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Jun 11, 2024 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
Advertisement 1 • Article contentWith the arrival of warmer weather, pests have begun to be a problem for many gardeners. Here at my place, there are two that I am dealing with, that I am sure other people are noticing too. The first is the garden snail. Traditionally slugs have been more of a problem for me than snails, but the reverse is true so far this season.
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Apr 16, 2024 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
Advertisement 1 • Article contentThis is my annual mid-April article about dormant pruning. Many trees and shrubs benefit from pruning at this time of year to open the canopy and correct poor branch structure. When pruning deciduous trees, look carefully at the structure before you begin. First remove any dead and broken branches, those touching buildings and lower branches that are a hazard when walking next to the tree. Next look for branches that tangle or cross.
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Nov 28, 2023 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
Advertisement 1 • • Article contentThe calendar turns to December tomorrow and holiday gift buying is really ramping up. As I searched for a fresh idea for this week’s article, it occurred to me that advice about gifts for gardeners might be of interest. If you are a regular reader, you know I am very big on list making. It is a great way to keep organized and ensure timely garden tasks don’t fall by the wayside.
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Nov 21, 2023 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
Advertisement 1 • Article contentEnjoying the flowers and colours of festive plants can be very uplifting as days get shorter and skies are so often grey. At this time of year, one of the most asked about questions is on the topic of getting seasonal cactus and poinsettias to bloom. There is often confusion about the family of succulent plants that bloom between Thanksgiving and Easter.
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Nov 14, 2023 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
• Article contentFor those of us who love to decorate outdoors for the holiday season, adding fresh boughs, decorative twigs, cones, and holiday sparkle to window boxes, hanging baskets and porch pots can start now. The pumpkins from my fall display have been cooked and puree made, a blank slate is ready for winter creativity! First choose pots that can handle our northern winters. Plastic, wood, metal and resin are all good choices.
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Oct 16, 2023 | 
nugget.ca | Susan Richards
• • Article contentFall weather continues to be mild, which really helps to check items off the to-do list. I have mentioned before that last spring I had to move the perennials from the front bed into the vegetable garden. It was the only space available as a holding bed for our big patio reconstruction project. Yesterday I checked “Move perennials into new garden” off my list.
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Oct 16, 2023 | 
thesudburystar.com | Susan Richards
Published Oct 16, 2023 • Last updated 8 minutes ago • 3 minute read Article contentFall weather continues to be mild, which really helps to check items off the to-do list. I have mentioned before that last spring I had to move the perennials from the front bed into the vegetable garden. It was the only space available as a holding bed for our big patio reconstruction project. Yesterday I checked “Move perennials into new garden” off my list.
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Sep 25, 2023 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
Advertisement 1 • Article content Although wrapping and covering trees and shrubs should wait until we get consistently cold weather in late October or early November, you should gather supplies now, so you are prepared when the weather turns. After all, we do live in Northern Ontario. Fall weather can change very quickly. Broadleaf evergreens such as rhododendrons, holly, euonymus, and boxwood need a blanket of snow to insulate foliage for the winter.
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Sep 19, 2023 | 
thesudburystar.com | Susan Richards
Susan Richards jpg, SH Article content This is the time of year I get asked how to move trees and shrubs. Here is some information to help you have a successful outcome. There are two appropriate timeframes for transplanting small trees and shrubs, and both are while the plants are dormant. You can safely move a plant in mid-fall or in early spring before new growth begins. If you chose fall, changing leaves are a sign that the plants are shutting down for the winter and transplanting can begin.
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Sep 11, 2023 | 
saultthisweek.com | Susan Richards
• Article content You know how much I like gardening work lists, but I will admit I am just not ready to start my fall one yet. The calendar hasn’t officially turned to autumn, and I am trying to squeeze the last little bit of summer in. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day, worthy of enjoying watering annual flowers, puttering to pull a few weeds, and picking ripe tomatoes. Today, not so much and I think the gardens will see some heavy rain by the time you are reading this article.
