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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.

Big Max pumpkin

The Big Max Pumpkin is a giant pumpkin cultivar with bright orange skin and fine-grained, yellow-orange flesh. They often reach over 100 pounds and have a more rounded shape than some of the blob-like giants. This variety is also easier…

Dickinson pumpkin

The Dickinson pumpkin is an elongated American heirloom winter squash with dense flesh. These pumpkins have a tan-colored rind with slight ribbing and weigh 10-14 pounds each. They are commonly grown in Illinois, as the plants thrive in temperatures around…

Fairytale pumpkin

Fairytale pumpkin - musquée de provence variety

What are Fairytale Pumpkins, and what makes them different from other pumpkin types? The Fairytale pumpkin, also known as Musquée de Provence, is a medium-large tan-colored French heirloom pumpkin cultivar. These pumpkins have deep ribs all around the pumpkin, giving…

Seminole pumpkin

Small seminole pumpkin

It can be difficult to find fruits and vegetables that will grow in particularly harsh, hot, and humid conditions. However, the Seminole pumpkin is a plant that does exceptionally well in such climates. The Seminole pumpkin is a rich, sweet…

Porcelain Doll pumpkin

Porcelain doll pumpkin

Porcelain Doll Pumpkins are unlike any other pumpkin variety available. But what makes them so special? The Porcelain Doll pumpkin is a large hybrid pumpkin cultivar known for its pale pink-colored rind and fundraising connection for Breast Cancer awareness. The…

Atlantic Giant pumpkin

Atlantic giant pumpkin

Atlantic Giant Pumpkins are known as the world’s largest pumpkins! Often grown for competitions, these huge pumpkins can prove tricky for inexperienced gardeners. The Atlantic Giant pumpkin is the most popular giant pumpkin variety. These record-setting squash can grow to…

Sugar Pie pumpkin

Sugar pie pumpkin

It can be difficult to choose the right type of pumpkin for making pureed dishes! Fortunately, the Sugar Pie is a widely available, excellent choice. The Sugar Pie pumpkin is a small heirloom pumpkin cultivar known for its sweet, fine-grained…

Jarrahdale pumpkin

Looking for one of those classic blue-green heirloom pumpkins? You just might be searching for the Jarrahdale! The Jarrahdale pumpkin is a medium-large heirloom pumpkin cultivar with a distinctive blue-grey peel color. The average weight of a ripe Jarrahdale pumpkin…

15+ purple tomatoes

Purple tomatoes

Purple tomatoes are among the most flavorful tomatoes available. Their characteristic taste is deep and complex, with a perfectly balanced sugary sweetness and crisp acidity. Many have an earthy aroma and an almost smoky taste. Here are 15+ of the…

Hostas for sun

Hostas for sun

Hostas have such a tropical look that it makes sense to want to plant a few in the sun! While most varieties scorch in full sunlight, a few grow their best when planted in sunny spots. Here are the 10…