Down The Garden Path Podcast

• What's Wrong With My Boxwood?

  This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses strategies to prevent a box tree moth infestation and explores the moth’s continued impact on boxwoods in Durham Region. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: The impact of the box tree moth on boxwoods Its discovery in Ontario in 2018 and its recent appearance in Durham Region Box Tree Moth Life Cycle: The adult moth has a short lifespan of 14 days but is a strong flyer, making it challenging to control The challenges in controlling the pest are due to its rapid reproduction and ability to survive cold winters Presents a significant threat to boxwoods and may be here to stay Be aware of its presence and consider protective measures for your plants Inspect boxwood plants for signs of box tree moth infestation, including webbing, chewed leaves, and caterpillars Explore treatment options, focusing on the need to kill caterpillars at the appropriate stage The only current control method is biological, using BTK spray, which must be applied diligently from mid-May onwards, ensuring thorough coverage, including the undersides of leaves Avoid moving boxwood plants to new locations to prevent spreading the box tree moth Explore alternative plants such as yews, globe cedars, strongbox holly, Japanese pieris, dwarf hydrangeas, dwarf mock orange, or dwarf lilacs as replacements for boxwood. Focus on ornamental areas rather than hedges when replacing boxwoods Find more information about the box tree moth: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Landscape Ontario The Box Tree Moth in Southern Ontario What’s Wrong with Your Boxwood? Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more. 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.

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  17:11
• Groundcover Revolution with Kathy Jentz

  The traditional lawn has received a lot of heat over the last few years with many recommending alternatives such as micro-clovers and specialized lawn blends. In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing speak with Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution, about the groundcover plants you can use to create a beautiful lawn alternative of your own. About Kathy Jentz Kathy Jentz is the editor and publisher of the award-winning Washington Gardener magazine, based in Washington, DC. She hosts the popular GardenDC Podcast and is co-author of The Urban Garden and author of Groundcover Revolution. Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode: What inspired you to write about groundcovers and lawn alternatives? Can you define the term groundcover? Do you consider step-ability? What zones do you cover? What benefits do groundcovers provide to our gardens? What is green mulch? How do we transition from groundcover to green mulch? Do you have favourite groundcovers? Do you need to prune or cut back any during the year? To quote Kathy's book “so many plants, so few pages.” How do we start narrowing down our choices when selecting the right groundcovers? Stepping Stones Listener questions: Is groundcover expensive? Does the groundcover get very big? What is the average height? Does planting groundcover help with erosion? If so, what is the best to plant for this issue? Doesn't groundcover attract rodents in your yard? It leaves a nice place to nest and hide. I hear the term "carpet forming" regarding groundcover. What does this mean exactly? Tips to take the next step in your gardening journey. The best selection of fruit trees and shrubs is at your local independent garden centres right now.   Trees and shrubs can be planted now, but softer herbaceous material is still too tender and should be brought in at night. Sod is available and ready for planting. Be sure not to let it dry out as it will take a few weeks to fully root and access the water in the ground below. Find Kathy Jentz online: Washington Gardener Twitter Feed:  @WDCGardener  Washington Gardener Instagram Account: @wdcgardener Washington Gardener Pinterest Account: @wdcgardener Washington Gardener Facebook Page: @WashingtonGardenerMagazine Washington Gardener Youtube: @washingtongardenermagazine Washington Gardener Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener/   Washington Gardener BookShop Store: https://bookshop.org/shop/WDCgardener  Washington Gardener Podcast: GardenDC Washington Gardener TikTok: @wdcgardener  Resources mentioned during the show Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Groundcover Revolution GardenDC Podcast: Groundcovers vs. Ground Covers Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more. 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.

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  58:37
• Pondless Water Features & More with Ernest Williams from Aquascape

  This week on the podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about the popularity of water features in landscaping, including pondless designs, fountainscapes, and natural swimming ponds. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Pondless Water Features in Landscaping Increasingly popular in landscaping for their low maintenance and safety Enhances curb appeal and attracts wildlife Provides the sound of water without the upkeep of traditional ponds Preferred by homeowners seeking aesthetics and simplicity Pondless Water Features Design and Functionality Mimics natural water flow; includes bubbling elements and disappearing streams Built with similar mechanics as ponds but without standing water Water recirculates through a hidden basin, minimizing runoff Can integrate downspouts and rainwater harvesting for stormwater management Design and Maintenance Mini spillway and aqua basin designs allow features to fit any yard size Water should remain in basins during winter to prevent cracking/freezing Maintenance includes removing pumps before freezing temperatures Naturalistic design is achieved using varied rocks Proper maintenance and design extend feature lifespan Noise Reduction Water features help block unwanted sounds (e.g., traffic) Creates a soothing outdoor environment Watching water can lower blood pressure and heart rate An affordable and visually appealing way to improve outdoor spaces Installation Both professional installation and DIY options are available Certified landscape companies offer installation and customer service DIY products available for homeowners The Aquascape University program provides contractor training and certification Aquascape YouTube channel offers homeowner experiences and advice Construction and Materials Quality materials (granite, field stone) prevent calcium buildup and algae Kits are available for efficient construction Not all yard rocks are suitable for ponds Existing ponds can be converted to pondless features for less maintenance Aqua blocks allow efficient use of space and are load-bearing Pondless Features and Natural Pools Redesigning or converting old ponds to pondless features reduces maintenance Existing rocks can sometimes be incorporated into new designs Recreation ponds (natural swimming ponds) are eco-friendly pool alternatives Suitable for swimming and environmentally conscious homeowners Many specialized contractors are available in Ontario and Quebec Water Conservation in Yard Design Pools can be converted into natural swimming or recreation ponds Water collection systems (e.g., aqua blocks) help manage yard water issues Systems collect/filter water, reduce stormwater runoff, and address muddy yards Emphasizes the importance of water conservation and management in landscaping To learn more about pondless water features and everything Aquascape offers, visit them at www.aquascapeinc.com and view their videos on YouTube. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more. 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.

