As part of their studies in our Horticulture programs our students prepare fact sheets called “Garden Clippings”, which give you basic maintenance information for various plants, as well as the history behind some of our leafy friends.
Questions? Our library will grow so please check back from time to time. If you have questions please feel free to contact the Greenhouse and we will be happy to share information with you.
Fuschia Hanging Baskets
Fuchsias were originally grown in the mountainous areas of Central and South America, as well as New Zealand and Tahiti. They are now commonly grown as small shrubs, one to two feet tall, often used in hanging baskets.
Gardening with Children
Children enjoy few things more than digging in the dirt and making mud pies. Looking for worms and bugs fascinates them, and they love to water the garden.
Garlic Mustard
Garlic mustard, or Alliaria petiolata, is a biennial or winter annual weed that is distinguished by its broad leaves with rounded or course - toothed edges, its small white flowers, and its distinctive garlic odour. It can grow up to a metre high and will have simple branches.
Goldfish for Ponds
Wild fish are not suitable for the garden pond. Some are predators and can harm other fish; others are bottom feeders and tend to stir up the bottom, keeping the water murky.
Greenhouse Pests and Biological Solutions
A greenhouse is a natural breeding ground for many types of pests. With so many plants so close together, and with the presence of tender cuttings, a greenhouse is any plant pest’s fantasy.
Grey Dogwood
Many species of dogwood are available in North America for use in the landscape. Cornus racemosa, the grey dogwood, is particularly useful. The many interesting cultivars of Cornus racemosa have their own delightful characteristics and applications.
Helleborus niger (Christmas Rose)
Often known as Christmas Rose or Lenten Rose due to the fact that it blooms late fall into the early winter. Commonly used in an outdoor perennial garden it should be planted near a window so that it can be appreciated indoors.
Hosta
The hosta originates in Asia and has been used in Chinese and Japanese gardens for centuries. First mention of the hosta in the western world was by the Dutch. The first hostas to arrive were two Chinese varieties, Hosta plantaginea and Hosta ventircosa.
Hosta “Earth Angel” (Hosta of the Year 2009)
The 2009 Hosta of the Year designation goes to the most beautiful hosta of all: ‘Earth Angel’. It was introduced by one of the country’s best hosta breeders, H. Hansen, in 2002. It is a mutation of the famous hosta ‘Blue Angel'.
Hosta “June”
Hosta ‘June’ is an herbaceous perennial from England. This medium-sized, low-maintenance hosta cultivar spreads to approximately 2 feet and grows to a height of about 1 foot.
