winter Archives | Carson Arthur

February 1 2019

Rock salt doesn’t mix well with grass, plants

It’s safe to say that this has been another terrible winter for the plants in the garden, what with the ups and downs in temperature and the insulating layer of snow seeming to be blow around, more than actually protecting, any of the plants in my beds.

Not to worry, your trees and plants can handle both of these conditions. What they have more trouble with are the ways we, as homeowners, handle these conditions. Specifically, the use of ice melters on our roads, walkways and drives and the products we choose.

This household hack will make your toboggan go the fastest

Carson Arthur Miscellaneous fun, sledding, tobogganing, winter 0

After trying every ‘hack’ out there (including bacon grease!) to make your sled speed down the hill, I found the winner!

January 16 2016

Weather and our gardens

Carson Arthur Gardening plants, winter 0

Recently I posted several photos on social media of my trees and plants covered in a sheet of ice. I received so many questions and emails asking about the unusual weather patterns and how this will affect the gardens. People are worried about their outdoor spaces and the impact of El Nino and global warming.

Here are some of the most common questions and their answers.

Will this warm weather hurt my trees and bulbs? Several of them have started to bud and I have crocus and daffodils poking through the soil.

While the warm weather isn’t ideal for your trees and shrubs, it’s the extremes that do the most damage.

December 11 2015

Seeing red: Making the outside of your home stand out

Carson Arthur DIY curb appeal, decorating, winter 0

One of my favourite parts of the holidays is the reappearance of red! That deep crimson or scarlet colour that ‘pops’ when the light levels are low and the skies are cloudy.

Often associated with Santa’s coat, this red is the perfect outdoor accent colour for your home to get you through December.

Before you run out and buy a lot of red elements, there are a few design tips that you should follow to make the outside of your home stand out:

Offset your red elements with green

I’m a huge fan of red with green boughs of cedar or balsam. The two play off each other extremely well because they are on opposite sides of the colour spectrum.

December 4 2015

DIY outdoor decorations

Carson Arthur DIY decorating, outdoor, winter 0

One of my many pet peeves around the holidays is the use of hanging baskets filled with branches and boughs. Now don’t get me wrong … I’m all for adding a little green to the front of the house, and using the existing hooks on the porch or on each side of the door is a great way to do it. Just make sure you do it right.

The reason hanging baskets look so good in the summer months is partially due to the trailing ivies and sweet potato vines that dangle down the sides. This hanging element creates a vertical line and fills the space (and hides the bottom) of the planter. I think the holiday baskets also need a hanging element instead of just a bunch of branches sticking out the top.

So here are two simple ideas for you to try at the front of your own home this year.