One of our all-time-favourite landscape staples, the Japanese Maple has a long and storied history. With all season interest and spectacular fall colour the Acer palmatum never fails to impress. The delicate leaves are intricately serrated and have an almost jagged appearance in varied shades of lime, green, red, all the way to a deep maroon almost black tone. There are in fact over 250 cultivars of Japanese Maples. Acer palmatum forms have been a part of

So this year I’ve decided to try staking my tomatoes vs. cages. Mostly because I saw a staked tomato garden and it was so trim and tidy, I nearly wept. It appealed to my inner minimalist. I also saw the benefit of extra air space in my already crowded garden. Which brings me to today’s post stakes or cages. There are pros and cons to each and I’d like to name a few to help

Personally I think skunks and racoons are pretty cute. I am less than fond of them however when they are ripping up my lawn. Considering my previously mentioned affinity you can appreciate why I’d rather not posion them. Here are some tips that will still work to expel vermins without extiguishing them. Chocolate Bait Chocolate is toxic to some animals, including skunks and raccoons. Not dead toxic, just sick toxic. Put out some tempting chocolate

We all know that the best gift you can give Dad is the gift of time spent together. Here are some great ideas for fun activities this Father’s Day. Go fishing What dad doesn’t love to fish? We’re blessed to be so close to Lake Ontario, a lake with a wealth of different fish. Just be sure to get a fishing licence if dad doesn’t have one. Temporary day passes can be easily purchased online

It’s hard to believe my garden is already suffering slug damage, but alas it is so. The Hostas are always the first to show their battles scars but I know further chewed leaf damage is imminent if certain preventative measures are not taken. Here are a few of my favourite controls.   Beer traps: What a way to go! The slugs are attracted by the fermentation gasses of beer. Ales, Stouts and Guinness are best.