Turn Your Calgary Yard into Your Dream Landscape
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 drawing up plans, ask yourself some key questions:
- Do you have kids who need space to play? Large lawns, sandboxes, or swings might be on your list.
- Do you want a dog-friendly zone? Consider a fenced area that blends into your yard.
- Are outdoor gatherings your thing? Think patios, deck areas, or spots for setting up tents.
- Want low-maintenance? Maybe focus on gardens and water features instead of a big lawn.
- Planning for a pool, hot tub, or pond? Make sure the space is big enough and the scale fits your yard.
- Interested in a vegetable garden or greenhouse? Find the sunniest spot in your yard.
- Want cozy seating areas? Create “outdoor rooms” within your yard.
- Hoping to attract wildlife? Choose plants with berries or bright flowers—but keep them away from sitting areas to avoid messes.
- Need privacy? Plant mature trees early for instant screening, then add smaller plants as they grow.
Prioritize Your List
Once you’ve got your ideas down, rank them from most to least important. This will help you focus your budget and efforts on what matters most to you.
Observe Your Space
If you’re new to your home, spend some time watching how the sun moves across your yard. Note which areas get full sun and which stay shady—this is crucial for planting success in Calgary’s climate. Remember, the sun’s path changes with the seasons, so observe during different times of the year.
Make a Sketch
Measure your yard, including property lines, existing trees, and structures you want to keep. Mark the sunny and shady areas on your drawing. This will be your blueprint for designing your landscape.
Think About Design Elements
When planning your garden, focus on these key elements:
- Form: The shape and structure of your garden beds, patios, and pathways. Use plants with different growth habits—tall, spreading, upright—to create visual interest.
- Color: Choose plants that bloom at different times of the year and have berries or colorful bark for added seasonal interest.
- Texture: Mix plants with coarse, fine, or smooth leaves to add depth and dimension.
- Scent: Incorporate fragrant plants to make your yard more inviting.
- Balance & Emphasis: Create symmetry or asymmetry that feels natural, and highlight focal points like a large shrub or garden art.
- Scale: Make sure your plants and features are proportionate to your space. A tiny shrub next to a giant house looks out of place.
Bring Your Design to Life
Start sketching your ideas on paper, including pathways, patios, and water features. Use your measurements and mark existing structures. Think about flow—how you move through the space and what view you want from your house.
Final Tips
- Use plants suited for Calgary’s zone (3-4) for best results.
- Plan for all seasons—choose evergreens for winter structure, and flowering plants for spring and summer.
- Keep your design simple at first; you can always add more later.
With these tips, you’re well on your way to creating a landscape that’s beautiful, functional, and perfectly suited to Calgary’s climate. Happy gardening!
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 quickly.
- Avoid dividing later in fall, as the rhizomes won’t have enough time to grow roots before winter.
Why Divide?
- After 4-5 years, iris clumps get crowded and produce fewer flowers.
- Dividing creates healthier plants and more blooms.
- Plus, it’s a great way to share plants with friends or expand your garden.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Pick a healthy clump that’s crowded and has old, woody rhizomes. Remove it from the ground with a garden fork.
- Gently shake off the soil to see the rhizomes. Discard the old, woody center.
- Divide the rhizomes by pulling apart the clump with your hands or a sharp tool. Remove any damaged or soft sections.
- Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15 cm) to make the plants easier to handle and prevent disease.
- Cut the roots to about 2 inches (5 cm).
- Plant the divisions about 12 inches apart, just shallow enough so the top of the rhizome is barely visible above the soil.
- Water well after planting, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Tips for Success
- Don’t plant the rhizomes too deep — this can delay blooming or cause rot.
- Keep the area weed-free to prevent pests.
- Watch out for iris borers, which can damage plants; remove debris in spring and fall, and consider spraying if infestations are heavy.
Final Note
Bearded irises might bloom fewer times the first year after dividing, but they’ll be full of flowers the next season. With a little effort now, you’ll enjoy a more vibrant, long-lasting garden in Calgary’s short growing season.
