Petunias and How I Accomplished This Abundance

Petunias they say, easy to grow, and I would have to agree with them.  This is a picture of one of these Petunia plants I grew at least a couple of years back. Now if I go with the same logic I used this year, I bought a flat full of certain colours of Petunias, just tiny individual plants.

I am a haphazard person when it comes to growing flowers, I don't put a lot of science behind it. I make sure I have some fresh soil and a bit of fertilizer and then I water them in well after planting. 

One thing, next time I do this I must remember to loosen up the roots of the starter plant better, I saw when I pulled them out this year some where still in the same conical shape. Regardless the plants as a group still did very well. 

As my petunias grow throughout the summer I do have a habit at taking a look daily and pinching off any of the dead blossoms, even if a branch of the plant is not doing well I will pinch that off as well. Why do I grow them as I do, well for the look of them, for the bees and all other creatures that like flowers and depend on them for their life. I love to see them looking pretty, I do grow more than just petunias as well, on a side note I find the petunias do better, for me, if they don't have full sun all day, mine get the later sun of the day, after noon and on, they do get at least a few hours, but they are not getting backed all day.

I'm in the Okotoks area, if you have any ideas on other plants that are easy to maintain in this area let me know. 
 

Whispers from the Fence Garden

Whispers from the Fence Garden

In a quiet backyard where the sun played peekaboo with the clouds, there stood an old wooden fence, its planks etched with the scars of seasons past, like the wrinkles of a storyteller eager to share secrets. Atop this humble stage bloomed a riotous cluster of flowers, their petals unfurling in a tapestry of pink blushes, pristine whites, and vibrant purples. They weren't meticulously arranged like soldiers in a parade; no, they sprawled with joyful abandon, stems entwining like old friends, leaves brushing against the weathered wood as if claiming it as their throne. This was no ordinary bouquet, it was Elara's experiment, a living mosaic born from seeds scattered on a whim, nurtured through spring's hesitance and summer's embrace.

Elara, the gentle gardener, had a heart as fertile as the earth she tended. She wasn't one for rigid rows or perfect plots; instead, she sowed samplings of this and that, whatever caught her fancy in the seed catalogs or at the market. "Why not?" she'd murmur to the wind, planting phlox alongside marigolds, zinnias mingling with snapdragons, just to see if they'd thrive in her corner of the world. This particular spray of phlox had been her quiet triumph, sprouting from tiny specks she'd pressed into the soil near the fence, watching as they stretched toward the sky. She valued them not for grand displays, but for the simple beauty they brought to her days, a splash of colour against the mundane, a reminder that growth was a patient art.

But Elara was different, you see. She moved among her plants with the tenderness of a whisper, clipping dead blooms with careful snips, as if apologizing for the intrusion. "You have feelings too," she'd say softly, believing deep down that these green souls sensed her care. Manhandling? Never. She'd coax wilted stems upright with a gentle touch, water them like old friends needing a drink. The flowers, in their silent way, seemed to respond, blooming brighter, leaning into the sun as if to say, "We know you're kind."

One lazy afternoon, as the phlox swayed in the breeze, a wandering rabbit hopped into the yard, its nose twitching at the allure of fresh greens. It nibbled at a lower leaf, then a tender petal, not out of malice but simple hunger, a snacker in nature's vast buffet. The phlox cluster bowed slightly under the assault, petals trembling like a sigh. In Elara's mind, the plants didn't resent it; oh no, they understood the cycle. "Oh well," the pink bloom might have rustled to its white neighbor, "he's just passing through. I'll grow back stronger, you wait and see." And true to form, they did. Elara watched from her window, smiling at the scene, knowing that true harm came from willful neglect, not the innocent graze of a furry visitor.

As the season waned, Elara's fence garden taught her lessons in abundance: that beauty often blooms from chaos, that gentleness begets resilience, and that even in a world of too many experiments, there's room for wonder. The phlox, with their heads held high against the wood, whispered back, "Thank you for seeing us, for letting us be." And in that shared quiet, the garden thrived, a story etched in petals and soil, waiting for the next spring's tale to unfold.

