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!

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

The Saskatoon Farm A Southern Alberta Gem

Escape to Saskatoon Farm: A Southern Alberta Gem for Plants, Food, and Serenity

Tucked just south of Calgary and a stone’s throw east of Okotoks, the Saskatoon Farm is more than a garden centre—it’s a vibrant, family-owned haven where nature, food, and community intertwine. If you’re craving a break from the hustle of city life, this sprawling property, born from a barley field over 30 years ago, invites you to slow down, savor, and explore. Our spring 2023 video captures the magic of this Southern Alberta treasure, and we’re here to give you the inside scoop on why it’s a must-visit destination.

A Gardener’s Paradise
Step into the Saskatoon Farm’s expansive garden centre, where greenhouses burst with color and possibility. From vibrant annuals and perennials to fruit trees like sour cherry, apples, and, of course, saskatoon berries, there’s something for every gardener’s dream. Their signature hanging baskets, grown on-site, add a splash of beauty to any porch, while rare flowers and hardy shrubs tempt you to reimagine your backyard. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or just starting out, the farm’s knowledgeable staff and diverse plant selection make it easy to cultivate your own slice of paradise.

A Feast for the Senses
Beyond the blooms, Saskatoon Farm is a culinary delight. The Saskatoon Farm Café, open nearly year-round, serves up Mexican-inspired dishes with a local twist—think steak tacos, fresh salads with saskatoon vinaigrette, and quiche so good it’s been called the best ever by visitors. Craving dessert? Their on-site bakery churns out saskatoon pies, ice cream, and rice pudding that’ll have you lingering for seconds. In the summer, a second seasonal eatery opens, expanding your options to savor Alberta’s bounty. Pair your meal with a local beer on the charming patio, where friendly farm cats might just nap beside you, adding to the cozy, homey vibe.

More Than a Meal: Shops and Serenity
Wander down the farm’s old-fashioned, Western-themed street, where boutique shops brim with unique treasures. From eclectic gifts to local artisan crafts, the retail boutique is perfect for finding that one-of-a-kind keepsake. The farm’s tortoise sanctuary, resident rabbits, and chickens add a playful touch, delighting kids and adults alike. As you stroll, take in the lush landscapes and expansive views of the Sheep and Highwood rivers converging below. Find a quiet Adirondack chair, breathe in the fresh air, and let the fast life fade away.

Spring in Southern Alberta: What Will You Grow This Season?

Spring has finally arrived in Southern Alberta, and with it comes the promise of renewal, growth, and the vibrant colours of nature waking up. 

Picture this: a cluster of cheerful marigolds, their fiery orange petals glowing like little suns, nestled beside the cool purple hues of pansies, as seen in the image. It’s a snapshot of what’s possible when you dig into the earth and let your garden bloom. 

As the days grow longer and the frost retreats, it’s the perfect time to ask yourself—what do you want to grow this spring? Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Southern Alberta’s unique climate offers a canvas for both beauty and bounty. 

Let’s explore some easy-to-grow flowers and veggies, and why gardening is a gift for your mind, body, and pantry.

Easy Blooms and Veggies for Southern Alberta

Southern Alberta’s growing season can be a bit of a wild card—think short summers, cool nights, and the occasional late frost. But don’t let that deter you! There are plenty of hardy flowers and vegetables that thrive here, even for beginners.

 

Flowers to Brighten Your Days:

• Marigolds: Those vibrant orange beauties in the photo aren’t just eye candy—they’re tough as nails. Marigolds love full sun, handle drought like champs, and bloom from spring through fall. Plus, they’re natural pest-repellents, keeping bugs away from your other plants. Plant them along borders or in pots for a pop of colour that lasts.
• Pansies: The purple stunners mingling with the marigolds are pansies, and they’re perfect for Southern Alberta’s cooler spring temps. They can even survive a light frost, making them a go-to for early planting. Pansies come in a rainbow of colours and love a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade. They’re low-maintenance and great for adding charm to any garden bed or container.

The Beauty of Flowers

The Beauty of Flowers: Surprising Even the Toughest of Men

When we think of flowers, we often associate them with women and romantic gestures. However, the beauty of flowers can be surprising, even to the toughest of men.

It's no secret that receiving a bouquet of flowers can bring a smile to anyone's face. The vibrant colours and delicate petals have a way of captivating our senses and taking our minds away to wonder. But for many men, the idea of receiving flowers may be seen as an unexpected and even unusual gesture.

Yet, the truth is that even the most stoic of men can be favourably surprised by the simple act of receiving flowers. Whether it's a single stem or a bouquet of their favourite blooms, the gesture of giving flowers can bring joy and appreciation to anyone, regardless of gender.

The beauty of flowers has a universal appeal that transcends gender stereotypes. Their presence can brighten up a room, uplift our spirits, and remind us of the simple joys in life. The sight and fragrance of flowers can evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty that is hard to replicate with any other gift.

So, the next time you're considering a gift for a loved one, don't overlook the power of flowers. Whether it's for a special occasion or just to brighten someone's day, the simple act of giving flowers can have a profound impact. And who knows, it may just surprise even the toughest of men with its beauty and ability to bring joy.