an honour to have him post on my blog.   

But this isn't about me, it's about you!  What's your burning question about gardening in Calgary?

How it works

Submit your gardening questions in the comments below or by sending me an e-mail to me directly. Your question will enter you into a draw for two free passes to the Garden Show.  On Sunday April 3, I'll choose the winning question based on the frequency of that question's submission as well as its relevance to gardening in Calgary.  Jim Hole's answer to that question will be posted on this blog a couple days later.

Many thanks to the Calgary Hort Society for organizing this!

One week left for elm pruning in Calgary!

read more here:

http://adairtreecare.com/calgaryarborist/2011/03/one-week-left-for-elm-pruning-in-calgary/

http://communities.canada.com/calgaryherald/blogs/gardenbuzz/archive/2011/03/23/sunday-march-20-2011-all-about-elms.aspx

Calgary Seedy Saturday is tomorrow!

Are you going?  I'm sad to say I'm not - too much family stuff going on this week-end.  Have fun if you go!

http://seedysaturdaycalgary.shawwebspace.ca/

Gardening article in Calgary20 featuring... me and other local Calgary gardeners!.

http://www.calgary20.ca/lifestyle/217-producing-locally-in-calgary

plant shopping in March... can't help myself...

OK, I just placed my last plant order for spring, I swear!  I already ordered all my seeds way back in early January plus a few fun splurges like dwarf apple trees for England (my edible garden area). This time I'm ordering (more) ornamental grasses because they're just so great in a low-maintenance garden (I should write a post on that soon... they add texture, movement, offer long seasons of interest, they come in all shapes and sizes for sun or shade, I could go on...)

Part of the new front yard garden plan includes a lot of festuca glauca - one of my favourite "repetition plants" to add year-round texture and colour contrast.  It looks good with just about everything in sun or part shade. 

And I need some calamagrostis (feather reed grass) 'Overdam' to add textural interest in the back, shady corner of the Adventure Garden. 

And I wanted to try Alopecurus pratensis because, well, just because Christine in Alaska recommended it.

So that's it.  I'm done.  No more shopping until it's actually warm enough to plant something outside.

I ordered the grasses from Bluestem Nursery. 

If you would like an urban paradise that rejoices the eye and refreshes the spirit, view My Services for consultation details.

2-hour garden projects for kids?

I'm working on a Parents and Kids gardening workshop for the Calgary Horticultural Society.  Currently the plan is a 2-hour workshop for a 6-8 year old accompanied by a parent.  This is totally exciting to me but also a little petrifying - my experience with gardening with kids comes only from my own family and a few friends.  I've never worked with a larger group before!

If you were attending such a workshop, what would you and your child be interested in learning/doing? 

This post also reminds me of a few links that friend/reader Paula sent me a while ago and I keep forgetting to post.  They are for great (adult and/or kid) projects that could be done at home:

• Pollinator Observation complete with observation sheets and tonnes more links
• Plant Watch Alberta with online data sheets - I think I'm going to do this myself this year!

If you would like a beautiful and kid-friendly garden that nourishes your body and soul, view My Services for consultation details.

February blog round-up

When I first started this blog my intention was to post timely, regular advice for how to do everything in the garden.  What a silly idea!  I quickly realized I didn't have time and there are plenty of other full-time garden writers and horticulturalists putting out great how-to information on the web.  I'm just a little part-timer who does this for fun.  So this blog has turned into more of a record of what I'm doing in my own garden and garden coaching business, which I try to write in a way that will inform others who may need a little online help or who want to exchange advice.

The biggest problem with 'how-to' and plant information on the web is that it may not be written for a Calgary gardener's context.  Our timelines are different, our soil and climate conditions are different (understatement of the year!) and many of those beautiful plants you see recommended out there just don't grow here.

So instead, I've decided to highlight some of the great posts I've read from other sources each month, with a few comments about their usefulness and applicability.  Here they are for February!

 

Blogs and Blooms:

• Never too early to worry about bugs - Donna talks about hardy climbing cutworms (ew!)
• order her new book No Guff Vegetable gardening here - Donna is a local horticultural expert and as I describe above, local gardening advice is the best kind of advice!

