Don’t know what to get Dad for Father’s Day this year? Don’t worry, we’ve curated a list of the perfect gifts that are sure to make him feel special. Get ready to take your gift-giving game to the next level with The Top 5 Gifts for Dad this Father’s Day!
If you’ve got a Dad who loves his favorite chair, then you know how important it is to him. But why not take that special spot outdoors for an even more special experience? Introducing the Ergonomically designed, heavy-duty dream chair! With no painting, no slivers and no rot, this chair will be a lifetime companion for your Dad and his favorite spot outside.
2.) Aquascapes Mini-Pond Kit
Don’t have a pond? Get one! Whether Dad lives in an apartment or doesn’t have the space for a pond, The Aquascape AquaGarden Mini Pond Kit makes it simple and easy to add the sights and sounds of a water garden to any location. Not only a fun project to do together, but a relaxing way to unwind together this Father’s Day.
Looking for more fun? Add a few small fish and different types of plants to create your own unique aquatic paradise. The waterfall filter offers an ideal environment for plants, but also acts as a biological filter to keep the water clean and clear.
3.) DIY Bird House
A great way to create lasting memories with Dad this Father’s Day is by completing a DIY project together! This Bird Feeder Kit comes with all the materials you need to build your own bird feeder. Not only will it be a fun and rewarding activity, but it will also give Dad the opportunity to watch and enjoy the birds that visit his creation. With this kit, you can create an enjoyable experience of bonding, learning, and appreciation for nature that will be remembered for years to come!
4.) Funny Dog Fountain
Are you looking for a unique way to put a smile on your Dad’s face this Father’s Day? Look no further than the Aquascape Naughty Dog Spitter! This lightweight and durable poly-resin ornament is easy to install and provides a fun, whimsical addition to any pond or water feature. Not only is it eye-catching, but it will bring life to your outdoor living space. Plus, it’s sure to be a hit with Dad!
Struggling for ideas on what to buy your Dad this Father’s Day? Get him a Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre gift card and let him pick the perfect gift himself. The card can be used for both in-store and online purchases, so it’s a great last-minute option with no expiration date!
Happy Father’s Day from all of us at Wildwood Outdoor Living Centre!
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Salvia (or ‘sage’) is an attractive and fragrant addition to the summer garden. It is known to be quite resilient, being both deer & rabbit-resistant. If you are looking for a reliable hardy plant for your garden this June, check out everything there is to learn about Salvia in this weeks blog, Salvia 101.
About Salvia
Salvias belong to the family of Lamiaceae and are known for being colorful. The flowers are dense and have a tubular shape, while the stems & leaves are usually velvety. These plants can be found in various shades like purple, blue, red, pink & white.
Salvia, derived from the Latin word salvere meaning “to heal,” and has been used centuries ago by the Greek & Roman societies to improve memory and enhance cognitive functions.
Although “salvia” and “sage” are often used interchangeably, the former usually refers to ornamental plants, while the latter is for culinary herbs. Additionally, there are several varieties of garden sage that have attractive ornamental features.
Resistant
Salvia plants are lucky, as they are usually left undamaged by deer and rabbits due to the pungent odor of their distinctive leaves. This scent works as a natural deterrent to other pests in the garden.
Tolerant
Salvia plants are highly tolerant of both heat and drought, making them ideal for the summer garden. They come in a wide variety of shapes & sizes, ranging from 18 inches to 5 feet tall! Growing them in containers is also possible and can be beneficial if you have limited space.
Hardy
Before selecting salvias to add to your garden, it’s important to note that the hardiness of the species varies across different regions. Some are best kept as annuals while others can survive as perennials. There’s a large selection of both types available.
Varieties of Salvia
There are nearly a thousand species of salvias, of which some are perennial and tender. To make up for their lack of winter hardiness, they are often treated as annuals in regions where they cannot survive the cold weather.
Annuals
For regions with warmer climates, certain Salvias are known to be perennial plants that persist from one season to the next. However, most of these varieties are usually grown as annuals that need replacing yearly. Popular Annuals include: Scarlet Sage or Texas Sage, Pineapple Sage and Bedding Sage.
Perennials
This is an ideal group of plants for cold climates, ranging in height from 12-24 inches and producing blooms between late spring and early summer. The following salvias are usually grown as perennials; Azure Sage, Peruvian Sage, Autumn Sage and Hybrid Sage.
