Greely: Early Aphid Detection Saves Garden $$ This Spring
- Identify aphids: Small, pear-shaped insects (green, black, etc.) on new growth.
- Scout early: Check undersides of leaves & tips weekly in late spring.
- Act fast: Use water sprays or wiping for small infestations.
- Go eco-friendly: Encourage beneficial insects, use insecticidal soap if needed.
- Prevent long-term: Focus on soil health, proper watering, and garden cleanup.
- Early action prevents costly damage and plant loss.
Spring is here in Greely, bringing vibrant growth but also potential garden pests like aphids. Catching these tiny sap-suckers early is crucial to protecting your plants and your wallet. Need help keeping your garden pest-free? Request a free quote from Clean Yards today!
Introduction: Spring Surprises in Your Greely Garden (Not Always the Good Kind!)
Hello Greely neighbours, and welcome back to the gardening season! After a long Ottawa winter, isn't it fantastic to see the snow melt and those first green shoots appear? Spring brings so much joy to our yards and gardens. But let's be honest, it sometimes brings *other* kinds of surprises too – the tiny, multi-legged kind that weren't on the invitation list for your beautiful landscaping.
We're talking about pests, and one common early arrival is the aphid. Think of them as tiny little party crashers showing up unannounced on your favourite plants, from tender new leaves on shrubs to your prized rose bushes. These minuscule sap-suckers might seem small, but they can multiply *fast*, causing real headaches for gardeners from Greely and Manotick right down to Osgoode.
Why bring up these little nuisances right as spring gets going? Because catching them early is *key*! Early detection saves your plants from stress and damage, protecting your landscaping investment. Spotting aphids (and other potential problems) sooner rather than later means easier, less costly solutions, keeping your garden healthy and thriving all season long. Let's get ready to spot these critters before they truly settle in!
Aphid 101: Getting to Know Greely's Uninvited Garden Guests
Okay, let's get properly introduced to these tiny tenants who didn't sign a lease. Think of aphids as the freeloading couch surfers of the insect world, setting up camp on your prized plants without so much as a 'how do you do?'. While small, their impact can be big, so let's learn what we're dealing with.
Question: What exactly *are* aphids?
Answer: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking the sap out of plants. Imagine tiny little juice boxes with legs, draining the lifeblood right from your favourite flowers and shrubs! They typically hang out in colonies, often clustered on new growth, stems, buds, and the undersides of leaves.
Question: What do they look like up close?
Answer: They're usually tiny, about 1 to 3 millimetres long – smaller than a grain of rice! Their bodies are often pear-shaped. What makes identification tricky sometimes is their colour variety; aphids can be green, black, brown, grey, yellow, pink, or even woolly white, depending on the species and what they're eating. Some generations might have wings (these are called alates), especially when a plant gets overcrowded, allowing them to fly off and start new colonies elsewhere in your yard or even drift over to your neighbour's place in Barrhaven.
Question: Why do they seem to appear overnight in huge numbers?
Answer: Ah, the aphid superpower: *crazy fast reproduction*! Especially in the mild spring weather we get here in Ottawa, female aphids can often give birth to live female young *without mating*. Yes, you read that right! One aphid can quickly become dozens, then hundreds. This explosive population growth is why spotting them early is so vital before they completely take over a plant.
Question: Which plants in my Greely garden are most at risk?
Answer: While aphids aren't the pickiest eaters, they definitely have favourites. Keep an extra eye on:
- Roses (a classic aphid magnet!)
- Tender new growth on trees and shrubs – especially vulnerable young plants like those you might be establishing using tips for Greely tree planting in clay soil this spring.
- Vegetable plants like beans, peas, potatoes, tomatoes, and leafy greens.
- Fruit trees like apple and cherry.
- Many annual flowers (like petunias) and perennials (like lupines).
Healthy, robust plants are generally better equipped to handle a few pests. Maintaining good overall plant health through practices like ensuring healthy soil structure, maybe informed by understanding Greely fall lawn aeration and its soil secrets, can make plants less appealing targets. Also, be mindful that weakened plants are more susceptible. Preventing plant stress by using proper techniques and tools, like knowing how to keep Greely garden tools sharp and clean to prevent disease spread, is a good preventative step. Remember, a healthy garden exists within a healthy yard – even having a thriving lawn, perhaps established using a Greely sod installation guide for tricky clay soil, contributes to the overall balance. If an aphid invasion feels like it's getting out of hand, exploring professional help through Clean Yards Landscaping Services is always an option to restore peace to your landscape. Our garden maintenance services can help keep pests in check.
