What's with all the insect activity!?

Have you seen an upswing in insects in the garden of late?   Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into an increased presence of pollinators on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Grasshoppers and bees kick the show off.  Do grasshoppers pollinate anything? You'll be surprised to know. 

Ants and Trilliums - there is a relationship there. Wasps and timber steps = stings for Matt. 

Jack tells the same 13 stories over and over.  This comes right in the middle of a conversation about almond pollination. 

What is creating seasonal allergies at this time of the year?  

The trio play "Imagine If You Will" and become bees.  3 of 1500 brothers and sisters. 

Speaking of bees, they dominate the second half of the first part of the show.  You'll come away with some knowledge...

"Sweet swelling..."

Bee food: zinnia, perennial geranium, sedum, coneflower, daisies, lavender, bee balm and golden rod are all some of the last meals for the bees before winter. 

Nanoscale ridges...WHAT!?

Moths get their time in the spotlight.  They are wonderful pollinators and do not get enough credit. 

How do they see at night? 

Emily McFarland and her spider features.

Pollination by lawn machine and pollination by GMC are giggled about. 

Building a bee hive features on Tips For Success From The Growing Season. Nuc's and what they are start the conversation off. 

Albert Einstein and his theories cap the show off. 

Tune in.

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More WOOD!  

You WOULDN’T want to miss this. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue their Woodland Garden series on this week’s episode of The Growing Season.

Picking up where last week’s episode left off, the trio dive into the plant material specifics that would look appropriate in a Woodland Design. 

Matt describes some curious behaviour on plants that he's currently observing on-sites. Jack outlines the two plants that tell you if there is enough water being applied to your flower beds. 

The lifecycle of the fern is outlined.  It sounds like science fiction.  Puddles are key.  GAMETOPHYTES!

Lindens and their recent tendency to shed is discussed. 

The King Ostrich Fern and its INSANE size becomes a focal point.  Matt compares and contrasts ferns to cedars. 

Hostas are the queen of the shade and, YET, Jack and Lynne have Hostas in full sun that are THRIVING. 

Planting proximity to tree trunks and its effect on growth comes into focus. 

Eastern Redbuds, their bark and their flowering tendencies are highlighted.  Witch hazel is THE BEST. 

The McFarland's create a "doesn't do anything" garden on-air. 

A transplanted rhododendron, and its success in transplant, is a story that Matt tells. 

The show caps-off with a discussion on lighting a woodland garden. 

Tune in.

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Sometimes you just gotta go for a walk in the woods.

The McFarland's put their face in the mulch on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt dive into part 1 of a two part series highlighting how to design and build a "woodland garden."

What makes a woodland garden a woodland garden?   Jack spins a yarn about a large woodland area that he created, for a client, in the 80's.  

Jack and Matt guide the listenership through an estimation exercise. 

Is there a natural way to deal with mosquitos?  What chemical is being used in the foggers?

A discussion about flowering dogwood's happens naturally. Crown and skirt lifting are discussed. 

Rock gardens and slope are used to begin the on-air install of a woodland garden. 

Trilliums and foxglove come into focus. 

Size of a sitting area in a woodland setting is discussed with Matt chatting about how he designs sizes for patios.

What pavers are commonly used for woodland garden?  The trio discuss. 

Layers and textures of plant materials and the hard surfaces are key to implementing an effective woodland garden.

Birch trees are gushed over. Matt chats about the unwanted family members associated with some trees.

A listener question prompts a discussion about growing a garden fabric grow bags. 

Tune in.

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Geometric plants and small trees!

This week's episode of The Growing Season changes what you've got into something even greater. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into lollipops, standards and pom-poms. 

WHAT!?   The trio explain.  What is the difference between a standard and a lollipop?  Can they be both?  What is a pom-pom that is not on a poodle or a cheerleader?

Matt details his cat's adventures in the recent heat wave.  How is kitty keeping cool amongst trees shedding early and farmers harvesting prematurely?

How do you properly water during a heat wave?

Hydrangeas and Japanese Maples kick the show off in style and then the paths wind off in many different directions. 

Maples, spruces, gingkoes and roses are also mentioned in a fast paced pontification. 

Why don't we use weeping mulberry anymore?   Why aren't people using Russian Cypress Standards? 

Matt HATES Edward Scissorhands.  He explains why and how much pruning standards need.  

Matt details the goings on in the 70's.

WHAT ARE ROSE TREES? Grafting and how to protect the grafts on a standard or lollipop are discussed.

