Summer has flown by, as I often find to be the case. For many of us, September is a bittersweet time. Summer is coming to an end, the hottest days are behind us, and it’s a time to settle back into routines. I always love summer for the heat, the outdoor activities, the natural inclination to do things with friends and family.

But around this time of year, I start thinking of cozy sweaters, fallen leaves, that first pot of homemade chili—if only our autumn season lasted longer than a few weeks.

September is a time of transition, of preparation, and of settling in for what’s ahead. In life and in the garden.

Summer always seems to fly by, and this year has been no exception. August is already upon us! We still have time to enjoy the warmth, hit the beach, and spend time with family before autumn arrives and routines settle out once more. September will be here before we know it, ushering us into the cold season once more. 

But enough of that! For now, peak growing season is still here, and there are plenty of things to do in the garden...

Welcome to July! This month in the garden is one of the peak months for growth—vibrant flowers, early produce, and all around proliferation.  

Growing up, I always thought of July as one of the best months for a number of reasons. School is out, the sun is shining, and it’s a time to explore the world. From the start of summer, the possibilities ahead felt large.

This past June across the prairies, however, we’ve seen one of the rainiest months on record. And not only high volumes of rain, but a number of wild storms and even tornadoes. Here’s hoping for a sunny July to really help our plants take off!

June is upon us at last. June has always been my favourite month of the year—not only because it’s my birthday month. Growing up, June always marked the end of the school year and the start of summer holidays. June marks the official beginning of summer and the longest day of the year. And for many of us here on this page, June means gardening season! 

This is the time to see our seedlings take hold and begin to grow on their own, for our annual flowers to begin blooming, and for some of—in my opinion—the best weather of the year. 

April is upon us at last! Although it doesn’t currently look like it outside my window, spring is finally here. In a matter of days or weeks, when the snow melts away to reveal the sodden, green-ish grass beneath, it’ll be gardening time once again. 

I always love April for the messy, slushy roads, the hint of warmth that emerges in the crisp air, and watching the world begin to turn green again. It’s a great time to get out and walk, ride a bike, or engage in other outdoor activity after the long, cold winter.

When I think of March, my mind has a tendency to reach for metaphors. The calm before the unleashing; the last deep breath of winter before spring begins to settle in. That anticipatory tension before a big moment you’ve been waiting for.

It’s a time of preparation, of beginnings, and looking towards the good parts coming up. 

In Saskatchewan, of course, March can sometimes represent just another month of winter. But even then, the glimpses tend to peek through. Early melting and slushy roads; the easing off of winter’s chill in the air. The oppressively short days of early winter are long behind us.

Even though we are still amid the depths of winter, the beginning of February always feels to me a little like a breath of fresh (icy) air. The days are getting longer again, and we’re bridging the gap to March—when the first glimmers of spring begin to appear.

Personally, I spent January settling into some new routines, and now I find myself starting to look towards some more familiar ones. Notably, the container garden I always assemble on my small patio balcony. Even now, I’m starting to think of which beautiful annuals I want to pick up once the greenhouse...

As the dust of the holidays settle, certain priorities tend to slip—and sometimes our plant care can fall by the wayside. Especially if you’ve been travelling. Now is a great time to remedy that! Take some time to check in with your houseplants, and get them on track for the new year, too.

If you're anything like me, the short period between the late summer and early winter always seems to fly by. I can rarely believe how fast November goes, and this year has been no different. The holidays will be upon us—whichever and however you celebrate—before we know it. 

At Floral Acres, we have a wide variety of plants, decor, and gifts for everyone on your list. Not to mention a range of seasonal and winter plants. Be sure to stop in and pick...

There is little left to be done in the garden. Ensure your trees and shrubs have plenty of water before the ground starts to freeze—and while you're at it, get the last of your spring flower and garlic bulbs in the soil. Make sure your perennials are protected with mulch—but they still need room around the base to breathe...

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a bulbous plant that has been enjoyed the world over for thousands of years.  We are all familiar with its culinary uses and it has many health benefits as well.  Raw or cooked it is a source of antioxidants, nutrients, and boosts the immune system.  As you may have guessed, garlic is related to onions, leeks, shallots and chives...