Hard Pruning Large Overgrown Lilac shrub/tree

Hello I understand that it’s possible to rejuvenate old lilacs by hard pruning them to about 8″ from the ground. I read that the best time to do this is March/April – before the growing season begins. I’m sure this…

serviceberry leaves

Hello from downtown Toronto. My “garden” is a terrace on the 21st floor. it faces north but gets lots of hot afternoon sun in the summer. Last year, I planted a Canadian serviceberry in a 28x24x27H insulated planter with mulch…

How to revive dying tree and bush

Hi, I moved into a house near steeles and bayview a couple yrs ago and noticed that this bush lining my driveway (see image) has a lot of branches where leaves just don’t grow. Is there a way for me…

Golden canker in soil?

Our pagoda dogwood died of golden canker. We cut it down to a stump last year and now several shoots are growing from the roots. Will this produce a healthy plant or is the new growth likely to get golden…

When to prune shrubs

Hello, When can I prune my Japanese lilac, weigela, and viburnum bushes? They are under a mature oak canopy and so produce a lot of long shoots from the top all summer. Also, as a result, they have become too…

Shrub for fungus-prone garden

We have a small urban backyard garden in Toronto. Our pagoda dogwood died of golden canker. Our serviceberry has rust (probably related to neighbouring juniper). We would like to plant a flowering shrub in the spot where the pagoda dogwood…

Little Quick Fire hydrangea in containers

When should I prune these and when and what should I fertilize these with? They are south east facing Lake Ontario on the 8th floor terrace. They are in containers and are starting to show new growth. They also get…

Evergreen climbing plant for balcony

I am looking for an evergreen climbing plant that will survive Toronto winters on a north facing balcony. However, I completely understand this might not be possible with the given conditions. If that is the case, can you recommend some…