Down The Garden Path Podcast

• The Suburban Gardenista

  This week on the podcast, Joanne welcomes Brandie, the Suburban Gardenista, an avid gardener passionate about supporting pollinators with native plants. Brandie is Pollinator Stewardship Certified by Pollinator Partnership Canada and loves sharing her learnings through podcasts, workshops, and social media.  You can find her online on YouTube and Instagram @thesuburbangardenista. Brandie's Gardening Journey Began gardening ~20 years ago after moving into a home with no plants Inspired by her mother's lush gardens Discovered native plants through growing Obedient Plant — her "gateway" plant Realized the importance of planting natives to support local ecosystems and pollinators Certified through Pollinator Partnership Canada (Pollinator Stewardship Certification) Shares gardening insights via YouTube, Instagram, and workshops Native vs. Non-Native Plants Native plants provide critical support for specialist pollinators (those reliant on specific species) Non-natives mainly support generalist pollinators Balance between natives, non-natives, and invasives is key Common aggressive natives: Canada Anemone, Obedient Plant, Common Milkweed Alternatives like Butterfly Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed are more contained Managing Aggressive or Invasive Species Important to research before planting Remove known invasives such as English Ivy, Vinca/Periwinkle, Lily of the Valley Learn plant behaviour (spreading, seeding, etc.) before adding to the garden Designing with Natives in Small Spaces Small gardens can host a wide variety (Brandie has 70+ species) Focus on the right plant, right place, rather than "low maintenance" alone Use design creativity: logs, natural materials, and container plants to fill early gaps Community and Education Shares excess seedlings with neighbours; encourages community planting Label plants with signs to spark curiosity and conversation Promotes pollinator education through advocacy and her YouTube channel Pollinator Partnership Canada Certification The program includes 3 components: Education: 8 in-depth classes Habitat Creation: Build pollinator-supportive space Advocacy: Share learnings through outreach (e.g., YouTube video) Highly recommended by Brandie; new cohorts start in February Includes regional eco-guides and plant-pollinator charts YouTube & Monthly Garden Tours Started in 2020 to document native garden progress Monthly updates show plants' life cycles and seasonal variations Helps gardeners identify seedlings and avoid weeding out young natives Encourages patience and learning through real-life, imperfect gardening videos Key Takeaways Start small—one native plant at a time Do research: focus on scientific names, avoid hybrids if aiming for ecological impact Natives can thrive in containers and urban spaces Real gardens are messy, evolving, and full of learning opportunities Supporting native pollinators starts with curiosity and one plant Brandie's Favourite Natives Obedient Plant (despite its unruly habits) Swamp Milkweed – fragrant and pollinator-friendly Eastern Redbud Tree – long-term vision for beauty and ecosystem support How to Support Pollinators "Start with one plant. Once you see the pollinators arrive, you'll be hooked." Gardening with natives isn't about perfection—it's about participation in the ecosystem. Native Plant Resources Mentioned Books: A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee  Gardener's Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region Online Resource: Rick Gray's interactive North American map of native plant sources Organizations: Pollinator Partnership Canada Have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Please let me know what other topics you would like me to discuss. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with me on my 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.

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• How to Overwinter Your Annuals