Spring's Finest Flowers, Poppies and Lilacs Steal the Show

Spring’s Finest: Poppies and Lilacs Steal the Show

Spring in the Calgary area is a magical time, and nothing says it better than the return of stunning flowers like poppies and lilacs. As the days warm in late May, these blooms transform gardens and backyards into a canvas of colour and fragrance, delighting anyone who loves nature’s comeback after winter. Let’s dive into why these flowers are spring superstars!

Poppies: A Burst of Sunshine

Picture this: vibrant orange and yellow poppies swaying in the breeze, their papery petals catching the sunlight. These flowers, often seen in early spring, are a sight to behold with their bold colors and delicate, fern-like leaves. Poppies thrive in sunny spots and well-drained soil, making them a favorite in Okotoks’ Zone 3b gardens. Their fleeting beauty—blooming for just a few weeks—adds a sense of wonder, reminding us to savor the moment. Do you love their cheerful hues as much as I do?

Lilacs: Fragrant Elegance

Then there are the lilacs, with their clusters of purple and white blooms that fill the air with a sweet, nostalgic scent. Whether deep violet or soft white, lilacs bring a touch of elegance to any garden. Their heart-shaped leaves and tall shrubs make them a standout, and in late May, they’re at their peak, attracting bees and admirers alike. The fragrance alone can transport you to a peaceful place—maybe a memory of spring walks or a quiet moment in your backyard. What’s your favorite thing about lilacs?

Why Spring Flowers Steal Our Hearts

For me, spring flowers like these are a highlight of the season. After months of gray, their co
lors—poppies’ fiery tones and lilacs’ soft pastels—feel like a gift. The fresh scent of lilacs in the air and the sight of poppies dancing in the sun spark joy and renewal. In the Calgary area, where winters can be long, these blooms signal warmer days and new beginnings. Whether you’re tending your garden or just soaking in the views, spring flowers bring a sense of awe that’s hard to beat.

Capture the Magic
Next time you’re out in Okotoks or beyond, take a moment to enjoy these spring beauties. S
nap a photo, breathe in the lilac perfume, or simply bask in the poppies’ glow. Spring doesn’t last long, so let’s celebrate every petal while it’s here!

Easy-to-Grow Lilacs: Choosing the Right Variety for Your Garden

Lilacs are a spring favorite, filling gardens with color and fragrance in late May. If you’re in the Calgary area (Zone 3b), you’ll want varieties that are hardy and low-maintenance. Here’s a quick guide to the easiest lilacs to grow and how their growth habits differ.

Easiest Lilacs to Grow

For beginners, Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is a top pick. It’s hardy to Zone 3, loves full sun, and thrives in well-drained soil. With fragrant purple or white blooms, it needs minimal care—just prune after flowering to keep it tidy. Another great option is the ‘Miss Kim’ Lilac (Syringa pubescens subsp. patula ‘Miss Kim’). It’s compact (5-7 feet tall), hardy to Zone 3, and offers lilac-purple flowers with a lighter scent. It’s also disease-resistant and tolerates urban conditions well. Both handle Calgary’s cold winters and need little fuss beyond occasional watering during dry spells.

Growth Habits: Spreaders vs. Stayers

Lilacs vary in how they grow. Some, like the Common Lilac, are suckering types—they spread by sending up new shoots (suckers) from their roots, creating a thicket over time. This can lead to new growth several feet away, perfect if you want a natural hedge but tricky in small spaces. To control spread, dig up suckers or mow them down. Others, like ‘Miss Kim’ and Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata), are non-suckering. They grow as individual shrubs or small trees, staying more contained—ideal for tidy gardens. Japanese Tree Lilacs, reaching 20-30 feet, have a tree-like form with creamy white blooms and don’t produce runners, making them a neat focal point.

Why It Matters

Choosing between spreading or non-spreading lilacs depends on your space and goals. Want a low-maintenance privacy screen? Go for a suckering Common Lilac. Prefer a standalone beauty? Pick ‘Miss Kim’ or a Japanese Tree Lilac. Either way, these easy-growers will bring spring joy to your garden with minimal effort!

