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...
Category: Flower Gardens
Flower gardening in Grand Junction, Colorado, thrives with sun-loving, drought-resistant plants. Gardeners enjoy vibrant blooms, choosing native species to withstand high desert temperatures, varied soils, and occasional dry spells for beautiful resilience.
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...
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...
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...
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...