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What’s in Bloom? - A Month to Month List of Favourite Flowering Plants

4/22/2018

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The unseasonably cold and icy weather we’re experiencing here in Ontario is certainly not making it easy to think about planning our garden!  Normally, April showers do in fact bring May flowers and with it, warmer weather and softer soil to plant and transplant our gardens.  A challenge for any gardener, whether seasoned or brand new, is planning a garden to show off a succession of blooms right from early spring through to late fall.  
In today’s post, Sunflower Gardens will reveal our top plant picks for keeping your perennial garden in blooming colour for the entire growing season.  Keep in mind, that these plants would be suited to normal conditions for a zone 4 plot with moderate rainfall, good loamy soil and at least 6 hours of sunshine per day.

APRIL

Pasque flower (Anemone pulsatilla) - a delicate lilac coloured flower with soft foliage and a nodding head.  Great mixed with bulbs or in a rockery.
 
Primula (sp.) - a low growing, bright and cheery plant with colourful blooms and thick, dense foliage. Make sure to plant at the very front of your border.
 
Tulips (Tulipa sp.) - The traditional spring flower will last many years in your garden and will add a bit of height along with a wide array of colours.  Make sure to purchase an early season bloomer to ensure April blooms.

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MAY

Bleeding Heart (Dicentra sp.) - An old fashioned favourite with soft, fern-like foliage and a profusion of pretty blooms along long stalks.  Once the blooms fade, the foliage tends yellow and flatten so make sure to plant near a summer blooming plant to hide the old leaves. 
 
Violet (Violeta sp.) - A perfect purple ground cover.  Looks lovely mixed with spring bulbs.  Can be invasive so pull small plants in the spring if they are popping up where you don’t want them. 
 
Iris (sp.) - The perfect colour companion in your pastel or jewel toned garden - the purple, mauve and blue varieties are most popular, however you can find them in white, yellow and Burgundy as well.

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JUNE

Peony (Peaonia sp.) - The big, fluffy, fragrant blooms reminiscent of weddings and English cottage gardens.  Stake early in the season so they have support once all of their heavy blooms are in full show
 
Globeflower (Trollius sp.) - Butter yellow, rounded blooms similar to a very small peony flower are a great way to offset other white or blue flowers.
 
Lady’s Mantle (Alchemila sp.) The most perfect front of the border plant.  Frothy chartreuse flowers bloom all summer and fall and gorgeous, soft heart shaped foliage collects dew drops like no other plant out there!

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JULY

Meadow Rue (Thalictrum sp.). - Look no further for your perfect, back of the border plant.  This plant features ethereal, delicate flower plumes in tones of pink, lavender and purple.  Don’t forget to stake this plant in early spring.
 
Cone Flower (Echinacea sp.) - A staple in the perennial border, this tough, reliable, native plant gives off big colour, big blooms and big bee attraction!
 
Hollyhock - Although, a biennial, these cottage garden favourites will self sow and give you great bang for your buck year after year.  Try the deep Burgundy variety for some back of the border wow!

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AUGUST

Monkshood (Aconitum sp.) - A tall, spiky, deep blue flower provides great floral interest as well as interesting black seed pods once the flowers fade.  Careful - as these plants are toxic if injested.
 
Veronica (Veronicastrum sp.) - A lovely, front of the border plant with spiky, long-lasting flowers.  A great cut flower.
 
Turtlehead (Chelone sp.) - Normally a deep pink.  Turtleheads are beloved by bees and will provide great, mid-border colour.

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SEPTEMBER

Japanese Anemone (Anemone japonica.) - A personal favourite - these tall heavy hitters will provide blooms from late summer until hard frost. No need to stake these sturdy plants, however they will need plenty of space to spread.
 
October Daphne (Sedum sieboldii) - These bushy, low plants have the most amazing fragrance when in bloom and frosty weather brings out a blush pink hue in the foliage.  
 
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' (Sedum spectabil) - A true fall favourite because of its ability to never fail.  Tough, hardy, drought resistant and offers amazing fall colour. 

