'O Christmas tree 'O Christmas tree!

7'0" Common Mullein

That's a 6'2"/280lb landscaper called Matt on the right.  Next to him is a taller Ontario weed, named Verbascum thapsus or Common Mullein.  Wow!

Plant of the Week

Platanus x acerifolia (Cow Tree)
Huge triangular-ovate alternate leaves, 7"long x 10" wide;  in flower right now, monoecious, white.  Can't wait for the syncarp fruit on this plant to show.

Plant of the Week

Lamb's Ear (Stachys byzantina).  Always on my Perrennial favorite's list.  Part-shade to full.  Native to Iran and Turkey.  Grows to two feet. Silvery-white hairs and pink/white late-spring flowers.

Summer Planter

New summer planter outside the studio!
Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) surrounded by Purple Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas 'Ace of Spades')

Not all weeds are noxious.

You'll notice the vegetative growth slowly encrouching on your prized garden plants.  With its opposite, lanceolate leaf arrangement and twining habit, its not hard to notice.  If you let it naturalize until it blooms in a couple weeks, you'll be amazed by its gorgeous purple/pink flower.  

What's in bloom?

Japanese Kerria.  Awesome flourescent green stems with a puffy yellow bloom.  Impressive showing.  

Plant of the Week

The spectacular showing of white blossoms on Bridalwreath Spirea.  Flowers only last a couple weeks but it's practically everywhere right now.

Japanese Maple Keys

Who wouldn't want these decorative red Japanese Maple samaras as a focal point in their garden?

6" Railroad Tie Raised Garden Bed

It was a project that i needed to accomplish.  Like a fire waiting to be released.  It required more materials than i thought it would and it cost more than i expected it to.  It'll only get easier from here.   Pics to follow...

I never thought it possible to experience pure bliss from pruning an extremely old plant until today.

Indoor Plant Arrangement

This is a quick and easy way to add a finishing touch to a room.  A bundle of Black Pussy Willow in a tall vase.  Guaranteed to stay beautiful for at least a month provided you change the water weekly.  When the cuttings start to root, plant them outside in your garden.  A plant will start to establish by the fall season.

Spring Planter

Here's a quick planter that i just did for the studio.  Weeping Pussy Willow and purple/white petunias.


Planter: (second hand ) $40
Plant material - under $40

Canlawn website launched!

Congratulations to Rod Samuel-Stevens for his amazing new webiste!
Read the 'About Us' and Blog sections for info on me!
http://www.canlawn.ca/

How to build your very own award winning trade show garden!

Earth Hour 2010

Monty Don is a pretty cool guy.

If you're a true plant geek, you should appreciate this.  download it, grab yourself some popcorn and a full day off and be inspired and educated all at the same time!  btw... your welcome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb27velJB-8