The Aphid Aftermath: Why Ignoring Them Costs More Than Just Leaves
Okay, so we know what aphids are and how quickly they multiply. But what's the big deal? They're tiny! Surely a few little bugs can't cause *that* much trouble, right? Well, think again! Ignoring an aphid problem in your Greely garden is like ignoring a tiny leak in your roof – it starts small, but the damage can spread quickly and end up costing you a lot more than you bargained for.
Let's talk about the messy calling cards these critters leave behind:
- Twisted Sisters (and Brothers): Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the nutrient-rich sap. This feeding frenzy often causes leaves to curl, pucker, yellow, or become stunted. Your once vibrant plant starts looking sad and deformed, unable to properly photosynthesize (make food from sunlight).
- The Sticky Situation (Honeydew): As aphids feast, they excrete a sugary, sticky waste product called honeydew. Ew, right? This goo coats leaves and stems, making everything feel tacky. It's not just gross; it's also a dinner bell for ants (who often "farm" aphids for their honeydew) and wasps.
- Sooty Mold Scourge: That sticky honeydew creates the perfect breeding ground for a black, unsightly fungus called sooty mold. This mold doesn't directly infect the plant, but it covers the leaves, blocking sunlight needed for photosynthesis and making your beautiful landscaping look like it desperately needs a bath. Dealing with extensive sooty mold might even require a thorough Greely yard cleanup service to get things looking presentable again. Check out our transformations gallery to see how we revitalise yards.
But the damage isn't just skin deep. The real costs go further:
- Weakened Warriors: Constantly being drained of sap weakens your plants significantly. They become less vigorous, produce fewer flowers or smaller fruits (bad news for your veggie patch!), and are far more vulnerable to other stresses like drought, heat, or the harsh Ottawa winter. A severely weakened plant might not survive at all.
- Disease Vectors: Think of aphids as tiny, mobile hypodermic needles. As they move from plant to plant, they can easily transmit viral and bacterial diseases. One infected plant can quickly lead to problems spreading throughout your garden beds, turning a minor nuisance into a major plant health crisis.
- The Real Cost: Ignoring aphids means risking the health and survival of plants you've invested time, effort, and money in. Replacing dead shrubs or perennials isn't cheap, and the lost enjoyment of your garden is priceless. For gardeners in places like Metcalfe or anywhere with our relatively short growing season, there's less time for plants to recover from severe damage before winter sets in. Extensive damage might even necessitate a larger property clean up to remove dead plant material. Our teams also serve nearby areas, offering Marionville property cleanup and Metcalfe property cleanup services.
Protecting your investment involves vigilance. If things get out of hand, remember that professional help is available through various Clean Yards landscaping services. From specific tasks like a detailed city garden clean up service to broader advice, tackling the aphid aftermath promptly saves headaches later. If you're seeing widespread damage or just feel overwhelmed, don't hesitate to contact Clean Yards to discuss your options. Don't let these tiny terrors undermine your beautiful Ottawa garden!
Become an Aphid Detective: Your Spring Scouting Guide for Ottawa Gardens
Okay, grab your magnifying glass (or just your reading glasses!) – it's time to become an Aphid Detective! Spotting these tiny critters early in your Ottawa garden, *before* they throw a massive party on your favourite plants, is your best defence. Here’s your spring scouting guide.
When to Put on Your Detective Hat:
Think *spring*, specifically when things really start growing. For us here in Ottawa, that usually means late April through May and into early June. The key trigger is *new growth*. Aphids *love* those tender, juicy new leaves and stems emerging on your shrubs, trees, and perennials. Once you see that fresh flush of green, especially after a few milder days, it's game time! Keep an extra eye out after a warm spell following spring rains – conditions aphids adore.
Where to Focus Your Investigation:
Aphids aren't usually sunbathing on the tops of leaves. You need to look closer:
- Undercover Agents: Flip over leaves, especially the newer ones. Aphids often congregate on the undersides, hidden from plain view.
- Tip Top Targets: Check the very tips of new shoots and stems where growth is softest.
