The Helpful Gardeners

What's your favourite symbol of Canada? The gardeners are nerding out on all the national symbols that represent our country. While our focus is plants and gardens, we digress... a lot. It's a lot of fun!  

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 04:44 | Maple Trees in Canada
• 07:55 | National Animals 
• 10:25 | National Sports 
• 11:25 | National and Provincials Flowers 
• 16:15 | National Lisence Plates
• 17:45 | Provincial Flowers continued....
• 22:05 | Provincial Fruits & Vegetables
• 27:25 | Gardens of Canada
• 34:46 | Trees of Canada
• 38:40 | National Horse
• 39:40 | National Bird
• 41:45 | Question of the Week - 'Canada Day plans'
• 50:00 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

Provincial Flowers | LINK

Provincial Trees | LINK

Maple Trees in Canada | LINK

National Gardens | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us on Instagram from Shawn who asks >>>

"Hi Colin and Brandi! What are you doing for Canada Day?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're talking about the most popular topic for any gardener... THE WEATHER! What's good, what's bad, and how to protect our garden when it happens. Join us next week!

You can garden in any size space. It's true! Whether you have a balcony, a concrete slab, or a small space within your large garden, we can help you use that space effectively. On today's episode, the gardeners marry creativity with functionality to create beautiful small space gardens. 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 03:45 | A look into Brandi's 'small space garden'
• 05:00 | A look into Colin's 'small space garden'
• 07:10 | Can you grow sunflowers in pots?
• 08:30 | Small Space Considerations: Watering
• 11:40 | Small Space Considerations: Soil amendments
• 16:30 | Small Space Considerations: Suitable plants
• 21:30 | Small Space Hack: Anchoring big pots
• 27:50 | Small Space Afforability
• 30:00 | Small Space Design 
• 36:40 | Small Space Enjoyment
• 39:55 | Small Space Dual Purpose
• 41:10 | Question of the Week - Small Space Entryway
• 50:00 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by email from Shelby who asks >>>

"Help! I have a small entryway and wnat to jazz it up a bit. What are my options? There's an overhang so not a lot of sun."

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

"O Canada....." What's the deal with the maple leaf? What is out national tree? We're talking Canada Day, but with a plant nerd spin on it. 

The buzz is...It's World Pollinator Week! Yep, this is our opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the pollinators that frequent our gardens and communities. We're joined by Elise Watson from 'ABC Bees' who is a honey beekeeper and educator. She supports folks all across North America! 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:00 | Types of Pollinators
• 07:15 | Pollinators can help indicate garden health
• 10:00 | World Pollinator Week Activities
• 16:40 | Elise Watson from 'ABC Bees' 
  • 17:00 | What role do pollinators have in our gardens and communities?
  • 18:35 | What are your favourite ways to attract pollinators
  • 23:15 | Why do you like beekeeping and what keeps you going?
  • 28:00 | Who can keep bees?
  • 33:30 | ABC Bees resources
  • 40:11 | Final thoughts on wasps - they're not all bad!
• 44:20 | Question of the Week - Attracting Pollinators
• 50:00 | Next Week....  

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RESOURCES

World Pollinator Week | LINK

• Learn more about the acitivities going on all around North America!

ABC Bees | LINK

• Learn more about beekeeping through classes, seminars, webinars, and literature

Bees & UV vision | LINK

• Learn more about bee vision as discovered by Karl von Frisch. 

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by email from Brenda who asks >>>

"What can I do to attract pollinators to my garden?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're talking about how gardening can assist our mental and physical health with our special guest, Erin!   Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Do you deadhead the flowers in your garden? Depending on the plant, deadheading can be massively beneficial! The gardeners are helping you navigate which ones to clean, which ones to leave, and which ones to throw at your coworkers.... just kidding ;)

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 03:50 | What is deadheading?
• 07:40 | Choosing plants based on deadheading requirement
• 10:10 | Deadheading Method: Cutting back 
• 11:00 | Deadheading Impatiens is actually fun....
• 13:20 | Should you deadhead herbs?
• 15:10 | Should you deadhead vegetables? 
• 17:25 | Should you deadhead perennials?
• 18:22 | What is liveheading and should I consider it?
• 22:47 | Should you 'in between' heading?
• 30:00 | Benefits of deadheading on annual flowers 
• 31:45 | Plants to avoid deadheading
• 33:30 | Flowers that look good dried out! 
• 35:06 | Tools for deadheading
• 38:45 | Question of the Week - Deadheading roses
• 50:00 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Impatien Seed Pod Video | VIDEO

Cauterizing Roses | READ NOW

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by email from __________ who asks >>>

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

This week, the Helpful gardeners are in the weeds.... but not for long! Let's all agree that weeding isn't the most exciting garden chore, but it is essential and should be done regularly. The gardeners will talk about about what defines a weed, various techniques, and will explore our responsibility toward limiting noxious weeds in our local regions.

