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  • UK-made skylights: quality, performance, and local innovation – Growing Family

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    Are you looking to get more light in your home in the UK? This article covers exactly why architects, homeowners, and builders across Britain are choosing UK-made flat roof skylights instead of imported options. We also take a look at what makes them smarter, faster, and better suited for modern British homes.

    modern kitchen with roof skylight

    The rise of UK-made skylights

    Skylights aren’t just about glass in the ceiling. UK manufacturers like Roof Maker and Rooflights and Skylights UK are building skylights from the ground up. By building locally, they reduce delivery times and give builders more control over timing and quality.

    Why now? Two reasons:

    1. A boom in UK home extensions and orangeries.
    2. A wellness movement that values natural daylight.

    Studies show natural light can boost your mood, your productivity, and even your sleep. UK flat roof skylights makers tap into this need with cleaner frames, slimmer sightlines, and better energy efficiency.

    By designing for British homes and weather, these skylights do more than just look good.

    open plan kitchen diner with skylight and patio doorsopen plan kitchen diner with skylight and patio doors

    Benefits of choosing locally manufactured skylights

    UK-made skylights are built to meet strict regulations. They’re adapted to the local climate and deliver a better experience from design to delivery.

    Here’s why they just make more sense:

    1. Regulation ready: Local brands align with UK Building Regs like Part L (energy) and Part O (overheating). That means that you get fewer issues with sign-off or inspections.
    2. Certification you can trust: With ongoing changes to CE/UKCA marking rules, UK manufacturers stay up to date and your skylight comes ready with all needed documentation.
    3. Faster everything: From order to delivery to replacement parts, everything moves faster when it’s made nearby.
    4. Bespoke and repeatable: Want triple-glazed, solar-control, laminated inner panes? Easier done (and redone) when your supplier’s just down the road.
    5. Lower emissions, local jobs: Fewer miles travelled means a smaller carbon footprint and every order supports UK jobs.

    It’s peace of mind with a purpose that combines practicality, compliance, and sustainability in one upgrade.

    modern living room with skylightmodern living room with skylight

    Design and aesthetics

    Skylights should do more than let light in. UK-made skylights like those available at Rooflights and Skylights UK focus on form and function in ways that suit modern British homes. Homeowners want open spaces, clean ceilings, and uninterrupted sky views. That’s where frameless flat roof skylights and slimline lanterns shine.

    Clean geometry pairs beautifully with open-plan kitchens, bifold doors, and contemporary décor. You’ll often see powder-coated aluminium finishes (like RAL 7016 anthracite grey) that match seamlessly with window and door frames.

    Flat roof options go even further. Think flush internal plaster lines and stepped-edge glass for that “sheet of glass” illusion without any chunky frames and no awkward angles. This isn’t just about beauty; a smaller frame means more light. And more light means better living.

    modern dining room with roof skylightmodern dining room with roof skylight

    Innovative technologies

    What goes into a skylight that keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer? A lot more than glass.

    Here’s what leading UK manufacturers are now building into their skylights:

    • Thermally broken aluminium frames that cut heat loss and reduce condensation.
    • Triple glazing with laminated inner panes that boost both security and energy performance.
    • Solar control + low-E coatings that help meet Part O overheating rules – blocking summer heat while keeping winter warmth in.
    • Smart switchable glass that turns from clear to opaque on command – no blinds needed.
    • Precision-engineered joints and die-cast components for strength without bulk.

    Some systems even reach centre-pane U-values as low as 0.8 W/m²K. That’s performance engineered for comfort, style, and year-round efficiency.

    The bottom line is that these skylights work hard and look sleek.

    luxury bathroom with skylightluxury bathroom with skylight

    Economic and community impact

    Every UK made skylight supports something bigger than just your rooflight; it backs British manufacturing. An industry generating £217 billion in output and over 2.6 million jobs (Make UK).

    Every order fuels apprenticeships, small-scale suppliers, and local engineers.

    UK production also avoids delays tied to overseas shipping or currency fluctuations. You’re able to get more stable pricing and shorter lead times, even when the global supply chain hits turbulence.

    There’s another bonus too: By buying locally, you cut down on emissions tied to long-distance transport. That’s a smarter environmental move and a futureproof one.

    Local doesn’t just mean faster. It means smarter. And stronger.

    With advanced glazing, frameless finishes, and smarter compliance with Building Regs, UK-made skylights are designed for how we live now and built to last. Because they’re made here, they arrive faster, fit better, and support the local economy. If you’re looking for peace of mind, performance, and modern design in one upgrade, then UK-made skylights are a standout choice.

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    Catherine

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  • What You Need to Know to Winterize a Fountain or Water Feature – Garden Therapy

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    It’s important to take proper care of your water feature, especially as winter approaches. Here is what I do with my water features in the winter, and some tips on how to easily winterize a fountain or pond so that you can continue to enjoy it for many seasons to come.

    Water features are wonderful—they provide interesting colour and texture, a place for beneficial wildlife to cool off and have a drink, and the sound of running water is soothing to listen to.

    I installed this Aquascape fountain a couple of years ago, along with my lion fountain below. And you can bet I have plans to add a water feature to my new house as well.

    With just a little extra care in the fall, you can ensure that your fountain or pond will stay in tip-top shape for a long time to come. Plus, with some natural elements and a little imagination, you can decorate your fountain so that it is as eye-catching in winter as it is in the summer.

    These are the steps you need to take to winterize a fountain or water feature.

    Fountain in the snowFountain in the snow
    My lion fountain in the winter.

    Clean it

    Leaving the fallen autumn leaves in your yard instead of raking them up is a great way to benefit good insects and visiting birds, as well as to promote soil health, but you will want to clean up the leaves from the area surrounding your fountain or pond because they will get stuck and clog it up.

    Remove fall leaves from a water featureRemove fall leaves from a water feature
    Remove fall leaves from your fountain’s area.

    When you are ready to put your water feature to bed for the winter, remove debris and any dead plants. If there is a lot of plant material at the bottom of your pond, you can vacuum or rake it out.

    If your water garden has a pump, make sure that you clean it before winter. To do this, begin by soaking the pump in a mixture of vinegar and water. After a few hours, take the pump out of the mixture and pump clean water through it until it runs clear.

    bird bath in the snowbird bath in the snow
    Make sure to clean any bird baths as well.

    Prevent it from Freezing

    Plants and fish require air, so if the surface of a pond freezes over completely, they will not survive. If your pond has been designed with your local climate in mind, it should be deep enough that it can continue working, with the pump on, all winter long without freezing.

    Here is a chart that shows the depth that a pond needs to be to avoid freezing, based on how cold the winter temperatures get in your area.

    If your pond is not deep enough and therefore prone to freezing, put it to bed for the season by taking out the pump and moving tender plants (and fish, if you have them) inside for the winter.

    Care for Plants and Fish

    If you have fish in your pond, they can overwinter in the pond as long as the pond has enough depth for them and does not freeze over. Please make sure that you are choosing the right fish for your climate as well.

    In winter, the low temperatures will cause fishes’ metabolism to slow, which means they need less food. Switch to low-protein food and feed them less often than you would during other seasons (they will come up to the surface and let you know when they are hungry).

    How to overwinter garden ponds with fishHow to overwinter garden ponds with fish
    Make sure any fish can withstand your winter climate. Move them inside otherwise.

    If you don’t already know, find out whether or not your aquatic plants are hardy. If they are hardy, you can cut them back and move them to the deepest part of the pond and leave them there over winter.

    Tender tropical plants must be either replaced or moved indoors for the winter. I personally just have inexpensive annual water plants, which I compost in the fall and replace the following spring.

    wildlife pond from the regenerative gardenwildlife pond from the regenerative garden
    My wildlife pond, which I replenish every spring with new aquatic plants.

    Empty It and Add Holiday Greens

    If you think that your empty water fountain looks a bit sad during the winter, you can spruce it up by adding holiday greenery, pinecones, and anything else that gives it a festive feel. Head on over to this post to see how I made my lion fountain into a decorative winter feature.

    The fountain looks great in the summer when it is planted with pond plants (you can see step-by-step instructions for planting a living fountain in my book Garden Made), and then it becomes a winter wonder when it gets an evergreen makeover each December.

    Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.
    Decorate your fountain in the winter to keep it beautiful and lively.

    Bring it Indoors and Plant it

    Another great way to turn a backyard fountain into a piece of stunning winter decor is to plant it! This succulent garden fountain looks amazing strung with tiny lights and strewn with reindeer moss, pinecones, and other natural elements.

    Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.Learn how to do some basic winter fountain care tasks, then use the garden to decorate it up with greenery from the garden, lights, and ornaments.

    More Posts You Might Like

     

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • 20 easy ways to go green in 2025 for everyday life – Growing Family

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    Is it possible to make a real difference for the planet without upending daily routines? In 2025, the answer seems to be: maybe, but not without a few surprises along the way. The push for greener living is everywhere, on billboards, in grocery aisles, and even in the way neighbours talk about bin day. But what actually works, and what’s just hype?

    Why go green in 2025?

    The pressure to “go green” isn’t just a passing fad. Climate warnings, resource shortages, and health scares have made it a headline issue. But does every small action really matter?

    a hand placing a small green house on grass denoting eco-friendly living

    20 easy ways to go green in 2025

    Lets take a look at 20 ways to go green and do your bit for the planet.

    At Home

    Home is where you can make the biggest difference when it comes to going green.

    1. Switch to LED bulbs and unplug devices

    LEDs are supposed to use 80% less energy and last for years. Unplugging devices to stop “phantom” energy drain can boost this efficiency too.

