Flower Gardens

Calgary’s Pond Edge

Landscaping

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 and securely anchored—especially if the pond is accessible or near walkways.
  • Use a well-packed surface around the pond to prevent shifting or slipping.

Keep it Level:

  • Make sure the pond’s top edge is level from side to side, using a long board and a level for accuracy.
  • During excavation, avoid disturbing the soil too much around the edge—use hand tools to control the process.

Materials & Construction:

  • Flexible liner edges: Secure the liner with large rocks around the perimeter, allowing the rocks to extend slightly over the water for a natural look.
  • Preformed pond shells: These are easier to install but don’t support the liner; soften the edges with rocks or plants.
  • Flat rocks: Place flat stones around the pond’s edge, over the liner, and tuck moss or small plants between them to hide the liner and create a soft transition.

Achieving a Natural Look with Fieldstones

  • For a more organic appearance, build a fieldstone edge partially submerged in the water.
  • Dig a shallow trench (about 6 inches deep and 12 inches wide) around the pond before installing the liner.
  • Place the liner in the trench, covering the bottom and extending slightly above the water level.
  • Carefully arrange large and small stones in the trench, supporting the liner from behind with packed soil that slopes away from the pond to prevent runoff.

Adding Small Bog Pockets

  • Leave small pockets behind or behind stones to create tiny bog areas.
  • Line these with landscape fabric, fill with soil, and plant hardy bog plants suited for wet, cold conditions—such as mare’s tail, bog arum, or bog bean.
  • Be cautious with more invasive plants like water mint or creeping water primrose—they can spread quickly and may need management.

Final Touches

  • Plant creeping groundcovers like sedum, woolly yarrow, or creeping Jenny around the rocks to soften the edges and help the pond blend into the landscape.
  • Choose plants that will spread naturally within a season, helping to integrate the pond seamlessly into your garden.

Practical Tips

  • Slope the soil away from the pond to prevent runoff from contaminating the water.
  • Keep the pond’s edges higher than surrounding soil to help contain water and resist erosion.
  • If you plan to add pumps or waterfalls, install a protective pipe or cover for electrical cords and hoses.

In Summary:
Designing a pond with a natural, durable edge in Calgary involves combining sturdy construction with plants suited to our climate. Partially submerged fieldstones and hardy bog plants create a beautiful, low-maintenance feature that enhances your landscape and supports local wildlife.

The Calgary Gardener’s Guide to Growing Potatoes

Vegetable Gardens

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.

Growing Potatoes in Calgary’s Climate

Key Considerations:

  • Adaptation to Short Growing Seasons: Many new potato varieties are bred for longer growing seasons found in Europe or the U.S., which may not suit Calgary’s shorter summers. Look for varieties known to mature quickly and perform well in cooler, shorter seasons.
  • Hardiness and Stress Tolerance: Choose varieties that tolerate our typical weather—cold snaps, drought, wind, and early frosts. Some varieties are more resilient to low temperatures and drought stress, making them ideal for prairie gardens.
  • Disease Resistance: Common issues include scab, potato beetles, and other pests. Selecting resistant varieties can save time and effort. For example, some newer varieties show higher resistance to common scab and potato pests.
  • Storage & Shelf Life: In Calgary, a shorter dormant period and good storage qualities are important. Look for varieties that retain their flavor, appearance, and texture over several months. This is especially crucial given our unpredictable frosts in fall.

Selecting the Right Potato Variety

What to Ask Yourself:

  • Will it grow well in Calgary’s climate?
    Many older varieties, like those developed in colder regions, tend to perform better here. Check for varieties that are known to mature quickly and tolerate cooler temperatures.
  • What is the end use?
    Are you baking, boiling, frying, or making mash? Different varieties excel at different uses, so choose accordingly. For example, some potatoes are better for boiling and salads, while others are ideal for baking or frying.
  • How much space and care can you provide?
    Some varieties grow large vines and need extra space and staking, while others stay smaller and are easier to manage in a backyard.

