What's better than one colour?  How about two? Three?  MORE!

The Growing Season returns to their TGS Colour Series with a bang. 

Bi-Colour/Colour Gradients are the latest entry in the Colour Series library. 

Jack McFarland updates the listeners on his ongoing cancer treatments. 

The trio discuss the trend of plants featuring blooms and leaves that change colour throughout seasons that aren't necessarily the autumn. 

Hydrangeas come into focus but they aren't the only horticultural organism that features colour gradient blooms. 

Is bi-colour the result of a genetic flaw?   You'll be interested to know.

The differences between bi-tonal and bi-coloured plants are discussed. 

How do you design with these types of plants?   Is variegation considered bin-tonal? 

Petunias, pansies and snapdragons are great examples of colour-gradient annuals.  The trio chat about these all-stars. 

Bi-colour lilacs!   OHHHH BABY!

Tune in.

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All hail Charlotte's Web!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the ins and outs of using ferns in your landscape and/or your landscape designs. 

Matt details the various degrees of success he's had with using ferns and, specifically, fern varieties. 

The fern life-cycle is explored.  Outside of the spores that we all have heard about puddles and gametophytes feature prominently. 

Do ferns display a fall colour change?   What varieties would you use to feature this change to its fullest effect?

Ferns and fiddleheads.  How should your prepare the fiddleheads for eating?

Companion/pairing plants are discussed when considering ferns.  What pairs best in this case?  The McFarlands explain.  HINT:  Think coralbells.

What are the shade/light conditions necessary to fern thrivability.

Ghost ferns, painted fern, cinnamon fern, brilliance autumn fern, ostrich fern and many more are discussed. 

Can you split a fern?   How so?

Tune in.

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They're one of the most asked about plant materials on sites and designs and The McFarlands spend 54 minutes discussing them on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland spend close to an hour on hydrangeas. 

From 5-10 classic varieties to dozens upon dozens of variations of the flowering shrub the hydrangea has bloomed in popularity. 

Oakleaf, big leaf, smooth, french, panicle and climbers are all discussed alongside how and what to design in with them. 

Is it true that hydrangeas can take dense shade?   Yes and no.  The trio explain. 

How do you prune hydrangeas?   That's where things get interesting.  Matt explains in heavy detail how and when to prune the various varieties of hydrangeas.  It can be overwhelming.

Are there reblooming hydrangeas?   If so, how would one get them to rebloom?

What about ever bloomers?  Is there such a thing. 

The McFarlands discuss hydrangea trees and how to design with them. 

Tune in.

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Children of the wind, rejoice!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland unearth the secrets of ornamental grasses on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

All grasses can be linked back to something called "The Timothy Grass."   What's the history of said grass?   How does the lineage work?

What about grasses in shade?   They exist and THEY ARE WONDERFUL!

Matt tells a story about lilac's pollinating and by-law officers.  Not kidding.

Forest grass, festuca, Red Baron grass, ribbon grass, zebra grass and sedges all come into focus.

Jack explains how to transplant your potted grasses and keep them for the winter to include in your gardening adventures next season.

Why are grasses so prominent in modern landscapes?

How do you prune ornamental grasses?  Lynne explains.

Tune in.

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You’d be amazed at how many horticultural organisms have cancer fighting elements built in.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland base this week’s episode of The Growing Season on Jack’s recovery from cancer.

Jack details his stay at the Princess Margaret Cancer Lodge and how The Growing Season can get involved in the gardens there.

Black Walnut, maple, pines are just some of the plants that are discussed.

BUT!  Insects. Insects come into focus. Ants are being used to “sniff out” cancer tumours. Studies are being conducted but the early results are interesting.

Wasps and dogs are also known to be used to fight cancer.

Thyme can be used for many an application but it’s effect on cancer is discussed.  How about maple syrup. Good for pancakes AND for cancer.

Jack licks toads or at least Matt imagines he should.

Lynne details a cancer treatment using almonds that was prominent decades ago.

Tune in.

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So they're not as much work as everyone says!

ROSES.  Years ago this word struck fear into the hearts of many a gardener.  Roses, renown for their beautiful blooms and fragrance BUT along with that comes disease, fungus and insects. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland cautiously guide this week's episode of The Growing Season into the world of roses. 

Matt rants - which is becoming commonplace. 

The correlation between pollinators and roses starts the show. 

The history of the rose, the cultivation methods and the various sub-groups of these lovely plants are highlighted. 