    2. Insulate and weatherproof

    As well as helping you go green, insulation can keep your home cosy and reduce energy bills – three very good reasons to seal up those draughty spots.

    3. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

    There’s a wide range of plant-based cleaners on the market these days, so switching out your old chemical-based products is an easy win.

    hands holding homemade composthands holding homemade compost

    4. Compost and recycle

    Composting turns scraps into garden gold, and is a great way to cut down on waste. As well as kerbside recycling, make sure you take advantage of local charity shops and community groups before throwing things in the bin.

    5. Cut single-use plastics

    Reusable bags and containers are the new normal. Some households are even switching everyday items like bamboo facial tissue to reduce plastic packaging waste.

    6. Install smart thermostats

    Smart thermostats claim to save up to 10% on energy bills. For those looking to take it a step further, options like a solar mini-split can reduce reliance on the grid.

    a person buying vegetables at a marketa person buying vegetables at a market

    Food & Shopping

    What’s on your plate and in your trolley can have a bigger impact than most realise. Here are some simple ways to change your habits around food and shopping.

    7. Eat more plant-based meals

    Cutting out meat is said to slash food-related emissions by up to 60%. “Meatless Mondays” are a good way place to start.

    8. Buy local and seasonal

    Local produce is fresher and supports farmers, and can also help you cut down on food miles. Aim to eat seasonally and support your local businesses.

    9. Reduce food waste

    When it comes to easy ways to go green, reducing food waste is high on the list. Simple things like meal planning and freezing leftovers can make a big difference to how much food goes in the bin.

    10. Choose quality over quantity

    When choosing clothing, try to avoid fast fashion and focus on quality rather than quantity. Go for clothes that you will wear often and that will last for more than one season. Repairing and buying second-hand are also great ways to make more eco-conscious clothing choices.

    11. Use reusables

    A single reusable bottle or cup can replace hundreds of disposables. At home, installing a water dispenser can reduce bottled water purchases significantly.

    children riding bikeschildren riding bikes

    Transportation & travel

    Getting from A to B is a major emissions culprit. These tips for greener travel are well worth a look.

    12. Walk, cycle, or use public transport

    Shifting even 30% of trips to these modes can cut emissions by 20%.

    13. Carpool and maintain your vehicle

    Carpooling for regular trips like commutes and school runs will reduce your carbon footprint and also save you money on fuel. Simple vehicle maintenance like keeping tyres correctly inflated can also help.

    14. Limit air travel

    One long-haul flight can equal a year’s worth of car emissions. Consider holidays in your own country and explore train and bus alternatives to domestic flights.

    two people gardeningtwo people gardening

    Community & advocacy

    Individual actions matter, but collective efforts can really tip the scales.

    15. Join local eco initiatives

    Do you have a local community garden or clean-up programme that you can help out with?

    16. Vote for climate policies

    Supporting green policies is crucial, so use your vote!

    17. Educate and influence others

    Sharing tips and resources can inspire others to adopt a greener lifestyle.

    18. Support sustainable brands

    Try to support brands that favour transparency and can demonstrate eco-friendly certifications.

    digital devicesdigital devices

    Digital & lifestyle habits

    Even screen time and hobbies have an environmental cost.

    19. Limit streaming and cloud storage

    Data centres use a significant proportion of global electricity. Try to limit your streaming and regularly declutter your cloud storage.

    20. Mindful tech use

    Set screen time limits on your devices, and turn them off when you’re not using them. Always aim to recycle old electronics too.

    Common mistakes when trying to go green – and how to avoid them

    Even the best intentions can go sideways. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when trying to adopt a greener lifestyle:

    • Wishcycling: Putting non-recyclables in recycling bins can ruin whole batches. Check your local rules carefully.
    • Greenwashing: Some products claim to be eco-friendly, but don’t have proof. Check for certifications.
    • Overconsumption: Buying lots of “green” products isn’t always better. Sometimes, less really is more.
    • Neglecting maintenance: Skipping regular checks on appliances or insulation can waste energy and money.

    Tracking your progress and staying motivated

    Sustainable living isn’t a finish line; it’s a moving target. Tracking your progress can help:

    • Use apps or journals to log energy use, waste reduction, or new habits.
    • Celebrate small wins.
    • Join online or local groups for support, accountability, and new ideas.

    Advantages of popular green habits

    Green Habit Advantages
    Switching to LED bulbs Saves energy, lasts longer
    Eating more plant-based Lowers emissions, health benefits
    Using public transport Reduces carbon footprint, saves money
    Composting Reduces landfill waste, enriches soil
    Buying local/seasonal food Supports local economy, fresher produce
    Limiting single-use plastics Cuts pollution, easy to start
    Growing your own herbs Reduces packaging, fresh supply
    Carpooling Cuts emissions, saves on fuel
    Using eco-cleaning products Safer for health, less toxic runoff
    Upgrading insulation Saves energy, increases comfort

    Fresh ideas for going green in 2025

    • Heat pumps: More efficient than traditional heating, but with up-front costs.
    • Circular fashion: Some brands now take back and recycle clothes.
    • Local food co-ops: Bulk buying and community-supported agriculture are growing, but not every area has them yet.
    • Smart home upgrades: Solar panels and water-saving fixtures are popular.

    Greener living in 2025: what’s next?

    Sustainable living in 2025 isn’t about perfection. Every small change, from switching to LEDs to joining a local eco group, adds up.

    • Focus on habits that fit your lifestyle and build from there.
    • Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good; every action matters.
    • Stay connected with others for support, ideas, and encouragement.

    FAQs

    How to save Earth in 2025?

    Planting trees, eating more plant-based meals, ditching single-use plastics, conserving energy, supporting sustainable brands, and joining local eco projects all get mentioned. 

    What are 10 ways to be more sustainable?

    Use what’s already on hand, take care of belongings, swap or buy used, buy only what’s needed, remember reusables, eat the food that’s bought, compost, walk or bike more, reduce energy use, and support local businesses. 

    How to live sustainably in 2025?

    Cutting back on flights, using public transport, eating local and seasonal foods, reducing waste, and choosing renewable energy are all recommended. But small daily changes, like unplugging devices and composting, are also important. 

    What does “eco-friendly” actually mean?

    Being eco-friendly is all about making choices that minimise harm to the environment.

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    Catherine

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  • Goth Gardening: Building the Garden of Your Dreams, or Nightmares! – Fine Gardening

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    Add drama with dark and moody plants for a gothic-style garden

    Are you an admirer of the shadowy corners of a garden? Do plants with thorns, spiky foliage, or dark pigmentation get your heart racing just as much (if not more) than an array of brightly colored flowers? Then this lesson in goth gardening from Meg Varnes, the conservatory and formal gardens horticulturalist at New England Botanic Gardens at Tower Hill, might introduce you to some spooky plants and moody design ideas that will make your landscape more dramatic and elegant.

    And for those who think this unconventional style might be a bit too creepy for their taste, there is far more to this type of garden than a palette of black blooms. Goth gardening is all about contrast, the dichotomy of light and dark, and how that can be utilized for intense interest in the garden. You might not want to transform your entire landscape into a gothic getaway, but any garden can benefit from incorporating some of these dark, moody, or mysterious plants.

    Goth gardening plants featured:

    1. ‘Patent Leather’ coleus (Coleus ‘Patent Leather’, annual)
    2. Bronze fennel (Foeniculum vulgare, Zones 4–9)
    3. ‘Freckle Face’ blackberry lily (Iris domestica ‘Freckle Face’, Zones 5–10)
    4. ‘Mystic Illusion’ dahlia (Dahlia ‘Mystic Illusion’, Zones 8–11)
    5. ‘All Gold’ Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra ‘All Gold’, Zones 5–9)
    6. Malevolence (Solanum atropurpureum, Zones 9–11 or as an annual)
    7. ‘Blackhawks’ big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii ‘Blackhawks’, Zones 3–9)
    8. Redbor kale (Brassica ‘Redbor’, annual)
    9. ‘Merlot’ cabbage (Brassica ‘Merlot’, annual)
    10. Autumnale fuchsia (Fuchsia × autumnale, annual)
    11. Oleander (Nerium oleander, Zones 8–10)
    12. Cheiro Roxa hot pepper (Capsicum chinense, annual)
    13. ‘Eclipse’ bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Eclipse’, Zones 5–9)
    14. Elephant’s ear (Colocasia spp., Zones 8–11)

    Check out these related articles:

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    Kaitlyn Hayes

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  • Lu La Studio Turns a Parking Lot Into a Multi-functional Rewilded Garden in Somerville, MA

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    The depaving movement has become something of a national sport in the Netherlands, with municipalities competing to see who can remove the most paving from their town each year. Stateside the crusade to replace concrete and asphalt with permeable landscapes (ideally: gardens) may be slower to take hold, but it’s been around for nearly two decades, starting with Depave Portland in Oregon and spreading to communities across the country.

    In Somerville, Massachusetts, Depave Somerville organizes “depaving parties” for homeowners. Landscape architect Sara Brunelle, one of the founders Lu La Studio, was selected for one of these volunteer-run events. So, one April day, an asphalt recycling dumpster and a crew of about 10 volunteers showed up to tear up the parking lot behind Brunelle’s house with crowbar and sledge hammers. 

    Brunelle and her business partner, landscape designer Katie Smith, had dreamed up a new permeable landscape for the yard, but they didn’t anticipate how gratifying the actual depaving would be. “It was truly joyful—like the best of a CrossFit gym and an awesome wild community,” says Brunelle. “It really was electric. Katie and I both have a background in urban gardening. This was an awesome moment of direct action.” It was also a little emotional: It began to rain right after the depaving was complete, and they realized the soil had not felt rain for at least 70 years. “That smell of rain on earth was so poignant,” Smith says. “That’s our responsibility as landscape architects to rehabilitate.”

