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I am a member of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton (MGOC)*, a group of volunteers who offer free, authoritative and unbiased gardening advice to the public. I also have decades of “hands-in-the-dirt” experience, have studied post-secondary horticulture and plant science, and continue to upgrade my skills every year through technical training.
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* Master Gardeners are volunteer, non-profit organizations established throughout Canada and the United States. Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton is one of 38 Master Gardener groups in Ontario
MGOC Trowel Talk newsletter, June 2024
Dirt is what you sweep off the kitchen floor. Soil, on the other hand, is a fascinating, living world of microscopic flora and fauna. They all play vital roles in plant growth, plus help maintain breathable air to sustain life on earth.
Read all about it in my article, here.
MGOC Trowel Talk newsletter, May 2024 (page 5)
Peer into the inner working of a plant’s cells and be amazed – at what science knows, as well as what mysteries plants still retain.
MGOC Trowel Talk newsletter, October 2023
One of the keystone plants for Ecoregion 5 (Northern Forests) is Tsuga canadensis, our native eastern hemlock. This magnificent tree is noted for its longevity and height, typically living for 450-plus years and topping out at over 30 metres!
Learn more about this tree in my article: click on Page 4 of the newsletter.
MGOC Trowel Talk newsletter, December 2023
As a Master Gardener, I know that cultivating plants equals cultivating happiness. Yet I also know people who insist they are bereft of green thumbs, consider themselves capable only of bringing cut flowers home from the grocery store, and self-identify as “plant killers.” Maria Failla’s book reaches out to this audience of “plant killers.” In a warm, enthusiastic and informative style, she introduces houseplant care as self-care: a way of introducing more joy into our homes and our overall outlook.
MGOC Trowel Talk Newsletter, June 2023
However you define a garden oasis, I’d like to encourage you to grow some memories! Consider choosing specific plants to celebrate the people and places most important in your life. You can give yourself the pleasure of revisiting favourite friends, family members, events and places—and not have to leave your backyard.
Fifty-Five Plus Magazine, May 2023
Imagine filling your garden with beautiful plants that hardly need any attention. Imagine being able to travel during the growing season and not worry about coming home to hours of garden maintenance. Imagine spending more time golfing or relaxing with friends on your patio.
Sound like a pipe dream? I have good news: Plenty of plants deliver exceptional performance while not demanding much care.
MGOC Trowel Talk Newsletter, January 2023
Margaret Roach’s A Way to Garden is the 20-year anniversary rewrite of her award-winning book of the same name. Roach, who is equal parts expert gardener and accomplished writer, brings all her talents together here.
MGOC Trowel Talk Newsletter, October 2022
Before your garden begins its winter slumber, there are a few things you can do to set it up for success next year. There are also a couple of things that you should avoid doing in the fall.