Spring Gardening

Why Do Gardens Need Mulch?

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne explains why mulch matters in the garden, how to choose the right kind, and why proper mulching can make a big difference for your soil, plants, and trees. Tune in to learn why your garden needs mulch. Mulch is Practical, Not Decorative Mulch should support the garden, …Read more

What Are the May Garden Do’s and Don’ts?

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses do’s and don’ts for your May garden, and walks you through what to do now, what to wait on, and how to give your garden the best start for the season ahead. Tune in to learn more about what you should and shouldn’t be doing in …Read more

Tips for Growing Lettuce, Spinach & Potatoes

with Julia Dimakos Thinking about growing your own lettuce, spinach, and potatoes this spring? In this April 2025 encore episode, Joanne chats with Julia Dimakos about successfully growing these popular vegetables at home. Tune in for tips on growing lettuce, spinach, and potatoes successfully in your home garden. In this episode: How to grow lettuce …Read more

Hardy Canadian-Grown Roses from Jackson & Perkins

with Paul Zimmerman Have you been hesitant to add roses to your garden? This week on the podcast, Joanne talks with Paul Zimmerman about Jackson & Perkins’ expansion into Canada, what it means for rose lovers, and why these cold-hardy, Canadian-grown roses may be easier to grow than many gardeners think. Tune in to learn …Read more

April in the Garden

After a long winter, it’s tempting to get outside and start tidying, digging, and checking everything off our spring to-do list. But April is such a gentle, in-between month in the garden, and it really asks us to slow down, pay attention, and let nature lead a little. This week on the podcast, Joanne reviews …Read more

Bloomin’ Easy Plants

with Madison House This week, Joanne welcomes Madison House of Bloomin’ Easy Plants to the podcast to talk about what makes gardening feel “easy” for newer gardeners and what’s new in their plant lineup this year. About Bloomin’ Easy Plants Bloomin’ Easy finds stronger, more compact, longer-blooming genetics (often from European breeders), then trials plants …Read more

2025 Podcasts at a Glance

As 2025 winds down, it’s the perfect time to look back on a year full of fresh gardening ideas and inspiration. From pruning fruit trees to overwintering annuals, Joanne has shared tips, tricks, and timely advice to keep your lawn and garden thriving in every season. A big thank you to all the guests who …Read more

Canada Gardener’s Journal

with Steven Biggs This week, Joanne welcomes horticulturist Stephen Biggs back to the podcast to talk about his latest project, the newly expanded Canada Gardener’s Journal. About Steven Steven was recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the “green gang” making a difference in Canadian horticulture. His home-garden experiments span driveway straw-bale gardens, a …Read more

Growing Lettuce, Spinach & Potatoes

with Julia Dimakos In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw discusses growing fresh staples like lettuce, spinach and potatoes with “The Gardening Girl” Julia Dimakos. About Julia Dimakos Julia Dimakos’ 7000 square foot kitchen garden is in Mono, Ontario, on 25 acres on the Niagara Escarpment. Julia has been growing vegetables and …Read more

West Coast Seeds

with Rebecca Boyar Seed-starting season has officially begun! This week on Down the Garden Path podcast, Joanne Shaw gets tips and advice on seeds for your lawn and garden from Rebecca Boyar of West Coast Seeds. About Rebecca Boyar Rebecca Boyar has an extensive and varied career in horticulture, spanning nearly 35 years. She began …Read more