Plants - All

Sunflowers are a must-grow annual each season - their bright, cheery faces make me smile, and I absolutely love them in fall bouquets. They're always covered in bees of all sizes, even ladybugs. Then the birds, squirrels and chipmunks feast on the seeds.

I adore Ring of Fire, with their chocolate brown centres surrounded by golden yellow petals that turn to red. People ask me about them every year. I find the more sun they get, the deeper the red colour.

Ring of Fire is a basal branching variety, so you get multiple blooms off each plant. When you're tight on space, this is a bonus. Succession plant the seeds for continuous blooms.

Chipmunks and squirrels LOVE sunflower seeds and small shoots, and will relentlessly dig up the seeds and/or chop the tender plants off. My neighbours have heard my sobs and swearing in equal measure over the years. Here are my tried and tested ways to fight them:

1. Direct sow seeds in containers or pots, then completely cage them with small-holed wire mesh (forget plastic - they will eat right through it) for as long as possible
2. Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before last frost, then transplant to the garden with tall, wire mesh collars around the seedlings and DO NOT remove all season

Note: I learned the hard way that sunflowers are allelopathic, meaning they give off toxins that impede the growth of or even kill other plants. They also deplete soil of nutrients. Because I grow so much food in containers, I now grow my sunflowers in separate pots and place them near their fruit, veg and herb companions

Type: Annual

Height: 4-5 ft.

Light: full sun

Soil: heavy feeders, sunflowers need organically-rich soil that's well draining

Planting: Sow in warm soil after the danger of frost, 1/2" deep, 6" apart

Harvest: 8-12 weeks

A delightful stiped cherry tomato made up of yellow, red + orange striations, Sunrise Bumblebees look absolutely stunning on a bed of greens or in a caprese salad. Juicy + lower acid than a standard red tomato, these heirlooms are deliciously sweet with crack-resistant skin. Harvest regularly to keep the plant producing.

Indeterminate + requires staking

$4 each or

3 for $10 (save $2!)

A perfectly potted ready to go succulent with a Thanks for Helping me Grow plant sign. Perfect gift for Mom! Comes in a variety of pots and succulents.

Light: Bright indirect light 

Watering: Let dry out between watering 

Pet Safe: Yes

Care: Easy

Carnivorous plant 

The lowest of care plants!  A variety of shapes and sizes add dramatic flair to any living space.

Light:  Bright, indirect light.

Watering: Soak in water once a week and let completely dry.

Care: Easy

Pet Safe: Yes

If purchasing online, the air plant may vary. You will receive the size purchased but exact look can vary.

This rare, hard to find snake plant variety is native to the African Congo and has lovely rounded leaves with variegated leaves and white edges.

Light: Low light but will thrive in bright indirect light. No direct sun.

Water: Allow to completely dry out before watering deeply.  Overwatering will kill this plant.

Pet Safe: No

Care: Easy

A beautiful low light plant