General

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”

See how with just a little snow you can notice the different forms and textures in the garden?               Some of the plants to note are a small ornamental weeping white pine, the winter interest of Karl Foerstor Ornamental grass, a large mature blue spruce is in the background. …Read more About “Winter Garden”

One of my favorite and easy houseplants is Sansevieria or Snake Plant. I like the vertical form of the plant so it looks good in a small or large size pot.  It is happiest with moderate light but I have grown it successfully in low light. It also likes to dry out between waterings. While …Read more About “Bring The Garden Indoors This Winter!”

Holly is an often-forgotten about evergreen shrub that provides great interest throughout the garden season.   There are over 400 varieties of Holly but only several that grow in our zone 5 climate. And those would be the ones available at local nurseries. Dark green glossy leaves but most noted for its red berries or …Read more About “Holly”