Spring Gardening

It’s Not Too Late! How to Plant Garlic This Fall

It’s not too late to plant garlic. In fact, fall is the perfect time to plant garlic for next summer’s harvest, and getting started is easier than you might think. In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne shares simple tips for planting garlic, from choosing the right cloves and preparing your soil to …Read more

Healthy Soil, Healthy Garden: Soil Testing, Compost & More

with Amy Ellard-Gray Is your garden soil giving your plants everything they need to thrive? Last November, Joanne welcomed Amy Ellard-Gray to the podcast to explore why soil testing is one of the smartest steps you can take toward a healthier garden. Discover how understanding your soil can help you solve plant problems, avoid costly …Read more

Overwintering Your Annuals: How to Save Them for Next Spring

Have you ever wished you could save your favourite annuals instead of replacing them every spring? In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw shares three ways to save your annuals, from bringing entire plants indoors to growing new plants from cuttings and storing dormant tubers. Learn which methods work best for popular …Read more

Native Ornamental Grasses for Your Garden

Have you considered adding native ornamental grasses to your garden? They’re often overlooked but add colour, texture, and movement while providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. This week on the podcast, Joanne takes a closer look at a few standout varieties that can bring interest to the garden well beyond the summer …Read more

Three Dwarf Hydrangeas for Small Gardens

Looking for a hydrangea that gives you plenty of colour without taking over your garden? This week on the podcast, Joanne shares three dwarf hydrangeas she has grown in her own garden: Fire Light Tidbit®, Little Lime Punch® and Invincibelle Limetta®. She looks at how each one grows, where it performs best, and why these …Read more

The Basics of Fruit Tree Pruning & Care

with Susan Poizner In this popular episode from last spring, Joanne speaks with author and fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner about her book, Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees, and shares Susan’s practical advice for growing healthier, more productive fruit trees. About Susan Poizner Susan Poizner is an …Read more

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