Down The Garden Path Podcast

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 award-winning author, journalist, urban orchardist, and fruit tree care educator based in Toronto, Canada. She trains arborists, master gardeners, and community and home orchardists in fruit tree maintenance through in-person workshops, online courses, and webinars. Her books include Grow Fruit Trees Fast, Growing Urban Orchards, Fruit Tree Grafting for Everyone and <a href= "https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0DY56VPV9?keywords=fruit+tree+pruning+book&dib_tag=se&ref_=as_li_ss_tl&language=en_US&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CSMhDGJM999YLaYTRq5YiVMDtq0_Lw_qkpxJY0CKrVMXBDt6QaIXdH1i3JrRwV6bCaLXmaCxqC5nw8ijC22ocQN6vCpQS6TinZsf8-gkm_Xan8qzICJeeMuWyhzamZ40uCAdusE_4VtkdysoIaWWSwv4cVQ1dKWtuJPjk1Rg7gFzgQhP_Z8OgZfb3wg9l_Aswbjoxfm3xNAdPUvBxk-kta4qYKRlA_xIi3ldVN3z7gw.le0Q1xdK5R1qmMLnnmfZ-oLPbCj08FR9PsUEOTF5SRo&sr=8-3&linkCode=gg2&linkId=2fd8fc41e49f2

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. Mulch is Practical, Not Decorative Mulch should support the garden, not steal the show. Its real purpose is to help control weeds, keep soil cooler, retain moisture, and gradually break down to add nutrients back into the garden. Quality Matters When Choosing Mulch Natural mulch is a better choice than dyed bagged mulch. Dyed mulch can fade, stain, blow around, and may be made from lower-quality wood waste. Consider more natural options like composted pine, shredded bark, hemlock, wood chips, or even compost for smaller gardens.  Mulching Trees and Using Alternatives Wisely Use the "3-3-3 method" for mulching around trees: three inches deep, three feet wide, and a three-inch gap away from the trunk. Avoid creating mulch volcanoes and consider alternatives like shredded leaves and living "green mulch" groundcovers, including creeping thyme, sedums, sweet woodruff, epimedium, and wild ginger. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics

This week on the podcast, Joanne speaks with Bri Petersen from Urban Gardening Canada about her new e-book, Gardening Basics for the Beginner Gardener. In this episode: Beginner Gardeners Need Updated Advice, Not Outdated RulesSo much common gardening advice is based on old habits, like turning over the soil every spring, cleaning up every leaf, or planting by a fixed calendar date. Bri's e-book encourages beginner gardeners to understand how gardening has changed with the climate and why weather, growing zones, and local conditions matter more than old rules. Bri's E-book Gives New Gardeners the Foundations They NeedGardening Basics for the Beginner Gardener is designed specifically for beginners, with 13 chapters covering core topics like annuals, perennials, herbaceous plants, growing in containers, raised beds, in-ground gardens, watering, fertilizing, and vegetable gardening. She also includes practical guidance on insects and pests, helping gardeners identify what they are seeing and manage problems without immediately turning to chemicals. Gardening Success Comes From Curiosity, Confidence, and Practice One dead plant does not mean you have a "black thumb." Learn what went wrong, adjust next season, understand your garden's conditions, and keep going. New gardeners feel less intimidated and more confident as they build knowledge year after year. Find Bri Petersen online: Website: www.urbangardeningcanada.com Order a copy of her e-book here. Instagram: @urbangardeningcanada Facebook: @hellourbangardeningcanada YouTube: @urbangardeningcanada Pinterest: @urbangardeningcanada Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/downthegardenpathpodcast/" target= "_blank

What if you could walk through acres of blooming peonies and cut your own bouquet to take home? In this episode, Joanne welcomes Valérie Chort of Fleur de Roy to share the story behind Southern Ontario's largest pick-your-own peony farm and its short but spectacular bloom season. Tickets are now available to Pick Your Own Peony Flowers from June 1st to 8th, 2026. In this episode: How did a conservation property become a pick-your-own peony farm? Valérie shares the story behind Fleur de Roy, a Southern Ontario peony farm located on a 150-acre property near Lake St. Clair, where conservation, family, and a love of flowers came together in a surprising way. What does it take to grow thousands of peonies for one short, spectacular season? Joanne and Valérie discuss the patience, planning, timing, and care behind growing peonies, including why these plants take years to establish and why the bloom window is so weather-dependent. Why is Fleur de Roy's Peony Bloom Festival becoming a must-visit local experience? Valérie explains how the farm has shifted from wholesale flower production to welcoming visitors for a pick-your-own peony experience, with confirmed 2025 opening dates from June 1 to June 8, with the possibility of extending on either side depending on the bloom season. Visit them online at www.fleurderoy.com or on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram. Tickets are now available. Purchase them here. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Do

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. Be patient and let the May garden guide your timing.
May can be unpredictable, especially after a cool, wet winter. Instead of rushing into cleanup, planting, pruning, seeding, or mowing, gardeners should pay attention to soil moisture, insect activity, nighttime temperatures, and frost risk.  Focus on smart spring maintenance for perennials, shrubs, evergreens, and lawns.
Learn what to clean up, what to leave alone, and what to handle carefully. Topics include: pruning spring-blooming shrubs too early, lightly cleaning up evergreens, feeding soil, waiting to seed lawns, and mowing high. Start vegetables, herbs, annuals, and containers thoughtfully.
Get excited about growing food, herbs, and seasonal containers, but with a practical approach. Topics include: hardening off vegetables, planting cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach, using herbs to attract pollinators, involving kids in gardening, and choosing larger containers so annuals can thrive through the season. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a dec

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. In this episode: How to grow lettuce successfully for fresh, continuous harvests Julia explores the basics of growing lettuce from seed, including the importance of starting with fresh seed, giving seeds light to germinate, transplanting early, spacing plants properly, succession sowing every couple of weeks, and choosing varieties for cool weather versus summer heat. Why spinach is a cool-season crop with a very different rhythm from lettuce Unlike lettuce, spinach prefers cold conditions, struggles in heat, bolts quickly in warm weather, and does especially well when sown now and again in mid-August for fall and even overwintered harvests. How to grow healthier, homegrown potatoes Growing your own potatoes can be healthier and more rewarding than buying them. Julia explains the importance of seed potatoes, pre-sprouting, planting whole potatoes rather than cut pieces, choosing between determinate and indeterminate varieties, and growing in raised beds, grow bags, or containers. Find Julia Dimakos online: Website: www.juliadimakos.com Instagram: @juliadimakos YouTube: @gardeninggirl Check out a few of her past episodes: All About Tomatoes Microgreens & Sprouting Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw</

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne chats with Manny Lavrador about the growing interest in native trees and how to choose the right one for your property. In this episode: Why are native trees such an important topic right now? More gardeners and homeowners are looking for plants that support the environment, work well in local ecosystems, and respond to growing concerns about invasive species. What is the most important thing to remember when choosing a native tree? That even a native tree still needs to be the right tree for the right place, based on the space, conditions, and goals of the garden. Are native trees always the best choice for every yard? Not necessarily. This episode demonstrates that while native trees have many benefits, hybrids and nativars can sometimes be a better fit for smaller urban lots or for homeowners looking for lower-maintenance options. You can find Manny Lavrador on LinkedIn. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowne

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. In this episode: Roses are becoming more accessible for Canadian gardeners. Jackson & Perkins roses are now available in the Canadian market, with roses being grown, tested, and shipped within Canada through their partnership with Bakker. Modern roses are not as high-maintenance as many people think. Paul challenges the old idea that roses are fussy and chemical-dependent, explaining that many newer roses are bred for better disease resistance and can be grown sustainably with good soil, smart plant choice, and realistic expectations. Choosing the right rose for the right purpose is key. Roses should be selected based on their role in the garden, whether for height, spread, colour, season-long interest, or vertical growing, rather than just choosing one because the flower looks pretty in the pot. Learn more at jacksonandperkins.ca. Find them online on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram. Find Paul Zimmerman online at paulzimmermanroses.com and watch his how-to videos on YouTube. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscap

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 what you should and shouldn't be doing in your April garden. Why is patience so important in the April garden? Because early spring gardening depends more on weather and soil conditions than the calendar. Joanne emphasizes waiting for the ground to dry, the frost to leave, and nighttime temperatures to rise before raking, planting, digging, or cleaning up too much. Acting too early can damage lawns, compact soil, and disrupt beneficial insects. What garden jobs can you safely do in April? April is a good time for gentle, low-risk tasks such as starting seeds indoors, refreshing spring containers, adding compost to the vegetable garden, sharpening tools, and lightly cleaning up only when conditions are right. Joanne also suggests using April to plan, take photos, and observe what is happening in the garden rather than rushing into heavy work. How should gardeners handle pruning and cleanup in early spring? Carefully and selectively. Joanne warns against pruning spring-blooming shrubs too early, cutting back perennials before insects emerge, or shaping evergreens in April. Instead, she recommends watching for insect activity, removing only winter damage where needed, and timing pruning based on the type of plant so gardeners do not sacrifice blooms or stress plants unnecessarily. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does he

