The Growing Season

Ornaments!?  Wait!   Are we talking about Christmas Trees?Nope.   Its not that time of year.  The Growing Season places ornamental trees front and centre this week. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the smaller cousins of the larger specimens that you're used to seeing.What is an ornamental?  The trio discuss. Many times, new hybrids of plants are the result of a genetic mutation. Autumn Moon Japanese Maple becomes a topic of interest. How are the Japanese Maples related to the big ones? KINDRED SPIRIT OAK!   WOWZA. Matt discusses privacy screens and plants becoming a request for many clients in 2025.How to address blooms in front of windows?  Jack and Matt use a recent design as an example of their approach. Flowering Dogwoods are a reason for applause.On Tips For Success Matt outlines how to plant a tree.  He provides some industry insight into how to plant a tree to increase its chances of survival. Feeding tubes and how to incorporate them into your tree planting is discussed. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Its finally here!Cole the cat has the ZOOMIES!   What does that mean?  SPRING FEVER. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate the opening the outdoor horticultural season on this week's episode of The Growing Season.Matt tells a story about workbooks, shoes and footwear galore.Stiletto's and secateurs - typical of The McFarlands. Should you be out and about in your flower beds at this time of the year?  URGENT, URGENT, URGENT!!!  Take your foot off the gas!Clay soil and the GTA.   Lets talk about the relationship. Lining your driveway with low landscape walls and how snow ploughs effect your walls is chatted about. Matt shouts out a listener. Why do skunks and racoons tear up your lawn?Japanese Beetles and their bedazzled exterior coupled with their destructive nature is discussed. What is snow mould? The McFarland Query System drops by for an insult.Why do they call "Crabgrass" crabgrass?Matt hates spring flowering bulbs.  He explains why.  He also highlights a number of wonderful flowering shrubs that flower very early in the year.What do Canada geese lay eggs in parking lots?The guys argue about fertilizer and compost.  What a bunch of doofuses.Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Splish, splash I was taking a bath, walking around in my backyard!!! Everyone get their duck-waiters out! As a result of the immense amount of snow dropped in February 2025 many of our outdoor spaces are flooded.“Keeping water away from home should be of paramount concern…”Speaking of flooding, Matt McFarland tells tales of his recent adventures with his washing machine. Jack and Lynne McFarland help to pull the curtain back on drainage details on The Growing Season.More homeowners are going to larger capacity downspouts. Why? Plants acquire oxygen through their roots. How does this work with a saturated soil?If you have flies and sulphuric odors in wet areas on your property what does that mean? Matt goes on a rant about cedars.The trio highlight moisture tolerant plants that will work great in your garden.Birch are salt tolerant. Who knew? Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

If you're thinking about a vacation, why not consider Mexico?Canada and Mexico's involvement in Trump's idiotic trade war is the impetus for this week's episode of The Growing Season.  Matt is spitting mad and he unloads on The President Of The United States.  Discussions of politics abound...What are the temperatures like in Mexico, currently?  What about hardiness zones?The average amount of precipitation in Mexico is compared to Ontario's. Cacti and their presence in Mexico's landscape is discussed. You WILL NOT BELIEVE what was invented in Mexico.  Its absolutely not on your bingo card. How is it that the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas all building similar structures at the same time?   Was there outside interference? Like from the stars?Speaking of The Aztecs, their legendary floating gardens are explored.   How was this achieved? Mexican flowers, both annual and perennial are discussed.  Passion flower, bird of paradise and poinsettia are just some of the flowers mentioned. Mexican surfing is a big deal.Volcanoes and horticulture are briefly discussed.   Mexico's coral reefs are highlighted. The Gulf of Connor McDavid - that's the most important factoid from this week's show.Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

So we got absolutely walloped. Breaking from the trend of the last few winters, the GTA and much of Ontario got absolutely nailed with snow over the last week. Records were set. Driveways were shovelled again and again and again and again. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland recount Snowmageddon 2025 on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Matt highlights his adventures blowing close to 20 driveways with 14”- 16” of snow blanketed over the area. Over the last few weeks the GTA has seen close the 2.5 feet  it has been absolutely crazy  With climate change on the forefront of our minds shouldn't storms like this be a thing of the past? Snow ploughs dropping insanely heavy snow at the ends of our driveways. Yikes  Is there a way of avoiding such a mess? How will your trees and shrubs deal with all this snow?  Will there be damaged done to their structure? Can your pets drink melted snow safely? Streamers and lack of lake freeze becomes a topic of conversation. The McFarland trio recount historical snow storms. 1975, 1977, 1999 share the spotlight.Jack tells a ploughing story for the ages.  Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

