Category: Article
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Broombusters
The Basics About Scotch Broom for Gardeners. From the Broombusters Invasive Plant Society As Master Gardeners, you understand how each species of plant has unique needs and certain growth patterns. Let’s look at Scotch broom. It is a titan in the plant kingdom, and unfortunately, it is wreaking havoc on ecosystems all over the world.…
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Backyard Bounty by Linda Gilkeson: Book Review
OMG MGiT Mary Trainer reviews Backyard Bounty by author Linda Gilkeson, published in 2018 by New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, B.C. Cultivate a green thumb…..or make yours greener by Mary Trainer, Master Gardener Program Participant, 2022 Book Review Oh sure, it’s easy,’ they told me, the newbie vegetable gardener. “You throw some seeds in the…
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Shaded balcony
March 2023 The balcony in my new condo is in 24-hour shade. Can you suggest a few plants or shrubs that could handle both living in pots and constant shade? There are several shrubs, evergreens and plants that will grow in containers in full shade but there are some challenges to overcome in this environment.…
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Blossoms in April
Before last year’s leaves have fallen from the young European beech trees on my street, before the Gunnera manicata, Brazilian giant-rhubarb, has completely unfolded even one of its new prickly leaves, and before the Kanzan cherry trees have burst into their long-lasting shocking pink garb, other ornamental cherry tree species and cultivars are already in…
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Kelowna Seedy Sunday 2023
The Kelowna Seedy Sunday 2023, hosted by the Okanagan Master Gardeners (OMG), was a spectacular celebration of gardening and community. Held on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at the Parkinson Recreation Centre (1800 Parkinson Way, Kelowna), the event brought together gardeners of all skill levels to share knowledge, exchange seeds, and connect with the local gardening…
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Blooming in March
I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills When all at once I saw a crowd. A host, of golden daffodils There I was, walking the seawall when, like so many other Vancouverites and visitors to this great city, I stopped in awe, as William Wordsworth did, to gaze…
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Plants for a shaded balcony
March 2023 The balcony in my new condo is in 24-hour shade. Can you suggest a few plants or shrubs that could handle both living in pots and constant shade? There are several shrubs, evergreens and plants that will grow in containers in full shade but there are some challenges to overcome in this environment.…
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Blueberry plants pollination
March 2023 I was wondering how I can figure out if a blueberry plant is the pollinator? I already have one, but today we learned that we need a pollinator. Blueberries are native to Canada and thrive in BC. They belong to the Ericaceae family and like azaleas and rhododendrons, prefer acidic soil. They have…
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Looking for Colour Outdoors in February
When I walked on rainy, cloudy, windy, grey, and/or snowy days in Vancouver this February, I relied on bare branches, peeling bark, bunches of berries, and popping buds to provide myself with botanical interest. But when I started to write this article, I noticed a faint splash of pink here and there, with a nod…