This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. In this episode, Joanne speaks with Abby Rupsa, founder and lead designer of Botanical Living in Colorado, about her path into landscape design, the evolution of her "design bid" service model, and what it really means to offer a high-touch, client-focused experience. Their conversation explores the value of professional planning, collaboration with contractors, material and plant choices, and how thoughtful landscape design can create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces that add lasting value. Topics Covered Abby explains her "design bid" model, in which she stays involved throughout construction without doing the installation work herself. She says many homeowners do not understand the design process and need help seeing the full picture. Unlike traditional design-build firms, Abby focuses on the best outcome for the client rather than pushing sales. She emphasizes "value engineering" so projects can be built realistically within budget. Abby now works closely with one trusted contractor to create a smoother client experience. Contractor meetings happen with the client, designer, and builder together to review the estimate in detail. Joanne notes that this shared meeting format reduces confusion and speeds up decisions. Abby says landscape designers are educators and problem-solvers, not just creatives. She explains that homeowners often become blind to problems and miss better possibilities for their yard. One project revealed major structural problems that required a more honest renovation approach. Abby says trust and authority matter because clients need confidence in the guidance they receive. Good design sometimes means challenging what a client asks for to create a space that truly works. Abby uses software and furniture layouts to show how a space will function in real life. Joanne stresses the importance of planning the whole landscape before adding features in stages. Abby agrees, noting that early planning avoids rework and prepares for future additions.</

This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. In this episode, Joanne speaks with Jeff Collins of Ottawa's REWILD Landscapes about ecological landscaping, native plants, edible gardens, and outdoor spaces that support both people and wildlife. Topics Covered Jeff Collins is the owner of REWILD Landscapes, a queer-owned ecological landscaping company in Ottawa. Their work combines horticulture, landscape design, food security, and ecological restoration. Jeff's childhood experience with food insecurity strongly influenced their interest in growing food and building community through landscapes. They studied horticulture at Algonquin College, where they focused on urban agriculture, sustainability, and native plants. Their landscape philosophy centres on creating spaces that support life from the soil microbes up to people and wildlife. Jeff encourages homeowners to rethink the role of the front lawn, replacing it with meadows, native gardens, rain gardens, and habitat-rich planting. They focus primarily on native plants and also incorporate non-invasive edible plants where appropriate. One of their favourite plants is the pawpaw, a native fruit tree they describe as delicious and underappreciated. Jeff looks for plants that do more than fill space; they should also provide ecological function, food value, or habitat. They often replace invasive plants with alternatives that match both the look and the ecological role of the original plant. Examples of native replacements discussed include serviceberry, sweet crabapple, switchgrass, little bluestem, and false sorghum. Jeff often uses plugs instead of one-gallon nursery plants for large-scale planting projects. They explain that plugs are more affordable, easier to plant in large numbers, quicker to adapt to site conditions and better at forming strong root systems over time. While plugs require patience, Jeff believes they create a more resilient, cooperative plant community. They encourage clients to accept a more natural look and allow landscapes to evolve. <li style

This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. This week, Joanne welcomes Rita Nugent, a landscape designer in Southern Ontario, and owner of Rita Nugent Landscape Design. Topics Covered Rita's journey from solving problems in her own garden to becoming a professional landscape designer How compacted soil, mature trees, pools, pets, and family life shaped her practical design philosophy Why Rita focuses on design-only services and how that helps homeowners stay in control of projects and budgets The importance of planning both hardscaping and softscaping together, rather than treating planting as an afterthought How thoughtful design considers entertaining space, traffic flow, privacy, recreation, and future phases of a project The rise of virtual landscape design and how Rita uses Dynascape, client photos, surveys, and Google Earth to make it work Why designers often notice bigger issues homeowners may miss, including neighbouring trees, conservation land, municipal regulations, and permit-related planting requirements How municipalities are increasingly focused on tree canopy, flood mitigation, and sustainable planting Why starting with a landscape design can help avoid costly mistakes, bylaw issues, drainage problems, and neighbour disputes The role of landscape designers in helping homeowners choose plants that will actually thrive, not just survive Why good design saves money by helping contractors quote accurately and reducing changes later Sustainable landscaping ideas, including enlarging garden beds, using natural mulch, amending soil, reducing unnecessary lawn, harvesting rainwater, and supporting pollinators Rita's insight that gardening and landscaping are "the purest form of optimism" The impact professional landscaping can have on property value, resale appeal, and long-term enjoyment Common homeowner requests such as low-maintenance gardens, privacy solutions, deer resistance, and goose deterrence Rita's current favourite plant choice: a unique Japanese maple, c

This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. This week, Joanne welcomes John Bright, a certified landscape designer in London, Ontario, and owner of BRIGHT Design Studio. Topics Covered Why landscape design matters (for homeowners) John compares exterior projects to interior renovations or building a home: you wouldn't start without drawings; outdoors shouldn't be any different. A plan helps homeowners avoid expensive mistakes before "dig day," especially when space is tight. What makes landscape design uniquely challenging Designers work with living things that change over time (plant growth, seasonal interest, variability in nursery stock). Outdoor spaces must function across four seasons, not just look good in summer. Microclimates, soil, sun/shade, and neighbouring conditions are all part of the design reality. Small-space design: why it's harder than it looks John's specialty is small-space landscapes, influenced by his Toronto experience and today's shrinking lots. In small yards, every inch counts and being off by even a foot can ruin furniture clearances and functionality. Strategy: prioritize needs vs. wants, then get creative to fit the wish list. How to make a small yard feel bigger "Go up" with pergolas, trellises, archways, and vertical structure. Use larger-format pavers and thoughtful laying patterns to change how the eye reads the space. Darker fences/screens can help the background "disappear." Use a few anchoring shrubs/trees and keep the plant palette simpler for a cleaner, more expansive feel. Why designers bring value beyond the property line John and Joanne talk about "borrowed landscape" (benefiting from neighbours' trees) and the risk of relying on neighbours for privacy or shade. Designers look at the whole context, including what could change next door. John's process and how he tailors deliverables Starts with

This week, Joanne welcomes master gardener Ingrid Janssen to the podcast to discuss the inspiring work being done by Little Forests Durham, a nonprofit organization focused on planting Miyawaki mini forests throughout Durham Region. About Little Forests Durham Little Forests Durham is a volunteer-run community non-profit organization based in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, focused on giving tools, knowledge, and support to people, communities, organizations and local authorities to plant Little Forests in their neighbourhoods and communities. Topics Covered Ingrid's background as a Durham Master Gardener, seed collector, and advocate for native trees How Little Forests Durham was founded in 2024 and inspired by Little Forests Kingston What a Miyawaki mini forest is and how the method aims to compress forest succession into 20-30 years Why these forests are planted using dense layers of native trees and shrubs to mimic a natural forest community The importance of soil preparation, including cardboard, compost, and mulch to suppress weeds and build fungal-rich soil How sites are chosen through collaboration with municipal staff, parks departments, and local partners Why publicly accessible land is a priority for Little Forests Durham projects The logistics behind site prep, including access for trucks, compost delivery, mulch spreading, and volunteer coordination How volunteers help with planting days, often in large numbers, making it possible to plant hundreds of trees and shrubs in a short time Why planting design still matters, even in a more naturalized system, with careful placement of canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs The realities of maintenance, including weeding, invasive species removal, tree protection, fencing, and monitoring for drought How mini forests help address climate change by increasing biodiversity, cooling urban spaces, and creating habitat for wildlife The role of partnerships with organizations such as Rotary Clubs, conservation authorities, Green Communities Canada, Greenbelt Foundation, and Trees for Life The group's ambitious goal of planting 30 mini forests by 2030 in Durham Region How listeners can support the effort through volunteering, joining the team, donating, or helping bring projects to their own communities The idea that homeowners can create smaller-scale versions in their ow

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 for years in Canadian conditions before they ever reach garden centres. They also build support tools around each plant, such as QR-code care reminders, an app, a 24/7 chatbot ("Ask Miss Diggs"), and even "mental reality" previews, so shoppers can feel confident choosing the right plant for the right spot. Topics Covered What Bloomin' Easy Plants is (and who it's for): a brand built to help casual/new gardeners succeed with approachable plants and simple guidance. How plants get to homeowners: breeders → Bloomin' Easy trials → propagators create "baby plants" → finished container growers → local garden centres/big box stores. Why "grown locally" matters: plants supplied by growers near your garden centre are more likely to be adapted to your climate (better survival and performance). Plant genetics and long trialing: many varieties are trialed 3–10 years to confirm hardiness, disease resistance, compact habit, and flowering performance. Support tools for success: QR tags with care reminders, an app, "Ask Miss Diggs" chatbot (with info backed by credible sources/universities), and "see it mature" preview tech. Boxwood challenges and replacements: discussion of boxwood blight and boxwood tree moth concerns, plus plants that can be shaped and used as alternatives. New/featured plants and why they stand out: Blue Box® (Rhododendron / "small-leaf rhodo") as a boxwood-like replacement with early blooms (magenta or light pink) and evergreen structure; prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds. Hydrangea "Bubble Bath": a compact, mophead-style look; zone 3–8, 2–3 ft tall/wide; lime-tinged blooms fading to creamy white; great in pots due to tidy shape. Perennials expansion: Bloomin' Easy launched perennials about two years ago due to grower demand; perennials follow the same "compact and easy" standard. "Forged by Fire" (Silene): early spring bloomer with dark foliage and bright red flowers; compact (about 12–18 in), and noted as a native option with improved garden behaviour. Garden phlox varieties (e.g., Center of Attention, Confetti Cake): selected for long bloom and powdery mildew resistance in damp coastal trial conditions. Rudbeckia "Solar Siste

