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.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

• 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.
• She describes her "white glove" approach, with 3D presentations and a more thoughtful client experience.
• Abby wants the process to feel easier and more supported for homeowners.
• She uses digital lookbooks and physical samples to help clients compare materials.
• 3D visuals help clients picture the finished landscape and feel excited about the result.
• Abby discusses xeriscaping in Colorado and the need for drought-tolerant, climate-appropriate planting.
• She explains that xeriscaping should still feel lush and intentional, not just rocky and sparse.
• Her planting designs balance structure, blooms, texture, evergreen interest, and lower maintenance.
• Abby also educates clients about plant establishment and care in Colorado's dry climate.
• Her design packages are detailed enough for any contractor to build from.
• She notes that 3D renderings require clear communication so clients understand that plant growth takes time.
• Even unbuilt landscape plans can add appeal and value if a homeowner decides to sell.
• Joanne and Abby close by discussing how landscape design can improve both lifestyle and property value.

• Start with a full landscape plan before making construction decisions so the entire space works together cohesively over time.
• A good landscape designer does more than make things look pretty. They solve problems, educate clients, and help prevent costly mistakes.
• Design decisions should be based on how a space will actually function, not just on what sounds good in theory or looks fine on paper.
• Bringing the designer, contractor, and client together early can improve communication, speed up decision-making, and create more realistic budgets.
• Value engineering is not about cutting corners. It is about spending wisely and making strategic adjustments that protect the integrity of the design.
• In dry climates, xeriscaping should focus on smart plant choices and water stewardship, not simply replacing everything with rock.
• 3D renderings can be powerful tools, but homeowners should understand that mature landscapes take time to grow into the vision shown.
• Investing in professional landscape design can improve not only daily enjoyment and function, but also long-term property value.

Find Abby online at www.botanicallivingdesigns.com, and on Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

• 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.
• A recurring theme is that larger garden beds can be lower-maintenance than tightly packed, narrow planting strips.
• Jeff challenges the common assumption that "small garden = less work."
• They emphasize that native gardens often become easier to care for as plants establish and fill in naturally.
• Joanne and Jeff discuss how homeowners often begin with hesitation, then become more engaged as they notice wildlife, seedlings, and seasonal changes.
• Jeff sees gardens as a way to rebuild a connection to nature, food, childhood memories and place. They talk about the emotional pull of foraging, berry picking, and growing food at home.
• Jeff notes that many clients are motivated not just by food prices but also by a desire for meaningful outdoor experiences.
• Their three common client groups include families with children, professionals seeking a restorative retreat at home and retirees wanting to give back and reconnect with nature.
• Water management is another major focus of Jeff's work.
• They incorporate features such as rain gardens, permeable bases and dry creek beds and deep-rooted plantings that improve infiltration.
• They explain that lawns do a poor job of recharging groundwater compared to diverse plantings with deeper roots.
• Joanne and Jeff discuss Ottawa's Rain Ready rebate program and how it helps create opportunities for stormwater-friendly landscapes.
• Jeff uses flagstone and cedar structures rather than interlock whenever possible, aligning hardscape choices with their ecological values.
• Joanne reflects on the importance of sharing knowledge among landscape designers, rather than reinventing the wheel.
• Jeff shares their experience appearing on Dragon's Den, where they pitched their business as an ecological, food-focused, inclusive landscaping company.

Takeaways and Tips

• Replace at least part of your lawn with planting that provides habitat, beauty, and ecological function.
• Do not assume a smaller garden is easier: well-sized planting beds are often lower maintenance.
• Native plants can support pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects while also reducing long-term upkeep.
• Consider adding edible plants to create a stronger personal connection to your outdoor space.
• Use rain gardens and deep-rooted plants to help manage water and reduce runoff.
• For larger naturalized projects, plugs can be a smart and affordable planting strategy.
• Be cautious about accepting shared plants from friends and neighbours, since invasive species can spread that way.
• Focus on creating a garden that invites you outside to observe, harvest, explore, and participate.
• A thoughtful design plan can save money, reduce mistakes, and help you build your landscape in phases.
• The best gardens are not just decorative; they help people feel more connected to the natural world.

Find Jeff online at www.rewildlandscapes.ca, on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

• 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, chosen for beauty and year-round enjoyment

• Start with a professional landscape plan before hiring contractors or installing patios, decks, pools, or planting beds.
• Treat the landscape as a whole system rather than separating hardscaping from planting.
• Think beyond your property line. Neighbouring trees, conservation land, drainage patterns, and bylaws can all affect your project.
• Ask about future phases of your yard so today's choices do not create tomorrow's headaches.
• Use accurate measurements and documentation to avoid design and installation mistakes.
• Consider virtual design if you live outside your designer's local area or need a more flexible process.
• Choose plants based on your site conditions, climate, and maintenance goals, not just online inspiration photos.
• Preserve and support mature trees whenever possible. They add beauty, shade, environmental value, and property value.
• Harvest rainwater and direct it into your garden, where possible, to support healthier plants and reduce runoff.
• Low-maintenance does not mean no-maintenance, but smart plant choices and proper installation can dramatically reduce the workload.
• Before digging, always arrange for utility locates through Ontario One Call
• A well-designed landscape is not just attractive. It can improve privacy, function, sustainability, resale appeal, and day-to-day enjoyment.