Growing Tips for Calgary Gardeners

  • Start with certified seed potatoes.
    This ensures disease-free, high-quality planting material suited for our environment. Avoid using leftover potatoes from the grocery store—they’re often treated to prevent sprouting and may carry diseases.
  • Plant early.
    Aim for early planting in late April or early May, depending on the weather, to maximize the growing season before the first fall frost.
  • Choose the right location.
    Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot protected from harsh wind. Use windbreaks like native shrubs or evergreens to shield your plants.
  • Soil preparation is key.
    Add compost or well-rotted manure to boost fertility. Potatoes love rich, loose soil with good drainage.
  • Water consistently.
    Calgary’s dry climate means regular watering is essential, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to conserve moisture and keep soil temperature stable.
  • Watch for pests and disease.
    Regularly inspect plants for potato beetles and signs of scab or other diseases. Use resistant varieties and practice crop rotation to keep pests at bay.

Harvest and Storage

  • Timing:
    Harvest when plants start to yellow and die back, typically in late August to early September, before the first hard frost.
  • Storage:
    Store potatoes in a cool, dark, well-ventilated place. Many varieties retain their quality for several months if stored properly. Red-skinned varieties tend to fade faster in storage, so choose newer, resistant varieties for longer shelf life.

Popular Varieties for Calgary Gardens

  • Early Matures:
    Look for varieties labeled as “early” or “short-season,” such as Norland or Viking, which mature quickly and tolerate cold.
  • Resistant & Hardy:
    Varieties like Yukon Gold or Chieftain are known for good flavor and resilience to Calgary’s climate.
  • Specialty & Heritage:
    Older varieties like Red Pontiac and German Wine can add flavor diversity but may require extra care and protection.

 

Plant Vigour Maturity Dormancy Strengths Limitations Uses
Red Skinned
 Norland Medium Early Short Early, good yields, stress resistance Oversize, colour fades in storage Boil & Bake
Viking Medium Early Medium Early, stress resistance Oversize, non-uniform tubers Boil
Pontiac Strong Late Medium Skin anf flesh colour, flavour Late, non-uniform tubers, scab sensitive Boil
AC Peregrine Red Medium Medium Long Skin and flesh colour, uniform size, fresh after storage Late, small tubers Boil
Russets
 Russet Norkotah Medium Early Medium High yields, uniform tuber size Disease sensitivity and lack of flavour Bake
Russet Burbank Strong Late Long Flavour, earliness, multi-purpose Late, tuber deformities under stress Bake & Fry
Shepody Medium Medium Long Flavour, earliness, multi-purpose Disease sensitivity, large tubers Bake, Fry, Boil
Goldrush Medium Medium Medium High yields, scab resistance Less uniform that Norkotah Bake
AC Pacific Russet Medium Medium Medium High yields, uniform tuber size, flavour Limited seed supplies Bake
White Skinned
 Carlton Medium Early Short Very early Tends to oversize and crack Boil
AC Ptarmigan Medium Early Medium Early, high yields Tends to oversize Boil & Fry
Superior Medium Medium Medium Uniformity and early yields, multipurpose Moderate yields and some disease sensitivity Bake, Fry, Boil
Yellow Fleshed
 Yukon Gold Medium Early Long High yields, good flavour Poor seedling vigour, greening and oversize Boil & Bake
Banana Weak Late Medium Novel shape Poor vigour and yields Boil & Bake
Alpha Strong Late Long Uniformity Lateness Boil
Bintie Medium Medium Long Flavour, uniformity Small tubor size Bake, Fry, Boil

The Prairie Gardener’s Guide to Rhubarb in Calgary

Vegetable Gardens

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 days are ideal, but some afternoon shade helps in hotter summers.
  • Use rich, well-draining sandy loam soil; amend with compost if your soil is heavy or rocky.
  • Propagate mainly by division—seeds rarely produce true-to-type plants and are less reliable.
  • For our cold winters, plant rhubarb 5-7 cm (2-3 inches) below soil level.
  • Space plants about 90–120 cm (3-4 feet) apart for good air circulation.
  • Water thoroughly after planting; keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
  • Use composted manure as fertilizer—avoid fresh manure which can burn roots.
  • In late fall, apply 7.5–10 cm (3–4 inches) of manure compost around each plant to nourish over winter.
  • Do not fertilize too early in fall; let the plant go dormant to withstand Calgary’s cold winter.
  • Mulch with well-composted material, straw, or hay to protect roots from extreme cold and wind.
  • Remove dead leaves and stalks in fall to prevent pests and disease.

