Down The Garden Path Podcast

This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes four talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors.
This week, Joanne welcomes John Bright, a certified landscape designer in London, Ontario, and owner of BRIGHT Design Studio.
Topics Covered
Why landscape design matters (for homeowners) John compares exterior projects to interior renovations or building a home: you wouldn't start without drawings; outdoors shouldn't be any different.
A plan helps homeowners avoid expensive mistakes before "dig day," especially when space is tight.

What makes landscape design uniquely challenging Designers work with living things that change over time (plant growth, seasonal interest, variability in nursery stock).
Outdoor spaces must function across four seasons, not just look good in summer.
Microclimates, soil, sun/shade, and neighbouring conditions are all part of the design reality.

Small-space design: why it's harder than it looks John's specialty is small-space landscapes, influenced by his Toronto experience and today's shrinking lots.
In small yards, every inch counts and being off by even a foot can ruin furniture clearances and functionality.
Strategy: prioritize needs vs. wants, then get creative to fit the wish list.

How to make a small yard feel bigger "Go up" with pergolas, trellises, archways, and vertical structure.
Use larger-format pavers and thoughtful laying patterns to change how the eye reads the space.
Darker fences/screens can help the background "disappear."
Use a few anchoring shrubs/trees and keep the plant palette simpler for a cleaner, more expansive feel.

Why designers bring value beyond the property line John and Joanne talk about "borrowed landscape" (benefiting from neighbours' trees) and the risk of relying on neighbours for privacy or shade.
Designers look at the whole context, including what could change next door.

John's process and how he tailors deliverables Starts with a short discovery call and then a deeper consultation on-site.
He adapts to how clients "receive information": Technical clients: plans, CAD drawings, details/sections
Visual clients: concept sketches and/or 3D visuals

Tools: AutoCAD (plans/details), hand sketching (idea exploration), SketchUp (3D & grading/spot elevations).

"Design in a Day" (and what it really means) It's more like an accelerated intro, often 24-72 hours, depending on scope.
Best for smaller areas (like a front garden) and for clients who want quick concepts or a DIY jumping-off point.
If clients continue into a full package, the initial investment can roll forward (rather than starting over).

Materials and palettes as part of design John treats exterior materials like interior selections: coordinated colour palettes, wall stone, caps, pavers, decking options, etc.
Contractor preferences and client budgets shape what's realistic, but the goal is always a coherent plan.

Takeaways and Tips
Treat outdoors like a renovation. If you'd never renovate a kitchen without a plan, don't rebuild a backyard without one.
Small yards need more planning, not less. Tight spaces amplify mistakes, design prevents "we're off by a foot" problems that become expensive fixes.
Start with needs, then earn the wants. Sorting the wish list into must-haves vs nice-to-haves makes the design process faster and smarter.
Make small spaces feel larger with a few key moves: go vertical, simplify the plant palette, choose bigger-format hardscape materials, and use placement to guide sightlines.
Don't borrow privacy from your neighbours. Neighbours change; trees get removed; pools get installed. Build privacy and shade into your plan when possible.
Expect the landscape to get better with time. Planting often looks "new" at install; maturity is the real finish line.
If you can't visualize plans, ask for the right format. Some people need detailed drawings; others need sketches or 3D. A good designer adjusts how they communicate.
You can find BRIGHT Design Studio online at www.brightds.ca and on Instagram.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. 
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

This week, Joanne welcomes master gardener Ingrid Janssen to the podcast to discuss the inspiring work being done by Little Forests Durham, a nonprofit organization focused on planting Miyawaki mini forests throughout Durham Region.
About Little Forests Durham
Little Forests Durham is a volunteer-run community non-profit organization based in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, focused on giving tools, knowledge, and support to people, communities, organizations and local authorities to plant Little Forests in their neighbourhoods and communities.
Topics Covered
Ingrid's background as a Durham Master Gardener, seed collector, and advocate for native trees
How Little Forests Durham was founded in 2024 and inspired by Little Forests Kingston
What a Miyawaki mini forest is and how the method aims to compress forest succession into 20-30 years
Why these forests are planted using dense layers of native trees and shrubs to mimic a natural forest community
The importance of soil preparation, including cardboard, compost, and mulch to suppress weeds and build fungal-rich soil
How sites are chosen through collaboration with municipal staff, parks departments, and local partners
Why publicly accessible land is a priority for Little Forests Durham projects
The logistics behind site prep, including access for trucks, compost delivery, mulch spreading, and volunteer coordination
How volunteers help with planting days, often in large numbers, making it possible to plant hundreds of trees and shrubs in a short time
Why planting design still matters, even in a more naturalized system, with careful placement of canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs
The realities of maintenance, including weeding, invasive species removal, tree protection, fencing, and monitoring for drought
How mini forests help address climate change by increasing biodiversity, cooling urban spaces, and creating habitat for wildlife
The role of partnerships with organizations such as Rotary Clubs, conservation authorities, Green Communities Canada, Greenbelt Foundation, and Trees for Life
The group's ambitious goal of planting 30 mini forests by 2030 in Durham Region
How listeners can support the effort through volunteering, joining the team, donating, or helping bring projects to their own communities
The idea that homeowners can create smaller-scale versions in their own yards, known as pocket forests
Ingrid's love of native trees, with a special mention of her flowering dogwood, grown from seed she collected herself
Takeaways and Tips
Mini forests do not require huge spaces. Even a small corner of a park or a backyard can support a meaningful planting.
Native trees and shrubs matter. They support biodiversity, wildlife, and long-term ecological health.
The Miyawaki method is about community. It brings together people, plants, fungi, wildlife, and local organizations in one shared effort.
Good site access is essential. Successful projects need room for compost, mulch, tools, and tree delivery.
Volunteer-friendly planning makes all the difference. Clear layouts and simple planting instructions help create a positive experience.
Soil prep is key. Cardboard, compost, and mulch help suppress weeds and create better conditions for young trees to thrive.
Maintenance matters. The first few years require protection from rabbits, trampling, invasive weeds, and possible drought.
Climate action can be local. You don't have to wait for large systems to change. Communities can begin by planting trees where they live.
Small efforts add up. Whether it is joining a planting day, donating materials, or creating a pocket forest at home, every action helps.
You can find Little Forests Durham online at www.littleforestsdurham.ca and on Instagram, and Facebook.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. 
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

