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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Splish, splash I was taking a bath, walking around in my backyard!!! 

Everyone get their duck-waiters out! 

As a result of the immense amount of snow dropped in February 2025 many of our outdoor spaces are flooded.

“Keeping water away from home should be of paramount concern…”

Speaking of flooding, Matt McFarland tells tales of his recent adventures with his washing machine. 

Jack and Lynne McFarland help to pull the curtain back on drainage details on The Growing Season.

More homeowners are going to larger capacity downspouts. Why? 

Plants acquire oxygen through their roots. How does this work with a saturated soil?

If you have flies and sulphuric odors in wet areas on your property what does that mean? 

Matt goes on a rant about cedars.

The trio highlight moisture tolerant plants that will work great in your garden.

Birch are salt tolerant. Who knew? 

Tune in.

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Ahhhh, the familiar sounds of spring. 

Flying overhead, emerging from their southern getaway is the returning Canadian Geese. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss all things avian on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

What percentage of Canada’s birds migrate south in the fall and return north in the spring? Why do they migrate? 

 How do the birds know when it’s right to make the return home?  Is there a scout crew that is sent out first? 

A discussion of aircraft and migratory patterns occurs. 

Birds can sleep whilst flying. What?  How? 

The list of prominent Canadian birds is explored. 

The correlation between birds and dinosaurs occurs so, naturally, Jurassic Park is discussed. 

Birds and mating. How does this happen? 

Owls, owls and more owls…

Birds see food based on colour. You’ll be surprised to learn how. 

Ravens make a strange noise. Matt tells a story about his kitty and a raven. 

Birds eat grit to help break down food. Why? 

ASTEROIDS AND EARTH!!!

Tune in.

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If you're thinking about a vacation, why not consider Mexico?

Canada and Mexico's involvement in Trump's idiotic trade war is the impetus for this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Matt is spitting mad and he unloads on The President Of The United States.  Discussions of politics abound...

What are the temperatures like in Mexico, currently?  What about hardiness zones?

The average amount of precipitation in Mexico is compared to Ontario's. 

Cacti and their presence in Mexico's landscape is discussed. 

You WILL NOT BELIEVE what was invented in Mexico.  Its absolutely not on your bingo card. 

How is it that the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas all building similar structures at the same time?   Was there outside interference? Like from the stars?

Speaking of The Aztecs, their legendary floating gardens are explored.   How was this achieved? 

Mexican flowers, both annual and perennial are discussed.  Passion flower, bird of paradise and poinsettia are just some of the flowers mentioned. 

Mexican surfing is a big deal.

Volcanoes and horticulture are briefly discussed.   Mexico's coral reefs are highlighted. 

The Gulf of Connor McDavid - that's the most important factoid from this week's show.

Tune in.

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And now for the cleanup!  Wow. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the aftermath of the insane snowstorm of February 2025 on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

We have icicles. SOOOOO MANY ICICLES. 

Is that a bad sign?  Can we do anything about them?

Matt talks about driveways, window wells and how they tie into snow. 

Clearing the snow from around your drier and furnace vents is discussed. 

Melted snow as water for your plants and pets comes into focus. 

Jack discusses winter wheat and how it may be affected by this much snow. Will our agriculture be negatively affected by this? 

Freeze/thaw and root systems, house foundations and concrete becomes a topic of talk. 

What is the “snow belt?” Why is this area called the “snow belt?”

The trio research which fish hibernate in Ontario. 

That time when Niagara Falls just stopped… It froze completely over. 

The McFarlands top the show off with a discussion on avalanches. 

Tune in.

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So we got absolutely walloped. 

Breaking from the trend of the last few winters, the GTA and much of Ontario got absolutely nailed with snow over the last week. 

Records were set. Driveways were shovelled again and again and again and again. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland recount Snowmageddon 2025 on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Matt highlights his adventures blowing close to 20 driveways with 14”- 16” of snow blanketed over the area. 

Over the last few weeks the GTA has seen close the 2.5 feet  it has been absolutely crazy  

With climate change on the forefront of our minds shouldn’t storms like this be a thing of the past? 