    Brunelle and Smith’s goal was to create a multi-functional, re-wilded garden for all the residents of the multi-family building. They managed to fit in an eating area, a play lawn, a permeable parking space, and a vegetable garden on the 30 feet by 40 feet lot. 

    Photography by Haley Dando, courtesy of Lu La Studio.

    Before

    The gray-on-gray view of the parking lot from the street.
    Above: The gray-on-gray view of the parking lot from the street.
    The yard behind Brunelle’s home was nothing but asphalt and a few conifers.
    Above: The yard behind Brunelle’s home was nothing but asphalt and a few conifers.

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  • Pumpkin Displays From a Mother and Daughter Duo in Mississippi – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    Today is the day many children (and adults) wait all year for. The costumes and ready, the candy has been acquired, and hopefully the pumpkins on your front porch are still looking as fresh and festive as when you first set them out. While some are happy with a pumpkin or two, or have the tradition of carving creative designs every year, but others like to take their displays to the next level. This is where Siri Freeman and Andrea Albright come in. This mother and daughter create amazing front porch arrangements as an extension of the services offered by Freeman Lawn in Oxford, Mississippi. Despite the heat that still lingers in the south during autumn, this duo is able to transform any entryway into a fabulous fall scene.

    We’re Siri and Andrea, a mother/daughter duo who love to sprinkle pumpkin love around the city of Oxford, MS. Since we live in the south our advice to people who decorate with pumpkins is to individually clean each pumpkin with a bleach bath (1 tbsp per gallon of water)—this preserves the pumpkins in the heat. What garden doesn’t look better with pumpkins?

    While orange is obviously the most prominent color for pumpkins, the popularity of white and green pumpkins have exploded in recent years. This added diversity in readily available squash and gourds allow for way more options when creating a festive color palette. Even while mixing many different varieties here, Siri and Andrea created a cohesive orange, white, and green theme.

    front entry lined with colorful pumpkinsThe wider view reveals the full picture: a walkway  dressed up with fall flavor. The addition of dried cornstalks add a bit more autumnal color to help balance the bright greenery that is still going strong in the garden.

    front entry stairs covered in pumpkins and yellow mumsIn this entry, yellow and beige varieties add a bit more color to the display and get supported by pots bursting with mums in a matching assortment of yellow and orange.

    front entry stairs decorated for fall with pumpkinsA very creamy, neutral front porch gets a complimentary palette of more subdued colors that add plenty of interest while remaining complimentary to the existing aesthetic.

    small entryway pumpkin displayLastly, the dark brick on the front of this house let Siri and Andrea amp up the boldness of this display. Subtle and subdued would get lost against all of that gorgeous brick, so bright yellow, deep green and very warm oranges all come together for a vibrant display that pops against the background.

    Thank you so much for sharing your incredible creations with us Siri and Andrea! I absolutely agree that every fall garden is only enhanced by a plethora of colorful pumpkins and gourds, and you’ve given us endless inspiration for next year’s designs.

    Do you create incredible fall displays in your garden? Whether it’s container arrangements, towers of pumpkins, or a cluster of happy jack-o-lanterns that you carve with your family, we would love to see how you celebrate the season in your landscape! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

     

    We want to see YOUR garden!

    Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

    To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

    Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!

    Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here

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  • Secret to Epic Harvests: 15 Bucket Vegetables for April –

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    The secret most plant experts won’t tell you is this: you can grow more food in a 5-gallon bucket than most people produce in entire garden beds.

    I was shocked to discover that container-grown vegetables often outperform their ground-planted cousins, producing yields up to 40% higher per square foot!

    Think of bucket gardening like having a personal chef for each plant. You control every ingredient that goes into their “meal”—the soil, water, and nutrients. No more gambling with whatever dirt happens to be in your yard.

    April is your golden window to start this food-growing revolution. While your neighbors are still debating whether it’s too early to plant, you’ll be giving your vegetables the perfect head start they need to become absolute production powerhouses.

    1. Tomatoes: The Bucket Garden Superstars

    Determinate varieties are your secret weapon here. They’re like the marathon runners of the tomato world, pacing themselves perfectly for container life.

    Cherry tomatoes especially go absolutely wild in buckets, often producing over 100 fruits per plant!

    The game-changer for tomatoes isn’t just good soil. It’s consistent moisture. In buckets, you become the rain god, delivering exactly what they need when they need it.

    2. Peppers: Colorful Heat Machines

    Peppers are like the laid-back cousins of tomatoes: same needs, half the drama. Whether you’re growing sweet bells or scorching habaneros, they’ll reward your bucket setup with spectacular harvests that keep coming all season long.

    Pro tip: Peppers actually prefer slightly stressed conditions, so don’t baby them with water. Let them get a little thirsty between drinks.

    3. Lettuce: The Speed Demon of Greens

    Forget what you’ve heard about lettuce being boring. Bucket lettuce is a completely different beast. You can harvest baby greens in just 3-4 weeks, and with succession planting, you’ll have fresh salads until summer heat shuts things down.

    The trick is treating your bucket like a living salad bowl, harvesting outer leaves while the center keeps pumping out new growth.

    4. Spinach: Nutritional Powerhouse in Small Spaces

    Spinach in buckets is like having a vitamin factory on your patio. This iron-rich green thrives in the controlled environment of containers, especially when you give it that perfect balance of sun and shade.

    Most people make this mistake with spinach. They plant it too late. April’s cool temperatures are exactly what this superfood craves.

    5. Radishes: The Instant Gratification Crop

    Radishes are the gateway drug of vegetable gardening. From seed to salad in just 25 days! They’re like nature’s way of saying “see, you CAN do this” to nervous first-time gardeners.

    Plant them every two weeks through spring for a continuous supply of crisp, peppery perfection.

    6. Carrots: Sweet Underground Treasures

    The revelation about bucket carrots is choosing the right varieties. Paris Market or other round types are absolute gems in containers, developing that incredible sweetness that store-bought carrots can only dream of.

    Your bucket carrots will taste like candy compared to the woody, flavorless ones from the grocery store.

    7. Cucumbers: Climbing Champions

    Cucumbers transform buckets into vertical food factories. Give them a simple trellis, and they’ll climb toward the sky while dropping fresh cukes into your hands all summer long.

    The secret is choosing bush varieties. They’re bred specifically for container life and won’t try to take over your entire patio.

    8. Beans: Nature’s Protein Makers

    Beans are the overachievers of the bucket world. Not only do they feed you, but they also improve the soil by fixing nitrogen from the air. It’s like having a plant that pays rent!

    Bush beans are perfect for lazy gardeners. Plant once, harvest for weeks, no staking required.

    9. Peas: Cool Weather Gold

    Peas are April’s gift to bucket gardeners. These nitrogen-fixing beauties love cool weather and will reward your early planting efforts with sweet, crunchy pods that beat anything from the frozen food aisle.

    Sugar snap peas are particularly spectacular in buckets. Eat the whole pod and feel like a garden genius.

    10. Beets: The Two-for-One Vegetable

    Most people don’t realize that beets give you two harvests in one. Tender greens first, then sweet roots later. It’s like getting a bonus crop you didn’t even plan for!

    The difference between amateur and pro gardeners is simply knowing how to harvest those nutritious beet greens instead of throwing them away.

    11. Zucchini: The Abundance Monster

    Zucchini in buckets is like having a green gold mine. One plant can produce 20+ pounds of squash! Choose compact varieties unless you want to become the neighborhood zucchini pusher.

    Fair warning: Your friends will start avoiding you once your zucchini plant hits full production mode.

    12. Kale: The Indestructible Superfood

    Kale is practically bulletproof in bucket gardens. This nutritional powerhouse laughs at temperature swings and keeps producing even when other plants are struggling.

    The trick with kale is harvesting from the bottom up. It’s like a living vitamin dispenser that keeps refilling itself.

    13. Swiss Chard: Rainbow in a Bucket

    Swiss chard turns ordinary buckets into stunning displays with stems in neon pink, orange, and yellow. It’s the supermodel of leafy greens – gorgeous AND nutritious.

    This heat-tolerant beauty will keep producing when your lettuce and spinach have given up for the season.

    14. Eggplant: Purple Perfection

    Eggplants are the divas of bucket gardening – they demand warmth, attention, and regular feeding. But when they’re happy, they’ll shower you with glossy purple fruits that make you feel like a Mediterranean cooking master.

    Choose compact varieties like ‘Patio Baby’ for bucket success. They’re bred for container life.

    15. Herbs: Flavor Factories in Miniature

    Herbs are like having a gourmet spice rack growing on your patio. Basil, parsley, and cilantro transform ordinary bucket gardens into culinary goldmines that keep producing all season long.

    The secret most herb growers won’t tell you: pinch the flowers! It keeps the leaves tender and flavorful, rather than bitter.

    Your Bucket Garden Success Blueprint

    Your vegetables are trying to tell you something important through their leaves, growth, and fruit production. Listen to them! Yellowing leaves might mean too much water, while slow growth could signal they need more nutrients.

    The miracle of bucket gardening isn’t just about growing food. It’s about taking control of your family’s nutrition while creating something beautiful and productive from the smallest spaces.

    Start with just 3-4 buckets this April. Pick your favorites from this list, drill those drainage holes, and prepare to be amazed by what 5 gallons of potential can produce!

