The oldest tree in the world is a bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) growing in the White Mountains, California. This venerable tree is 5,065 years old ! It was born almost 500 years before the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, which dates back from 2,560 BC. Its trunk twisted by the wind, cold and drought – the temperature is around –25 °C in winter and it falls as little as 300 mm of rain each year in this region – and its many dead branches are reminiscent to the harsh climate it has endured over the centuries (intro photo: Rick Goldwaser).
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During the last months, I’ve seen many mature trees being cut down in the town where I live. And I'm not the only one to attend this chainsaw massacre because there are more than 4 million urban trees cut down each year in North America. This phenomenon not only saddens me but it makes me downright angry because in many cases the death of these trees could be avoided with simple precautions. Here is a plea for an end to the massacre of our urban forests, because without trees we could not exist!
Measuring 115.55 meters (379 feet) high, a redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) named Hyperion is the tallest tree in the world. Discovered in 2006 in the Redwood National Park in California, this giant probably aged nearly 800 years is raising 22 m (72 ft) above the famous Statue of Liberty! However, the title of the tallest tree ever measured goes to a eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans) found in 1872 in Australia. Although this is disputed by some experts, this giant was 132.6 m (435 ft) high. After a fire which make this tree fall to the ground, it seems it was easier to take measurements.
The introduction picture is showing a view of the General Sherman giant sequoia (photo : Jim Bahn).
I met this summer several people who have been affected by poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans). When I was talking with these people, I’ve realized that most of them have no idea what this plant looks like and how they have come into contact with it. Seeing the confusion about this poisonous plant, I decided to go hunting for poison ivy ! So I went to see my friend Philippe Mollé and helped him get rid of this unwanted grass that has literally invaded his land.
On the introduction picture you can see the foliage of poison ivy. It is strangely reminiscent of boxelder maple (Acer negundo) leaves.
Road infrastructures are generally quite unsightly and poorly integrated into the urban environment. One of the most effective ways to integrate these huge masses of concrete is certainly to accompany them or to cover them with plants. Here are some interesting ideas to make the future Champlain Bridge greener. I hope these ideas will inspire engineers and architects working on the creation of this new bridge. On the introduction picture, you can see the concept of a green bridge created by Italian designer Angelo Tomaivolo and his team.
The Garden of the Future is an original landscape I’ve created and which is permanently installed in the Daniel A. Séguin Garden in Saint-Hyacinthe since June 14, 2014. Don’t miss to visit it this summer!
In recent years, I have put on trial many vegetables in my garden. Some were very original and have proven to be real marvels ! Here is the description of some unusual vegetables that will give color to your garden and add a touch of originality to the meals you will cook this summer.
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’).
There are mature trees on your property under which you try to grow some perennials ? One after the other, the hostas and the astibles you’ve planted wither and die ? Don’t buy the shade plants usually sold on the market and rather rely on indestructible perennials that can withstand the most extreme conditions !