Welcome to The Fabulous Garden!

My name is Jennifer Arnott and I created this site to be a resource for people who want a garden they can be proud of.

Please scroll down this page to see my most recent posts, use the search box if you're looking for something specific, or select one of the following topics:

The Spring Garden: Timely Tips

Growing Tomatoes

Container Gardening

Jennifer Arnott in her garden
Long Branch By the Lake Garden Tour sign

Long Branch by the Lake Garden Tour 2016

On Saturday I attended the first ever Long Branch by the Lake Garden Tour, in the south west part of Toronto. Shortly after stepping out…

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Lilacs in bloom

How do I prune my lilacs?

I have a friend with a beautiful garden, designed and installed by professional landscapers. She loved it, but her one complaint was that her lilacs…

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sign saying Gardeners tend to soil their plants

Is your garden hungry?

Do your roses lack vigor? Your shrubs seem sparse? Your tomato plants puny? It may be that they’re hungry!  Plants take nutrients from the soil…

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dragonfly on bright green leaf

The gardener’s shadow

One key to a fabulous garden is being aware of what’s going on in your garden. My garden mentor often quotes the old adage “The…

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Monarda plants emerging in spring

What’s coming up in my garden?

Or how to make sure your garden gets better every year. Walking through my garden in spring is like meeting up with a bunch of…

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assortment of shade tolerant plants

What grows in shade?

“What do I plant in the shady areas of my garden?” is one of questions I’m asked most frequently. All plants need light, water and…

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annual and perennial flowers with The Fabulous Garden watermark

What’s the difference between an annual and a perennial?

“Are you looking for annuals or perennials?” is often the first question you’re asked when you go to a garden centre. “Erm…I’m not sure” can…

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close up of grass lawn

How do I take care of my lawn?

“Jen, when should I fertilize my lawn?” “Should I just put some topsoil on my lawn now?” “Hey, Jennifer, is this the right time to…

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Bouquet of cut flowers

How to buy cut flowers for a gardener

My husband gave me flowers on our first date. When I tell people that now they say “wow, that was gutsy” or some less polite…

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Which seeds should I plant right in the ground?

In a previous post I talked about how new vegetable gardeners can feel pressured to start their plants inside, from seeds, when really, they would…

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mosaiculture gardener planting a tree

How do you find gardening advice you can trust?

There are all sorts of website, people, and businesses willing to provide advice to gardeners, but the question, especially for the new gardener, is whose…

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Basil seedlings

What new gardeners need to hear about starting seeds

I believe a lot of new gardeners are being set up for failure. They’re told from multiple sources that growing their own plants from seed…

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Close up of the best zucchini bread

I couldn’t find it so I created it–The Best Zucchini Bread Recipe

My garden has entered that late summer stage where, as far as flowers go, it’s all about the dahlias and the black-eyed susans. Rudbeckia triloba…

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Bees in purple and white striped crocus

It’s too early for bees, isn’t it?

  That’s what I often hear people say when I talk about all of the activity taking place in my garden at this time of…

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Two stages of ladybug

Three stages of ladybugs

In late August I was walking through the front garden and something caught my eye. There were alien-like creatures clinging to the clematis and asparagus…   Ladybugs!…

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Pliers, wire and a thumb

How to Make a Wreath Out of Fresh Greenery (updated)

Making a Christmas wreath from scratch is not difficult but it does take time and patience. It takes me about 2 hours to create a…

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cement cast leaf

Cement leaf casting in Kingston

Last Saturday I spent the day playing with cement and plants in Kingston, Ontario. I was a student in a day long workshop at Leaf…

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Close up of ripe peaches

Canning for the first time

I’ve been afraid to start canning. Not scared that I wouldn’t be able to do it, but concerned that I wouldn’t be able to stop.…

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Flowers in flower shop

5 Ways to Save Money When Buying Cut Flowers

I have never regretted buying someone flowers. I don’t do it often, but based on the reactions I’ve received, I definitely should do it more.…

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