Feature plant of this month

Genista pilosa ‘Vancouver Gold’

Vancouver Gold Broom

An excellent ground cover or bank planting; this plant is both pest and disease resistant. Broom requires no fertilization or irrigation once it is established. Deer and rabbits do not like to nibble on it. Genista is useful in droughty gravelly soil in full sun. Pea like yellow flowers are produced in the late spring on its trailing stems creating an undulating mound. It is a great choice for anyone to grow due to its low maintenance qualities.

List of past newsletter issues:

..... foliage annuals .....

..... winter damage .....

..... edging beds .....

..... palace gardens .....

..... formal hedge .....

..... small trees .....

..... private garden .....

..... ground covers ......

..... landscape lights .....

..... designing your entrance .....

..... building a retaining wall .....

..... garden features .....

..... winter gardens .....

Pests and diseases

There are so many different pests and diseases that it is futile to attempt to treat each one. Chemical pesticides and herbicides are not as effective as their labels suggest. They are as harmful to the environment as to the person applying it. However, there are many things a gardener can do to treat the plethora of problems.

The most important thing to remember is “right plant right place.” By this I mean picking the proper plant for the environment in which you wish to plant it. Sun exposure, moisture level, soil type and hardiness all play a role in your plants health. A shade plant needs shade just as much as a full sun plant requires lots of sunlight. Plants will be so much more productive if they are given the things that they need. The healthier a plant is the stronger and more disease resistant it will be. Native plants are a great choice because they are meant to live in our climate. They will not require constant attention and will thrive best when left on their own.

Whatever pest you are trying to eliminate can be beaten with a little creativity and imagination. The trick is to try to dissuade pests away from what they love by making it less delectable. Perhaps surrounding your slug and snail ravaged plants with prickly or sharp plants or some metal flashing or other sharp things around the base. Cats will be discouraged from digging in your garden if you bury chicken wire an inch below the surface. Beneficial species introduction is really becoming popular. This strategy calls for insects that prey on your pests being introduced to your environment. For example, the Vancouver Park Board orders in thousands of ladybugs to combat the aphid problem they have. The ladybugs are blown up into the tree canopy where they feast on the aphids.

There are many ways we can conquer pests and diseases that do not involve using harmful chemicals. Information on pest and disease management can be found by emailing your questions to info@bloomgardendesign .com. Pests and diseases will never be beaten forever but with a little work they can be easily managed.

Mandy Root
Horticulturist

..... house plants .....

..... conifers .....

..... winter preparation .....

..... garden year-round....

..... starting your landscape job .....

..... shade garden ......