Spring is here, and it’s time to get creative with your outdoor decor. Hanging baskets are a great way to add a bit of life and colour to your garden or patio. With the right combination of plants, your hanging baskets will be blooming all spring long! Canada has some of the best climates for growing plants in hanging baskets. Whether you’re looking for something that will last all season or something that will bring a splash of colour during the warmer months, there are plenty of options for creating beautiful spring hanging baskets. In this article, we’ll cover the top five best hanging baskets to try this spring in Canada.
Depending on the location, people refer to them as Pelargoniums, Ivy Leaf Geraniums or Trailing Geraniums- all of which add beauty and charm to any space.
These beautiful 12-18 inch cascading plants possess gently flowing, ivy-style green foliage and a plethora of dainty, five-petal flower clusters that appear in soft cherry, sweet lavender and creamy white.
Spilling perfectly from window boxes, hanging baskets and containers, and their pretty foliage and abundant flowers will delight you all summer long.
This Lobelia is a great option if you’re looking for full hanging baskets this year. Its vibrant navy blue flowers make it stand out and its trailing size allows it to fit nicely between other plants.
Bees and butterflies are instantly drawn to the beautiful blooms of Midnight Blue Lobelia. Plant them in window boxes, hanging baskets or other containers and let them spill over the edge to create a stunning effect! To ensure they thrive, provide moist soil and either full sunlight or partial shade.
Trailing Lobelia makes an excellent companion for Alyssum. Sowing the very small seeds on top of moist soil is advised and transplantation outside should be avoided unless the temperature is higher than 10°C (50°F).
These exquisite trailing nasturtiums are a real feast for the eyes and bring a dazzling array of colors to any hanging basket, window box, or container.
Firebird’s vibrant blossoms of deep burgundy, warm pumpkin, and rich coral stand out against the contrasting backdrop of lily-pad shaped leaves with a variegated pattern.
Brighten up your patio or walkway this summer with these beautiful Nasturtiums. Not only are they eye-catching, but their edible flowers also taste like a mix of watercress and honey, making them the perfect candidates for salads or seafood recipes!
Dwarf strawflowers are incredibly easy to take care of and will soon be filled with dazzling, 2-inch double-bloomed flowers on sturdy 18-inch stems. The colors of these blooms consist of frosted rose, soft pink, salmon, lemon yellow and pumpkin creating a visually balanced package.
Planting these flowers will add long-lasting beauty to your hanging baskets and keep it bright for months.
These drought-resistant, hardy flowers are ideal for fresh cut flower bouquets and also easy to dry quickly for crafting projects and “everlasting” decorations. Their long-lasting nature makes them great for any occasion.
You’ll be amazed by the hanging stems of these stunning begonias, draped in magnificent double flowers throughout the summer.
Giant Double Begonia Pendula will create a remarkable sight in any hanging baskets or containers with its glorious white coloring. It’s definitely going to be an eye-catching display.
Begonias are a stunning addition to any garden, and these garden begonias are no exception. They will bloom from June until frost, making them the perfect choice for those looking to add a splash of colour to their outdoor space.
Try planting your very own Giant Double Begonia Pendula and follow along as our president Gord Nickel teaches Hannah from Chek News, everything there is to know when it comes to planting your own at home.
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Magnolias add a burst of blooms to any landscape with their giant pedals in various shades of white and pink. Magnolia trees can range enormously in height; with a lifespan of 80-120 years, they can reach anywhere from 8ft to 60ft! This makes magnolia trees ideal for yards, as they come in all shapes and sizes. No matter how limited or expansive the space is, there’s a type of magnolia tree to fit your needs. In this blog, we’ll go over what it takes to grow a Magnolia tree of your own this Spring.
When to Plant Magnolias
If you’re in a cold climate, the best time to plant magnolias is in early Spring. However, if you find magnolias available at your garden centre anytime throughout the year, it’s acceptable to go ahead and plant them. Evergreen magnolias are especially recommended for growth during this time as long as the soil is workable.