The latest "tech" in roses is discussed.  What are the newest varieties on the market and how do they differ from the classic varietals?

Are there roses geared for ultra cold climates?   

Reblooming, ever-blooming and pruning of roses is heavily discussed.

Tune in.

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"Splish splash I was taking a bath...."

One of the most maintenance heavy features for your garden takes centre stage on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland uncover the ins and outs of installing a water feature.

Matt discusses why he moved away from installing the outdoor water holes and what drove him to get back into it. 

Has the technology changed since he was away?   What is new and exciting?

Leaking used to be a real issue but there have been developments in the tech to remedy that situation.   

How do you make the waterfall look "natural?"   What location on your property serves the feature best?

The McFarlands detail the construction of their new waterfall and how that dovetails into builds brought to you by The Growing Season.

Tune in.

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The GTA has had record levels of rainfall over the last 6-8 weeks. What does that mean for gardeners.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland open this week’s episode of The Growing Season with a rant from Matt.

Matt is offended!

Fear does all this rain mean for the growth of your plant material outside of rapid growth?

Disease and fungus can be exacerbated by rain. What should you look out for when it comes to moisture and disease.

The trio chat about pruning at this time of year.

“Windowing” is discussed and Matt explains why it’s necessary. Amending with much isn’t essential and the McFarlands explain why.

Tune in.

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LLLLLEEEETTSS GET READY TO RRRRRUUUUUMMMMBBBBLLLLEEE!

In what will be called the greatest battle horticulture has ever seen The Growing Season has ringside seats in the fight between annuals and perennials.

Which will come out victorious? 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland weigh in on the debate on this week's show? 

Aren't annuals more financially feasible?   Why choose perennials? 

What is an annual?   Is a Butterfly Bush an annual?  For The Growing Season it kinda is! Dahlias - are they annuals? Kinda.

The McFarland's chat about how to pick an annual at the nursery.  What is the most popular annual for 2024?

AND THEN PERENNIALS!  Tickseed, Blanket Flower, Black Eyed Susie, Helenium, Echinacea, Ligularia, Asters and more are the plants that feature in this week's show.

An update on Jack's health is broadcasted. 

Tune in.

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Follow my lead!   Green is all you need. 

In some cases, the statement above is correct.  Horticulturally, green is used to keep your plant pals growing strong. 

But what about colour?   Is it possible to have all that green hold hands with some prolonged colour over the course of the spring, summer and  fall?

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland talk about long bloomers on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

What is a long bloomer?   How long is long in a bloomer?  The McFarland's reveal a little about how they design with prolonged flowerers.

Monarda, Roses, Goldenrod, Japanese Kerria, hostas, Coreopsis, Rozanne Geranium, Phlox, Lilac and the new Bloomerang Lilac come into focus.

Is the reblooming weigela?   Yup!   Its really cool!

Tune in.

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Easy now!   There's no reason to get upset.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into trees that tear tirelessly.  They WEEP!    You get it?

The various organisms that are pendulous in nature become the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

"Pleaching" is discussed but Matt has no idea what it is.

Weeping beech, weeping willow, weeping redbud, weeping Japanese maple and the HOLY GRAIL of weepers - The Camperdown Elm are just some of focus.

This is flowering cherry season!   Many cherry trees weep so why not chat about it?

CRABAPPLES!   Friend or foe?

A new variety of Goldenrod is fawned over.

Tune in.

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Oh-oh-ah-ah-oh! Oh-oh-ahhhh-oh!

So what the heck are The McFarland’s using on landscape designs in 2024?

The Growing Season follows Matt into his annual practice of wiping the slate clean and starting over with his choices of plants.

Yucca is back on the menu!  For over 20 years the McFarland’s refused to use a yucca on a design. They explain why.

Phlox!  The science of hybridizing plants is discussed. Why the phlox are there sooo many new varieties of phlox!?

A new variety of pyramidal/pencil birch, a classic viburnum returns and roses, roses roses galore are touched on.

Matt shied away from roses for years and he explains why he’s rekindled his relationship with them.

Why is a serviceberry called a serviceberry?  You’ll be surprised.

Hydrangeas are almost discussed. Hehehehe. You’ll find out why.

Cherry Truffle sedum is not a dessert but it’s a sedum as sweet as a dessert!  The trio discuss. 

Tune in.

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Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland steer this week's episode of The Growing Season into all things Yellow.

