menu_open Columnists
John Degroot

John Degroot

Sarnia Observer

We use cookies to provide some features and experiences in QOSHE

More information  .  Close

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.

latest 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Diligence needed to remove bindweed

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Diligence needed to remove bindweed
12.09.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Diligence needed to remove bindweed

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

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

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

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Finding a boxwood alternative

The boxwood battle has begun.

05.06.2025 20

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Gazania’s vibrant blooms attract butterflies

Someday, someday, we will put away our sweaters and jackets and put on our shorts and flip-flops.

30.05.2025 3

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Gazania’s vibrant blooms attract butterflies

27.05.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Many fern varieties to appreciate

23.05.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Many fern varieties to appreciate

23.05.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Perennials to plant in the shade

Hostas always will be king of the shade garden.

17.05.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Perennials to plant in the shade

16.05.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Drowning out Creeping Charlie

09.05.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Drowning out Creeping Charlie

A year ago, when it was still acceptable behavior to travel to the U.S., I attended a conference at Grand Rapids, Mich.

06.05.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Cedars offer backyard privacy, bird landing spots

02.05.2025 6

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Cedars offer backyard privacy, bird landing spots

About 40 or 50 years ago a previous homeowner planted a row of cedars along the east side of our yard.

02.05.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Juneberry a go-to tree to attract birds

25.04.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Serviceberry a go-to tree to attract birds

My go-to plant for backyard gardeners wishing to attract birds is juneberry.

25.04.2025 2

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Pansies an instant pick-me-up

It’s probably because the winter was colder and whiter than usual.

17.04.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Pansies an instant pick-me-up

15.04.2025 5

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Why people love hydrangeas

11.04.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Why people continue to love hydrangeas

When will our love affair with hydrangeas ever diminish? Not anytime soon.

11.04.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Box tree moth could impact gardens shrubs

04.04.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Box tree moth could impact garden hedges

03.04.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Early spring shrubs starting to bloom

In this part of the world, we know forsythias are the harbinger of spring.

29.03.2025 4

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Early spring shrubs starting to bloom

In this part of the world, we know forsythias to be the harbinger of spring.

28.03.2025 6

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Getting summer cuttings to take root easy if done right

21.03.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Getting summer cuttings to take root

21.03.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Even the prettiest plant can become a nuisance

Those innocent plant stick-tags that are found on every potted annual or perennial contain a lot of helpful information.

14.03.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Some odd vegetables to grow in your garden

Tomatoes are the No. 1 planted fruit in the backyard vegetable garden, followed by peppers.

07.03.2025 9

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot

GARDEN CLIPPINGS: Some odd vegetables to grow in your garden

Tomatoes are the No. 1 planted fruit in the backyard vegetable garden, followed by peppers.

06.03.2025 10

Sarnia Observer

John Degroot