In the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants. Topics Covered When to start fertilizing Wait until days are noticeably longer (sometime after daylight savings time) when plants begin active growth again. How to read fertilizer labels (N-P-K) The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K). Leafy plants may benefit from higher nitrogen; flowering plants often need more phosphorus. Choosing an "all-purpose" fertilizer Balanced blends (e.g., 10-10-10) can work for many houseplants, especially as a baseline. Three common fertilizer formats Water-soluble liquid: mix into watering can; easy to apply while watering. Granular: sprinkle on the soil surface; dissolves as you water (Joanne notes it can feel less precise). Slow-release pellets: dissolve gradually; may only need reapplying every few months. Frequency granular and slow-release can be less frequent but require awareness of plant needs. Start gently Use half-strength for the first few feedings at the start of the season to ease plants in. Organic vs. big-box options Joanne prefers organic options (often lower N-P-K numbers) and mentions the appeal of local/smaller brands, while acknowledging "use what you have" if it's already in your cupboard. Check expiry dates Expired fertilizer is usually not harmful—just potentially less effective. Know your special plants Spot-check care requirements for "can't-risk-it" plants: heirlooms, cuttings, orchids, sentimental favourites (she shares the example of a long-loved rubber tree). Homemade fertilizer recipes (with caution) DIY approaches (tea/coffee grounds/fish emulsion) exist, but beginners should stick to products with known N-P-K values. Takeaways and Tips Don't rush it: Start fertilizing when daylight increases (typically after daylight savings), not in the dead of winter. Half-strength first: For the first few fertilized

In the third episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses propagation, a simple and rewarding way to expand your plant collection. Topics discussed: Quick recap of Houseplant Chat #1 and #2: winter light, soil refresh/repotting, and watering What propagation is (and why it's easier than starting from seed) Best beginner-friendly plants to propagate: pothos and philodendrons Fixing a long, "leggy" trailing plant by trimming and replanting rooted cuttings back into the base to fill it out How to take cuttings: clean tools, cut around leaf nodes, and root in water How long rooting can take (and why patience pays off, especially for woodier plants) "Mother plant" strategy: pruning the original plant and using the cuttings to rebuild a fuller shape Gift and budget-friendly uses: making plants to share, sell, or give as gifts A reminder that plants are more resilient than we think, and even cut stems can be decorative in water Using propagation as décor: greenery in vases for low-light areas and windowless rooms Takeaways and Tips: Start with easy wins: pothos and philodendrons root quickly and are beginner-proof. Always cut near a node: that's where roots are most likely to form. Use clean, sharp tools: cleaner cuts make for healthier cuttings. Re-fill leggy plants: root cuttings, then plant them back into the pot to thicken the base and make the plant look brand new. Don't panic if something snaps off: trim it neatly, pop it in water, and see what happens. Water propagation can double as décor: a vase of cuttings adds life to dark corners, and you can pot them up later. Expect slower rooting on woody plants: they can still work, but they take longer. Experiment without fear: some cuttings won't take (and that's okay) because the learning is part of the fun. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garde

In the second episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne focuses on soil and watering techniques during the winter months. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the vital role that soil plays in the health of our houseplants. Steer clear of potting soils with added fertilizers or unnecessary ingredients, as houseplants generally do not require fertilization during this period. Instead, opt for a basic, nutrient-rich potting mix that supports healthy growth without overwhelming your plants. For those with existing plants, it's essential to check if they need repotting. Signs include roots sticking up in the pot, visible roots at the bottom, or soil that dries out quickly after watering. When repotting, Joanne suggests using a pot that is one size larger than the current one, as jumping too many sizes can lead to overwatering issues. The pot-in-pot method is a practical solution for those who struggle with overwatering. By placing a smaller, drainage-friendly pot inside a decorative pot, you can monitor how much water your plant is receiving. If water collects in the bottom, simply remove the inner pot, dump any excess water, and replace it. This method not only protects your plants but also prevents them from sitting in standing water, which can lead to root rot. Joanne shares her experience as a chronic overwaterer, noting that it's common to either neglect plants or drown them with too much water. She advises checking the soil moisture before watering, suggesting using a water meter for peace of mind. Takeaways and Tips: Assess whether your plants need repotting based on visible root growth and soil absorption. Consider using the pot-in-pot method to prevent overwatering and maintain healthy roots. Use a water meter to accurately gauge soil moisture before watering. Choose a quality potting soil without excess additives, especially in winter. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouT

This week, Joanne kicks off the 12th season of the Down the Garden Path podcast with the first episode in her "Houseplant Chat" series: Getting the Light Right. Tune in to learn how to keep your houseplants happy when winter light disappears. Topics discussed: Joanne emphasizes the importance of light for houseplants, especially in January, and shares practical tips for ensuring plants receive adequate light. She discusses her personal experiences with moving plants around her home to optimize their light exposure and highlights specific plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as the ZZ plant and snake plant. Joanne addresses the importance of keeping plant leaves clean to enhance light absorption, suggesting simple methods for dusting leaves. She introduces the concept of grow lights, explaining how modern options have evolved to be more aesthetically pleasing and user-friendly, often featuring timers for convenience. Takeaways and Tips: Consider the light your plants are getting during winter. Moving plants around can help them get more light. Dusting leaves improves light absorption for better health. Grow lights have evolved to be more user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing. Using a timer for grow lights simplifies plant care. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful to

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 rooftop kitchen garden, fruit plantings, and an edible-themed front yard. He's a horticulturist, award-winning broadcaster and author, and former horticulture instructor with George Brown and Durham Colleges in Ontario, Canada. His other books include Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't, Grow Lemons Where You Think You Can't, Growing Figs in Cold Climates, Grow Figs Where You Think You Can't, and No-Guff Gardening, available at foodgardenlife.com. Tune in to learn more about Canada Gardener's Journal. Origins of the Gardener's Journal Started 34 years ago by Margaret Bennett Alder Inspired by her father's paper booklets he used to manage tasks and meds Margaret used the format to track garden tasks, neat plant sources, and observations First year: ~50 copies printed; grew to 500 the next year By the 25th edition (2017), and her retirement at age 90, over 18,000 copies sold Margaret passed away at 98; the journal is part of her gardening legacy Evolution of the Journal Originally the Toronto Gardener's Journal, then the Toronto & Golden Horseshoe Gardener's Journal Taken over by Helen and Sarah Battersby (TorontoGardens.com), who expanded its geographic scope and won awards Now passed to Stephen, who has turned it into Canada's Gardener's Journal What's New in Canada's Gardener's Journal Now Canada-wide and bilingual, with information relevant across the country Includes average first and last frost dates using the most recent Environment Canada data Expanded sources list featuring Canadian suppliers that ship across the country (seeds, nursery stock, etc.) Ongoing plan to update sources as new nurseries and seed companies are suggested From Toronto-specific to Seasonal Tasks Old version: weekly tasks tied to the Toronto area and similar zones New version: season-based task

This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses soil testing with The Hobby Homestead's Amy Ellard-Gray, who grows 75% of her family's fruits and vegetables in her Guelph backyard. About Amy Amy runs The Hobby Homestead in suburban Guelph, where she cultivates over 100 varieties of native plants to support the local ecosystem. Through her YouTube channel, Instagram, website, and in-person consultations, she helps people design and troubleshoot their own food-growing spaces. Her mantra, "growing food in harmony with nature," guides everything she does, from tending soil life to welcoming wildlife into the garden. Topics discussed in this episode: "How much compost is too much?" Amy questioned the popular "just pile on compost" / no-dig approach (e.g., growing directly in municipal compost). After consulting an agronomist, she learned you can overdo compost, especially because compost often has high soluble salts that can stress plants. General rule of thumb from the agronomist: for established beds, about ½ inch (1 cm) of compost as a top-dressing per year is usually enough, but every garden is different. Why test compost and soil? Amy now plans to lab-test her own compost (about $20) for salts and nutrients before using it widely. Lab tests are often similar in price to store-bought kits and usually include a quick consult to interpret results. Soil tests are especially valuable for: New builds or new-to-you properties. High-value plants (e.g., Japanese maples, fruit trees). Chronic problem areas like failing lawns or veggie beds. Home test kits vs lab tests Simple garden-center test kits can be unreliable, especially if old or poorly stored. Nitrogen is hard to test accurately because it changes quickly in the soil; even lab reports often base nitrogen recommendations on plant symptoms, not just numbers. Labs can tailor tests to what you're growing (lawn, ornamentals, vegetables, etc.). pH: the quiet troublemaker Amy's big lesson: pH controls nutrient availability. Low pH can lock up phosphorus. High pH (common in parts of Ontario) ties up iron, manganese, and zinc. <li style="font