Growing Conditions & Challenges:

  • Rhubarb stops growing when temperatures exceed 26.5°C (80°F) or when soil dries out—Calgary’s hot, dry summers can be tough, so consistent watering is key.
  • Keep plants well-watered, especially during dry spells.
  • Large leaves provide natural mulch and shade to keep soil moist and suppress weeds.
  • Mulch with composted manure, straw, or grass clippings for best results.

Harvesting Rhubarb in Calgary

  • Only the stalks (petioles)—which can be green, pink, or red—are edible.
  • Never eat the leaves—they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic.
  • In the first year after planting, don’t harvest any stalks—allow roots to develop.
  • In the second year, you can harvest a few stalks; full production usually begins in the third year and can last for many years.
  • Harvest only when stalks are thick and firm; avoid picking late in the season when they turn fibrous.
  • After harvesting, clean stalks with a damp cloth and store in a cool, dry place or freezer.

Dividing and Maintaining Rhubarb

  • After 3-4 years, divide mature plants to keep them vigorous.
  • Best time to divide is in early spring or fall, before the ground freezes.
  • Use a sharp spade to lift the crown, then split into fist-sized pieces.
  • Replant divisions immediately for best growth.

Using Rhubarb in Your Calgary Kitchen

  • Make classic rhubarb crisps, jams, or pies.
  • Combine with local berries for a uniquely prairie flavor.
  • Freeze stalks in airtight containers for year-round enjoyment.

Selecting Varieties for Calgary

  • Choose varieties suited for our shorter growing season and cold winters.
  • Popular older varieties include: a bright red type from the Prairies, a non-stringy red-stalked variety, and a fast-growing tender type from Quebec.
  • Consider planting a mix for different flavors and harvest times.
  • Collect and exchange varieties with fellow gardeners—sharing is part of the fun!

Additional Tips for Calgary Gardeners

  • Mulch heavily in fall to protect roots from winter freezes.
  • Use windbreaks, such as native shrubs or evergreens, to shield plants from harsh prairie winds.
  • Water consistently during dry summers—mulching helps retain soil moisture.
  • Divide plants every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and productivity.

Blending your Calgary Garden with the Natural Prairie Landscape

Landscaping, Trees & Shrubs

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 & Shelter Ideas

  • Plant evergreen trees or dense shrubs as windbreaks
  • Use native pines, junipers, or other hardy evergreens for year-round protection
  • Create barriers around more delicate plants like boxwoods or wisteria

Soil & Water Tips

  • Calgary’s soil is rocky and well-draining—add compost and organic mulch to improve moisture retention
  • Use drip or soaker hoses for targeted watering—great for conserving water in our variable climate
  • Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and reduce weeds

Design & Structure Ideas

  • Add arbors, gazebos, or Japanese-style tea houses for focal points and relaxing spots
  • Grow climbing plants like native clematis, honeysuckle, or roses on structures
  • Use curves and layered plantings—taller plants at the back, shorter in front—for visual interest

Wildlife & Native Plants

  • Attract pollinators and beneficial insects with native plants
  • Use natural windbreaks or plant groups to deter deer nibbling on delicate plants
  • Remember: wildlife is part of the Calgary landscape, so build your garden to support local ecosystems

Garden Maintenance & Organic Practices

  • Compost yard waste and kitchen scraps to enrich your soil naturally
  • Start plants from seed—native or adapted varieties do well in Calgary’s climate
  • Regular weeding, watering, and caring keep your garden healthy and vibrant

Dealing with Calgary’s Climate

  • Be prepared for frost and variable weather—use frost cloths or strategic planting spots
  • Create microclimates with rocks, walls, or south-facing areas to extend your growing season

Plant Choices:

