Joanne Young, Author at Niagara Now

Growing Together: Ready, set, prune!

Even though it doesn’t seem like we have had much winter yet, spring is definitely here — or at least, that is what a robin told me. One of the first tasks in

Growing Together: Keep an eye out for early bloomers

Well, once again that furry, little, loveable groundhog – Wiarton Willie – seems to have accurately predicted the coming of an early spring (although, as I write this, there is a light snow

Growing Together: Every garden needs a focal point to be the star

If you know me at all, you know that I am plant-obsessed. I love all the many details of a plant: its flowers, the texture of the leaves and its branching habit. I

Growing Together: The benefits of raised vegetable gardens

If you follow any of the garden blogs or still like leafing through magazines, you will most likely have noticed over the past few years that raised vegetable gardens have made a comeback.

Growing Together: Does landscaping boost your property’s value?

Are you planning on putting your house up for sale this coming year? Of course, you will want to get top dollar for your home. The question that is often asked is if

Growing Together: How one nuisance weed makes a great lawn substitute

Have you ever wondered if there is a better substitute for our lawns? When you think about it, our lawns are one of the highest maintenance parts of our gardens. From fertilizing, watering,

Growing Together: Caring for your houseplants throughout the winter

As we wait for spring to arrive — and for the time to get back out into our gardens — we can get our plant fixes by tending to our indoor plants. Winter

Growing Together: Understanding the magic of trees

There is something magical about trees. Trees have long been used as symbols in many cultures and religions. For some, they are a symbol of life, growth, and flourishing. They can represent the

Growing Together: Where to start on your garden’s landscape journey

Are you wanting to make some changes in your garden this year? Is there something that you have always dreamed of adding to your yard? Winter is a great time to be planning

Growing Together: The magic of marcescent trees

There is one thing that you can always count on in the world of horticulture – there is always more to learn about. I am always fascinated to learn the details of what

Growing Together: More gardening trends for 2024

In last week’s article, I wrote about a few of the gardening trends for 2024. They all had to do more with environmentally friendly practices such as planting native species, attracting pollinators, sustainable

Growing Together: Getting ahead of 2024 gardening trends

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy New Year and all the best of things to come in 2024. Looking forward to the coming year, I

Growing Together: Sprucing up your winter garden

Now that our gardens are all cleaned up for the winter and things are tucked away, what is left in your garden for you to enjoy during the winter? Does it look like a

Growing Together: Reflecting on the past year

With the end of another year coming quickly upon us, many of us are likely reflecting on the happenings of the last 12 months. Even when it comes to the world of gardening,

Growing Together: Fresh greens help spruce up Christmas decor

Decorating with live Christmas greenery has long been a tradition cherished by families around the globe. There is nothing like the fragrance of freshly cut evergreen boughs as you enter a home at

Growing Together: Getting your evergreens ready for winter

There are many gardening chores to be done before winter sets in, and hopefully you have been checking some of those jobs off your list over the last few weeks. In my neighbourhood,

Growing Together: Attracting birds to your garden this winter

Can you imagine what it must be like to be a bird braving a cold Canadian winter? It always amazes me how anything so small can survive such conditions. I know that on

Growing Together: Some final chores in the garden before winter

How did it get to be November? Most the leaves are off the trees. It is now dark by 5 o’clock. Before you know it, the snow will be here. There, I said

Growing Together: Perennials – to leave them or to cut them back?

Sometimes, too much information can just make things more confusing. It can leave you wondering: which way is the right or the best way? How can two opposing opinions both be right? Over

Growing Together: Bring your fall garden to life with colour

I think that I have probably said it before, but I just love autumn! I love when all of the plants start to show off their gorgeous leaf colours and try to outshine

Growing Together: Get your lawn set for spring

Now is the time to set up your lawn for success for next year’s growing season. There are certain fall chores you can be doing at this time that will you help get

Growing Together: Caring for your roses in the fall

The beautiful, classic rose has captivated people’s attention for centuries. From inspiring countless poets, composers, songwriters and artists to just being adored by many gardeners and non-gardeners alike, the rose is one of

Growing Together: Fall gardening folklore

Being a lover of all things to do with nature, I love all the folklore focused on weather, trees, leaves, fruit and seeds. Way before science-based weather forecasting was a thing (and we

Growing Together: Distract yourself from winter by planting fall bulbs

I realize that autumn has just begun, but my thoughts have already fast-forwarded to spring. Who needs winter anyway? Don’t get me wrong, I love the fall: the beautiful colours and the cooler,

Growing Together: With perennials, it’s time to divide and conquer

September is a great time of the year to step back and take inventory of your perennial gardens. Why do I say that? Well, it’s the time where you can see all the

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