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    Gary Antosh

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  • Low Tunnel Hoops for Weather and Pest Protection

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  • Making small garden spaces work for the whole family – Growing Family

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    Even the smallest garden can become a family’s favourite outdoor retreat with thoughtful design and clever use of space. Whether it’s a place for children to play, adults to unwind, or everyone to share time together, compact gardens thrive when planned with flexibility and creativity in mind.

    By combining smart zoning, multi-purpose furniture, and layered planting, families can make limited areas feel open, organised and full of life. With a few practical touches – from vertical planters to storage benches – small gardens can balance beauty, function, and fun, creating an inviting space that grows with the people who use it.

    Family Relaxing On Blanket In Garden

    Smart design principles for family-friendly small gardens

    Successful small gardens depend on clear zoning that balances everyone’s needs. Even limited spaces can include dining, play and relaxation areas, defined subtly by paving, low hedges or container groupings.

    Climbing plants like jasmine or clematis make use of fences and walls, allowing the garden to support more plants without taking up additional room.

    Families going through major life changes may benefit from neutral guidance when shared property, such as a garden, needs adjustment. Neutral advice from high value divorce lawyers in London can help families understand their options if a garden holds personal importance or requires practical adjustments for everyone’s benefit.

    In a small garden it’s a good idea to choose furniture that serves more than one purpose. This could be benches with hidden storage, folding tables, or stackable chairs. Waterproof cubes and footstools can also provide sturdy seating while keeping toys and tools protected from the weather.

    You can also use height and layered planting to make the garden feel bigger. Tall planters and trellises draw the eye upward, while smaller plants at the front of a border and taller ones behind add depth to compact gardens.

    a baby climbing out of a sandpit in the gardena baby climbing out of a sandpit in the garden

    Child-friendly features that don’t dominate small spaces

    Children need outdoor space to play, but bulky equipment can overwhelm small gardens. Compact alternatives include wall-mounted chalkboards, fold-away sandpits or small climbing frames that also support plants. A hammock that can be removed when not in use is another clever way to provide fun without permanent space commitment.

    Nature discovery zones fascinate children without requiring much room. A small log pile can become a mini-beast hotel, while a shallow dish makes a perfect bird bath. Even a tiny pond in a container offers endless amusement – just make sure you always supervise children around water.

    When it comes to child-friendly plants, varieties that provide a sensory experience work well. Lamb’s ears provide soft, strokeable leaves, while herbs like mint and lemon balm release scents when touched. Strawberries in hanging baskets are perfect for little hands to pick and eat.

    Growing projects can teach children about food production even in the smallest spaces. A simple guide to starting a child-friendly garden provides practical ways to involve them in planting and observation. Potatoes can be grown in bags, while salad leaves and radishes will thrive in window boxes. Growing sunflowers in pots is another easy project that kids will love.

    It’s important to pay attention to safety when designing a garden that will be used by children. This includes things like selecting non-thorny plants to prevent scratches, securing benches or cabinets with fixings to avoid tipping risks, and covering water features with mesh to protect little ones. Soft surfacing such as grass or bark chippings beneath swings and climbing frames offers a gentler landing, making it a practical choice for compact gardens where hard paving or concrete might otherwise lead to injuries.

    container plants on a patiocontainer plants on a patio

    Practical planting for limited garden footprints

    Container gardening offers flexibility in a small garden. Lightweight pots and troughs can be rearranged for sunlight or play space, while varying heights will add depth and maximise your growing area.

    Space-efficient edible plants can provide good yields from small areas. Runner beans grow upward on supports, while compact varieties of courgettes and tomatoes are often grown in containers. Herbs are also well-suited to small spaces and can add fresh flavours to family meals.

    Low-maintenance plants such as lavender, geraniums, sedums and evergreen shrubs will add structure and colour year-round without frequent care, and This low-maintenance plants guide has lots of ideas for small gardens.

    When it comes to privacy in a small garden, slim bamboo varieties can provide screening without spreading roots, while climbers on trellis panels create green walls. Pleached trees, trained to grow flat, offer height without taking up much width.

    Rotating seasonal plantings is a clever way to maintain colour, productivity and interest in a small garden. For example, you can plant bulbs in pots for spring blooms, and top them with seasonal bedding plants for colour in winter, then follow on from the bulbs with summer bedding. Our guide to planting a bulb lasagne has a step-by-step guide to help you max out the display. Rotating plants this way helps pots and beds avoid looking tired or sparse between seasons.

    small garden patiosmall garden patio

    Maximising outdoor living in compact gardens

    Comfortable seating doesn’t have to dominate small gardens. Corner benches make the most of available seating while keeping the footprint small, and floor cushions can be stored away when not needed. A small bistro set will also provide dining space without overcrowding the garden.

    Lighting makes it possible to use the garden during evenings, and small garden lighting ideas show how solar, string, and wall-mounted options can extend outdoor living without cluttering limited space.

    Weather-proofing increases garden usability. A small retractable awning provides shade and shelter, while outdoor rugs make hard surfaces more comfortable all year round. Wind breaks made from planting or screens can help even small spaces stay pleasant on breezy days.

    Maintaining order in a compact garden relies on storage ideas that save both floor space and time. For instance, storage benches with lift-up lids can double as seating while hiding toys or garden tools from view when not needed. Wall-mounted cabinets can be used to store smaller gardening essentials such as gloves and seed packets within easy reach without taking up floor space. Look out for vertical tool racks too, these help equipment stay tidy and accessible for quick gardening jobs or play sessions.

    Vertical planting and height layering can make compact gardens feel more open and inviting. Making a step-by-step plan to define use zones, pick flexible furniture, rotate plants and install safe, accessible storage can help transform even the smallest urban patch into a shared outdoor space, supporting family time through every season. Even the smallest patch of green can nurture big memories.

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    Catherine

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  • Winterize a Garden: How to Protect Plants from Frost & Snow – Garden Therapy

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    One day you’re sweating while weeding, the next you’re wearing a jacket for the morning chill. When we feel the cold beginning to settle in, it’s a good idea to start prepping your garden for its hibernation. Here’s how to protect plants from frost and snow this coming cold season.

    Vancouver is a temperate rainforest, meaning my winters tend to look a little more green than white. But that doesn’t mean we never get snow. Once or twice during the winter, we’ll get a big snow dump that usually shuts down the city.

    We can still get our cold snaps. Just last year, we set a record for the coldest January yet. Many people lost shrubs and perennials that had survived many prior winters, as they just weren’t ready to handle those extreme temperatures.

    While you can just leave your garden to its own devices for the winter, you may experience some losses once everything thaws come spring. You can avoid the disappointment by taking a few steps to winterize your garden. We’ve got to keep our plant babies safe after all.

    Here’s how to protect plants from frost and get ready for the winter season!

    Preparing a Garden for WinterPreparing a Garden for Winter
    Containers are less insulated than ground plants and need more care to winterize.

    Garden Prep Ahead of the Winter Season

    Before the cold really sets in, you can set your plants up for success. Here are a few things to be aware of to prepare a garden for winter.

    Add a Layer of Mulch

    Mulch is one of the best and easiest ways to winterize a garden and protect plants from freezing. Adding a two-to-four-inch layer of mulch can help protect the roots beneath from freezing. Think of it like a nice cozy blanket for the plants.

    Add a layer to the base of trees, shrubs, and perennials. Keep the base of the trunk clear to prevent rotting. There are many natural mulches you can use, including fallen leaves and straw. It’s good practice to remove some or all of the mulch in the spring when things begin to warm up.  

    straw natural mulch in the gardenstraw natural mulch in the garden
    Opt for natural mulch that will work its way into your soil come spring.

    Overwinter Tender Plants

    Most of my plants I leave outside to fend for themselves, but there are a few special plants I like to bring inside or move for the winter. Succulents thrive in warm conditions, but there are some hardy succulents that actually love a cold period.

    Many sedums, sempervivum, agave, ice plant, lewisa, and yucca will overwinter in Zone 5-6 plus. If I have these planted, I’ll leave them in the ground and clean them up in the spring. If they’re in pots, I’ll move them under cover, such as under a deck.

    Any tender succulents should be brought inside.

    I also bring in some of my more tender herbs. Most of my annuals I’ll say goodbye to and plant again in the spring. The ones that do the best when brought inside include mint, thyme, and oregano. Others, like basil, you can take a clipping to propagate and bring indoors.

    Of course, you may have more tender plants you want to bring inside (a tropical perhaps?). Most plants in pots may need some extra care and protection.

    succulent with pupssucculent with pups
    Clean up any plants you bring indoors to prevent the spread of pests and disease.

    Winterize Your Water

    To avoid the horror stories of burst pipes and flooded basements, it’s good practice to turn off your outdoor faucets. This can be done by locating the shut-off valves (usually inside the house) and turning them off, then returning outside and turning the faucets on to drain the remaining water.

    You should also ensure your hoses and nozzles are properly drained and stored. And if you have a water feature, such as a fountain or pond, winterize it as well.

    Add Winter Interest Plants

    While this may not be an absolute must, I am giving you an excuse to visit the garden centre and take advantage of an end-of-season sale. In early to mid-fall, you still have time to plant some perennials. Ideally, you should do this six weeks before the first hard frost. This gives the plant some time to establish roots and settle in before the winter.

    Look for shrubs that will provide some winter interest and beauty, such as witch hazel or cotoneaster. Find more inspiration in this post.

    Garden Management During the Winter

    While most of winter is spent hibernating inside and getting cozy, you may still need to get outside from time to time to check on your plants.

