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John Degroot

John Degroot

Sarnia Observer

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GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Walnuts impressive, despite negative characteristics

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Walnuts impressive, despite negative characteristics

The walnut crop in my neighbourhood is heavier than usual.

12.12.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Walnuts impressive, despite negative characteristics

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Walnuts impressive, despite negative characteristics
12.12.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: The right tree in the right place will outlive you

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: The right tree in the right place will outlive you
06.12.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Right tree, right place

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Right tree, right place
05.12.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Protecting evergreens in winter

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Protecting evergreens in winter
28.11.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Protecting evergreens in winter

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Protecting evergreens in winter
28.11.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Good care will help poinsettias stay colourful

21.11.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Good care will help poinsettias stay colourful

A decade or two ago, I would have said the busiest day for buying fresh-cut Christmas trees was the Saturday nearest Dec. 10.

21.11.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Take nature's cue and let leaves rest

14.11.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Taking nature's cue and letting leaves rest

There is nothing scientific about composting.

14.11.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Roses still looking good in November

07.11.2025 7

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Roses still looking good in November

It’s not over until it’s over.

06.11.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Burdock a nasty weed with some positives

An avid hiker once told me that if you want relief from summer heat, grab a burdock leaf and wrap it around the back of your neck.

24.10.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Burdock a nasty weed with some positives

24.10.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Mums a burst of colour on cooler days

Garden mums are autumn’s go-to flowering plant, delivering a burst of colour just as the weather becomes cooler and nights become longer.

22.10.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Mums a burst of colour on cooler days

Garden mums are autumn’s go-to flowering plant, delivering a burst of colour just as the weather becomes cooler and nights become longer.

22.10.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Taking hikes this fall

Thanksgiving 2025 is going down as my best ever.

22.10.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Taking hikes this fall

Thanksgiving 2025 is going down as my best ever.

22.10.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Taking hikes this fall

Thanksgiving 2025 is going down as my best ever.

17.10.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Taking hikes this fall

17.10.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Mums a burst of colour on cooler days

10.10.2025 7

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Mums a burst of colour on cooler days

10.10.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Leaves of three, let them be

03.10.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Leaves of three, let them be

“Leaves of three, let them be.”

03.10.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Lessons from Holland

After spending two weeks on a bike in Holland, I am inspired.

26.09.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: How Rotterdam became a world leader in sustainability

19.09.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: How Rotterdam became a world leader in sustainability

What do you do if agriculture is your primary industry, but land is preciously scarce? You build a floating farm.

18.09.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Diligence needed to remove bindweed

12.09.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Diligence needed to remove bindweed

As weeds go, bindweed has got to be the worst.

12.09.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Rose of Sharon adaptable to drought, poor soil

05.09.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Rose of Sharon adaptable to drought and poor soil

05.09.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Panicle hydrangea blooms can cover whole plant

16.08.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Panicle hydrangea blooms can cover the whole plant

Last week we explored the category of bigleaf hydrangeas, with a focus on the many compact varieties that are suitable for small yards.

15.08.2025 7

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Small hydrangeas becoming more prolific

The world of hydrangeas is getting bigger in number and smaller in size.

08.08.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Small hydrangeas becoming more prolific

08.08.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Controlling Japanese beetles

Like clockwork. On July 12, the Japanese beetles returned for their annual feast.

31.07.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Japanese beetles back for annual feast

Like clockwork. On July 12, Japanese beetles returned for their annual feast.

31.07.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Japanese beetles back for annual feast

25.07.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Controlling Japanese beetles

23.07.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Summer to-do list

18.07.2025 8

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Summer to-do list

18.07.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Maples uncovered

11.07.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Sedums' reputation for toughness well deserved

Rarely, if ever, would anyone notice a Sedum and say “Wow, is that ever a pretty Sedum.”

04.07.2025 7

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Tips I’ve learned from my neighbour

I’ve learned a thing or two from my neighbour (we’ll call her Lucy), all basic, sensible tips I already should have known.

27.06.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Tips I’ve learned from my neighbour

My neighbour has been gardening all her life.

25.06.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Gingko tree as unique as it is old

20.06.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Gingko tree as unique as it is old

20.06.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Best rabbit defence is a physical barrier

14.06.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Best rabbit defence is a physical barrier

Cute as a bunny. Furry little creatures that hop away when you get near enough. They are not hostile, do not eat other animals and are not a...

13.06.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Finding a boxwood alternative

06.06.2025 7

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot