Katie Dawson

Who me? With a little planning you can design a garden that deer and rabbits may pass over.

For the best selection buy early and harden off your annuals at home.

Shredded bark or wood chip mulches will last longer, but usually have to be topped up every 3 years.

Fall garden tasks – relax, most plants will come through the winter without any special treatment.

Drying flowers and herbs – Herbs can be crushed and stored, flowers can be left hanging as decoration or used to make dried arrangements.

The general rule is there is no rule, remember they are all perennials and will grow back again next year.

The benefit of growing fruit bushes (raspberries, blueberries, strawberries etc) as opposed to fruit trees (apple, pear, plum etc) is that they will start to produce fruit soon after planting – in many cases, the same year.

The best way to control this nasty pest is to continually scout for the adults, larvae and eggs. Wipe the eggs off with a soapy cloth and drop adults and larvae into a bowl of soapy water.

No time like the present to start working in the garden! Use these tips to clean up and get ready for new plants.

Heritage tomatoes are available in a huge range of sizes, shapes and colours and have fantastic flavor.

We are often asked to recommend perennials for ground cover – whether it be sun or shade, so I thought I would list my favourites.

It is especially important to have flowers in mid to late summer when most butterflies are active.

This is a great project for kids or adults and is fun to do at this time of the year when you can’t get into the garden yet!

Any plant designated a zone 5 or more needs winter protection.

Add a few new bulbs every year. Some multiply well (Daffodils), some die out with time or get eaten by animals (Tulips).

Make some spaces for some new plants, and give away extra plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with soluble fertilizer.