by Donna Balzer | Dec 8, 2019 | GARDENING, Trees & Shrubs
You could say it was a bad week. But we were rested and had just spent a week by the water in a tropical forest so we were carrying the positive vibes with us as disasters struck. We actually laughed as each new crisis piled on.
Do you want to be less grumpy? Take your dog for a hike in the woods. Go camping. Hang out near water or sit under an evergreen tree. The nature effect will win you over, change your attitude and make you smile even if your house is falling apart around you. What is the nature effect and why do we care? It is the way a forest heals and changes us. It is the value of meditation but its as simple as a stroll in the woods with your dog. Here are the three books I just finished reading about the nature effect of forest bathing.
by Donna Balzer | Oct 24, 2019 | GARDENING, Trees & Shrubs
When I wake up in the morning I am usually thirsty. My body has gone 8 or more hours without water and I need a drink right away. It turns out trees aren’t that different, except depending on the location they may go 8 long months without water. This is why Calgary arborist Kevin Lee waters his trees well in the fall.
by Donna Balzer | Oct 3, 2019 | Bugs & Buggers, Food, GARDENING, Trees & Shrubs
Racoons, Rats and Snow in September. Three disasters for gardeners and what you can do to bring your garden back from the brink.
by Donna Balzer | Feb 20, 2019 | Food, Garden Decoration, Greenhouse, Trees & Shrubs
Have you got plans to buy a clump of pussy willows at the next seedy Saturday or market? Did you get a piece of curly willow in your Valentine’s bouquet? Or maybe, like me, your neighbour gave you some really amazing raspberry or rose twigs after they finished pruning their plants. Here is how you can turn a woody plant into 100 woody plants easy peasy.
by Donna Balzer | Oct 30, 2018 | GARDENING, Landscaping Tips, Trees & Shrubs
I felt like a fraud last week. I was having dinner with Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott and she was correcting my understanding of wood mulch depth around trees. For years I have been insisting on 4 inches (10 cms) of wood mulch at the base of trees in new landscape installations. She was disputing that…. so If you are using bark mulch tell me how much mulch you use. You may be surprised by Linda’s suggestion.
by Donna Balzer | May 31, 2018 | Featured, GARDENING, Landscaping Tips, Trees & Shrubs
Yes we all love early blooming alpine flowers and summer-long showy annuals. But sometimes it is the humble shrub that wins praise with its fantastic blooms and ability to welcome the world of pollinators. When I walked outside and saw my ninebark ( Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Tiny Wine’) in bloom I was surprised by the range and number of bees attracted to the flowers.
