Plant alternatives that will help your garden flourish!
With busy schedules and summer plans it can be hard to find the time to trim and take care of high-maintenance plants. However, when it comes to beautifing a garden, you won't want to sacrifice aesthetic. Unless you have an extremely spacious backyard, choosing what to plant in your garden is cruicial as some plants take on a life of their own. We spoke with Gardening Expert Owen Reeves to find out alternatives for crowd-favourite plants!
Japanese Spurge vs. Canadian Ginger
Japanese Spurge is typically used as good ground cover but it often becomes more than what people are looking for and is an invasive plant. It's hard to keep it under control and it can take over your garden before you even realize it. Additionally, it actually isn't good for our local environment. Instead, Canadian Ginger has similar characterisitcs but it's a native plant meaning that it will adapt to environment conditions. While it also is capable of effective ground cover and grows aggressively, it's a lot better for your surroundings!
Lily of the Valley vs. Sweet Woodruff
As beautiful as Lillies of the Valley are, they are hard to keep in check. They are most liked for the white details and is a classic plant to have in most gardens. While they are common to see in backyards, and look great in photos, it's not a native plant and can be poisonous to the environment. On the other hand, Sweet Woodruff will flourish in Canadian gardens without the harmful effects.
Ribbon Grass vs. Japanese Sedge
Similar to the other plants mentioned, Ribbon Grass tends to take over and spread out of control. If you don't want your plants to grow into your neighbours yard, opt for Japanese Sedge instead. It will stay in one area, making it easier to maintain and you won't get any complaints from those that live beside you!
Purpleleaf Sandcherry vs. Summer Wine Ninebark
Purpleleaf Sandcherry is yesterday's news. As beautiful as it is, Purpleleaf Sandcherry is overdone. If you're ready to set new trends in your backyard, try out Summer Wine Ninebark. It's a native shrub that is extremely versatile and works great for hedges! If you're worried about missing out on the same colour characteristics as Purpleleaf Sandcherry, don't be. You won't have to compromise on the stunning aesthetic that looks great in fall.
Ostrich Fern vs. Cinnamon Fern
Ostrich Ferns can grow to be about 3 or 4 feet tall which can be a bit overwhelming for small gardens. Stopping them from spreading too much is a challenge and so is maintaining them. Instead, the native Cinnamon Fern looks almost identical! Cinnamon Fern looks almost identical but doesnt spread nearly as much and can be tamed.