Flower Growing in Okotoks Pink Cosmos

A Burst of Beauty: My Pink Cosmos in Okotoks

Two years ago, I had the joy of growing a stunning pink cosmos in my garden here in Okotoks, Alberta, and its delicate beauty still lingers in my memory. This photograph, taken in the warm light of a late summer day, captures the flower in all its glory—a perfect reminder of how nature can bring such simple, vibrant joy to our lives.

The cosmos in the image is a classic Cosmos bipinnatus, known for its feathery foliage and daisy-like blooms. This particular one, with its soft pink petals radiating from a sunny yellow center, stood tall on a slender stem, swaying gently in the breeze. The petals have a slightly translucent quality, catching the light in a way that makes them glow, while the fern-like leaves add a delicate texture to the plant. I likely snapped this picture in late summer 2023, around August or September, when cosmos are at their peak in Okotoks’ climate, thriving in the long, sunny days.

Growing this cosmos was a rewarding experience. I planted the seeds in my garden container in late spring, after the last frost, in a spot that got plenty of sun—cosmos love at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The soil in Okotoks can be a bit heavy, so I mixed in some compost to improve drainage, which these flowers prefer. They didn’t need much fuss; I watered them sparingly, as cosmos are drought-tolerant once established, and they grew steadily, reaching about 3 feet tall. By mid-summer, they were blooming profusely, attracting bees and butterflies to my yard, adding life and movement to the garden.

What I love most about this pink cosmos is how it brought a sense of effortless beauty to my space in Okotoks. Its cheerful color and graceful form brightened my days, especially on those crisp mornings when I’d step outside to see it sparkling with dew. It’s no wonder I had to capture this moment—much like my other photography ventures, from the Bow River Pathway in Calgary to the Belgian Draft horses at the Okotoks parade, this flower deserved to be immortalized. This pink cosmos remains a cherished memory of nature’s ability to surprise and delight, right in my own backyard.

The Delicate Beauty of the Agapanthus: A Floral Memory in Okotoks, Alberta

The Delicate Beauty of the Agapanthus

In this photograph, a cluster of delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in soft shades of lavender and white dangle gracefully from slender stems, surrounded by mulch and a backdrop of greenery. These blooms belong to the Agapanthus, commonly known as the African Lily or Lily of the Nile. This plant, with its elegant flower heads and strap-like leaves, is a favorite among gardeners for its striking appearance and ability to add a touch of sophistication to any landscape. For someone like Kass, who once captured this plant in its prime before it was lost, the Agapanthus likely held a special place in his collection of photographed beauties—much like the vibrant orchids, the Mallard in Okotoks, and the iconic Paris Las Vegas he documented in his pre-YouTube days.

What is the Agapanthus?

The Agapanthus is a genus of flowering plants native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa, where it thrives in the region’s warm, sunny climates. Despite its common name, "Lily of the Nile," it’s not a true lily nor does it originate from the Nile region—it’s part of the Amaryllidaceae family. The plant typically grows in clumps, with long, arching leaves and tall flower stalks that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The blooms, as seen in the image, are tubular and clustered in umbels, often in shades of blue, purple, or white, with some varieties showing subtle gradients like the lavender-to-white transition here.

Agapanthus plants are often categorized into evergreen and deciduous types. Evergreen varieties, like Agapanthus africanus, retain their leaves year-round in milder climates, while deciduous ones, such as Agapanthus praecox, shed their leaves in colder seasons. Given the delicate appearance and the climate of Okotoks, Alberta, where this plant once grew, it’s likely this was a deciduous variety, better suited to surviving seasonal changes—though, as we’ll explore, the harsh Alberta winters pose a challenge.