How to Plant Salvia
Salvia requires full sunlight and slightly acidic to neutral soil pH for proper growth. The blooming period typically ranges from spring to fall and flowers come in various colors like blue, pink, purple, red, white & yellow. This plant is hardy in the zone 5-10. To plant your own Salvia at home, follow these easy instructions:
1.) Dig the ground to a depth of 12 inches & remove any stones or roots. Then add in 3 inches of compost for extra nutrient content to make the soil more fertile.
2.) When growing plants in pots, it is advisable to add some grit or sharp sand to the compost in order for better water drainage. Plants planted in the garden soil don’t require additional feeding as they can gain nourishment from atmospheric conditions.
3.)After taking the plant out of its pot, put it in a hole that is three times the size of the plants container, so that the top of its root ball is even with the soil surface.
4.)Depending on the type of plant, space plants at a distance of 1 to 3 feet apart.
5.) After planting the desired species, be sure to pack the soil around it firmly yet gently. Afterwards, give the plant its first good soak of water.
How to Care for Salvia
Watering Salvia
For optimal hydration and weed prevention for your Salvia, add a 2-inch layer of mulch near the plant. If there are more than 7 consecutive days without an inch of rain in summer, water the plants accordingly. However, do not over-water them as Salvia does not enjoy excess irrigation during warm months.
Feeding Salvia
During bloom season, Salvia plants do not need any additional fertilizers to flourish. Removing dead flowers periodically will help in creating a continuous blooming effect.
Pruning Salvia
When the season comes to a close, it is beneficial to leave some flowers on the plants for reseeding and providing food for birds. Some plants may develop woody lower stems with age; prune these back if desired. The last step is to cut all of the stems down to an inch or two above soil line after the first killing frost.
Dividing Salvia
It’s recommended to divide your perennial salvia plants every few years, preferably in the early spring before new growth begins. To do so, simply take the plant out of the ground, split it into smaller clumps and replant them where desired.
Summer is almost here and we are feeling the joy of blooms! We could do with a bit more warmth though, but it’s getting better day-by-day and that’s all that matters. It’s time to get the most out of your June garden, so grab your gardening tools and check off our handy list of to-do’s this month! Get growing and have some fun!
Plants
Plant early-maturing vegetables like Tomatoes, Beans, Peppers and Squash to get an early harvest.
Give your summer salads a flavor boost by planting herbs like basil and cilantro. Don’t forget to pinch off the flower buds to get more flavorful leaves.
Brighten up any garden by planting Cosmos, Marigolds, Zinnias, Nasturtiums, Morning Glory and Sunflowers.
To protect from insects and diseases, it’s important to pick up any fallen fruits or vegetables. This will help reduce their spread and ensure a healthy crop.
Plant cucumbers, edamame, different types of squash such as summer and winter, pumpkins, beets, carrots, chard, melons and scallions from seed is possible.
If you’re looking to begin planting winter crops, consider starting them indoors like Cabbage, Leeks, Chard, and Parsnips. This is a great way to ensure that they will be well taken care of and thrive come colder months.
Covering your sprawling vegetables, like melons and squash, with mulch will ensure they stay clean and dry by avoiding contact with dampened soil.
To ensure more blossoms come about in the next spring, prune Wisteria side shoots back to a length of 20 cm.
It is essential to remember to water containers regularly- once every two days, for instance. Window boxes, vessels suspended from the ceiling, and those located under overhangs and eaves may need to be watered daily.
After the spring-flowering shrubs have bloomed, it’s time to prune them to improve health and shape.
Keep container-grown trees and shrubs replenished with water, so they have the best chance to grow properly. It is important to keep these plants hydrated for them to continue thriving.
To ensure that perennials have a bushy, strong structure – it is advised to trim back their later flowering parts right away. This will give you an advantageous result in the long run.
Keep an eye out for black spot or powdery mildew on roses and other plants – treatment with some fungicide is essential. Don’t forget to remove and eliminate any infected foliage, as composting it can spread the disease.
Now is the time to get those summer-blooming dahlias, gladiolus, and canna lilies planted so you can enjoy their beautiful colors throughout the summer.
To ensure your strawberry fruit doesn’t touch the ground, be sure to put mulch around the base of your strawberry plants. This will provide a cushion and also prevent disease and pests from affecting them.
