Thinking about redesigning your yard or creating a new outdoor space? With a little planning, you can turn your Calgary backyard into a beautiful, functional retreat—whether you want a peaceful garden, a space for entertaining, or a family play area. Here’s how to start turning your landscape dreams into reality. Start with Your Needs Before...
Author: Pike
How to Divide Irises in Calgary’s Short Growing Season
If you grow bearded irises in Calgary, it’s important to divide them every few years to keep them healthy and blooming well. Here’s a simple guide to doing it right: When to Divide Late July to early August is the best time to divide your irises. At this point, they’re dormant, so they can recover...
How to Create a Stunning Garden in Short-Season Climates Like Calgary
Living in Calgary or similar northern zones (Zones 3-4) means dealing with short growing seasons and cooler temperatures. But with some planning and perseverance, you can create a beautiful, thriving garden—even in tough climates. Here’s how to get started, inspired by a garden in Prince George, BC: 1. Start with Terraces and Retaining Walls If...
Leaves: Beautiful Foliage Plants for Calgary Gardens
When it comes to creating a stunning garden in Calgary, flowers are just the beginning. Thoughtful use of foliage can add texture, color, and year-round interest—even when blooms fade. If you’re tired of seeing your garden’s “ugly phase” after flowering, it’s time to focus on plants whose leaves do the talking. Why Foliage Matters in...
Cranesbills: The True Geraniums for Calgary Gardens
Many gardeners in Calgary love adding cranesbills—beautiful, hardy, and versatile perennials—to their landscapes. These “real” geraniums are a wonderful choice, especially because many varieties thrive in our challenging prairie climate. With their charming flowers and adaptable foliage, cranesbills can be a stunning addition to borders, rock gardens, woodland settings, or ground covers. Why Choose Cranesbills...
Growing Asparagus in Calgary: The Food of Kings Right in Your Backyard
For many Calgary gardeners, asparagus is a true treat—delicious, nutritious, and a true sign of a well-established vegetable patch. Although it’s often called the “food of kings,” growing your own asparagus here is entirely possible with a little planning and patience. Once established, your asparagus bed will reward you for years to come, providing fresh...
Bug Bytes: How to Keep Carrot Flies Out of Your Calgary Garden
If you love growing fresh vegetables in your Calgary yard, you’ve probably heard of the pesky carrot fly. Though it sounds tiny, this insect can cause big problems for your carrots and other root vegetables. The good news? There are simple ways to protect your garden and keep these “low-flying cruise missiles” at bay. What...
Feels Like Home: Creating a Wild, Beautiful Garden in Calgary
Moving to Calgary from a different part of the country, you might miss the untamed, natural feel of your old landscape. If that’s you, don’t worry—you can recreate that wild, free vibe right here in Calgary’s climate. It’s all about planting hardy, resilient plants that thrive in our zone, and designing a landscape that feels...
Long-Blooming Perennials for Calgary Gardens
Looking to create a stunning, low-maintenance garden that keeps its color from early summer until frost? Long-blooming perennials are your best friends! Perfect for Calgary’s variable climate, these hardy plants will thrive in our zone and provide continuous beauty year after year. Why Choose Long-Blooming Perennials? They flower for months, often from June through September...
Reviving Old-Fashioned Favorites: Pansies for Calgary Gardens
Pansies—those cheerful, colorful blooms—are making a comeback, and it’s no surprise. What’s their secret? They are incredibly hardy. Why do they matter? In Calgary, where our cold winters can put many plants to the test, pansies are one of the few bedding plants that can actually survive and bloom through winter if planted at the...