Gardening Life articles from November 2003

Gardening Life archives from November 2003

Editor's note.(Editorial)
November 1, 2003... THE MOST FUN I HAD IN THE GARDEN this past year was when I had my plant sale. I normally donate my plants to other people's sales and thin out the garden by giving things away. But I'm sick of people saying: "When you're throwing things out...

Branching out.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... If you're doing some heavy pruning this season or collecting firewood for the cold days ahead, think about using one or two of the larger cutting. as unusual indoor room accents. Here, a tall birch tree branch in its leafless state serves as...

How to protect young trees in winter.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Young conifers and broad-leafed evergreens such as rhododendrons can suffer winter damage, especially from Westerly winds and the southern sun. To protect them, erect a burlap screen around such plants in late fall but make sure that the...

Force of habitat.(Shop watch)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... These days, the concept of outdoor "rooms" is a popular one, even if tracking down the durable yet attractive accessories to go in them can be daunting. Enter designer Nancy Regier, owner of OUTDOOR HABITAT in Oakville, Ont. Regier's goal--to...

Definition.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A true bulb (such as a tulip or daffodil) contains a whole plant in one neat underground package: roots and a flowering shoot surrounded by fleshy, nutrient-rich scales that are modified leaves. A corm (such as a crocus or gladiolus) is...

Good books.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Review)
November 1, 2003... "Tis the season for winterbound gardeners to dream and plan--and for big, beautiful coffee table books to whet their appetites. In Extreme Horticulture (Frances Lincoln, $75), U.S. photobug John Pfahl does just that, turning his lens on...

Marjories's pick.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The silvery plumes of Miscanthus sinensis 'Variegatus' make a dramatic late-season entry paired with glossy black elderberries (Sambucus canadensis). Birds love the berries, while the grass, which grows to more than six feet (1.8 metres),...

Fit for a Prince.(people)(Le Prince Jardinier )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... For those who would argue that gardening and luxury don't mix, Prince Louis-Albert de Broglie--a.k.a. France's Gardener Prince--has a simple response: "Your garden is beautiful, so your tools should be, too." And his are. Since 1995, when the...

Amazing amaryllis.(hot stuff)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... This season, add razzle to the dazzle with new varieties of a traditional favourite--from the Brazilian Hippeastrum papilio and its pointed petals etched in scarlet to the elegant white trumpets of H. 'Amputo' and spidery...

Name that plant.(Green talk: essential info for Canadian gardeners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Don't mistake this perennial for its dusty friend! A University of British Columbia introduction, this sun-loving, silver-leafed plant makes an eye-catching edger or unusual groundcover. Hardy to Zone 3. Mail or fax your answer to: "NAME THAT...

Oh, nuts!(ask Marjorie)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Q We recently moved into an older home and now face the challenge of designing a garden that can survive under a very large black walnut tree. I have sourced lists of plants that are tolerant of black walnut and those that are highly...

Thistle dismissal.(ask Marjorie)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Q I have a fairly large yard with trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals. For the past few years, I have been fighting a losing battle against thistles. I try to prevent them from going to seed and have dug the entire yard two or three times...

Do not disturb.(ask Marjorie)(Christmas cactus )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Q I've had a Christmas cactus for about two years. During the first year, there were lots of blooms, but last Christmas there were no blooms and the branches are now falling off. I water only when it is dry, and it gets lots of sunlight. What...

A major blow.(ask Marjorie)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Q My husband and I will soon be moving into our new house on the Bow River escarpment with a large, pie-shaped backyard that faces due west. Strong west winds blow straight from the Rockies, with nothing to stop them. What can we plant to...

Tropical punch: exotic orchids add a shot of elegance and a dash of passion.(cutting edge)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... line 'em up Go horizontal with your next table arrangement or mantelpiece display by arranging several orchid blooms in a long ceramic olive dish, wooden baguette holder or other narrow container. Add a little water to maintain their...

Weather ready.(high & low)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)
November 1, 2003... METAL-TINED LEAF RAKES $13 Steel rake with 22 replaceable tines and 45" hardwood pole. Through Garant. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $35 Stainless steel rake with 46" hardwood pole. At Canadian Tire. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Give us a kiss: Jen Reynolds uses pine cones, fruit and birchbark to put a whole new spin on traditional kissing balls.(Jen's d.i.y.)
November 1, 2003... WHEN RECEIVING GUESTS over the coming months, welcome them with these updated versions of a traditional Yuletide ornament--the kissing ball. In the Victorian era, a marriageable maiden would stand beneath one, hoping to be kissed by her...

