Advice From The Ritchie's Experts

Are you struggling with weed growth on your lawn, in your garden, or in your vegetable plot? Let’s explore some of the most common weeds found in Eastern Ontario and the most effective treatment options:

Transplanting trees and shrubs seems like an easy task on the surface, but if you aren’t attentive with removal or installation you could harm or kill the plants. Let’s explore how to safely move existing shrubs to a new location...

Do you want to get a head start on the growing season? Grow varieties that are tricky to grow outdoors in the Eastern Ontario climate/soil? Save money when you have a large crop to grow? Have better control over the...

The beauty of your garden does more than attract the attention of passersby...a lush, vibrant garden is also a welcome landing site for birds flying overhead. Birds have an eye for life and beauty and can spot it from high...

Nature lover or not, everyone should contemplate adding a tree to their home’s outdoor space. We could go on and on about the environmental benefits of trees, but beyond their natural effect, trees can be a central part of your...

Gardening is one of the world’s most rewarding hobbies, and all it takes to get started is soil, water, seeds, and sunlight. Gardening is a wonderful hobby for people of all ages. Children can learn about nature and science and...

Animals love green spaces, such as home gardens, because they know that they’ll find things to eat there (at least, most of the time!). Landscapers and homeowners know, if you want to keep these animals away from your garden, you'll benefit from...

The big trend in food these days is “farm to table,” with many more people interested in figuring out exactly where their food comes from and making sure that it is of the highest possible quality. And though the overwhelming...

One of the most exciting, interesting, and informative hobbies you could ever get into is the amazing world of birding. With more than 10,000 different species of birds all around the world, each and every one of them unique, you’ll...

Gardeners are a special breed and they share some traits. Being a gardener is more than planting a few seeds and calling it a day! In all seriousness, even if you don’t exhibit the five signs, you should give gardening...

If you’re interested in preparing your perennials for winter, you’ll appreciate this practical guide. We’ve compiled some of the best tips, all of which are easy to understand and simple to follow. Now, let’s take a look at the smartest,...

There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal on a cold winter night. Whether you’re preparing a warm winter stew, hearty spaghetti and meatballs garnished with fresh oregano, or easy yet elegant homemade pesto, these are all favourites. Take these dishes...

Every homeowner knows one thing - having a beautiful lawn makes a big difference. You spend all summer tending your garden, ensuring it’s a lush paradise that is the envy of the neighbourhood. Then the harsh Ottawa winter kicks in...

Here are the slides from our garden problem solver seminar. Thank you to everyone who attended please feel free to contact us with any further questions. Weed Identification Insect Identification Disease Identification

Why do I need a design? If you think about your garden as a trip, your design itself is the map on how to get there. Without a map you are liable to end getting lost, or somewhere you didn’t...

Water gardening has become one of the newest and fastest growing trends in garden design in the past 5 years. However, water gardening has been around for a very long time. There are many factors to building a pond. Understanding...

Lawn Care Preparing the soil for a new crop Turn over the soil to a depth of 10-15cm. Add soil amendments such as black earth and topsoil. Rake well and level the soil, creating a gradual slope away from the...

Gopher Resistant Plants Annuals: Cyclamen sp. Cyclamen Nerium oleander Oleander Rosemarinus officinalis Rosemary Salvia officinalis Sage Solanum jasminoides Star of Bethlehem/Potato Vine Bulbs: Allium sp. Ornamental Onion Amaryllis belladonna Belladonna Lily Anemone blanda Winter Windflower Colchicum autumnale Autumn Crocus Hyacinthus...

Toxic to Cats Botanical name Symptoms Common names Abrus precatorius Severe vomiting and diarrhea (sometimes bloody), tremors, high heart rate, fever, shock, and death. Seeds are highly toxic. Buddhist Rosary Bead, Indian Bead, Indian Licorice, Love Bean, Lucky Bean, Prayer...

Aphids Aphids are green, brown, red or black soft-bodied insects that suck plant juices causing stunting and deformation of leaves and blooms. They are found on the underside of leaves, usually on the newer, more succulent growth. They deposit sticky...

Spider mites Spider mites are tiny sap sucking insects found on the underside of leaves. Warm temperatures and low humidity will cause them to spread more rapidly. They usually go unnoticed until fine webbing is evident. Control: Increase humidity by...