The Growing Season's Colour Series continues with a colour that tends to be a divisive topic amongst gardeners.

Are you a fan of the colour yellow?   Do you dislike it?   If so, why?

Many of the heavy hitters in a yellow variety feature:  Dandelions, witch hazel, forsythia, daylily, tickseed, black eyed susie.

Matt detests forsythia and he explains why.

The trio discuss the loveliness of Japanese Kerria.  IT IS THE BEST.

Yellow hostas are a subject of discussion to great effect.

Matt plays "imagine, if you will" with Jack.  They step back in the mid 1980's. 

Tune in.

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"Coming up we'll talk to you about edible herbs and how they can be considered 'sage advice!'"  [BA DUM CHING!]

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate Earth Day in style with a 54 minute discussion on plants that produce fruit, berries and nuts.

EDIBLES - not marijuana, but plants that produce stuff that can be eaten...

Apple trees, specifically espaliers, are highlighted.  Its a case of making lemons out of lemonade, so to speak.

Blueberries, raspberries, currents, strawberries are subjects of discourse to the surprise of absolutely no one.

How do you prune fruiting plant materials?   There are simple rules that will steer you away from trouble.

Is there a pruning method that will help to increase yield when it comes to fruiters.  YUP!   And we guide you through it!

Tune in.

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Landscape design is in FULL SWING for The McFarlands.

Jack, Lynne and Matt discuss the ins and outs of Landscape Design on The Growing Season. 

Matt outlines how his business model works.  The differences between a landscape consult, design and install are discussed.

Why do you, as a homeowner, need a landscape design?   Does the design make the landscape process easier for you?   The trio discuss. 

The McFarlands chat about how a site meet with a potential contractor will go.  Its nothing to be scared of.

How can you make sure your designer includes as many of your ideas as humanly possible in the final product?  The Growing Season crew help you out.

Your mobile phone is a useful tool in landscape design but not in the way you'd think.  Listen to find out.

Your shade/light conditions, soil conditions and drainage are all areas of interest to your designer.   We chat about why.

Tune in.

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Its safe to finally prune your plants, people!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide The Growing Season into the heart of spring pruning and all of its related topics. 

When can you prune?   If its been 10 degrees during the daytime over the course of 7 days you are good to go. 

How do you transition plants from indoors to outdoors?   What about those hydrangeas that you received for easter?   Can those be transplanted?   How?

Jack McFarland creates a sound bite for the ages. 

"Your plant is not sick because its being attacked by insects, its being attacked by insects because its sick..."   This becomes a topic of discussion.   Pruning for plant health is addressed.

Coppicing of plant materials and how to use the technique to rejuvenate an older plant becomes chat fodder.

The central leader of a tree and its importance is highlighted. 

Proper pruning practices are discussed.

Tune in.

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Bunnies, bulbs and bougainvillea! 

We’ll, not the last one but it started with “B” so it fit.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue to celebrate spring on The Growing Season.

McFarland Park is about to undergo an expansion. The trio detail the new elements to be installed.

Jack and Lynne offer an update that may impact the show slightly over the next few months.

We’d love your positive thoughts and energy.

Onto horticulture!  Being that it’s Easter weekend why not focus on Hydrangeas and Easter Lilles. How do you care for these little plants indoors?  How do you transfer them outdoors and have them survive?

Matt talks about plant field trips.

Battling chinch and Japanese beetle naturally is discussed.

Avoiding stepping on emerging plants Cole’s into focus. Matt hates bulbs. He explains why.

Why perennials should you be splitting at this time of year?  What perennials shouldn’t be split right now? 

What perennials should not be split EVER?

Spring fertilizer is discussed.

Tune in.

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LET'S SPRING INTO...WELL...SPRING.

Its here and, even though there is snow on the ground for much of the GTA, Spring is here.

Jack, Lynne and Matt kick off the growing season in style.  What can you being doing in your flower beds RIGHT NOW?   Spoiler alert - NOTHING.  The trio explains.

Sharpening shovels and landscape pruners come into focus.  What brand of pruners should you buy?  Matt gushes about FELCO's.

How do you sharpen a shovel?   How often do you sharpen them?   What about pruners?

When should you do a light service on your lawn equipment? The McFarlands explain. 

The crew chat about fertilizer and how to get your lawn into a spring type feeling.  Gypsum becomes a focal point.

Is it possible to damage your soil if you work it too early.  YUP.  BEWARE!!!!!

