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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.

12 apple tree diseases

Apple tree diseases

Apple trees are somewhat prone to disease. There are a number of common pathogens that tend to attack these fruit trees, and the differences between them can be tricky to navigate. Let’s look at the most frequently observed apple tree…

Blossom end rot

Blossom end rot on tomatoes

As a gardener, I know how frustrating it can be to spend months tending to tomato plants only to find that the fruit is plagued by blossom end rot. This condition is a common problem and can be particularly frustrating…

9+ best flowers for bouquets

Flowers for bouquets - floral arrangement tips

Are you seeking the finest flowers to craft your bouquets that look stunning? From roses and calla lilies to dahlias and tulips, there are many beautiful blooms that can be used in a bouquet. Are you in search of blossoms…

How to plant cabbage seeds

How to plant cabbage seeds

Wondering how to plant cabbage seeds? We’ll cover all the basics of planting cabbage seeds indoors or outdoors, caring for them after they’re planted, as well as common problems when growing seedlings. So let’s get started on your journey toward…

How to plant cauliflower seeds

Planting cauliflower seed

No matter your level of gardening expertise, planting cauliflower seeds both indoors and outdoors requires special attention to yield the best results. In this blog post we will explore how to plant cauliflower seeds, as well as tips on caring…

How to plant kale seeds

How to plant kale seeds

Wondering how to plant kale seeds? It’s easy when you know what steps need to be taken for successful growth. We’ll cover everything from how-to basics of getting those little green shoots sprouting up through caring for seedlings after they’ve…

Rose color meaning guide

Rose color meaning guide - symbolism of different colors in bouquets

Different rose colors have unique meanings in the language of flowers and have long been a way to communicate emotion without words. Red roses symbolize romantic love, while pink roses signify gratitude and admiration. White roses are used at weddings,…

10 red roses

Red rose varieties

Red roses are the classic symbol of love, beauty, passion, desire, and romance. There are hundreds of different varieties of red roses, but some are certainly more favored than others. Here are 10 of the most popular red roses to…

25 pink roses

Pink rose varieties

Pink roses symbolize confidence, elegance, joy, grace, sweetness, desire, and gratitude. While hundreds of pink rose varieties are available, here are 25+ of the most popular types to add to your garden. 1. Eden rose The Eden rose is a…

20 popular rose varieties

Rose varieties

Wondering which rose varieties are the most popular? From the Eden rose, Peace rose, Julia Child rose, Black Baccara rose, and Iceberg rose – there’s a cultivar for everyone. With so many different types available, you’ll be sure to find…

10 flowers to plant in April

Planting flowers in april - anna from kel lake garden center with mary jane duford

April is the perfect time to get your garden ready for spring. With so many gorgeous types available, selecting the ideal flowers for your garden can be tricky. From larkspur and forget-me-nots to sweet peas and poppies, there are plenty…

10 flower seeds to plant in April

Flower seeds to plant in april

Spring is the perfect time to plant! Here are some of the best flower seeds to plant in April. From marigolds to morning glories, zinnias to sunflowers, sweet peas to poppies – there’s something here for everyone. Get ready for…