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 your yard has slopes or uneven terrain, consider building terraces with timber walls or boulders. This not only prevents erosion but creates level planting areas that extend your growing season.
2. Choose Cold-Hardy Plants
Opt for plants that can handle colder temperatures and shorter seasons. Potentillas, peonies, hostas, astilbes, climbing roses, and sedums are great choices for Zone 3-4 gardens. Look for varieties specifically bred for cold hardiness.
3. Plan for Year-Round Interest
In colder climates, your garden can shine even in winter. Incorporate evergreen shrubs like junipers, spruces, and pines for winter color and structure. Leave seed heads on plants like grasses and asters for bird food and visual interest.
4. Build Garden Structures for Support and Style
Use raised beds, log planters, or decorative pots to add visual interest and protect sensitive plants. Position these features in sunny spots to maximize growth.
5. Prepare the Soil Carefully
Work in compost, manure, or soil amendments when planting. Since short seasons limit plant growth, healthy soil gives plants a better start and helps them withstand the cold.
6. Use Container Gardening for Flexibility
Containers are perfect for moving plants around to catch the sun or protect from frost. Use large pots for perennials or annuals and group them for impact.
7. Protect Plants During Winter
Leave some plants standing through winter for added interest and to provide food for birds. When spring arrives, cut back dead growth and divide overgrown plants to keep your garden healthy.
8. Be Patient and Adapt
Gardening in northern zones requires patience. Expect to experiment, learn from mistakes, and adjust your plant choices and layout each year.
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 Calgary Gardens
Our sometimes harsh prairie climate means plants with interesting, resilient leaves can shine even when they’re not flowering. Plus, lush foliage adds an elegant, polished look and extends your garden’s season of interest well beyond bloom time.
Top Foliage Plants for Calgary Gardens
Bright, Sparkling Leaves:
- Phlox paniculata ‘Norah Leigh’ — Sparkling cream and green leaves topped with soft pink flowers.
- Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ — Deep mahogany, burnished foliage that emerges early in spring.
- Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon) — Massive, prehistoric-looking silver leaves with tall purple flowers in summer.
- Hostas — A huge variety, from tiny pots to big bold leaves. Try Hosta ‘Chinese Sunrise’ with golden lance-shaped leaves for early spring color.
- Melianthus major — Tropical-looking serrated leaves that smell like peanut butter when crushed—an eye-catching focal point.
Colorful & Contrasting Foliage:
- Hedera ‘Goldheart’ (Golden ivy) — Bright yellow-green leaves, perfect for containers or groundcover.
- Hemerocallis ‘Corky’ — Strappy, dark burgundy leaves that add drama.
- Carex ‘Frosted Curls’ — Grass-like with frosted, curly foliage, great for edging or containers.
- Heuchera — A rainbow of shades, from deep purple to bright lime. Pair with contrasting plants for impact.
Evergreen & Groundcovers:
- Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’ — Low-growing shrub with tiny chartreuse leaves, perfect for borders or containers.
- Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’ — Bright gold trailing groundcover that looks fantastic spilling over rocks or containers.
- Helleborus (Lenten rose) — Evergreen, with leathery leaves that brighten shady spots.
Tips for Using Foliage in Your Garden
- Mix and match leaf shapes: rounded, serrated, needle-like, or lacy.
- Play with colors: burgundy, gold, silver, deep green, and variegated varieties add visual interest.
- Combine plants with different leaf sizes and textures for a layered, natural look.
- Always consider the light and soil conditions—many foliage plants are adaptable but prefer well-drained soil and full to part shade.
Final Thoughts
In Calgary, a garden rich in beautiful foliage can be just as colorful and captivating as one full of flowers. Focus on plants that have striking leaves, and your garden will be lively and interesting all season long. Next time you’re shopping, make a list of remarkable foliage plants—you’ll be amazed at how they transform your landscape!