    Plants in Snow

    If you’ve ever shovelled snow, then you just know how heavy it can be. Imagine the weight on the plants! When you experience a large snowfall, it’s good practice to brush off the snow from your shrubs (don’t shake) and lower tree branches to help lessen the weight. Otherwise, you may end up with broken branches or even smothered smaller plants.

    If you have newer shrubs or trees that may be more vulnerable, you can stake them with wooden or metal supports for the winter. It’s also a good idea to selectively prune young plants to maintain a good and strong structure as they grow older.

    You can also tie branches together to help them withstand the impact of snow. This works best for young evergreen trees, where you can bundle up the branches and secure them to the trunk.

    plants in snowplants in snow
    Shovel and sweep heavy snow away from plants.

    Avoid Using Road Salt

    Vancouver’s solution to snow often comes in the form of road salt, which is a nightmare for gardeners, since it can be toxic to plants. Road salt readily dissolves in snow melt and water, absorbing into the soil. This can cause plants to turn yellow, send out suckers, become more susceptible to pests and diseases, or just die.

    The salt spray can also hurt the upper part of plants, mainly causing browning and bud dieback, leading to a loss of leaves, flowers, or fruit the following spring.

    Use alternatives like sand or fine gravel. More ideas and tips here on road salt damage.

    rosemary in the snowrosemary in the snow
    A rosemary plant in the snow.

    How to Protect Plants From Frost

    Overall, I don’t worry too much about a frost since it’s part of the gardening experience. I say goodbye to my annuals and trust that my perennials will be just fine.

    That being said, sometimes extreme cold can be in the forecast, and you may want to provide some extra protection in addition to the mulch you would have applied in the fall and early winter.

    If you can move potted plants, bring them into the garage, a shed, or somewhere else where they might have protection. You can also add some frost protection, such as row cover or burlap, to give any of the more tender plants more insulation.

    Bonus: Winter Planters

    To get a little bit of garden therapy in during the winter, why not make some winter-themed planters? I love to use the cold to my advantage and create planters with evergreen boughs that will last for months.

    Here’s a holiday-themed one I did, and a winter window box planter that you can make (even if you don’t have a window box!).

    How to make and plant a window box for winterHow to make and plant a window box for winter

    Preparing a Garden for Winter FAQ

    What is the best thing to cover plants for frost?

    I always like to use inexpensive materials you may already have. A simple sheet or old blanket can be a great frost cover, as can burlap or even cardboard. And don’t forget how valuable natural mulch can be!

    Should I water my plants before I cover them for a freeze?

    Watering plants before a frost is actually a good practice and can help protect plants from freezing. Water can absorb and hold heat, helping to keep the soil and roots warmer than the air above. Dry soil and conditions won’t hold the heat as well, and cause the plant to lose water.

    Even during the winter, your plants need moisture. Snow provides plenty of moisture in the winter, which usually means you don’t have to worry about watering. But if conditions are dry, you may need to water.

    Check your soil first by placing your finger in the soil to the first knuckle. If it’s dry, water your plant at the base, avoiding getting the leaves wet. Only water the plant in temperatures of 4°C or higher (40°F).

    Does snow protect plants?

    While it may seem contrary, snow and plants are a great pair. Snow primarily consists of air (about 90-95%), making it a great insulator against cold temperatures. It also helps to prevent temperature fluctuations that can confuse your plant. If you have a sudden cold snap coming, a blanket of snow can help protect your plants against it if it precedes the cold.

    rhododendron bud in snowrhododendron bud in snow
    Rhododendron bud in snow.

    Keep Your Green Thumb Busy This Winter

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • Cues to Care: How to Design Ecological Gardens that Look Neat and Tidy

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    This is part of a series with Perfect Earth Project, a nonprofit dedicated to toxic-free, ecological gardening, on how you can be more sustainable in your landscapes at home.  

    “What does aesthetics have to do with ecology?” asks Joan Nassauer. Turns out a lot. A professor of landscape architecture at the University of Michigan, Nassauer has been studying how to make ecological gardens more acceptable and accessible. Several decades ago, she coined the phrase “cues to care,” which has now become a catch phrase among ecological gardeners. (Read her paper “Messy Ecosystems, Orderly Frames” and a recent review paper “Cues to Care: A Systematic Analytical Review”.)

    Cues to care are the key indicators that a landscape is intentional and being looked after. Think: mown turf; visible, unimpeded windows; and prominent, recognizable flowers. Most people find these things comforting. “We want to affect human-dominated landscapes to protect and increase biodiversity, increase their capacity to store carbon, and ensure human comfort with rising temperatures,” says Nassauer. But the key to acceptance and success lies with our ability to “create landscapes people are happy to inhabit.”

    The size of your property does not matter. Every bit of land can make a difference. “The 1/4 acre or even 1/8 acre is in some ways the most important, because from the standpoint of a seed, or a pollinator passing by, or a migrating bird being able to stop and rest, these small pieces all contribute to a larger matrix that is the functioning landscape,” says Nassauer.

    As more people learn about the dangers of conventional landscaping with its toxic lawns and “ultra-processed plantings,” as Perfect Earth founder Edwina von Gal calls them, they’re discovering the benefits of a healthier, looser, chemical-free approach, where lawns are diminished, native plants replace unsustainable ones and are allowed to grow freely, and dead trees or snags are celebrated as sculpture. Cues to care become an important bridge linking the wildness of nature with the intentional. Nassuer notes that cues to care are “not universal, but culturally contingent.” Experiment on your own property, talk about them with your neighbors, and take some cues from these ecological designers who share with us how they show they care.    

    Incorporate straight lines and right angles. 

    Above: In her garden on Eastern Long Island, von Gal created geometric beds and filled them with an array of native plants that she lets grow freely with wild abundance. Photograph courtesy of Perfect Earth Project.
    Above: In her garden on Eastern Long Island, von Gal created geometric beds and filled them with an array of native plants that she lets grow freely with wild abundance. Photograph courtesy of Perfect Earth Project.

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  • Easy ideas to connect your living space with the garden – Growing Family

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    Modern homes are increasingly designed with a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor spaces, reflecting the growing trend for flexible layouts. This approach is especially beneficial for families, as it fosters a better connection with nature and offers more functional living areas.

    Using natural elements and thoughtful design choices, you can transform your home into a space that feels open, inviting, and connected to the outdoors, all while maintaining comfort and practicality.

    The key is to select materials and finishes that enhance this connection, creating harmony between garden areas and interior spaces. Whether it’s flooring choices, clever furniture arrangements, or colour schemes, the right updates will help you enjoy your garden all year round, no matter the weather.

    living space connected with a garden

    Flooring choices that create indoor-outdoor harmony

    One of the most effective ways to enhance the flow between your indoor spaces and garden is through flooring. When patterns and materials flow naturally from one area to the next, the boundary between inside and outside blurs, making your home feel more expansive. This seamless transition works particularly well with natural materials such as wood or stone.

    For those considering flooring that connects the indoors with garden areas, elegant herringbone flooring designs can be a great choice. This classic pattern creates visual interest and can be used effectively in transitional spaces. The zigzag design adds texture and depth and brings a timeless appeal to modern homes. Whether in your living room, hallway, or garden rooms, herringbone flooring offers style and resilience, perfect for high-traffic areas where the indoors meet the garden.

    Continuing the same flooring from your interior to your outdoor deck or patio creates a unified appearance that draws the two spaces together. The continuity of material and colour helps the garden feel like an extension of your living space, making outdoor entertaining or simply relaxing in the garden even more enjoyable.

    Designing transitional spaces between indoor and outdoor areas

    Transitional spaces such as conservatories, garden rooms, or patios act as junctions between the inside and outside, and these areas should be designed to feel just as comfortable as the home’s main rooms. Large glass doors or bi-fold windows are great for creating a sense of openness and accessibility, allowing natural light to flood in and providing stunning views of the garden.

    Incorporating the same or similar flooring in these spaces is a good way to connect your living space with the garden. Whether a light oak laminate or durable herringbone flooring, continuing your flooring from the indoors to the garden room or conservatory helps maintain the flow between spaces. This makes moving between areas easier, as there’s no abrupt transition to break the visual continuity.

    modern outdoor living areamodern outdoor living area

    Colour schemes that connect indoor and outdoor spaces

    Another key aspect in connecting indoor and outdoor environments is colour. The most effective colour schemes draw inspiration from nature and use tones that mimic the natural beauty of the garden.

    Earthy neutrals, such as soft greys, beiges, and creams, create a calming backdrop that blends well with the natural outdoor scenery, allowing the changing garden colours to take centre stage. These neutral shades complement the garden and make the interior space feel brighter and more connected to the outdoors.

    For a more dramatic effect, consider introducing bolder hues that reflect the seasonal changes in your garden. Bright yellows, deep reds, or calming greens can be introduced through accessories like cushions, throws, and artwork, enhancing the connection between your home and garden.

    Bringing natural elements indoors

    Strategically placing houseplants inside your home is another effective way to connect your living space with the garden. Plants like ferns, palms, and ivy echo the greenery found in the garden, creating a sense of continuity. Placing these plants near windows overlooking your garden reinforces the link between the two areas.

    Additionally, using natural materials inside the home, such as wooden furniture, stone surfaces, and woven textiles, helps strengthen the connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. These materials, which age beautifully over time, develop character just as your garden does, providing a harmonious balance with nature.

    living space with indoor plants and natural texturesliving space with indoor plants and natural textures

    Maximising natural light and views

    The more natural light your home can capture, the stronger the connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces will feel. Rooms with windows on multiple sides can capture sunlight throughout the day, drawing the outdoors in and providing dynamic, ever-changing views.