Box Moths and how they are eviscerating shrubs across the GTA are discussed. 

Plant transformation via pruning caps the show off. 

Tune in.

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WHEN WILL IT RAIN!?

The Greater Toronto Area hasn't seen significant rainfall in over a month and the plants are starting to show the effects of drought.

Your grass is the colour of Shredded Wheat and the heat is making it a struggle to keep your plants happy.  What to do? 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland focus on water wise plants on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Lynne has changed how she's watering her flower beds.  She describes how and the results thus far.  Maybe it's time for many of us to shift what we've been doing.

What happens if a plant sheds it leaves due to drought?  Will it rebound?  

Matt develops a theory on-air. 

Where is the driest place on earth? 

Many trees on our client's properties have started to shed their leaves NOW.  Is this normal?  Why would trees do this at this time of the year?

A lawn can go three months without water and fully rebound so there is no need to panic.  

Hedges and their extensive watering needs are discussed. 

Trichomes, or "plant hairs" and their functions are highlighted.  You wouldn't believe how a hairy leaf is used.

Trees and the water transport systems become a focus.  How is soooo much water transported up and down in the tree's internal systems?

A quick clip on drip tips...

Wind, river pebbles and everything in between features. 

STOP CUTTING YOUR LAWN WHEN IT IS THIS DRY.   PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, STOP!

Tune in.

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Look up!

Its not just in the theatres these days, its on your arbours, trellises and fence lines.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland look up on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  All things that grow up and down are discussed on the most recent episode of TGS. 

Lynne is "3 foot 12 inches..."  She's taller than that but it sets the tone for the show. 

Many clients don't know where to begin when it comes to choosing climbers.  The McFarlands make a list of the most popular ones. 

Climbing roses are rife with stigma. "The rose climber is not to be cleared..." The trio detail the ins and outs of your raised roses.

Matt details how he lines up pruning regimens for clients. 

Clematis become a focal point.  Matt outlines the various clematis groups. 

Privacy screens were incredibly popular 5 years ago but not so much now.  Why?  Matt explains why he feels that many missed the mark.

Trellis vs. Lattice.  What's the difference? The McFarlands explain. 

Any excuse to play bag pipe music is acceptable. 

What is a heat pump and how does it affect your horticultural organisms?  You won't believe how it coincides. 

What about garden statues?  What should you plant on obelisks and the like? 

Matt talks about a boo-boo on a client's site.  

Fence climbers and how to make nicey nicey with your neighbours comes into focus.  

"How old is your fence?"  The answer to that question affects if and when you utilize fence climbers.

Plants that climb brick. YIKES! 

Jack's grapevines are vigorous growers.  Why?

An airspace between your trellis is recommended.  The reason is quite simple. 

Tune in.

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It’s all about Daisies and we and we ain’t talking bout pushing them up! 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland park this week’s episode of The Growing Season in a patch of Shasta’s. 

Matt talks about Daisy Dukes. Jack responds with “Ox Eyes.”

Road Daisies and trains converge. 

10% of the plants on earth are Daisies. 

Echinacea and Black Eyed Susie are members of the Daisy family. Who knew? 

The “Fibonacci Sequence” and phototropism are discussed.

Poisonous Daisy family members? Yup, you read that right.  As well, lettuce… You won’t believe the tie-in. 

A rant about Russian Sage ups the hilarity.  The trio wonder aloud why they don’t use English Daisy more. Further, they discuss why they don’t use Blanket Flower anymore. It could be snow related. 

The parts of the Daisy flower are outlined and then The McFarlands dive headlong into Echinacea. 

“Raspberry Beret Coneflower.” TRUST US. 

Moerheim this, Moerheim that. 

Criminally underused plant materials are highlighted. Sneezeweed and Ozark Sundrops are on this list. 

Jack’s obsession with Ice Plant gets a giggle. 

Tune in.

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Its been dry and hot so how does that effect your lawn?

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland cut this week's episode of The Growing Season into your front lawn with a little grass talk. 

How do you protect your lawn against drought and heat? 

Matt discusses the ins and outs of irrigation systems.  How much does it cost to install the system and what does it cost, on a monthly basis, to run one of these systems? 

A discussion on proper watering occurs.  

THE FIRE HOSE NOZZLE IS THE GREATEST WATERING DEVICE EVER. Saturation watering is the key to success on new plantings and lawns. 