To make sure your roses stay healthy during the summer, remember to mulch them properly, feed regularily and prune off any dead flowers..
To ensure your vegetable plants receive the nutrients they require for optimal growth, use an All-purpose Fertilizer, 20-20-20.
Lawn & Pond
Now you can grow aquatic plants in your ponds and fountains. Planting water plants is a great way to add life to your pond and make it look more visually appealing.
Cool-season lawns only require minimal amounts of fertilizer during the summer months, as they go partially dormant when it is at its hottest.
As the temperature rises, it is a good idea to raise the blade height of your lawn mower. The trimmings left behind can serve as an organic and natural way to fertilize your grass.
Ensure that your lawn receives a minimum of one inch of water each week. To promote deep roots, thoroughly irrigate the area if you are utilizing watering systems.
It is recommended to wait until late spring when the temperature ranges between 20-23 degrees Celsius before introducing fish into your pond. This is the optimal time for them to thrive!
It’s the ideal time to plant and feed warm-season lawns, as the weather conditions now are just right.
If you want your fish to stay safe, limit their food intake to what they can finish within three minutes of waking up from hibernation. This way, you can be sure that they won’t choke on their meal.
Applying moss killer should be done when the temperatures are lower than 18C, as this is the ideal time for it to be effective.
We’ve added more water features to our collection! Decorate your outdoors with these stylish pond designs for a contemporary look.
Miscellaneous & More!
While applying slug bait, make sure to disperse it across your veggie garden – not in a single pile.
During the summer months, sprucing up houseplants and changing their environment can improve the overall appearance of your home and benefit your plants too.
Keep all the necessary items like gloves, labels, twine, plant food, pruners etc. in ready supply before commencing work. This will help you stay well prepared and avoid last minute hassle.
It is vital to change the hummingbird feeder nectar regularly, preferably every few days, as it can go bad quickly in hot conditions.
Investing in a rain barrel can be a great way to practice sustainability and save money! It’s an easy, effortless way to reduce your environmental impact as well as your expenses.
Give your compost heap a stir and add some water if it appears to be going dry.
To create a flourishing garden, it is recommended to install trellises for climbers such as clematis, tomatoes, cucumbers and pole beans.
Covering your berry bushes with netting can help keep birds from snacking on your delicious fruit and ruining your harvest. It’s an easy and effective way to protect what you’ve grown!
Ensure that birdbaths and water features are kept clean and fresh to inhibit mold and mosquito growth.
Make sure to get your fall bulbs now for a beautiful spring garden! Pre-ordering will guarantee you have all the blooms you want, right on time.
Supplementing the soil around heat or drought prone plants with extra mulch can help protect them from extreme conditions and provide much needed nutrition.
Make sure to check the compost regularly for readiness. If necessary, mix or replace with fresh compost as required.
Keep an eye on your plants for pests and diseases such as aphids, beetles, cabbage worms, hornworms and cutworms – and act accordingly if needed.
Nowadays, many people are putting their houseplants outdoors due to its numerous benefits. Outdoor plants can help eliminate pollutants in the air, absorb carbon dioxide, and provide a presence of nature. Moving indoor plants outdoors can also be very advantageous as it allows them to get more sunshine and fresh air which can lead to healthier growth.
Choosing the Right Plants for Different Types of Outdoor Areas in Your Home
Creating an outdoor oasis can be a great way to enjoy a space with nature. To help you get started, there are plenty of houseplants to choose from to help create a cozier place to enjoy outside. Here are a few of our favourite houseplants that we often move outside during the summer months.
Ficus, 15 C minimum night temperature
Fiddle Leaf Fig, 16 C minimum night temperature
Majesty Palm, 13 C minimum night temperature
Philodenron, 16 C minimum night temperature
Tips on How to Prepare Your Houseplants for Outdoor Exposure
Acclimating houseplants to the outdoors can be tricky and a little scary but here are some tips on outdoor plant care that may help.
Get your plant accustomed to the sun’s intensity gradually and avoid placing it in direct sunlight at first.
Check the soil often for moistness and water according to your plants needs.
Research the particular requirements of plants you own when it comes to temperature and other considerations. Print and save this information somewhere for quick reference.
How to Bring Your Plants Outside
To properly transition a houseplant from indoors to outdoors, a technique known as hardening off must be done in multiple stages for two weeks. Additionally, you should wait until the temperature has consistently been above 10°C at night before moving your houseplant outside.