Magnolia Spacing
Magnolias require ample space to thrive and should stay put once planted. It’s best to keep the area beneath them clear of anything else as their falling leaves can smother plants, although they will decompose and act as a natural mulch that provides essential nutrients for the tree.
Planting Magnolias
Magnolia trees prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil such as sandy, loamy or clay. When planting, consider the depth of its roots – which makes them vulnerable to damage caused by foot traffic and heavy soil compaction. Mulching can help keep the roots cool, especially in the early years after they are planted.
Magnolia Sunlight
Regarding light requirements, evergreen varieties need full sun, while deciduous ones require some partial shade. Magnolias generally prefer full sun for optimal growth, but in areas with extreme heat or dryness, some shade is necessary to protect them from the intense afternoon sun.
Watering Magnolias
After planting, providing your new tree with enough water is essential. Depending on the climate, watering should occur 2-3 times per week during cooler months and then once weekly throughout the growing season. For watering, use 2-3 gallons per inch of trunk diameter (3.0-4.4 litres per cm).
Tip: Although magnolia seeds and leaves aren’t toxic, they are not meant to be eaten. If your pet does consume parts of the tree, keep an eye out for any signs of indigestion or discomfort and seek advice from your vet.
Magnolia trees are a fantastic specimen, combining breathtaking flowers with lustrous foliage and an irresistible fragrance. Their unparalleled beauty and aroma can bring complete serenity to your garden. Now that you know how to plant your very own, all there is left to do is choose your favourite one!
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Milkweed is one of the most essential plants in our environment. It provides food and shelter to wildlife, including butterflies, bees, moths, and other pollinators. In addition to providing these benefits, milkweed is easy to grow and can be found in many different climates. In this article, we will explore everything there is to know about milkweed.
About Milkweed
Milkweed belongs to the herbaceous family and is a perennial plant. When properly cared for, it can live up to two years. It’s a popular choice among butterflies as it provides them with a safe place to lay eggs, while their leaves serve as food for newly hatched larvae, allowing them to reproduce.
Canada has around thirteen distinct types of milkweed, one of the most popular being Aslepias. This plant blooms in pastels shades like pink, purple, white and orange, producing clusters of star-shaped flowers with milky sap inside their stems.
Historically
Humans have utilized milkweed for a long time, not only as an essential part of the ecosystem but also as a source of the material. Its silk-like fibres have been used to stuff pillows and mattresses for centuries.
For centuries, numerous indigenous tribes have also implemented milkweed for various medicinal purposes. It was applied as a treatment for warts, chewed to cure dysentery, and utilized in salves and infusions to ease swelling, rashes, coughs, fevers and asthma.
Pro-Tip: To escape the wind and find some reprieve after a tiring day, butterflies look for cozy spots like beneath leaves, between blades of grass, tucked between rocks or even huddled up on tree branches. As gardeners, the best thing we can do to provide a safe shelter for butterflies is to introduce a manmade butterfly home! Place your butterfly home near your popular butterfly flowers to make sure it’s visible, and add some sticks and dry leaves to help entice them.
How to Grow Milkweed
By introducing certain milkweed into your garden or landscape, you can create a natural habitat that will attract beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and other pollinators while also repelling common pests. This cheap and simple solution is a great way to make a positive impact on the environment while also taking care of pesky pest problems!
Sun
Full sunlight
Sow
Start sowing the seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, and then transplant them or sow directly in late spring. The optimal soil temperature for germination is between 10-25°C (50-75°F).
Sprout
7-35 days.
Cover
Make sure to just sprinkle the tiny seeds with a sterilized seed starting mix. When it’s time for transplanting, be sure to keep them 30-60 cm or 12-24 inches apart.
Zone
Hardy to Zone 3
Difficulty
Easy
Pro-tip: All varieties of milkweed native to Canada contain a milky sap with poisonous qualities. Be sure to wear gloves when handling!
