Carmine Jewel is a dwarf sour cherry cultivar. It is extremely hardy to zone 2b and produces early-ripening, dark red fruit high in sugar and easy to harvest. Carmine Jewel is a combination of Mongolian Cherry (known for its small stature and excellent hardiness) and the sour cherry to produce small trees with fruit that looks and tastes like Evans. Carmine Jewel is generally grown as a shrub rather than a tree.

Additional information on Carmine Jewel

First established in the Edmonton area, these cherries are excellent for fresh eating, jams, jellies, pies, syrup and wine. Plant preferably in sand, sandy loam or clay type soils that are grassed in. They require a dry location so the roots can be dried out in August and September to harden off the growing tips. Planting in deep black loam soil causes the tree to grow too vigorously, leaving it susceptible to winter damage. They will bear fruit, under the proper conditions, the 3rd to 4th year. The cherries are comparable to BC cherries but are a little smaller and not quite as sweet, but they are delicious. The Evans cherry is self pollinating and have a beautiful brilliant orange fall color.

Additional information on cherries

Nanking cherry is the earliest blooming cherry and one of the best fruit-producers for northern areas. They have dull green, veined leaves that do not color up in the fall. The Nanking is an upright spreading bush.They make wonderful informal hedges, good for mass plantings in large shrub beds or background shrubs in small beds. Cross pollination is essential for good fruit production. Pincherry, Nanking cherry, chokecherry and sandcherry all cross-pollinate. Nanking cherries can self pollinate however cross pollination provides greater fruit production. They require full sun and moderately drained soil

Birds love these tiny, sweet cherries which are excellent for pies, jams and fresh off the bush.

In 2003, as part of a variety trial, five experimental cultivars were released to growers. They are identified with numbers due to their experimental nature. These selections differ in colour (from black to bright red), in maturity date (early or late), in use (fresh versus processing), and fruit size (medium to large). The experimental cultivars all exhibited good cold hardiness with reliable productivity in Saskatoon. (Zone 2b) Except for SK7-32-19.1, all cultivars bloom at a similar time although the date varies from year to year-from late May to early June.

SK7-7-5.8 Fruit is similar in appearance to Carmine Jewel but much later ripening and sweeter fruit, the cherries are dark red to black and good for fresh eating, processing and juice. Average weight is 4 gm which matures late August to early September. Grows to a height of 6.5 ft. with low suckering.
SK7-19-27.6 Fruit is medium-red and tart. Average fruit weighs 4.5 gm. It is one of the most productive cultivars and matures early August to mid-August. Grows to 8 ft. with some suckering, more than the other varieties. The fruit is best suited for processing as it is too tart for most people when fresh, however it pits easily with machanical pitting equipment which makes it quite suitable for pies.
SK7-21-16.3 Fruit is dark red and excellent when fresh. The flesh is more firm than the other varieties and the average weight is 6 gm. Matures in mid-August. The bush will grow to 5.5 ft. and has the lowest suckering habit of the 5 varieties. It has the sweetest fruit and is easily processed.
SK7-21-31.0 Fruit is dark red and excellent when fresh. The average weight is 5 gm and matures early August to mid-August. The bush will grow to 6.5 ft. and has low suckering habits. It is also easily processed fruit and very comparible in sweetness with SK7-21-16.3
SK7-32-19.1 Fruit is red to black with an average weight of 6.5 gm. Matures late August to early September with a more concentrated flavor. It blooms approximately one week later than the others and is a little more difficult to process with mechanical pitters. It will grow to a height of 6.5 ft with very good fruit when picked fresh.

The Pincherry provides year 'round interest. In the spring it blooms profusely with small clusters of tiny, white flowers. In the summer the branches are laden with tiny, slightly sour but quite tasty, red cherries and in the fall the long slender leaves turn orange and yellow. In the winter the reddish-brown bark provides an attractive contrast against a snowy background. Pincherries look quite similar to Mayday trees but are much smaller and are better suited for smaller yards. Pincherries make delightful jellies and syrups, pies, sauces and wines.
Grows best in a moist, well-drained sandy soil, but do not do well in alkali soils. Prefers full sun and is self pollinating. In shady sites it is much shorter lived. Pincherries have slight suckering habits.

Mongolian cherries grow on a small bush producing excellent dime sized cherries that are fantastic for jelly or syrup. It is an upright spreading shrub with glossy green leaves. The cherries are somewhat sour and not as suitable as other cherry varieties for eating off of the bush. The leaves turn yellow/orange in the fall. They prefer full sun and moderately moist, well drained soil. They have a slight tendency to sucker.