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne shares her passion for indoor gardening with practical winter houseplant care tips and a reminder that there's always something new to learn and grow. Topics discussed: 1. From Annuals to Houseplants It's time to turn your attention to houseplants as gardening shifts indoors. Don't rush out to buy new plants: friends and family often have extras or cuttings to share. 2. Winter Care Basics During shorter days and lower light levels, houseplants slow down their growth. Do not fertilize in winter; they're not actively growing. Keep watering moderately: it's better to underwater than overwater. Use a moisture meter or finger test to check the soil before watering. 3. Refresh and Repot Check plants for dryness, dust, or signs they've outgrown their pots. Wipe dusty leaves with a damp cloth to help them absorb light. Consider repotting if roots are showing through the drainage holes. Use potting soil, not garden soil, and choose soil types suited to plant varieties (succulents, orchids, etc.). Avoid decorative pots without drainage for valuable plants. 4. Easy Propagation and Gift Ideas Take cuttings from plants like pothos, philodendron, and peperomia. Start them in water using clear containers to monitor root growth. Plant swaps are a fun and inexpensive way to expand your collection. Propagated plants make meaningful, affordable holiday gifts. 5. Learning and Experimenting Joanne shares her experiences with low-maintenance plants (snake plant, ZZ plant, pothos). Recently inspired to try more demanding varieties like Alocasia. Discusses challenges like insect issues and learning about proper soil mixes. 6. The Joy and Benefits of Houseplants Houseplants add life, colour, and calm to indoor spaces during the winter. Handling soil can improve mood and mental health. Every room benefits from having at least one plant. Notes the outdated NASA air-purifying study—plants don't clean air significantly but do add humidity and beauty. Resources Mentioned in the Show: <a href= "https://www.amazon.ca/Down-Garden-Path-Step-Step/dp/B0B1JNGSJ3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MF45B03

This week, Joanne welcomes Ellen Zachos, author of 11 books on plants, including her latest, Mythic Plants: Potions and Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods. About Ellen A Harvard graduate, Ellen's first career was on Broadway (Les Miz), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanical Garden for many years and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Her 11th book, Mythic Plants: Potions she wasn't drawn to Norse or Indian myths. Extensive research across historical texts; citations couldn't fit in the print book, but are available online. Plant Stories

This week on the podcast, Joanne welcomes Brandie, the Suburban Gardenista, an avid gardener passionate about supporting pollinators with native plants. Brandie is Pollinator Stewardship Certified by Pollinator Partnership Canada and loves sharing her learnings through podcasts, workshops, and social media. You can find her online on YouTube and Instagram @thesuburbangardenista. Brandie's Gardening Journey Began gardening ~20 years ago after moving into a home with no plants Inspired by her mother's lush gardens Discovered native plants through growing Obedient Plant — her "gateway" plant Realized the importance of planting natives to support local ecosystems and pollinators Certified through Pollinator Partnership Canada (Pollinator Stewardship Certification) Shares gardening insights via YouTube, Instagram, and workshops Native vs. Non-Native Plants Native plants provide critical support for specialist pollinators (those reliant on specific species) Non-natives mainly support generalist pollinators Balance between natives, non-natives, and invasives is key Common aggressive natives: Canada Anemone, Obedient Plant, Common Milkweed Alternatives like Butterfly Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed are more contained Managing Aggressive or Invasive Species Important to research before planting Remove known invasives such as English Ivy, Vinca/Periwinkle, Lily of the Valley Learn plant behaviour (spreading, seeding, etc.) before adding to the garden Designing with Natives in Small Spaces Small gardens can host a wide variety (Brandie has 70+ species) Focus on the right plant, right place, rather than "low maintenance" alone Use design creativity: logs, natural materials, and container plants to fill early gaps Community and Education Shares excess seedlings with neighbours; encourages community planting Label plants with signs to spark curiosity and conversation Promot

If your summer containers still look surprisingly lush, don't toss them out just yet. This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses how, with a little care, you can enjoy them again next year. Tune in to learn how to overwinter your annuals. Topics discussed: Many annuals are still looking great in mid-October — don't toss them yet! You can successfully overwinter several annuals to save money and enjoy them again next year. There's no single foolproof method; success depends on the type of plant, growing conditions, and care. Joanne shares three main methods: bringing the whole plant indoors, taking cuttings, and storing tubers. Method 1: Bring the Whole Plant Indoors (Treat as a Houseplant) Works well for mixed containers where some plants still look healthy. Steps: Scoop out healthy plants, repot in fresh soil. Use a tray or boot tray with gravel to create humidity. Lightly water (avoid soggy soil). Treat with Safer's insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth, or Bios Nutrients herbal plant soap to remove insects. Keep in a cool location with indirect light (e.g., basement or bright garage that doesn't freeze). Reduce watering through winter; keep soil barely moist. Trim plants back slightly. Begin fertilizing lightly again as days lengthen (Feb–March). Examples: Coleus Geraniums (Pelargoniums) Million Bells (Calibrachoa) — heavy feeders; need more light Method 2: Take Cuttings Ideal for plants like Coleus, Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea), Geraniums, and others with soft stems. Process: Take small cuttings (3–4 inches). Remove lower leaves. Root in water until roots form. Pot rooted cuttings in small pots (3-inch) with fresh soil. Use Ziploc bags or plastic covers to maintain humidity if needed. Grow under indirect light or with grow lights. Benefits: Saves space compared to bringing in full plants. Allows propagation of multiple new plants. Method 3: Save Tubers (Overwinter Dormant) <li style="fo

This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses the importance of watering your trees and evergreens throughout October and November. Topics discussed: This summer was the driest summer on record, with only 96 millimetres of rain Although 2024 had more rain, half of it came in a single storm: our rainfall patterns are inconsistent and insufficient By late July or early August, many people give up on watering their gardens and lawns due to the dry conditions Water trees, especially a the drip line rather than just the trunk, once or twice a week until the ground freezes Consider using tree bags for young trees to provide slow, consistent watering Provide winter protection for Japanese maples by staking and wrapping with burlap Pool owners, pay special attention to the trees surrounding your pool, as there is generally not a lot of space between the pool patio and the garden, and the trees take a lot of abuse While many people may not consider it their responsibility to water city trees, doing so benefits the entire community How to water trees effectively, including targeting the drip line and using tree bags for young trees Evergreens and ornamental trees need to be watered well before winter, as they may not show signs of stress until it's too late Be proactive in caring for your trees: the investment in water is worth it for the long-term health and beauty of the trees in your yard Resources Mentioned in the Show: Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Please let me know what other topics you would like me to discuss. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with me on my website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. Down the Garden Path Podcast On <a href= "https://www.down2earth.ca/category/podcasts/" tar

In this encore presentation of October in the Garden, Joanne Shaw reviews some of the tasks you can do this month, but don't worry, it's not as labour-intensive as you think! Tasks you can do this month: Vegetable Gardens Clean up and remove the old stems of your tomato or pepper plants that have stopped producing. Sow cool-weather plants like lettuce and some spinach: they grow better in the shoulder seasons, late spring /early summer or fall. Buy plants at a garden centre or start seeds and sow them right into the garden. Top up the vegetable garden with some compost or manure to get ahead of next year. Take pictures so you know where plants are because next year you may need to put things in different places. Plant a cover crop. Containers If you want to take advantage of the nice weather at the beginning of October, take your vegetables out of their containers and pop in an aster. Annuals and Perennials Annuals: With no frost anytime soon, annuals are probably still doing okay. They may be a little bit leggy or sad-looking. Perk them up with water and fertilizer. Perennials: No need to cut them back. You can do some deadheading if things are really looking brown and not necessarily attractive. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs Trees: It is important to water deciduous trees, especially young ones, certainly ones that you just planted this year. Water them deeply every week. Evergreen shrubs: Enjoy the fall colour and shape of your shrubs. Cutting them back now is not necessary. Keep newly planted shrubs well-watered. They need some extra time to get established. Being in a drought situation as they go into dormancy in winter is never a good thing. Seeds and Bulbs It's a good time to buy and plant your garlic. Spring bulbs: find and buy bulbs – just don't plant them until the end of October, or the beginning of November! I recommend not planting tulips, but instead looking at the interesting varieties of daffodils or alliums Daffodils and alliums are poisonous to squirrels and other rodents, so they will leave them alone. Lawn Care Time to apply fall fertilizer. Pay attention to the weeds, especially crabgrass which i