What percentage of North America is lawn? 

9 billion gallons of water is used to water lawns in the US PER DAY!   Read that again...

What is the correlation between "colonialism" and lawns.

Is it okay to let your lawn burn off in the summer?  Will it recover.

The McFarland's debunk a myth.

Artificial turf comes into focus.  MATT HATES IT!

The price between between artificial turf and real turf is compared. 

Groundcover alternatives to grass are explored, along with their pros, cons and history of use. 

Matt rages against Landscape Architect. 

Lynne tells a story about a neighbour destroying their whole lawn due to dandelion mitigation. 

"None of it is real..." In Playboy and Home and Gardens Magazine. 

How you cut your lawn will effect its health. 

Tune in.

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All stars in July aren’t only reserved for baseball!

This week on The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the horticultural all stars of July. 

Nothing blooms in July says the client. LIES. 

Matt tells a swimming story. 

HERstory returns to The Growing Seasom airwaves. Lynne discusses how the month of July got its name. What are the “Dog Days” of summer? 

TONS OF THINGS ARE BLOOMING RIGHT NOW. 

Portulaca, phlox, echinacea, delphinium and many more are discussed. 

Is July too late to be planting a landscape? Even plant materials, if taken care of properly can thrive in a summer install. 

Are you going on vacation? It affects your new garden. 

“Water till the ground is shiny…” Sod watering is also touched on. 

Matt hates hosta blooms. Touch of Class Hosta gets its time in the spotlight. 

The Seven Sons tree is revealed. The trio discuss The Purple Smokebush. It’s a cool shrub. 

Serviceberry, serviceberry, serviceberry. Matt weeps about Butterfly Bush and Bloomerang Lilac. 

Hydrangea are going bonkers right now. LETS GO!!! Summersweet is underused but AWESOME.  Many haven't heard of this gloriously scented perennial. 

Pine needles are not a great solution for acidifying soil.

Rose mallow, blazing star, blanket flower, hollyhocks and lavender are all going GREAT GUNS right now.

Why did the Ivory Silk Lilac's blooms blow out so quick this year? 

Jack and Matt argue about Russian Sage. 

Matt gushes about Phlox. 

Tune in.

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Currently blooming in a garden near you! 

The Growing Season highlights Lilies on this week’s episode. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the little blooming bombs that are currently visible in your garden. 

What makes a lily a lily? Are they native to Canada? 

What does Clint Eastwood have to do with Day Lilies? There is a correlation. 

They’re called Daylilies because they only bloom for a single day. Seriously. The trio discuss. 

Spider mite is discussed.  The name “Stella” is used continuously throughout the show. 

The McFarlands discuss their most used perennials. The blooming cycle of a rebloomer comes into focus. 

Daylilies, asiatic, calla, canna, sword lily and “ditch” lilies all share the spotlight. 

“Die-back” perennials become a focus. 

Matt loses his way. Well-behaved plants helps him find his way back. 

DARNED BLEEDING HEARTS. 

Tender bulbed varieties of Lilies are mentioned. 

Matt shies away from using delphiniums and gladiolus. Why?

What is a “Turk’s Cap?”

Epsom salts and Lilies are discussed. 

Companion plants for your Lillie’s are introduced. 

Tune in.

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THINGS ARE GROWING LIKE CRAZY!  

Pruning in July takes centre stage on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland open the show highlighting the amount of rain, heat and humidity the GTA has experienced over the last few weeks. 

How does this affect plant growth? 

How can you safely prune away from a plant?  

Is pruning in July different than pruning in early spring? Jack discusses “hardening off” in evergreens. 

What about pruning fruit trees. Is that possible at this time of year? 

Matt discusses the difference between form pruning and function pruning. 

Espaliers become a major focus. Matt tells a story about cherry trees. 

Jack highlights the rules of pruning. Can you prune when something is flowering?  

Fertilizing and pruning are discussed. 

The 6/8, 6/8 rule for Irises is revealed. 

Pruning roses down to 3 leaf groupings vs. 5 leaf groupings and how that effects bloom is a topic of discussed. 

Matt chats about how this time of the year features some challenges when it comes to major prune jobs. 

Jack HATES cornflower. 

Lynne discusses the commitment regarding hanging baskets. 

Tune in.

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Happy Canada Day one and all! 

The Growing Season celebrates Canada’s birthday by highlighting horticulture in Reds and Whites. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland kick the show off by chatting about the recent heat wave. 