Plant Names Section:
- Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’
- Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’
- Cynara cardunculus (Cardoon)
- Hosta ‘Chinese Sunrise’
- Melianthus major
- Hedera ‘Goldheart’ (Golden ivy)
- Hemerocallis ‘Corky’
- Carex ‘Frosted Curls’
- Heuchera (various cultivars)
- Lonicera nitida ‘Baggesen’s Gold’
- Lysimachia nummularia ‘Aurea’
- Helleborus (Lenten rose)
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 for Calgary?
These plants are well-suited to our zone 3-4 climate and can handle cold winters, dry soils, and tough conditions. They come in a variety of sizes and forms, from compact mounds to sprawling groundcovers, making them easy to incorporate into any garden design.
Recognizing the True Geraniums
In the gardening world, “geraniums” often refers to plants that aren’t true geraniums. The true geraniums belong to the genus Geranium, also called cranesbills because of their distinctive seed heads that resemble a bird’s bill. They have saucer-shaped flowers in pastel shades, bright magentas, or whites, and their leaves are often lobed or divided, with many emitting lovely fragrances.
Popular Types of Cranesbills for Calgary Gardens
Small, Compact Mound Geraniums (Ideal for sunny alpine beds):
- Geranium cinereum (Alpine cranesbill)
- Geranium dalmaticum (Dalmation cranesbill)
- Geranium orientalis
- Geranium pelythowianum
- Geranium renardii
- Geranium x cantabrigiense
- Geranium himalayense (Himalayan cranesbill)
- Geranium macrorrhizum (Bigroot geranium)
Larger Mounds & Groundcovers:
- Geranium phaeum (Dusky cranesbill)
- Geranium psilostemon (Armenian cranesbill)
- Geranium sylvaticum (Wood cranesbill)
- Geranium ‘Ann Folkard’
- Geranium ‘Brookside’
- Geranium endressii
Woodland & Shade Tolerant Cranesbills:
- Geranium ‘Johnson’s Blue’
- Geranium x oxonianum
- Geranium wlassovianum (Siberian cranesbill)
Showy & Large-Flowering Types:
- Geranium x magnificum
- Geranium pratense (Meadow cranesbill)
- Geranium sanguineum (Bloody cranesbill) — bright magenta flowers
Why They Work Well in Calgary Gardens
Many cranesbills are extremely hardy and can survive our cold winters, especially with some mulching or snow cover. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate part shade. Their flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the foliage often provides interest even after flowering.
Tips for Growing Cranesbills in Calgary
- Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment.
- Use well-drained soil—amending clay soils with organic matter helps them thrive.
- Mulch around plants to protect roots during winter and keep soil moist.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage prolonged blooming.
- Divide clumps every few years to keep plants vigorous and compact.
Final Thoughts
From tiny alpine varieties to large, sprawling groundcovers, cranesbills add charm and resilience to Calgary gardens. They’re a low-maintenance way to bring color, texture, and wildlife into your outdoor space—perfect for prairie gardens that need hardy, beautiful plants.
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 spears each spring.
A Brief History of Asparagus
Native to central Europe, western Asia, and the Mediterranean, asparagus has been cultivated since Roman times. Historically, it was so prized that empires sent fleets to find the best spears, and even kings like Louis XIV built special greenhouses so they could enjoy fresh asparagus year-round. Today, it’s still considered a delicacy—perfect for gardeners who want to grow something special.
Growing Asparagus in Calgary’s Climate
Asparagus loves well-drained, sandy loam soil—ideal for Calgary’s often rocky or clay soils. If your soil is heavy clay, incorporate plenty of organic matter to improve drainage. Before planting, add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to encourage strong root development.
Watering & Care
Asparagus needs about an inch of water weekly—more during dry spells—and should be watered consistently into fall after the harvesting season ends. This helps the roots store energy for the winter and ensures a healthy, vigorous crop next year.
Planting Tips
You can grow asparagus from seed or, more commonly, from crowns (pre-established root systems).