Step 1 – The first step to ‘Hardening off’ your plants is to put them outside in a sheltered environment, away from direct sun exposure and wind. This should be kept up for around 5 days. If you observe that your houseplant is exhibiting signs of shock, it would be best to leave it in its current position until it starts to recover.
Step 2 – Once the initial 5-day waiting period is over, it’s time to move the plant to a shaded and unsheltered area. This helps the plant get used to more wind blowing in that environment and gradually starts making it stronger and hardier.
Step 3 – For your house plant to stay healthy, make sure it stays in the current position for five more days. In case the leaves start wilting or it begins to droop, leave it as is until its condition improves and its foliage is lively again.
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The Japanese iris is related to a wide variety of different plants, from the bearded iris and other landscaping varieties and are native to North America.
Japanese irises are a great way to add color and texture to your garden. They measure 3 to 6 inches across and their lush green foliage complements their vibrant blooms.
It is recommended to plant the bulbs in autumn for a flourishing display of these irises in spring. However, the nursery is newly stocked with plants that are ready to be transplanted now.
Spring and summer are times when they thrive the best, making them an ideal choice for areas of a landscape that contain boggy ground. Other plants may have difficulty surviving in this kind of environment, however these hardy plants thrive in these conditions.
TIP: The iris family, particularly the Japanese iris, can cause serious harm to humans and animals if ingested. Therefore, caution must be taken when handling this plant.
2.) Sarracenia Velvet
The diverse pitcher plants of North America are an amazing species to behold. Not only do they have incredible traps that help capture prey easily, but they are also easy to grow, which makes them great for beginners.
Pitchers belonging to most carnivorous plants are usually tall and slim, and have attractive colors with seductive aromas. Insects often become stuck on the waxy surfaces or get deceived by the see-through leaves. The nectar secreted by these plants can also be poisonous in some cases, making it risky for visitors.
With eight distinct species and a variety of forms, along with endless options for hybridization, collecting Sarracenia – often referred to as trumpet pitchers – is a hobby that can span your entire lifetime. And the best part is that some of these species are incredibly easy to grow, making them an ideal choice for beginners entering the world of carnivorous plants.
3.) Thalia Dealbata
Thalia Dealbata is an aquatic perennial, which is evergreen and grows in marginal areas. Its leaves are long-stalked, erect, and narrowly ovate, reaching up to 40 cm in length. They have a white powdery coating and slender stems bearing panicles of flowers 2 cm across that are a shade of purple.
This plant is not carnivorous, but it can still cause harm to small insects such as hoverflies and tiny bees when they visit for pollination. They may get stuck in the plant’s sticky pollen and eventually die due to suffocation.
Plants that thrive in moist conditions can be grown in bogs as well. To protect them from the cold and frost during the winter, put their containers under 18-24” of water. This will help keep them safe in place.
TIP: If you have a greenhouse or any other frost free area with ample light, it is wise to move your plants inside those containers during the winter season. Additionally, for wet boggy soil plants, trim the tops and mulch them heavily in winter for optimal growth.
4.) Cyperus Percamenthus
Also known as Dwarf Papyrus, is part of the Cyperaceae family and specifically the Cyperus genus, which contains around 700 species of flat sedges. The Dwarf Papyrus is native to the coastal regions of Africa, where it takes its name from, and can tolerate a range of pH levels.
This plant has a grass-like look and delicate leaves. It produces a tufted foliage that looks like a firework burst – vivid green and yellow colors! Its globular shape is truly eye-catching and beautiful. A great choice for small backyard ponds or container gardens as it grows robustly and beautifully. in wet or dry soil.
Dwarf papyrus plants are known to significantly improve the environment in which they reside. They are efficient in purifying the air, helping to ensure healthy soils and can even improve water quality in ponds. Moreover, these plants play an essential role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
5.) Canna Orange Chocolate
Add some vibrancy to your garden with this dwarf Canna! It produces stunning orange blooms and has a showy foliage of olive green and purple-brown. Perfect for borders or large containers.
For optimal growth, this plant prefers a moist yet well-drained soil. At the start of winter, the rhizomes must be taken out and stored in a dry and cool environment; during March, they can be separated into parts as needed and potted again. By late May, these plants should be placed in your garden. Now is the perfect time to get yours as we’re newly stocked and they go quick!
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