Creating a pond in your Calgary garden can transform your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat. A well-designed pond edge not only adds to the natural aesthetic but also ensures safety for children and pets, while blending seamlessly into your landscape. Tips for a Safe and Natural Pond Edge Prioritize Safety: Ensure rocks are stable...
Author: Pike
The Calgary Gardener’s Guide to Growing Potatoes
The development of new vegetable varieties is rapid, especially with hundreds of new options tested annually by research institutions. But in the world of potatoes, change tends to come more slowly—many popular varieties have been around for decades. For Calgary gardeners, understanding the best potato varieties for our unique climate can make all the difference....
The Prairie Gardener’s Guide to Rhubarb in Calgary
Rhubarb has long been a favorite in prairie gardens—its toughness, ease of growth, and perennial nature make it perfect for Calgary’s variable climate. Its versatility in pies, cakes, preserves, and desserts makes it a must-have for every kitchen garden. Growing Rhubarb in Calgary’s Climate Care Tips: Plant rhubarb in full sun or light shade—Calgary’s sunny...
Blending your Calgary Garden with the Natural Prairie Landscape
Creating a natural transition from your yard into the prairie or sagebrush Use hillside plantings to soften slopes and merge your garden into the surrounding landscape Incorporate native or drought-tolerant plants like bush honeysuckle, yellow campanula, and cow slips Focus on plants that thrive in Calgary’s semi-arid climate and withstand wind and cold Wind Protection...
Small Yard, Big Ideas: Tips for the Small Calgary Garden
Maximize Small Spaces Ideal for tiny yards (e.g., 30×50 ft or similar) Focus on vertical plantings to create lush, full looks Use structures like trellises and garden gates for visual interest Foundation Plantings Start with tall, structural plants at the back: Chokecherry, dogwoods, lilacs Ninebark and lindens to anchor corners ‘Bridal Veil’ spirea for soft...
Fall Planting & Color Ideas for Calgary Gardens
Plants for Instant Fall Impact Perfect for quick color in containers or gardens Available at local garden centers in the fall Easy Fall Plants You Can Use Today Aster (Aster spp.) Abundant in nurseries during peak bloom Hardy in Zones 3-10 (suitable for Calgary) Chrysanthemum (Mums) Can be grown as annuals or perennials Some varieties...
Growing Strawberries in Calgary, AB: A Quick Guide
Why Add Strawberries to Your Calgary Garden? Beautiful, shiny red fruit with tiny seeds Complements flowers like lilies and roses Rich history and symbolism of purity and royalty Delicious and visually appealing Growing Tips for Calgary Gardens Soil Preparation Prefer sandy loam soil rich in organic matter Amend soil with compost for better fertility and...
Calgary Loves Geraniums!
Calgarians have a strong appreciation for geraniums—they’re a staple in many gardens, containers, and window boxes across the city. While often seen as traditional or common, there is a fascinating side to these plants, especially when exploring the variety of scented geraniums available. Here’s why they are a great addition to your Calgary garden: Rich...
Why Are Birch Trees Dying? The Role of the Bronze Birch Borer
Many people with birch trees have faced issues like the infamous birch leaf miner, often spending hours spraying chemicals to combat the problem. While leaf miner damage primarily affects the appearance of the tree, a far more serious threat is lurking beneath the surface—one that causes significant damage and can ultimately kill the tree if...
Growing Beans in Calgary: A Step-by-Step Guide
Beans are a nutritious and rewarding crop to grow in your Calgary garden. With minimal effort, you can enjoy fresh pods in summer and preserve dried beans for hearty soups and stews throughout the year. Here’s how to successfully grow beans in Calgary’s unique climate. Introduction to Beans Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) were originally cultivated in...