Growing Agapanthus in Okotoks, Alberta: A Challenge Worth Considering

Okotoks, Alberta, located just south of Calgary, sits in a region classified as USDA Hardiness Zone 3b to 4a, where winter temperatures can plummet to -35°C (-31°F) or lower. Agapanthus, on the

Tale of a Magical Forest - The Petunias Secret

The Petunia’s Secret: A Tale of Floral Magic

In a quaint garden just south of Calgary, where spring painted the world in bursts of color, a cluster of petunias bloomed with a radiance that seemed to glow from within. Their petals, a vivid pink, unfurled like delicate whispers of joy, catching the sunlight in a way that made them shimmer. Among them lived a tiny sprite named Lira, no bigger than a bumblebee, with wings that sparkled like dewdrops in the dawn.

Lira was the guardian of the petunias, a secret keeper of their magic. Every morning, she danced among the blooms, her laughter tinkling like a bell as she sprinkled golden pollen from her tiny hands. This pollen wasn’t ordinary—it held the essence of dreams, captured from the night’s stars and woven into the flowers’ hearts. When the petunias opened their petals, they released this magic into the air, filling the garden with a scent that could make anyone who breathed it feel a spark of wonder.

One day, a weary gardener named Mara sat by the petunias, her heart heavy with the weight of a long winter. As she inhaled their sweet fragrance, she felt a warmth spread through her, as if the flowers were whispering tales of hope and renewal. Lira, hovering nearby, smiled as she watched Mara’s eyes light up with inspiration. The petunias’ magic had worked—they reminded Mara of the beauty that blooms even after the coldest seasons, a reminder that joy could always return.

The petunias, with Lira’s help, held a quiet power: they could heal hearts, spark creativity, and awaken a sense of wonder in anyone who paused to truly see them. In their delicate petals lay the magic of nature itself—a timeless enchantment that whispered, “Look closely, and you’ll find the wonder before your eyes.”

Grok AI weaved this tale for me and modified my original photo, to make it magical.  

Spring Blossoms in Southern Alberta Coming Soon

Spring Blossoms in Southern Alberta: A Floral Spectacle Near Calgary
As spring awakens in Southern Alberta, the landscape just south of Calgary is about to transform into a breathtaking display of blossoms—and I can’t wait! In this region, known for its rolling prairies and stunning Rocky Mountain backdrop, the arrival of blooming flowers marks a season of renewal and beauty. 

Lilacs, like the ones in the photo, will soon burst into clusters of fragrant purple and pink, filling the air with their sweet scent. These hardy shrubs thrive in Alberta’s climate, dotting gardens, parks, and even wild spaces with vibrant color. Beyond lilacs, expect to see crabapple trees, chokecherries, and wildflowers painting the area in hues of white, pink, and yellow. 

For those of us living near Calgary, places like Fish Creek Provincial Park or local gardens become must-visit spots to soak in the floral splendor. The blossoms typically peak in late spring, around May to early June, so get ready to witness Southern Alberta at its most enchanting. Join me in celebrating this annual spectacle—spring is almost here, and the flowers are calling!

These beauties are absolutely stunning! The vibrant pink blossoms in the photo are crabapple flowers, which are common in Southern Alberta and known for their vivid colours and delicate petals. In this image they’re in full bloom, creating a lush, eye-catching display that perfectly captures the magic of spring in your area just south of Calgary. The way the flowers cluster together, surrounded by fresh green leaves, gives off a sense of abundance and renewal—exactly what makes this season so special.

Crabapple Blossoms Steal the Show in Southern Alberta
Spring has truly arrived just south of Calgary, and these gorgeous crabapple blossoms are proof! The tree in the photo is bursting with vibrant pink flowers, a sight that’s becoming more common across Southern Alberta as the season unfolds. Crabapples are a regional favorite, thriving in the prairie climate and lighting up gardens, parks, and streets with their delicate blooms. Around late May to early June, these trees transform into floral masterpieces, attracting pollinators and delighting anyone lucky enough to see them. Living near Calgary, I’m thrilled to witness this annual spectacle—whether it’s a stroll through my neighborhood or a visit to nearby spots like Fish Creek Provincial Park, the crabapple blossoms are a highlight of spring. Their beauty is a reminder of nature’s resilience and the joy of seasonal change in Southern Alberta. What’s your favorite spring bloom?