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This is the best magazine for prairie gardening. Apparently, they changed their name to The Gardener, but I was originally sold by the Prairie in their name. While any other magazine can inspire a gardener’s creative juices, most are specific to eastern (milder, and more humidity) provinces. Any Chinook gardener will tell you that what you can grow in Ontario or Nova Scotia, you cannot grow here – at least not easily. The Gardener profiles plantings and methods that are successful on these cold and dry prairies. And, their photography is stunning!! Large, colorful and detailed photos of plants, birds, insects. They only publish one issue per season but worth the wait! Such a satisfying and inspiring read.

I’ve used The Tree Doctor over the last 6-8 years while it was still owned by Paul Saindon. They have done tree removal, pruning, inspection of trees’ general health and insecticide injections. They have been prompt, thorough, and incredibly patient with my many requests for quotes (tree care is one of the more expensive yard tasks). The Tree Doctor has since sold to another company but, I believe, you can still find them by their old name. I have worked mostly with their rep, Tim Johnson. You won’t find better service. I don’t know if their pricing is competitive as I haven’t shopped around much and, when I did, many of the services I called didn’t even call back. The Tree Doctor got back to me less than 24 hours later!

(Costco, Superstore, Walmart, Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Co-Op, among others…)

I used to be a staunch “garden-centre” shopper. They have the best selection of quality plants. If you are committed to a particular design or colour scheme, then big-box stores are not for you. However, since moving to a large(ish) yard, and developing a “growing addiction” (more on that later), I cannot afford garden centre prices. The stores mentioned, among others, can save you tens, if not hundreds of dollars. You must shop early for the best selection, and the best plant health – remember, those who care for the garden centre in a big box store, are often not gardeners. Not always, but keep it in mind. I have bought most of my container plantings from my local Co-Op but only once they put their plants on sale towards the end of the season.

This used to be my favourite garden centre. It’s in my neighbourhood and used to carry a good selection of quality plants with the most ‘bang for my garden centre buck’. However, as noted in the Big Box Store entry I am less inclined to shop in any garden centre now as: 1) I’m not as particular about colour coordinating my bedding plants, 2) I can get quality plants from most of the big box stores at 2/3’s to half the price. For specific perennials, shrubs, or trees Golden Acres carries a good quality selection.