Garden Buzz

• house plant pests - mealy bugs and scale - Nora is a local bug expert
• house plants pests - aphids and white flies and how to get rid of them

Houzz

• 8 great ways to use landscape pavers - this design blog has very inspiring pictures!
• 7 out-of-the-box retaining wall ideas
• The Kids Are All right - some more great photos of retaining walls and raised vegetable beds here

The Garden Professors

• Is local always better? - a balanced perspective on native plants and assisted migration

Garden Guru

• Garden Math - how to figure out how much soil, mulch or grass you need for a given area

Garden Rant

• Grow the Good Life - Why a Vegetable Garden will make you Happy, Healthy, Wealthy and Wise - a promo for a new book that looks like a good read
• and an excellent follow-up post from the author here which pretty much has me convinced to buy the book

The Home Outside

• Vegetable Gardening with Children - Julie talks about benefits, projects, and design ideas!  Great stuff!

Garden Designers Roundtable

• the post this month is entitled "Edibles!" and includes links to 7 designer's posts about edible gardens.  While American (so some of the plants highlighted don't grow in Calgary), there are plenty of good design ideas and the photos provide a "feast" for the eyes

Piet Oudolf in the NY Times - on designing a winter garden

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/10/garden/10garden.html?_r=1

From the archives:

•  Piet Oudolf-inspired plants for Calgary sustainable gardens

Other resources:

• Stretching the seasons - article about Piet Oudolf from Fine Gardening

seedy news from the Calgary Horticultural Society

Here's the latest news letter from the Calgary Horticultural Society (you can also receive updates if you're not a member by joining their facebook page.) 

I think you have to be a CHS member (well worth it for many other reasons!) to take advantage of the first two events, but Seedy Saturday is open to everyone.

FILM NIGHT: "The Dirt" The Movie February 11th Inspired by William Bryant Logan’s acclaimed book Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth, Dirt!  you are invited to see a story with "Heart and Soil"  followed by discussion and dessert When: Friday, February 11th Where: The Unitarian Church of Calgary,              1703-1st St. N.W, Time:  6:30 p.m. for Pizza, veggies, and beverages           7:00 p.m. Film Screening           8:30 p.m. Potluck Dessert & Discussion Free parking at Balmoral School, behind the Hall Donations are appreciated to fund future events Sponsored by: The Unitarian Church of Calgary                       The Calgary Horticultural Society                        Apairies & Bees for Communities                       Arusha

ALL ABOUT SEEDS February 25th Learn Everything there is to know about seeds from catalogues, seed packets, seed techniques and more! Presented by avid gardeners of the Calgary Horticultural Society: Leslie Huget, Joanne Nemeth and Joanne Ogilive    When: Friday, February 25th, 2011 Where: Unitarian Church of Calgary,               1703-1 St. N.W. Cost: Just $10 per person To Register:  book your seats through:  http://www.calhort.org/ or call the Calgary Horticultural Society office at 403-287-3469, ext 0 An event sponsored by: Community Garden Resource Network-A project of the Calgary Horticultural Society, Green Sanctuary (Unitarian Church of Calgary), Apiaries and Bees for Communities & An Alberta Community Spirit Grant

Seedy Saturday is Coming! March 19th Mark your calenders for the kick off event of the 2011 season.  When: Saturday, March 19th Where: Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association            1320-5th Avenue N.W. Time: 10:00 am-4:00 pm Admission: $2, with children under 12 free                Calgary Dollars Accepted A family event with tables, displays, presentations, Kid's Corner, refreshments, and of course plenty of seeds from open-pollinated varieties of vegetables, fruits, flowers and grains. Supported By: Calgary Horticultural Society-Community Garden Resource Network For more information or to volunteer check the Seedy Saturday website: http://seedysaturdaycalgary@shawwebspace.ca   Dig the Benefits of Joining the Calgary Horticultural Society 2011 is gearing up to be a fabulous gardening year in Calgary. Join in the excitement and become a member of the Calgary Horticultural Society! Benefits are Huge: Discounts at local gardening companies Support from the Community Garden Resource Network Informative E-Newsletters Discounts for workshops, books, & bus tours  8 issues of the premier local magazine 'Calgary Gardening' written by and for Calgary Gardeners Plant shares Rewarding volunteer opportunities & You support the promotion of growth of gardening education in Calgary! Check out the website at www.calhort.org or call 403-287-3469 to join today!     Upcoming Workshops at CHS Feb 26th- Plant Propagation- with Elaine Rude Mar 5th -Trees and Shrubs for Small Spaces -with Sandra Pinto Mar 12th-Pruning Tips and Techniques- with Matt Davis ..and lots more. Check out www.calhort.org/events for details. Your CHS/CGRN is actively working to create year round exciting and informative events for gardeners of all species, cultivars and varieties!

Calgary Garden Coach is on facebook!