Epsome salts could be a band aid for your plants.  The McFarland's explain how.

Tune in.

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Lets get down to some horticultural history.

Gardens through time are the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

The Aztecs, The Myans, The Romans, The French, The Indians and The Japanese come into focus as some of the innovators in garden tech.  The French, in particular, have some sordid history intertwined with their horticulture.

THEY HAD THEIR CAKE AND ATE AND ATE AND ATE!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland meander through the history books and uncover some of the most discussed horticultural spaces that have ever graced a landscape. 

Matt also details The Growing Season's new position featuring in horticultural segments on The Weather Network. 

Being so close to St. Patrick's Day the trio discuss the ins and outs of how horticulture intersect with Green Beer Day. What was the main cause of the potato famine in Ireland?   How does this tie into St. Patrick's Day.

All that and more...

Tune in.

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So you're looking to take a vacation.   Let The Growing Season guide you through a tropical destination The McFarland's have longed to visit. 

FIJI.

Let's travel to Fiji via the radio waves.  Jack, Lynne and Matt continue their "Destination Tropical" series into one of the most beautiful places on earth. 

The flora, the fauna, the language, the food, the ins and outs of the Fijian culture are explored.

What do they farm in Fiji?   You'll be surprised to know that its not exactly what you would think.   Even their exports - you'll be surprised to learn what Fiji exports in high amounts.

The Flametree is an interesting plant.  The Fijians adore it and its foliage will amaze you.

Santa Claus show up on a Jet Ski.  So there's that.

Relatives of the palm tree are discussed. 

Tune in.

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We know, we know, you're ACHING to get out into your garden and start the wheels in motion. 

Can you do ANYTHING in the garden right now?   How about pruning?  Is it too early to prune?   Many of us would like to get a head start on gardening activities so this week's topic dovetails perfectly.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the topic of dormancy pruning and why/when it can be done. 

The various types of pruning are discussed and when they are to be used.

New wood, old wood and all the in-betweens are explored on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

What if you've had ice damage on a tree?  Do you prune now or do you have to wait? 

Tune in.

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Soooo, how exactly does that dandelion grown AND THRIVE in the asphalt on the 401?

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss extremes and how horticultural organisms have adapted to exist in such environments. 

Alpine areas, extreme cold, extreme heat, lack of oxygen and many locations come into focus on this episode of The Growing Season.

How exactly do they grow plant materials on the space station?   What measures are taken to ensure success?

The adaptations of plants growing in extremely moist areas is an interesting topic.

To make a long story short, these plants grow in the most inhospitable environments imaginable and The McFarland's uncover it.

Tune in.

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Knickers made of nettles?   Wouldn't that hurt?

This week Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss how horticulture and textiles converge. 

The Growing Season tackles the putting on of your plants, as in how textiles are created using plants in an effort to increase sustainability.

Athletic supports, dresses, tops, bottoms, hand bags and many more garments are all being made using materials like potato skins, pineapple parts and apples. 

Can you get high if your hemp hoodie burns?   The trio pontificate.

Matt rants on organic farming. 

Parblex... Popular in Ireland AND during the Superbowl.   You'll find out what we're talking about.

Tune in.

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Let’s gather around the Yohimbe tree and get frisky!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide The Growing Season into all things planted and sexy on this week’s episode.

In honour of Valentines Day the trio discuss the upcoming plants that put a tilt in your kilt.

Is there any truth to the rumour of aphrodisiacs being a part of certain plants’ operating system? 

Which profession gets the most action? You’ll be surprised to learn.

Onions, garlic, chocolate,  Spanish fly, nettles and ants are linked to arousal. Yes. Nettles.

Will honey get your honey in the mood. Yes. Listen in to find out how.

Bananas and pomegranate. Stock up.

Pansies, violas and morning glories are also known to start engines.

Tune in.

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Life finds a way…

Matt McFarland’s love of Jurassic Park takes centre stage on this week’s episode of The Growing Season.

Are there any prehistoric plants still around in present day?  You’ll be surprised to learn that the answer is resounding yes.

A breakdown of the lifecycle of the Gingko tree is tasked on the trio.

Trees the size of skyscrapers, bees changing size, and volcanic soil all fit into the McFarland’s trip into prehistoric plants.

A group of super secret pines in Australia is discussed.

Is black pepper prehistoric?

Is it possible to bring prehistoric plants via cloning a la Jurassic Park. Let’s find out.

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