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 Have fun with this handy list the next time you go to the garden centre!  Happy shopping and planting!
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Favourite Trees and Shrubs to Create Interest in your Winter Garden

3/22/2018

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Although officially spring, winter is still very present here in Southern Ontario.  Looking out our windows we’re seeing bare branches, slightly yellowed evergreen leaves, towering coniferous trees with some cones still clinging to weather-beaten branches and in some cases, flattened browned lawns covered in thin layers of ice and snow.  
However, we can use this time to take stock of our views.  Look out your front window.  What do you see?  Look out your kitchen window.  What do you see?  These are the views that make up half of our year.  Without the leaves, blooms and berries of summer and fall.  We want these views to be equally beautiful in their own way.  Perhaps we want them to frame pretty features, block eyesores or invite visitors from nature.  We can achieve all of these things with the main building blocks of our gardens; namely, trees and shrubs.
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Trees and shrubs create a framework for the rest of our garden throughout the other seasons, offer winter interest and habitats for wildlife.  Without these, our gardens and properties would be lacking.

Here are a list of our favourites over here at Sunflower Gardens.  Spring is the perfect time to plant in order for the roots to be fully established by next winter.

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Boxwood (Buxes sp.) - A staple in formal and informal gardens alike. Boxwood plants can help to create pathway definition, crisp low hedges, topiaries of varying shapes or hits of evergreen colour within a perennial border. These hardy shrubs will benefit from full to part sun, well drained soil, yearly topping of organic compost and protection from harsh winter winds or salty conditions.
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Yew (Taxus sp.) - Similar to Boxwood in it’s use, Yew’s have the added benefit of growing larger and taller than boxwood as well as displaying waxy red berries. They will also thrive in a slightly shadier part of the yard and stay relatively pest free with little intervention. Do remember that all parts of the Taxus genus are poisonous if ingested by humans.
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Pine (Pinus sp.) The vast varieties of Pines that can be grown in our region can serve any requirement. Evergreen conifers - Pines can be the tiniest of bonsai plants to the tallest of trees. They add a sculptural quality to the garden and lend themselves well to Japanese style gardens, picturesque northern climate gardens and sandy rock gardens alike.
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Hydrangea - Hardy Hydrangea (opposed to the more tender ornamentals) make a lasting impression throughout the winter season. Some varieties begin blooming by mid summer and continue through the fall. Their large blooms dry and stay preserved through the snowy season adding a floral element to the winter garden that is otherwise hard to come by. Different hydrangeas need varying growing conditions so be sure to read the labels on your new plants. Generally, if given a well drained soil, rich in organic matter and planted in full to part sun, most hydrangea will thrive.
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Oak (Quercus sp.) - Oak trees tend to retain some of their leaves throughout the winter season. This is a wonderful feature for us, as gardeners as we can have the benefit of beautiful oak trees on our property while also keeping some privacy that normally evergreens can only provide during the winter months. Try Pin Oak for a native addition to your yard or Columnar Oak for a tree that grows upright for a smaller space.
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Shrub Rose (Rosa sp.) - Shrub roses are actually quite hardy. They will often re-bloom right up until a heavy frost (depending on variety) and will charm us with their roaming form and colourful rosehips through the winter months. However, you’ll have to try and harvest some of your own rosehips for tea before the birds get to them all!
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Dreaming of spring: garden planning when you are surrounded by snow

3/12/2018

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By early March, we are all undoubtedly dreaming of spring and sunshine.  Some of us may have been able to escape winter for a week or two of beach solace, while others buckled down, cozied in and enjoyed some serious Hygge.  Either way, we all want to be out in our yards once again, feeling the sun, listening to the birds and smelling the roses. 
Here at Sunflower Gardens, we like to take inspiration from gardening magazines, blogs, websites and gorgeous coffee table books.
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This is the perfect opportunity to start planning any changes you may want to see within your own gardens or perhaps laying the foundation for a brand new garden installation.  Maybe you have a favourite, famous garden design style such as Piet Oudolf’s airy, mass plantings or Gertrude Jekyll’s artistic, pastel pallets. 
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Or perhaps you have a certain style that you gravitate towards such as English cottage garden or Japanese formal gardens.
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Either way, there is a garden style to complement your lifestyle, home and own personal tastes. 

