Lina's Garden Journal

Tag: Trees

  • Why you need a serviceberry tree

    Why you need a serviceberry tree

    I read a lot of online gardening forums and I’ve noticed one central theme: native gardening. As gardeners increasingly prioritize biodiversity and climate resilience, one particular tree has emerged as a premier selection for those seeking a high-performance native alternative to traditional ornamental trees —and that my friends is the serviceberry.

    Serviceberry trees offer a year-round visual narrative that begins in early spring with a prolific display of white, star-shaped blossoms. I was fortunate to witness these “bloomin’ beauties” this past week in my community garden.

    A moment of “awe”. Watching the local serviceberry trees on Monday (left) and later Monday (right).

    Serviceberry flowers serve as a critical early-season nectar source for pollinators before transitioning into edible pomes (i.e. a type of fruit from the rose family) by mid-summer. These berries, which shift from crimson to a deep purplish-black, are often compared to a blueberry with a mild almond finish. Yes, the fruit is edible to humans and can be used in jams, jellies, and pies. Like apples, you will have better fruit production with a second tree. Keep in mind: you will compete with local bird populations for the harvest.

    Capable of reaching heights of eight to 10 metres, the serviceberry can be maintained as a multi-stemmed privacy screen or pruned into a traditional single-trunk focal point. Though still young, I am hopeful that my own serviceberry will achieve it’s full glory in a few more years as it continues to grow at a moderate pace.

    Hardy from Zones 4 to 7, the serviceberry requires minimal intervention once established. Its adaptability extends to the soil, where it thrives in the moist, acidic conditions common across its native range in Ontario. Experts recommend ensuring adequate airflow to prevent powdery mildew during humid cycles, but otherwise, the tree stands as the perfect investment for the ecologically conscious gardener.

    As for my dog? Less enthused about this Ontario native marvel.
  • Emmy and the Japanese Lilac Tree

    Emmy and the Japanese Lilac Tree

    Every gardener knows that feeling: you’re gazing out at your meticulously planned landscape, or perhaps even a wilder corner of your yard, and there it is – a gap. An empty space where something should be. For my dad, Emmy, that gap was in his backyard, a spot crying out for something special, something that would offer beauty, structure and privacy without demanding constant fuss.

    Last year, Emmy found his answer in the Ivory Silk Japanese Lilac tree. And let me tell you, it’s quickly becoming a star.

    Why the Ivory Silk, you ask?

    Unlike the familiar lilac bushes that burst with fragrant purple blooms in spring, the Ivory Silk is a true tree, and it has a few tricks up its sleeve that make it incredibly appealing, especially for someone like Emmy who appreciates both beauty and resilience.

    First off, the bloom time. While most spring-flowering trees and shrubs are winding down by late May, the Ivory Silk is just getting started. Come mid-to-late June, when the garden might be looking a little sleepy after its initial explosion of colour, this tree erupts in magnificent, foot-long clusters of creamy-white flowers.

    Imagine the delight of a “second spring” in your garden, just when you thought the show was over!

    Emmy was drawn to its neat, oval-to-rounded shape, and the price was right. He bought and planted it at the end of June! Even as a young tree, it promised a tidy presence, destined to become a beautiful specimen without overwhelming its surroundings. It’s the perfect choice for a backyard centerpiece or even a corner gap.

    More Than Just a Pretty Face: A Gardener’s Dream

    What makes the Ivory Silk truly shine in a gardener’s eyes (and especially my dad’s, who values practicality) is its incredible toughness. This tree is a trooper!

    • Urban Warrior: It laughs in the face of city pollution and even road salt, making it ideal for urban and suburban settings.
    • Soil Tolerant: While it appreciates good drainage, it’s not overly picky about soil type, happily growing in clay or alkaline conditions.
    • Pest Resistant: A major win for any gardener! Unlike some of its lilac cousins, the Ivory Silk is highly resistant to powdery mildew, scale, and borers. This means no spraying and more enjoying!
    • Lovely Bark: Even in winter, when the blooms and leaves are gone, the tree still offers beauty with its attractive reddish-brown bark, adorned with cherry-like horizontal lenticels1.

    Emmy’s tree, planted just last year, is settling in beautifully. He’s looking forward to many years of those spectacular late-season blooms filling that once-empty spot with grace and elegance. It’s a testament to choosing the right plant for the right place – a decision that brings joy to both the gardener and the garden itself.

    1. lenticels are raised pores in the stem of a woody plant that allows gas exchange between the atmosphere and the internal tissues. ↩︎
  • Goldie: The Golden Weeping Willow Tree

    Goldie: The Golden Weeping Willow Tree

    A Sustainable Landscape Solution

    Planting a weeping willow tree near our pond was more than just a practical fix for flooding in a low-lying area —it was a way to harmonize with the natural environment. This elegant tree, combined with complementary plants (like cattails and sedges) lining the pond, turned a challenging wet area into a beautiful, functional part of our property. It is one of my favourite additions to the yard. If you’re facing similar issues and you have the space, consider embracing the weeping willow as a graceful and effective solution.

    Goldie and my dog
    popping cattails
    Goldie was planted in May 2021 (on the left) and she’s posing with today’s birthday girl back in August 2024 (on the right). Happy birthday sister!