This week, Joanne welcomes Madison House of Bloomin' Easy Plants to the podcast to talk about what makes gardening feel "easy" for newer gardeners and what's new in their plant lineup this year.
About Bloomin' Easy Plants
Bloomin' Easy finds stronger, more compact, longer-blooming genetics (often from European breeders), then trials plants for years in Canadian conditions before they ever reach garden centres. They also build support tools around each plant, such as QR-code care reminders, an app, a 24/7 chatbot ("Ask Miss Diggs"), and even "mental reality" previews, so shoppers can feel confident choosing the right plant for the right spot. 
Topics Covered
What Bloomin' Easy Plants is (and who it's for): a brand built to help casual/new gardeners succeed with approachable plants and simple guidance.
How plants get to homeowners: breeders → Bloomin' Easy trials → propagators create "baby plants" → finished container growers → local garden centres/big box stores.
Why "grown locally" matters: plants supplied by growers near your garden centre are more likely to be adapted to your climate (better survival and performance).
Plant genetics and long trialing: many varieties are trialed 3–10 years to confirm hardiness, disease resistance, compact habit, and flowering performance.
Support tools for success: QR tags with care reminders, an app, "Ask Miss Diggs" chatbot (with info backed by credible sources/universities), and "see it mature" preview tech.
Boxwood challenges and replacements: discussion of boxwood blight and boxwood tree moth concerns, plus plants that can be shaped and used as alternatives.
New/featured plants and why they stand out: Blue Box® (Rhododendron / "small-leaf rhodo") as a boxwood-like replacement with early blooms (magenta or light pink) and evergreen structure; prune right after flowering to avoid removing next year's buds.
Hydrangea "Bubble Bath": a compact, mophead-style look; zone 3–8, 2–3 ft tall/wide; lime-tinged blooms fading to creamy white; great in pots due to tidy shape.
Perennials expansion: Bloomin' Easy launched perennials about two years ago due to grower demand; perennials follow the same "compact and easy" standard.
"Forged by Fire" (Silene): early spring bloomer with dark foliage and bright red flowers; compact (about 12–18 in), and noted as a native option with improved garden behaviour.
Garden phlox varieties (e.g., Center of Attention, Confetti Cake): selected for long bloom and powdery mildew resistance in damp coastal trial conditions.
Rudbeckia "Solar Sisters": a standout for rich colour and season-long bloom; treated as an annual in cooler zones if it's not hardy where you live.

Industry-side support for garden centres: in-store display materials, a pro portal for assets, and staff/customer education events at partner garden centres.
Zones are nuanced: even within the same neighbourhood, microclimates matter; tags include temperature info to make zone guidance easier.
Takeaways and Tips
"Right plant, right spot" beats "green thumb." Start with sun requirements, mature size, and your hardiness zone—most frustration comes from a mismatch, not failure.
Buy within your zone (and your microclimate). If your yard is windy, exposed, or freeze/thaw heavy, choose hardier options or protect tender plants.
Look for locally grown stock when possible. Plants finished by nearby growers are more likely to be tuned to your region's conditions.
Use the tag tools. Scan QR codes for planting depth, spacing, and care reminders—especially helpful for first-timers.
Boxwood alternative pruning tip: if you choose a spring-blooming "boxwood look-alike," prune right after it flowers so you don't remove next season's buds.
Pot-to-ground trick for tender perennials/shrubs: enjoy them in containers, then plant them in the ground before freeze-up to overwinter (or treat as seasonal "annuals" if they're not hardy).
When shopping, don't assume "perennial section" is hardy for you. Always check the tag for zone; some plants may be sold as seasonal colour in cooler climates.
Find a retailer near you: Bloomin' Easy offers a retailer map on their site—use it to track down specific new varieties locally.
You can find Bloomin' Easy Plants online at www.bloomingeasyplants.com and on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, TikTok and Pinterest.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. 
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

In the fourth episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses the basics of fertilizing houseplants.
Topics Covered
When to start fertilizing Wait until days are noticeably longer (sometime after daylight savings time) when plants begin active growth again.