I did it.  I finally did it.  I'm not sure what possessed me to spend hours trying to figure the linking and importing and feeding issues out... but it finally worked.  (OK, so keeping up with technology is not my specialty!)

Anyway, you'll now notice you can "like" this blog (link on left) or "like" individual posts.  I also have a facebook page (search for Calgary Garden Coach on FB) and you can follow me directly there if you prefer.

great source of plants! Calgary Hort Society plant share coming up!

From the Horticultural Society:

--

Fall Plant Share

Join us for the Fall Plant Share
Saturday, September 11, 9:00am - 12:00pm
on the grassy field west of the Society office
(208 - 50 Ave. SW)

In addition to plant sharing you can also enjoy the on-site vendors, socialize over coffee and cookies, and share gardening knowledge with other enthusiastic gardeners! This is a members only event, but others can join and go by visiting the Society office the morning of the event to purchase their membership.

REMEMBER - Be sure to carefully label all your plants (common name, mature height, colour, etc.) and divide any perennials needing to be divided PRIOR to arriving, as this helps speed up the check-in process

For more information and complete details click on the link below. Hope to see you there!

Plant Share Details

upcoming garden tours

The winning gardens of the Calgary Horticultural Society's annual garden competition are on display this week-end.  Find more info here.  This is a great event and if you're looking for inspiration for your own garden it will be very worthwhile.  I've posted pictures from a few of my favourites in 2008 (a, b and c) and 2009.

And since I'm not on the winning tour, I'll be hosting my own little open garden event soon.  If you're interested, please leave a comment or e-mail me with some times that would work for you over the next couple of weeks.  I'll try to pick a good time and will e-mail you privately with more details.  Warning - mine is a garden in progress and presentation will not be to winning-garden-tour-standards!  But I might serve you a glass of something cold.  What do you like?

If the garden competition had a "family-friendly garden" category I might have had a chance...

to enter or not to enter, that is the question

I mentioned in my last post that I was thinking about entering the garden competition this year, and got some positive responses.  Thanks for your support, by the way!  I really, really, really do want to enter.  I don't expect to win anything at all, but I'm interested in supporting the Calgary Horticultural Society and I'm also selfishly interested in the feedback I would get from the judges.  I think it would be helpful to look at my garden through the eyes of some other expert Calgary gardeners.  But let me tell you what's holding me back.

When I look back at the list I made last year of the things to be done before entering the garden competition,  I see that I have not accomplished much:

• I did paint the doors, window box and patio table last year and love the colours, but now with the new windows I need to start painting the house trim and get rid of the ugly faded yellow colour once and for all.  Plus we replaced the table with a slightly larger one this year that also needs painting so I'll have to do that job again.
• The mother-of-a-retaining wall did get built but we never finished replacing the patio around the edges where the patio meets the wall.  We probably won't get to it this year, either.
• The dry stream bed in the adventure garden is done.  I'm thinking maybe I could just enter this area in the perennial garden category.
• the back corner parking pad area that I call 'England' is slightly cleaned up compared to last year but still not anything competition-worthy.  I'm hoping for raised beds to be built in the fall - we're behind schedule on this one!
• The tree beside the front steps was removed.  Check!   ... but I would like to put a little patio in there someday...
• The greenhouse was removed and now there's a big muddy square hole in the middle of our north patio.  Playhouse construction has not begun yet.
• Those "temporary stairs" off our back porch are still there.  No hopes to even try to get them replaced this year.

So there's the update on the things I would ideally like to have done to get my yard close being competition-worthy i.e. I wouldn't expect to win anything for at least the next few years.  But still I'm tempted to enter...

Wait, more cons: I'm going to be out of town for at least 15 days between now and judging time, meaning not a lot is going to get done. When I've viewed winning gardens before, they have been immaculate with every blade of grass trimmed and not a spec of dust on any hard surface.  Do these people not have kids?  Not take holidays?  I'm not sure I have time for this.  And even if I did have time I'm not sure I want to spend the time and effort on that kind of detail. 

Anyway, my husband has given me permission to enter the competition as long as I promise not to buy anything else.  I think I can do that.  So I'm still tempted...

Someone please talk me out of this?

Ontario - stuff grows here

I've been in Kingston all this week.  The gardens are beautiful here and way ahead of Calgary of course.  Sigh.  I've seen huge hostas here whereas the hostas in the shadiest parts of my garden hadn't even started poking their heads out of the ground by last Saturday.  It is peony season here right now and it seems like every old house, whether it's been well-maintained or not, has an ancient peony in their garden which is currently doubled over the weight of its ridiculously large blooms.