    Where architectural constraints limit natural light, the clever use of mirrors can help increase light levels by reflecting garden views. This simple trick enhances the feeling of space and helps make the most of available daylight.

    If you’re looking to improve your home’s relationship with nature, it’s worth considering the placement of windows and mirrors in such a way that they enhance the garden view and brighten your living spaces.

    Creating plant vignettes to frame garden views

    Well-positioned plants can frame your garden views beautifully, adding an artistic touch to the space. Placing taller plants around windows creates a natural frame that directs the eye toward the garden outside. This method works particularly well with distinctive architectural plants, whose unique shapes add visual interest inside and out.

    Seasonal plant displays can also strengthen the connection between your home and the garden, as indoor arrangements reflect the changing seasons in the garden. For instance, springtime arrangements of fresh flowers inside can echo the new blooms appearing in your garden, while autumn brings an opportunity to introduce dried flowers and seed heads.

    pine cone on living room coffee tablepine cone on living room coffee table

    Year-round solutions for connecting with the garden

    Maintaining a connection between your home and the garden is a year-round effort, especially in the UK climate. High-performance double glazing for garden rooms and conservatories helps reduce heat loss during the winter and prevents condensation in the summer. Insulated roofing panels for covered patios can also help maintain a comfortable temperature, allowing you to enjoy your garden year-round.

    In addition to heating solutions like underfloor heating, lighting plays a crucial role in maintaining a connection with the garden after dark. Outdoor lighting can highlight garden features and create a magical atmosphere at night. Path lights, uplighters for trees, and weatherproof festoon lighting above seating areas extend the sense of space into the garden even after the sun has set.

    Bring the outdoors in and the indoors out with thoughtful design

    A home that feels connected to its garden provides a sense of calm and spaciousness, offering family members a seamless flow between their indoor and outdoor environments. Start transforming your space today by incorporating these practical ideas that blend nature and home, creating a space that supports family living year-round.

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    Catherine

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  • Paula’s Glorious Goodbye to the Gardening Season – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    Halloween is right around the corner, and while kids and adults alike are getting creative with their costumes, on Garden Photo of the Day we’re celebrating some sensational front entryways all dressed up in delightful fall decor. On day 1 of our 3-day countdown is a fabulously festive update from Paula Brown in Ottawa, Ontario. Paula has shared her incredibly colorful front garden and entryway a couple of times in the past (Check out those previous submissions here: Paula’s Ottawa Garden After a Wet Growing Season and Paula’s Front Garden in Ottawa), and today she’s showcasing her fantastic fall designs.

    As the growing season winds down , my garden in Ottawa, Ontario bursts into one final blaze of color. Brilliant mums, bold zinnias, and the last of my knockout roses fill the garden beds with vibrant reds, oranges, and golds. Friendly scarecrows and glowing lanterns add a festive Halloween touch, while pumpkins dot the steps with classic autumn charm.

    By day, butterflies and goldfinches visit the blooms. By night, the porch glows warmly with lights, wreaths, and seasonal magic. My gardens are a joyful farewell to the growing season and a warm welcome to fall. I am already making plans for next years.

    My daytime fall garden – labour of love!

    deep orange mum in gardenMy mum went crazy this fall! Love the vibrant colour!

    scarecrows in gardenWeathered scarecrows which represent my husband and myself amidst a riot of red and green.

    bird on the stem of a zinniaA bright yellow goldfinch surveys its domain.

    monarch butterfly on bright red zinniaA monarch butterfly sips nectar from a crimson zinnia.

    front entry garden illuminated at nightA cozy autumn welcome with vibrant fall blooms and glowing lights.

    front entryway with fall decorationsMy front porch is decorated for the season.

    close up of deep orange mumsMy glorious mums.

    close up of bright red roseI LOVE my roses.

    scarecrow decoration in background of gardenFramed in colour

    Thank you so much for another amazing update from your garden, Paula! The color that radiates in your front yard is enviable in every season, but the addition of fun fall decor brings even more joy and personality to all those fabulous flowers.

    While Halloween is just a couple of days away, there are many more weeks of fall and plenty to celebrate before winter holidays start taking center stage. Please consider sharing your festive fall designs and decorations so we have even more gardens to be grateful for by Thanksgiving. Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

     

    We want to see YOUR garden!

    Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

    To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

    Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!

    Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here

    Fine Gardening Recommended Products

    ARS Telescoping Long Reach Pruner

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Telescopes from 4 to 7′. Cut and Hold (160) Blades. Drop forged blades for unsurpassed long lasting sharpness. Lightweight, 2.3 lbs., for continued use. Perfectly balanced for easy pruning.

    Berry & Bird Rabbiting Spade, Trenching Shovel

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Ideal Tool for All Gardeners Use: Our heavy duty trenching shovel is designed by a professional gardening tool designer. Lifetime Durability: This heavy duty drain spade is made of high-quality stainless steel, it is very strong and durable, even if it is used for high-strength work, it will not bend. Ergonomic Wood Handle: The handle of this planting spade is made of ash hardwood harvested from FSC-certified forests and has an ergonomically streamlined design, making it very suitable for everyone’s hands. Multi-Use: This digging shovel is generally used for digging trenches, digging holes, transplanting, edging, moving compost, cutting thick turf and furrowing. The sharp blade allows you to cut, scoop, dig, lift and dice in hard soil.

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  • How digital tools are transforming sustainable gardening – Growing Family

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    Sustainable gardening has long been about more than just soil composition and sunlight.

    Today, we can use technology to reduce waste, save water, and grow healthier plants. There are lots of different things to try, from smart irrigation systems to environmental data tracking apps. These tools can change how we connect with nature without endangering the planet.

    Let’s explore how technology redefines sustainable gardening practices in the digital age.

    The rise of smart gardening

    Nowadays, gardening enthusiasts and professionals are likely to use smart gardening tools in pursuit of eco-friendly choices.

    Smart gardening tools use data and automation, simplifying plant care and reducing the waste of resources like light and water, both of which are essential when gardening.

    Smart watering systems

    Sophisticated watering systems have been around for a while. Current devices can measure soil moisture, humidity, and temperature, watering the plants only when necessary.

    People in drought-prone areas know how important it is to try and conserve as much water as possible without sacrificing valuable plants.

    digital garden watering controller

    Automated Lighting and Climate Control

    Greenhouses and indoor gardens have always offered a way to cultivate plants, no matter the weather conditions. The difference is that now we can use smart lighting systems, which track and adjust the intensity of natural sunlight and help us successfully grow plants in dark spaces.

    Combined with an automatic ventilation system, smart lighting can maintain ideal growing conditions with minimal energy consumption.

    Gardening decisions based on data

    Especially for beginners, gardening can often feel like a guessing game. After all, not many of us can predict the weather and humidity levels just by looking at the sky. Both over- and underwatering are common issues.

    Data and tech, however, are transforming this age-old issue. We now have hundreds of tools to choose from, including:

    • Sensors and drones
    • Mobile apps
    • Smart mowers
    • Robotic weeders
    • Smart humidity detectors

    Thanks to these, we can track soil health, weather patterns, and plant growth, preventing disease and pests.

    a hand holding soila hand holding soil

    Monitoring soil and plant health

    With portable sensors, you can test your soil’s pH levels, nutrients, and temperature. This data can sync with other apps and suggest when and how to fertilise, water, or let the soil rest. Its precision reduces the overuse of chemicals, encouraging more biodiversity.

    Technology to predict the weather

    Weather predictions are invaluable for gardeners. For example, preparing for specific temperature fluctuations in urbanised areas might bring food production benefits.

    With the right tools, it’s possible to prepare for extreme conditions, like heavy rain or heatwaves. Gardeners can reduce resource use and increase yields while protecting the ecosystem.

    Data risks

    The same technology that makes our gardens smarter can also expose you to online privacy risks. Smart tools, from plant identification apps using your location to soil sensors transmitting data, collect plenty of personal information. This can include photos, location history, and home network details.

    This mirrors the security challenges in commercial farming, where similar technology has been prone to well-documented data breaches. For the home gardener, this means any data sent from a smart sprinkler to plant ID apps over an unsecured network is a potential target.

    A simple and effective first step is to use a VPN. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN protects all the data your smart gardening tools send and receive, protecting your private information from leaking.

    a person taking a photo of a plant with a smartphonea person taking a photo of a plant with a smartphone

    Mobile apps and sustainable gardening

    Smartphone apps are becoming a gardener’s best friend. It’s possible to identify plant species, to know if they’re invasive, or to track watering schedules. Simply put, apps are making it easier to stay organised.

    Sharing knowledge with a worldwide community

    Gardening forums and apps bring people together. Enthusiasts can share techniques, photos, and advice. This exchange promotes environmentally friendly practices like composting, pest control, and permaculture.

    Additionally, some apps are great for users who want to track crop performance, carbon footprint, and even water consumption. With this data, it’s easier to make smarter choices and stay sustainable. 

    With technology, we can take better care of our plants. This is a positive transformation that brings together generations of knowledge and smart devices. From precision irrigation and soil monitoring to data analysis, there’s a tool that serves every different aspect of gardening. Are digital tools transforming sustainable gardening for you?

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    Catherine

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  • Fascinating Pumpkin Crosses: Grenada Black x Seminole | The Survival Gardener

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    We saved seeds from a Grenadian black pumpkin way back in 2019 – and didn’t plant them out until 2024.

    When we did, we got this:

    I didn’t think a pumpkin of that color was a Cucurbita moschata. There were lots of interesting pumpkins down in Grenada that happily crossed together, but few looked anything like the C. moschata types we’d grown in the US.

