Perennials

How to Grow Peonies for Cut Flowers

I recently attended a Canadian Peony Society Zoom seminar “How to Grow Peonies for Cut Flowers”. The presenter was Piet Wiersta of the Oregon Perennial Company; a large scale grower of perennials. Most of their peonies are grown for the … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on How to Grow Peonies for Cut Flowers

Planting In Dry Shade

Joy recently was asked by a homeowner what she could plant on north side of her house in dry shade. Joy’s reponse: Improve the soil by adding compost, chopped leaves, cattle manure. Don’t plant right next to the  foundation; leave … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on Planting In Dry Shade

A Question About Lavender

One of our readers sent us a question asking about the best lavender to grow in our climate. The most hardy lavender for Ontario gardens is Lavandula angustifolia (English lavender),  hardy to zone 5. Lavender Hidcote is one of the … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on A Question About Lavender

Types of Mulch

  We had a recent question about what type of mulch to use in perennial beds. We thought that others might be interested in the response:   First of all, good for you for deciding to mulch. It is a great … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on Types of Mulch

This Spring …..Plant Natives

Climate change is no longer that looming threat on the horizon. It is here and the changes are happening now. So, in the gardening world there is much discussion about how to use gardening to help prevent loss of habitat, … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on This Spring …..Plant Natives

Choosing Peonies for Fall Planting

  The information in this post pertains to herbaceous peonies – the ones most people in Ontario refer to as old fashioned peonies. Tree peonies and Itoh peonies will be discussed another time. Fall is the time to plant/transplant peonies. … Continue reading

Posted in Advice, Perennials | Comments Off on Choosing Peonies for Fall Planting