Beetles: Identifying Friends and Foes
Whether they fascinate you or creep you out, beetles are a massive group of insects that play an essential role in our Ontario ecosystems. In the urban garden, there’s no shortage of common species—but some tend to be more advantageous to us than others. Here’s a quick guide to the “good” and “bad” beetles (at […]
Keeping Your Summer Colour: Plant Care for Beginner Gardeners
This year, I’ve met more new gardeners than ever! It’s so exciting to see so many new faces, and I’m thrilled on your behalf as you start this exciting new foray into your backyard. With that said, gardens are about community. Even if it’s tucked away behind a fence, your garden is joined with the […]
Controlling Japanese Beetles, Aphids, Ants, and Caterpillars
The garden is a true Wild West of critters. From friendly pollinators, like leafcutter bees, to the despised Japanese beetle, we plant enthusiasts are forever trying to maintain a natural balance between the good, the bad, and the ugly. Sometimes, when pests step out of line, we need to intervene to keep our plants safe. […]
Rodent and Pest Control: Squirrels, Skunks, Rabbits and More
I was thinking the other day about how gardeners are a little bit like bouncers at a nightclub when it comes to wildlife. For some animals, like hummingbirds and thrushes, I’m unhooking the velvet rope and unrolling the red carpet. We invite these “VIPs” with open arms every year, and it must be pretty sweet […]