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:00 | How often do you go out and weed?   
• 04:05 | How many people enjoy weeding?
• 05:40 | How to control weeds based on where they're growing.  
• 09:00 | Solarization/Pasturization weeding method
• 13:20 | Benefits of weeding a little at a time
• 15:00 | What, or who, defines a weed? 
• 21:30 | Noxious Weeds 
• 36:52 | Environmental benefits of weeds
• 43:15 | Weed Prevention Techniques 
• 48:00 | Question of the Week - How to Weed
• 50:00 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Golden Acre Blog | READ NOW

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by email from Walter who asks >>>

"When weeding, do I need to get the entire root, or can I just cut off the top?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're moving on to a more pleasant garden chore... deadheading! 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Fertilizer... what is it good for? Turns out, absolutely everything in your garden! Yep, you can give your flowers, veggies, and established plants a big old boost in production and overall health. It's a big topic and usually get it's own WALL in any local garden centre. The Helpful Gardeners are breaking it down to talk about how to buy fertilizer, use it, and store it over the winter. 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 01:20 | What is fertilizer and why do you need it?
• 05:00 | What do the numbers mean?
• 09:54 | Types of fertilizer
• 11:35 | Organic or Chemical?
• 13:30 | What medium is right for you?
• 17:36 | Specialty fertilizers - worth the investment?
• 19:30 | Can you mix and match brands?
• 25:00 | Cautionary tale of over-fertilizing
• 27:40 | Fertilizing hanging baskets
• 29:50 | Fertilizer lifecycle and storage
• 34:40 | What happens if you miss a week of fertilizing?
• 35:45 | What happens if you get fertilizer on the leaves?
• 39:00 | Blossom End Rot
• 41:36 | Fertilizing cannabis
• 43:20 | Case Study: Remo Nutrients VS Other Fertilizers on Tomatoes
• 44:20 | What are Micro-nutrients?
• 49:35 | Fertilizing established perennials, trees, and shrubs
• 55:40 | Question of the Week - Fertilizing houseplants
• 47:40 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Remo Nutrients | LEARN MORE

Pro Mix | LEARN MORE

Miracle Gro | LEARN MORE 

Learn more about Fertilizer and garden maintenance on our blog | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us via Instagram by Kimberley who asks >>>

"I don't fertilize my outside garden, but will apply it to my houseplants. I'm not really sure it's doing anything though. Should I keep my fertilizer program going?"

• Evolve Indoor Plants Fertilizer | LEARN MORE

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're breaking down the weeds that hide out in our garden.  

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Let's grow Canada! We're finally getting the green thumbs up to start planting. The helpful gardeners are diving into why we plant around the long weekend, how to climatize your annuals, garden safety, lawncare, and garden trends we've noticed around the greenhouse!

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:45 | Why plant on May long weekend?
• 06:20 | Climatize your plants
• 11:58 | Planting and climatizing seedlings
• 13:50 | What is direct sowing seeds?
• 18:50 | A chat about Alberta Wildfires and garden impact
• 23:15 | Garden Safety
• 25:45 | Lawncare & #NoMowMay
• 33:00 | Garden Trends - Bugs, Flowers, Worms, Mint, and more.
• 37:55 | Most popular annuals in Canada.
• 44:20 | Question of the Week - Bringing houseplants outdoors
• 47:40 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Learn more about lawncare in our "Sodcast" episode | LINK

Smoke & Your Garden | LINK

Calgary & Area Seed Starting | LINK

West Coast Seeds Chart | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us via Instagram by @madison.seng who asks >>>

"Can i bring my houseplants outside during the summer?"

• End-all Spray | LINK

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

We're breaking down what fertilizer is, does, and what you need for your garden. 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

Need an easy splash a colour for your patio, entryway, or balcony? Annual Planters are versitile and a fun, family friendly, project. In this special Mother's Day episode, Colin and Brandi are diving into the design, planting, and maintenance of these popular garden additions. 