- Crowns: Two-year-old crowns are best—they give you a head start, with a harvest possible in just two years.
- Spacing: Plant the crowns 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) apart in rows, with each plant spaced 30 cm (about 12 inches) apart within the row.
- Depth: Dig a trench 10-13 cm (4-5 inches) deep, place the crowns, and lightly cover with soil. As spears emerge, gradually fill in the trench with soil.
Harvesting
Patience is key—your first harvest won’t come until the third year. Once your plants are mature, you can harvest spears for about 6-8 weeks in late spring (May and June). Stop harvesting by early July to allow the plants to store energy in their roots for the next season.
Overwintering & Storage
Calgary’s cold winters aren’t a problem for established asparagus beds. Once the plants are dormant, they can survive underground all winter. To protect them, leave some mulch over the bed—about 7.5-10 cm (3-4 inches)—and avoid disturbing the crowns. After harvest, cut the spears and store them in a cool, moist place or stand them in water for a short time if you want to enjoy fresh asparagus longer.
The White and Purple Variants
- White asparagus: Grown by covering spears with soil or black plastic to block sunlight, resulting in tender, mild, and slightly nutty spears. It’s more work but a real treat.
- Purple asparagus: Varieties like Purple Passion or Viola are rare but fun to try—bright purple on the outside with a green interior. They’re a bit harder to find but make a colorful addition to your garden.
Final Thoughts
Growing asparagus in Calgary takes patience, but the reward is worth it. Once established, you’ll enjoy fresh spears each spring, and your bed will keep producing for many years. Plus, nothing beats the taste of fresh, homegrown asparagus—an elegant delicacy right from your garden!
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 Is a Carrot Fly?
Carrot flies are small, shiny black insects about 6-8mm long. The adult female lays her eggs in the soil near your carrots. When the eggs hatch, the larvae tunnel into the roots, turning them black and mushy—ruining your harvest. You might even spot tiny larvae poking out of the holes, which is a clear sign of infestation.
How to Spot the Problem
- Carrots at harvest are covered in small holes, with blackened tips or rotten spots.
- In severe cases, leaves turn a rusty red color—so the fly is sometimes called the “carrot rust fly.”
- You can also use yellow sticky traps to catch the adults flying around.
How to Fight Back in Calgary’s Climate
1. Timing is Everything
Carrot flies have two main generations each year—one in late spring and early summer, and another in late summer and fall. To avoid attracting them, sow your carrots early (February to April) and again in late summer (September to October). Young carrots in early spring or late fall are less likely to get attacked because they don’t emit the strong scent that draws flies.
2. Use Companion Planting
Plant fragrant herbs like onions, garlic, or leeks near your carrots. These “smelly” plants can help disguise your carrots’ scent and keep the flies away. Just remember, once these herbs die back in late summer, they lose their protective scent, so keep planting them or add fresh ones later in the season.
3. Build Barriers
Since carrot flies are low-flying and don’t fly very far, creating physical barriers can do wonders.
- A simple 24-inch high barrier, like landscape fabric stretched on stakes, can block the flies from reaching your carrots.
- If your garden isn’t big enough for a full barrier, try using row covers or mulching with grass clippings—this not only blocks the flies but also adds nutrients and helps retain moisture.
4. Practice Crop Rotation
Don’t plant carrots or related vegetables (like parsley, celery, or parsnips) in the same spot year after year. Rotate your crops to prevent the fly’s eggs from overwintering in your soil.
5. Use Resistant Varieties
Some seed companies now offer carrot varieties bred specifically to resist carrot fly damage. Look for names like Fly Away, Resistafly, or Flyfree. Remember, resistant doesn’t mean invincible—combine this with other tactics for best results.
6. Keep Your Garden Healthy
Tilling your soil every couple of weeks after harvesting can bring larvae to the surface where they’ll die or be eaten. Also, avoid over-sowing carrots—they emit more scent when crowded, attracting more flies.