- Budding Problems: Inspect flower buds closely. Roses, a favourite in many Richmond gardens, are notorious for hosting aphids right on the buds.
- Stem Clusters: Look along the stems, particularly near the growing tips.
Pay special attention to known aphid favourites: roses, young maples (common near Kars and many Ottawa neighbourhoods), fruit trees, viburnums, lupines, milkweed, and many vegetable starts. Also, remember that your plant choices during landscaping material selection can influence susceptibility – some cultivars are naturally more resistant than others.
Your Aphid Detective Toolkit:
Honestly, you don't need much!
- Your Eyes: Your best tool! Get up close and personal with your plants.
- Magnifying Glass (Optional): Helpful for confirming if those tiny specks are indeed aphids, especially for differentiating them from specks of dirt.
- Good Light: Scouting is easiest on a bright day.
Scouting Frequency:
During the peak spring growth spurt (May-June), aim for a quick inspection once a week. Aphid populations can explode quickly, so regular checks are crucial.
Your Step-by-Step Scouting Mission:
- Choose Your Time: Pick a dry, bright day if possible.
- Select Key Plants: Start with known aphid favourites and any plants showing signs of stress. Don't forget plants near property edges; maintaining vigilance here is as important as a dedicated city property cleanup service for preventing pest reservoirs. Also, check ornamentals near areas that have seen recent disruption, as sometimes stress from nearby work like a new Ottawa sod installation can temporarily make plants more attractive to pests.
- Get Close: Kneel down or bend over. Don't be shy!
- Inspect Target Zones: Systematically check undersides of leaves, growing tips, buds, and stems on your chosen plants.
- Look for Clues: Tiny pear-shaped bugs (green, black, yellow, etc.), sticky residue (honeydew), ants crawling on plants (they farm aphids!), curled or distorted new leaves.
Found 'Em? Now What?
Don't panic! If you catch them early and the numbers are small, you often have simple control options (which we'll cover next!). But if you conduct your scouting and find a massive infestation that feels overwhelming, getting professional advice might be wise. You can always reach out to discuss your situation via the Clean Yards contact us page. Getting help might involve quotes, and providing clear feedback on landscape estimates ensures everyone is on the same page about the scope of work needed.
Ottawa Spring Aphid Watch Timeline:
Late April - Mid May
Begin scouting as new growth appears on deciduous trees and shrubs. Check early perennials.
Mid May - Late May
Increase vigilance. Check undersides of leaves on roses, maples, and fruit trees. Look for small colonies starting.
Early June - Late June
Peak aphid season! Scout weekly. Roses, vegetable starts, fast-growing annuals, and new shrub growth are key targets.
Early July
Continue monitoring, especially if weather remains mild. Populations may start declining in heat but can persist.
Happy hunting, Detective! A few minutes of scouting each week can save your beautiful Ottawa landscaping a lot of trouble down the road. Check out resources from the City of Ottawa on plants or the Ottawa Master Gardeners for more local gardening tips.
Winning the War (Kindly): Eco-Friendly Aphid Control for a Healthier Ottawa
Okay, Aphid Detectives, you’ve found the tiny culprits munching on your beautiful Ottawa plants. Now what? Before you reach for the heavy artillery, let's talk about waging war *kindly*. Eco-friendly aphid control is all about working *with* nature, not against it, to keep your garden healthy and buzzing with the *good* kinds of life. This approach is often called Integrated Pest Management, or IPM for short. Think of IPM as being a smart, observant gardener: watch first, prevent if possible, use the gentlest methods that work, and only escalate if absolutely necessary.
Step 1: The Power Wash & The Squish
Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best! If you catch aphids early on sturdy plants:
- Water Jet Power: A strong spray of water from your hose can physically blast many aphids right off the leaves and stems. Do this early in the day so plants dry quickly. It often needs repeating, but it's totally non-toxic!
- The Gentle Squish: Yep, it sounds a bit grim, but for small clusters on just a few leaves, gently wiping or squishing them with your fingers (wear gloves if you're squeamish!) is incredibly effective and targeted.
- Pruning Power: If aphids are heavily concentrated on just a few new shoots, sometimes simply pruning off those infested tips is the easiest way to remove the bulk of the population. Dispose of the cuttings properly – don't just drop them nearby! Thorough removal of infested material is key, sometimes requiring a dedicated Ottawa property cleanup service if the problem was widespread.