Here are some questions to ponder when planning your next garden.  Grab your favourite notebook, peruse a book, magazine or blog and jot down your answers:
  1. Do you like a more formal, traditional feel within your space or are you drawn to swaths of colour, texture and shape mingling together?
  2. Do clean lines and minimalism resonate with you, or are you energized by movement and meandering paths?
  3. What colours speak to you?  An all white and green colour palette? Jewell tones? Pastels? Hot or cool colours? 
  4. What is most important to you within a garden; a variety of beautiful flower blooms or an array of different foliage and structural components?
  5. How do you like to spend your time in your garden?  Do you like to putter or cut your own flower blooms?  Do you entertain outside often?  Do you enjoy solitude and a quiet cup of coffee in your garden, or is curb appeal of greatest importance?
  6. How often are you comfortable maintaining your garden? Daily? Weekly? Monthly? Seasonally? 
  7. What are some of your favourite flowers and plants?  Billowy Peonies and Hydrangea? Traditional Roses and Tulips? Unassuming Daisies and Cosmos? Bold Allium and Thistle?  This speaks volumes about your personal garden style. 
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We would love to help you see through your vision to completion and to tackle any maintenance that arises.  Creating beautiful, soul nourishing gardens means the world to us.
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Winter Garden Beauty

12/6/2017

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Don't wish for snow just to cover up your temporary, bare, winter garden.  Learn how to appreciate winter's minimalist palette with this great article by 
Organic Gardening. 
www.organicgardening.com
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Curing The Winter Garden Blues

11/28/2017

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www.landscapingnetwork.com
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Why bees are disappearing

8/15/2016

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In this TED Talk, Marla Spivak talks about the importance of bees in our lives and explains why in the last 7 years there has been large die-offs in bee colonies.  These losses affects us more than many can see.   Click below to view the video.
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Through The Garden Gate

6/13/2015

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Sunflower Gardens is featured in the Toronto Botanical Garden’s 28th annual Through the Garden Gate and it's happening this weekend.  This is one of Canada’s largest private garden tours. Dates and times are June 13 & 14, 2015 from 11-4.  19 residential gardens in Lawrence Park are participating and opening their gates for public viewing.  For more details,  visit Toronto Botanical Garden's website.  
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www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca
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Easy Garden Guide: 6 Low-Maintenance Shrubs

5/31/2015

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www.apartmenttherapy.com
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Bacteria in soil may make us happier & smarter

2/9/2015

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We've been taught throughout the years that gardening is good for our health.  It's a peaceful activity that brings you calmness and at one with nature, all while providing good exercise for all ages and stages of life.  New studies have found more reason to get your hands dirty.  A certain strain of bacterium in the soil thas been found to trigger the release of seratonin, which elevates mood and decreases anxiety. Researchers think it might also be key in treating certain well known diseases like cancer. Read more about this interesting discovery by clicking below.
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www.healinglandscapes.org
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Bring Your Plants To Work

2/5/2015

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Long considered a waste of time and money, new studies have found that having office plants makes workers up to 15% more productive.  Perhaps it's time to start a "bring your plants to work" initiative.  Read full story by clicking below.
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Breeding Roses to Withstand Our Frigid Winters

2/3/2015

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www.vancouversun.com
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A 323-Square-Foot Backyard Guest House (and Storage Shed)

1/25/2015

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We often think of storage sheds and guest areas as two very separate things.  What if you could combine the two to maximize the use of a small space.  Check out this great design that cleverly incorporates both.  
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www.gardenista.com
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Wind Breakers

11/27/2014

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Create a sheltered environment for a wider range of plants to grow.  This also lowers wind speeds to reduce erosion and decrease moisture loss from the soil and plant foliage making your garden more drought resistant. 
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http://www.canadiangardening.com/gardens/stephen-speaks/growin-in-the-wind-42-plants-for-creating-the-perfect-windbreak/a/58110
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Made for the Shade

11/3/2014

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There are no textbook guidelines for maintaining the perfect garden.  Like most things, no two spaces are exactly the same.  Perhaps you are looking out from your window at your neighbor’s flourishing shrub while your shrub fails to thrive.  Everything from drainage, to sun location, to soil properties can effect how your garden grows.  The key is to understand your space and capitalize on the favorable features. 

In this blog, we will look at planting a garden in a shady space.  When planting a planter, the rule of thumb is adding a spiller, a thriller and filler.  You can easily adapt the same principles when planning your shaded garden or focus on any one of these elements to suit your needs. 