Find Rita online at www.ritanugentlandscapedesign.com.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

• 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 a short discovery call and then a deeper consultation on-site.
  • He adapts to how clients "receive information":
    • Technical clients: plans, CAD drawings, details/sections
    • Visual clients: concept sketches and/or 3D visuals
  • Tools: AutoCAD (plans/details), hand sketching (idea exploration), SketchUp (3D & grading/spot elevations).
• "Design in a Day" (and what it really means)
  • It's more like an accelerated intro, often 24-72 hours, depending on scope.
  • Best for smaller areas (like a front garden) and for clients who want quick concepts or a DIY jumping-off point.
  • If clients continue into a full package, the initial investment can roll forward (rather than starting over).
• Materials and palettes as part of design
  • John treats exterior materials like interior selections: coordinated colour palettes, wall stone, caps, pavers, decking options, etc.
  • Contractor preferences and client budgets shape what's realistic, but the goal is always a coherent plan.

• Treat outdoors like a renovation. If you'd never renovate a kitchen without a plan, don't rebuild a backyard without one.
• Small yards need more planning, not less. Tight spaces amplify mistakes, design prevents "we're off by a foot" problems that become expensive fixes.
• Start with needs, then earn the wants. Sorting the wish list into must-haves vs nice-to-haves makes the design process faster and smarter.
• Make small spaces feel larger with a few key moves: go vertical, simplify the plant palette, choose bigger-format hardscape materials, and use placement to guide sightlines.
• Don't borrow privacy from your neighbours. Neighbours change; trees get removed; pools get installed. Build privacy and shade into your plan when possible.
• Expect the landscape to get better with time. Planting often looks "new" at install; maturity is the real finish line.
• If you can't visualize plans, ask for the right format. Some people need detailed drawings; others need sketches or 3D. A good designer adjusts how they communicate.

You can find BRIGHT Design Studio online at www.brightds.ca and on Instagram.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

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.

• 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 own yards, known as pocket forests
• Ingrid's love of native trees, with a special mention of her flowering dogwood, grown from seed she collected herself

• Mini forests do not require huge spaces. Even a small corner of a park or a backyard can support a meaningful planting.
• Native trees and shrubs matter. They support biodiversity, wildlife, and long-term ecological health.
• The Miyawaki method is about community. It brings together people, plants, fungi, wildlife, and local organizations in one shared effort.
• Good site access is essential. Successful projects need room for compost, mulch, tools, and tree delivery.
• Volunteer-friendly planning makes all the difference. Clear layouts and simple planting instructions help create a positive experience.
• Soil prep is key. Cardboard, compost, and mulch help suppress weeds and create better conditions for young trees to thrive.
• Maintenance matters. The first few years require protection from rabbits, trampling, invasive weeds, and possible drought.
• Climate action can be local. You don't have to wait for large systems to change. Communities can begin by planting trees where they live.
• Small efforts add up. Whether it is joining a planting day, donating materials, or creating a pocket forest at home, every action helps.

You can find Little Forests Durham online at www.littleforestsdurham.ca and on Instagram, and Facebook.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

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.

• 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 Sisters": a standout for rich colour and season-long bloom; treated as an annual in cooler zones if it's not hardy where you live.
• Industry-side support for garden centres: in-store display materials, a pro portal for assets, and staff/customer education events at partner garden centres.
• Zones are nuanced: even within the same neighbourhood, microclimates matter; tags include temperature info to make zone guidance easier.

• "Right plant, right spot" beats "green thumb." Start with sun requirements, mature size, and your hardiness zone—most frustration comes from a mismatch, not failure.
• Buy within your zone (and your microclimate). If your yard is windy, exposed, or freeze/thaw heavy, choose hardier options or protect tender plants.
• Look for locally grown stock when possible. Plants finished by nearby growers are more likely to be tuned to your region's conditions.
• Use the tag tools. Scan QR codes for planting depth, spacing, and care reminders—especially helpful for first-timers.
• Boxwood alternative pruning tip: if you choose a spring-blooming "boxwood look-alike," prune right after it flowers so you don't remove next season's buds.
• Pot-to-ground trick for tender perennials/shrubs: enjoy them in containers, then plant them in the ground before freeze-up to overwinter (or treat as seasonal "annuals" if they're not hardy).
• When shopping, don't assume "perennial section" is hardy for you. Always check the tag for zone; some plants may be sold as seasonal colour in cooler climates.
• Find a retailer near you: Bloomin' Easy offers a retailer map on their site—use it to track down specific new varieties locally.

You can find Bloomin' Easy Plants online at www.bloomingeasyplants.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

In the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants.

• 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 & control
  • Liquids are immediate and routine-friendly; 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.

• 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 waterings, go 50% strength to avoid shocking plants waking up from slower winter growth.
• Match fertilizer to the goal:
  • Leaf growth: consider a more nitrogen-forward option.
  • Flowering: look for a higher middle number (phosphorus).
• Pick a method you'll actually remember:
  • If you're consistent with watering, liquid can be easiest.
  • If you forget steps easily, slow-release may be safer; just add a reminder so it doesn't get missed.
• Follow the label (seriously): Package directions matter more than brand debates.
• Research your "VIP plants": If a plant is sentimental or pricey, do a quick care check so you're not guessing at feeding needs.
• Use what you have, smartly: If you find old fertilizer, check the expiry date; it may still work, just a bit weaker.
• Keep it measurable: If you're newer to houseplants, prioritize fertilizers with clear N-P-K numbers over DIY mixes until you've got a baseline routine.

Getting the Light Right

Soil and Watering Tips

Propagation Made Simple

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

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.

• 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

• 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.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

In the second episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne focuses on soil and watering techniques during the winter months.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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 to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.

In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.

Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.