Smart gardeners know that not all bugs and birds are pests. Some of them can be a gardener’s best friends. With Ontario’s new pesticide ban becoming law next spring, it’s important to learn how to use beneficial birds and bugs to help your garden grow pest-free – naturally! For example, ladybeetles are among the most [...]

The beauty of evergreens lie in their name – they add year-round colour and life to gardens and yards. Narrow leaf evergreen shrubs, such as cedar and spruce are most commonly known, but this group also includes broadleaf evergreens including rhododendrons, camellias and laurels. Although these trees and shrubs are a low-maintenance addition to yards [...]

For many gardeners rose bushes are a prized possession. As the gardening season comes to a close, it’s time to prepare your roses for the cold, harsh Canadian winter ahead. Knowing the best feeding and prepping techniques will ensure your cherished roses survive the winter and bloom beautifully in the spring. Proper feeding is the [...]

Don’t let fall stop you from maintaining a green garden. The following top ten environmentally friendly tips from The Home Depot will get your lawn and garden geared up for fall and help repair summer damage. 1. To prevent disease on your lawn rake up fallen leaves and make your own compost. 2. Seeding your [...]

The cool, wet months of the fall are ideal conditions to prepare your lawn and garden for the cold months ahead. Here are a few tips to help your garden survive the winter and thrive in the spring: • Remove any debris, leaves and diseased foliage from your lawn and garden. • Continue to mow [...]

As the cooler temperatures roll in it’s time to get your lawn and garden ready for the winter months ahead. Take the time now to protect your yard and you will be rewarded with a lush, beautiful and weed resistant lawn and garden in the spring. Start by removing any debris and leaves off your [...]

Wondering how Ontario’s new pesticide ban will affect your lawn and garden when it goes into effect next spring? Planning is the key — from selecting plant varieties, to their location, sun and shade requirements to how much water they need. Often, a few simple changes can help your lawn and garden grow beautifully, without [...]

With Ontario’s province-wide pesticide ban coming into effect next spring, fall is the time to prepare your garden to go green and pesticide-free. Ontario’s Environment Ministry offers these tips to prepare your garden beds for winter and let you get a head-start on a healthy growing season next year. Garden beds: • Apply a three [...]

As you prepare your garden for the chilly winter months ahead don’t forget to plant some bulbs –nothing sends the welcoming signal of spring better than beautiful blooming flowers. Gardeners can select a variety of bulbs including crocuses, snowdrops, daffodils, grape hyacinths, and tulips, depending on the desire for an early-, middle-, or late-bloomer. Or [...]

Come Spring 2009, cosmetic-use pesticides will be banned for sale or use on Ontario’s lawns and gardens. So, what do you do to ensure you aren’t overtaken by pesky weeds and insects? There are some good choices that can help you keep your garden green without harming the environment. Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment offers [...]