Instead of amending the soil to match the plant, it’s easier to match the plant to the soil you have. Native plants like Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and its many cultivars are well-adapted to the alkaline soils found in dry climates. They thrive in soils with minimal organics. (photo credit: Okanagan Xeriscape Association) Kamloops gardeners expect a lot from the … Continue reading →
Hydrangeas are among the most beloved flowering shrubs, admired for their lush blooms and graceful presence in gardens across the country. Versatile and dependable, they shine as foundation plantings, border accents, or eye‑catching potted specimens on patios and porches. With an impressive range of species and cultivars—each offering its own combination of colours, shapes, sizes, and hardiness levels—there’s a hydrangea … Continue reading →
Lilac season is brief but magical, and capturing that fragrance in the kitchen is one of spring’s quiet pleasures. This simple syrup is an easy way to bottle the essence of your garden and enjoy it long after the blooms fade. Lilac Simple Syrup Makes: ~2 cups Flavor: Dark‑floral, lilac‑forward, lightly lavender‑like Best for: Lemonade, spritzers, cocktails, cordials Ingredients 4 … Continue reading →
Spring pruning can rejuvenate many shrubs and encourage fresh, healthy growth. But some of our most beloved spring bloomers form their flower buds the previous year. Pruning these plants too early removes those buds, reduces flowering, and can stress the shrub. To enjoy the fullest spring display, avoid pruning the following shrubs in early spring. Azaleas & Rhododendrons These favourites … Continue reading →
Saturday, May 9, 2026 • 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street, Riverside Park, Kamloops, BC Our much‑loved annual Plant Sale is back, and we’d love to see you there. Whether you’re filling garden beds, hunting for new favourites, or simply supporting the club, this is one of our most joyful community events. Get your gardens growing with … Continue reading →
Planting Month, Soil Warmth, and the True Start of the Growing Season May is one of the busiest and most exciting gardening months in Kamloops. With longer days and warming soil, it’s time to plant, prepare, and enjoy the garden’s return to life. Finish Hardening Off Seedlings Continue gradually exposing indoor‑grown seedlings to outdoor conditions. Kamloops’ spring winds can be … Continue reading →
Spring is a wonderful time to reconnect with your garden, and emerging hostas are a sure sign the season is shifting. As their new shoots begin to peek through the soil, a little early‑season care helps set them up for lush, healthy growth all summer long. These simple steps will guide you through refreshing your hosta beds and giving your … Continue reading →
Thanks to the Shuswap Garden Club’s Mary Ann Van Den Berge for this valuable information on ways to protect your hands when gardening. “I don’t know about you, but this is a huge problem for me. I always intend to apply hand cream before gardening, but by the time I get out to the shed to grab a tool, I’ve … Continue reading →