It took Canada how long to acquire its own flag? You’d be surprised. 

Red in your garden looks great in small doses. 

Is a Japanese Maple considered “red?”

Matt gushes about coneflowers. He’s a fan. 

The trio highlight the length of time it takes for rose climbers to bloom profusely. 

“Gardening is about patience…”

The 80’s and Astilbe cross paths.  Matt is in his element. 

If we’re talking about red it behooves us to chat about geraniums. 

Jurassic Park and chases. 

Matt tells a story about anemone and Jack scoffs. 

We talking white flowers? Then we’re gonna mention hydrangea. 

“Peonies will shed on the table…”

Lynne discusses an all-white hosta. You read that right. All white. 

Tune in.

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So what’s BUGGING you? 

The dreaded “Box Moth” is public enemy number 1 this season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland get buggy on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

We’re seeing less insects out and about. It’s fact. And it’s scary. The trio discuss the lack of insects. 

We’re not seeing near the amount of bees, mosquitoes, flies and grasshoppers as we were 5 years. 

Is quintillion even a real number? 

What do mosquito companies use to spray for mosquitos? 

Mosquito mitigation becomes a focus. 

Sow bugs are AWESOME. The McFarlands explain why. Why do they roll up into a little ball? 

Diversification of plants is the key to pest control. 

Males in the insect world get the short end of the stick. Why is this a thing? 

Lady bugs are the Navy SEALS of you garden. Get a battalion. 

Boxwood alternatives are discussed whilst Matt rants. He’s ANGRY and lashes out at the landscape industry. 

Dead boxwoods make clients squirmy. 

Jack tells a hedge meets a snowplough story. 

How do you manage box moth? Are they cyclical? 

Spider mite gets its time in the spotlight. 

Tune in.

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That’s a TON of material. EXACTLY! 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss rockeries and the plants that thrive in them on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Rock gardens, moss and all manner of heavy material come into focus. 

The show starts off with a jobsite story. 

Where is this rock coming from? Are we tearing apart the Canadian Shield to acquire this? 

Is everything in Canada limestone? 

Matt talks about his family’s trip to Point Pelee. 

Matt dives into an Egyptian rabbit hole. 

A rock garden will alter your plant’s final size. A rockery will provide the soil with a rudimentary fertilizer. 

The difference between a rock garden and a rock wall is explored. 

Matt and Jack butt heads. 

The scale of your rock is important. Softening the look of the rock is important. 

There are so many wonderful plants that LOVE a rock garden environment. 

Bonsai and rock gardens utilize similar environments. 

The trio gush about evergreens. 

They also gush about perennial geranium. 

Tune in.

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So you wanna get finicky? 

Let’s talk about “Rose Stuff..” - Jack McFarland. 

This week, the McFarlands guide The Growing Season into English Rose Gardens. 

How long have roses been on earth? 

Rose hips contain 5X more vitamin C than oranges. 

Roses and Ecuador.  You won’t believe the connection. 

Matt explains why he shied away from roses in years past. He also reveals why he’s changed his tune. 

Red leafed roses are tougher than green leaf varieties. Why? 

The Mr. Lincoln rose is the most well known. Why? 

Roses love a soil that is fluffy with life and full of soil engineers. 

Matt outlines the rules of the rose. 

Do not plant nasturtium around roses. You won’t believe why. 

Mulch around roses increases viability because it keeps the roots cool and moist  

Imagine if you will features David Austin, roses and peonies. 

WHO IS DAVID AUSTIN?

Jack GUSHES about campfire roses. 

Trellises and arbours for climbing roses round the show out. 

Tune in.

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Trowels at the ready!  Let’s annualize the situation. 

That’s right! It’s annual season on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland chat all things annual and the planting of your short term friends. 

Do annuals attract pollinators? You won’t believe it. 

The McFarlands have planted and designed millions of annual flowers. That’s not an exaggeration. 

Matt tells a story about seeding portulaca in a commercial seed setting. 

When is it safe to plant annuals?  What does the soil temperature need to be? 

“If I don’t get to the nursery right now the annuals will be picked over…” Not true. 

A dozen geraniums. Matt tells a story. 

A newspaper article becomes a topic of conversation. 

Milwaukee Tools don’t make trowels but they make AWESOME tool boxes. 

How do you pick the best possible annuals at the nursery?

The trio highlight the proper care for hanging annual baskets. It’s more involved than you’d think. 

