Andrea’s Path to Plants

For all you “low-maintenance” gardeners heading to the garden centre this weekend, this post is for you.

There’s a reason these plants are considered a standard and stacked high at every Calgary nursery:
They can take on dry August heat, a rogue hailstorm, your “I went away for the long weekend” neglect, and still bloom all season long.

🪴Petunias: These come in all colours and sizes now. Look for Wave Petunias (perfect for trailing over containers) or Supertunias (less deadheading = more time to sip wine).

🪴Geraniums: Add height and bold colour to any container. They handle heat, chill, and an occasional accidental drought. Plus! pests aren’t fans.

🪴Sweet Alyssum: A quick-growing “filler plant” that softens edges and attracts hoverflies (the cute little bee lookalikes that actually eat aphids—yes please).

🪴Marigolds: Not my fave smell, but who can argue with those happy, poofy, sunshine colours? They repel bugs, sometimes deer, and keep blooming into fall for the bees. And you, of course.

And for your patio table:
Grab a pot of lavender (so soothing!) or a mixed herb container.
Just skip the basil unless you know exactly where your watering can is at all times. (Drama mama).

Watering tip:
Place your containers where you’ll walk by often. That way, you’ll enjoy them more and you might actually remember to water them. (We can hope.)