ASK THE EXPERT: Gardening Pro Steve Whysall

 

Looking to create the perfect green space or just stuck in a gardening rut? Get all the guidance you need from gardening extraordinaire Steve Whysall at the upcoming BC Home + Garden Show, happening February 20-24 at BC Place.

The respected Vancouver Sun columnist, blogger for In the Garden and best-selling author will be on hand to share his wisdom on all things growing and green at the always-popular Vancouver Sun Gardeners School.

From learning the basics of seed planting to perfecting your own distinct gardening style, Steve will tell all through these presentations:

• My Favourite Gardens: A Tour of the Best Gardens in European Wednesday, February 20 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m.


• Gardening for Kids on Family Day, Thursday, February 21 at 3 p.m.


• Gardens with Style: How to Achieve a Classy Look with a Definitive Edge on Friday, February at 4 p.m. and Sunday, February 24 at 4:30 p.m.

For now, get a jumpstart on spring with Steve’s top five tips for gardening glory!

1. Draw up a master plan. It is better to have a design drawn up rather than working as the mood takes you but be sure to also retain an air of mystery – it’s best if people are kept guessing what’s around the corner!


2. Always put in your “hardscaping” first. Paths, walls, fences, patios, arches and arbours should be installed before any planting and later, tastefully softened by intelligent planting.


3. Always pick the right plant for the right spot. Get to know the site’s conditions and then look for a plant that will thrive in those conditions. In addition, be sure to consider shapes, structures and colours when picking plants to ensure they look terrific in more than one season.


4. Hit the heights: Grow climbers, such as roses and clematis, into trees and over arches and up pillars and along pergolas. The idea is to get people looking up which adds interest and keeps the garden full of surprises.


5. First impressions count! Give your garden a good entrance and make sure it tells people they are welcome once they get inside. Whether it’s a gate or inviting sitting spots, send a clear message that your garden is a warm, inviting, social place.

Perfect for a beginner gardener, these tips may have just inspired me to get started on my next outdoor renovation project! For more expert advice from this gardening guru, don’t miss Steve at the Vancouver Sun Gardeners School throughout the BC Home + Garden Show this month!