Brian Minter

Heliotrope is one of the most universal of all the summer blooming plants, but not all are the same, says Brian Minter.

Adding the sweet smells of summer

Fragrance makes a huge difference to the enjoyment and appreciation of our summer garden and to our senses.

Heliotrope is one of the most universal of all the summer blooming plants, but not all are the same, says Brian Minter.
Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is one of the most versatile of all the summer blooming plants.

Infuse your summer garden with fragrance

Think outside the flower box when planning your plants and blooms.

Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) is one of the most versatile of all the summer blooming plants.
Garden peas are one of the most widely grown and most healthy of all garden vegetables, says Brian Minter.

Peas give you an early start on your garden

Peas are a cool crop vegetable, and as soon as all danger of heavy frost has passed, they can be planted.

Garden peas are one of the most widely grown and most healthy of all garden vegetables, says Brian Minter.
Peas can be planted thoughout the season to stagger crops.

Enjoy peas through the summer

Long spring has delayed start, but plant now and they’ll grow quickly.

Peas can be planted thoughout the season to stagger crops.
Small fruits are easy to grow and add a flavourful taste to any garden, says Brian Minter.

Minter: An investment in flavour

Small fruits are easy to grow and add a flavourful taste to any garden, says Brian Minter.

Small fruits are easy to grow and add a flavourful taste to any garden, says Brian Minter.
Because of their diverse size and form, evergreen euphorbias are ideally suited for use as ground covers and feature plants.

Early spring colour in the garden

There are more euphorbias available today than ever before, and each has its own unique characteristics and charm.

Because of their diverse size and form, evergreen euphorbias are ideally suited for use as ground covers and feature plants.
It’s time to get your early vegetables growing.

Now is the time to get a head start on food crops

Get growing if you want to savour the wonderful fresh taste of new vegetables this spring.

It’s time to get your early vegetables growing.
There are many new strawberry varieties to enjoy.

So many strawberries, so little time

Main season strawberry varieties, planted now, will develop into good sized plants over the summer, then produce great crops next year.

There are many new strawberry varieties to enjoy.
Success with seeds

Success with seeds

Less than 50 per cent of all the seeds purchased actually grow to maturity. Here's how to increase the odds.

Success with seeds
Easy ways to help bees in your garden as the weather warms.

How to ‘bee’ good a friend

Our poor bees are struggling and anything we can do to help them out is really important.

Easy ways to help bees in your garden as the weather warms.
Keeping trees and shrubs clean

Keeping trees and shrubs clean

Dormant spraying is an important winter task in the garden.

Keeping trees and shrubs clean

COLUMN: Time to start pruning your trees and shrubs

It’s high time to be out there with pruning shears in hand, cleaning up our trees and shrubs, but we also must be a little cautious

Pumpkins: Not just for Jack-O'-Lanterns

Pumpkins: Not just for Jack-O’-Lanterns

The traditional Halloween crop has a rich history, and an even brighter future.

Pumpkins: Not just for Jack-O'-Lanterns
Pre-packaged bulb combinations have the exact colour blends and timing.

Brian Minter’s bright ideas for bulb displays

The art of combining bulbs is truly the magic that makes all the difference, says Chilliwack's Brian Minter

Pre-packaged bulb combinations have the exact colour blends and timing.

COLUMN: October checklist for gardens

Look at all the outdoor colour potential in other gardens and in garden stores at this time of year...

COLUMN: Autumn Crocus love to bask in the sunshine

Fall blooming colchicums go by the name of Autumn Crocus, although they are not really a crocus at all...

COLUMN: Still plenty of time to plant in B.C.

August is a very important transitional time in our vegetable gardens...

Hibiscus is one of the most under-used blossoming shrubs.

Rose of Sharon brings a touch of Hawaii

Hibiscus is one of the most under-used summer shrubs.

Hibiscus is one of the most under-used blossoming shrubs.
Beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but the weather needs to be good and warm before they are planted.

Nothing magical to growing beans

Apart from being easy to grow, colourful and good tasting, bean varieties have really expanded, says Brian Minter

Beans are one of the easiest vegetables to grow, but the weather needs to be good and warm before they are planted.
Hanging baskets make a great Mother's Day gift.

Give the gift of green this Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is almost here, and many of us are still looking for some inspiration. Well, let me make a few suggestions.

Hanging baskets make a great Mother's Day gift.