    Here are some examples of Grenadian pumpkins:

    The colors, shapes, and skin textures varied widely.

    When I planted the black pumpkin seeds, I assumed it was a different species from the Seminole pumpkins we normally grow.

    I was wrong.

    I planted the seeds we saved from the single black pumpkin we grew in 2024 out in the field and ended up with what we now call “Zombie Pumpkins.”

    Now I thought those pumpkins were the end of the story.

    But oh no… it gets weirder.

    This spring we worked hard to get the Grocery Row Gardens cleaned up, mulched and planted. Yet around the edges, we ended up with a few volunteer plants… including pumpkins.

    I assumed they were Seminole pumpkins, like usual.

    I was wrong again.

    They were hybrids between the Grenadian black pumpkin and our line of Seminole pumpkins.

    As spring stretched into summer, we lost control of the gardens and the pumpkins conquered all the edges, running over trees, covering rows of peppers, and eating the open spaces beyond the beds.

    As the pumpkins developed, the colors, shapes and textures were surprising. Some were almost black, some striped, some tan with warts, some dark green with warts, some round, some like pears – it’s an amazing mix. It seems the Grenadian black pumpkin had a lot of genetic variation in it, unlike our Seminole pumpkin line.

    It will be fun to see how they grow next year. They weren’t watered, fed or sprayed, and yet they produced a few hundred pounds of pumpkin. Eating them will be interesting. The “Zombie pumpkins” that had Black Grenada pumpkin mothers were better tasting than either the original Black pumpkin or their Seminole fathers, with thick, non-stringy orange flesh and small seed cavities. If that keeps up, we may have a real winner landrace!

    The Caribbean has a similar summer climate to Lower Alabama, which means these guys are right at home here.

    Saving seeds and letting things run is a lot of fun – I highly recommend letting your pumpkins cross (on purpose or otherwise!) and seeing what you get. Thank the Lord for happy accidents.

    Here’s the harvest video I posted yesterday:

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    David The Good

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  • How to Store Your Dahlias for the Winter – Fine Gardening

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    Dahlias are tender perennials, hardy only in Zones 9 to 11, so they must be dug out of the ground in cooler zones and stored over the winter. Gardeners in Zone 8 can overwinter dahlias in the ground with an added layer of mulch, but digging and storing them is a safer bet. 

    When is it time to dig up dahlias from the garden?

    After the first frost of the season has occurred and the temperatures have begun to drop significantly, it is important to prepare your dahlia tubers for dormancy. The first frost typically signals the end of the growing season for dahlias, causing their foliage to turn black and wilt. This is a natural indicator that the plants are transitioning into a dormant state, and it is crucial to allow them adequate time to adjust to these changes. Find your projected first frost dates here.

     

    Video: Watch How to Dig, Divide, and Store Dahlia Tubers

    5 Steps to Store Dahlias Correctly for Winter

    Cut back the stems and foliage.

    1. Cut them back to within 6 inches of the ground, and gently lift the dahlia tubers out with a spade—inserted carefully into the soil at a distance from the stems so as not to sever the tubers. To prepare your dahlias for the end of the growing season, begin by cutting the plants back to a height of approximately 6 inches above the ground. 

    dig out dahlia tubers to store dahlias list out the dahlia tubers using the remaining stems to grab

    2. Clean the soil off the tubers, and allow them to dry for a day. They can be left in the sun but must not be allowed to freeze. 

    removing dahlia tubers from the garden

    3. After drying, shorten old stems—to about an inch long—for ease of storage, and cut away any skinny, hairlike roots to minimize the risk of fungus. This will help to prevent damage from frost and will also make it easier to manage the remaining plant material. 

    splitting dahlia tubers preparing dahlia tubers for storage

    4. Place the roots in crates or boxes, and cover with slightly moistened sand, peat moss, or sawdust to keep them from drying out. Store in a cool but frost-free place, such as a garage or unheated basement (40°F to 50°F is ideal). 

    cover dahlias with sand to store

    5. Check on the tubers monthly to ensure that they aren’t rotting (too cool or wet) or shriveling (too warm or dry). If too wet, remove them from the box and allow them to dry out before repacking them in fresh material. If too dry, add a little water to the packing mix. 

     

    Learn more about dahlia care:

    How to Grow Dahlias, Plus the Best Varieties

    Out-of-the-Ordinary Dahlias

    Dahlia Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For

     

     

    Fine Gardening Recommended Products

    Stihl GTA 26 Wood Cutter with AS 2 Battery and Charger AL 1, Battery Operated

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Package weight: 3.08 kilograms
    Package size: 18.4 L x 39.2 H x 20.0 W (cm)
    Colour: orange

    Ho-Mi Digger – Korean Triangle Blade

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Versatile Tool: The Easy Digger Korean Triangle Blade Ho Mi Ho-mi is a versatile gardening tool designed for leveling and digging in home and garden settings. Efficient Design: Its unique triangular blade shape allows for easy soil penetration and efficient leveling of garden beds or landscaping areas. Durable Construction: Crafted with sturdy materials, this tool ensures long-lasting performance and reliability.
    Ergonomic Handle: The comfortable handle provides a secure grip, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. Compact Size: Its compact design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and store when not in use.

    Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed.
    High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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  • Warming Turmeric and Cayenne Pain-Relief Balm – Garden Therapy

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    Turmeric and cayenne pepper do more than make your food tasty. When applied topically, they can have major anti-inflammatory and warming properties that can help to ease pain and sore, achy muscles. Make this turmeric and cayenne pain-relief balm to keep handy for days when you need a little reprieve.

    My chiropractor always says that spring is his favourite time of the year. Not because he enjoys the warmer weather, but because he gets to see all of his gardening clients!

    Yes, I’m one of them, one of those gardeners who gets so excited about spring that I do way too much and end up feeling pretty darn sore and achy at the end of the day. To be totally honest, today is one of those days.

    My back is aching, my wrists are sore, and even the bottom of my feet hurt. Despite proper stretching, this happens to me pretty regularly throughout gardening season, which is part of the course when you have fibromyalgia.

    At the end of the day, I will often have a soak in warm water and bath salts to help with the aches. But mid-day, I just don’t have the time, so I like to use a topical warming balm for sore muscles. Which I’m going to share with you today!

    Natures Way TurmericNatures Way Turmeric
    Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory properties.

    Topical Pain Relief Using Herbs

    Many years ago, I picked up a warming balm at a farmers’ market while on vacation. That balm worked like a dream to ease muscle pain and aches. So after I scooped out every last little bit, I headed out to my studio to formulate something that would work as well.

    I’ve tried a number of different recipes that contain arnica, ginger, St John’s wort, and peppermint for pain, but I have found the most relief for sore muscles in the combination of turmeric and cayenne pepper. The turmeric works to help ease inflammation, while the cayenne pepper warms the tissue and combats pain. A winning combination!

    Turmeric Applied Topically

    Turmeric is quite on-trend right now, and so you may be aware of its popular anti-inflammatory properties when taken internally. As it is metabolized quickly, it’s recommended that black pepper and fat be added to your body to use the constituents.

    Internally, this would take the form of a yummy Golden Milk Chai. Topically, adding a pinch of black pepper and infusing turmeric and pepper in oil over heat helps to make the most effective balm.

    Cayenne Applied Topically

    Cayenne may be too spicy for your palette, but it’s famed for its topical pain-relieving powers. Capsaicin is the active ingredient that, when applied to the skin, helps to block the neurotransmitters that signal pain. This has been shown to be very helpful with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain, herpes zoster, shingles, and back pain.

    Weighing Cayenne Pepper for Warming SalveWeighing Cayenne Pepper for Warming Salve
    We’ll be weighing our ingredients to make everything as accurate as possible.

    Warming Turmeric and Cayenne Pain-Relief Balm Recipe

    In this recipe, I’ve combined anti-inflammatory turmeric with pain-relieving cayenne in coconut oil with a pinch of black pepper. Beeswax helps to firm up the balm, and organic cacao butter gives it a nice slip on the skin and leaves the skin moisturized.

    Ingredients

    Makes 2 x 80g jars of balm

    Materials

    • Double boiler
    • Kitchen scale
    • Pyrex glass measuring cup
    • Mesh strainer
    • Cheesecloth
    • 2 small glass jelly jars with lids
    • Spatula
    • Rubber gloves
    iHerb Ingredients for Warming Pain BalmiHerb Ingredients for Warming Pain Balm

    Make It!

    First, go get some gloves. Most of my recipes are for home use, so I usually feel confident handling the ingredients with well-washed hands. In this case, the turmeric stains the skin, and the cayenne can warm it up too much. (I use gloves when making this balm, but not when I apply the balm to my skin.)

    Measuring Natures Way Organic Coconut OilMeasuring Natures Way Organic Coconut Oil
    Weigh all your ingredients ahead of time.

    Weigh all of the ingredients on a kitchen scale.

    Natures Way Cayenne Pepper CapsulesNatures Way Cayenne Pepper Capsules

    If you are using the Nature’s Way Cayenne capsules that I linked to in the ingredients, then you can empty 15 capsules for the 8 g.

    Double Boiler Making Warming BalmDouble Boiler Making Warming Balm

    Infuse the turmeric, cayenne, black pepper, and coconut oil in the top of the double boiler over the lowest heat setting for 1 hour.

    Setting up the Cheesecloth to strain herbal balmSetting up the Cheesecloth to strain herbal balm

    Set up a Pyrex glass measuring cup with a mesh strainer and cheesecloth set inside to filter the oil.

