2025 "Year of the" plants announced

Asclepias is a genus of herbaceous, perennial, flowering plants known as milkweeds, and is a member of the dogbane family, Apocynaceae. Named for their latex, milkweeds exude a sticky and milky substance where cells are damaged. Monarch butterflies rely exclusively on milkweed plants as a food source for their larvae, meaning that without milkweeds, there would be no Monarch butterfly.

Found throughout North and South America, there are many different species to choose from. Several are cultivated as ornamentals. Species that are native to your area are typically preferred, however, introduced species that are nonthreatening to native plants or ecosystems can coexist with the native plants. Know the status of the species for your region to prevent the expansion of harmful invasive species.

Milkweeds can be started in the garden in a variety of ways: by seed, dormant roots or live plants. They are low-maintenance, longtime bloomers that come back each year.

Caladiums are native to the tropical forests of South and Central America where they thrive in high heat and humidity. European horticulturists have been cultivating them from tubers for their striking foliage since the 1700s, but they did not become popular in North America until much later. After the Second World War, breeders began growing caladiums in Florida, where the vast majority of caladiums are still grown today. Lake Placid, Florida, is now known as the caladium capital of the world, producing more than 90 per cent of the world’s caladiums.

Site selection is key to growing vibrant caladiums. Choose a spot that receives filtered sunlight or light afternoon shade. While they love the shade, some tolerate full sun. Their most dramatic colours emerge with about four hours of dappled sun per day. When possible, shelter shade varieties from hot midday sun exposure which can cause fading or sun scorch damage.

As lower caladium leaves age and fade during summer, they can be removed by pinching at the base. This neatens their appearance and encourages new leaf production, so plants stay lush all season. 
 

Initially cherished by the Egyptians for its healing properties and beauty, calendula found its way to Europe through Roman influence, swiftly gaining popularity as both a therapeutic herb and an ornamental gem. Native to the sun-kissed Mediterranean region, calendula has become a global favorite among gardeners, thanks to its resilient nature that thrives in diverse environments. Its name, derived from the Latin “calendae,” symbolizes its perpetual blooming cycle, with fresh blossoms unfurling each month.

Calendula petals, beyond their visual appeal, serve as a source of yellow dye, earning the flower the endearing moniker “poor man’s saffron” for its ability to mimic the prized hue of saffron. The flowers are edible and offer a subtle peppery flavour, adding a vibrant touch to salads, soups and stews.

Direct sow in early spring when light frost is still possible and continue to sow every two to three weeks until early summer for fall flowers. Keep plants watered but avoid overhead watering as plants are susceptible to mildew.

First described in 1763 by French botanist Michel Adanson, scientists continue to discover wild monstera species, with two record-breaking varieties found in 2021. One species presents the largest known inflorescence of any monstera (M. titanium), with the inflorescence larger than a human head. The other possesses the largest leaves (M. gigas) — growing more than nine feet in length. Found in tropical regions of the Americas, monsteras can grow to amazing heights — some up to 90 feet tall.

As hemiepiphytes, monsteras grow roots in the soil, as well as air roots that attach to trees or other plants, absorbing nutrients and water from the air. Because these plants grow in tropical forests in the wild, it’s important to mimic those same conditions when growing Monsteras as houseplants. The many varieties may have slightly different water, humidity or light needs, so read the plant’s label or check with your local garden centre about your variety’s specific preferences. Leave aerial roots to help absorb water and nutrients from the air, or tie them to the support pole.

All Monstera species are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats.

This protein-rich vegetable is native to the Mediterranean region. Peas give back to the planet by capturing nitrogen from the air and creating their fertilizer, cutting down on inputs and boosting plants around or after them. If you plant peas and reuse the soil, the next crop will have a boost in yield that can be up to 10 per cent.

One little known, but important practice is controlled watering. After seeds are planted, peas benefit from light daily watering for up to two weeks until emergence. After roots are established, and a healthy plant has formed, they will only need half an inch per week or water every other day to avoid root rot issues.

Different types of peas come in various sizes, colours and vine types. They can be used as a row crop or trellised in your garden with vines to create a beautiful cascade for harvest throughout the season.

With dozens of species across the world, dogwood has been a part of human history for centuries. And since the 1800s, this group of trees and shrubs has become a garden favourite. From stunning flowers to colourful stems and berries, these plants offer qualities that are right at home in gardens. Many dogwoods are native to North America, making them useful for local insects and wildlife. For many, their spring blooms are considered a symbol of rebirth and renewal, and a sign to plant crops.

Dogwood are low-maintenance plants that don’t require much care once they’re established. Like other shrubs, dogwood requires regular watering to get established. After their first season, they should grow well with minimal watering. As dogwoods grow older, their stems begin to lose that distinct red or yellow colour. Pruning one-third of the oldest stems to the ground each year promotes younger stems with better colour. Ideally, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before the plants start growing.