Taxus cuspidata ‘Capitata’: A Classic Evergreen With a Deep Canadian Landscape History

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.

Buxus ‘Green Gem’: Origins, Growth, Uses & The Future of Boxwood in the Landscape

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.

Why Spraying Dormant Oil and Lime Sulphur in Late Winter Is One of the Smartest Things Ontario Gardeners Can Do

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.

Picea glauca – White Spruce: A Native Evergreen With Exceptional Landscape Value

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.

Inside Ontario’s Forests: The Ecology and Mystery of White Baneberry

Deep in Ontario’s shaded forests grows one of the province’s most unforgettable native plants: Actaea pachypoda, better known as White Baneberry or the hauntingly beautiful Doll’s‑eyes. With its ghost‑white berries perched on vivid red stalks, this woodland perennial is both a striking visual surprise and an important part of our forest ecology. Though highly toxic to humans, its berries feed local birds, and its spring flowers support pollinating insects—quietly contributing to the health and balance of Ontario’s woodland ecosystems. This captivating plant is a reminder that even the forest floor holds stories worth noticing.

Fall Lawn and Garden Thoughts

Fall is an important time for lawns and gardens.   In general, fall is a great time to plant perennials, shrubs and trees. The later in the season we get, the greater the chance of “frost heave” with newly planted items. If you fall plant in October onward, please, please, please put a thick layer … Read more

The Lawn Bandits

Healthy Lawn

ban·dit /ˈbandit/ noun a robber or outlaw belonging to a gang and typically operating in an isolated or lawless area. “the bandit produced a weapon and demanded money” The bandit I am referring to are the ne’er-do-wells running around conning people into aerating their lawn. The weapon they use is “fear of loss” – your … Read more