    Straining the Warming Herbal Balm through CheeseclothStraining the Warming Herbal Balm through Cheesecloth

    Strain the oil through cheesecloth.

    Squeeze out the oil through cheesecloth wearing glovesSqueeze out the oil through cheesecloth wearing gloves

    Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract all of the goodness.

    Now, add the beeswax and cocoa butter to the double boiler and pour in the infused oil. Stir constantly and keep a watchful eye on the oils. You want them to just reach the melting point and not overheat.

    When melted, immediately pour the balm into glass jam jars and allow to set untouched for 3-4 hours.

    Leave the warming pain relief balm to coolLeave the warming pain relief balm to cool
    Let the turmeric and cayenne balm set untouched for 3-4 hours.

    Use It!

    Always spot test home recipes before diving in and covering your whole body with any salve or balm! To spot test, apply a little of this balm to the inside of your arm and wait 24 hours for a reaction.

    To use this balm to help with sore muscles, rub a little on the affected areas and massage it in well. Apply as needed up to 4 times each day. Do not apply to open wounds, burned skin, or rashes.

    The turmeric will stain your skin, but if you rub it in well, it will just look like a golden glow (as opposed to a spray tan gone wrong!). It does wash off your hands easily with some soap and a gentle nail brush, but it will also fade from your skin naturally within a few hours.

    Turmeric can stain clothing, so wear like-coloured clothes when you are using this balm.

    Apply Warming Pain Relief Turmeric and Cayenne Salve with a small spoonApply Warming Pain Relief Turmeric and Cayenne Salve with a small spoon

    More Healing Recipes Made From Plants

    Warming Turmeric and Cayenne Pain-Relief Balm

    With anti-inflammatory and warming properties, this pain relief balm naturally helps to ease and soothe sore muscles, aches, and pains.

    Prep Time15 minutes

    Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes

    Resting Time4 hours

    Total Time5 hours 25 minutes

    Keyword: after sun lip balm, cayenne pepper, pain-relief, turmeric

    Servings: 2 80g jars

    • Wear gloves to prevent your skin from warming and staining.

    • Weigh your ingredients on a kitchen scale.

    • Infuse the turmeric, cayenne, black pepper, and coconut oil in a double boiler over the lowest heat setting for one hour.

    • Use a mesh strainer and cheesecloth to filter the oil into a Pyrex measuring glass. Squeeze the cheesecloth to extract everything.

    • Add the beeswax and cocoa butter to the double boiler. Add the infused oils, stirring constantly. Allow them to just melt, not overheat.

    • Once melted, pour balm into glass jars and let sit untouched for 3-4 hours.

    • Spot test the balm. Apply to sore muscles and the affected area by massaging it in well. Apply up to 4 times a day. Note that turmeric can stain clothing.

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    Stephanie Rose

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  • What to Plant on a Hill or Slope: The Experts Share Design and Gardening Tips

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    A steeply pitched lot can present a challenge for even the most seasoned garden designer. Many resort to terracing the slope to create flat ground to work within, but moving that much earth is expensive–and it deeply disturbs the site. We spoke to three garden designers who created diverse gardens on very sloped sites to learn how they handled this particular challenge. Below, these experts share their best tips, from figuring out what plants will thrive to how to keep the soil in place during establishment.

    Use a “cover crop” to prevent erosion.

    Because of heavy invasive weed pressure, Refugia planted only grass species in the first phase of this project. This included seeding a mix of fine fescue and annual rye, before planting warm-season ornamental grasses like big bluestem, switchgrass, and little bluestem. Once weeds were under control, they added flowering perennials. Photograph by Kayla Fell, courtesy of Refugia Design.
    Above: Because of heavy invasive weed pressure, Refugia planted only grass species in the first phase of this project. This included seeding a mix of fine fescue and annual rye, before planting warm-season ornamental grasses like big bluestem, switchgrass, and little bluestem. Once weeds were under control, they added flowering perennials. Photograph by Kayla Fell, courtesy of Refugia Design.

    When reimagining a residential sloped yard in Pennsylvania, Refugia Design Build first removed overgrown shrubs and a ton of invasive English ivy, leaving a lot of exposed earth. Knowing that preventing erosion would be key in the first year, they strategically seeded a mix of fine fescue and annual rye. “The annual rye served as a fast-germinating winter cover crop—a temporary tool that allowed us to get almost instant erosion control while waiting for the fescue to germinate and the rest of the plantings to be completed,” says landscape designer Amanda Branum, who was the design lead for this project. Branum notes they cut back the rye before it went to seed the following spring.

    Pay attention to root structure.

    California-based landscape designer Fi Campbell says she focussed on plants with “distinguished roots,” to hold the soil on the slope of a residential property in Los Angeles. In her climate, that meant native bunch grasses and Muhlenbergia (muhly grass), which have deep root systems. Campbell also used ground covers like creeping sages and coyote bush for stabilization. Shrubs, including toyon, manzanita, and various different buckwheat, help anchor the garden. Tip: Prairie Moon Nursery includes images of root structures for all the seeds and plants it sells, if you need help visualizing roots.

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  • Fall in Joan’s BC Garden, Part 2 – Fine Gardening

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    Hi GPODers!

    As promised, we’re back in Joan Galloway’s gloriously colorful autumn garden in the Cariboo region of British Columbia today. If you missed Part 1 yesterday, be sure to check it out to see even more fantastic fall scenes and get some more backstory on Joan’s lovely landscape.

    This year was difficult. The winter was warmer than usual and there was much less snow than usual. By February my south-facing garden was bare of snow; then it went down to -30C at night! There were quite a few casualties, even among plants I had previously considered bullet-proof. Spring was cold, wet and windy, and summer heat really didn’t get going until August, so it seemed like everything was struggling. But then it finally turned hot and sunny. Growth exploded; everything came into bloom at once and lasted a long time as September remained unseasonably warm. Fall is a short but spectacular season here; some years frosts come early and the buds on fall-blooming plants are frozen off before they even open. But this year, a glorious fall made up for the cold wet spring. So here are some pictures of my Cariboo fall.

    An Amur maple (Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala, Zones 3–8), caged to protect it from the deer, turns brilliant red in fall.

    purple and pink flowers in fall garden‘Rozanne’ geranium (Geranium ‘Gerwat’, Zones 4–8) is usually rated as a Zone 5 plant (and I did lose one that wasn’t well mulched) but it grows into a massive plant that blooms profusely all summer and is covered in bees until heavy frosts take it down in October/November.

    tall rudbeckia flowersTall ‘Herbstonne’ cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata ‘Herbstsonne’, Zones 3–9) is a dramatic background plant that stands tall even through the strong winds and deluging rains that come with late summer thunderstorms.

    close up of goldenrod flowersGoldenrod (Solidago sp.) grows wild on my property but the native one becomes an invasive thug in the garden, so I’ve been experimenting with cultivars that are shorter and are supposed to stay in polite clumps.

    blue Echinops flowers in front of yellow flowers‘Veitch’s Blue’ small globe thistle (Echinops ritro ‘Veitch’s Blue’, Zones 3–8) produces long-lasting vibrant blue flower heads and is immune to the deer.

    colorful annual flowers in hanging basketThe only annuals I grow are in high hanging baskets out of reach of the deer. I grow some veggies in portable Vegepods that include both mesh covers and plastic covers to protect them from unseasonable frosts and hungry deer who will come right up onto my deck at night to sample anything tasty I might leave within reach.

    Aurora BorealisI know that fall has truly arrived when the aurora borealis light up the sky at night.

    Thank you so much for sharing your incredible garden with us again, Joan! It’s inspiring to see how well you’ve adapted to these drastically different conditions, and there is endless inspiration in the color you’ve been able to cultivate.

    Fall is often the final hurrah of the gardening season, with flowers and foliage giving us one last burst of color before winter dormancy. The best way to hold on this time in the garden is by taking pictures! Before the last leaves fall and the final flowers fade, take some photos of your garden and consider sharing them with Garden Photo of the Day! Follow the directions below to submit photos via email, or send me a DM on Instagram: @agirlherdogandtheroad.

     

    We want to see YOUR garden!

    Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

    To submit, send 5–10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

    Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with #FineGardening!

    Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here

    Fine Gardening Recommended Products

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    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    The Square Metal Planter is built from thick-gauge corten steel that naturally develops a rust patina for a modern rustic look. Measuring 22″ tall by 21″ wide, it includes drainage holes, optional plugs, and styrofoam insulation for year-round use. Delivered flat with hardware and instructions, it assembles easily and is designed to withstand temperatures from -20 to 120 degrees, making it a durable and stylish choice for any outdoor space.

    Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Pruning Simplified shows you exactly how to do it. This must-have guide offers expert advice on the best tools for the job, specific details on when to prune, and clear instructions on how to prune. Profiles of the 50 most popular trees and shrubs—including azaleas, camellias, clematis, hydrangeas, and more—include illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions that will ensure you make the right cut the first time.

    Sungmor Heavy Duty Cast Iron Urn Planter

    Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

    Decorative plant pot made of solid cast-iron material, painted in rustic white color, finished with anti-rust coating, that will last for years. Rustic design plus enough space to plant makes this a perfect outdoor and garden planter. A great way to add beauty to your small garden oasis.
    Size: height: 10.2 inches; bottom diameter: 4.0 inches; opening diameter: 7.87 inches. Makes a great garden gift.

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  • Should You Cut Back Salvias in the Fall or Wait Until Spring?

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    When to Cut Back Salvias: Prune in the Fall or Wait Until Spring?




























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    Tara Nolan

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