Snow ploughs dropping insanely heavy snow at the ends of our driveways. Yikes  

Is there a way of avoiding such a mess? 

How will your trees and shrubs deal with all this snow?  Will there be damaged done to their structure? 

Can your pets drink melted snow safely? 

Streamers and lack of lake freeze becomes a topic of conversation. 

The McFarland trio recount historical snow storms. 1975, 1977, 1999 share the spotlight.

Jack tells a ploughing story for the ages.  

Tune in.

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So who had “an important time in history” on their bingo card for February 2025?

We sure didn’t! 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide The Growing Season into waters inspired by the current news-making trade-war that Canada currently finds itself embroiled in with the United States. 

We’re proud to be Grown in Canada!

Obviously politics will figure into this week’s conversation and Canada’s border with the US is the topic that kicks off the show. 

What does “Made In Canada” actually mean? 

Where does broccoli come from at this time of the year. Jack and Matt get into an argument over the subject. 

The trend from farming in Canada gets the boys heated in conversation. 

What is the “Wheat Board?”  How does it function? 

Jack dives into the different types of farming and their environmental impact. 

Canada is known for their blueberries. Why? 

Cheese, milk, eggs and all things dairy are Canadian specialities. The trio discuss our dairy superiority. 

You’ll be surprised to learn the water requirements for a single cow. 

Potatoes!  Yup. We get Canadian about them spuds. 

Canola is the most valuable crop you can grow in Canada. 

Hens and hormones - let’s talk. 

If it’s grown in Canada the McFarlands talk about it on this week’s show. 

Tune in.

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"This week’s show makes repeated references to coition, coitus, copulation, carnal carnivals and other c words.  We’ll be putting the Bed in flower beds on this weeks episode of The Growing Season and may not be suitable for the fruits of your intimate interactions... "

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight the sexiest plants for Valentines Day in what has become an annual tradition. 

Romantic movies, music and treats for this time of the year come into focus. 

Jack and Matt tell stories about falling in love with their wives. 

Roses, roses, roses... What a great place to start.  How do you keep your cut flowers looking fresh well after Valentines Day?

Does the colour of the floral vase make a difference? 

How has Jack's cancer journey affected the romantic side of his marriage?

Matt discusses his grocery journey this past week.  In trying to buy Canadian products he happened upon some interesting products. 

Orchids, chrysanthemum, baby's breath and many more plants are reported to have aphrodisiacal qualities.  The trio bust some myths. 

Viagara and chocolate - Happy Valentines Day!

Does coffee have a relationship with intimacy?   We find out. 

Swords, shields, bottles of monkey urine and underdeveloped chicken embryos - yup, all related to Valentines Day. 

Looking to get in the mood?  Try some whale vomit. 

Tune in.

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There was just SOOOO much info.

50 Years and Counting pt. 2 is the feature on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

What did people do before the microwave?   Lynne McFarland describes how she would heat up her husband's meal when he arrived home from the jobsite late at night. 

"Imagine If You Will" takes you back to 1975. 

Jaws, mutton chops, blockbusters, muscle cars and smoking in operating rooms are just some of the touchstones mentioned. 

"99% of all the oxygen around the world is stored in rock..."

How much toilet paper will a human use in their lifetime? What is caustic soda?

Jack McFarland tells a story about how buried construction materials really threw a  monkey wrench into his plans.

Horticultural chemicals and their sale/use over the last 50 years is discussed.   Matt tells a story of an industry peer that was exposed to said chemicals over the course of time. 

Jack's extensive use of pressure treated wood in the 1970's and 1980's comes into focus. 

DDT - that acronym sends shudders down the spines of many - and for good reason!   The McFarlands discuss why. 

Roundup, roundup, roundup... Lets debate.  The new formulation of Roundup is chatted on. 

Tune in.

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What has changed in the last 50 years?

A LOT!   The last half century is dotted with enough change that you could say the world that once was no longer is.  

The McFarlands discuss the changes in the world of horticulture that have occurred over the last 50 years. 

Jack and Lynne are celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss and we thought that was a great conversation piece for The Growing Season.

Matt reminisces about his experience snow tubing with the kids.  IT WAS AWESOME.

