Down The Garden Path | February 2012

February 13, 2012

Vol 1, Issue 3

Down The Garden Path

with Joanne Shaw

Greetings!

The weather seems to be the conversation of choice these days, from everyone I talk to, to the many news stories about our unseasonably warm winter to Europe and Asia's cold temperatures and record snowfalls.

The one thing I know for sure is that we have no control over it! All we can do now is plan for the good weather when we can be once again outside. I know one of the things that affects my enjoyment time in my yard... all the "to do's". By the time the weather is really ready for me to be outside enjoying my outdoor space, I no longer have the energy, time or inclination to finish "to do's" that I need to finish so that I can enjoy my space. Now is the time to think about what needs to be done outside. Do you need to have a tree pruned or removed? Do you have a front step that needs replacing? Do you have a backyard patio that you don't use because you need some shade or privacy? Take advantage of my Leap Year Special and book your 2 hour consultation with me this month and we'll get your plans in place!

to do list

Since you have all this free time of no snow shovelling, make a list now and start creating a plan to solve these issues now so that you can enjoy your yard this summer. Call the arborist and book your tree pruning now, they know the best time and will schedule accordingly. Get quotes now for a contractor for help with the front step or shade structure, especially if you want the work done early in the season. Often calls to contractors in late spring mean the work won't get scheduled until late summer. Or better yet, call me and I will help you find the best contractor for the job.

I hope you enjoy what "Down the Garden Path" has to offer this month and if you know of anyone who would appreciate receiving my newsletter, click the 'Forward to a Friend' button below to pass this email on to them.

Warm regards,

Joanne Shaw
Landscape Designer
Down2Earth Landscape Design
joanne@down2earth.ca

In This Issue

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

FEATURE ARTICLE

A LOOK THROUGH THE GARDEN GATE

Q AND A

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Dormant Spray is a preventative treatment necessary to kill overwintering insects (such as scale and mites), insect eggs and diseases, on certain hardy landscape plants.

It is a combination of 2 natural products, Horticultural Oil and Lime Sulphur and needs to be applied when the plants are still completely dormant, before leaf buds have started to swell or show any sign of green. This fluctuating and spring-like weather we have been having might prove challenging to find a perfect day.

Choose a day between February and March when the temp will remain at 0°C or above for a minimum of 24 hours, low wind and no rain or snow in the forecast. Spray in the morning so that the plant will be completely dry by evening.

Common plants that will benefit from a dormant spray application are fruit trees, roses, euonymus, crab apple and honey locust trees.

Dormant Spray kits are available in your local garden stores now. Read instructions for further directions.

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For more gardening tips and informative articles, visit my Newsletter Archives page!

How To Be A Locavore

Are you one? Do you know one? Do you want to be one? Is it a trend or a passing fad? Ontario Farm Fresh

The Oxford dictionary definition of 'locavore' is a person whose diet consists only or principally of locally grown or produced food. I think Wikipedia defines it better as a person interested in eating food that is locally produced, not moved long distances to market.

The best thing of all is that in Ontario the Farmers Markets are now coming to us! Markets are popping up in school and mall parking lots and city parks to name a few. This is creating a win win for consumers and farmers alike. Buying local fresh products has never been easier and the farmers are better connected with their consumers who love what they sell and appreciate their hard work.

Durham Farm Fresh

Most Farmers markets are in our communities weekly from May to October. Check your local listings for one close to you.

Another related trend that I noticed is that more and more of my customers are interested in planting a veggie garden or at least incorporating some veggie or herbs plants in their gardens and back yards.

Garden-store retailers have reported increased sales in vegetable seeds over the past two years. "Our sales have skyrocketed," said George Ball, chief executive of Burpee, one of the largest vegetable-seed retailers. For the first time in history seed sales for vegetables has surpassed seed sales for flowers.

If you are like me and find the idea of seed starting daunting, then buying your own veggie plants is a great alternative. Most nurseries stock a great variety. And you don't have to commit to a large vegetable garden space either. They can be easily planted in a sunny part of your existing garden between existing plants or in containers. I have 2 containers in my backyard that I grow cherry tomatoes and chives and dill around the base.

My next goal in going local is garlic! We all love it and we all cook with it but did you know Foodland Ontario

that most fresh garlic sold in grocery stores comes from China? Keep an eye out for locally grown garlic when you visit a farmers market near you. Or better yet plant some in your garden. It is easy to grow and nothing beats cooking with something you have grown yourself!

So whether your goal is to become a full fledged locavore or whether you are interested in making some small changes in your food planning to get some of your food closer to home, I hope this article gave you some ideas.

And in Durham Region check out these websites to see what fresh locally grown products are available - Swain Farm Fresh Beef and Svetec Farms

A look through the garden gate...

Summer And Winter Views Of A Brand New Front Yard

Front Path in Summer
Front Path in Winter

Walkway in Summer

Walkway in Winter

Garden in Winter

Q and A

Q: Salt... is it bad for the health of your plants and walkway?

A: Yes, all effective de-icing products will damage plant material and corrode everything from metal to concrete.

Although a necessary evil in our climate here are some tips to remember:

Do not over apply, a little goes a long way
Clear snow first, do not try and melt everything, it is not a substitute for shoveling
Do not use on brand new concrete that has not had time to cure
All products have some residual effect on the environment, flush areas well with water if you accidentally over use it or if you suspect plant damage

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Do you have a gardening question you would like answered in a future newsletter? I invite you to simply hit 'reply' and send me your questions!

Joanne Shaw is the owner and operator of Down2Earth Landscape Design. A graduate of Ryerson University in Landscape Design, Joanne has 15 years experience in designing gardens and a decade in landscape and related business, both for her own clientele and established local nurseries.

Joanne Shaw
Landscape Designer
Down2Earth Landscape Design
joanne@down2earth.ca
www.down2earth.ca
905.839.1597
905.903.2597

Save 10%	LEAP YEAR SPECIAL ~ DON'T MISS OUT! Book your 2 hour consultation with me before February 29, 2012 and save 10%! Please mention this coupon at time of booking. Visit the 'Services' page on my website for more information. Feel free to share this offer with friends and family.
Offer Expires: February 29, 2012