Verdant Landscape & Design 
Cornus alba ‘Elegantissima’ is a variegated Tatarian dogwood prized for its red winter stems and all-season beauty. Learn its origins, best landscape uses, and common disease issues.
Late winter is the perfect time to protect your trees and shrubs with a dormant spray. I just published a new blog post explaining why dormant oil and lime sulphur are so effective here in Ontario, and which pests and diseases they help control.
Douglas‑fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and its hardy cousin, Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca, are two of the most underrated evergreen trees for Ontario landscapes. Known for their soft needles, elegant form, and impressive year‑round colour, these conifers thrive when planted in the right location. The Rocky Mountain variety, in particular, offers exceptional cold hardiness and adaptability, making it a strong alternative to common spruces and pines. In this post, we explore where Douglas‑fir performs best in Ontario, the pests and diseases to watch for, and a few fun pieces of trivia—including why this iconic tree isn’t actually a true fir.
Reindeer moss is one of the simplest ways to elevate the look and performance of any interior plant installation. Not only does it create a clean, finished appearance by covering the soilless mix (and hiding the perlite and vermiculite), but it also helps protect our Lechuza self‑watering planters by discouraging people from watering from the top.
Abies concolor, or White Fir, brings soft blue‑green needles and a clean citrus fragrance to Ontario landscapes. Hardy to Zone 3 and tolerant of drought once established, it thrives in well‑drained, slightly acidic soils and full sun. Its low pest pressure—limited mainly to issues like adelgids, budworms, and occasional root rot in wet soils—makes it a reliable, underused alternative to blue spruce.
I was at Humber College on Friday teaching my Level 1 Horticulture Technician Apprentices, and during our break I did what any plant‑obsessed instructor does—I wandered into the greenhouse. Amid the succulents and tropicals, one plant practically posed for me: Cereus forbesii ‘Spiralis’, commonly known as the Spiral Cactus. If you’ve never seen one, imagine a cactus … Read more
There’s something unmistakably nostalgic about Abies balsamea, the balsam fir. Its resinous scent lingers in the air long after you brush past it—a classic northern fragrance that feels like winter cabins, quiet forests, and home.
The Eastern White Pine is one of North America’s most iconic native conifers, admired for its soft, feathery needles, stately form, rapid growth, and ecological importance. Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, nursery professional, or horticulturist, this species delivers exceptional beauty and environmental value. White Pine Care Guide Planting Requirements Light: Thrives in full sun, … Read more
If you’ve ever dealt with a mealybug infestation—as we just did—you know how quickly these soft‑bodied pests can spread. Fortunately, Safer’s Insecticidal Soap, a Class 11 pest control product, offers an effective, plant‑safe way to get the situation under control. This product has long been a favourite among organic gardeners because it works on contact … Read more
Although Pinus nigra (Austrian pine) is widely planted across Canada, especially in Ontario, it’s not without issues. I’ve never been its biggest fan, but there’s no denying its usefulness in challenging Canadian landscapes where few conifers tolerate urban stress, road salt, or poor soils. Below is a fresh, Canadian‑context overview of its origins, hardiness, landscape … Read more