I grew up in southern Ontario and spent at least a little time every summer in the Kingston/Ottawa area as my Mom grew up here and my grandmother lives here.  As I drove/walked around this week admiring and feeling very nostalgic over the beautiful old limestone and brick Victorian architecture in this area...

I suddenly had this lightbulb moment when I realized that one of the reasons I love to garden so much is probably my irrational need to recreate the lush garden environment I grew up around, despite the fact that I live in cold, windy, dry Calgary now.  So I may be crazy but at least I have a reason for it! 

BTW. I realize I haven't posted a June to do list yet, but since I'm still working on my May to-do list and it doesn't sound like it's gardening weather in Calgary right now, I'm not feeling any rush...

Latest news from the Calgary Horticultural Society

Calgary Horticultural Society - Latest News

2010 Fundraiser!   Society grows with spud!

Enjoy local produce while raising funds for the Calgary Horticultural Society & enjoy a member only discount too!

Login into www.spud.ca  use your special member Promo Code:  CHSM10,  and start filling your grocery cart with some great food and have it all delivered to your door!  Each order raises funds for the Society up to a maximum of $50 per person.   All proceeds will support the learning & demonstration gardens located at the Society office.  New garden designs and program to begin this spring.   

Thank you for your support!    Eat. Live. Be Happy.

click here for all the fundraising details

 Alberta Children's Hospital - Healing Gardens 

 Dear Members,

As a representative of the Calgary Horticultural Society on the Alberta Children’s Hospital Healing Gardens Advisory Committee I would like to bring to your attention their ‘On-Line’ Spring Plant Sale.

 

This is a way for you to purchase your annuals and herbs whilst at the same time contribute to their fund raising program which goes towards the required plants, shrubs and trees to enhance the Healing Gardens which surround the Hospital.

  

If you are ever at the Children’s Hospital take a wander around the Healing Gardens: they are a delight to behold and are ever growing. Indeed they are part of our Calgary Gardening Community!

 

 

With thanks,

 

Judy Rose

Society Volunteer

 

The Healing Gardens is an outdoor space where children and their families, staff, and visitors can wander, explore and experience the therapeutic benefits of a healing, horticultural environment. The gardens provide a private area for reflection and discovery away from the hospital setting to regain a connection with nature.

Each garden has a unique design that allows children and families to explore nature in its various forms using interconnecting pathways.

Healing Gardens Fundraiser:  SPRING PLANT SALE
visit:  www.ach.plants4nonprofit.com

Plants available for purchase

• 12" premium hanging baskets:  $30.00
• 12" round patio planters:  $30.00
• 12" round tomato planter:  $20.00
• 10 pack (4.5" pots) herbs (6) and strawberries (4):  $25.00
• 10 pack (4.5" pots) zonal geraniums (red, pink OR white):  $30.00
• 10 pack (4.5" pots) marigolds:  $25.00
• 10 pack (4.5" pots) petunias (purple OR white):  $25.00
  
  Please visit the website www.ach.plants4nonprofit.com  and order as many
  plants as you like. 

Order deadline is MAY 13.
Plants will be available for pick up on MAY 26 and 27.

Questions?  Please email Jen Lemon or contact Becky
(http://mail01.zabco.net/webmail/src/compose.php?send_to=jennifer.surette-lemon%40albertahealthservices.ca).

Thank You for supporting the Healing Gardens Program at the ACH!

Becky Feasby, MA, HTR
Horticultural Therapist
Healing Gardens Program
Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary AB
 (403) 955-2457  (403) 955-2457 

Join Us for the Society's Spring Plant Share.  

(CHS members only)  An opportunity to take plants from your garden and share those that need a new home.

Date:        Saturday, May 29,  2010 - RAIN OR SHINE!           

 

Time:        9:00am to 12 Noon (Hours may be reduced if weather is poor)

 

Location:  On the grassy field west of the Society office at 208 - 50 Ave. S.W.

  

For further details click here

NeighbourWoods Volunteers Needed

The City of Calgary is looking for volunteers to assist the NeighbourWoods program in one of the communities of: Rosscarrock, Kilarney/Glendale, Glenbrook, Winston Heights, Tuxedo Park, Capital Hill, Banff Trail and Bridgeland/Riverside.  

NeighbourWoods is a City of Calgary residential, street tree planting initiative. The City works with communities to replace and repair trees that have been damaged or are declining from construction, infrastructure repair, or are at the end of the life cycle.

Read more....