  • John Cabot’s roses (on either side of the arbour)
  • Pear tree (supported by an arbour)
  • Bush honeysuckle
  • Yellow Campanula thyrsoides
  • Cow slips
  • Boxwood hedge
  • Daphne ‘Carol Mackie’
  • Pink-flowered wisteria
  • Black mondo grass
  • Evergreen ceanothus
  • Lavender (mounds at the garden)
  • Delphiniums
  • Clematis (e.g., Clematis Perle d’Azur, Clematis dioscoreifolia, Clematis durandii)
  • Rose ‘Henry Kelsey’
  • Veilchenblau (a purple-flowered rose)
  • Lonicera periclymenum ‘Serotina’ (a honeysuckle)
  • Constance Spry (a rose)
  • Penny Lane (a rose)
  • Compassion (a rose)
  • Westerland (a rose)
  • Fuchsias
  • Lamium galeobdolon ‘Hermann’s Pride’
  • Lobelias
  • Daylilies
  • Epimediums
  • Stachys lanata
  • Hostas
  • Clematis integrifolia
  • Heucheras

Small Yard, Big Ideas: Tips for the Small Calgary Garden

Flower Gardens

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 texture

Create Pathways & Focal Points

  • Add a winding path through the yard to break up space
  • Incorporate a pond or water feature to add tranquility
  • Use a sign or feature that indicates “work in progress” — gardens evolve!

Vertical & Edible Garden Elements

  • Use trellises for climbing plants like clematis (‘Markham’s Pink’)
  • Plant peonies, yarrow, Asiatic lilies, and daylilies for color and height
  • Incorporate vegetables and herbs:
    • Basil, mint, dill, parsley, onions, marigolds

Color & Texture in Garden Beds

  • Mix perennials like:
    • ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peony, purple yarrow, sea holly, hollyhocks
  • Add self-seeding annuals like cosmos and delphiniums for ongoing color
  • Include ornamental grasses like Karl Foerster feather reed grass and panicum

Rose Gardens & Shrubs

  • Dedicate a rose bed with varieties like:
    • ‘Stanwell Perpetual,’ Nigel Hawthorne, Peace Rose, ‘Fireglow’
  • Interplant with lilies, beebalm, irises, and alliums for layered interest

Shade & Cool Areas

  • Use shaded spots under trees for hostas, ferns, heuchera, and bleeding hearts
  • Grow shade-loving plants like toad lilies and orchids that can survive Calgary’s cold winters

Rock & Structure Gardens

  • Collect rocks with personal significance (granite, quartz, fossils)
  • Build rock mounds with mesh and a mix of peat, gravel, and sand—resemble natural coulees
  • Use rocks to create borders, mounds, and focal points

Bulbs for Fall & Spring

  • Plant fall crocuses, snow-in-summer, and colchicums in summer for early fall blooms
  • Spring bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and alliums add seasonal color

Water & Pond Features

  • Create ponds with bog gardens, water lilies, and aquatic plants like iris and sedge
  • Add a dry stream bed with prairie stones for natural water flow
  • Use rocks and stones around ponds for a natural look and wildlife habitat

Wildlife & Nature

  • Incorporate native plants and natural features to attract birds, bees, and butterflies
  • Use plant combinations that support local ecosystems

Gardening Philosophy

  • Relocate plants that aren’t thriving—gardening is about adaptation
  • Use personal touches like meaningful rocks and diverse plantings
  • Enjoy your garden year-round, even in winter, by designing with structure and evergreen plants

Fall Planting & Color Ideas for Calgary Gardens

Flower 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 hardy to Zone 4 (good for Calgary)
  • Kale (Brassica oleracea)
    • Frost-tolerant annual
    • Best planted when autumn days start to cool
  • Pansy (Viola x wittrockiana)
    • One of the best sources of vibrant fall color
  • Johnny Jump-ups (Viola tricolor)
    • Related to pansies, adds cheerful color
  • Primrose (Primula spp.)
    • Polyanthus primrose (Zone 6) often used as a fall annual in Calgary
    • Other varieties like P. obconica and P. malacoides thrive in warmer winter zones (8+)

Other Fall-Friendly Annuals (Frost-Tolerant)

  • Alyssum
  • Calendula
  • Dusty Miller
  • Sweet William (Dianthus spp.)
  • Snapdragon
  • Stock

Other Fall Favorites (Long-Term Perennials)

