The Green Perspective
Mahogany Gardeners, summer is here and many
of us are continually working on our yards and gardens. With the rising cost of
food, and many wanting to reduce our carbon footprint, below is a list of a few
trees and fruiting shrubs I have grown in the Calgary area. I recommend digging
a hole a minimum of twice the size of the existing root ball and installing a
good quality garden soil, as most of the existing soil is clay heavy and of
poor quality.
Smokey Saskatoon
Amelanchier alnifolia ‘Smokey’
Considered a medium to large shrub, it may
reach up to three meters tall and two meters wide. It produces white flowers in
the spring followed by purplish blue berries in August. Saskatoons are best
eaten fresh or used in pies and jams. Very hardy, easy to grow, and requires
minimal maintenance.
Raspberries
Anyone that has grown Raspberries has a
love hate relationship with them. Raspberry plants not properly maintained can
take over a small space very quickly. The old canes should be removed every two
years, or you will be large with many dead canes after a few years. If you have
the space and enjoy fresh raspberries, plant a few this spring. They work well
along fences in a sunny location.
Ken Jackson
MCA Director of Environmental Stewardship
