Spring Gardening

6 Low Maintenance Plants That Will Help You Help Bees

Blanketflower

I think we can all do our part in helping the bees. There are many low-maintenance plants that we can add to our gardens to attract this important pollinator. Here are a few that have a place in almost any garden. PERENNIALS   HERBS A low maintenance solution and can even be kept in a …Read more

Little Known Facts About Horticultural Societies – And Why They Matter

My route to become a Landscape Designer was  certainly a I have spoken about or mentioned how I ended up becoming a Landscape Designer a number of times in .]0 0. ‘?+9a number of ways; my website, speaking engagements or ne on one with my clients. But until a recent chat at my local Pickering …Read more

Gardening By Observing

Back Garden Summer 2013

Even if you’re as passionate about your garden as my loyal customer, Donna George, it doesn’t mean you have to go it all alone.  I’m happy to welcome Donna as a guest author. Donna is a retired gardening enthusiast or as I affectionately call her, “my gardening from the deck lady”.  She shares with you …Read more

A Tale of Two Vines – The Quest To Cover The Fence!

Virginia Creeper

One of the most common requests I get when visiting a customer is what will grow on my fence? Well I know firsthand that both popular vines, Boston Ivy and Virginia Creeper, will cover the fence nicely and without the need for trellises to boot! I have both in my back yard that is surrounded …Read more

Impatiens, Gone For Good?

  Do you plant impatiens every year in your garden or containers? A popular low maintenance annual for shady areas of the yard, this year you might want to consider something else. Downy Mildew is currently wiping out plantings of this common shade annual and even causing growers to stop growing them. In my time …Read more

Thinking About Spring Gardening? 5 Things To Consider For Spring Gardening Success

1)DON’T walk on lawn or in garden while it is still wet:  you will do more harm compacting the soil than good. 2)DON’T rake lawn until it has REALLY dried out:  you will disturb the healthy roots more than you benefit the dead roots. 3)DON’T let the lawn companies aerate your lawns until after Easter:  …Read more

Stay Out Of The Garden!

rubber boots and mud

My early spring tip for you is surprisingly simple… Stay out of the garden! I know it might not seem too inviting right now but the weather will warm up in the next few weeks and the remaining snow will melt and you will be tempted to go wandering through the garden and lawn. Please …Read more

Things You Must Know About Communication In The Landscape Process

Landscape Design Circle of Synergy

Communication, Communication, Communication!  I say it 3 times because when it comes to the Landscape process, 3 important groups of people are involved:  the Client, Contractor and Designer. And it is very important that all 3 work together to make the project happen, whether it is a large landscape installation or a simple garden planting. …Read more

Don’t Waste Time! 5 Reasons To Hire A Landscape Designer Now

Front yard with fall colours

1) Designers see the big picture. Landscapes not only need to look good today they need to grow in to look good for years to come. 2) Designers save you money. If given an upfront budget a designer can help you get the biggest bang for your buck.  And if you want some bigger ticket …Read more

Creative Improvements Transform A Walkway At The Side Of A House

1 year later (July 2012)

Before and after photos of a walkway at the side of a house.   BEFORE:   AFTER: