Category: Article
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Myrtus communis
I have Myrtus communis in a container. Can it stay outside in the winter? About this plant: The common myrtle, also known as Foxtail myrtle, Sweet myrtle, True Roman myrtle and True myrtle is a species of flowering plant in the family ‘Myrtaceae’. This species and the more compact M. communis ‘Tarentina’ have won the…
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The Autumn Leaves
“The autumn leaves” was one of my mother’s favourite songs. Whenever it came on the radio, she would sing along romantically. So I decided to look at some leaves this autumn. Here is the first group from A to G by scientific name to keep genera together. (My next article in the new year will…
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Where Are the Colours?
Where are the colours! They are everywhere.Whether we are looking at fall colours from a distance or close-up, fall’s palette is truly magical, a blend of blue mountains and waters, summer and winter greens, gentle reds, and fading browns. Red sumac leaflets hang down like rows of identical pennants. They are stunning against the ultramarine…
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Unhealthy almond tree
I have a 4-5 year old almond tree that looks very unhealthy. It has bad leaf curl. What can I do to save it? To solve your Almond tree’s poor health, we will assume that it was properly diagnosed as Peach Leaf Curl caused by fungus Taphrina deformans It overwinters within the buds. As buds…
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Calla lily not blooming
Why is my calla lily not blooming? The botanical name Zantedeschia aethiopica more commonly known as Calla or arum lily is not a true lily, nor grown from a bulb but a rhizome. This plant is poisonous – handle with care. The sap can be irritating, all parts should not be ingested ~ watch pets…
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Poison Hemlock
How does one deal with Conium maculatum (poison hemlock)? Poison hemlock stem Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is an invasive poisonous plant found in parts of southern BC, including the greater Victoria area. It grows 1-3 metres tall, has fern-like leaves, umbrella clusters of small white flowers, and purple spots or streaks on its stems. Be…
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Rhubarb leaves with holes
What is causing large holes in my Rhubarb leaves? Large and ragged holes in the leaves of rhubarb are caused by slugs. The conditions in which rhubarb thrives (moist and mulched) are ideal habitat for slugs. In the moist and temperate climate of southwest B.C. slugs may sometimes cause significant damage to rhubarb leaves but…
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Mixing it up Conference 2023: Report
Mixing it up: Saturday, January 21, 2023 We had a wonderful time! Here’s an overview of our day of learning and chatting about gardening, when five local speakers offered us possibilities for our changing climate. Practical possibilities, to create resilient gardens, employing sustainable practices. Your garden is an ecosystem | Gord Baird How do you…