This tree is tolerant of the usual soil and environmental conditions to be found in urban communities and sheltered farmsteads. It is fully hardy. The light-orange autumn color is good but not outstanding. These trees have a tap root hence larger specimens may be difficult to transplant successfully. Because of their density, trees can create strong rain shadows. The fruit from the hardy chestnut can create minor maintenance issues if planted as a specimen tree. Mulching can be a great benefit when planted in a lawn or ornamental bed.

The Canada Red Chokecherry is a very hardy chokecherry that can be grown as an attractive bush or a small tree. It produces very large, high quality fruit which is outstanding for use in jellies, wines and syrup. The berries are black and quite juicy with a sweet flavor when ripe. Whether used for a shelterbelt or as a garden ornamental its beautiful burgundy foliage will add color, texture and striking contrast to your landscape. They grow well in alkaline soil, are extremely hardy and drought tolerant. Prefers full sun and is upright and spreading.

New growth on both the Canada Red and the Schubert Chokecherry is bright green, turning to red in July as the leaves age.

They are marvelous trees for contrast planting and smaller areas. They bloom profusely but briefly in the spring, with dense clusters of creamy white flowers. The fruit ripens to dark purple-black in late summer. It is a very showy tree with lovely purple-red foliage throughout the season.
Schubert is usually grafted and it may produce green-leaved watersprouts (shoots at the base of the trunk). Just cut these off as they appear.

Clematis Blue Boy - A good steel blue with slightly nodding 4 - 5" flowers. The blooming time is June through September. The non clinging stems are most attractive if grown through a small shrub, or attached to a support. Plants should be cut back in late February or March to two strong sets of buds on each stem as close to ground level as possible. This will provide a plant with blooms that start near ground level and continue to the top of the plant. You can prune an established plant at almost any height or not prune at all to accomplish your objective. These plants bloom on the current season's growth so that if treated in an untraditional way the blooms will be at the top of the plant and a bare stem will gradually appear over a few years. Clematis such as "Blue Boy" will respond to supplemental feeding up until the buds are well formed. All feeding should stop in mid-August. The plants need time to slow down and settle in for winter. If feeding continues into the fall the soft growth will be damaged by frost.

Yellow Clematis - The yellow clematis is a very vigorous and extremely hardy clematis. Flowers all summer. They prefer moist well drained soil. By far the hardiest of the clematis. Plant in full sunlight or partial shade. Clematis require a support structure such as a trellis. Ground cover or shading is helpful in keeping the roots cool and moist. It is a very tough and vigorous perennial.

Suitable for any normal soil and extremely hardy. Has a new crop of leaves in October, which often last to spring in warm regions, but normally fall earlier in cold regions or in harsh winters. Semi-evergreen hedge with small, waxy, dark green leaves, small white flowers in June. Persistent red berries and brilliant orange/red foliage in autumn. Excellent for use in hedging with upright spreading growth. Trim back vigorous shoots after flowering and trim to shape in February, although it takes a nice form if left unpruned. For hedges 3-5 ft. plant 12-15 ins. apart. Cotoneaster is very tolerant of all soils. It prefers full sun but will tolerate shade as well.

Crabapples are one of the most beautiful flowering trees in the spring and they provide beautiful color in the fall. The fruit is bright red to yellow and about 1/2" in diameter. The Siberian Crab is a very wide-spreading tree that is extremely hardy and can live well over 100 years. White flowering crabapples generally have more brightly colored fruit than pink flowering varieties. Avoid planting in low lying areas as they do not do well in wet conditions. Prune crabapples immediately after flowering because next spring's flowerbuds form in early summer. They are somewhat susceptible to fire-blight.

Black currant has distinctively aromatic foliage. The fruit is somewhat larger than that of the red currant. Although some people recommend currants for shady sites they tend to be less vigorous and prone to powdery mildew. Pruning of the old wood helps maintain a healty plant a compact shape. Prune immediately after flowering. For a casual hedge plant 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart.
Upright and fast growing shrub with abundant black fruit used for jams, jelly, pies or concentrate. Ripens from June to August. Fruit produced on new wood. White flowers in spring. Grows 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Planting in full sun is recommended. Hardy to zone 3

From June to August these small shrubs produce abundant red fruit for jelly, preserves, juice and syrup. Quality berries are produced when they are planted in full sunlight with adequate air circulation around each shrub. Although currants are self-pollinating, harvests increase by planting two varieties. The green lobed leaves turn yellow in the fall. Will tolerate drier soils.

Plant in the spring with the crown slightly below soil surface. Ferns do best in partial to full shade and in rich, moist soil. They will spread by underground roots and to start new plants, carefully dig up and separate the young plants from the mother plant. Native ferns are very hardy and their tender young shoots, or fiddleheads, are edible.

