For Kate Friesen of Winkler, gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life that began in childhood. On a recent outing to Morden Nurseries with Eagle 93.5 FM morning show host Jayme Giesbrecht, Friesen shared that her green thumb is a gift passed down from her mother.
“I have developed a love of gardening from my mom, and I grew up pulling weeds and making a really big country garden,” says Friesen.
Now an experienced gardener in her own right, Friesen is preparing for another season of planting, nurturing, and experimenting with both flowers and vegetables.
Saying goodbye to annuals
Like many gardeners seeking long-term rewards, Friesen is stepping away from planting annuals and leaning into the sustainable charm of perennials.
“It’s the idea of less work,” she explains. “If you pay for something once and it keeps on giving—bulbs duplicate. So if you plant a hosta, for example, that plant will grow. You can divide it and all of a sudden you have three of the same one.”
Friesen’s garden boasts several varieties of hostas, especially suited for the shady spots in her yard. “They’ll grow where something else won’t,” she adds.
While her flower beds are already well-stocked with orange daylilies, Friesen notes she’s always on the hunt for something new and unique. “I might look for more lilies. I’m always looking for something in a color I don’t already have.”
Raised beds
In addition to her floral displays, Friesen has turned her attention to vegetable gardening, opting for raised garden boxes that are both practical and productive.
“I bought two garden boxes last year, filled them with soil, and planted a bunch of things. They did crazy in there,” she says, smiling.
She recommends a depth of at least two feet for garden boxes, using layers of cardboard, branches, fertilizer, and a good quality soil mix. Not only does this approach yield impressive results, but it's also easier on the back—something many gardeners can appreciate.
Friesen has plans to continue growing tomatoes—one plant, she says, is usually enough—as well as trying her hand at asparagus and carrots. “I learned that [carrots] are biannual. If you leave some in the ground over winter, they will go to seed the next year,” she explains. “So now I want to test it. Gardening is a bit of an experiment.”
Inspiration for the season ahead
As spring unfolds and planting season gets underway, gardeners across the Pembina Valley are likely making their own plans and picking up supplies. Friesen’s experience is a reminder that whether you’re experimenting with vegetables or filling flower beds with perennials, gardening is a rewarding, ever-evolving journey.
“I haven’t bought all of the vegetables I want to—and I don’t have room for all of them—but that’s part of the fun,” she says.
And for those wondering how asparagus grows, Friesen offers a tip: “It grows out of a little root in the ground, like rhubarb does, only it just grows straight up. Before it goes to flower, you need to cut it—that’s the form you see in the store.”
As the region shakes off the last chill of winter, gardeners like Kate Friesen remind us that digging in the dirt can bring not only beauty to our yards, but also a deeper connection to nature and each other.