Rock Garden Design Every Kamloops yard has a dry, awkward corner where nothing thrives — baked by summer heat, starved of moisture, and often full of gravelly, alkaline soil. A rock garden turns that “dead space” into a deliberate, drought‑smart feature using stone, gravel, and plants that love Kamloops conditions. Anchor with One Strong Boulder Start with a single boulder … Continue reading →
Hydrangeas are among the most beloved shrubs in Kamloops gardens, offering months of spectacular color from late spring well into fall. As summer winds down, those once‑vibrant blooms begin to fade—and this is when one of the simplest but most important hydrangea care tasks comes into play: deadheading. Deadheading in late summer keeps your hydrangeas looking fresh, helps them conserve … Continue reading →
Creating Beautiful, Resilient Landscapes in a Semi‑Arid Climate Kamloops gardeners know better than most that summer heat can be relentless. With long stretches of hot, dry weather and increasingly common water restrictions, choosing plants that thrive in drought conditions isn’t just practical — it’s essential. Fortunately, many beautiful, hardy plants are perfectly suited to our semi‑arid valley climate. This guide … Continue reading →
We are grateful to Megan Blackwell from the Invasive Species Council of BC for providing us with an update on the Japanese beetle situation in the Kamloops area. While she cannot confirm any specific locations, she has confirmed that adult Japanese beetles are now emerging and active in Kamloops. We encourage residents to keep an eye out and report any … Continue reading →
Heat Management, Harvest Abundance, and Preparing for Fall August in Kamloops is hot, dry, and often smoky. Gardens need steady care to stay productive and healthy. This is the month to keep watering consistent, harvest generously, and begin subtle transitions toward fall. Fruits & Vegetables Water deeply and consistently — Continue long soakings every 3–4 days. Drip irrigation or soaker … Continue reading →
Keeping Blooms Coming in a Hot, Dry Climate Deadheading — removing spent flowers — is one of the easiest ways to keep your garden blooming beautifully. In Kamloops’ dry heat, intense sun, and fast-draining soils, deadheading becomes even more valuable. It helps plants conserve energy, stay tidy, and continue producing fresh flowers through long summer stretches. Quick tip: Deadhead in … Continue reading →
We recently had the opportunity to learn how to successfully lift and divide irises from local expert gardener Anne Ritcey. Thank you so much for walking us through the entire process and generously sharing your expertise with us. We truly appreciate your time and guidance. Here are the step by step instructions: A MESS!!. A clump that is very overdue … Continue reading →
What To Do With Overgrown or Root‑Bound Containers By mid‑summer, even the healthiest hanging baskets and planters can start to look tired. When plants are growing in the ground, they have endless soil and space to expand. But in containers, roots eventually run out of room — and that’s when baskets begin to decline. The good news? Overgrown containers are … Continue reading →
Keep Summer Containers Blooming Hanging baskets and planters bring instant colour to patios and entryways, but they also dry out quickly and burn through nutrients faster than garden beds. With a little steady care, you can keep them lush, full, and blooming beautifully all summer long even in Kamloops’ 30–40°C heat. Watering: The Most Important Task Containers dry out far … Continue reading →
A shade cover for heat sensitive plants can reduce UV rays by 70%. Photo: Lee Valley Tools It’s a well-known secret that Kamloops gardeners have a gambling problem. One variety refuses to accept the conventional wisdom that you shouldn’t plant tomatoes before the May long weekend. “But it’s so hot already. A couple of weeks won’t matter,” … Continue reading →