A large spreading shrub with white flowers and non-edible white/blue berries. Fall foliage is a bright orange/red and its bark is a very attractive deep red that will add color to your yard in winter, making Dogwood active in your yard throughout every season. Dogwood prefer moist soil and partial shade. Avoid where space is limited.

Dogwood prefers part sun and moist to wet soil.

Engleman Ivy - This vine is noted for its brilliant burgundy-red fall foliage which intensifies in full sunlight. Very similar to Virginia Creeper except it has intertwining tendrils which cling to any rough surface, wherever they are planted. This variety is more resistent to insects and mildew. Gets blue/black berry-like fruit in the fall. Engleman Ivy may be planted in partial shade or full sunlight and can grow to 30 meters. Good to zone 3.

Dwarf European Cranberry - Grows 2-3 feet tall and 3-5 feet wide. These small compact shrubs are excellent for low hedges or as a filler plant. Excellent for shady sites and for contrast planting. The Dwarf European Cranberry rarely blooms or produces berries. Makes an excellent small hedge that requires no trimming.

These small shrubs are self-fertile and will produce abundant fruit for preserves when they are planted in full sunlight with adequate air circulation around each plant. Yellow spring flowers are followed by green berries which ripen into edible red fruit in July.

Native grapes to Manitoba and Saskatchewan. These hardy grapes are bred from the native variety and produce clusters of pea size grapes that make wonderful jelly. Plant in full sun.

Hawthorns are beautiful, compact trees with abundant, fragrant flowers, bright green leaves and colorful berries. They do well in sun to partial shade and well drained soil. It is an excellent feature tree and good for small yards.
The berries attract birds and the hawthorn is a vigorous tree that benefits from annual pruning. Prune after it flowers. They provide a splendid display of fall color.

There are over 100 species all of which form low, succulent rosettes of leaves. They thrive in hot, dry, sunny locations and are very useful in rock gardens, for edging borders and along walls. Divide the plants when they become too crowded. Unlike other perennials hens and chicks can be divided any time during the growing season. Break off the small rosettes around the base of the old plants or the offshoots attached above ground to the central plant. With either type just press them into the soil in a new location.

Highbush cranberry is sometimes confused with the true cranberry. Highbush Cranberry is a deciduous shrub with an open spreading habit. It is very winter hardy. Highbush cranberry flowers in early summer and produces fruit ripe by late summer. The native habitat of the Highbush cranberry is shady, moist places such as stream banks, wet thickets, and old river bottoms. For planting in orchard conditions, the soil should be a well-drained loam or silt loam with good moisture holding capacity and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Highbush cranberry does not have a very deep rooting depth or spread. It takes several years after planting before fruit development occurs. Full production should be anticipated by the fourth or fifth year. The fruit is hard, crisp, and sour before ripening but becomes soft, palatable and lower in pectin after a frost. It makes an excellent ornamental.

Honeyberry is a compact rounded shrub with dark green foliage in summer turning yellow in the fall. Closely related to the honeysuckle. It has yellowish-white flowers in summer followed by bluish, edible berries in the fall. Honeyberry attracts birds and will grow to 5 ft. tall with a spread of 5 ft. Plant in full sun. Hardy to zone 3. The two varieties that we have are Blue Belle and Berry Blue. Blue Belle is the best tasting and most productive with Berry Blue having the best tree shape and is not quite as sweet but still good. You must have 2 varieties for cross pollination. Blue Honeysuckles often bear fruit one year after planting. These varieties were bred in Russia. If you have tried the Canadian varieties of blue honeysuckle please realize that the old varieties are horrible compared to these new Russian varieties.

Honeysuckles are one of the longest blooming perennial vines; they flower from mid-spring right through to autumn frosts. These woody-stemmed vines are undemanding, have no special soil requirements and withstand periods of drought. The vines create a wall of dark green leaves and bright, 2-inch long tubular flowers, providing both beauty and privacy.
Grow in sun to partial shade, in moist, well drained soil with south or west exposure. Honeysuckle needs a support structure. Do not trim back in winter. Honeysuckle vines bloom on new wood. Wait until the leaves begin to unfold in spring before pruning and cut vines back just above the uppermost buds.

Hops is an incredibly fast-growing, thick vine with large, heart-shaped leaves. The vine dies to the ground in winter, but quickly shoots up the next season to a height of about 20 feet. This plant is ideal if you want an attractive, thick mass of foliage to provide privacy, shade a front porch or hide unattractive areas.
Plant in sun or partial shade. Hops need a support structure or fence to climb. Hops can also be used as a ground cover when they have no support.
Hops thrive on neglect. Once it is established, it is heat and drought tolerant.