How to read fertilizer labels (N-P-K) The three numbers represent Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K).
Leafy plants may benefit from higher nitrogen; flowering plants often need more phosphorus.

Choosing an "all-purpose" fertilizer Balanced blends (e.g., 10-10-10) can work for many houseplants, especially as a baseline.

Three common fertilizer formats Water-soluble liquid: mix into watering can; easy to apply while watering.
Granular: sprinkle on the soil surface; dissolves as you water (Joanne notes it can feel less precise).
Slow-release pellets: dissolve gradually; may only need reapplying every few months.

Frequency & control Liquids are immediate and routine-friendly; granular and slow-release can be less frequent but require awareness of plant needs.

Start gently Use half-strength for the first few feedings at the start of the season to ease plants in.

Organic vs. big-box options Joanne prefers organic options (often lower N-P-K numbers) and mentions the appeal of local/smaller brands, while acknowledging "use what you have" if it's already in your cupboard.

Check expiry dates Expired fertilizer is usually not harmful—just potentially less effective.

Know your special plants Spot-check care requirements for "can't-risk-it" plants: heirlooms, cuttings, orchids, sentimental favourites (she shares the example of a long-loved rubber tree).

Homemade fertilizer recipes (with caution) DIY approaches (tea/coffee grounds/fish emulsion) exist, but beginners should stick to products with known N-P-K values.

Takeaways and Tips
Don't rush it: Start fertilizing when daylight increases (typically after daylight savings), not in the dead of winter.
Half-strength first: For the first few fertilized waterings, go 50% strength to avoid shocking plants waking up from slower winter growth.
Match fertilizer to the goal: Leaf growth: consider a more nitrogen-forward option.
Flowering: look for a higher middle number (phosphorus).

Pick a method you'll actually remember: If you're consistent with watering, liquid can be easiest.
If you forget steps easily, slow-release may be safer; just add a reminder so it doesn't get missed.

Follow the label (seriously): Package directions matter more than brand debates.
Research your "VIP plants": If a plant is sentimental or pricey, do a quick care check so you're not guessing at feeding needs.
Use what you have, smartly: If you find old fertilizer, check the expiry date; it may still work, just a bit weaker.
Keep it measurable: If you're newer to houseplants, prioritize fertilizers with clear N-P-K numbers over DIY mixes until you've got a baseline routine.
Other Houseplant Chat episodes
Getting the Light Right
Soil and Watering Tips
Propagation Made Simple
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. 
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.

In the third episode of Down the Garden Path's "Houseplant Chat" series, Joanne discusses propagation, a simple and rewarding way to expand your plant collection.
Topics discussed:
Quick recap of Houseplant Chat #1 and #2: winter light, soil refresh/repotting, and watering
What propagation is (and why it's easier than starting from seed)
Best beginner-friendly plants to propagate: pothos and philodendrons
Fixing a long, "leggy" trailing plant by trimming and replanting rooted cuttings back into the base to fill it out
How to take cuttings: clean tools, cut around leaf nodes, and root in water
How long rooting can take (and why patience pays off, especially for woodier plants)
"Mother plant" strategy: pruning the original plant and using the cuttings to rebuild a fuller shape
Gift and budget-friendly uses: making plants to share, sell, or give as gifts
A reminder that plants are more resilient than we think, and even cut stems can be decorative in water
Using propagation as décor: greenery in vases for low-light areas and windowless rooms
Takeaways and Tips:
Start with easy wins: pothos and philodendrons root quickly and are beginner-proof.
Always cut near a node: that's where roots are most likely to form.
Use clean, sharp tools: cleaner cuts make for healthier cuttings.
Re-fill leggy plants: root cuttings, then plant them back into the pot to thicken the base and make the plant look brand new.
Don't panic if something snaps off: trim it neatly, pop it in water, and see what happens.
Water propagation can double as décor: a vase of cuttings adds life to dark corners, and you can pot them up later.
Expect slower rooting on woody plants: they can still work, but they take longer.
Experiment without fear: some cuttings won't take (and that's okay) because the learning is part of the fun.
Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss?
Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with Joanne on her website: down2earth.ca
Find Down the Garden Path on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube: @downthegardenpathpodcast.
Down the Garden Path Podcast
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible. 
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.