With spring being hot, dry and three weeks early, plants not normally blooming during the garden tour will be in full flower on June 13.
Russian/Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven, and Russian Olive are all invading our natural landscapes.
Cover all exposed soil with a layer of mulch, thus mimicking the duff layer on the forest floor.
One principle that everyone can take advantage of immediately is to cover all exposed soil with a layer of mulch.
Taylor’s Guide to Water-Saving Gardening introduced me to the Seven Principles of Xeriscape…I was hooked.
Butterfly and Mediterranean Gardens attract a wide variety of pollinators adding a lively dimension to the garden.
One of the easiest plant groups to maintain, they simply need to be cut back in the spring.
For the next few weeks I am going to write about my favourite water-wise plant combinations suitable for specific growing conditions.
If you want to be proactive about drought-proofing your landscape, the Okanagan Xeriscape Association has many resources.
Now that the snow has settled, I can enjoy the quieter time of winter to read, research and plan for next year.
Small maple and birch leaves are my favourites as they decompose quickly without being shredded.
Now, two things I really enjoy in winter are watching songbirds…and the plants themselves when they are clad in snow or hoar frost.
The abundance of the Okanagan is most evident in autumn.
The abundance of the Okanagan is most evident in autumn.
Find out what they do up on the hill in the agriculture research centre and participate in activities in the ornamental gardens.
Spring bulbs can be planted right up until the ground freezes, but will get a better start if planted sooner.
The biggest pot of water available for future use in the Okanagan is what is currently used for urban irrigation.
I would love to share some ideas with you so please join me on Aug. 27, 7 p.m., in front of the H2O Aquatic Centre.
Capture your rain water to drastically reduce your reliance on treated drinking water to irrigate landscapes.
I seldom water the weeping willow or the dry garden underneath it. It has a very well-established root system to access deeper ground water.