In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses how to extend the blooming season in your garden by adding asters. Topics covered in this week's episode: Gardens don't have to stop blooming in September. We can extend the season to October and November. It's very important to have because the pollinators still need something blooming. There are over 30 different species of asters. They have a huge variety of growing conditions, so there is an aster for whatever challenging growing condition you have. Here are the five asters discussed: New England Aster, Symphyotrichum nova-angliae The showiest, and likely the one you're most familiar with Native to most U.S. states and provinces It is large and very showy, with a bright, cozy blue flower with a yellow centre The leaves on the stem are densely arranged on the stem Prefer soil moist and they can grow in part shade One of the larger varieties: up to six feet tall Whitewood Aster Eurybia divaricata Delicate looking flowers Grows in dry shade which means it makes a wonderful addition to the shade garden Not super showy like most shade plants Found in Ontario in dry, deciduous forests So that's exactly what we want in our garden. If you have maple trees, pine trees, or something like that where the soil underneath is very dry and it's very shady, then this is something worth giving a try to Only gets two to three feet tall Smooth Aster Symphyotrichum laeve Similar to the New England Aster, it has leaves that are very smooth, lavender and blue Has a daisy-type flower with a yellow centre Blooms from August to October A huge pollinator for butterflies and a larval host for the pearl crescent butterfly Heart leaf Aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium Lavender to light blue It is one of the latest ones to bloom and actually goes into November An excellent pollinator for butterflies and bees at late in the season Spreads slowly by rhizomes and it lightly se

This week, Joanne welcomes Aaron Deacon from BIOS Nutrients back to the podcast to discuss the newest addition to his product line, a game-changing plant fertilizer in collaboration with Ryzome and the ZooShare Cooperative. You can learn more about Aaron and BIOS Nutrients here. Natural Fertilizer Innovation and Philosophy Aaron started BIOS Nutrients five years ago after being laid off during COVID, initially focusing on making natural fertilizers and pesticides for cannabis growing. Expanded from houseplants to gardening and commercial growing, developing a commercially registered liquid fertilizer made from food waste. Aaron explained his fermentation-based approach to creating fertilizers, which mimics natural soil decomposition processes and emphasizes the importance of microbial diversity in soil health. Healthy soil is more important than new soil, and local organic compost is crucial in building soil ecosystems that are adapted to specific local conditions. BIOS + Rysome New Plant Fertilizer BIOS Nutrients has a new partnership with Lexi, who runs Rysome, a company that repurposes construction waste into plant fertilizers. Together, they developed a new liquid fertilizer that provides immediate nutrient availability, unlike their original dry formulation. BIOS Nutrients' collaboration with the Toronto Zoo's digester facility, which processes food waste into a fertilizer byproduct The development and testing of the new liquid plant fertilizer, "BIOS +Rysome," which has shown promising results with soybean farmers. The challenges of transitioning from synthetic to natural fertilizers, and the need for education and practical solutions for farmers. The importance of soil health and the use of cover crops like clover for nutrient replenishment. Aaron's shift from focusing on indoor cannabis growing to outdoor agriculture and houseplants was driven by a passion for teaching others about sustainable soil practices. Natural Gardening Solutions with Yucca The benefits and uses of yucca extract and plant soap for gardening. Yucca extract is a natural soil rehydrator and wetting agent that can improve the effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides by lowering surface tension. Plant soap made from deep-fried herbs in canola oil serves as a

This week, Joanne Shaw discusses rain garden design with Michael Albanese, owner of AVESI Stormwater and Landscape Solutions and author of The Modern Rain Garden: Scrape, Shape and Plant. About the Book: The Modern Rain Garden: Scrape, Shape, and Plant The updated and expanded second edition for 2025 builds off the amazing success of the original release of Modern Rain Garden. As a professional rain garden builder, Michael gives an in-depth account of his experience designing, building, and managing rain gardens over the past 15 years. Readers will feel empowered to take ownership of their rain gardens so decisions can be made with confidence. The second edition also covers more topics and goes deeper into why and how the Scrape, Shape, and Plant method is one that lets nature do the work. This method has evolved by regularly assessing what's essential, effective, and improvable -- prioritizing simplicity over complexity. Rain Garden Design and Benefits Michael explained his approach to rain garden design, emphasizing the importance of shaping the landscape to create a water-absorbing vessel rather than focusing solely on plant selection. Rain gardens can solve specific problems like water pooling; they also offer environmental benefits by managing stormwater and promoting biodiversity. The potential for rain gardens to help homeowners better manage water on their properties, especially in areas with extreme weather changes. Rain gardens can serve both problem-solving and environmentally sustainable purposes, catering to different client needs and preferences. Rain Garden Construction Strategies Strategies for managing water on residential properties, focusing on the concept of active rainfall versus inactive rainfall. Michael explained his approach to rain garden construction, emphasizing the "scrape and shape" method which involves minimal soil disturbance and uses existing site materials. He described how this method avoids the resource waste and over-engineering often seen in traditional rain garden installations. The challenges of planting in different soil types and the importance of allowing plants to naturally improve soil conditions over time. Rain Garden Design and Management Joanne and Michael discussed rain garden design and water management in residential landscapes. Rain gardens rely on infiltration rather than pond liners; its important to use materials properly. The challenges with new subdivisions where shared draina

In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne shares tips for choosing fall mums and asters. Topics covered in this week's episode: Chrysanthemums, many horticultural varieties and cultivars exist including tender florist mums (a favourite of mine because of how long they stay blooming in a vase). Or Garden mums, more commonly known as fall mums. All Chrysanthemums are native to East Asia and Northeastern Europe. They became popular in North American gardening during the early to mid-20th century. Overall, fall or autumn gardening in the U.S. became particularly prominent in the 1950s and 1960s. Their popularity grew thanks to their vibrant colours of mums—ranging from deep reds and oranges to yellows and purples—this made them a popular choice for fall displays. Their ability to bloom late into the season and withstand cooler temperatures also contributed to their popularity in autumn gardening. Fall mums grown for our gardens are fertilized and pruned heavily to maintain their dense growth while in containers. It is possible to overwinter them in the garden but without regular maintenance, they can get quite large (tall and wide over a season or two). You often hear of gardeners or articles mentioning mid-summer to cut back or pinch back the foliage on garden mums that are being grown in the garden to slow down their growth and size. If growing in the garden, they benefit from mulching to protect them from the freeze and thaw most of us experience in our Ontario gardens or gardens in zones 4-6. They can be prone to spider mites and aphids as well as powdery mildew. Mildew especially if they are allowed to get large in the garden and then crowd with other plants and especially when there is high humidity and/or overhead watering. The downside of mums: As a designer, my goal is to create gardens that are all season with something happening at all times and for there really not be a need for high-maintenance annuals. I do realize that there are times and places in the yard where one might want a pop of colour -- even me! Potted mums perform much better in cooler temperatures. Unfortunately, garden centres seem to start selling them earlier and earlier each season. They are thirsty plants when in pots, especially in the heat. If the pots aren't watered regularly they die very quickly and I think homeowners think they can revive them. Once they have dried out, they are a throwaway plant. Don't

Although September marks the end of summer and the gradual change to fall, it doesn't have to signify the end of the gardening season. In this episode, Joanne offers some practical tips and advice for making the most of your September garden. Topics covered in this week's episode: September Reset Reality check: Hot, dry summer stressed many plants. Use September's cooler nights/rain to reassess. Goal: Keep what thrived, replace what struggled with drought-tolerant options. Evaluate eyes at original depth (shallow). Hostas: Move sun-stressed clumps to cooler/shadier spots; fall divisions avoid leggy spring growth. Rescue Stressed or New Plants Priority: Root establishment, not top growth. Steps: Trim crispy foliage, keep plant tags, and water consistently through September–October. Clearance Rack Buying Inspect roots, not leaves: Healthy = firm, white/tan roots with soil; avoid slimy/sour/rotting roots. Perennials: "Sleep, creep, leap," cosmetic top damage is fine if roots are good. Soil Care Add: Compost, composted mulch, or manure (not more "garden soil"). Why: Better nutrients + moisture retention for next year. Lawn Strategy (Early Fall) Dormant does not mean dead: Expect rebound with dew + cooler nights. Mow high: Esp

Thinking about a starting a new landscape project? This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne draws on her experience as a landscape designer to share insights on planning, selecting high-quality materials, and collaborating with professionals. Topics covered in this week's episode: 1) Go for a walk in your neighbourhood or drive to another neighbourhood and walk there to look at landscapes so that you can see what you like and don't like. Pay attention to homes that are the same style and or colour Look at the colour of the paving material used. This can help for choices in the front or backyard. For front yards, focus on features like front entrances etc. Do you see an aesthetic you like? Gardens: do you want more garden and less lawn, or the other way around? Again, do you like clean lines and minimal plantings, or do you want a colourful all-season garden? 2) Ask for referrals from neighbours, family, or friends who have completed successful landscape projects. Research landscape companies on social media and websites before contacting them. Look at the type of jobs they are building, the material they are using. 3) Call Landscape Companies: Ask about design services Don't fall for "We can do anything you want!" You don't know what you don't know Many contractors have design services, and if they don't, many independent landscape designers can help you with a plan. 4) Ask potential landscapers questions and read through proposals thoroughly. Ask about how deep they dig their base, what base materials they use, what type of edging techniques do they use. Will they repair or replace the sod? What is their preferred landscaping material? 5) Once you have chosen your landscaper, you will need to choose your material before your project starts. You can narrow down the options by reviewing different catalogues, but it is more helpful to visit material yards in person. Visit with your landscaper or designer to select appropriate materials. Choices can be overwhelming, so do not go alone. It is important to make sure that all the different materials coordinate Consider future needs like irrigation and lighting if your budget is limited. The landscaper can add during the initial project to make it easier to add lighting and irrigation later. Resources Mentioned in the Show: <a hre

