Growing Hydrangeas: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Hydrangeas are a group of flowering plants that are very popular among gardeners due to their large, showy clusters of flowers. The genus Hydrangea, within the botanical family Hydrangeaceae, is native to Asia and the Americas. The species grown in…

Native Plants for Shade: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Use of Native plants in the garden has become more important to gardeners as we consider climate change and a need for more biodiversity. Plants are Native or Indigenous to a region if they have originated and are naturally occurring…

Pelargonium (Geranium): A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

The name “geranium” is often given to two members of the geranium family (Geraniaceae). However, the name really belongs to only one of them – the hardy perennial geranium, also known as a cranesbill (Geranium). The other geranium is a…

Dividing Perennials: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Many, but not all, perennials benefit from division after they have grown for a number of years. This gardening guide describes the common gardening practice of perennial division, including why, when and how to divide your plants. You can replant…

Perennials for Sandy Soils: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Perennials are plants that renew themselves each year from their hardy roots. Some plants live for only 2-3 years while others last a long time. Although there are woody perennials, such as trees and shrubs, the plants most people refer…

Hardy Garden Ferns: A Toronto Master Gardeners Guide

Ferns are fascinating and ancient plants, one of the first plant groups to adapt to life on land. They are found in a wide variety of habitats, from the Arctic to the tropics, with many species growing on all continents.…