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Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford

Mary Jane Duford is a quintessential Canadian gardener. An engineer by trade, she tends to an ever-expanding collection of plants. In her world, laughter blooms as freely as her flowers, and every plant is raised with a dash of Canadian grit. Mary Jane is a certified Master Gardener and also holds a Permaculture Design Certificate. She's also a proud mom of three, teaching her little sprouts the crucial difference between a garden friend and foe. When she's not playing in the dirt, Mary Jane revels in her love for Taylor Swift, Gilmore Girls, ice hockey, and the surprisingly soothing sounds of bluegrass covers of classic hip-hop songs. She invites you to join her garden party, a place where you can share in the joy of growing and where every day is a new opportunity to find the perfect spot for yet another plant.

How to grow blueberries

How to grow blueberries

Blueberries, often hailed as nature’s little blue gems, have become a staple in gardens worldwide. For those of you venturing into the world of blueberry cultivation, you’re in for a rewarding experience. My personal journey with these wonderful berries began…

How to grow apricots

Imagine basking in the warm summer sun, plucking juicy, ripe apricots straight from the tree in your own backyard. Not only is growing apricot trees a delightful experience, but the taste of homegrown apricots is unrivaled. We’ll walk you through…

How to grow roses

How to grow roses

Growing roses offers the dual reward of vibrant blooms paired with lovely fragrances. But these plants are often intimidating to grow, especially for new gardeners. While there are a few finicky types, most modern roses are easy to learn to…

How to grow daffodils

White daffodils in garden

Ah, daffodils! These cheerful flowers are the embodiment of spring’s arrival, brightening our gardens with their vibrant colors and elegant forms. Growing daffodils can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and this comprehensive guide on how to grow daffodils will provide…

How to grow apples

Growing your own apple tree

Wondering how to grow apples? While it can take a few years, caring for an apple tree is quite approachable (even for beginner gardeners). Let’s look at how you can add apples to your home fruit garden. The basics of…

How to grow clematis

Pink clematis flowers

Clematis is a gorgeous flowering vine for cottage gardens and welcoming landscapes. There is a huge range of varieties available, from single-flowered cultivars to double-petalled specialty types. These dainty plants are tolerant of shady conditions and can be low-maintenance once…

How to grow alliums

Alliums in garden

This comprehensive guide on how to grow alliums will walk you through the captivating world of alliums, from selecting the perfect variety to planting, caring, and showcasing these exquisite plants in your garden. How to grow alliums Alliums are a…

Pumpkin species

Woman holding pumpkin with other pumpkins on bench beside her

Pumpkin species belong to the genus Cucurbita. There are five species that are commonly referred to as pumpkins: Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita argyrosperma, and Cucurbita ficifolia. The word “pumpkin” is a vernacular term commonly referring to a…

Moranga pumpkin

Moranga pumpkins are best known for their pinky-orange peel color, but this cultivar is also a gourmet culinary variety. Their flattened shape with deep ribs down the side makes them perfect for fall decor that can transition into a cozy…

Queensland Blue pumpkin

Queensland blue pumpkin on vine

The Queensland Blue pumpkin is a specialty pumpkin variety known for its striking slate-like blue-green peel color and its excellent culinary adaptability. Queensland Blue is a cultivar of Cucurbita maxima, and it is botanically related to both the Hubbard squash…

Galanthus woronowii

Galanthus woronowii flower

Galanthus woronowii, also called “green snowdrop” or “Woronow’s snowdrop”, is a popular snowdrop variety with broad green leaves and a little green mark on the inner tepals of the bloom. This cultivar is native to the area around the Black…