Gardening Life articles from November 2005

Gardening Life archives from November 2005

Beautiful skin after 50? It's yours with L'Oreal Paris. With age comes wisdom, experience--and changes to your skin.(ADVERTORIAL)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Over time, hormonal changes can alter your skin, leaving it dull, dehydrated and less supple. Collagen and elastin production slow down, and the results are all too visible: fine lines, wrinkles and sun damage spots develop, and your skin...

Editor's note.
November 1, 2005... ON A VISIT THIS SUMMER to a garden in a normally peaceful enclave here in Toronto, I watched as a truck moved into a driveway and its occupants hauled out some heavy lawn equipment. "Don't you have an agreement on your street about not using...

Red/green show.(ask marjorie)
November 1, 2005... Q The Japanese maple we planted in our backyard last year started the season with many beautiful red leaves but in summer they began to turn green. It looks healthy, but do we need to do something for it to keep the red colour? Many of my...

Chip'n'wail.(ask marjorie)
November 1, 2005... Q I am having problems with chipmunks eating my bulbs right out of the ground and munching the buds of my lilies. What can I do? --Laurie Jones, Orillia, ON A Plant bulbs that are less appetizing to them such as daffodils...

Screen time.(ask marjorie)
November 1, 2005... Q I have an old, overgrown lilac that still blooms but has little attraction the rest of the year. It provides great screening from my neighbour, though, so I'm debating whether to rejuvenate it or replace it. It's on the east side of the...

Bamboozled.(ask marjorie)
November 1, 2005... Q About five years ago, I planted some bamboo that this year has spread into the middle of my yard. How can I get rid of it before it takes over? --Margaret Vistaunet, Vancouver A Bamboos are either clumpers or runners. The former...

Correction.(letters)(Correction Notice)
November 1, 2005... In our story about kitchen gardens ("Home Harvest," August/September), we got our leafy red stalks mixed up. Those pictured on page 64 are not rhubarb as stated, but rhubarb chard (Beta vulgaris), a colourful variety of Swiss chard. Our...

Cold comforts.(green talk: ESSENTIAL INFO FOR CANADIAN GARDENERS)
November 1, 2005... During the summer, you might punctuate an afternoon of gardening with frequent breaks, some cold drinks, a snack. So why should winter be any different? This year, make cold-weather chores such as shovelling snow or chopping firewood more...

Marjorie's match-up.(green talk: ESSENTIAL INFO FOR CANADIAN GARDENERS)
November 1, 2005... This combo of Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (1) and the aptly named feathertop (Pennisetum vitlosum) (2) perfectly illustrates the dictum that opposites attract. Hardy to Zone 3, the sedum, with its sturdy rounded flower heads, is a classic, easy-care...

Definition.(green talk: ESSENTIAL INFO FOR CANADIAN GARDENERS)
November 1, 2005... Ericaceous refers to plants such as heathers (Erica), rhododendrons and mountain laurels that like acid soils rather than alkaline ones,

Cool Green & Shady.(shop watch)
November 1, 2005... Who says that the gardening scene slows down in fall and winter? Not Amber Harrison, the owner of Cool Green & Shady, a chic little garden store in Toronto's Beaches district. Brimming with containers and furniture, lovely wreaths, luxe...

How to grow citrus from seed.(green talk: ESSENTIAL INFO FOR CANADIAN GARDENERS)
November 1, 2005... Growing orange, grapefruit and lemon trees--well, little bushes really--from the seeds you normally toss out is surprisingly simple. It's a fun project for children to try and the glossy-leafed plants are most attractive. 1 Retain the...

Go digital: it all starts here ...(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Life may be complicated, but your home entertainment and office don't have to be. Welcome to the Digital Home presented by Intel[R], where your home PC and home electronics equipment merge into a single unit that looks sleek and...

Bring it home: this digital home is presented by intel[R].(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Still not sure what the digital home could mean for you? Read on! In the following pages, you'll see how going digital can impact the way you live, work and play in your garden, in your media room, and in your home office. And, when it's time...

Home theatre: now everyone at home has VIP passes to the world of digital entertainment. The feeling is pure power at your fingertips, changing the way your family enjoys the media they love.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... GAME time An entertainment PC, like this HP Digital Entertainment Center, gives you the best seat in the house: you can watch the game, pause the live action for your own "time outs," and go for instant replays on all the best thrills...

Make the connection: media room presented by intel[R].(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... 1 ENTERTAINMENT PC The HP z555 DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT CENTER powered by the Intel[R] Pentium[R] 4 processor 530J with HT Technology is the heart--and brain--of the digital home. A fun, easy-to-use unit, this PC also fulfills all the...

Upwardly mobile: the home office has come unplugged! Intel[R] technology makes the home office an open, portable concept that fits into any space.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... You don't have to give up valuable real estate in your house for a dedicated home office space. Today's smart wireless technologies leave you free to access work files, email, video and music files from anywhere inside or outside the house....

