There is currently a tremendous craze for growing edible plants. Sales of vegetable seeds has grown rapidly in recent years. With the problems caused by GMOs and agriculture industrialization, many people feel the need to return to the essence of food by growing their own vegetables. You also want to harvest your own tomatoes, but you think it is beyond your reach since the only land you got is a small balcony or the roof of the building where you live? You will probably be surprised to learn that most vegetables can easily be grown in containers, in the heart of the city!

On the introduction photo, you can see an arrangement I’ve created during a workshop at the Great Gardening Weekend, which took place on May 23, 24 and 25th 2014 at the Montreal Botanical Garden. It is composed of hosta ‘Kiwi Full Monty’ (Hosta ‘Kiwi Full Monty’) – the hosta leaves can replace nori for wrapping sushi –, sage ‘Tricolor’ (Salvia officinalis ‘Tricolor’), lemon thyme ‘Silver Queen’ (Thymus x citriodorus ‘Silver Queen’) and pansy Penny ™ ‘Deep Blue’ (Viola cornuta Penny ™ ‘Deep Blue’).

You’ve had enough of the same old annuals? Want to give a fresh and original look to your garden this summer? Natural Reserve Selection plants are for you! The main goal of the Natural Reserve Selection program is to introduce various plant species from across the globe to local gardeners. Among the earth’s estimated 300,000 plant species can be found true marvels of nature, many of which can be easily grown in our gardens. During the summer 2013, several plant species have been tested at the Montreal Botanical Garden, the Roger-Van den Hende Botanical Garden in Quebec City and the Daniel A. Séguin Garden in Saint-Hyacinthe. Among these, some have proved to be very performant and highly original. These plants have a great potential for ornamental horticulture and landscaping. Here is the description of these exceptional plants!

Tired of the usual geraniums ? Instead, choose cacti and succulents for your flower boxes ! In addition to give an original look to outdoor arrangements, these plants are very easy to grow. With a reputation for being robust and resistant, these plants can be grown in almost any situation during summer : around swimming pools, on terraces, balconies, parking lots, roofs or even walls !