Thrilled, fillers and spillers. The McFarlands design an annual planter on-air. 

The Growing Season crew don’t use Impatiens anymore. They explain why. 

When should you fertilize your annuals? 

Tune in.

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It’s the time of the year when one of the most lovely scents hangs in the air. 

It’s Lilac time!  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss one of the most fragrant horticultural blooms, the Lilac, on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Matt used to shy away from using Lilacs. Not so much these days and he explains why. 

Jack kicks off the show with a story about a song. 

Lilacs came all the way from Europe. Matt has a realization. 

Subdivision lilacs vs farm lilacs are discussed. 

Claus the hybridizer and his exploits are used as a way to describe the vegetative reproduction of lilacs. 

Imagine if you will features phlox and lilacs. 

How do you prune your Lilac?  Is it different than other plant materials? 

Canadian Lilac hybridizers? YUP!  Let’s discuss. 

How do you know if something should be in full sun?  Lynne assists. 

“A good, hard, stressful prune…” What is that? 

Matt discusses a fantastic client and their newly designed landscape. 

Is the ‘Sensation Lilac’ real? You have to see it to believe it. 

The trio design a scented garden on the fly. 

Tune in.

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Just in time for the May long weekend, The Growing Season focuses on The Colours Of Spring.  

THINGS ARE BLOOMING! 

Crabapples, Magnolias, Redbud, Bleeding Heart, Quince, Iris are just some of the plant materials that are in full-tilt boogey bloom at this time of the year.

Matt rants about Mothers Day and why he feels it takes centre stage over Father's Day. 

Orchids are discussed as a response to Matt's Mothers Day dealings.

Tepid water and tarantulas. 

A $15,000 Japanese Maple becomes a topic of debate. 

Dandelion talk and how they feed the bees is a focus.  Being patient with your climbing hydrangea is advised. 

Jack and Matt discuss pruning of Espaliers.

The McFarland Query System informs The McFarlands about Trilliums. 

A story about selling seeds from endangered species is told. 

Problems with Serviceberries are highlighted. 

The Holy Grails of Ornamentals are counted down.

Why do they call bearded iris bearded?   Lynne reveals the answer. 

The rudimentary prozac in soil is a reason to get your hands dirty.  Play in the garden, get dirty and feel better!

Tune in.

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Ornaments!?  Wait!   Are we talking about Christmas Trees?

Nope.   Its not that time of year.  

The Growing Season places ornamental trees front and centre this week. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the smaller cousins of the larger specimens that you're used to seeing.

What is an ornamental?  The trio discuss. 

Many times, new hybrids of plants are the result of a genetic mutation. 

Autumn Moon Japanese Maple becomes a topic of interest. How are the Japanese Maples related to the big ones? 

KINDRED SPIRIT OAK!   WOWZA. 

Matt discusses privacy screens and plants becoming a request for many clients in 2025.

How to address blooms in front of windows?  Jack and Matt use a recent design as an example of their approach. 

Flowering Dogwoods are a reason for applause.

On Tips For Success Matt outlines how to plant a tree.  He provides some industry insight into how to plant a tree to increase its chances of survival. 

Feeding tubes and how to incorporate them into your tree planting is discussed. 

Tune in.

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The McFarlands cap off their “Celebrating Spring 2025 series” the same way they always do - discussing Landscape Design.

The men of The Growing Season dish on their exploits at the drafting table.

Matt apologizes to a listener and tells an emotional story. 

The McFarlands recount winter 2025.

Lynne outlines the importance of knowing your hardiness zone. 

What happens if you plant out of zone?

Are you able to plant under a large tree? How?

Jack discusses modern aspects of landscape design.

Flowering cherries…Matt tells a story.

Matt provides homeowners with valuable info regarding hiring a landscape contractor.

Matt talks about appeasing the neighbours of clients.

A series of questions are asked on a landscape consult. The McFarlands reveal them.

The trio design a “cutting garden” in real time.

Lynne discusses “easements.”

Tune in.

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Let's prune some edibles!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue their celebration of spring with a discussion on daffodils and their link to cancer fundraising.

Matt rages against the forcing of bulbs.  

How long does an apple tree live?  Is there a legendarily old apple tree? 

The McFarland's dive into the science behind grafting and link it to modern day horticultural wonder in your flower beds.  

Why graft?  What's the reason? 

Grafting is akin to Frankenstein’s Monster. 

Suckers, waterspouts and many other interesting words are used.  Can you graft a honey crisp to a Macintosh apple?  The trio discuss. 