  • Boltonia (Boltonia asteroides)
    • Produces white to pink flowers late in the season
    • Hardy to Zone 4
  • Sedum (Stonecrop)
    • Popular varieties include ‘Autumn Joy,’ ‘Brilliant,’ ‘Frosty Morn,’ and ‘September Glow’
    • Hardy in Zones 3-9
  • Goldenrod (Solidago spp.)
    • Bright yellow flowers, cheerful fall display
    • Hardy in Zones 3-10
  • Mexican Bush Sage (Salvia leucantha)
    • Tall (around 4 ft.), bold purple blooms late into fall
  • Turtlehead (Chelone spp.)
    • Hardy perennials, bloom in fall, suitable for Zone 3+

Bulbs for Fall Display (Plant in Summer)

  • Fall Crocus
  • Meadow Saffron (Colchicum)
    • Bright, early fall bloom, plant in summer

Additional Fall Beauties

  • Grasses
    • Add texture and movement, thrive nearly everywhere in Calgary
  • Sweet Autumn Clematis (Clematis terniflora)
    • Vigorous vine with stunning fall blooms
    • Hardy to Zones 4-9

Tips for Calgary Gardeners

  • Plant hardy perennials and bulbs in summer for fall enjoyment
  • Use hardy annuals for quick color fixes
  • Incorporate grasses and vines for longer-lasting autumn interest
  • Keep your garden vibrant even as temperatures drop!

Growing Strawberries in Calgary, AB: A Quick Guide

Container Gardening, Vegetable Gardens

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 drainage
  • Use raised beds to prevent waterlogging during snowmelt or heavy rain

Best Strawberry Types for Calgary

  • June-bearing
    • Main harvest in July (short season)
    • Cultivars: ‘Bounty,’ ‘Kent,’ ‘Cavendish,’ ‘Honeyoe’
  • Everbearing
    • Main crop in summer, smaller in September
    • Cultivar: ‘Fort Laramie’
  • Day-neutral
    • Continuous fruiting once mature
    • Cultivars: ‘Fern,’ ‘Tribute,’ ‘Tristar’
    • Ideal for Calgary’s variable climate

Planting Tips

  • Choose sheltered, sunny spots (south-facing or protected from wind)
  • Plant so that the crown is level with soil surface
  • Space plants: 46 cm (18 in.) apart in rows
  • Row spacing: 1.2 m (4 ft.) apart

Winter Protection

  • Mulch in late October or early November (straw, leaves, pine needles)
  • Apply before temperatures drop below -6°C (20°F)
  • Protects against harsh Calgary winters

Watering & Irrigation

  • Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and ripening
  • Ensure a reliable water supply for better yields

Renovation & Maintenance

  • After harvest, mow June-bearers to 5 cm (2 in.) above crowns
  • Remove old foliage, fertilize, and bury runner nodes for new plants
  • Helps plants stay healthy and produce more next year

Fertilization Tips

  • Use balanced fertilizer like 16-20-0-12
  • Apply around 0.9 kg (2 lbs) per 30 meters (100 ft.) of row
  • Soil testing helps determine exact needs

Enjoy the Sweet Rewards!

  • Add color and flavor to your garden
  • Harvest fresh strawberries in summer, right in your backyard
  • With proper care, strawberries can be a beautiful and tasty addition to your Calgary garden

Calgary Loves Geraniums!