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:00 | The Versitile Annual Planter 
• 02:45 | Mix & Match Flowers, Veggies, Herbs
• 04:50 | How Full Should Your Planter Be? 
• 06:50 | Many Varieties VS A Single Variety
• 09:22 | Planter Location - Consider Exposure 
• 11:20 | Planter Location - Consider Viewing Needs
• 15:00 | How to Extend the Lifespan of Planters 
• 18:22 | Cutting Back - What is it and is it necessary?
• 22:00 | Can Perennials Work in Planters?
• 23:30 | Can You Overwinter Planters? 
• 27:10 | Planter Design is Personal 
• 28:00 | Garden Centre Tips
• 29:52 | Let's Talk about Pots 
• 32:25 | Planters for Year Round Purpose 
• 34:00 | Planter Inspiration
• 35:20 | How Much Water Do Planters Need?
• 39:50 | Question of the Week - Fertilizer and Raised Planters
• 42: 00 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

Stacked Planter Idea | Round | LINK

Stacked Planter Idea | Rectangle | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to anonymously on Facebook: 

"Colin and Brandi, besides WNGD, what's  your favourite gardening day?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

After putting the work into your garden, how do you enjoy it? The Helpful Gardeners explore ways you can have fun and avoid garden burn out. Plus, it was World Naked Gardening Day this weekend! Learn more about this fun holiday in todays episode >>>

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 05:00 | World Naked Gardening Day
• 05:45 | History of WNGD 
• 11:50 | Tips for trying WNGD yourself!   
• 13:50 | How do you enjoy your garden?
• 15:20 | Health benefits of gardening 
• 22:00 | Play me some garden music 
• 30:00 | Let's talk about garden burnout...
• 39:00 | Question of the Week - Fun Garden Holidays
• 45:00 | Next Week....  

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 RESOURCES

World Naked Gardening Day Article - CBC Calgary, 2018 |  LINK

Local Nursery Strips Down for WNGD  - Surrey BC, 2021 | LINK 

Garden Social Media Holidays | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to anonymously on Facebook: 

"Colin and Brandi, besides WNGD, what's  your favourite gardening day?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!

You most likely have fond memories with trees and shrubs. They can be loved for generations and provide so many benefits including food and protection for our garden critters. There's a lot to know about trees and shrubs before you invest in one, so the Helpful Gardeners are joined by a special guest on today's episode >>>

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In this weeks episode ....

• 00:00 | Introduction
• 02:40 | Trees are awesome, but maybe not as a gift
• 04:00 | Oldest tree and talled tree
  • Spoiler: It was  around the same time camels were domesticated in Egypt!
• 05:00 | Benefits of trees & a cringy shrub joke to pull out at parties
• 07:25 | Special Guest:  Jean-Mathieu Daoust of Let it Grow Horticulture
  • 09:45 | Competitive Tree Climbing?!
  • 12:30 | Flash Round - Jean's tree and shrub recommendations
  • 14:40 | What to know when selecting a tree or shrub
  • 17:30 | Suitable trees for shady spots
  • 18:30 | How to care for newly planted trees
  • 19:30 | How long to fertilize trees for 
  • 20:00 | How to care for trees throughout the years
  • 21:00 | Pruning - DIY or Hire a professional. 
  • 24:00 | Consequences of pruning incorrectly
  • 24:46 | Options for controling pests and disease
  • 27:23 | How to know when the tree or shrub is too far gone to save
  • 29:49 | Asking for help: What your local garden centre needs from you
• 31:20 | Question of the Week: Voles!
• 34:08 | Next Week....  

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GUEST | Jean-Mathieu Daoust

Jean has been passionate about horticulture since early childhood. His family heritage is actually rooted in farming and forestry. Jean's first industry appearance was at 16 years old right here at Golden Acre in the late 90's. He went on to study arboriculture at Olds college in Alberta and graduated with a bachelor's degree in applied science with honours. In 2002, Jean started Tree Frog, and grew it into one of the most successful arbourist companies in Calgary, Alberta. A few years ago, he sold it and took a much need break. Since 2022, he's the owner operator of Let it Grow! When he's not servicing trees and shrubs, Jean is actively involved in the international society of arboriculture (ISA), in tree climbing championships, and has also served on the local chapter board of directors for many years.

Contact Jean if you're in and around Calgary, AB for your tree servicing needs

Let it Grow Horticulture | 587-574-4709

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 RESOURCES

General Sherman in California | LINK

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK 

This question was sent to us by instagram user: @wildandcree 

"Where should I plant my young 2ft lilacs?"

Do you have a question or a comment for the Helpful Gardeners?

• Send us an anonymous voice note HERE
• send us an email [email protected]
• or find our question of the week every Tuesday on our Instagram

NEXT WEEK 

The gardeners are stripping down for World Naked Gardening Day! Just kidding... but they will be celebrating this AWESOME holiday with some tips on ways you can enjoy your garden and avoid garden burn out.

Turn in Sunday's 8AM MST for more fun with the helpful gardeners!