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Growing Flowers from Seed in Canada

by Ronald G. Robertson

111 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); illustrated; catalogue #06-1160; ISBN 1-4120-9406-2; US$15.64, C$17.99, EUR12.85, £9.00

The author describes the flower varieties he has raised from seed and grown in his garden during the past twenty years and encourages readers to do the same.

About the Book

Raising flowers from seed is something every Canadian gardener can do and there is enormous satisfaction in doing it yourself. It is inexpensive and not difficult so don't be put off by those who say you must have a green thumb. Just follow the instructions on the seed packet and the seed will do the rest. In fact, most flowers are as easy to grow as vegetables.

The author describes the flowers grown from seed. He records his successes and failures, the different varieties he has grown and the ones he recommends for climatic zone 5a. Since 1986, he has created 20 different gardens as he expanded flowerbeds, cut into lawns and coaxed odd corners of his garden into bloom. Each year's garden is significantly different from the previous ones, made necessary as he turned out an abundance of seedlings that had to find growing space somewhere. By choosing different varieties a unique garden is possible as you are not restricted to plants available at your local garden centre. Take walks in your neighbourhood to see which flowers do well and the ones that appeal to you. Then buy seeds appropriate to your local plant hardiness zone. There are hundreds and hundreds of varieties available and I have indicated those that have done well for me and chosen to grow again.

To read a review of this book, please visit Trafford's Authors' Scrapbook

About the Author

Ronald Robertson was born in Aberdeen, Scotland in 1933 and graduated BSc(Forestry) at Aberdeen University in 1954. After National Service as an instructor in the Royal Army Educational Corps, he worked for the Ghana Forest Department as an Assistant Conservator of Forests from 1957 - 1961.

In 1962 he graduated from the Aberdeen College of Education with a Teacher's Certificate and then worked as a Forestry Officer with the Northern Nigerian Forest Service for three years. He taught school in Shetland Isles for one year and then immigrated to Nova Scotia in 1966, where he has lived since, working as a forester with the Nova Scotia Department of Lands and Forests, until retirement in 1991.

During his years with Lands and Forests he worked in Silviculture and Extension Divisions, and wrote a number of technical publications relating to Silviculture. He taught a Forest Management Course at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College for a number of years. Wherever located, he has always been interested in flower gardening and took it up seriously in 1986. Married to Heather, he has 2 sons, 1 stepson, 3 stepdaughters and has lived in Truro since 1966.

Excerpts