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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.

Fall decor basics

Fall decor - create cozy sitting areas with blankets, mugs, and soft lighting

Fall decor embraces the warmth and richness of the season, drawing inspiration from the natural changes happening outdoors. With its warm, autumnal tones and cozy textures, there’s lots to love about decorating at this time of year. Introduction to fall…

15 fall flowers

Fall mums

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, many gardeners start packing away their tools, thinking the season for vibrant blooms has passed. But fall doesn’t have to signal the end of your colorful garden display; it…

11 shade loving perennials

Hosta leaves

Looking for some shade loving perennials to add to your landscape? Here’s a list of herbaceous perennial plants that not only tolerate but thrive in shaded conditions. 1. Hosta Hostas are often considered the quintessential shade garden plant, and for…

How to grow asters

Asters

Time to learn how to grow asters? You’re in the right place! Asters come in various species and cultivars, ranging from New England Asters to Alpine Asters. Most prefer full sun but can tolerate light shade. These plants thrive in…

How to use a soaker hose

Close up of soaker hose material

Wondering how to use a soaker hose? While it can seem intimidating at first, it’s usually a straightforward process once you get going. To use a soaker hose, unroll it near the base of your plants, ensuring it’s free from…

What is a club apple?

What is a club apple

A club apple is a brand-name apple. These specific apple varieties are grown and marketed under a controlled and limited licensing agreement. Unlike common apple varieties, which any farmer can plant, club apples are grown by a select group of…

What to plant in September

Cover crops that can be planted in september in the garden

Wondering what to plant in September? As autumn approaches, gardening enthusiasts can not only look forward to a fruitful harvest but also to a new season of planting potential in the garden. From cover crops to fall veggies and beautiful…

Creating a garden

Creating a garden

Interested in creating a garden? While it can seem overwhelming, the truth is that anyone can cultivate a flourishing garden. The process provides numerous benefits, from fresh produce to mental well-being. Let’s get started on your new garden! To create…

What is a soaker hose?

What is a soaker hose

Wondering what is a soaker hose? A soaker hose is a special type of garden hose designed to let water seep out slowly along its length. When you turn it on, instead of spraying water out of an end like…

Butter King lettuce

Butter king lettuce

Butter King lettuce is a cultivar of butterhead lettuce known for its rounded, succulent, sweet-tasting leaves. This variety can be grown for baby greens but really shines when allowed to develop into a full, folded head. ‘Butter King’ is an…