  If your summer containers still look surprisingly lush, don't toss them out just yet. This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses how, with a little care, you can enjoy them again next year. Tune in to learn how to overwinter your annuals. Topics discussed: Many annuals are still looking great in mid-October — don't toss them yet! You can successfully overwinter several annuals to save money and enjoy them again next year. There's no single foolproof method; success depends on the type of plant, growing conditions, and care. Joanne shares three main methods: bringing the whole plant indoors, taking cuttings, and storing tubers. Method 1: Bring the Whole Plant Indoors (Treat as a Houseplant) Works well for mixed containers where some plants still look healthy. Steps: Scoop out healthy plants, repot in fresh soil. Use a tray or boot tray with gravel to create humidity. Lightly water (avoid soggy soil). Treat with Safer's insecticidal soap, diatomaceous earth, or Bios Nutrients herbal plant soap to remove insects. Keep in a cool location with indirect light (e.g., basement or bright garage that doesn't freeze). Reduce watering through winter; keep soil barely moist. Trim plants back slightly. Begin fertilizing lightly again as days lengthen (Feb–March). Examples: Coleus Geraniums (Pelargoniums) Million Bells (Calibrachoa) — heavy feeders; need more light Method 2: Take Cuttings Ideal for plants like Coleus, Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea), Geraniums, and others with soft stems. Process: Take small cuttings (3–4 inches). Remove lower leaves. Root in water until roots form. Pot rooted cuttings in small pots (3-inch) with fresh soil. Use Ziploc bags or plastic covers to maintain humidity if needed. Grow under indirect light or with grow lights. Benefits: Saves space compared to bringing in full plants. Allows propagation of multiple new plants. Method 3: Save Tubers (Overwinter Dormant) Best for plants like Tuberous Begonias, Canna Lilies, and Dahlias. Steps: Let the plant naturally die back (reduce watering). After foliage dries up, gently remove tubers from soil. Do not wash — just brush off soil and roots. Allow to dry completely. Store in paper bags, cardboard boxes, or vermiculite/newspaper. Keep in a cool, dark, dry location all winter. In late February/March, inspect tubers for rot or mildew. Pot them up with fresh soil and water lightly until new growth appears. General Tips & Insights This process helps extend your garden budget and reduce spring costs. Overwintering annuals is an experiment — expect variable results. Minimal maintenance: check occasionally for dryness or rot. Grow lights can improve success, especially for tropical plants. Try both full-plant and cutting methods to compare results. Share propagated plants with friends and neighbours! Think ahead when choosing annuals next spring — pick varieties worth saving. Final Thoughts Overwintering annuals is low-cost and low-risk — a great winter experiment. Use it as a way to stay connected to your garden through the cold months. Even if you missed the window this year, plan to try it next fall. The reward: saving money, learning new skills, and keeping your garden thriving year after year. Resources Mentioned in the Show: Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Please let me know what other topics you would like me to discuss. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with me on my 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.

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• Fall Isn't Finished — Your Trees Are Thirsty!

  This week on the podcast, Joanne discusses the importance of watering your trees and evergreens throughout October and November. Topics discussed: This summer was the driest summer on record, with only 96 millimetres of rain Although 2024 had more rain, half of it came in a single storm: our rainfall patterns are inconsistent and insufficient By late July or early August, many people give up on watering their gardens and lawns due to the dry conditions Water trees, especially a the drip line rather than just the trunk, once or twice a week until the ground freezes Consider using tree bags for young trees to provide slow, consistent watering Provide winter protection for Japanese maples by staking and wrapping with burlap Pool owners, pay special attention to the trees surrounding your pool, as there is generally not a lot of space between the pool patio and the garden, and the trees take a lot of abuse While many people may not consider it their responsibility to water city trees, doing so benefits the entire community How to water trees effectively, including targeting the drip line and using tree bags for young trees Evergreens and ornamental trees need to be watered well before winter, as they may not show signs of stress until it's too late Be proactive in caring for your trees: the investment in water is worth it for the long-term health and beauty of the trees in your yard Resources Mentioned in the Show: Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Please let me know what other topics you would like me to discuss. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with me on my 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.

