Alchemy Gardens

Spring time is around the bend! Lots of people are getting excited for new plantings and designs (I know we are!).

There is a common misconception that when planting your new friends to leave them in their burlap sacks. Please, regardless of what the person at the garden center or nursery told you, do not heed that advice. The false claim is that the burlap will break down over time and that the roots can grow through the fabric. The problem is burlap can take decades to break down, and the roots will take the path of least resistance and remain encased in their burlap coffins. The cloth also prevents the plants from taking up any nutrients from surrounding soil.

While doing some re-potting for a client, we came across a textbook example, and figured we would finally put this debate to rest. These were potted at a garden store and sold as is. Not only has the burlap not broken down at all, but take a look at that soil composition. Luckily the roots had not began encircling themselves yet, in fact, there was barely any root growth to be seen.

Burlap sacks are great for transporting plants in, storing them temporarily, and can make shifting them around to get the perfect positioning easier, but please please, take the time to remove them once your plants are ready for their new home.

Hopefully now if you come across this in the future you will be armed with the knowledge of what to do!

Happy planting every one!

Hi!

Welcome to the Alchemy Gardens page. We are Stephanie & Pano, the creative duo committed to beautifying the gardens of Victoria, British Columbia. Utilizing organic and sustainable practices, we help to elevate your garden space to its full potential, while maintaining a balanced ecology in rhythm with the world around us.

Specializing in design and installation, pruning and garden renovation. We also offer garden maintenance services to keep your gardens looking fantastic year round.

During our free time we enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal woods of Vancouver Island, volunteering with different outdoor trail restoration groups, and growing our own vegetables for fermentation and preservation!

Thanks for checking out our page!