Final Tips for Calgary Gardeners
Growing vegetables in Calgary’s climate can be a challenge, but with a few simple strategies, you can enjoy a healthy, pest-free harvest. Start early, use natural barriers, rotate your crops, and choose resistant varieties—your carrots will thank you!
And if you see kids giggling in the garden, just smile—they might be future gardeners who’ll thank you for helping them grow tasty, pest-free produce.
Happy gardening!
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 natural, relaxed, and uniquely yours.
Embrace the Wild Spirit of Calgary Gardening
What’s special about a garden that feels like home? It’s a mix of native plants, trees, and perennials that seem to grow effortlessly and look like they’ve always belonged. Over the years, you can develop a lush, layered landscape that provides beauty and habitat all year round—even through our cold winters.
Planning Your Wild Garden
Start with a blank slate—then slowly add trees, shrubs, and perennials suited for Calgary’s hardy zone. For a natural look, choose trees like mountain ash or native crabapples, and mix in evergreens like spruce or junipers for winter interest. Create a dense understorey with plants such as highbush cranberry, cotoneaster, or junipers, which also serve as visual interest during winter months.
The Front Yard: Softening Edges & Adding Charm
Curved pathways, a pond, and cozy seating areas make your front yard inviting. Use native and hardy plants like hardy roses, lilacs, and thyme along the walkways. Incorporate flowering shrubs and perennials such as delphiniums, phlox, and Joe Pye weed for a splash of color. A mature lilac or old tree lilac can be the centerpiece, offering scent and shade.
Creating a Secluded Backyard Retreat
Transform your backyard into a private wild garden. Use gravel pathways winding through lush growth—think of it as your personal sanctuary. Plant perennials like asters, coneflowers, sedums, and ornamental grasses to provide color and texture. For a natural border, plant hedges of native shrubs like hawthorn or mountain ash.
Garden Features & Highlights
- Add a pond and waterfall, edged with local stone (like Rundle rock), surrounded by drought-tolerant plants such as Russian sage and blue oatgrass.
- Build lattice screens or plant climbing natives like clematis to add privacy and vertical interest.
- Fill beds with groundcovers like oxalis, campanula, and sedum—easy to care for and perfect for our climate.
Why Calgary Gardeners Love Their Wild Spaces
Gardening here isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a relaxing escape that reconnects you with nature. It’s about creating a landscape that’s resilient, self-sustaining, and full of life. Watching bees, birds, and butterflies thrive in your garden brings joy and a sense of accomplishment.
Final Thoughts
Gardening in Calgary offers the chance to craft a lush, untamed landscape that feels like home. It’s about planting hardy favorites, designing for privacy and beauty, and enjoying the natural rhythm of the seasons. Whether in your front yard or backyard, your garden can be a sanctuary that replenishes your spirit and delights all who visit.
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 or even October, giving you vibrant color without the need to replant annually. With a mix of heights and textures, they create a natural, layered look—perfect for garden beds, borders, or even container gardens.
Top Picks for Calgary Gardens:
- Aster durmosus (Wood’s Blue):
Height: 8-12 inches
Bloom: July to September
Features: Light purple-blue blooms, attractive foliage all season long. - Calamagrostis brachytricha:
Height: 2.5-3 feet
Bloom: September to October
Features: Rosy plumes, especially striking in fall. - Pulsatilla vulgaris (Heiler Hybrids):
Height: 12-15 inches
Bloom: Early spring
Features: Beautiful mix of red, pink, violet-blue, and white flowers; a perfect low-growing choice. - Veronica spicata (‘Goodness Grows’):
Height: 15 inches
Bloom: June to late August
Features: Deep blue flowers, blooms for a long period. - Penstemon mexicanus (‘Red Rocks’):
Height: 15-18 inches
Bloom: July to September
Features: Bright rose flowers, very adaptable and hardy—great for our climate. - Gaura lindheimeri (‘Siskiyou Pink’):
Height: 18-24 inches
Bloom: June to September
Features: Rose pink flowers with striking red stems and buds. - Aster fendleri (‘My Antonia’):
Height: 12 inches
Bloom: July to frost
Features: White flowers with yellow centers, native and tough. - Pennisetum alopecuroides (‘Hameln’):
Height: 2-3 feet
Bloom: June to July
Features: Large buff-colored plumes, stays upright in winter. - Echinacea tennesseensis hybrids:
Height: 24-30 inches
Bloom: July to September
Features: Bright pink flowers, prolific bloomers, resilient. - Nepeta faassenii (‘Blue Wonder’):
Height: 12-24 inches
Bloom: Late June to September
Features: Blue spikes, great for tall groundcover or border planting.
