Elderberry: Herb of the Year for 2013
By Wes Porter Thursday, May 16, 2013
Thanks to the International Herb Association, since 1991 in the week proceeding Mother’s Day, we celebrate National Herb Week. This draws attention to herbs, their uses and herbal businesses and history. Such was the success that four years later, the IHA decided to add a Herb of the Year and this year on 5 May a National Herb Day.
Summer Bulbs Brighten the GardenBy Wes Porter Monday, May 6, 2013
“I used to think that tuberous begonias were plants that only old people grew,” wrote Anne Raver a few years ago in The New York Times. She and many, many other people are in increasing numbers discovering the delights of summer blooming bulbs.
Elderberry: Herb of the Year for 2013By Wes Porter Friday, May 3, 2013
Thanks to the International Herb Association, since 1991 in the week proceeding Mother’s Day, we celebrate National Herb Week. This draws attention to herbs, their uses and herbal businesses and history. Such was the success that four years later, the IHA decided to add a Herb of the Year and this year on 5 May a National Herb Day.
Mother’s Day, Lawns and more…By Wes Porter Wednesday, May 1, 2013
“Chilling with my family today, enjoying my garden in the spring,” tweeted actor Michael Caine, unlike many other thespians a keen gardener. It is doubtful this chilly spring in southern England. Or hereabouts for that matter, where the climate has been distinctly moist. Some have gone as far as to proclaim it Queen Elizabeth weather: a long reign.
A Canadian Geographical Kitchen Garden
By Wes Porter Monday, April 22, 2013
If we are to judge by the names of Canadian geographic features, the early pioneers had extensive kitchen gardens and perhaps more extensive diets than commonly acknowledged.
As befits a nation with considerable Irish input, potatoes lead the way claiming no less than 39 places – plus six Spuds.
By Wes Porter Thursday, April 11, 2013
Prince Charles has received wide and often derisory attention for his horticultural pursuits. But he stands with his feet planted on a firm grounding. Royal enthusiasm for gardens, gardening and horticulture date back centuries before the emergence of the present House of Windsor in the second decade of the past century.
The Quirky QuinceBy Wes Porter Tuesday, April 2, 2013
In the Anglosphere, many a plant is regarded as an aphrodisiac. However, in Germany numerous plants are considered beneficial for the bowels. This may explain the predominance of English across the world while the Teutonic languages languish in comparison.
Spring: New, exciting and differentBy Wes Porter Monday, April 1, 2013
Romans celebrated the festival of Flora, goddess of flowers and the spring, in the last days of April and the beginning of May. This seems a more sensible date than 21st March, at least for northern gardeners. But can anything hold back gardeners: buds start swelling, bulbs busting into bloom and redwing blackbirds staking out their territories?
Cutting the Blarney: What Is Shamrock?
By Wes Porter Saturday, March 16, 2013
“I know I’ve got Irish blood because I wake up every morning with a hangover,” explained Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher. Some 28%, or over nine million Canadians claim Irish ancestry. And 17th March falls on a Sunday this year, making it more amenable for the wearin’ of the green, parading and partaking of copious libations to the blessed St. Patrick, who is believed to have died on this day in 461 A.D.
Feast of the FlowersBy Wes Porter Wednesday, March 13, 2013
It was Easter Sunday 1513, when the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon wet his boots wading ashore onto what he believed was but another Caribbean island. In his native Spain Easter was called Pascua Florida or Flowery Easter. Hence the land became La Florida.
Horticultural Hot Beds Perfect for PropagationBy Wes Porter Monday, March 11, 2013
Late last year pineapple fruit were produced in extreme southwest England and with some hyperbole proclaimed to be each worth £10,000. Grown at Cornwall’s Lost Garden of Heligan, suitable tropical conditions were created utilizing 30 tonnes of horse manure, urine and straw.
March: A Month of Leeks, Shamrocks and LiliesBy Wes Porter Sunday, March 3, 2013
There has been a four-letter word on northern gardeners’ lips: snow! Whatever assorted groundhogs from Winnipeg through Wiarton down to Gobbler’s Knob may have fondly imagined, an early spring is not likely this year. Thanks though to various and varied cultural celebrations, we celebrate through March with everything from leeks to lilies with shamrocks tucked somewhere in between.
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