August is a busy but rewarding month in the garden. Although heat stress and plant fatigue can be a challenge, with attentive care, tidying up, and strategic watering and fertilizing, your lawn and garden can thrive into the fall. Tune in to hear Joanne's tips and advice for keeping your lawn and garden thriving in August. Topics covered in this week's episode: Bulb Preparation Start thinking about fall bulbs (both flowering and garlic) now, especially if you want specific varieties. Vegetables and Herbs Trim tired herbs (dill, basil, chives, oregano, thyme) for rejuvenation—stagger cuts for small crops to extend harvests. Monitor vegetables—harvest tomatoes and sow a second crop of lettuces and other cool-weather crops for fall. Keep gardens tidy: remove dead leaves and debris to prevent mildew and fungal diseases, especially after frequent watering. Watering Tips Due to a lack of rain and prevalent heat in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), consistent watering is vital. Overhead watering (oscillating sprinklers) is inefficient—Joanne recommends a circular, ground-level sprinkler for deeper, targeted watering. Test soil moisture with a wooden stick/spoon for accurate watering, especially for new plants. Fertilization and Soil Care With heavy summer watering, nutrients may be depleted—top up with compost or hen manure, especially in raised beds and containers. Annuals and hanging baskets may also need fertilizer boosts (water-soluble or pellet) and a haircut to encourage new growth. Container Gardening Refresh tired annuals in containers or hanging baskets—replace or trim as needed for continued success through fall. Consider adding or dividing perennials like hostas in containers. Pest and Disease Watch Look out for mildew, spider mites, and aphids; ladybugs can help control aphids (ensure they are native). Lawn Care Lawns may look brown but are likely dormant, not dead—no need to fertilize or mow dormant grass. Focus on watering deeply rather than frequently. Use a rain gauge or simple container to check water penetration. Pay attention to weeds, especially crabgrass—remove before seed heads spread. Trees and Hedges Water trees deeply—target the feeder root zone, not just trunk; mature trees benefit when you water your lawn. Avoid spray

In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path podcast, landscape designer Joanne Shaw offers mid-season advice for your lawn and garden. Topics covered in this week's episode: YES, you can still plant this summer. You do not need to wait until fall. Summer is always a good time to pick up a good sale on plants, just check that the roots are healthy. The roots are the most important thing to look at in mid-summer, especially on discounted plant material. It may not do much this year, but it will be even better next year. Tree and shrub planting is fine, but you need to be around home to water in case of drought. If you are away for a few days, that is fine. Consider using a tree watering bag for your trees or even timers for sprinklers. The important thing is to be around to keep an eye on your newly planted trees. Also, remember the sign of too much water is the same as not enough. So, check the soil deeply if your plant appears to be struggling. Mid-summer is Japanese beetle season. I want to reassure you that Japanese beetle traps work, when used according to instructions. Read the instructions! Place the trap far away from the garden and plants (including your neighbours' plants) Communicate with your close neighbours; you don't all need a trap. Follow the distance guidelines in the instructions and you will be fine. The key is to capture as many as possible before they lay their eggs in your lawn, which turn into grubs. Native Plants There's so much talk about native plants and only using them in your garden. If it is overwhelming, don't worry. There are a lot of non-native plants that pollinators love. There is no need to remove plants or shrubs to add native plants -- unless you have invasive plants, or you want to. I suggest a few mid-season native bloomers that can be added now. Many native plants are spring or fall bloomers and many can become invasive or spreaders, so keep that in mind when choosing them. Removing seed heads will help with their spread. Mid-summer is also crabgrass season. It is important to pull it out before it goes to seed. Try not to cut grass when it has gone to seed because that spreads the seed to create more weeds for next year. If you have a large lawn and or a large amount of crabgrass, consider bagging your grass for the rest of the season to try to prevent as many weeds as possible for next year.</li

In this encore presentation of Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses some of the issues you may be experiencing with your hydrangeas this month and what you can do about them. Topics covered in this week's episode: Hydrangeas not blooming? Knowing what variety of hydrangea you have is the first step In Joanne's experience, if you have a nice large green bush but no or few flowers then you have a Macrophylla variety They bloom on old wood that is unfortunately susceptible to late spring frost damage The buds form on the old wood in early spring, and then a late frost comes and kills the buds The plant still grows nice and lush and you don't know anything is wrong until it doesn't flower. Extra water and fertilizer provide a nice full-leaved plant, but no blooms I have tried all the techniques to try and prevent this and protect the plant, but I gave up and replaced it with a hardier variety If you are in an area where you often get a late frost after a nice warm-up, then consider swapping to another variety Hydrangeas discussed: Macrophylla Paniculata Quercifolia Serrata Arborescence Which hydrangeas grow on old or new wood Hydrangeas getting too large/floppy? Preferred pruning practices Smaller variety recommendations of each type to have a hydrangea that stays smaller: Munchkin Oakleaf Hydrangea Invincibelle Wee White Hydrangea Invincibelle Limetta Little Lime or Bobo Hydrangeas All are a great way to have more hydrangeas in a smaller space Related Episodes/Resources Mentioned in the Show: Tips To Extend The Blooming Season Of Your Endless Summer Hydrangea Hydrangeas Hydrangeas Part One Hydrangeas Part Two BLOG POST

In this encore presentation of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing show you how to keep your garden and landscape cool and colourful in the summer heat with tips for your July garden. Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode: Pros and cons of the recent hard, fast rain and things to consider with your garden and containers. Lawns The importance of watering deeply but less frequently The best type of fertilizer for your lawn situation The best time to fertilize Staying on top of weeds Perennials/Annuals in the Garden Deadhead perennials to clean up or encourage new growth It may be time to clean up your annual containers and replace individual plants if they are dead or not growing well Make sure the annual containers are not being overwatered or underwatered Time to fertilize containers as well Shrubs: Pruning spring bloomers after flowering Trees: Fertilizing shrubs and trees, the best timing depending on the weather. Best ways to deep-water trees: do not rely on rain only Matthew and Joanne's vegetable garden Are you a landscape or gardening expert? Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast. You can also email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne via her website: down2earth.ca Down the Garden Path Podcast On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to b

Joanne Shaw welcomes Carla Bailey back to the podcast to discuss how Women in Landscaping empowers women in the landscaping industry through networking and mentorship opportunities. About Carla Bailey An HR professional for over a decade, Carla Bailey honed her expertise working for a leading landscaping company in London, Ontario. Dedicated to creating a positive work environment and resolving employee matters, her commitment to staff growth led her to discover and implement various government initiatives to support employee development. In 2018, Carla and three other green professionals founded Women In Landscaping to introduce women to green professions and provide a community to help them thrive. Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: The need for a Durham chapter of Women in Landscaping, which is a registered nonprofit The success of chapters in other regions, like Toronto and Ottawa, emphasizes the importance of local champions reaching out to contacts Carla explained their funding model, which relies on donations from contractor and vendor companies Joanne and Carla discussed their experiences with customer service, particularly focusing on gendered treatment and communication challenges The growth and expansion of Women in Landscaping, and their transition from quarterly sessions to monthly drop-in events at local venues Women in Landscaping's success in reaching 4,500 attendees annually, and their plans to expand into new communities across Ontario and potentially Alberta and BC The upcoming Congress 2026, which will feature two events: a Landscape Ontario women's event during the day and a WiL-hosted evening reception Empowering Women in Landscaping: the importance of promoting landscaping as a career for women and the need for support networks within the industry The benefits of having a community of women in landscaping, where they can share experiences, provide support, and collaborate on projects Joanne emphasized the value of networking and learning from each other, while Carla noted the unique open-book mentality in Ontario's landscape industry, which fosters innovation and collaboration Initiatives and events organized by the National Association for Landscaping Professionals and Landscape Ontario to support women in the industry They highlighted the importance of retaining women in the workforce and shared strategies for creating a more inclusive and flexible work environment Carla emphasized the need for transparent wage structures and career ad