Introduction: What Makes Snapdragons a Must-Have in Your Garden?
Snapdragons are perfect for any garden. Their beautiful and vibrant colours, long blooming season and easy-to-grow nature, make them a must-have. With the right growing tips and care, snapdragons can bring beauty and life to your garden all year round. In this article, we’re here to provide helpful information on successfully growing your snapdragons at home.
About Snapdragons
The snapdragon is a type of flower with four or five yellow, white, purple, and blue lobes. In addition to having a long stem that can grow up to three feet tall, the flower also has many tiny leaves along the stem.
Snapdragons were initially found in mountainous terrain stretching from Europe to North Africa, American and Canadian regions. Belonging to the Antirrhinum family, snapdragons were introduced to the Americas in the early 1800s.
Fun fact: Resembling the face of a dragon, squeezing the base on the flower can create the illusion of a dragon opening and closing its mouth as it’s pressed lightly.
Snapdragon Growing Conditions
To get the best results when planting snapdragons, it is important to understand the ideal soil conditions and when to sow the seeds. Knowing the optimal depth for planting will ensure that your snapdragon plants have all of the necessary nutrients and moisture they need to thrive. With some knowledge, you can have a vibrant display of snapdragons in no time.
When to Sow: Direct Outdoors, Late Spring Bloom
Sprouts:
7-14 days
Bloom:
Late spring-early summer
Location:
Full-partial sun
Difficulty:
Easy
Lifecycle:
Perennial
Planting depth:
1″
Seed Spacing:
Surface
Plant spread:
Approx. 8″
How to Plant Snapdragons
1.) For optimal results, starting your seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last spring frost is usually recommended.
2.) Space seeds at a distance of 1 inch and cover lightly.
3.) Keep the soil consistently moist and exposed to ample light until you transplant it outdoors.
4.) Once the seedlings have grown big enough, transfer them 2 inches apart into bigger containers or separate pots.
5.) For optimal growth, place your transplanted flowers in soil that is nutrient-rich and has good drainage, as well as being exposed to direct sunlight.
Tip: To keep flowers blooming longer, trim away any spent stalks after flowering. This encourages more blooms throughout the season.
Harvesting Snapdragons
1.) To successfully cut snapdragons, use garden shears and snip them at a 45-degree angle, just above the leaf node. The best time to do this is early in the day when the flowers from the lower one-fourth or one-third of the spike have blossomed.
2.) Then fill a clean vase with about half to two-thirds of cold water and add your favourite flower preservative.
3.)To keep your snapdragons fresh, start by taking each one out of the water and cutting 1 inch off the stem at a 45-degree angle while running warm water. Put them inside a vase immediately and set them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
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With the arrival of spring, it is time to get your garden ready for the new season. March is a great month to started on some of your favourite gardening activities! Plus, don’t forget it’s the best time of year to get everything you need while shelves are fully-stocked. In this weeks blog, we’re here to share everything you can do this March, so that you can grow your best garden yet this Spring!
March Checklist
Still have snow on the ground? That’s no problem at all! With March comes a lot of preparation for a whole new season ahead. Whether you’re cooped up indoors or just about ready to dig in the dirt, we’re here to make sure you cross off everything there is to do this month with our handy check-list below.
Prune trees and shrubs, from any winter damage. Repair broken branches with clean cuts to prevent mites.
Try using recycled plastic for sowing seeds, like yogurt cups!
Sowing In March
March is the perfect time to sow seeds for your garden. Whether you are a novice or an experienced gardener, sowing seeds in March can help you get a head start on the growing season. There are many benefits to sowing seeds in this month, including taking advantage of the early spring weather conditions and avoiding pests and diseases. Additionally, March is a great time to test out new varieties of plants and experiment with different planting techniques. Check out our handy list of seeds that are ready for sowing this Spring!
Feed houseplants with garden prod 