As millions of people gaze at the sky on April 8th to watch the total solar eclipse, scientists are busy studying how it affects plants and animals. Even though the eclipse lasts only a short time for those in the path of totality, it has a big impact on the world around us.  As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the landscape, temperatures can plummet dramatically, dropping by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in regions with lower humidity. According to reports by ABC News, the dimming of light leading up to totality triggers reactions in both flora and fauna. Around the 75-80% mark of eclips ..read more

As millions of people gaze at the sky on April 8th to watch the total solar eclipse, scientists are busy studying how it affects plants and animals. Even though the eclipse lasts only a short time for those in the path of totality, it has a big impact on the world around us.  As the moon’s shadow sweeps across the landscape, temperatures can plummet dramatically, dropping by up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit in regions with lower humidity. According to reports by ABC News, the dimming of light leading up to totality triggers reactions in both flora and fauna. Around the 75-80% mark of eclips ..read more

1. I’m not sleeping. I’m just resting my twigs. So do trees really fall into a deathlike slumber over winter? Apparently not. While the above ground portions of deciduous trees are very much dormant, what goes on underground is quite another matter. As long as the soil temperatures remain above 0 Celsius, roots are active. 2. My buddy is busy, too. Trees enjoy a symbiotic relationship with a class of fungus called mycorrhizae, which also stay active, searching out water and nutrients underground, even though the air temperatures may be very frigid. 3. Feeding roots but not necessarily ..read more

Someone attempted to lure geckos into their gardens for natural pest control, as geckos are highly regarded for their ability to naturally manage pests in garden areas. Geckos consume a wide variety of insects, with a preference for roaches, mosquitoes, crickets, and ants. However, there has been a recent emergence of geckos posing a potential risk to public health. The Public Health Agency of Canada, in collaboration with provincial public health partners, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and Health Canada, is investigating an outbreak of salmonella infections across British Columbia ..read more

Here’s what we’re interested in buying. Apparently, these deals can sell out, so don’t wait! Order now. A heat mat for starting seeds that tells you how warm it is. Comes with a probe that goes into the growing medium and you can dial in the temperature you want. I'm interested Secateurs that save you money. These bypass pruners have titanium steel blades and they are 50% off, so you can’t go wrong. I'm interested Raised garden that is a great size at 6 feet by 3 feet and 1.9 feet high. It’s galvanized metal, so it won’t rust and it will heat up fast in the spring. Plus, there ..read more

Have you ever thought, gee, that’s a great plant, maybe I should buy another? If you get this book, you won’t have to buy another, you can grow new plants from bits of the ones you already have.   The Propagation Handbook by Hilton Carter covers every aspect of propagating houseplants that you are likely to ever need. From stem cuttings to leaf cuttings to air layering, Carter gives simple instructions for each. He also talks about a few things you can do with your babies-in-the-making. You can use them in place settings for a dinner party (a gift to take home) or make bouquets ..read more

Get a jumpstart early in the season on gardening and backyard plans with this inspirational garden show. Join us at Exhibition Place for Living Green 2024! Shop with local vendors, selling (and pre-selling) plants, yard services, natural products and more! Learn from experts on our speaker stage. Connect with other gardening enthusiasts. The organizer got a variety of amazing vendors and exhibitors at this year’s event. From gardening experts, to green living connoisseurs, to construction pros. Check out here for a full list of this year’s vendors and more information on each.   ..read more

Have we lost the art of growing potatoes? At one time, every garden had a potato plot where it was the pleasant summer chore to go out from time to time and do the hilling and weeding. There was no room for impractical plants such as flowers, and even peas were considered a luxury. Some ambitious gardeners from the “old country” would even grow potatoes on the boulevard in front of their houses to increase their yields. Today, you can grow potatoes in very small spaces, including in bags that are commercially sold for just this purpose. Not only does this solve the space problem, but it ensu ..read more

It’s time to launch your career in cultivating nature’s beauty! Beyond simply sowing seeds, a profession in gardening fosters a life filled with the beauty and abundance of nature. Engage in the process of growth, acquire practical skills through hands-on experience, and witness the enchantment of turning barren spaces into flourishing ecosystems. This journey revolves around nurturing your potential and enjoying the benefits of a life connected to the earth. Here are a few opportunities to kick start your professional gardening journey. Register for in-person workshops to empower yourself ..read more

If you were born in February, you are associated with three birth flowers: the charming violets, the showy irises, and the dainty primroses. All of these flowers begin to bloom in early spring in the northern hemisphere. Violet Iris Primrose Birth flower of February - Violets Violets are renowned for their delicate beauty and fragrance, symbolizing humility and modesty. Other meanings attributed to violets include faithfulness, spiritual wisdom, and mourning. The viola genus encompasses more than 500 species. While many people associate violets strictly with purple or blue, some vari ..read more