Make the connection: home office presented by intel[R].(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... 1 DESKTOP PC The digital home needs a superior PC, and the SONY VAIO VGCRA840G RA SERIES DESKTOP fits the bill. Powered by the Intel[R] Pentium[R] D processor 820 with a dual layer DVD+/-RW Burner, it supports just about anything you can...

Take it outside: Intel[R] technology means never having to reach the end of your cord. Wireless technology easily and seamlessly brings your digital entertainment outdoors for you and your guests to enjoy.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... GO WIRELESS! Put that ugly orange extension cord away and forget about the hassle and expense of wiring your yard for sound. Unobtrusive wireless speakers and a slim-lined remote control that can access hours of digital music make DJ...

Make the connection: garden party presented by Intel[R].(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... READY WHEN YOU ARE... Lightweight, slim-lined laptop PCs powered by Intel[R] mean that no matter where you are (or what you're doing), you're never out of touch. 1 ENTERTAINMENT PC The HP Digital Entertainment Center can store...

Good book.(green talk)
November 1, 2005... It's all well and good to have a great garden from spring to fall, but it takes special planning to create a scene that enchants even in winter. To that end, Vincent A. Simeone's WONDERS OF THE WINTER LANDSCAPE: SHRUBS AND TREES TO BRIGHTEN...

Name that plant.(green talk)
November 1, 2005... We're not lying when we say that this pretty biennial produces purple, pink or white blooms, but its real value lies in its translucent seed cases called silicles. Mail or fax your answer to: "Name That Plant Contest," Gardening Life, 511...

Perfectly pomegranate.(hot stuff)
November 1, 2005... 1 Cleanse and condition winter-worn hands with Molton Brown's new skin products featuring exotic Moroccan pomegranate. Rose granati fine liquid hand wash, $28, hand lotion, $30, www.moltonbrown.com. 2 Infuse your rooms with a fresh,...

And the winner is ...(THE INTEL DIGITAL HOME CONTEST)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... The Forte-Long family won a contest, opened their Niagara Falls home to the Intel team and interior designer Cindy Bleeks, and had their digital dreams come true. Maria Forte-Long was in the process of redoing her family room when she saw the...

Cream of the crop: as subtle as they are sumptuous, cream-coloured flowers always rise to the occasion, especially during the holidays.(cutting edge)
November 1, 2005... flat-out elegance 'Tis the season for entertaining--and what better way to display creamy flowers than in a gorgeous candlelit centrepiece? To create ours, we soaked a square oasis wreath (which comes in its own "tray") and affixed a few...

Get organized!(high & low)
November 1, 2005... 4 MP DIGITAL CAMERAS $199 Weather-resistant tip Pbotosmart M23 with 7x digital zoom and 1.5" LCD screen. At retailers across Canada. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $290 Nikon COOLPIX 4600 with 3x optical zoom and 1.8" LCD screen. At...

Stone angles: rock fan Ted Johnston leaves no stones unturned as he mines their myriad uses, from simple steps to dry-laid walls.(toolshed)
November 1, 2005... STONE HAS A SPECIAL POWER in gardens--there's a primal quality to it and, like wood, it improves with age. As the elements soften its corners and lichen spreads across its surface, stone takes on a character and authority unlike any other...

Tie one on: GL dresses up three naked wreath forms for a trio of lush looks that will last all winter.(project)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... Is your front door in need of some seasonal cheer? Homemade wreaths built with basic forms and a little creativity are singular alternatives to commercial decorations. 1 cotton dandy Simple in appearance yet rich in texture and detail,...

Victory gardens: from B.C. to Ontario, this year's garden contest winners show discipline, confidence and heart.(garden contest)
November 1, 2005... northern exposure WINNER Cathy Pineau, Thunder Bay, Ont. PRIZE A deluxe gardener's gift package from Lee Valley Tools Cathy Pineau was an admittedly lax gardener before a bout of ovarian cancer and her subsequent recovery at home...

All that glitters.
November 1, 2005... Years ago, The New Times compiled a travel anthology called Winter: Love It or Leave It. In it, fans of the season argued as passionately in its favour as those of hot weather crowed about summer. And why wouldn't they? After all, is there...

The top 10 what's hot for 2006.(trends)
November 1, 2005... 1 bronze plants Forget gold in 2006--smart gardeners will be going for the bronze! Flexible yet intense, it's the hottest colour for foliage plants, as evidenced by such gorgeous new offerings as 'Rustic Orange' coleus, tropical copper...

Shady character: in a part of Ontario that once saw most of its oaks razed to make British ships, a property blessed with a rich canopy of trees provides a cool setting for an eager gardener and the community of critters living above.(inspiration)
November 1, 2005... Ric Riordon is a man with a plan. Ten years ago, he and his wife, Shirley, moved to a property that was once part of a large Victorian estate in Oakville's swish Lakeshore neighbourhood, where the newest house is 70 years old. The...

