The “art of good timing” is the age-old belief in lunar rhythms. In the old days, people would plan their daily life, from health and home, to nutrition to farming, forestry and gardening, around the positions and phases of the moon. The moon controls ocean tides, influences the groundwater tables and even the movement of …
When it comes to organic gardening, many gardeners are not exactly sure of the definition. Beyond the avoidance of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides on their plants, an organic gardener works to achieve a harmonious balance among natural systems, while leaving the environment with replenishment of its resources. There are many good reasons for going organic. …
Holiday wreaths have long been a tradition of Christmas. Some religions consider circular wreaths as representative of eternity. Wreaths have long been a sign of greeting that embraces nature’s goodness. When made with evergreen branches, the wreath becomes a symbol of everlasting life. With fresh greenery, it adds hope and new life. Throughout the holiday …
Long been a symbol of the holiday season, the infamous mistletoe — or modern-day kissing ball — has been placed in doorways and arches the world around. Kissing underneath the mistletoe is a sign of love, romance and prosperity. Christmas has a wide range of customs and traditions from many cultures and the meaning of …
The poinsettia plant, also known as the Christmas Star or Christmas Flower, has a history rich with tradition and meaning. In Mexico, the arrival of the poinsettia plant is associated with the story of a young girl named Pepita. As the story tells, this girl wept on her way to church, on Christmas Eve, at …
We all love to buy new, lush green tropical plants. But what can we do to help maintain the plant’s original lushness and colour? Start by selecting the right plant for the right location. First, look to the light. Most plants derive the majority of their energy from the light. Direct sunlight is considered to …
The azalea plant is among the most colourful and beautiful of flowering shrubs. Domesticated to become an indoor flowering plant, many varieties can be placed outdoors for the Yukon summer months and wintered indoors. By following a few simple tricks of the trade, you can grow azaleas to produce a flowering period of three to …
There is great excitement to starting plants from seeds. By selecting ornamental and preferred plant varieties, while giving favoured flower and vegetable varieties a head start, you have the opportunity for a summer garden that bursts with enthusiasm … a little early. From blue Himalayan poppies to the award-winning geranium, “Rozanne”, to space-saver cucumbers and …
It has been a long time since we have seen the colour outdoors. For most enthusiastic gardeners, we await that day, when we can embark into our gardens, with the greatest of anticipation. Spring flowering bulbs bring forth a multitude of colour, fragrance and personality. An antidote to the cold outdoor temperatures, spring flowers are …
At some point, many gardeners will experience plant pests and diseases. By selecting all-natural, organic products such as the popular neem oil to care for your plants, you can safely and effectively treat many common plant ailments. Neem oil, derived from the pressed seed of the Azadiracta indica A. Juss (the neem tree), has been …
Plants are natural self-propagators. Along with producing seeds, plants have a unique ability to allow for broken stems and leaves to re-root themselves and produce new plants. One can take advantage of this natural phenomenon by performing plant propagation, by taking cuttings from plants and following a few simple techniques. The ideal time to take …
Cacti and succulents make for ideal indoor plants. In their impressive forms, cacti and succulents offer a broad range of exotic varieties. Whether designed in a minimalist, dry garden or simply enjoyed planted on their own, these easy-to-care-for plants are ideal for the low-maintenance gardener. A succulent is described as a plant with thick foliage …
