BARBARA GRUMME’S BLOG!

Coping with Climate change

Which views we subscribe to concerning climate chance, there is no denying tht our summers are becoming hotter and drier. Gardeners must adjust to this. Growers are increasingly recognizing this and are producing plants better able to cope and thrive in these conditions. Unless you wish to consume, and pay for, copious amounts of water daily, some of the once-popular plants no longer make sense. To help make wise choices, look for labels such as “Drought-resistant” or “Will take tolerate drier conditions”. Some popular plants in this category are the multitude of varieties of: Sedum

Hosta

Geranium

Portulaca…

… And many perennials like coral bells. An important work of caution, however, is to remember that such plants are drought- resistant once established. All plants require regular watering when first transplanted to establish their root system. 

Information was by Kickstarters.ca

Smart Gardening is Niagara Region’s way of helping you practive environmentally friendly lawn and garden techniques.

Niagara Region invites you to attend a free seminar!
“The Grass can be Greener!”
Learn how to grow and maintain a heathly lawn while adhering to the Ontario cosmetic pesticide ban. Other topics such as choosing the right grass, controlling yard pests and ways to save money on your lawn will be covered.

Thursday, April 22, 6 to 8pm - Gauld Nurseries - 8865 Mountain Road, Niagara Falls.

To Register:
Call Niagara Region’s Waste Info Line at (905) 356-4141 or toll free 1-800-594-5542. Space is limited so sign up today!

For more information please visit - www.smartgardening.ca

When planning renovations, nothing adds more immediate curb appeal than attractive landscaping. Choosing the right plan will make your home more salable, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced lanscaping. Be confident of its lasting value. According to a recent SmartMoney article, the right landscaping can add up to 15% to a home’s value.

Here are some landscaping strategies that offer the highest return:

• Concentrate on the entryway of your house - that’s what buyers see first.
• Xeriscaping your yard - a style of landscaping that requires little irrigation or maintenance
• Adding a desk is an inexpensive way to increase the apparent floor space of your home
• Replace hard-to-maintain slopes in your yard with terraces
• Add lush vegetations, but don’t go overboard