Flower Gardens

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 History & Origin:
    • Native to South Africa, these plants have been cultivated for centuries.
    • Discovered in the 1500s, they quickly gained popularity for their aromatic foliage.
    • Used in perfumes, soaps, and as natural insect repellents during their heyday.
    • Victorian households loved them for their fragrance, often growing large pots indoors to freshen the air.
  • Versatility & Adaptability:
    • Many species and hybrids are available at local nurseries suited to Calgary’s climate.
    • Thrive in full sun with well-drained soil—perfect for Calgary’s variable weather.
    • Grow well in containers, garden beds, or hanging baskets.
    • Can be moved indoors during our cold winters to enjoy their fragrance year-round.
  • Care & Maintenance:
    • Respond well to regular pruning, which encourages fuller growth and more fragrant foliage.
    • Ideal for container gardening—trailing varieties are perfect for hanging baskets.
    • Use harvested leaves for potpourris, culinary flavoring, or natural beauty products.
    • Mulch around the base to retain moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.
  • Growing Conditions:
    • Prefer full sun for optimal growth and scent production.
    • Require well-drained soil—avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
    • Can tolerate Calgary’s dry summers when watered regularly.
    • During winter, bring pots indoors to a cool, bright spot to overwinter successfully.
  • Ornamental & Sensory Appeal:
    • Many varieties have uniquely textured or cut leaves for visual interest.
    • Fragrances include mint, rose, citrus, spice, and more—adding a sensory dimension to your garden.
    • Small, colorful flowers often bloom alongside aromatic leaves, enhancing visual appeal.
  • Benefits for Calgary Gardeners:
    • Easy to grow and maintain, making them suitable for beginners and experts alike.
    • Add beauty, fragrance, and texture to your outdoor space.
    • Attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
    • Enhance culinary and homemade products with fresh, fragrant leaves.

In summary, scented geraniums are an excellent choice for Calgary gardeners who want plants that are attractive, fragrant, and adaptable. With a little care, they can flourish in our climate, providing months of sensory pleasure and visual interest, enriching your outdoor living space through all seasons.

Why Are Birch Trees Dying? The Role of the Bronze Birch Borer

Trees & Shrubs

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 left unmanaged. This threat is the bronze birch borer, a native beetle that has become a major concern for birch health, particularly in urban environments.

The bronze birch borer (Agrilus anxius) exclusively targets birch trees, with the most susceptible species being white birches, such as native paper birch and European birch. In cities like Calgary, AB, the stress caused by environmental factors makes these trees especially vulnerable to attack.

How Stress Weakens Birch Trees

A healthy birch tree can often fend off or recover from pest attacks. However, stress factors like drought, poor soil conditions, or other pests weaken the tree’s defenses. In urban settings, birches often suffer from water stress due to insufficient watering—these trees naturally thrive in moist environments near lakes, rivers, or low-lying areas, which are scarce in typical city landscapes.

When stressed, birches divert their energy toward survival rather than defense. This makes them prime targets for the bronze birch borer, which can cause extensive damage.

The Life Cycle of the Bronze Birch Borer

Adult bronze birch borers are 7-11 mm long, with an olive to copper-bronze coloration. Males are slightly smaller with a greenish face, while females have a copper-colored face. Females lay their creamy white, oval eggs in crevices or under loose bark. These eggs hatch in about two weeks.

The real damage occurs during the larval stage, which spends up to two years feeding under the bark, hidden from view. Once hatched, larvae burrow under the bark and feed on the cambium layer—the vital tissue responsible for transporting water and nutrients. This feeding gradually kills the branch from the inside out. When mature, larvae pupate and then emerge as adults through D-shaped holes, approximately 4-6 mm wide, typically from late June to August.

Signs of Infestation and Damage

The first indicator of a bronze birch borer attack is often the wilting and yellowing of upper branches, which eventually die back. If you notice such symptoms, inspect for the characteristic D-shaped exit holes near the branch tips. As the infestation progresses, the damage can spread downward, and if untreated, the entire tree might die within 2 to 5 years.

Prevention and Care Strategies

Preventing bronze birch borer infestation hinges on maintaining the overall health of the tree. Since stressed trees are more prone to attack, proper watering is essential.

  • Watering: In urban landscapes, birch trees need deep, consistent watering. Use a soaker hose placed around the drip line, delivering a slow trickle for 6-8 hours every two weeks from spring through late summer. Avoid shallow sprinklers that only water the surface. Additional watering in hot, dry weather is crucial, with a final deep soak in late October to prepare the roots for winter.
  • Control Other Pests: Managing other pests, such as tent caterpillars or aphids, reduces overall stress on the tree, bolstering its defenses against borers.
  • Proper Planting: Plant birch trees on the north or east sides of properties, in areas with good airflow and shade during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid planting in full shade or in areas with compacted soil.
  • Mulching: Apply a 10-15 cm layer of bark or wood chips around the base to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent mechanical damage from lawn equipment.
  • Resistant Species: Consider planting birch species with natural resistance to bronze birch borer, such as river birch, which has ornamental bark and prefers moist, cool soil conditions.