Step 2: Call in the Cavalry!
Your garden is an ecosystem, and it has natural defenders! Encouraging beneficial insects is a fantastic long-term strategy:
- Invite the Good Guys: Ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and certain types of tiny wasps *love* to eat aphids. Attract them by planting a diverse range of flowers, especially native species that provide pollen and nectar throughout the season. Herbs like dill, fennel, and cilantro are great choices. Avoiding harsh chemical sprays is *essential* to protect these allies. Building this biodiversity is important everywhere, from urban yards to areas like Vernon or Winchester where local habitats support these beneficials. A healthy overall yard environment, fostered by good lawn care, also provides habitat for these helpful critters.
- Companion Planting: Some plants can help deter aphids or act as "trap crops." Nasturtiums, for example, are often more attractive to aphids than your prized veggies – plant some nearby to lure aphids away. Strong-smelling plants like garlic, chives, onions, and marigolds can sometimes repel aphids when planted amongst vulnerable plants. Keeping garden beds tidy with proper mulching and edging can also make it harder for pests to hide and easier for predators to find them.
Step 3: Safer Spray Solutions (When Needed)
If physical and biological methods aren't quite cutting it, there are gentler spray options:
- Insecticidal Soap: This isn't your regular dish soap! Specially formulated insecticidal soaps disrupt the outer protective layer of soft-bodied insects like aphids, causing them to dry out. *Key points:* They only work on contact (you must spray the aphids directly), require thorough coverage (especially under leaves), and work best when applied during cooler parts of the day (early morning or evening) to prevent leaf burn. Always follow label instructions.
- Horticultural Oils (like Neem or Dormant Oil): These oils work by smothering aphids and their eggs. Dormant oils are used on woody plants before leaves emerge in spring. Lighter "summer" or neem oils can be used during the growing season, but *read labels carefully*. *Key points:* Apply when temperatures are mild (check label for specific range, usually between 4°C and 30°C), avoid spraying water-stressed plants, and test on a small area first. Again, thorough coverage is crucial.
Important Ottawa Considerations:
- Timing is Everything: Our spring can be unpredictable. Avoid spraying oils or soaps just before a freeze or during intense heat. Apply water sprays early enough for foliage to dry before cool evenings set in, reducing fungal risks.
- Prevention Pays Off: Good garden hygiene, like cleaning up fallen leaves and debris in the fall, reduces overwintering spots for aphids and their eggs. This is true whether you need a local cleanup or something broader like a Marionville yard cleanup service suggests for neighbouring communities. Also, keep an eye on areas bordering less-maintained spaces; ensuring pests don't migrate requires vigilance similar to needing a city property cleanup service for public boundaries. Consider reading our privacy policy and terms and conditions for service details.
Responsible Escalation:
These eco-friendly methods handle most aphid situations effectively, especially when caught early. If an infestation becomes truly severe despite these efforts, stronger treatments might be considered, but they should always be a last resort after exploring these kinder options first.
Quick Comparison of Eco-Friendly Controls:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Water Spray | Non-toxic, free, easy | Needs repetition, less effective on heavy infestations, may not reach all aphids |
| Wiping/Squishing | Highly targeted, immediate effect | Time-consuming for large areas, squeamish factor |
| Pruning Tips | Removes concentrated populations quickly | Sacrifices some new growth, only suitable for localized issues |
| Beneficial Insects | Natural, self-sustaining long-term control | Takes time to establish, requires habitat, won't eliminate all aphids instantly |
| Insecticidal Soap | Relatively safe, effective on contact | Must contact aphids directly, thorough coverage needed, can harm beneficials if sprayed directly |
| Horticultural Oil | Smothers eggs and insects, can be used preventatively (dormant) | Temperature restrictions, potential for leaf burn if used incorrectly, requires thorough coverage |
Fortify Your Flora: Long-Term Aphid Prevention Strategies
Alright, fellow Ottawa gardeners, let's play the long game against those pesky aphids! Instead of just reacting when they show up for brunch on your roses, we can build stronger, more resilient gardens that are less inviting targets in the first place. Think of it as giving your plants their own superhero training montage! Here’s how to make your garden landscape less attractive to these sap-suckers long before they arrive:
- Build Bodacious Soil: Healthy plants start underground. Our Ottawa region has diverse soils, from heavy clay near the Rideau River to sandier patches further out, often needing improvement. Regularly amending your garden beds with compost is key – it boosts soil structure and fertility, helping clay drain better and sand retain moisture. Healthy soil grows tougher plants that are less stressed and less appealing to aphids. Good practices like proper soil preparation and proper mulching and edging also conserve precious soil moisture and keep plant roots happy and protected.
