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Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Late summer best time to divide iris clumps

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Late summer best time to divide iris clumps

Diminished flowering, clumps that are overgrown or crowded, and a decline in general health in bearded (German) irises are common signs that a clump needs dividing.
Serviceberry is a sadly underused native tree that helps wildlife and is worth planting

Serviceberry is a sadly underused native tree that helps wildlife and is worth planting

Winters were brutal throughout most of New England in Colonial America. It snowed a lot, often into spring, and there were no radiators (or antibiotics).
Condo Smarts: Demand for electricity is testing capacity

Condo Smarts: Demand for electricity is testing capacity

There are options available to strata corporations as they grant permission for heat pumps to enable sufficient power capacity.
Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Overgrown Fremontia a pruning challenge

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Overgrown Fremontia a pruning challenge

Regular post-bloom pruning helps to keep a Fremontia to a manageable size, but for safety and comfort it is best to prune after either a heavy rainfall or a thorough hosing down of the plant.
Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Dwarf basil varieties that deliver

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Dwarf basil varieties that deliver

Of the four basils Helen Chesnut grew this year, a variety called Greg, from William Dam Seeds, was the most compact, nicely shaped, and long-lasting.
There are flowers too? Some plants prized for foliage surprise gardeners with late-season blooms

There are flowers too? Some plants prized for foliage surprise gardeners with late-season blooms

Plants that are typically valued mostly, if not solely, for their foliage can offer surprises when they flower.
Condo Smarts: Hostility and abuse drive volunteers from strata council

Condo Smarts: Hostility and abuse drive volunteers from strata council

We cannot prevent disruptive and abusive individuals, but we can manage our strata corporations, business affairs and communications to reduce misinformation, abusive behaviour and costly conflicts.
Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Flowers bring back the past at time of remembrance

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: Flowers bring back the past at time of remembrance

May these plants and their histories be reminders to pay attention to current situations, near and far, and to be wary of complacency.
Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: In search of Sun Dipper and Fall Gold

Helen Chesnut's Garden Notes: In search of Sun Dipper and Fall Gold

These stellar tomato and raspberry varieties should be available at garden centres in spring.
How to help your tropical plants survive the winter blues

How to help your tropical plants survive the winter blues

Nothing conjures up the feeling of the tropics like giant, lush-leaved plants. Here's how to take care of your tropical houseplants.