Managing Infestations

If your birch tree shows signs of borer damage, removing and destroying affected branches can reduce the number of larvae and prevent further spread. Pruning should be done in early summer after leaf expansion but before adult beetles emerge, to avoid bleeding sap and stress.

In severe cases where more than half the tree’s crown is affected, removal might be necessary to prevent the beetles from spreading to nearby trees. The wood should be destroyed to eliminate any remaining pests.

Chemical Control and Final Thoughts

Chemical treatments, such as systemic insecticides, have limited effectiveness against bronze birch borers and are often not recommended due to difficulty and cost. The best defense remains healthy, well-cared-for trees through proper watering, pruning, and cultural practices.

By proactively maintaining birch health and monitoring for early signs of infestation, we can help preserve these beautiful trees in urban landscapes and prevent the devastating effects of the bronze birch borer.

Growing Beans in Calgary: A Step-by-Step Guide

Vegetable Gardens

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 South and Central America and became staple crops for Indigenous peoples in North America. They are classified into three categories based on how they are consumed:

  • Snap Beans: Eaten fresh when the pods are young and tender.
  • Shell Beans: Harvested when the seeds are fully developed inside the pod but still fresh.
  • Dry Beans: Collected once the pods have dried and the seeds are hard.

Nutritional Benefits

  • Fresh Beans: High in vitamins A and C, potassium, and low in calories.
  • Dried Beans: Provide high fiber, rich in B vitamins, low in fat, and a great source of protein. Regular consumption can help lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar levels, making them suitable for those with diabetes.

Selecting Bean Varieties

Beans thrive in Calgary’s warm summer weather, so choose varieties that are well-suited for the region:

  • Bush Beans:
    • Grow 1½ to 2 feet tall.
    • Mature in 50–60 days.
    • Require successive plantings for a continuous harvest.
  • Pole Beans:
    • Grow 6 to 8 feet tall and need vertical support.
    • Start producing in 55–65 days and can be harvested for a longer period with only one or two plantings.

Planting Beans

  1. Timing:
    • Plant beans one week after the last spring frost, when soil temperatures reach 15°C to 18°C (60°F to 65°F). This ensures proper germination and avoids seed rot.
  2. Soil Preparation:
    • Plant in well-drained soil, enriched with compost or well-rotted manure.
    • Inoculate seeds with Rhizobium to help fix nitrogen in the soil. This involves dusting damp seeds with a black powder before planting.
  3. Planting:
    • For bush beans, plant 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep, 2 inches (5 cm) apart, with rows set 18 inches (45 cm) apart.
    • For pole beans, use the same spacing but ensure to install trellises or poles before planting.

Providing Support

Beans, especially pole and runner varieties, need support to climb:

  • Trellis or Fencing: Use a trellis, chicken wire, or nylon netting set up before planting.
  • DIY Options: Create a teepee using 10-foot saplings, allowing room for children to play or easy access for harvesting.

Watering and Maintenance

  • Moisture: Beans require consistent moisture, especially around flowering time. Water when the top half inch (1 cm) of soil is dry.
  • Mulching: Use straw or composted leaves after the soil warms to conserve moisture and control weeds.
  • Thinning: Thin seedlings to 6 inches (15 cm) apart once they develop leaves, keeping the vigorous plants.

Harvesting and Enjoying Your Beans

  • Fresh Eating: Enjoy snap beans fresh or freeze them for later use.
  • Storage: For dry beans, allow the pods to dry completely on the plant before harvesting and storing in a cool, dry place.

Recommended Varieties for Calgary

  • Bush Beans: ‘Blue Lake Bush’ for flavor, ‘Provider’ for early harvest.
  • Pole Beans: ‘Kentucky Wonder’ and ‘Fortex’ for tender, long pods.
  • Unique Options: Consider ‘Dragon Tongue’, an heirloom variety with exquisite flavor and beautiful streaked pods.

Beans are not just a nutritious crop; they also bring beauty to your garden with their flowers and foliage. With proper planning and care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest that will last through the seasons!