
Now I live in Canmore; AgCan Hardiness Zone 3b.
This is a foreign world. The trees are bare branches from October to May. Perennials are the plants that poke through the dirt in late April and die in the first frost in September. Annuals are plants we buy each year to fill our pots and hanging baskets. They last the summer and die - a long lasting cut flower really.
In our new home, we have a back garden. We are looking to plant some trees along the fence. How about some fruit trees? Then we can pick our own fruit in the autumn and we'll have blossoms in the spring. Fabulous! Errr no. We live in Canmore, in bear country. We are not allowed to plant fruit trees as they attract the bears.
Okay, how about a nice cyprus hedge? Lovely green and we won't clip it, just allow it to be wild and scraggy. Hahaha! Zone 3b remember? Waaaay too cold for cyprus (seriously??).
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Indian Paintbrush Castilleja miniata |
So to the tree nursery we go. We pay a fortune for a few sticks that I am assured will turn into trees. Several Trembling Aspen, a couple of River Birch and, the sole evergreen, a Rocky Mountain Fir which in 20 years may top the fence. Trees done, now to flowers....
But I am smarter now. Let's plant wild flowers in the garden. They are native, they will grow! I order wildflower seeds from a reputable nursery. I buy a "High Diversity Wildflower Mix", Harebell, Indian Paintbrush and Brown Eyed Susan. Totally suitable for our steep garden, well drained, part shade...
Then I read the instructions:
I guess we are not having wildflowers this year, or next year....
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