The Snowdrop, also known as Galanthus is a flower with purpose and tradition. With over 20 varieties the Snowdrop belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family. Popular in many folklore tales, the Snowdrop was believed to be from Britain but was later discovered as originating from all over Europe and the Middle East. This perennial fall bulb (spring flowering) is famous for being the first flower to make an appearance after winter. Eager to grow, it often pushes it’s way through snow sending it’s onlookers a sigh of relief that spring is on its way.
Folklore
” At the beginning of time, Snow searched for a color to borrow. The elements admired flowers and their colors. When Snow asked and pleaded for one of the colors of the flowers, the flowers turned way denying Snow a color; they felt Snow was too cold and unpleasant. The snowdrop however felt sorry for Snow and offered it its color. Snow accepted the gift and became white from that point on. To show its gratitude, Snow allowed snowdrops to bloom at the end of winter with Snow’s protection against snow and ice. Snow and snowdrops exist side-by-side as friends.” – Floraqueen.com
Symbolism
The Snowdrop is a symbol of purity, innocence and hope. As the first sign of spring, hope is brought to mind for those longing for warmer and brighter days. While it’s white blossoms symbolize innocence and purity. When presenting a Snowdrop as a gift, it is said to represent rebirth and the strength to overcome challenges.
Varieties of Snowdrops
Each variety of Snowdrop is very similar to the other with minor differences making them all unique in their individual way. All elegant and dainty, you can find variations of Snowdrops that are tall or small, single petals or double petals. Some with green accents and some without. Here are a few types of Snowdrops that you can find online at Wildwood.Express.
Snowdrop Mount Everest A tall variety of Snowdrop. Growing up to 8 inches high with a large white flower.
Snowdrops Galanthus Elwesii The Galantus Elwesii grows only 4″ tall and is the most common variety of Snowdrop. The perfect variety naturalizing.
Snowdrop Double Flore PlenoGrowing 4″ tall, the Double Flore Pleno Snowdrop is a fluffy double Snowdrop, also known as Perce De Neiges.
Growing Snowdrops
Subtilty fragrant, Snowdrops are a perennial fall bulb (spring flowering bulb) that can grow in many types of soil. They’re a low maintenance plant that only require a cool or moderately cool winter for them to bloom. The Snowdrop is toxic to humans and pets, and should be planted where they will not be accidentally ingested. However, this also makes them resistant to deer, squirrels, chipmunks and more. To plant your Snowdrops this season, follow the quick and easy steps below.
1.) Plant your Snowdrops before the ground freezes in your zone, sometime between September and December. Choose a full sun to partial sun location.
2.) Loosen your soil and add your compost of choice.
3.) Add 5-10-10 granular fertilizer and mix soil until well blended.
4.) Place your Snowdrops with the pointy side up, 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart. When in doubt, you can always place them on their side!
Inspiring Snowdrops
As you can see below, the Snowdrop is a great choice for mass naturalizing. Giving your landscapes fairytale character and interest. Over time, the Snowdrop will spread naturally, creating beautiful large drifts of gorgeous white blossoms.
If you ask someone who grows garlic, they’ll tell you that garlic is one of the greatest gifts you can pull from your garden. Not only are they incredibly easy to grow but they multiply and store extremely well, giving you unlimited garlic year after year. Why would someone want unlimited tasty, health benefiting, organic, garlic? We thought you might ask. Here are the top 5 reasons you might want to consider growing garlic this season, before it’s too late.
1.) Garlic is Medicine
Throughout history garlic has been famously used to fight and prevent illnesses. When crushed, chopped or chewed it’s able to release many healing properties including Sulfur, Allicin and A-allyl cysteine (1). Low in calorie, garlic is also a strong source of vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium and Manganese (2).
Where Garlic Can Heal
Used as a topical rub it can be used to treat fungus, bug bites and warts. When eaten raw it prevents and reduces colds by boosting immunity. As an oil extract, garlic can reduce inflamed joints and muscles by massaging the treated area. As a supplement in any form, garlic has been known to cure lung infections, blood pressure and more. More importantly, homegrown garlic has been proven to have higher levels of Allicin which produces all the health benefiting properties in garlic.
2.) Homegrown Garlic Is Better Than Store Bought
It’s not often, if ever at all that you walk into a grocery store with isles of garlic to choose from. In most grocery stores, you get to choose from jarred garlic or a single selection of garlic bulbs. When you stop to think about how many different types of recipes require garlic, you might want to shop for the best one for your dish. Each variety of garlic offers it’s own flavor profile to keep your recipes from all tasting the same.