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  37:48
• Frontier Mushrooms with Deb McKee Kelly

  This week, Joanne Shaw speaks with Deb McKee Kelly from Frontier Mushrooms, a leading producer of high-quality, sustainably grown mushrooms. About Deb McKee Kelly Deb is a longtime grower and passionate advocate for reconnecting with the natural world. Based in Grey County, Ontario, she has spent years cultivating gardens, food crops, and for the past 10 years, gourmet mushrooms. Today, her work with mushrooms and mycelium focuses on sustainable growing practices, education, and innovative uses for fungi in food systems and beyond. With a deep respect for nature’s intelligence — and a belief that fungi hold keys to a more resilient future — Deb and her growing partner Darin share their knowledge with growers, makers, and curious minds alike. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Overview of Frontier Mushrooms: a family-run mushroom farm Deb’s background and how she got into mushroom cultivation Types of Mushrooms Grown at Frontier Mushrooms Focus on specialty mushrooms: Shiitake, Oyster, Lion’s Mane, and more Discussion on the unique qualities and flavours of each type The Mushroom Growing Process Step-by-step explanation of mushroom cultivation Importance of substrate and environmental controls (humidity, temperature, light) Challenges faced in mushroom farming (pests, contamination) Health Benefits of Mushrooms Nutritional value: protein, fibre, vitamins (B, D), minerals Medicinal properties: immune support, cognitive benefits (especially Lion’s Mane) Myths and facts about mushrooms’ health impacts Cooking and Using Mushrooms at Home Tips for storing and preparing fresh mushrooms Simple recipe ideas shared by Deb Advice on maximizing mushroom flavour in dishes Buying Local and Supporting Small Farms Benefits of sourcing mushrooms from local growers How Frontier Mushrooms connects with the community (farmers’ markets, local stores) The importance of sustainable and organic practices Common Questions from Listeners How to grow mushrooms at home: starter kits, best varieties for beginners Shelf life and storage tips for fresh mushrooms Identifying edible vs. wild mushrooms (safety tips) Deb’s Favourite Mushroom Varieties and Recipes Personal recommendations for cooking and eating Unique uses for lesser-known mushrooms Learn more at www.frontiermushrooms.com. Find them on Facebook @frontiermushrooms and Instagram @frontiermushrooms. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. Are you a landscape or gardening expert? We'd love to have you on the show! Click here to learn more. 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.

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  52:21
• Plants Always Win Podcast with Sean Patchett and Erin Alladin

  This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne speaks with Erin Alladin and Sean Patchett about their podcast, Plants Always Win. Plants Always Win Podcast Plants Always Win is a podcast where two Ontario gardeners dive down plant-fact rabbit holes, answer audience questions, interview intriguing guests, and compete to bring you the most interesting stories and information. Erin Alladin, a.k.a. Earth Undaunted, is a professional communicator with a love for gardens, especially garden ecosystems. She’s known online for her writing and videos about gardening with chronic illness and disability, as well as her background in permaculture and community garden-organizing. While chronic illness has kept Erin from making gardening her livelihood, she leaps at any chance to bring it into her work as an author, copywriter, and editor. Sean Patchett, a.k.a GardenGuyMuskoka, is a professional gardener, horticulture technician, and member of the Master Gardeners of Ontario. Sean completed the Horticulture Technician C.O.D.A. Program at the University of Guelph’s Kemptville Campus and went on to build a landscaping design and maintenance business in Northern Muskoka. When he learned of The Master Gardeners in 2020, their mandate of freely learning and sharing plant knowledge inspired him to join. Sean continues to do public speaking and community projects. Sean and Erin discuss the origins of their podcast, the community they've created and Erin's latest children's book:  The podcast began with Sean’s initial attempts at podcasting, which later evolved after he connected with Erin through TikTok. Their shared interests and local proximity led to a partnership, and after experimenting with different formats, they officially launched the podcast in December 2024. Episodes alternate between: Plant face-offs, where each host champions a particular plant or gardening concept (e.g., Borage vs. Cosmos) and encourages listeners to vote for their favourite. Guest interviews, featuring experts from related fields such as entomology and forestry. Topic selection is guided by a spreadsheet, trending questions from social media, and input from their Patreon supporters, who are given advance notice of upcoming episodes to submit relevant questions. Plants Always Win has an active and growing community, including a Discord group. They regularly solicit listener questions and feedback, encouraging corrections and further inquiries at the end of each episode. Sean and Erin discussed the importance of context and nuance in their research, highlighting the need to evaluate sources critically and avoid spreading misinformation. They believe in fostering a love of nature in both children and adults, advocating for hands-on experiences and the benefits of getting “dirty” in the garden. Erin is also a children’s book author. Her books, Outside, You Notice, and Wait Like a Seed, aim to connect children and adults with nature, emphasizing the importance of outdoor exploration and environmental awareness. They are available everywhere books are sold. Find Sean and Erin online: Website: www.plantsalwayswin.com TikTok: @plantsalwayswinpodcast You can find Sean online as @GardenGuyMuskoka. Erin’s blog, www.earthundaunted.com, makes the big ideas behind regenerative agriculture accessible to home gardeners. Find her on TikTok at @earthundaunted. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect via her website at 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.

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  1:10:24

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