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The Colours of Fall - Planting Tips & Thoughts 

9/2/2014

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Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It is that time of year again.  The days are becoming a little shorter, the evenings are becoming a little cooler, and there are splashes of red and orange tipping the leaves.  Fall is just around the corner.  This is when minds typically drift away from our yards to the inevitable end of summer and the chaos of back to school.   However, don’t neglect this important change of season and the effect it can have on your garden or seasons to come.

Flourishing in the Fall

The hues of the upcoming season are what make fall in Ontario spectacular.  Our landscape is transformed with the crimson, gold and auburn of the leaves.  The trees need not be the only ways to add color as your summer garden matures. There are many options that will add color to your garden into the cooler months that you can either plant ahead to grow through the whole season, or add in the fall.  Perennial Sedum is a nice way to add color and richness to your garden.   Sedum grows in a nice full bush with star shaped clusters of flowers.  Some varieties of Sedums can grow up to 3’ tall so they make a nice backdrop or border to your garden.   Black eyed Susans are resilient perennials that bloom in the summer but also into the fall.    Fall plants like mums and asters can also be planted in your garden bed.  You need not worry if you are just deciding that you want these fall blooms; they can be planted through August and September.  Another addition to your fall garden space may be some low lying hen and chicks or sprawling hostas interspersed with the colors of the aster and mums.  As you cull your garden of matured annuals, mulch can be spread between the remaining plants to give your garden a new look as well as protecting the soil and bulbs that will be the foundation of next spring’s garden.   

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16 Essential Fall Garden Tasks

8/28/2014

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See the link below for some great fall dos and don'ts, plus tips to help your garden get a jump-start on spring.

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http://www.canadiangardening.com/what-to-do-now/jobs-in-the-garden-by-season/16-essential-fall-garden-tasks/a/1370
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Rain Chains & Barrels

8/6/2014

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Image courtesy of amenic181 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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When we plant our garden, we can’t predict if we will have a wet rainy season or a hot drought.  If it is wet weather or a naturally wet climate, use the rain to your benefit. 

Rain Barrels  

If you do experience a wet spring and summer, make the most of what nature gives you by collecting that rainfall.  Rain barrels can be an economic and environmentally friendly solution to making the most out of the wet weather.  Rain barrels allow you to use the rain water to water your garden.  They also help keep lakes and streams cleaner by diverting water and not washing the debris, chemicals and pollutants from sidewalks and driveways into the storm drains.   Aside from these environmental gains, you will see a reduction in water use if you are on city services. 


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Bees and Butterflies

7/28/2014

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Image courtesy of tarkful / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
There is nothing better than sitting in your garden on a Sunday morning – sun shining, coffee in hand and the birds singing you a cheery song.  If you listen a little closer, you may also hear them chirp a little thank you.  They will be especially thankful if you have taken the time to create a thoughtful garden that benefits you, the environment, and the fauna around you. 

If you love sharing your garden with birds, bees, and butterflies you may need to put a little more thought and planning to attract all of these fine guests.  There are certain requirements that will provide yearlong food and shelter for them. 


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The Benefits Of Gardening

7/2/2014

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Image courtesy of Feelart / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
We can try and deny it but the truth of the matter is, we are living in an age that is continuously "plugged in" - cell phones on every hip, Internet at the ready, and tablets for every member of the family. This is becoming the norm. We spend hours upon hours at a desk staring at a computer screen, only to come home and "unwind" in front of the computer. This is leading to the inevitable attention and health fatigue. But don't worry, there is a cure and it as close as your own yard. Studies have shown a correlation between increased green space and decreased anxiety, mood and health disorders. Perhaps your next prescription should include a shovel and a watering can!

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Don’t fence me in

6/24/2014

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Image courtesy of anankkml / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What do you picture when someone says the word fence?  Perhaps you envision white picket fences or maybe the high lattice edge fences in suburban communities.  The word fence simply means to mark a border, control access, or to avert escape.  Now think of all the artistic and unconventional possibilities of how you could present a “fence”. 

Curve Appeal

Commonly, fences are measured and erected in a straight line with adjoining precise corners.  Given the space and overall design idea of your yard, why not add some interesting curves to your fence?  Perhaps you have a majestic tree on your property line.  Imagine the fence gently scooping around the tree giving way to an interesting shaded seating area.  You could follow the natural curves of your existing garden to add an interesting fence to the space.  A curved fence not only provides the border and control access to an area, but also can become a showpiece in and of itself. 

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