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You asked a pro--he answered. Citytv Toronto's gardening specialist Frank Ferragine has solutions for our readers' green-thumb conundrums. Have a question that you don't see below? Don't worry; Frank will take more questions each month. Submit yours today.
- Hi, Frank.
I have a huge backyard and unfortunately I have never had the time or know-how to spruce it up!! It looks pretty unkempt and wild. I was looking into having it fixed up and re-sodded etc. I can't believe how expensive it is!!
Do you know of any landscaping schools, where they would charge alot less (maybe even just for materials)? I know some other trade schools have things like this where you are charged for materials, but you have to let them do what they want. Cheers....Looking forward to your response.
Maria C Torres,
Toronto, Ontario
Hi Maria,
Yes it can be expensive, but you must think of it this way: landscaping is an investment. Typically, a well landscaped home fetches about 15% more than one that is not. Good landscaping increases curb appeal and also a properly place shade tree can reduce air conditioning cost by almost 30 percent. That aside, when it comes to landscaping schools, there are many.
However, due to liability issues most landscaping schools do not offer on site assistance to homeowners. Many however can help you with your landscape plan. I see you're in Toronto-Humber College--that's a great start. For more resources look at the following web sites: www.landscapeontario.com and www.canadanursery.com.
For cost saving gardening materials:
- Garden Mulch can be purchased at most municipalities for little or no cost.
- Perennials can be divided and sourced for free from friends and family gardens.
- Reclaimed uni-stone can be sourced at some home centers on online classifieds.
- Shop for trees and shrubs in the fall when most Garden Centres are offering clearance sales, some plants can be up to 70% off regular prices.
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- Hi Frank,
I lost the majority of my strawberry plants over the winter. Do you have any idea why and if so do you have any suggestions, so I do not loose the new ones I have just put in?
Thanks,
Kathy
Barrie, Ontario
Hi Kathy,
Most strawberries require a protective layer of straw during the winter months for extra insulation against extreme variations of temperature in the winter. This could be a reason and also remember to water your strawberry transplants well in the fall. A dry plant going into winter dormancy is a dead plant.
I hope your garden is a berry good one this year!!!! (now that's cheesy!!!)
Frankie
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- Dear Frank,
Last year we reseeded the lawn, but the results were not good. The seeds did not germinate well.
How deep should we plant seeds?
Another problem is that we had too much weeds last year. It looked like there were all kinds of different weeds.
We tried some chemicals but it did not work well. What is the efficient and economical way to control weeds?
Thanks a lot,
Linda
Toronto, Ontario
Hi Linda,
I'll start you off with the 50/50 rule. Meaning if your lawn has over 50% weeds, I suggest starting over rather than trying to control the weeds.
Secondly: reseeding your lawn. If you are doing it from scratch make sure you till the area first, level, broadcast grass seed and gently rake or roll. In order to germinate, grass seed only needs a light covering of soil. Most importantly, for successful germination it needs adequate moisture meaning if it doesn't rain you need to water and water often. If reseeding, place soil down first in bare patches and follow above.
Fertilizer: This encourages strong growth, insuring a healthy lawn. Check out Scott's Eco Sense Lawn Fertilizer.
Cutting: Make sure the lawn mower is sharp and cut your lawn a little taller; this will shade off roots and prevent weed seeds from germinating.
Water: Remember your lawn needs about 2" of water a week so if Mother Nature doesn't water your lawn naturally you need to!!!
Hopefully your lawn is a green one this garden season!!!
Frankie
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- Dear Frank,
I planted a rose tree last summer and it bloomed right until snow fall, which was really amazing to see. I wasn't sure how to winterize the tree so I treated it like a rose bush. That is, I trimmed all the branches back and covered it in burlap. So far I don't see any new growth (mid-April) and wonder if I may have harmed the tree by pruning so severely. Can you advise on how to maintain a rose tree? Do I need to use an antifungal in the summer and what is the best way to prepare it for next winter?
Here's hoping I haven't damaged the tree already.
Jeanette in Nepean (Ottawa)
Hi Jeanette,
I must say I love the look of a tree rose; however, I hate the workload associated with them. Tree roses are marginally hardy for a zone 5a (According to the Canadian Zone Map Nepean is a zone 5a). The pruning most likely didn't cause its last breath, but in all likelihood it was the winter.
To properly over winter a tree rose, you are supposed to uncover ½ of the tree rose roots. On the opposite side dig a trench and then gently bend the tree rose into the trench without damaging the roots. Cover with soil and uncover after the risk of heavy frost has past.
Soooo now you see why I'm not a fan. For a small ornamental flowering standard tree, I suggest P.G. Hydrangea. Late season bloom, beautiful large pinkish white cone shaped flowers with very low maintenance and no over wintering.
Happy Gardening, Frankie
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- Hi Frank,
I like reading your articles.
Could you please let me know where I can buy Jasmine, Bougainvillea and Colander plants for my apartment? I live in GTA.
I use to buy them from a nursery north of Ottawa but it is now too far for me to travel as I am now retired. Thank you.
Surendra, Toronto
Hi Surendra,
These are great Patio tropicals and can be purchased at the following locations based on availability: Loblaws, Fortinos, Plant World (Etobicoke), Reeves Garden Centre (Woodbrige), Summerhill Nurseries (Downtown), Bradford Greenhouses Garden Gallery (Bradford and Barrie).
P.S. Love your name Surendra-very nice!!
Frankie
Watch for Frank Ferragine's Q&A column in Canadian editions of The Epoch Times on the last Thursday of every month, and watch "Frankie Flowers" every Friday at 12:30 p.m. on Citytv Toronto and CP24 for more great gardening tips.
Submit your questions today to AskFrank@epochtimes.com or by Fax: 416-298-1299 Attention: Frank Ferragine or mail to: Frank Ferragine c/o The Epoch Times, 103-201 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario M2J 4G8
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