Questions We’re Often Asked
By Wes Porter Tuesday, February 19, 2013
“It says on the bottle plant food to feed every two weeks. But you’ve written earlier not to feed during December, January and March. So who’s right?”
The short answer: I am.
What’s in a Flowery Name?By Wes Porter Monday, February 18, 2013
Gardeners – and others – delight in naming their daughters after flowers. Running the gambit from Althea to Zebrina there’s a garden of delight gurgling in the cradle.
Be Gardenin Again, Fore Ya Know It!By Dub and Deb Thursday, February 14, 2013
Hey guys! How the heck are ya? I hope this finds everyone doin A-OK!
Well, like I stated last post, I’m bitin at the bit to get this “garden thing” kicked off.
Barely Wine from AustraliaBy Wes Porter Sunday, February 10, 2013
“To be happy for an hour, have a glass of wine. To be happy for a day, read a book. To be happy for a week, take a wife. To be happy forever, make a garden,” quoth Ambrose Congreve, who died aged 104. He might have something there, many a gardener would concur.
Viva La Difference – Orthoptera Style
By Wes Porter Wednesday, February 6, 2013
He slaps a box of sexy chocolates onto your tum. Enchanted, you gobble them up only to discover a few hours later you’ve been impregnated. Meanwhile your gallant beau has gone hopping on his way. Such is love life among orthopteran bush cricket Poeclimon veluchianus.
Gift plants for the Year of the SnakeBy Wes Porter Saturday, February 2, 2013
Gung Hay Fat Choy – Happy New Year!
Making an Ash of Themselves?By Wes Porter Monday, January 21, 2013
No one was present to note the arrival of Chalara fraxinea in Zabodny, Poland, some time prior to 1992. Since then, the deadly fungus disease commonly called ash dieback has run rampant through Europe killing almost every ash tree its spores have alighted upon. More recently it has threatened the ashes of Britain.
A Century of Sheridan NurseriesBy Wes Porter Thursday, January 10, 2013
“A quarter-century ago, on the eve of my departure from London, friends and relatives were sympathetic. A colonial career offers the last refuge to the inefficient, forced out, by competition at home, into the wolf-infested wilderness, the ice and the snow. A much travelled uncle said that Canada might be ready for my profession in fifty years.” Thus did Howard Dunington-Grubb, founder of Sheridan Nurseries, look back a quarter century later to his arrival in the Toronto of 1911.
Indoor Plant Care, Outdoor Chores
By Wes Porter Wednesday, January 2, 2013
This is a bad year for those who suffer from triskaidekaphobia – fear of the number thirteen. But this shouldn’t worry gardeners. When landscaping, as a general rule odd numbers work better than evens. And thirteen, of course, is an odd number.
Horseradish Tree Stimulates Additional InterestBy Wes Porter Saturday, December 22, 2012
In times past, the British colonial digestive system was one of some uncertainty. Advocates were sought to assist it but alas, one of the most popular of these, horseradish, failed to flourish on warmer climes. Back in Britain it was a virtual weed. Indeed, garden guru Percy Thrower suggested growing it in specifically constructed concrete troughs to restrain its awesome growth. A suitable substitute had to be found. It did not take long to discover such.
Prince Harry’s Chelsea Garden: Like Father, Like Son?By Wes Porter Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Prince Charles’ enthusiasm for all things horticultural continues a long held interest of many of his rural ancestors. It appears likely that his younger son Prince Harry will follow in the family tradition.
Gifts of the Magi: Two Out of Three Were Plant-DerivedBy Wes Porter Tuesday, December 4, 2012
The Book of Matthew (2:11) tells how ‘Magi from out of the East’ brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the infant Jesus. Rather unsurprisingly, two out of the three were – and still are – derived from plants. Even less surprisingly in this day and age, one of them is endangered.
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