>> Click Here

Alberta perennial trials

This just in from the Calgary Horticultural Society:

"The Alberta Perennial Trials results from 1999-2001, 2002-2004, 2005-2007 and 2006-2008 are now available on Alberta Agriculture's website 'Ropin' the Web'. The easiest way to find them is to go to the Alberta Perennial Trials blog site at:

http://albertaperennialtrials.wordpress.com/

There is a link at the top of the page to 'Trial Results' which will bring you to the 2006-2008 results, with links to the results from other years. There is a lot of information here; more than 200 different varieties/cultivars were trialed during these years! There are colour photos as well of most of the plants."

Calgary Garden Show, April 10 & 11

2010 Garden Show, April 10 & 11, Spruce Meadows

 

       Tickets Now On Sale!  

 Early Bird Pricing - Save $2 by purchasing your tickets on-line or  visit Greengate Garden Centre @ 1411 MacLeod Trail South.    All guests will receive a 15% discount coupon for Greengate.    

New for 2010:  Weekend Pass only $18!   See all the speakers (over 20!)  and Jim Hole is back!  Participate in many activities all weekend long!

Visit the Membership booth at the Garden Show  (front entrance of Equi-plex) and enter your name in one of our membership draws and pick up a free bag of soil, compliments of Miracle Grow.  Over 600 1L bags available to members ONLY. First-come-first serve.  One bag per member please. 

Get your hands in the soil early!   

Garden Show Workshops - 9 exciting projects to choose from.

 Register today!     Forward this on and share with your gardening friends.

Plants that Bite Back! 

 Fun, family activity with Greengate's greenhouse manager, John Duncan.

Learn all about  the Venus Fly Trap.   Build a Terrarium with the carnivorous plant to take home.

Registration required.  Only $12, includes instruction, terrarium and plant. 

Fun, friendly, container garden competitions!

Start gardening early and showcase your talents!   2 Competitions to choose from:  Adult and Children's categories.  Get your kids involved in gardening early! 

Voted by People Choice.  Cash prizes begin at $250!  Ribbons too!   Join the fun, register now!

 

Garden Show Raffle

You could visit Butchart Gardens this summer.   Or be sitting in a beautiful hand-crafted gazebo.   These are just 2 of the 5 prizes available.   Purchase your raffle tickets at the garden show or visit the Society office, 208 - 50 Ave SW. 

We could use your help selling raffle tickets,  stop by the office and sign out some booklets and invite your friends and family to purchase raffle tickets.  All proceeds support the Society's year round activities.  Our goal is to raise $10,000.   If you would like to help us reach our goal please stop by and pick up some tickets.  Thank you!

New for 2010 -   New building added!  More Food!  New Food Menu in Congress Hall!  More Parking!  New Container Competitions! New Speakers! Outside Exhibits!  Children's Activities!  More Garden Workshops!    Something to see, do and learn all weekend long.     April 10 & 11,  9 am  to 6 pm each day. 

Click here to learn about all the activities at this year's garden show.

 

Thank you for your support. 

2010 Garden Show Committee

a pergola idea

... and nobody can say I don't plan ahead!  While we've got a playhouse in the works for this year, I want to have hubby build the playhouse in such a way that when the kids are older, we can turn the frame into a pergola. 

What I like in this picture is the small stone wall that provides an extra place to sit if necessary.  I also like the little rectangular garden on the outside of the stone wall. 

This little wall is an extra touch that would be so easy to build, would lend a sense of permanence to the structure, and would also reflect some heat to the garden in front of it, creating a little micro-climate for heat-loving plants.  The spot where I have in mind for this idea would also benefit visually because the small garden would break up a large expanse of patio.  I am definitely keeping this idea for when my pergola gets built, someday in the far distance future...

This picture is also taken from "Garden Magic; Inspired Garden Design" by Gisela Keil and Gary Rogers.

a playhouse idea

After the "greenhouse" comes down, we're planning to build a playhouse for the kids.  Personally, I love this one, although there's probably a few too many pots scattered around to be considered safe...

This picture came from a book entitled "Garden Magic, Inspired Garden Design" by Gisela Keil and Gary Rogers.  It's definitely inspiring!

Grow your own: the basics of vegetable gardening

As I mentioned previously, I'm supposed to make a presentation in a couple of weeks about edible gardening in Calgary.  While there are some specific things people need to know that are very unique to Calgary, the basics of starting a vegetable garden don't change, and the Renegade Gardener just posted an excellent article.  Do you read the Renegade Gardener?  I can't remember when I first discovered him, but I've been reading him for years.  He knows his stuff and he tells it like it is!

Now, back to preparing that presentation...