Garlic Scapes
Not to mention garlic scapes! As pictured above, the garlic scape is a delicious stem that looks similar to a long bean. With an asparagus texture and scallion flavor, garlic scapes are produced from hardneck garlic. You can cook garlic scapes in recipes, on it’s own or eat raw. Garlic growers world wide choose hardneck garlic for their delicious garlic scapes, which you just don’t get in the store.
Rich complex flavor, long-lasting taste. Excellent for cold climates.
3.) Garlic Is Easy To Grow
After a beautiful summer of gardening, you can clean up your garden beds and leave them empty until spring or you can keep planting! Garlic is one of the best ways to use space in your garden that isn’t going to be used over the winter. They’re a great fall bulb that you can plant four weeks before the ground freezes. They don’t take up much space and they’re ready to harvest late spring/early summer!
How To Plant Garlic:
1.) Break bulbs into individual cloves. Make sure cloves are hard and solid. Plant larger cloves as they will produce larger bulbs – you can use the smaller cloves for dinner!
2.) Plant root plate end down, 3 inches deep, in well-drained soil.
3.) Add organic matter/ manure or mulch on top. Raised beds are recommended, as soil should be well draining. Spacing of at least 5 inches on 1-foot rows will provide adequate sunshine, any extra spacing will allow bulbs to grow larger.
4.) Keep soil moist.
4.) Garlic Is Best Fermented
Fermented garlic (also known as black garlic) is the process of storing your garlic with herbs, salt and water in a cold place for an extended amount of time. Because garlic is a perennial that multiplies, you can expect to have a lot of it. Fermenting garlic is not only a great way to use all your garlic without any waste, but it’s also delicious and healthy! Studies show that fermenting garlic creates enhanced bioactivity, which allows us to function better. Black garlic benefits many different functions in our bodies such as; Antioxidation, Antiallergic, Antidiabetic, Anti-inflammation, Anticarcinogenic (3).
How to Make Black Garlic:
1.) Peel as many garlic cloves as you wish to store.
2.) Fill your mason jar with the peeled cloves. Leaving 1 inch space at the top.
3.) Create your brine by adding water, 2 tablespoons salt and any additional herbs of your choice (fresh oregano, basil, pepper or pickling spice).
4.) Store your garlic in a cool, dark place for 3-6 weeks. TIP: Opening the jars once a day is a method called “burping” used to get rid of carbon dioxide.
5.) Once completed, store in the fridge! The longer the fermentation the better the taste!
Once ready, you can use your Black garlic to add to soups, dips, marinades, dressings, to treat ailments and more!
5.) It’s Hard To Get Organic Garlic
How well do you know your average grocery store garlic? Do you know where it comes from? Or, how it got there? For most, it’s just cheap and easy to get. The organic conscious consumer might be surprised to learn that over 90% of garlic is produced in China (4). Meaning that getting garlic into our grocery stores isn’t only environmentally harmful, but it’s also costly. This has lead to the price of garlic increasing substantially.
Careful of Bleach
Back to our organic conscious consumer, garlic isn’t as bright white and perfect as you might think. Unlike what you’ll find in a grocery store, garlic is naturally very spotty and marked. Yet, it’s picture perfect appearance is achieved by using a toxic bleaching technique used to extend shelf life. Unfortunately, even when indicated that it is “organic” chances are that it is not which only takes a quick trip to Dr. Google to learn more about (5).
What Do You Think?
Ask anyone who grows garlic and they’ll tell you it’s healthier, it’s easy, it tastes better and it’s addictive! At Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre, we have over 40 years of garlic experience. Need help choosing the right variety or have questions? Reach out to us any time, we’re happy to help you grow!
Is it a tree? Is it a bush? No, it’s shrub! Shrubs are like the middle sibling to trees and bushes. Unlike trees, shrubs are much smaller. They grow a central base with many small and woody branches stemming from the bottom to the top. Yet, shrubs are still slightly bigger than a bush with much less branches and more shape. Shrubs come in many different colors, shapes and sizes. Some with berries, some with flowers and some with both. They build beautiful landscapes, create privacy and help us breathe. Shrubs also provide food for the bees, the birds and sometimes, even us humans.
Why Fall?
If you have tried planting a shrub in the summer you know that it takes up a lot of time and energy caring for them. Summertime plantings are very stressful on all plants as it’s too hot and too dry. If you’re not outside watering your shrub with gallons of water every day, it will start to struggle and this is when you’ll notice your shrub leaves starting to fall off or it might just become droopy and sad looking.
If you’re looking to plant shrubs, fall is the best time to do so. The warm soil and crisp cool air that fall brings, promotes root growth for plants. An established root system is what you’ll want to keep your shrubs in place, allowing them to grow healthy and strong before the ground freezes. Here are a few unique shrubs to inspire you while it’s still the perfect time to plant them.