Low growing shrub with large 12 inch globe-shaped clusters of long lasting pure white flowers throughout the summer. Stunning accent to any landscape. Plant in partial sun to full shade.

Irises are one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden. Although their spectacular flowers last only a few weeks, the attractive foliage enhances other flowers when irises are not in bloom. Siberian irises have delicate looking flowers on tall stems and grassy foliage; they are among the hardiest of irises.
Plant in full sun to partial shade. Siberian irises may not need dividing for up to 10 years. They make great cut flowers for bouquets.

As the name implies, this species is native to Siberia and northeast Russia and is much better adapted to dry conditions than our own tamarack. It is a large, fairly fast growing tree that retains a pyramidal form throughout its life. The branches arch gracefully down, turning up at their tips.
In fall, as leaves on other trees turn color, the soft needles of larch turn from green to bright golden-yellow. Larch is unusual in that it is a deciduous conifer; unlike most cone-bearing trees, it sheds its foliage in the fall. Larch needles are soft to touch. Few trees are as hardy as the Larch.
Because of its size, the Siberian Larch is well suited as a specimen tree in larger urban yards, acreages and farm plantings. It is used in shelterbelts, where it establishes quickly.
It prefers a shaded habitat and is hardy in either wet or dry soils.

Miss Kim Lilac is a slow growing, dwarf variety. It has stunning, purple-blue flowers in long clusters. They are very strong, exotic with a somewhat spicy fragrance. Small leaves are finely edged in maroon and the dark green foliage turns wine-red in the fall. Miss Kim is non-suckering, the smallest of the lilacs and one of the nicest varieties.
Prune just after flowering, as lilacs form next spring's flowerbuds in the summer. Do not prune branch tips but rather every other branch.
Lilacs bloom for two to three weeks in the spring but by growing different types you can have lilacs in flower for almost two months. For the longest lasting flower color plant in a site that is lightly shaded during the hottest part of the day. Hot sun causes flower color to fade. Don't however plant lilacs in a site that receives less than six hours of direct sunlight, because they won't bloom well.

Villosa lilac was introduced in North America from Northern China and Mongolia. It performs well in all regions of the prairies. Villosa lilac is a large coarse shrub, with rapid growth rate when young. Flowers are borne in clusters at the ends of branches during mid and late June, thereby giving its name late lilac. The florets vary in color from washed out mauve, pink, fading to white as the flowers mature. The flowers appear approximately two weeks later than common lilac. This lilac is non-suckering and deep rooted, and does not compete with adjacent crops or gardens. It prefers sun to part shade and is very tolerant of all soil types. Villosa lilac makes a great hedge or shelterbelt.

Maples are treasured for their classic leaf shape and vivid fall color. Fairly fast growing small tree with a graceful spreading form. Low-headed, globe-shaped tree or large, upright-spreading shrub. Attractive glossy green foliage in summer turns a vivid green scarlet in the fall. Color from the fruit is also conspicuous and ornamental. The fruit colors up in August, the foliage in September. The Amur Maple tolerates most soil conditions but prefers moist. Plant in full sun.

The Manitoba Maple, also known as the Box-Elder is a high- headed, upright-oval shaped tree that is ideal for climbing structures and tree houses once mature. It has brilliant yellow fall color and is known for its tolerance of cold, drought and soil conditions. It prefers a fairly moist location but will tolerate drier conditions. Plant in full sun.

Mixed Wild Rose - It is a small shrub that grows in a wide range of soil conditions. This rose is found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands. It grows up to 3 feet tall and blooms in June with masses of pink to dark pink, fragrant blossoms. The small, red, apple-shaped hips appear in late summer. It is said that three rose hips from these wild rose species contain as much vitamin C as one orange. Indians and pioneers ate the hips, flowers, and leaves when other food was scarce. The hips of wild roses are considered an important food source for wildlife.

Burr Oak is a very impressive tree with dark green summer foliage. The leaves turn to a yellow-green in the fall. It has thick furrowed bark, is pollution tolerant and very adaptable and hardy. They will grow well in either wet or dry conditions.

They produce an attractive fringed acorn, set against uniquely shaped leaves. Quite tolerant of automobile exhaust they make great boulevard trees. The life span of the Burr Oak is 200 years and the acorns are edible.

A delightful perennial onion that returns every spring and never needs digging. Bulbs grow on top of the stalks. Stalks can be used in place of green onions and the bulbs can be chopped and used like garlic. The stalks can be used in place of green onion. Egyptian onions can also be used in pots or flowerbeds as contrast plants. Very hardy and prefers full sun to partial shade. They are extremely versatile in all types of soil.