West.(Hands on: GL's cross-country checklist November/December)
November 1, 2003... * The past few winters have been extremely mild in the west, allowing gardeners to push the limits of their plant palette. However, this false sense of security will be challenged sooner or later, so be prepared to provide some winter...

Prairies.(Hands on: GL's cross-country checklist November/December)
November 1, 2003... * Before the weather gets too frigid, clip and trim your evergreens--not for their sake, but for yours! If you anticipate needing clippings indoors for seasonal use, choose a sunny day and make your cuts before temperatures drop too low....

Central.(Hands on: GL's cross-country checklist November/December)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... * Compost season is an especially busy time in central Canada, with its huge population of deciduous trees. The generous quantity of fallen leaves provides plenty of opportunity to create a gorgeous garden--all you have to do is pile your...

Atlantic.(Hands on: GL's cross-country checklist November/December)
November 1, 2003... * Browse the bargain bins at your local garden centre for leftover spring bulbs. Bury them in containers filled with potting soil, planting each at a depth twice its width. Layer them by placing larger bulbs, like tulips, deeper. Store in an...

Three's a crowd (pleaser): for the gardener on your gift list this year, good things come in trios.(gift guide)(Buyers Guide)
November 1, 2003... mind A mind is a terrible thing to waste, so exercise it in style with an invigorating aromatic oil, a brainteasing garden-themed jigsaw puzzle or a thoughtprovoking journal by hip L.A. designer Pamela Barsky. From top to bottom:...

Taking a healthy interest in your appearance is nothing to frown at.
November 1, 2003... Canadians are well known for wanting to project a positive image of themselves to the world. A recent poll in fact shows that an overwhelming majority of Canadians consider good looks to be relatively important in today's society. This...

Let there be light: add seasonal sparkle to house and garden with 10 bright ideas for outdoor illumination.(elements)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2003... bench warmers Give your garden a romantic flickering glow by placing thick, long-burning candles inside filigred orchid pots. Display the pots either in groups or individually on a retaining wll, patio tableor bench. Bench, UpCountry...

Spring summer autumn winter: a toronto birder and japanophile adopts a plan for all seasons to establish a serene piece of tailored wilderness in the heart of the bustling city.(sanctuary)
November 1, 2003... a seamless blend of exquisite pottery, carefully chosen plants and the elegant simplicity of Japanese design, Randy Maloney's Toronto garden is delightful in all seasons. An oasis of calm for its owners, it is also, among its other charms, a...

Merry making: this holiday season, draw on the beauty and bounty of your sleeping garden when celebrating, decorating and giving.(inspiration)
November 1, 2003... during the long, cold months of Canada's winters, most gardeners tend to stow away their tolls and containers, deferring the pleasures of the outdoors until the first spring thaw. But who says--even in our frosty northern clime--that we can't...

Tales from the woods: in these exclusive excerpts from Botanica North America, her encyclopedic new study of native flora, GL editor-in-chief Marjorie Harris outlines the colourful charms of four small forest-dwellers that will enliven any home garden.(excerpt)(Brief Article)(Excerpt)
November 1, 2003... Researched and written over five years, Botanica North America is the 14th and--at 688 pages--the largest book that GL's Marjorie Harris has ever completed. An exhaustive look at North American native plants, it covers the continent from the...

Fabulous fennel: whether you use its lacy fronds, dried seeds, crunchy stems or crisp white bulbs, licorice-flavoured fennel is the perfect all-purpose vegetable.(food)
November 1, 2003... The first time I planted bronze fennel in my garden, I was hoping to attract swallowtail butterflies. The insects never materialized, but I fell in love with the versatile herb/vegetable. Its delicate anise flavour seems to complement...

Western.(What's on: a national roundup of events, lectures and garden tours)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... NOVEMBER 6, VANCOUVER Learn about the challenges and rewards of "Greening the City" in a talk by award-winning landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. Floral Hall, VanDusen Botanical Garden, 8 p.m. Members: $10; non-members: $15....

