Wes Porter

Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.

Most Recent Articles by Wes Porter:

Wych Witch Hazel Is Which? October 8, 2019

Medicinal witch hazel

Gardeners are Optimistic and Live Longer October 1, 2019

Questions We’re Asked: Rubber Plant Erasers September 30, 2019

The Rubber Plant, Ficus elastica

Golf Courses: The Sport That Greens September 29, 2019

A great golf course is like a beautiful, unattainable woman – full of challenges, surprises, difficulties and delights

Language of Flowers September 22, 2019

Is the Language of Flowers, if not dead, at least badly wilted? Perhaps not.

Passion for Pawpaw September 15, 2019

Although usually known as the Common Papaw, its popularity amongst early European colonists is attested by numerous other names. These included Quaker Delight, Hillbilly Mango, Hoosier Banana, Ozark Banana, Michigan Banana, Kentucky Banana, Indiana B

Saffron: Culture and History September 8, 2019

Today, while saffron is widely grown commercially in Spain, India and China where labour is relatively inexpensive

Discouraging squirrels with Daffodils September 1, 2019

All daffodils are botanically Narcissus. They are also poisonous. Not surprisingly, squirrels, deer, mice and other pests shun them.

Questions Often Asked: Shrubs with Colourful Fruit August 31, 2019

Selecting flowering shrubs

Healthy Tobacco: Rise of Biopharming August 24, 2019

Ironical then, that studies, genetic engineering of Nicotiana tabacum, the most widely grown non-food plant in the world and one of the most easily eliminator health hazards, should contribute to the cure of many of the planet’s ills

Thomas Blaikie Scottish Gardener to French Nobility August 17, 2019

Daisy, Daisy, Give Me Your Answer Do August 10, 2019

Horticulturalists, realizing the versatility of Bellis perennis, have created single- and double-flowered cultivars to brighten beds and borders

PLANTS LACK A CONSCIOUSNESS: SCIENTISTS August 3, 2019

Questions Often Asked: Dog Days of Summer July 30, 2019

Dog Star, Sirius

Bowling Greens July 29, 2019

The world's oldest preserved bowling green is that in Southampton, England

Berried Treasures—Elderberries July 28, 2019

Tolerant of many garden soils, it must be admitted that when not in bloom or berry it has no particular attraction. Except in very large gardens it is best cultured as a background shrub.

The Great French Wine Blight July 27, 2019

Small areas remain phylloxera-free in France, Spain, Italy and Sicily, California, and several areas in Western and South Australia

Watercress, Truly a Superfood July 20, 2019

High in nutrients and especially vitamin K watercress is remarkably low in calories. Unlike many other media-promoted 'super foods' it tops the list of such compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The Fair Rosa Mundi July 13, 2019

The Fair Rosamund's mortal remains may have disappeared but her memory survives

KOKEDAMA, BEER CURES LAWN SPOTS, MORE July 6, 2019

Questions We’re Often Asked: Can Caterpillars Sting? June 30, 2019

Hickory Tussock Moth, Puss Caterpillars, Hag Moth Caterpillar, Saddleback Caterpillar

Hedged In or Sitting On the Fence? June 29, 2019

Many are the choices when it comes to choosing hedge plants

Berried Treasures - Saskatoons June 22, 2019

Saskatoons will flourish outside the prairie provinces. Elsewhere several relatives of varying stature are valued as ornamentals. All produce edible berries following a floriferous spring display and follow up with colourful fall foliage