- Water Wisely & Feed Kindly: Drowning your plants or pumping them full of high-nitrogen fertilizer is like rolling out the welcome mat for aphids. They *love* the lush, weak new growth spurred by too much nitrogen. Instead, water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong, deep root systems. Use balanced or slow-release fertilizers only as needed by your specific plants, rather than applying them automatically. Less stress equals fewer pests!
- Choose Your Champions: When selecting new plants for your landscape, look for varieties specifically labelled as resistant to aphids or common plant diseases. Planting a diversity of species, including beautiful native plants that are naturally well-suited to our sometimes-challenging Ottawa climate, also helps create a balanced garden ecosystem. This diversity attracts and supports beneficial insects – ladybugs, lacewings, and others – that are natural aphid predators! Learn more about our approach to landscaping.
- Keep it Clean (Garden Hygiene): Aphids and their eggs often overwinter on dead plant leaves and stems left in the garden. Consistent garden sanitation is surprisingly vital for pest prevention! Remove heavily infested plant parts promptly during the growing season. Clean your gardening tools, especially pruners, between plants if you've been dealing with pests or diseases. And *definitely* do a thorough fall cleanup. Leaving piles of garden debris is like offering aphids a cozy winter condo. Whether it's routine tidiness that might be part of a regular city yard cleanup service or a more extensive end-of-season effort, like the thorough fall garden clean up service needed in areas like Marionville, removing potential hiding spots cuts down future pest populations. Larger properties, perhaps like some you might find out near Metcalfe, particularly benefit from clearing potential overwintering sites for pests, sometimes requiring a comprehensive Metcalfe property cleanup service. Remember, a clean start in spring begins with a good clean sweep the previous fall – consider a professional Ottawa yard cleanup service if the task feels too overwhelming.
- Community Watch: Pests, unfortunately, don't respect property lines! Encourage your neighbours in places like Russell, Embrun, or Nepean to adopt healthy gardening practices too. A neighbourhood-wide effort towards healthy plants and clean yards makes everyone's garden landscape less vulnerable to widespread pest problems. Find us on Google for local service areas.
By focusing on these preventative strategies, you're not just fighting aphids; you're building a healthier, more vibrant, and naturally resilient garden ecosystem for the long haul. Happy gardening!
Estimated Aphid Control Method Effectiveness (Example)
*Effectiveness refers to removal from pruned area only. Overall impact depends on infestation level.
Greely Gardener's Quick Aphid Action Plan
Hey Greely neighbours! We know life gets busy, especially when the Ottawa sun finally starts shining. Who has hours for pest patrol? Don't let those tiny green (or black, or yellow...) party crashers ruin your lovely landscaping. Here’s your super-quick plan for dealing with aphids *before* they become a big headache:
- The 5-Minute Scan: Once a week in late spring/early summer, take a *quick* peek at your plants, especially roses, new shrubs, and veggies. Focus on the *tips* of new growth and *under* the leaves – that’s where aphids love to hang out. Spotting them early is half the battle! Your garden will appreciate the quick check, a silent thank you for keeping pests at bay.
- Hose 'Em Down!: See a small cluster starting? Grab your hose! A surprisingly strong blast of water (not *so* strong you damage the plant, mind you!) can physically knock many aphids right off. Do it in the morning so leaves dry quickly. It's fast, free, and surprisingly effective for light infestations.
- The Speedy Squish (If You Dare!): Got 60 seconds and aren't too squeamish? Gently wipe small groups of aphids off leaves or stems with your fingers or a damp cloth. It’s direct action! Remember, healthy plants fight back better, often starting with attention to essentials like proper soil preparation.
