By Christine Gracey

I have to admit to hibernating inside my house at this time of year as much as possible.  I do look longingly out the windows and stare at my front and back yards. And I plot and plan ways to improve my outdoor living space. I am not sure that all my plans will come to fruition, however just the planning is fun.

One of the hardest things is trying to remember what areas need improvement. I sometimes can’t remember what happened last week, so I need some visual aids to remind me of the specifics. That means I need to take photos of areas that need work throughout the spring, summer and fall months.  Put these photos in a folder, and label them with a title that will remind you of the problem in that area.

One of my main aims is to have visual interest in each garden area from spring to fall. So I look for areas that could use a pop of colour from spring bulbs, or some deep burgundy leaves amidst the green.  It’s important to me to have flowers that bloom spring, mid-summer and fall, so I also check regularly to see where some pernnials can be added.

Trees and shrubs continually grow, and need to be pruned back. However, that has to be done at certain times of the year, depending on the variety. So make a note of pruning to be done, especially if it is later in the season. It is harder to see the work to be done when the leaves are out. Speaking of continual growth, that means formerly sunny areas become shady, and other areas become sunny if a tree is removed.  Some plants can adjust and handle the changes in light conditions, but some may need to be moved around.

I like to look for new seating areas, and plan spots for a new teak bench or a chair with a side-table on it; one that will hold my book and my drink when I actually have a chance to sit down. I pick a spot that has a great view or will visually be appealing to look at.

I also try to do a bit of planning of the vegetable garden. Since some plants need to rotate their locations, I also have to remember what was planted where during the past summer, so as not to repeat the locations.  I also try to think of something new and different to try for herbs and vegetables, just for added interest. That also means checking out new recipes to accommodate my newest additions to the garden.

I take a look at the cushions and outdoor pillows to see if they look good enough for another year or if I have to plan to replace them. Replacements involve scouting out options in different stores – always a fun project!

And of course, the new plant catalogues are out. That means several hours of reading and plotting about where to tuck that new Winterberry ‘Berry Heavy Gold’, the newest Hydrangea varieties  and other new cultivars that look promising.

While all this is going on in my head, if you were to look at me, you would probably just see me staring out the window towards my garden. But I promise, there’s a whole lot of thoughts and plots and plans in the works for the next season!

THE IMPORTANCE OF AWARDS

By: Christine Gracey

January is the time of year when the members of the landscape industry in Ontario take an evening to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements of the past year. The Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence program gets larger and better each year, with a huge number of entries in each of their numerous categories for landscape construction, maintenance and design.  For numerous years we have made it a priority to enter the Awards program annually, and to date have won 33 awards. This year we had four award winning sites.

As the landscape industry is a seasonal business in our Ontario climate, we tend to work frantic hours for nine to ten months of the year, and spend the rest of the year in recovery and catch up mode (and hopefully some vacation time). Taking the time during the busy summer months to document and photograph a landscape project that has been completed; and often a couple of years ago, is sometimes not always high on the priority list.  However, it really should be a priority for everyone involved in the industry for several reasons.

• The awards serve as an important tool to show prospective clients that you are good at your job. It is an assurance that you are a reputable company, with recognition by members of your industry.

• Photos and a good write-up about individual sites are very important to use to update portfolios or website galleries.

• Use the photos as references for your clients. Sometimes they want to see work done that is similar to work they are thinking of. Sometimes they want to view projects that have been done in their area, in order to take a look at them. Sometimes these photos can be used to illustrate the design elements that are proposed for their project.

• Use the Awards program as a reference tool for your own company. If you consistently have projects to enter, and sometimes win an award, that serves to let you know your company is on the right track. If a year or two goes by without you having a project or two to enter into the program, maybe you have to take a hard look at how your company is doing performance wise, and plan on making some changes.

• Take a good look at your Award entries and Award winners and see if you can see a positive progression in your work over the years in the size, scope, complexity and/or quality of the projects. It is a useful tool to give perspective to you for future planning of your company and it’s direction.

• Use the Awards and the Awards program to acknowledge the work of your staff and your crews. It is their hard work and attention to detail that has made these Awards possible. Ensure everyone involved has a chance to attend the Awards Ceremony, and let them have a moment in the spotlight. Give them copies of the photos so they can show the people important to them the work that they do.

• Entering the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence is a small way to give back to your governing organization.  Even if you don’t have time or money to contribute in other ways, you are still promoting our industry and making a contribution.

• Award winning projects are used for promotion and advertising throughout the year by Landscape Ontario, and this provides great exposure for your company.

• Use the opportunity to visit past projects to check in with the clients. If you have to spend a couple of hours of labour to ensure the site photographs well, consider it money well spent in customer satisfaction. A happy client, and a client with an award-winning site, is one who will recommend you to others.

I have sometimes heard people say that they don’t have time to spend on the Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence. However, I think you that every moment spent is well worth and can have a  lasting and positive  impact on your company.

Toronto landscaping companies are knowledgeable about perennials, gardens and landscape design. Residential homeowners can also discover plants at their local nursery or online. At the nursery, check plant tags, as they generally indicate if a plant is good for cutting. Avoid flowers that fade fast or fall apart soon after cutting. Have fun and try cutting any type of flower or greenery in your garden because it could turn out to be a winner!

