Sow indoors in the winter. An earlier start may result in berries the first year. Start any time between December and the beginning of February. After that time, they will still work, but you will not harvest berries during the first season. Transplant out at least 3 weeks after last frost.
Continue Reading
Barely cover the tiny seeds. Use fresh seed starting mix and keep it moist until germination. Harden seedlings off over the course of at least one week. Transplant out after last frost at 25-30cm (10-12″) apart.
Continue ReadingBlack Velvet Rose Geranium seeds should be started indoors in early spring. Once the weather warms up in late spring to early summer, and night time temperatures are steadily above 10°C (50°F), the curious little seedlings can be transplanted outdoors....
Continue ReadingPlectritis is a member of the honeysuckle family that is native to western North America, from Vancouver Island to southern California. LatinPlectritis congestaFamily: Caprifoliaceae DifficultyEasy but slow Season & ZoneExposure: Full sun to partial shade TimingDirect sow in early spring,...
Continue ReadingDouglas Asters are somewhat inconspicuous plants until they burst into bloom at the end of summer. This perennial is an important food source for skipper butterflies and many other late season pollinators. LatinSymphyotrichum subspicatumFamily: Asteraceae DifficultyModerately challenging Season & ZoneExposure: Full sun to...
Continue ReadingThese massive plants are highly attractive to butterflies and other beneficial insects.. LatinEutrochium purpureumFamily: Asteracea DifficultyModerately challenging SeasonExposure: Full sun to partial shadeHardiness: Hardy to Zone 4. TimingStart seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date. Seeds may take...
Continue ReadingStatice is also known as sea-lavender and marsh-rosemary. it is widely grown for cut flowers and for dried flower arrangements. LatinLimonium sinuatumFamily: Plumbaginaceae DifficultyEasy but slow SeasonExposure: Full sun TimingStart Statice seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost. Keep soil...
Continue ReadingSalvia is a close relative of conventional sage, but is grown for its handsome blue flowers rather than as a culinary herb. It is a member of the mint family. LatinSalvia longispicata x farinaceaFamily: Laminaceae DifficultyEasy but slow Season & ZoneExposure:...
Continue ReadingStart indoors in peat or coir pots 8-10 weeks before planting out. Alternately, direct sow in early spring or early autumn. For best results, place the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened soil, and tuck inside a plastic bag.
Continue Reading
Dactylis (orchard grass) is a long-lived and fast growing perennial that produces faster re-growth in summer than Timothy grass.
Latin
Dactylis glomerata
Family: Poaceae
Collinsia is a wonderfully easy annual to grow from seed. Like Alyssum and a handful of others, it's pretty much a matter of simply placing the seeds where the flowers are to grow and add some water. The only challenge with Collinsia seeds is that the plants tend to fade in very hot summer weather.
Continue ReadingSpace or transplant China Asters 30-45cm (12-18″) apart. This spacing is key to success later in the season, so please follow the guidance. Do not pinch back young plants. Water regularly during dry spells. This plant is particularly sensitive to over-watering, and will not thrive if over-crowded, poorly ventilated, or situated close to a heat-reflecting surface. Mulch around the plants in summer to help keep the roots cool.
Continue ReadingCerinthe (AKA Honeywort) is an elegant looking plant that stands out for its unusual habit. Each stem arches upward out forward with a seemingly endless series of purple-blue bell shaped flowers. This plant works very well in larger containers or...
Continue ReadingMonkshood is a very traditional perennial for the cottage garden. The plant is so well known for its toxicity that it plays a role in ancient Greek mythology, and folklore from Europe to India. So please don't eat it.
Continue ReadingAfrican Violets have been much loved as houseplants since Victorian plant hunters first encountered them growing in Tanzania. They are incredibly diverse, but excellent for indoor growing. They are generally undemanding and thrive best in dappled light.
Continue ReadingCloud Grass, a species of bentgrass, forms a diaphanous hazy mist in late summer when its delicate, tiny flowers spread out in all directions. It is useful to know some tips on how to grow cloud grass. General Annual Latin...
Continue ReadingThis would-be gum tree is usually grown as an annual. It’s peculiar round leaves are the perfect grey-blue colour to add contrast to cut flower bouquets. With enough protection from winter extremes, it will grow to 7m (22′) tall. Here...
Continue ReadingKnown as Sea Holly as it thrives in the sandy, well drained soil near seashores. The seeds of Eryingium can be tricky to germinate, but if you follow our How to Grow Eryngium instructions, you should have good success. General...
Continue ReadingGrow Sisyrinchium once, and the common name of Blue-Eyed Grass will make complete sense. The leaves of this low growing perennial are quite grass-like, and in summer it comes alive with very delicate blue flowers that seem to appear out...
Continue ReadingThis is a challenging plant to grow, even for experienced and professional gardeners. With other kinds of poppies, one can just sprinkle the seeds and a few weeks later, like magic, the flowers appear. This is not the case with...
Continue ReadingA relative of catnip in the mint family, catmint does not trigger the kitten-like behaviour in cats the same way catnip does. Although cats might graze on Nepeta leaves and flowers, it tends to not make them go crazy afterward....
Continue ReadingGeneral This dependable perennial blooms from late summer into fall with numerous bright yellow pin-cushion flowers atop tall stems. It looks superb in mass plantings, or planted between clumps of Crocosmia. Latin Helenium autumnale Family: Asteraceae Difficulty Easy Season &...
Continue ReadingGeneral Perennial Ratibida is also known as Prairie Coneflower and Mexican hat. It is native over a wide range in North America, from the Canadian south to the north of Mexico. It is closely related to Rudbeckia. Latin Ratibida columnifera...
Continue ReadingPale Evening Primrose is an important BC wildflower that provides food for our native pollinators. Learn how to grow Oenothera in your garden to feed the bees and bring back this beautiful flower from endangered status. This flower is also...
Continue Reading