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• October in the Garden

  In this encore presentation of October in the Garden, Joanne Shaw reviews some of the tasks you can do this month, but don't worry, it's not as labour-intensive as you think! Tasks you can do this month: Vegetable Gardens Clean up and remove the old stems of your tomato or pepper plants that have stopped producing. Sow cool-weather plants like lettuce and some spinach: they grow better in the shoulder seasons, late spring /early summer or fall. Buy plants at a garden centre or start seeds and sow them right into the garden. Top up the vegetable garden with some compost or manure to get ahead of next year. Take pictures so you know where plants are because next year you may need to put things in different places. Plant a cover crop. Containers If you want to take advantage of the nice weather at the beginning of October, take your vegetables out of their containers and pop in an aster. Annuals and Perennials Annuals: With no frost anytime soon, annuals are probably still doing okay. They may be a little bit leggy or sad-looking. Perk them up with water and fertilizer. Perennials: No need to cut them back. You can do some deadheading if things are really looking brown and not necessarily attractive. Deciduous Trees and Shrubs Trees: It is important to water deciduous trees, especially young ones, certainly ones that you just planted this year. Water them deeply every week. Evergreen shrubs: Enjoy the fall colour and shape of your shrubs. Cutting them back now is not necessary. Keep newly planted shrubs well-watered. They need some extra time to get established. Being in a drought situation as they go into dormancy in winter is never a good thing. Seeds and Bulbs It's a good time to buy and plant your garlic. Spring bulbs: find and buy bulbs – just don't plant them until the end of October, or the beginning of November! I recommend not planting tulips, but instead looking at the interesting varieties of daffodils or alliums Daffodils and alliums are poisonous to squirrels and other rodents, so they will leave them alone. Lawn Care Time to apply fall fertilizer. Pay attention to the weeds, especially crabgrass which is prolific this time of year Apply corn gluten to act as a preemergent, preventing the weed seeds from germinating. It's best to apply during spring and fall. Resources Mentioned in the Show: Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Have a topic you'd like me to discuss? Please let me know what other topics you would like me to discuss. Email your questions and comments to [email protected], or connect with me on my 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.

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• Adding Asters to Your Garden

  In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses how to extend the blooming season in your garden by adding asters. Topics covered in this week's episode: Gardens don't have to stop blooming in September. We can extend the season to October and November. It's very important to have because the pollinators still need something blooming. There are over 30 different species of asters. They have a huge variety of growing conditions, so there is an aster for whatever challenging growing condition you have. Here are the five asters discussed: New England Aster, Symphyotrichum nova-angliae The showiest, and likely the one you're most familiar with Native to most U.S. states and provinces It is large and very showy, with a bright, cozy blue flower with a yellow centre The leaves on the stem are densely arranged on the stem Prefer soil moist and they can grow in part shade One of the larger varieties: up to six feet tall Whitewood Aster Eurybia divaricata Delicate looking flowers Grows in dry shade which means it makes a wonderful addition to the shade garden Not super showy like most shade plants Found in Ontario in dry, deciduous forests So that's exactly what we want in our garden. If you have maple trees, pine trees, or something like that where the soil underneath is very dry and it's very shady, then this is something worth giving a try to Only gets two to three feet tall Smooth Aster Symphyotrichum laeve Similar to the New England Aster, it has leaves that are very smooth, lavender and blue Has a daisy-type flower with a yellow centre Blooms from August to October A huge pollinator for butterflies and a larval host for the pearl crescent butterfly Heart leaf Aster Symphyotrichum cordifolium Lavender to light blue It is one of the latest ones to bloom and actually goes into November An excellent pollinator for butterflies and bees at late in the season Spreads slowly by rhizomes and it lightly self-seeds Two to three feet tall, sandy to loam soil, and part shade to full shade Panicled Aster Symphyotrichum lanceolatum This one blooms with sprays of white flowers, open spreading form, so also known as floppy Best grown with other plants to kind of support it If you already have a native garden, or if you're planting a native garden with other large tall plants, then this could be an addition if you want that Prefers moist soil, but it likes full sun You can purchase seeds from Wildflower Farm and you can again, sprinkle them or plant them in your garden this fall You can also start them like you normally would do if you wanted them to grow in February/March under lights and go through that type of thing indoors and then put them out next year Resources Mentioned in the Show: Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Fall Mums and Asters 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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