Small Facilitator

Oxalis is a large and diverse group of plants that includes some attractive ornamental varieties. Unfortunately it’s often more familiar to gardeners as a weed, because some species are extremely invasive. Problem oxalis species are either deep rooting with fibrous roots that regrow from any pieces left in the soil, or with roots that form many tiny bulbils that are easy to leave in the ground when weeding, and which will also regrow. Paving cracks, path crevices and greenhouse soil are favourit

What to grow when you have small spaces for gardening You can grow fresh food, even in compact spaces. Just choose the right plants to maximize productivity. Self-watering Victory Gardens provide ideal growing conditions when space is limited. Growing a small vegetable garden is like living in a small house: Its not as easy as it looks. One of the keys to success is making good plant choices. Choose compact, productive plants that take up less space yet still provide plenty to harvest. I

Photo: Lisa Zins Although most people think of deer as cute forest creatures with retiring behavior, due to an growing population, they have become a major garden pest throughout the country. Although they tend to keep to forest edges and fields grazing on grasses and leaves, they become more daring when food is scarce, venturing into suburban yards. Deer graze and browse leaves, stems and buds of many woody plants, as well as alfalfa, roses, corn, vegetables and fruits. Their damage is evident

What the heck is xeriscaping? Simply put, xeriscaping is a system of landscaping with water conservation as the priority. In areas that receive little rainfall in the summer, some thoughtful xeriscaping will allow flowering plants to thrive, adding visual appeal – as well as important forage for pollinators. While most communities have watering restrictions in the summer, places like the Gulf Islands are restricted to well water - which makes it a seriously valuable commodity. There are f