The buzz about dandelions is well-meaning but misleading No Mow May is a catchy slogan and well intentioned idea, but does it actually help bees? The truth is: not really.…
In 1864, the American naturalist John Muir was on a mission, trekking deep into Ontario’s Holland Marsh, in search of a rare orchid: Calypso Borealis
This is the time of spring ephemerals, the first flowers to grace our gardens and natural areas as the weather warms. Hepatica (Anemone hepatica), Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and bloodroot…
Hepatica, Virginia bluebells, bloodroot and other spring wildflowers are tightly furled against the onslaught of wind and rain on a chilly spring morning. No doubt they are grateful for the…
A meadow filled with Indian paintbrush (Castilleja coccinea) wildflowers is a sight to behold. This brilliant red native plant (also known as scarlet paintbrush, scarlet cup and painted cup) graces…
Native plants sustain birds, bees and butterflies If you’re looking to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that also helps birds, bees and butterflies, planting native plant perennials is for you!…
As May comes to a close, I have an appreciation for the ground covers that help keep weeds down, serving as ‘green mulch.’ There are a number of native ground…
Ferns are unfurling, trilliums and wild columbine are blooming and wild ginger is providing nesting materials for leaf-cutter bees in late May in the native plant garden.
Mild Ontario summer helping monarch butterfly populations If you’ve been thinking it seems like there are more monarch butterflies around this year, you may be right. Monarchs have been making…
Waterloo Region’s Native Plant Source nursery is the place to find native plants for beautiful gardens that support local biodiversity Gardening is good for the body, mind and soul —…