Frequently Asked Questions

We carry a broad selection of plants with many cultural requirements and of course many questions regarding their needs.  We want you to have success with our plants and will try to give you as much information to help you in growing the plants you choose.  The following questions and answers are just a start to our expansion of this web site to help gardeners.

1. What is the difference between sun, semi-shade and shade?

This is a common question because at first it seems very vague as every ones garden exposures are different.  We will try to explain the references by the following:

• Full sun - gets sun exposure all day from sunrise to sunset                                

• Sun- gets sun exposure most of the day, half a day is okay as long as it is afternoon sun, or can have some dappled shade or brief shade during the day.     

• Semi-Shade - Half a day of sun, morning sun to early mid day sun is ideal or dappled shade of deciduous trees or filtered light from distant trees or trellising.     

• Shade - Filtered light, dappled shade, morning sun only.                                  

• Deep Shade  - No sun light at all (very few plants tolerate this)

2. What are average garden soils?

In our definition of average soils they should be mineral based soils of average depth of 45-60cm that can contain rocks but are not based on heavy clay or light sand.  These soils have been amended with organics over the years but not on a regular basis.  These are soils that are fairly easy to work with but not particularly fertile.

3. What is fertile, well drained but moisture retentive soil?

This is where we have taken the average garden soil and amended with organic material often manure or compost.  Clay and sandy soils can also be changed with organic materials to fit the above requirement but will need more and repeated amendment.  The organic matter will not only make the soil fertile it will also help keep the soil moisture retentive.  Physical drainage will be a requirement if working with clay based soils or depressed areas where water collects.

4. What is the difference between, annual, biennial and perennial?

We carry all three types of plants.  Annuals grow and flower in one year and die before the end of the year.  These plants tend to produce an abundance of flowers as they have to ensure their survival through the seed they produce.  Biennials grow one year and flower the second year.  Once they have finished blooming the plant dies again producing an abundance of flower and seed to ensure its survival.  Perennials live for many years with long lived perennials requiring a number of years to settle in before blooming.  These plants don't produce the abundance of blossom as the other two groups as the plant will be around next year for more seed production.

5. Then what is a hardy annual?

Annuals these days come in so many forms and types.  Some are actually perennials in their native habitat in tropical locations around the globe.  These could be over wintered in a heated greenhouse but outside would die after the first frost.  Others are annuals from tropical parts which require warm temperatures for germination of the seed.  Then there are hardy annuals which originate from temperate parts of the world some from North America or Europe.  These are adapted to cold winters and cool springs where germination of the seed has to be quick and the plants can tolerate a wider range of temperatures.  These annuals are easier to grow as they tolerate cold temperatures in the spring and fall and will reliably self seed with early germination in the garden.    

6. Are you an organic grower?

We are not a certified organic grower but we have always believed in growing our plants in the most natural way possible. Since we actively work with the plants on a daily basis in our greenhouses and produce our own food crops exposure to harmful chemicals on our property was not acceptable to us.  We believe in the fact that healthy soil and growing conditions will produce healthy plants where no pesticides are required. 

7. I grow in containers what fertilizer do you recommend?

We use Raingrow 4-2-3 diluted with water in a weekly application though any organic based water soluble fertilizer would work.  Some vegetables and flowers require a daily feeding especially during flower and fruit production.