Why These Plants Work in Calgary:
They’re all selected for their hardy nature and ability to withstand our cold winters and variable summers. Plant them in well-drained soil, in full sun, and water regularly—most will reward you with months of vibrant flowers.
Tips for Success:
- Plant early in the season to give your perennials time to establish before winter.
- Mulch around your plants to protect roots from cold snaps and retain moisture.
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering.
- Incorporate a variety of heights and colors for a natural, layered look.
Create a garden that blooms beautifully from spring to fall—long-lasting, hardy perennials are the way to go in Calgary!
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 right time. Gardeners in milder zones have long known that you can plant pansies in fall, and they’ll keep blooming and brightening your garden all winter into early spring.
Did you know?
Pansies can overwinter as far north as Zone 4—meaning in parts of southern Alberta and even some northern regions, they can brave the cold. So, investing in hardy varieties means you get up to eight months of color—September through April or May—without replanting.
The spring bonus:
While they might look a bit sad and pitiful during the coldest winter days (often buried under snow), they’re just resting. Come spring, they burst into full bloom, and healthy, established plants often produce even more flowers after a winter in the ground.
What are pansies?
They are Viola hybrids, officially known as Viola x wittrockiana. They’re often treated as annuals or biennials and are related to Johnny jump-ups (Viola tricolor). There are many varieties, especially in series with a wide range of vibrant colors, so you can mix and match to suit your garden’s look.
Tips for overwintering pansies in Calgary:
- Plant early: The sooner you plant in fall, the better their chances of establishing strong roots before winter. Aim for September, and in warmer zones, October might still work.
- Choose hardy varieties: Look for types tested and proven to survive colder temperatures, like those from the Sky, Delta, Bingo, or Accord series. Many of these are bred specifically for cold hardiness.
- Pick a good spot: Ensure they’re in well-drained soil—saturated soil during snowmelt can kill even tough plants. A sunny location also helps them thrive.
- Plant in well-drained soil: Proper drainage is key to prevent rot during our wet winters.
How to buy healthy plants:
- Avoid old, stretched-out plants at the garden center—they often won’t perform well.
- Look for compact, healthy plants with dark green, firm leaves and well-developed roots.
- Early fall is best for buying and planting, so don’t delay!
Using pansies creatively:
- Combine them with spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils for stunning early-season color.
- After bulbs bloom and fade, pansies step in to keep your garden lively.
- Plant them in borders, containers, or mixed beds—just give them room to grow.
Growing tips:
- Space plants about 6–8 inches apart.
- Deadhead regularly—pinch off faded blooms to encourage more flowers.
- Feed with a mild, balanced fertilizer every few weeks in spring for vibrant blooms.
- Watch out for pests like slugs, snails, and aphids, which can sometimes bother pansies. Good drainage and healthy soil help prevent disease and rot.
When summer heats up:
Pansies don’t like the heat! As temperatures rise, they tend to become leggy and lose their blooms. When it gets warm, it’s time to replace them with summer annuals that love the heat.
In summary:
Pansies are a wonderful, hardy choice for Calgary gardens—offering color from fall through to spring if planted early and with the right varieties. They’re easy to grow, forgiving, and incredibly versatile. With a little planning, you can enjoy their cheerful blooms year-round!