Prunus x cistena This is one of the most commonly planted shrubs in Alberta It is used for its nice-looking maroon-coloured foliage, but it is one of the least hardy shrubs you can plant in our region It frequently dies back hard over winter, and doesn’t start looking “good” again...
Pinus contorta subsp latifolia Lodgepole pine is among my favourite trees, mainly because I grew up among them as a kid in the woods of Northern BC My parents both worked for the Forest Service and I spent a lot of time wandering around log yards as a preschooler The smell of fresh pine...
Tilia flavescens ‘Dropmore’ Tilia americana (Basswood) Tilia cordata (Little leaf linden) Tilia x mongolica ‘Harvest Gold’ Lindens are underutilized in Alberta, and I probably prune no nore than 1-2 specimens per year They have nice heart-shaped leaves, fragrant flowers,...
Syringa vulgaris This is one of my favourite shrubs, despite its propensity for suckering and potential for high-maintenance Common lilacs are ubiquitous, rock-solid hardy, insect and disease resistant, supremely drought-tolerant, and essentially bomb-proof Actually, if someone let off some...
Laurel leaf willow is an excellent large shade tree most suitable for large spaces such as acreages, parks, and very large back yards It is disease and insect resistant, and tolerates drought very well As with other willows, laurel leaf is a messy tree, shedding small twigs in branches...