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Viola cornuta. These perky little flowers are old-fashioned heirloom favourites and look like miniature pansies with lavender, yellow, and white faces. Direct seed Johnny Jump Up viola seeds from April to July. Sow seeds 0.6cm (0.25") deep, and they should germinate in 12-14 days. Johnny Jump Up viola seeds self sow fairly readily, but they do not take over, and can be easily raked under if unwanted. These look rather good in containers, and their flowers are edible. If you want to try your hand at making candied violets, Johnny Jump Ups are the place to start. Or simply pick some of the fresh flowers and scatter them over salads and summer meals.

Hardy Annual

Lavandula stoechas. Sow French lavender seeds indoors, 6-8 weeks before last frost, or direct sow the seeds in early spring when a chance of frost is still possible. Uniform and distinctive, 'Sancho Panza' blooms from June to September on shrubby bushes that grow 35cm (14") tall. This variety of French lavender has a fantastic fragrance and dries particularly well. Great in containers, but in mass plantings the scent and colour are amazing. French lavender is also a very hardy perennial and drought tolerant, so good for use in xeriscaping. Cut back the whole plant by a third after flowering is finished to produce new growth.

An instant garden favorite, Little Hottie^® is a compact panicle hydrangea with brilliant white blooms that stand up to the warm summer sun without burning. Little Hottie^® is ideal for smaller landscapes where traditional panicle hydrangeas won’t fit. As evening temperatures drop in the fall, the petals turn antique shades of white and pink.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 3' - 5'

• Width: 3' - 5'

Zone: 3

Photos and information courtesy of First Editions Plants

Indoor Citrus Plants, such as the popular Meyer Lemon or Key Lime, are aromatic and  featuring glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers that may develop into small, edible citrus fruits.

Light Requirement: Thriving in bright, direct sunlight, place indoor citrus plants in a location with ample natural light. They benefit from at least 8 hours of sunlight per day, making them suitable for sunny windowsills.

Watering Requirement: Keep the soil consistently moist but well-draining. Water when the top inch of the soil feels slightly dry. Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions, as citrus plants are sensitive to overwatering.

Mature Height: With a compact growth habit, indoor citrus plants can reach varying heights, commonly staying between 2 to 4 feet (60 to 120 cm). Pruning helps shape the plant and encourages healthy fruit production.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade

Height: 26"

Width: 28"

Zone: 2

Photo and data courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Developed in 1906, this pink peony is still a favorite. Double flowers of soft seashell pink with petals edged a trifle lighter with a few crimson flecks.

Caring for Peonies:

May/June: Keep your peony watered if there is little rainfall. Use compost or aged manure to your soil. If your peony is newly planted it can take up to two seasons for it to get its first bloom. Be patient, it's worth it.
Late June: Blooming season, like many garden plants you will need to deadhead peony flowers often. 
Summer: Herbaceous Peonies do best with an inch of water per week if they are newly planted. If they are established they can handle a drought season more than newly planted roots. Enjoy green peony bush once blooms are gone.
Fall: Cut stems of Herbaceous Peonies back to soil level and remove from the area.  If you have new plantings mulch.

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Height: 26"

Width: 30"

Zone: 3

Photo and data courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Karl Rosenfeld is bright crimson, 16-18 cm flowers appear in mid to late spring. Garden visitors, as well as butterflies and hummingbirds, will love the fragrant, fully double blooms. The glossy, green foliage is very ornamental and provides a colour show in the spring when new growth is copper-burgundy and when the leaves turn soft yellow in the fall. 

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Height: 30"

Width: 24 - 30"

Zone: 3

Photo and data courtesy of De Vroomen Bulb Canada

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Part Shade

Height: 26"

Width: 18"

Zone: 2

Photo and data courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

photo courtesy of Ball Seed

Garden Astilbe are a popular choice for shady gardens, where they perform well if given a rich, moist soil and regular watering. This selection has long, feathery plumes of deep lavender-mauve flowers, over a mound of elegant, lacy green leaves. Also thrives in tubs, or mixed containers. Excellent for cutting.

Fertilize in April and June.  Seed heads may be removed, or left on the plant for winter interest.

Photos courtesy of Van Noort Bulb Co. & Florissa.

A compact, upright cedar with lush green foliage, Baby Bear maintains a consistent shape without requiring pruning. Formerly known as Skinner's Dwarf Cedar.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Shade

Mature Size:

• Height: 6' - 8'

• Width: 3' - 4'

Zone: 2

Photos courtesy of Jeffries Nursery

An exceptionally hardy evergreen shrub that has proven even hardier then the Brandon cedar. With rich dark green scale-like foliage, the 'Skybound Cedar' is the ultimate pillar in the landscape. Can be used for screening, or as a tall hedge.

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 10' - 18'

• Width: 3' - 4'

Zone: 2

Mimosa Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica) is a fascinating and interactive houseplant, known for its delicate, fern-like leaves that fold inward when touched, adding an element of fun and curiosity to any plant collection.

Light Requirement: Mimosa thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct morning sunlight, but prolonged exposure to harsh sun may scorch its leaves.

Watering Requirement: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mimosa appreciates a humid environment, so misting or using a humidity tray can enhance its growth.

Mature Height: Typically growing to 6 to 18 inches (15 to 45 cm) in height, the Mimosa Sensitive Plant has a compact, spreading habit and may also produce small, pink, pom-pom-like flowers under ideal conditions.

The painted daisy grows as a perennial flowering plant. It closely resembles a classic daisy plant with fern-like leaves and a circle of petals surrounding a dense round centre. They thrive in six to eight hours of full sun and well-draining, moderately moist soil.

Mixed shades of red, pink, or white on ferny green foliage.

Photos courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries 

Arriving for Mothers Day

This beautiful tropical plant produces a delightful show of trumpet-shaped blooms in a variety of colours, usually seen in pink, red, and yellow. The Dipladenia has smooth glossy leaves with shorter growth in height while Mandevilla has longer more textured leaves and grows more like a vine.

Plant in fertile, well drained soil. Water freely in dry weather. Low maintenance

Light Requirement: Full Sun to Partial Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 2 - 6'

• Width: 18 - 24"

Images Courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company

Images van der Meer Gardencentre

Adds dazzling color to perennial and butterfly gardens or summer bouquets. Beautiful planted with coreopsis or yarrow. Trim attractive seed heads periodically to make room for new flowers. Tolerant of dry, poor soil, which results in more compact plants.

Light Requirement: Full Sun

Mature Size:

• Height: 18 - 30"

• Width: 24 - 36"

Zone: 3

Photo and data courtesy of Jeffries Nurseries

Moonshine Sansevieria, scientifically known as Sansevieria trifasciata 'Moonshine', is a striking plant prized for its unique silvery-green foliage and low maintenance requirements.

Light Requirement: Adaptable to various light conditions, the Snake Plant thrives in indirect light but can tolerate low light. It is versatile enough to flourish in both bright and dim environments.

Watering Requirement: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as Snake Plants are drought-tolerant. Water sparingly, ensuring the soil is well-draining to prevent overwatering and root rot.

Mature Height: Maintaining a modest size, the Snake Plant typically reaches a height of around 6 to 12 inches (15 to 20 cm). Its upright growth habit makes it an excellent choice for small spaces and tabletop arrangements.

Photo courtesy of  Ball Seed