In this ever-changing climate, it's high time we get strategic about our garden game. Creating a diverse list of the best plants to grow is like assembling a dream team of horticultural superheroes. By including a variety of resilient species, we can adapt to Mother Nature and ensure our garden stays vibrant and victorious, no matter what the climate throws at us. So, let's embrace the challenge, mix it up, and cultivate a garden that can weather the storm with style and swagger!
1 Christmas Fern (native) (Polystichum acrostichoides)
We are impressed by the winter hardiness of this delicate-looking plant. Height – 3’ (0.9m). Spread – 2’ (0.6m). Culture – part shade to full shade, medium to wet soil. Showiness Impact – silver-coloured fiddleheads in early spring. Hardiness zone: 3.
2 Japanese Painted Fern (Athyrium niponicum)
The contrast of silver and green makes this small fern a garden standout. Height – 1.5’ (0.45m). Spread – 2’ (0.6m). Culture – part to full shade, deer resistant. Showiness Impact – blooms mid-spring to late fall. Hardiness zone: 3.
3 Lady Fern (Athryium filix-femina)
Another winter hardy winner in our books. Height – 2.5’ (0.75m). Spread – 2’ (0.60m). Culture – part to full shade, deer resistant, prefers moist soil. Showiness Impact – blooms mid-spring to late fall. Hardiness zone: 3 (Winnipeg).
4 Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
A winter hardy tall fern, best in the back of a shady border. Height – 6’ (1.85m). Spread – 4’ (1.2m). Culture – part to full shade, deer resistant. Showiness Impact – blooms late spring to mid-fall, showy autumn colour. Hardiness zone: 3.
5 Dixie Wood Fern (Dryopteris x australis)
Another dominant metre and a half fern for the background of your garden. Height – 5’ (1.5m). Spread – 3’ (0.9m). Culture – part shade to full shade. Showiness Impact – feathery fronds. Hardiness zone: 5.
6 Geranium (Pelargonium)
Low maintenance! Allow to dry between watering, give lots of sun and well-drained soil. A winner for two centuries for a reason.
Height – 2’ (0.6m). Spread – 2’ (0.6m). Culture – full sun. Showiness Impact – blooms early June through the first frost. Hardiness zone: N/A.
7 Salvia ‘Victoria Blue’ (Salvia farinacea ‘Victoria Blue’)
Mark grows lots of this plant and enjoys the native bees that visit. Height – 2’ (0.6m). Spread – 1.5’ (0.45m). Culture – full sun. Showiness Impact – blooms spring, summer, fall. Hardiness zone: N/A.
8 Calendula (Calendula officinalis)
Easy to grow from seed. Easy