Choose a variety of plants that offer different blooming times within the spring, summer and fall. Also look for flowers that have different shaped florets, so there is variation within your arrangements. Part of the fun of growing perennials is the option of picking some for indoors, as well as decorating the tables for your outdoor parties and gatherings.

Here are some favorites to check out. Some you have heard of and perhaps some that you might not have considered.

SPRING Tulips and other spring blooming bulbs are always the most welcoming flowers because of the joy they bring each spring after long, cold winters. Insure that you plant your bulbs in the fall so that they will be in your garden for blooming in the spring.

Iris and Tulips make the perfect companion flower for all your flowering bulbs. Tulips and Iris together say ‘spring.’ Daffodils and Narcissus always put on a show in the garden and look great in bouquets.

SUMMER Lavender is certainly a must have for any cutting garden. Long lasting and fragrant, this winner is on everyone’s list.

Astilbe is one that you might not have considered. The bloom is feathery with plumed spikes. The foliage is fernlike. This combination makes it an interesting addition to any arrangement. Also it is very long lasting as a cut flower and comes in a wide range of colours from red, white, pinks and purples.

Heuchera produce elegant long stems of dainty flowers perfect for tiny containers. Surprisingly, the colourful foliage can also be used. If you don’t have any Heuchera in your garden…what are you waiting for! This plant come in almost every colour…even a dense dark purple that almost looks black.

If you have room for a Peony then please plant it. In addition to the voluminous flowers, the foliage lasts a long time and provides a beautiful green base for your arrangements. Try floating one bloom in some water in a shallow bowl. How easy can you get it!

FALL Hosta foliage can be picked spring, summer and fall. Bring your Hosta foliage inside so you can really enjoy the intricate detailing of the texture and colour variations of the overwhelming varieties available today. Snip, snip and voila you have a fresh display of beauty on your table for all to enjoy. Get creative with your containers…if it holds water it will look amazing and it was easy on the budget!!

What about those Allium bulbs you planted in the spring…if you did not remove the stem, you can use these dried flowers in your fall arrangements.

Asters, Rudbeckia and Echinacea are standard cutting flowers so don’t forget to add these classic flowers in your garden for cutting. Chrysanthemums are also a fall favourite for a reason. They come in every colour and shape you can imagine, and last a long time as a cut flower.

Good garden design takes some knowledge, and some trial and error, so educate yourself or consult a local Toronto Residential Landscaping company, Landscape Designer or Horticulturalist.

Last updated by Christine at March 9, 2016.

Landscaping in the Fall in Toronto can be enjoyed by planting various bulbs for spring blooming. Local garden centres are full of bulbs that can be planted anytime in the fall before the soil freezes. Buying bulbs is like purchasing fresh fruit at the grocery store, look for firm, large bulbs.

Bulbs are perennial plants that have a fleshy underground structure that consists of all they need to grow and produce flowers. Corms, tubers and rhizomes are very similar to bulbs but their structure is different.

Here are some examples of each form:

True Hardy Bulbs: Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinth and Alliums. These types of bulbs can be left in the ground and will re-bloom each year.

Corms: Crocus can be left in the ground once planted. Gladiolus is a corm and needs to be removed from the garden each fall and replanted in the spring as it is not hardy in our climate.

Tuberous Roots: Dahlia. These need to be removed from the ground each Fall and stored in a dry, cool, dark location. These tender bulbs will need to be replanted in the Spring once the danger of frost has pasted.

Rhizomes:  Cana Lilies. These also need to be removed from the garden in the Fall and replanted in the Spring), Lily-of-the-Valley and some Irises.

Planting bulbs in the Fall is an enjoyable task for any gardening enthusiast. Ensure the soil is well drained. No fertilizer is needed. Bulbs come with planting instructions which include the depth to plant the bulb. Each type of bulb needs to be planted at a certain depth and failure to plant at the proper depth will result in poor growth or lack of bloom. Be creative with your bulb planting by digging a hole and planting bulbs in layers. For example tulips can be planted at the bottom, then fill in and add crocus and daffodils at their appropriate planting depth.   Try planting bulbs with different bloom times, from early spring to the summer. Bulbs can be enjoyed well into the summer, not just the spring.

After the bulbs have flowered, it is important to only cut off the spent flower stem not the leaves. If you cut off the leaves before they have died down naturally, the bulb will not have the reserves to grow and flower the following year. This is a good tip for beginner gardeners to remember. Dying bulb foliage can be unsightly in a garden so perhaps you can plant annuals around the bulbs or be clever and plant your bulbs in areas inside your perennial gardens.

The excitement of planting bulbs in Toronto in the fall is the surprise you will see in the spring! Just think of all the colourful shapes and sizes of the various bulbs you have to choose from. Your spring time gardening will never be the same. Residential landscaping gardens in Toronto can be enhanced by planting bulbs. Get out outside and start adding some anticipation to your gardens.

Last updated by Christine at March 9, 2016.