FOR NOVICE GREEN THUMBS

BY Anne-Marie-Luca

You’d like to plant some flowers, but you don’t know where to start? Marie-France Larochelle, horticultural information expert at the Botanical Garden, has a few handy tips for you. Beginning with: “If it’s your first time, go for simplicity. Take a minute to consider what you would most enjoy.”

Think about the different roles that your flowers could play in your design. Having edible ones means that you can add them to meals and discover some amazing flavours and textures. And if they produce lots of nectar, you’ll have a front-row seat when butterflies and hummingbirds come to feed. That’s a great plus and a sure-fire green gardening technique. Don’t forget to invite the kids to help you throughout the season, from sowing your seeds to harvesting edibles for the kitchen table. You have only a balcony or a small space? No problem! Create a wall garden. Place a trellis or obelisk directly in the ground or in a container and grow a climbing plant up it for a good show. Hummingbirds won’t be able to resist a canarybird vine, and you can add the yellow flowers to your salads, too.

Gardening needn’t be expensive! Look around and you’re bound to find some objects that would make interesting containers. No matter what you choose, be sure it has a few drainage holes in the bottom. Always water the soil deeply and allow it dry out between waterings. Avoid watering too frequently and too shallowly. Most container-grown plants will thrive in light, porous potting soil.

To delight your senses, surround yourself with kitchen herbs. There’s nothing better than having a few fresh basil leaves to bring to the table.

PHOTO Martine Larose