In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with Barbara Pratt about the 29th annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour, taking place this Saturday, June 21st, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Gardens of Uxbridge Tour On this self-guided driving tour around the Uxbridge countryside, participants view eight private residential gardens in both town and country settings. The gardens featured change every year and offer a variety of sizes, designs, unique plantings, and inspiration for your own garden. A charitable fundraiser, produced in partnership with The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario, this tour benefits the local National Historic Site commemorating this Canadian author of Anne of Green Gables fame. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Lucy Maud Montgomery Society Barbara Pratt is one of the founding members of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society Montgomery lived near Uxbridge for 15 years, and her journals were published in five volumes by Oxford University Press Gardens of Uxbridge Tour The annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour is a major fundraiser for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario Barbara explained how the society restored the Leaskdale Manse, where Montgomery lived as a minister's wife, using her historical photographs to guide the restoration The tour, now in its 29th year, was originally run by Community Care in Uxbridge before being taken over by the society, which continues to maintain both the house and gardens to attract international visitors interested in Montgomery's life and work The tour focuses on showcasing personal and unique garden styles, overcoming obstacles, and providing inspiration for gardeners This year's tour will take place on June 21st, featuring eight gardens (4 in town and 4 in the countryside) that can be visited in a single day Participants receive a passport with a map and descriptions of the gardens, along with a list of interesting side trips, such as Richters Herbs in Goodwood Tickets must be purchased online at gardensofuxbridge.org, with all proceeds supporting local community projects This year, due to road construction, the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society will serve refreshments at Showbrook Gardens instead of the manse, where they will offer their signature tea and scones along with displays The tour will highlight various artists, including Linda Virio for encaustic painting, Daniella Boerhof for

In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with author Susan Poizner about her latest book, Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees. About Susan Poizner Susan Poizner is an award-winning author, journalist, urban orchardist, and fruit tree care educator based in Toronto, Canada. She trains arborists, master gardeners, and community and home orchardists in fruit tree maintenance through in-person workshops, online courses, and webinars. Her books include Grow Fruit Trees Fast, Growing Urban Orchards, Fruit Tree Grafting for Everyone and Fruit Tree Pruning.

This week, Joanne speaks with horticulturist and author Steven Biggs about his latest book, Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't: How to Grow an Olive Tree in a Pot. About Steven Biggs 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 rooftop kitchen garden, fruit plantings, and an edible-themed front yard. He's a horticulturist, award-winning broadcaster and author, and former horticulture instructor with George Brown and Durham Colleges in Ontario, Canada. His books include Grow Lemons Where You Think You Can't, Growing Figs in Cold Climates, Grow Figs Where You Think You Can't, and No-Guff Gardening, available at foodgardenlife.com. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Growing Olives in Cold Climates Olive trees are well-suited for cold climates They can live for hundreds of years Olive trees are available at garden centres Steven recommends the self-pollinating variety, Frantoio, for home gardens Can be used for screening or framing garden spaces Olive Tree Care in Containers Growing olive trees in pots: the importance of full sun, well-draining soil, and regular pruning for size control and fruit production You'll also need a simple all-purpose fertilizer and amending potting soil with garden loam and sand for added weight to prevent toppling Store potted olive trees in a cool, dark place over the winter to satisfy chill hours for flowering and fruiting Joanne noted that olive trees can be brought indoors as houseplants during the winter and taken outside in the spring after new growth has hardened off Olive Tree Care, Propagation and Pruning Steven shared his experience growing olive trees, including a method used by a Vancouver Island grower who protects his trees with horticultural fleece and Christmas lights during cold weather Olive trees can be propagated through cuttings, air layering, or by taking advantage of suckers that naturally develop at the base of the tree Olive trees are relatively easy to care for, but common issues include overwatering in winter, leading to root rot and letting the soil dry out in summer Steven's potting technique: root pruning every 3-4 years by lifting the tree from its 14-inch pot, trimming the roots, and replaci

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses strategies to prevent a box tree moth infestation and explores the moth's continued impact on boxwoods in Durham Region. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: The impact of the box tree moth on boxwoods Its discovery in Ontario in 2018 and its recent appearance in Durham Region Box Tree Moth Life Cycle: The adult moth has a short lifespan of 14 days but is a strong flyer, making it challenging to control The challenges in controlling the pest are due to its rapid reproduction and ability to survive cold winters Presents a significant threat to boxwoods and may be here to stay Be aware of its presence and consider protective measures for your plants Inspect boxwood plants for signs of box tree moth infestation, including webbing, chewed leaves, and caterpillars Explore treatment options, focusing on the need to kill caterpillars at the appropriate stage The only current control method is biological, using BTK spray, which must be applied diligently from mid-May onwards, ensuring thorough coverage, including the undersides of leaves Avoid moving boxwood plants to new locations to prevent spreading the box tree moth Explore alternative plants such as yews, globe cedars, strongbox holly, Japanese pieris, dwarf hydrangeas, dwarf mock orange, or dwarf lilacs as replacements for boxwood. Focus on ornamental areas rather than hedges when replacing boxwoods Find more information about the box tree moth: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Landscape Ontario The Box Tree Moth in Southern Ontario What's Wrong with Your Boxwood? Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! <a href="https://down2earth.ca/podcast/podcast-guest-s

The traditional lawn has received a lot of heat over the last few years with many recommending alternatives such as micro-clovers and specialized lawn blends. In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing speak with Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution, about the groundcover plants you can use to create a beautiful lawn alternative of your own. About Kathy Jentz Kathy Jentz is the editor and publisher of the award-winning Washington Gardener magazine, based in Washington, DC. She hosts the popular GardenDC Podcast and is co-author of The Urban Garden and author of Groundcover Revolution. Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode: What inspired you to write about groundcovers and lawn alternatives? Can you define the term groundcover? Do you consider step-ability? What zones do you cover? What benefits do groundcovers provide to our gardens? What is green mulch? How do we transition from groundcover to green mulch? Do you have favourite groundcovers? Do you need to prune or cut back any during the year? To quote Kathy's book "so many plants, so few pages." How do we start narrowing down our choices when selecting the right groundcovers? Stepping Stones Listener questions: Is groundcover expensive? Does the groundcover get very big? What is the average height? Does planting groundcover help with erosion? If so, what is the best to plant for this issue? Doesn't groundcover attract rodents in your yard? It leaves a nice place to nest and hide. I hear the term "carpet forming" regarding groundcover. What does this mean exactly? Tips to take the next step in your gardening journey. The best selection of fruit tree

This week on the podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about the popularity of water features in landscaping, including pondless designs, fountainscapes, and natural swimming ponds. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Pondless Water Features in Landscaping Increasingly popular in landscaping for their low maintenance and safety Enhances curb appeal and attracts wildlife Provides the sound of water without the upkeep of traditional ponds Preferred by homeowners seeking aesthetics and simplicity Pondless Water Features Design and Functionality Mimics natural water flow; includes bubbling elements and disappearing streams Built with similar mechanics as ponds but without standing water Water recirculates through a hidden basin, minimizing runoff Can integrate downspouts and rainwater harvesting for stormwater management Design and Maintenance Mini spillway and aqua basin designs allow features to fit any yard size Water should remain in basins during winter to prevent cracking/freezing Maintenance includes removing pumps before freezing temperatures Naturalistic design is achieved using varied rocks Proper maintenance and design extend feature lifespan Noise Reduction Water features help block unwanted sounds (e.g., traffic) Creates a soothing outdoor environment Watching water can lower blood pressure and heart rate An affordable and visually appealing way to improve outdoor spaces Installation Both professional installation and DIY options are available Certified landscape companies offer installation and customer service DIY products available for homeowners The Aquascape University program provides contractor training and certification Aquascape YouTube channel offers homeowner experiences and advice Construction and Materials Quality materials (granite, field stone) prevent calcium buildup and algae Kits are available for effic

This week, Joanne Shaw speaks with Deb McKee Kelly from Frontier Mushrooms, a leading producer of high-quality, sustainably grown mushrooms. About Deb McKee Kelly Deb is a longtime grower and passionate advocate for reconnecting with the natural world. Based in Grey County, Ontario, she has spent years cultivating gardens, food crops, and for the past 10 years, gourmet mushrooms. Today, her work with mushrooms and mycelium focuses on sustainable growing practices, education, and innovative uses for fungi in food systems and beyond. With a deep respect for nature's intelligence — and a belief that fungi hold keys to a more resilient future — Deb and her growing partner Darin share their knowledge with growers, makers, and curious minds alike. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Overview of Frontier Mushrooms: a family-run mushroom farm Deb's background and how she got into mushroom cultivation Types of Mushrooms Grown at Frontier Mushrooms Focus on specialty mushrooms: Shiitake, Oyster, Lion's Mane, and more Discussion on the unique qualities and flavours of each type The Mushroom Growing Process Step-by-step explanation of mushroom cultivation Importance of substrate and environmental controls (humidity, temperature, light) Challenges faced in mushroom farming (pests, contamination) Health Benefits of Mushrooms Nutritional value: protein, fibre, vitamins (B, D), minerals Medicinal properties: immune support, cognitive benefits (especially Lion's Mane) Myths and facts about mushrooms' health impacts Cooking and Using Mushrooms at Home Tips for storing and preparing fresh mushrooms Simple recipe ideas shared by Deb Advice on maximizing mushroom flavour in dishes Buying Local and Supporting Small Farms Benefits of sourcing mushrooms from local growers How Frontier Mushrooms connects with the community (farmers' markets, local stores) The importance of sustainable and organic practices Common Questions from Listeners How to grow mushrooms at home: starter kits, best varieties for beginners Shelf life and storage tips for fresh mushro

