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Jennifer Cole

Invited by the Canadian Garden Council to be an ambassador for the Year of the Garden 2022, Jennifer is a garden enthusiast, writer, and alumni of Simon Fraser University. Her bylines have appeared in the opinion section of the Toronto Star, and her portfolio includes articles for Chatelaine online, Reader’s Digest, Canada’s History Magazine, and Modern Farmer magazine, among other newspapers, magazines, and websites across Canada. When not writing, you can find her visiting local garden centers or puttering, planting, and nourishing her urban garden oasis in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia.

77 Articles

Plant of the Month: Daffodils Are A Sure Sign Of Spring

Have you spotted the daffodils popping up in your garden? Our plant of the month is a sure sign of spring; Jennifer Cole tells us all about them.

Taking Notes: Journals Are Essential To Thriving Gardens

No two gardens are the same, so a journal is handy! As we prepare for another growing season, Jennifer Cole offers tips on what to note for healthier plants.

Starting Seeds With Soil Blocks Is Plastic-Free And Easy To Do

Forget plastic seed starting pots and trays this growing season; try soil blocking! DIY soil blocks are easy and offer the perfect starter home for seeds.

What To Do When Plants Forget To Sleep During A Mild Winter

A mild winter causes challenges in the garden when plants forget to sleep and bloom early. Jennifer Cole offers tips for managing garden mood swings.

Tiger Nuts: A Homegrown, Climate-Friendly Superstar

Want to know a secret? ‘Tiger nuts’ is one of the most-searched terms on GC’s website! So we dug deeper and learned more about this climate-friendly superfood.

Plant Of The Month: Witch Hazel Is A Perfect Addition To Biodiverse Gardens

Witch hazel is known for its medicinal properties, but it’s also excellent for creating biodiversity in the garden. Jennifer Cole offers some growing tips.

The Gardener’s Forecast: Almanacs, Weather Stations, or Groundhogs?

Do you depend on a groundhog to predict plant dates for your spring garden? If Punxsutawney Phil isn’t your go-to, plenty of reliable sources can help you plan!

Plant of the Month: When the Primroses Bloom, Spring is Just Around the Corner

You might notice primrose selling fast at nurseries or blooming in the garden! This cheerful beauty signals that spring and another growing season are near.

Squirrels Driving You Nuts? 7 Ways To Keep Them Out Of The Garden

National Squirrel Day was January 21st, a weird thing to celebrate considering they cause so many issues in the garden. Follow these tips to keep them out!

Winter Watering 101: Plants Undercover Still Need Moisture!

While Mother Nature cares for gardens throughout the winter with rain and snow, container plants left undercover still need water! Here’s how to do it.

Everything You Need To Know About Subscribing To A CSA Box

Are you looking for a CSA box subscription? CSAs are an excellent way to eat well through the seasons and support local farmers. Our guide will get you started!

Dear Santa: Sustainable Gift Ideas For The Eco-Friendly Gardener

A wish list to continue good gardening deeds next year!

A Dirty Kid Is A Happy Kid – Inspiring The Younger Generation To Love Soil

As a follow-up to World Soil Day, Jennifer Cole chats with soil expert Lewis Fausak, author of a children’s book that encourages falling in love with soil.

Plant Of The Month: The Christmas Rose Blooms During The Year’s Darkest Days

Blooming when everything else in the garden is fast asleep, Hellebore niger, or the Christmas Rose, brings joy to the garden in the darkest days of the year.

Merry & Bright: Turning The Garden Into A Holiday Treat

As many of us start decorating for the holidays, Jennifer Cole shares a tale of a gardener’s Christmas spirit and making her outdoor space merry and bright.

Plant Of The Month: Hardy Cyclamen Adds Interest To The Late Fall And Early Winter Garden

It’s a garden gift that keeps on giving! In our Plant of the Month feature, Jennifer Cole talks about the wonders of hardy cyclamen throughout November.

Halloween With A Twist: Carving Turnips, Bell Peppers, And Even Watermelons!

Ready to have some spooky fun? While pumpkins are the traditional choice for carving, turnips, peppers, and melons are perfect for Halloween too!

Tips For Safely Foraging Wild Foods

A desire for local, healthy food has sparked a newfound interest in foraging edible plants in the wild. This guide will help you safely plan your adventure!

The Virtual Way To Shop Farm-Fresh Produce

Not all outdoor farmers’ markets run through the colder months, but many virtual options do! And who doesn’t want fresh, local produce year-round?