You can only take 10% - 20% of the trees overall leaf cover in a prune.   Jack discusses how to do it. 

Root pruning is explained.  It’s a tightrope. 

Covering up the exposed rootsystem’s of large deciduous trees is dissected. How much coverage is too much?

A “spur” on a fruit tree is explained.

Dormant oil spray and how to use it comes into focus. What is a lapet?

Matt dishes a pro tip on applying dormant oil.

The “Tim Burton” shrub is discussed. 

Tune in.

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Jurassic Park and horticulture meet in the middle!  

The McFarland’s continue to celebrate spring by highlighting a significant scientific achievement. 

How can this achievement be applied to horticulture? Lumber? Medicine? 

Jack, Lynne and Matt find answers to these questions on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Increasing the lifespan of your evergreen uprights comes into direct focus. 

The pruning of your large horticultural organisms and flowering shrubs is the sandbox the McFarlands find themselves in. 

Form and function pruning is discussed. 

Matt hates Forsythia. HATES. He discusses why. 

Squirrel relocation is a story to behold. 

Roses and their relationship with sun and space is outlined. 

Airflow, sunlight and rain penetration…

Centre pruning is the answer to many of your rose issues. 

Pyramids and triangles become an argument. 

How do upright evergreens keep their conical shape. Matt explains. 

Easter and plants. The McFarlands discuss.

Tune in.

Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Its finally here!

Cole the cat has the ZOOMIES!   What does that mean?  SPRING FEVER. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate the opening the outdoor horticultural season on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

Matt tells a story about workbooks, shoes and footwear galore.

Stiletto's and secateurs - typical of The McFarlands. 

Should you be out and about in your flower beds at this time of the year?  URGENT, URGENT, URGENT!!!  Take your foot off the gas!

Clay soil and the GTA.   Lets talk about the relationship. 

Lining your driveway with low landscape walls and how snow ploughs effect your walls is chatted about. 

Matt shouts out a listener. Why do skunks and racoons tear up your lawn?

Japanese Beetles and their bedazzled exterior coupled with their destructive nature is discussed. 

What is snow mould? 

The McFarland Query System drops by for an insult.

Why do they call "Crabgrass" crabgrass?

Matt hates spring flowering bulbs.  He explains why.  He also highlights a number of wonderful flowering shrubs that flower very early in the year.

What do Canada geese lay eggs in parking lots?

The guys argue about fertilizer and compost.  What a bunch of doofuses.

Tune in.

Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

So does it do anything else? 

Picking up where last week left off, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight multi-purpose plants in the second part of the series on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Bamboo kicks of the hort-topics.  Why isn't bamboo more prominent in Canada? 

Fabrics, construction materials and aesthetics - bamboo can do it all. 

Toilet paper and how its made will dishearten you. 

Is sugar cane used it Canada.   Jack outlines how its integral to many of the aspects of Canadian life. 

Should you let your grass go to seed?  Yes and no. 

Grass clippings get Jack REALLY excited.   There are so many uses, some of which will shock you. 

Hogweed comes into focus on Strange But True. 

As has become an annual tradition, dandelions feature prominently. 

Stinging nettles are AWFUL.  They can be used, medically, for so much.  The trio explain. 

Cotton is a WATER HOG.  

Goutweed.  UH-OH.   Lets talk about it. 

Bull rushes and life jackets.

Tune in.

Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

So what else does it do?

That's the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the Swiss Army knives of the horticultural world.  

Multi-Purpose plants come into focus.

Willows kick off the show in style.  You wouldn't believe the number of things a willow can be used for.  

Willows are packed full of calcium, so in a pinch you could use a willow to boost your calcium intake. 

Lumber, lumber, lumber.  It's a hot topic politically and the trio dive into a conversation about our most used construction material.  

What trees are the most widely used for nominal lumber?   An investigation occurs.

Outdoor lumber yard vs. indoor lumber yard.   Is there a difference?

MATT DISCOVERS A SITKA SPRUCE.  Then he falls in love.

What is cellulose?   Why is it important?

Pine nuts.  Pine seeds.   Lets talk.

Birches are beautiful but who knew how useful they can be outside of the fact that they give your landscape a unique shot of colour. 

Birch syrup is tasted on air.  The show comes off the rails. 

You can tap your Japanese Maple and acquire syrup from it.  We're not kidding!

Tune in.

Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.

What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.

Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.