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne speaks with Erin Alladin and Sean Patchett about their podcast, Plants Always Win. Plants Always Win Podcast Plants Always Win is a podcast where two Ontario gardeners dive down plant-fact rabbit holes, answer audience questions, interview intriguing guests, and compete to bring you the most interesting stories and information. Erin Alladin, a.k.a. Earth Undaunted, is a professional communicator with a love for gardens, especially garden ecosystems. She's known online for her writing and videos about gardening with chronic illness and disability, as well as her background in permaculture and community garden-organizing. While chronic illness has kept Erin from making gardening her livelihood, she leaps at any chance to bring it into her work as an author, copywriter, and editor. Sean Patchett, a.k.a GardenGuyMuskoka, is a professional gardener, horticulture technician, and member of the Master Gardeners of Ontario. Sean completed the Horticulture Technician C.O.D.A. Program at the University of Guelph's Kemptville Campus and went on to build a landscaping design and maintenance business in Northern Muskoka. When he learned of The Master Gardeners in 2020, their mandate of freely learning and sharing plant knowledge inspired him to join. Sean continues to do public speaking and community projects. Sean and Erin discuss the origins of their podcast, the community they've created and Erin's latest children's book: The podcast began with Sean's initial attempts at podcasting, which later evolved after he connected with Erin through TikTok. Their shared interests and local proximity led to a partnership, and after experimenting with different formats, they officially launched the podcast in December 2024. Episodes alternate between: Plant face-offs, where each host champions a particular plant or gardening concept (e.g., Borage vs. Cosmos) and encourages listeners to vote for their favourite. Guest interviews, featuring experts from related fields such as entomology and forestry. Topic selection is guided by a spreadsheet, trending questions from social media, and input from their Patreon supporters, who are given advance notice of upcoming episodes to submit relevant questions. Plants Always Win has an active and growing community, including a Discord group. They regularly solicit listener questions and feedback, encouraging corrections and further inquiries at the end of each episode. Sean and Erin discussed the importance of context and nuance in their research, highlighting the need to evaluate sources critically and avoid spreading misinformation. They believe in fostering a love of nature in both children and adults, advocating for hands-on experiences and the benefits of getting "dirty" in the garden.

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 writing about gardening for over 14 years. She was twice published in Canadian Organic Grower magazine and became a published author in July 2022 with her first book, Tea Gardening for Beginners. In this episode, Joanne asked Julia about a few things we can grow ourselves instead of buying from the grocery store. Lettuce If we start now, lettuce is one of the fastest-growing options. Julia explains how easy it is to grow and which varieties to grow throughout the seasons. It is important to start with fresh seeds, so buy a new packet instead of using seeds from an old package. Multi-sowing is an easy way to get started. Fill a small, shallow container with soil, a moist seed starting mix. Compact the soil. Sprinkle a generous amount of seed on top of the soil. Julia explains how and why to sprinkle a layer of vermiculite on top of the seed, then water gently. Label and date your tray, then add a dome or clear cover. Put them under a grow light 2 inches above the soil to prevent the seedlings from stretching toward the light. Grow lights should be on a timer, 16 hours on and 8 hours off. Get a multicell container ready for when true leaves start to grow on the seedlings. Take the cover off when you see germination. Carefully lift out the seedlings by the leaf before their true leaves form to make it easier to separate and to successfully grow in the cell. Lettuce produces more roots than you think, and they do not like competition. Julia explains the best way to succession plant a continuous crop. They go from seed to plant in the ground in 3 weeks. They can be planted successfully in an ornamental garden shaded by other plants. Julia also discusses how to save your own seeds, and recommends buttercrunch, iceberg, Lollo, oak leaf varieties are perfect growing in the cooler spring weather. In the summer, try romaine varieties like little gem, shady spot or merlot. Grow in partial shad

This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ed Lyon, president-elect of the Perennial Plant Association. About Ed Lyon Throughout his public garden administration roles and green industry experience, Ed has been as passionate about education as he is about horticulture. He has had roles in public garden education departments and served as director of three public gardens for twenty years. He retired from public garden service in 2024 and currently sits on the Perennial Plant Association (PPA) board as president-elect. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: The challenges of managing botanical gardens in different regions. The Fling, in Memphis, June 5-8 The Perennial Plant Association Annual Symposium in Asheville for the organization's 40th anniversary Includes educational sessions, tours, and networking opportunities for horticulture professionals Covers various aspects of the industry, from plant breeding to wholesale operations The association focuses on herbaceous plants that come back year after year, excluding annuals, tropicals, and woody plants. PPA's role in promoting perennial plants through marketing and educational programs, including the selection of the Perennial Plant of the Year The perennial plant, Big Bluegrass, specifically the variety Blackhawks A native grass known for its dark purple to black stems Featured on PPA's website A potential winner for next year's award The concept of native plants and their classification Native plants can mutate and change The term "native" does not necessarily imply purity The challenges of finding plants that are both native and non-invasive The importance of considering climate change in plant selection The PPA's role in promoting plants that are readily available, hardy, and drought-resistant The process of selecting plants for the Perennial Plant of the Year award The PPA website: a valuable resource for gardeners seeking accura

This week, Joanne Shaw welcomes Art Vanden Enden to the podcast to discuss exploring a career in horticulture. About Art Vanden Enden Art Vanden Enden is self-employed as a Horticultural Advisor and Horticultural Technical Instructor at Landscape Ontario and Loyalist College. He also serves on the board at Landscape Ontario, Communities in Bloom and Garden Centres Canada. He has a long history in the garden centre industry, starting with Weall & Cullen and then Sheridan Nurseries until his retirement in 2022. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: The Pandemic's Positive Impact on the Younger Generation The positive impact of the pandemic on the younger generation, particularly in terms of their appreciation for outdoor activities Art shared his work with Landscape Ontario, focusing on training and working with various age groups, primarily those in their 20s and early 30s. The importance of teaching basic gardening skills and practical training to help them enter the industry The Grow Program, which provides introductory courses for those interested in the industry, and the role of job developers in matching students with employers The Landscaping Industry's Versatility and Benefits The industry offers year-round work opportunities, from using lawn mowers in summer to snow blowers in winter Adapting to various weather conditions and being able to pivot when necessary Joanne's experience entering the industry as a second career Working at an independent garden centre provides an excellent learning environment for those interested in the industry Gardening Practices and Climate Change How gardening practices have changed over the past 30 years Sustainability and the need to adapt to climate change The shift in plant hardiness zones and the impact of invasive plants The need for progressive change in the industry and the role of influencers in promoting better gardening practices How reducing demand for invasive plants would lead to their eventual decline Native Plant Promotion and Challenges

This week on Down the Garden Path podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Bri Petersen of Urban Gardening Canada about her new course, Adapt & Thrive: Gardening in a Changing Climate. About Urban Gardening Canada The vision of Urban Gardening Canada (UGC) is to provide accessible gardening advice to all Canadians, regardless of location, housing type or budget. Food security and sustainability are two of the main pillars of UGC. Bri believes that gardening should be accessible to all. Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: Bri left her job in finance to chase her dreams as a gardener. Has been gardening for nine years, with her garden expanding every year as she falls deeper into her gardening obsession. A Canadian gardener and course creator, she owns a blog and a YouTube channel that teach others how to grow vegetables in an urban setting during the cold Canadian season. Started Urban Gardening Canada as a climate activist, aiming to raise awareness about climate change through gardening. Created a course on gardening in the face of climate change, which she initially presented to horticultural societies. Bri emphasizes the significance of healthy soil in storing carbon and maintaining plant health, suggesting practices like cutting plants at the base instead of pulling them up to preserve soil bacteria in the soil. Adapt & Thrive: Gardening in a Changing Climate is a self-paced course on gardening, which includes multimedia content, checklists, and workbooks. A good fit for late beginners to intermediate gardeners, who would benefit from the comprehensive information provided in the course. Includes the entire gardening cycle, from seed starting to harvesting, and offers lifetime access. Covers various topics, including the importance of removing peat from gardens due to its carbon impact. Designed to be actionable, with 100 specific tasks for implementation. Tested globally, receiving positive feedback from participants in Canada, the Netherlands, and New Zealand. Joanne encourages listeners to consider Bri's course for step-by-step guidance from an experienced gardener. Bri emphasized the importance of considering climate change in gardening practices and highlighted the need to avoid synthetic fertilizers and peat moss in soil. Joanne encouraged listeners to check the ingredients of bagged soil and avoid certain companies that prioritize fertilizers over soil health. Bri discusses her personal gardening challenges with rabbits, particularly how they eat her plants despite thorns and can reach higher areas due to snow accumulation. Find Bri Petersen online: Website: www.urbangardeningcanada.com <a href= "https://courses.urbangardeningcanada.com/courses/adapt-and-thrive-g