Frozen assets: this year, create an inviting winter garden of your own using existing structures, a few choice evergreens and plenty of deep-freeze flair.(ideas)
November 1, 2005... keep your head Sculpture is a key component of the successful winter garden. In addition to the character and drama that statuary, fountains and other forms of garden art can provide at a tree when plantings are dormant, they also catch...

Flower power: give the gift of blooms this year with these bright suggestions for everyone on your list.(gift guide)
November 1, 2005... THE PLAYER David Fussenegger Textil "Silvretta" cotton flannel blankets (hanging and at bottom left), $110 each, through Kampatek Inc.; Andy Warhol "1960s Flowers" melamine plates, $25 for assorted set of four, through Precidio Objects;...

Scarlet harvest: once limited to holiday sauces, tasty, cranberries have never been more popular.(food)
November 1, 2005... When I was growing up during the '70s, cranberries had only one culinary use--as a jam to be served with turkey during Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners. Cranberries, in fact, were little more than decorative in those days. During the...

Chill: a special entertaining promotion.(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Tis the season, and we're all looking for ways to impress our guests while keeping all the "details" to a minimum. This year, discover a new twist on sophisticated "style by warming up to a more chilled out vibe. If the mood you'd like to...

Pop the cork!(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... A muted pop, a trail of bubbles and a stream of pale liquid gold. Whether savoured with freshly squeezed orange juice over brunch or sipped alongside sparklers after dusk, Champagne instantly says celebration. Mumm[R] Cordon Rouge and Mumm[R]...

Make a toast: for a simple sophisticated countdown to midnight, tell a few friends to put on their party shoes and come over for a candlelit gathering to toast your way into the New Year.(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Relax & Enjoy Served with hors d'oeuvres, light, uncomplicated wines made for everyday drinking are the perfect choice for entertaining friends over the holidays. Folonari[R] Pinot Grigio and Melini[R] Orvieto Classico are crisp, citrusy...

One shot deals: set out an espresso liqueur bar and extra special fixings to fortify guests on cool winter rights.(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Gather Round Make your espresso machine part of the party by setting it on a coffee table along with dishes, a selection of premium liqueurs and attractive dishware. XP4050 programmable pump espresso machine, Krups Aura tumblers and...

In the clear: keep your cool while entertaining guests with these unexpected twists on crowd-pleasing drinks.(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Cooler than Ice A self-serve shot bar can be kept icy cold on a bed of frozen Ocean Spray[R] Fresh Cranberries, which add a hit of festive colour to your table. The cranberries are also a hint of what's inside the glass. Aura shot...

Shopping list: keep all these items handy throughout the holiday season to help you and your guests chill out in style.(A GARDENING LIFE ADVERTISING FEATURE)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... * SPLENDA* No Calorie Sweetener, Granular and Packets It's made from sugar, so it tastes like sugar, but without the calories. Use it wherever you would use sugar for a healthy and taste-conscious alternative. Visit www.splenda.ca to join...

How to get the look formal woodland.(plant list)
November 1, 2005... from "Shady Character," page 48 Mature trees towering skyward are things of beauty, but they can also be obstacles for anyone wanting a full, dense garden of some interest and elegance below. The solution: a harmonious combination of...

West. (regional wrap-up: GL'S CROSS COUNTRY CHECKLIST FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER).
November 1, 2005... Pick off the yellowing leaves near the base of brussels sprouts, purple sprouting broccoli and Russian kale. Left unattended, these plants could rot, particularly during this season's heavy rainfall. Be sure to add the old leaves to the...

Prairies. (regional wrap-up: GL'S CROSS COUNTRY CHECKLIST FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER).
November 1, 2005... Trim the lawn one last time, since long grass covered with deep snow is a mouse magnet, providing the food and lodging the little critters crave. Pull back mulch at least two inches (five cm) from the base of trees so mice can't get within...

Central. (regional wrap-up: GL'S CROSS COUNTRY CHECKLIST FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER).
November 1, 2005... Protect roadside plantings from salt drift. Wrap or screen evergreens planted near a busy road with two layers of burlap to prevent salt damage. This is especially important on the east side of a road as the prevailing winds come from the...

Atlantic. (regional wrap-up: GL'S CROSS COUNTRY CHECKLIST FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER).
November 1, 2005... Trim straggling chrysanthemums down to four to six inches (10 to 15 cm) to tidy up the garden before winter. This also prevents old growth from forming a mat of soggy vegetation that new spring shoots would have to push through. Make row...

John Gomery.(back talk: DISHING THE DIRT WITH CANADA'S GARDENERS)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... FOR MUCH OF THE PAST TWO YEARS, Justice John H. Gomery has held one of the dirtiest jobs in Canada. As Commissioner of Inquiry into the now-infamous federal sponsorship program, the 73-year-old Montreal-born jurist has had to wade through the...