Witch hazels are among the most captivating shrubs or small trees in the landscape—offering fragrance, unusual ribbon‑petaled flowers, and exceptional fall or winter interest when most plants are dormant. North Americans know them best for their medicinal uses, but gardeners know them as four-season performers loaded with charm and history. Below is a guided tour … Read more
Discover the history of Ginkgo biloba in Canadian landscape trades, its care requirements, top landscape uses, and the most interesting cultivars for modern gardens. Learn why this resilient “living fossil” is a favourite in urban design—and reach out with any questions or comments.
Learn about Buddleja davidii—its history, meaning, landscape uses, quirks, pests, diseases, and why this butterfly magnet became one of the most widely planted flowering shrubs since the 1890s.
Learn all about Salix purpurea ‘Nana’—a compact, colourful willow perfect for Canadian landscapes. Discover its care needs, how to coppice it, best landscape uses, and potential pests and diseases.
Discover why Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) is one of the best late flowering woody plants for Canadian gardens. Learn about its colours, forms, pruning needs, fertility issues, and how to grow it successfully.
Discover the history, care tips, landscape uses, and fun facts about Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’ (Upright Japanese Yew). Learn why this hardy evergreen has been a Canadian landscape favourite for over a century—and how to grow it successfully in your own garden.
Discover the history of Euonymus fortunei ‘Emerald Gaiety,’ including the origin of the name Fortune, its best landscape uses, care requirements, pest pressures, and recommended companion cultivars. Learn how to grow this versatile variegated evergreen and share your own experiences.
Buxus ‘Green Gem’ is a hardy, compact boxwood developed by Sheridan Nurseries in Canada. Learn its origins, best landscape uses, growing tips, pest challenges, and why the Box Tree Moth may threaten its future in modern landscapes.
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.