- Prune the Problem: If aphids are heavily clustered on just one or two new shoots, sometimes the quickest fix is to simply snip off that infested tip. Toss the cutting in the garbage or yard waste, not back into the garden bed! If you end up removing a lot of plant material across your yard, a good cleanup prevents recurrence – the kind of thorough job an Ottawa yard cleanup service handles helps remove hiding spots.
- Call for Backup (When Needed): Seeing aphids *everywhere*? Feeling overwhelmed? Sometimes the fastest solution is admitting defeat against the horde and getting advice. If a DIY approach with gentle soaps is considered, always check the label directions first – think of it like the product's terms and conditions for safe use. And if the infestation was severe, requiring significant plant removal, ensuring the area is properly cleaned afterwards, much like a dedicated Metcalfe garden clean up service would provide for neighbours down the road, can prevent lingering eggs or pests. Don't let aphids win – a quick response keeps your Greely garden gorgeous! Consider our Ottawa garden clean up services for help.
FAQs: Your Ottawa & Greely Aphid Questions Answered
Aphids love the tender new growth that pops up in spring! Peak activity in Ottawa usually runs from late May through June and into early July. They thrive in milder temperatures before the intense summer heat hits. Keep an eye out as soon as your perennials, shrubs, and trees start leafing out after the snow melts – early detection is key!
For small infestations, nature offers great solutions! A strong spray of water from your hose knocks them off. Gently wiping or squishing them works too (if you don't mind!). Encouraging ladybugs and lacewings by planting diverse flowers helps long-term. If considering gentle sprays like insecticidal soap, always read the instructions carefully, like you would review service terms and conditions before committing.
You betcha! Ants and aphids often have a "sweet" deal going on. Aphids excrete sticky honeydew, and ants love this sugary treat. The ants act like tiny bodyguards, protecting the aphids from predators in exchange for the honeydew. So, seeing lots of ants on a plant, especially new growth, is a strong clue you likely have an aphid issue brewing nearby in your Greely garden.
Some species can! While many aphids die off, certain types lay hardy eggs on dormant woody plants (like shrubs and trees) in the fall. These eggs survive the freezing temperatures and hatch in spring, ready to start new colonies. That's why a thorough fall cleanup, removing dead plant debris where eggs might hide, is so important – whether DIY or through a professional Metcalf yard cleanup service for larger areas.
While a few aphids usually won't kill a healthy, established plant, a severe infestation definitely *can*, especially on young or stressed plants. They weaken plants by draining sap, distort growth, and can transmit diseases. Think of it like a constant drain on the plant's energy, making it vulnerable. Protecting plant health through proper care during the initial garden install and beyond is crucial.
If you've tried water sprays and maybe insecticidal soap, but the aphids keep coming back strong or are covering multiple plants, it might be time for backup. If plants look very stressed (yellowing, wilting) or you feel overwhelmed, professional help can save time and potentially your plants. Services like a dedicated city garden maintenance service can provide ongoing monitoring and treatment options for persistent pest problems across Ottawa neighbourhoods like Nepean or Barrhaven.
Conclusion: Keep Your Greely Garden Green & Your Wallet Happy
So there you have it, Greely gardeners! Dealing with those tiny aphid invaders doesn't have to drain your energy or your bank account. The secret weapon? Catching them early! Being a vigilant *Aphid Detective* this spring is your best bet for keeping your beautiful landscaping looking its best and saving yourself bigger headaches (and costs!) down the road.
Remember your toolkit:
- Scout early and often, especially on new growth.
- Start with simple fixes like a blast of water or the tactical squish.
- Encourage nature's helpers – those beneficial insects love an aphid snack!
- Use safer sprays like insecticidal soap only when needed, following directions carefully.
- Play the long game with prevention: build healthy soil, water wisely, and keep things tidy.
Taking these steps helps keep your plants thriving, reduces the need for costly interventions, and lets you enjoy your outdoor space without unwanted guests crashing the party. A little vigilance now means a greener garden and a happier wallet all season long, whether you're in Greely, neighbouring Metcalfe, or anywhere across Ottawa.
Feeling overwhelmed by pests or just want your yard to look its absolute best? The Clean Yards team is here to help with everything from targeted pest advice to comprehensive landscaping and lawn care services. Give us a call or visit our website to learn how we can keep your Greely garden gorgeous! Don't forget to share this article with fellow Ottawa gardening friends – let's keep *all* our neighbourhoods green!
