Author: Garden Bench
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Drip Irrigation can save you time and money and produce healthier plants
Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations across North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities.Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was established…
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Drought tolerant ornamental grass: Tough grass, no fuss
Ornamental grasses are popular in our area for a reason. Grass maintenance is minimal. They are versatile and come in many heights, shapes and colours. Some are evergreen, replacing the need for small conifers; some are tall enough to replace many shrubs; some are short enough to be used as groundcover. Ornamental grasses provide food…
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The living legacy of heirloom seeds for your garden
As spring rushes in and gardens begin to wake, it’s a moment to think about growing something exciting this season. Consider heirloom varieties. From vibrant flowers to flavorful fruits and vegetables, heirloom seeds bring history, resilience, and character into a small garden pot or plot. What is an “Heirloom seed”? Heirloom seeds are cultivated varieties…
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Spring soil prep: The key to a thriving garden
Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was…
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Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was…
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Vegetable gardening for beginners
With some planning, a first garden can provide years of enjoyment and fresh home-grown produce. Gardeners should focus on two basics: how to build the garden and which vegetables they enjoy eating. Creating a new vegetable garden takes thought and planning. Some things to consider when building your garden are: • Six to eight hours…
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Time to get ready for next year’s garden
Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was…
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Preparing your garden for winter interest while preparing for spring
Master Gardeners are part of a network of not-for-profit associations throughout North America. Members share a common interest – a passion for gardening and a willingness to share (at no cost) environmentally responsible gardening knowledge within their communities. Operating under the umbrella of the British Columbia Master Gardeners, the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners chapter was…
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Growing together: Reimagining lawns, my sheet mulching experiment
If you’re anything like me, your lawn might not exactly be Instagram-worthy. In fact, mine turned into a patch of dead grass with weeds clinging to life. We stopped watering it years ago to conserve water, which was great for the planet — but not great for curb appeal. After reading countless articles about paper…
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Battling Invasive Plants in Kamloops
Kamloops and the Thompson-Nicola region are home to distinctive ecosystems shaped by a dry climate, rolling grasslands, and riparian corridors. These landscapes support diverse native plants and wildlife but are increasingly threatened by invasive plants — non-native species that spread aggressively and disrupt ecological balance. Why Invasive Plants Are a Problem Without the natural checks…