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Are you one? Do you know one? Do you want to be one? Is it a trend or a passing fad? The Oxford dictionary definition of ‘locavore’ is a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food. I think Wikipedia defines it better as a person interested in eating food …Read more About “How To Become A Better Locavore”

Do you plant impatiens every year in your garden or containers? Well this year (2013) you might want to consider something else. Downy Mildew is currently wiping out plantings of this popular annual and even causing growers to stop growing them. I have filled many benches with flats and flats of these annuals and spent …Read more About “Warning: Why You Should Avoid Impatiens Right Now”

This (pictured above) is how to literally *kill* a tree with kindness. Please don’t bury the flare at the base of the trunk in soil or mulch — it will cause moisture damage to the bark and cambium, eventually harming the thing you’re trying to help. If you’re going to mulch, spread it out in …Read more About “Mulch Volcano Season Begins!”

Please welcome my guest author and friend, Mohammed Jacquesson.  Mohammed is a Paralegal specializing in Small Claims Court matters and is providing you with some great tips today when hiring a contractor. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – As a paralegal specializing in Small Claims Court matters, …Read more About “Hiring A Landscape Contractor”

Cedars, Boxwood and Yews, can be lightly pruned in early spring to remove any winter dieback and prune for shape prior to spring growth. Note to trim hedges a little more narrow at the top to let light get to the bottom of the plant, this is a common mistake that leads to the dying …Read more About “Pruning Of Evergreens”

Summer flowering shrubs like Spirea, Potentilla, Weigela, Hydrangea and even Roses should be pruned in early spring before growth begins and then again later in season to remove spent flowers and encourage more blooms.   If this all appears a little daunting, give me a call and I can arrange to have a trained professional …Read more About “Pruning Of Summer Flowering Shrubs”

Here are some ideas for Spring planters… hope they inspire you!   Photos courtesy of North Shore Views, Terrassa – Outdoor Living, The Vancouver Sun, Little Leaf Design, Urban Garden

Despite the current cold entrance of spring, warmer temperatures are around the corner, spring cleanup shouldn’t begin until the ground has dried. Keep in mind walking or raking in garden and lawn too early compresses soil and causes the important spring rains to just run off the garden instead of being absorbed by the plants. …Read more About “Let Spring Begin!”

Q:   Salt… is it bad for the health of your plants and walkway? A:  Yes, all effective de-icing products will damage plant material and corrode everything from metal to concrete.   Although a necessary evil in our climate here are some tips to remember: Do not over apply, a little goes a long way Clear …Read more About “Think Your Salt And De-icing Products Are Safe?”

One of the benefits to a Landscape Design Plan is how it allows homeowners to break the work into stages over time.   In this case we started with a blank canvas of a very square fenced in yard in 2008. The home owners invested in a very large blue spruce and round square cut …Read more About “The Benefits To A Landscape Design Plan”