Central.(What's on: a national roundup of events, lectures and garden tours)(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... NOVEMBER/DECEMBER, KITCHENER, ON Support the Huntington Society of Canada's "Growing a Brighter Future" campaign by purchasing a $12 Amaryllis Bulb Kit. Kit includes an amaryllis bulb (the Huntington Society's signature plant), a pot,...

Eastern.(Whats on: a national roundup of events, lectures and garden tours)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... NOVEMBER 22 & 23, ST. PETERS, NS Vote for your favourites at Richmond County's display of decorated Christmas trees and take part in craft demonstrations, cookie decorating and an auction of Yuletide decorations. Lions' Hall, Saturday 10...

Naturegg presents eggcellent.(A Gardening Life Advertising Feature)
November 1, 2003... Naturegg Break*Free liquid eggs are low in fat and cholesterol. For a delicious, healthy meal, just add the freshest seasonal vegetables and enjoy! Use Naturegg Break*Free liquid eggs to make this delicious and healthy winter torte. It...

Sweet travel trick.(It's your health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Traveling and looking for convenient, nutrient-rich liquid refreshment? Try this tasty kid-tested trick: Mix four rounded tablespoons of powdered skim milk with one to two rounded tablespoons of chocolate milk powder in a travel mug and take...

Sloppy Joe Burritos.(It's your health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A FAVOURITE WITH EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. MAKES 8 BURRITOS. 8 oz lean ground beef 225 g 1 cup canned black or kidney beans, rinsed and drained 250 mL 1/2 cup chopped green...

Laval study: calcium leads to less body fat.(It's your health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A recent Laval University study has found that high calcium intake (the equivalent of two or more servings of milk products a day) was linked to lower weight and less body fat, especially in women. While researchers aren't certain how calcium...

Fibre and colon cancer update.(It's your health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Confused by contradictory reports about fibre and colon cancer prevention? You'll be interested in the results of EPIC, the largest study of diet and cancer ever conducted. This study of over 500,000 European men and women showed that the...

Who to trust?(It's your health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In some provinces, virtually anyone can call themselves a nutritionist. However only those with extensive university training in nutrition science can call themselves registered dietitians. So protect yourself from the...

Champagne + crystal = a dazzling display: the streaming bubbles of Champagne Perrier Jouet Grand Brut inspire this luminous Bellini bar.(entertaining equation #1)
November 1, 2003... We set up our bar using beautiful stemware from John Rocha for Waterford Crystal. Etched with circles and graphic lines, the crystal echoes our bubbly theme. Exotic mango, guava and passion fruit Bellinis garnished with long slivers of dried...

China + cognac + soup = a break from the cold: after a day spent outside skiing or just making snow angels, invite a party of friends in for a cosy "apres-snow" gathering.(entertaining equation #2)
November 1, 2003... Thick winter scarves serve as perfect table runners and fun faux-fur accessories complete the winter wonderland look. Tasty Knorr soups and an elegant Remy Martin cider cocktail make great warm winter fare that is easily prepared for...

Wine + romance = shared pleasures: skip the holiday social scene for a romantic night at home. Light some candles, choose soft music, and stay in to share a good bottle of wine and an intimate dinner for two.(entertaining equation #3)
November 1, 2003... To up the intimacy ante, let fine wines from Italy, France and California relax you and help stimulate your senses. Serve foods eaten from shared platter--even better are foods eaten with your fingers. Dunk steamed lobster, new potatoes...

Liqueurs + espresso + chocolate = salon style: recreate the relaxed atmosphere of a chic European cafe at home: finish off a perfect evening with a tray of gourmet espresso, sensuous after dinner liquers, decadent desserts and luxury chocolates.(entertaining equation #4)
November 1, 2003... Frangelico Hazelnut liqueur, served neat. Gropius TAC-02 grappa stem, Rosenthal. Laquered trays and stylish china combine to form a sleek colour palette of black, pale blue and creamy gold. After dinner, follow the European...

Severn Cullis-Suzuki.(Back talk: dishing the dirt with Canada's gardeners)(Interview)
November 1, 2003... At 12, Severn Cullis-Suzuki famously addressed the 1992 United Nations Earth Summit in Brazil. More recently, she was adopted by B.C.'s Haida for promoting sustainable logging. As a globe-trotting environmental activist, the 23-year-old Yale...