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.
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.
Explore the history, meaning, care, and landscape uses of Taxus × media ‘Densiformis’—one of the most reliable evergreen shrubs in Canadian horticulture. Learn how to grow it, how to use it, and why this hybrid yew has been a landscape favourite for decades.
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.
Euonymus alatus, commonly known as burning bush, is a popular yet invasive landscape shrub in Canada. Learn about its origins, ecological impact, landscape uses, fun facts, and how to grow it responsibly.
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.
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
The Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo) is one of the most overused and misunderstood evergreens in modern landscaping. While tough and naturally compact, it often becomes overgrown and unattractive due to improper care—especially the lack of annual candling. In this post, I explore its alpine origins, the best cultivars, common pests, and why thoughtful selection and maintenance are essential for success.
Discover Picea glauca (White Spruce), a hardy native evergreen ideal for privacy, windbreaks, and natural landscapes. Learn its care needs, pests, and top cultivars—and book a free landscape consultation.