Snowberry – Native to North America, this shrub belongs to the honeysuckle family and is often left alone by the browsing deer. The Snowberry is known for it’s gorgeous pink, white, purple or red berries. Growing 1-6 ft tall and wide. Snowberry prefer full sun to partial shade with a minimum of 4 hours of indirect sunlight. If you live in zones 3-7, with dry or poor soil, the Snowberry is a great option for you as they can tolerate poor soil conditions.
Pussy Willow (Salix caprea) – Native to North America, the pussy willow is also know as goat willow. Historically used for its anti-inflammatory properties- it has been used by herbalists to treat joint and muscle pain, fever, headache and more! Pussy willows grow in zones 4-8, in full to partial shade with a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight each day. You can expect this large shrub to grow 15-25′ tall and 12-25′ wide. Making this a great shrub choice for anyone looking to build privacy.
Hydrangea –With over 75 different species the Hydrangea is native to both Asian and America. Depending on the variety you choose, Hydrangeas can blossom in the spring, summer or fall with large scented or unscented flowers. In zones 3-7, this shrub loves morning sun but not afternoon sun. Plant your Hydrangea in well drained soil, facing north or south. Hydrangeas are famous for their beautiful color variations, making them a popular shrub choice for those looking to add some some color to their landscape.
Viburnum– Belonging to the Adoxaceae family. Viburnums can grow anywhere between 2-30ft are there are both evergreen and deciduous varieties. They have clusters of blooms at the end of each branch, ranging from sweet to unpleasantly scented depending on the type. Grown in zones 2-9, Viburnums prefer moist and well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. These shrubs provide both berries and flowers which are great for attracting the birds and bees! If you are looking to attract more wildlife to your garden- a viburnum will do the trick.
Pyracantha – A very thorny evergreen shrub that is native to Europe and Asian is not on the deer menu. This perennial shrub can grow up to 12 ft tall and wide which makes a great privacy screen. Pyracantha have fragrant white blossoms in late spring with long lasting orange, red or yellow berries thereafter depending on the type you choose. A tasty treat for the birds, the bees and the butterflies. The berries on Pyracantha can last through winter giving you a much needed burst of colour. This shrub is a fan favorite for gardeners looking to get a fresh summer feel all year round.
American Elderberry – Native to Europe and America, the Elderberry is one of the easiest shrubs to grow. With many variations, you can grow this shrub in wide variety of growing conditions and zones. The American Elderberry can grow up to 12 ft tall and 6 feet wide. In zones 3-9, this shrub prefers full sun to partial shade and almost any type of soil that is well draining. Once fully ripened in August or September, the Elderberry can be harvested for cooking or eating raw. The perfect shrub for snacking!
Don’t Forget
If you’re ready to take the next step by introducing a shrub to your yard, just be sure to read the care instructions. Each shrub comes in many different varieties, and you want to make sure the shrub you choose is the going to thrive in your growing conditions. For more shrub inspiration, check out this episode of Get Up and Grow: Shrubs and Tree’s That Add Brilliant Fall Color to Your Garden, with President of Wildwood Outdoorliving, Gord and Chek News Journalist Jasmine Bala, below. Happy Gardening!
Sometimes with a new season comes a good seasonal clean up. The kind that will have you pulling your couch out and collecting your dust bunnies. Or maybe throwing your summer clothes in a pile and hiding them at the back of the closet. In the garden, fall is a great time for replacing the old with the new. In this article we’re going to go over a checklist to help you transition your garden from summer to fall.
September Checklist
Before we look at what needs to be done in October, let’s make sure we’re caught up with our September to-do’s. Here is a quick checklist for you to make sure that your garden is ready to take on October.
If you have a pond, be sure to net your ponds now to prevent the accumulation of falling leaves.
Lift all your onions, dry and store.
Stop watering your late-storing potatoes.
Sow new lawns when the day temperatures aren’t so hot. Feed soil with turf starter beforehand.
Plan for next spring, by mapping out your fall bulb placement.
Consider implementing cool weather crops into your garden, like winter greens.
October Checklist
No two gardens are alike. Which means you’re welcome to pick and choose what applies to you when it comes to transitioning your garden from summer to fall. One thing is for sure, October is one of the best planting seasons. If you aren’t planning on planting anything new in October, you’re missing out! October is the best time for a veggie garden and fall bulbs! Keeping you fed and your spring garden ahead of its game! Let’s see what else we can do for our gardens this October.
Remove pond netting and clean the bottom of the pond after the leaves have fallen.
Prune out all dead, diseased, and dying branches and leaves off shrubs and trees.
