Garden Wisdom Blog

In our 2015 Growing Guide is Brian Campbell on Pollination and Bee Diversity: Lack of pollination is an unfortunate trend in the plant world. In the late 1960s, the first global review of pollination deficit was conducted. At the time, one out of every ten insect-pollinated flowers was not setting seed because of insufficient numbers of insects to get the job done. I recall my shock as a young person reading this news. In the spring of 2014, Dr. Elizabeth Elle of Simon Fraser University revealed to the Vancouver Pollinator Project that the latest research indicates that the global pollination...

Author and blogger Andrea Bellamy recommends these varieties for container growing on balconies and in other small spaces. These seeds are perfect for the urban grower or part-time farmer who lacks garden space, but wants to grow a little food. Plant these seeds in pots with good drainage holes using store-bought, bagged potting soil. Maxibel filet organic bush – Excellent flavour, super productive compact plants. Use a 5 gallon pot or larger. Sugar Ann snap pea – Bushy plants that don’t need a trellis. Use a 5 gallon pot or larger. Sungold cherry tomato – Tall vine plants that do...

Everything tastes better with bacon – especially home grown asparagus picked fresh from the garden. This Bacon Wrapped Asparagus recipe is quick to prepare, easy to produce, and can be prepared ahead of time for a BBQ party or in an oven. Ingredients:  1 1/2 pounds asparagus spears, trimmed Olive oil for tossing Pepper to taste 4 slices of bacon Directions:  Preheat BBQ or oven (broiler), to 400˚ F. Lightly toss asparagus spears in olive oil and black pepper. Divide the spears into 4 bundles and wrap a bacon slice around each bundle. If grilling on the BBQ, place the bundles on the hot...

Try this creamy leek and potato soup recipe on a cold winter day –it’s very easy to make. Serve it with a thick piece of crusty bread and a salad of winter greens. Ingredients:  1125 mL (4.5 cups) leeks (approximately three large leeks) 750 mL (3 cups) yellow onion 1750 mL (7 cups) chopped butter potatoes 1500 mL (6 cups) milk (optional) Sea salt to taste Pepper to taste Looking for a soup that’s done in less than an hour? This simple leek and potato soup is an easy one pot meal. Wash and scrub the potatoes and chop them into...

It's always news when a new book comes out by BC gardening icon Linda Gilkeson, Ph.D. This is no exception. In a follow up to her (frankly incredible) book Resilient Gardens 2016, Gilkeson describes in great detail the keys to establishing pollinator gardens, how to identify and treat garlic diseases, and an update to the pest insect information found in last year's book. Resilient Gardens 2017 will be mandatory reading for master gardeners in coastal BC, in the US Pacific Northwest, and beyond. As always, Linda's observations overflow with insights into gardening trends and the effects of our changing environment....