Brian Minter

Radishes, too, can be planted now.  They need a well mulched soil that has very good drainage.

It’s time to get growing

Finally, it’s time to get your early vegetables growing if you want to savor the wonderful fresh taste of new vegetables this spring.

Radishes, too, can be planted now.  They need a well mulched soil that has very good drainage.
oxalis acetosella

The ‘real’ shamrock for St. Patrick’s Day

Once in a while it is nice to pay tribute to a plant that really only gets recognition one day of the year - the shamrock.

oxalis acetosella
Pin-Up Series ‘Flame’ begonia

Better begonias begin now

For shady garden areas, tuberous begonias are one of the old-time favourites.

Pin-Up Series ‘Flame’ begonia
Growing plants under glass latest trend for the green-thumb set.

Gardening: Plants in glass are post-holidays rage

New trend puts plants under protection so anyone can grow

Growing plants under glass latest trend for the green-thumb set.
A guide to winter-flowering shrubs

A guide to winter-flowering shrubs

Blooms provide that lift we need during those cold, grey days, and they bring a gentle reminder that spring is on its way.

A guide to winter-flowering shrubs

COLUMN: Unique plant for Christmas

There is a new and very unique plant that deserves some attention. Ardisia crenata (or Coral Berry) has arrived on the market.

Spruce up your home for the holidays.

Dreaming of a green Christmas

Nothing smells as nice for the Christmas season as fresh greens inside our homes, Brian Minter says.

Spruce up your home for the holidays.
There’s more than one pumpkin variety to choose from.

Top picks from the pumpkin patch

There's more to a pumpkin than a Jack O'Lantern, says Brian Minter

There’s more than one pumpkin variety to choose from.
‘Persian Parrotia’

Fall is the time for colour

With a little care you can select trees that provide a beautiful fall display, says Brian Minter

‘Persian Parrotia’
October brings fall colour – and a lot of work around the garden.

Minter’s October to-do list

October is an important month for many things in our gardens.

October brings fall colour – and a lot of work around the garden.
Bud bloom heathers.

World renowned bud bloom heathers look fresh for months

Special calluna varieties have buds that show colour but never fully open.

Bud bloom heathers.

Gardening: Crocus is really a lily

I write about these bulbs almost every summer because they are so easy to grow and are so important for fall colour.

Hanging basket care

Hanging basket care

Baskets need lots of help to stay beautiful, says expert.

Hanging basket care
Blueberries are Mother Nature's super fruit

Blueberries are Mother Nature’s super fruit

Eat lots and keep eating them because they are one of the best natural health foods we have.

Blueberries are Mother Nature's super fruit
Vanilla-strawberry hydrangea.

Hydrangeas steal the show

They are one great garden plant, and two or three varieties in a garden will be a welcome addition.

Vanilla-strawberry hydrangea.
Cold, wet ground is no place for cucumbers.  For best results, they should be planted in hills or raised beds with excellent drainage, says Brian Minter

Cucumbers spell summer’s arrival

Cucumbers are fun, fast and easy to grow as long as we get a little cooperation from the weather, says Brian Minter.

Cold, wet ground is no place for cucumbers.  For best results, they should be planted in hills or raised beds with excellent drainage, says Brian Minter
Flowering trees that attract birds or butterflies to the yard are wonderful gift for Mother’s Day, says Brian Minter.

Make Mother’s Day blossom throughout the year

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and many of us are still looking for some inspiration.

Flowering trees that attract birds or butterflies to the yard are wonderful gift for Mother’s Day, says Brian Minter.
Garden peas, or Pisum sativum, are thought to have originated in the area around Pisa, Italy where they grew wild.

Peas a great cool weather garden crop

Garden peas, or Pisum sativum, are thought to have originated in the area around Pisa, Italy where they grew wild.

Garden peas, or Pisum sativum, are thought to have originated in the area around Pisa, Italy where they grew wild.
How to trump moss

How to trump moss

Lawn villain thrives in areas of high rainfall, and it loves shady locations.

How to trump moss
The shamrock has also been considered by the Irish as a symbol of good luck since earliest times

Facts about the real shamrock

Once in a while it is nice to pay tribute to a plant that really only gets recognition one day of the year - the shamrock.

The shamrock has also been considered by the Irish as a symbol of good luck since earliest times