The best selection of fall bulbs is available now. Wildwood Outdoor Living has the largest selection around, online and in-store! Be sure to plan out your garden ahead of your visit to make sure you have the right growing conditions for your bulb choices.
Lower the blade on your lawn mower to keep grass cut shorter for fall. Keeping your lawn shorter in fall will prevent fungus like snow mold from forming in the spring.
Start taking fuchsias and geranium cuttings. This will allow your plants to become dormant during the winter, saving their energy for Spring.
Apply dolomite lime to prevent the soil from becoming too acid over the winter months. If the PH level is too high, your grass won’t be able to absorb nutrients properly.
Begin storing onions, carrots, and beets in dry peat moss or “Beats Peat” to absorb excess moisture and keep them well insulated. This will also prevent small rodents like mice from getting to them.
Plant fall bulbs and fall perennials now, for beautiful spring blooms!
Use gypsum lime and organic compost in heavy clay areas to change into workable soil.
Apply Fall & Winter lawn fertilizer 6-10-20. For the best results, be sure to apply your fertilizer earlier in the month, between October 1st-15th.
Depending on what you get done, you might have the rest of October to relax and watch the colors change. Or take your gardening inside with an herb garden or houseplants. Who could forget the beautiful fall décor that October brings! With what you’ve grown this year, you might be able to create something special like a fall wreath, pressed flowers, or decorated pumpkins. Whatever you’re into, fall is a great time to be a gardener with lots to do! Need help? Check out our new segment Get Up and Grow on Chek News, where our president Gord Nickel teaches Jasmine Bala something new each week.
Just when you think winter couldn’t get any more windy, wet, and cold, you step outside and notice something new. Something emerging from the ground that reminds you that spring is on its way! And it’s all thanks to you and your fall bulb planting back in October! When planting fall bulbs, Tulips are famous for making an early, long-lasting, spring entrance which makes them one of the most popular fall bulb choices. In this article, we’re going to teach you what there is to know about our friend the Tulip and how you can get started on your very own this fall.
About Tulips
From classic folklore tales of “true romance”, the Tulip has been crowned the flower of perfect and deep love, making them ideal for gifting to your partner, children or family. Originally from Turkey, the Tulip comes in over 150 varieties. The most common varieties of Tulips are Double Peony, Fringed Tulips, Triumph Tulips, Parrot Tulips, Single Early, Double Earlyand more! All incredibly different, with many different shapes and colours available in each variety.
Single Early Tulip
With their district cup shape and 6 petals, Single Early Tulips are on average 10-18 inches tall. Single Tulips are one of the earliest bloomers in cool weather and they also tend to last longer as well. Single Early Tulips pair well with Peonies and Clematis.
Fringed Tulip
Also known as “Crispa”, Fringed Tulips are famous for their soft fringe. They come in a variety of colors including pink, violet, yellow, white and red and grow up to 14-20 inches tall. Fringed Tulips perform beautifully on their own, or paired with slim flowers.
Double Early
Also known as Peony Tulips. Double Early Tulips resemble Peonies with their layered pedal arrangements. Double Early Tulips grow 10-16 inches tall and come in a huge variety of colors. Double Early Tulips are sensitive to rain, and prefer to be sheltered. These Tulips are versatile and go great with most flowers!
Parrot Tulips
Named after tropical parrots for their vibrant color and feather like pedals, the Parrot Tulip comes in a large variety of colors including red, orange, yellow, purple, pink, green and white. As a tall Tulip with long stems, the Parrot Tulip can get up to 3 feet tall, making them a delicate variety of Tulip. Add your Parrot Tulips to any flower arrangement for an eye catching exotic look.
How to Plant Tulips
Tulips are an easy to grow perennial that require little maintenance once they blossom. When choosing your Tulip bulbs, be sure to check whether the ones you’re choosing are fragrant are not, as not all Tulips are. This is especially important if you’re going to use your Tulips for fresh cut flowers. Once you have your Tulips selected, you’re ready to follow these quick and easy steps for growing them.
1.) Plant your Tulips= bulbs in September or October, when the soil is 15C in well-draining soil with full sun or partial shade.
2.) Plant the Tulip bulbs 5-7″ deep and 4-5″ apart, with the pointed side of the bulb face up.
3.) Water your bulbs well and wait for spring!
Once your Tulips have bloomed, be sure to allow the foliage to die back without pruning. This allows the foliage to fall to the ground, nourishing the soil for future growth. Tulips require little maintenance, with little to no watering depending on Mother Nature. If your Tulips aren’t getting enough rain, you can water them once a week.
Look at that, you’re ready to plant your own Tulips! Now you can expect beautiful Tulip blossoms year after year. With every year, comes more unique colorful combinations and varieties of Tulips for you to enjoy every spring. Happy gardening!