Jack discusses the difference in the price of fuel 50 years ago.   You might not want to know!

Harlequin Maples and why they are no longer used is discussed.  The Ash is no longer used as a street tree and its such a shame as its a glorious organism.  

Leaf miner and birch borer are the reasons we don't use many birch these days.   That's also a shame.  

Hybridizing of large trees into smaller varieties is highlighted.  

What evergreen uprights were popular 50 years ago?   Why have we changed our selections?  

Pruning a Mountbatten Juniper is discussed and Matt openly wonders why they've stopped using Weeping Peashrub.

The Purpleleaf sands cherry is a timestamp.  Matt explains why. 

Tune in.

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The situation in California is terrible.  

The wildfires in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States have come into focus internationally and we felt it was necessary to explore its ins and outs on The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland correlate the Australian Wildfires and those in California.  

Could this have been avoided?   Did those in power learn anything from Austrialia's fires that could have been used in California's emergency?  

Jack describes "controlled burns..."

Would the salt water that laps the beaches of Los Angeles be suitable to put the fires out? 

Winds have come into focus as an accelerant that is only complicating issues in California.   The McFarland's correlate quickly moving air and fire. 

Remove the oxygen and that will put the fire out!   Am I right!?

Fencing options for areas that are prone to forest and wild fires are discussed. 

The types of conifers that tend to be "fire proof" are highlighted. 

Fireproofing your home comes into focus. 

Tune in.

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What if it just didn't snow?   Or get below freezing?

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland take a hypothetical journey on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Gone: Winter dives into "what if Winter just disappeared?" 

Its a sobering topic but one that needs to be discussed with Climate Change coming to the forefront in the news once more.

Matt discusses his snow filled adventures this winter.   "Streamers" have become a common term being used to describe snow events.  Are there more streamers happening in our current climate change filled landscape?

Outdoor skating is being impacted due to climate.  The trio explain how.

Jack focuses on human fluid transference and derails a WHOLE segment. 

What is a GoGirl?   Matt follows this topic down the rabbit hole.

The Ice Road and the trucks that transport goods across it come into focus. 

The cost of produce and dry winters are correlated.  Want a snowless winter?  Be prepared to pay more at the grocery store.

How would lack of winter effect birds and insects?  You'd be surprised to learn the myriad of interesting ways less winter would effect the former and latter. 

Warmer climate = MORE TICKS!   Uh-oh.

Jack links the spongy moth invasion and climate change...

Cold weather has a surprising effect on human blood pressure.

Tune in.

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The first episode of The Growing Season for 2025 sheds some light on the night.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland steer their sites to Night Vision and the creatures that are blessed with such powers.

The McFarland’s update you on their New Years.

Packaging of materials kicks the show off. Matt chats about Lego.

Are humans able to see at night in any comparable manner to our mammalian counterparts? 

Biologically, how does night vision work?

The darkened sight of cats is explored.

Moose, rabbits, picas, horses, foxes and wolves are discussed.

What is “moonwater?”

Of course bats and owls deserve their fair share of time in the spotlight.

What are the differences between sonar, radar and echolocation? 

Mice and moths come into focus.

The correlation between UV light and WWII is surprising.

Tune in.

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And that's a wrap!

The Growing Season closes the book on 2024 in their typical fashion. 

Focusing on how horticulture and spirits intersect, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the herbals and aromatics that infuse your favourite seasonal drinks.

New Years Resolutions are highlighted.  The McFarlands outline what they'd like to see for the upcoming year.

The differences between seasoning and spices?   What are said differences?

Infusion and maceration are discussed.  Soaking of herbals in alcohol to infuse flavours.   Sounds heavenly.   Lets explain how its done. 

What are hops and why are they used in beer?   How did this come to be?

Gin is a prominent topic of discourse. In fact, a live tasting of gin is undertaken on the show.  Jack and Lynne try a gin and tonic for the first time.

Aromatic bitters and their usage in cocktails is explained. 

Matt gushes about gin.   And gushes and gushes...

Wine, Champagne, whiskey, vodka are just some of the spirits that are chatted about. 

New school vs. old school wine making is highlighted. 

Tune in.

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Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.