So who had “an important time in history” on their bingo card for February 2025?We sure didn't! Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide The Growing Season into waters inspired by the current news-making trade-war that Canada currently finds itself embroiled in with the United States. We're proud to be Grown in Canada!Obviously politics will figure into this week's conversation and Canada's border with the US is the topic that kicks off the show. What does “Made In Canada” actually mean? Where does broccoli come from at this time of the year. Jack and Matt get into an argument over the subject. The trend from farming in Canada gets the boys heated in conversation. What is the “Wheat Board?”  How does it function? Jack dives into the different types of farming and their environmental impact. Canada is known for their blueberries. Why? Cheese, milk, eggs and all things dairy are Canadian specialities. The trio discuss our dairy superiority. You'll be surprised to learn the water requirements for a single cow. Potatoes!  Yup. We get Canadian about them spuds. Canola is the most valuable crop you can grow in Canada. Hens and hormones - let's talk. If it's grown in Canada the McFarlands talk about it on this week's show. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE.Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

"This week's show makes repeated references to coition, coitus, copulation, carnal carnivals and other c words.  We'll be putting the Bed in flower beds on this weeks episode of The Growing Season and may not be suitable for the fruits of your intimate interactions... "Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight the sexiest plants for Valentines Day in what has become an annual tradition. Romantic movies, music and treats for this time of the year come into focus. Jack and Matt tell stories about falling in love with their wives. Roses, roses, roses... What a great place to start.  How do you keep your cut flowers looking fresh well after Valentines Day?Does the colour of the floral vase make a difference? How has Jack's cancer journey affected the romantic side of his marriage?Matt discusses his grocery journey this past week.  In trying to buy Canadian products he happened upon some interesting products. Orchids, chrysanthemum, baby's breath and many more plants are reported to have aphrodisiacal qualities.  The trio bust some myths. Viagara and chocolate - Happy Valentines Day!Does coffee have a relationship with intimacy?   We find out. Swords, shields, bottles of monkey urine and underdeveloped chicken embryos - yup, all related to Valentines Day. Looking to get in the mood?  Try some whale vomit. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

There was just SOOOO much info.50 Years and Counting pt. 2 is the feature on this week's episode of The Growing Season.What did people do before the microwave?   Lynne McFarland describes how she would heat up her husband's meal when he arrived home from the jobsite late at night. "Imagine If You Will" takes you back to 1975. Jaws, mutton chops, blockbusters, muscle cars and smoking in operating rooms are just some of the touchstones mentioned. "99% of all the oxygen around the world is stored in rock..."How much toilet paper will a human use in their lifetime? What is caustic soda?Jack McFarland tells a story about how buried construction materials really threw a  monkey wrench into his plans.Horticultural chemicals and their sale/use over the last 50 years is discussed.   Matt tells a story of an industry peer that was exposed to said chemicals over the course of time. Jack's extensive use of pressure treated wood in the 1970's and 1980's comes into focus. DDT - that acronym sends shudders down the spines of many - and for good reason!   The McFarlands discuss why. Roundup, roundup, roundup... Lets debate.  The new formulation of Roundup is chatted on. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

What has changed in the last 50 years?A LOT!   The last half century is dotted with enough change that you could say the world that once was no longer is.  The McFarlands discuss the changes in the world of horticulture that have occurred over the last 50 years. Jack and Lynne are celebrating 50 years of wedded bliss and we thought that was a great conversation piece for The Growing Season.Matt reminisces about his experience snow tubing with the kids.  IT WAS AWESOME.Jack discusses the difference in the price of fuel 50 years ago.   You might not want to know!Harlequin Maples and why they are no longer used is discussed.  The Ash is no longer used as a street tree and its such a shame as its a glorious organism.  Leaf miner and birch borer are the reasons we don't use many birch these days.   That's also a shame.  Hybridizing of large trees into smaller varieties is highlighted.  What evergreen uprights were popular 50 years ago?   Why have we changed our selections?  Pruning a Mountbatten Juniper is discussed and Matt openly wonders why they've stopped using Weeping Peashrub.The Purpleleaf sands cherry is a timestamp.  Matt explains why. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

What if it just didn't snow?   Or get below freezing? Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland take a hypothetical journey on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  Gone: Winter dives into "what if Winter just disappeared?"  Its a sobering topic but one that needs to be discussed with Climate Change coming to the forefront in the news once more. Matt discusses his snow filled adventures this winter.   "Streamers" have become a common term being used to describe snow events.  Are there more streamers happening in our current climate change filled landscape? Outdoor skating is being impacted due to climate.  The trio explain how. Jack focuses on human fluid transference and derails a WHOLE segment.  What is a GoGirl?   Matt follows this topic down the rabbit hole.The Ice Road and the trucks that transport goods across it come into focus.  The cost of produce and dry winters are correlated.  Want a snowless winter?  Be prepared to pay more at the grocery store.How would lack of winter effect birds and insects?  You'd be surprised to learn the myriad of interesting ways less winter would effect the former and latter.  Warmer climate = MORE TICKS!   Uh-oh. Jack links the spongy moth invasion and climate change...Cold weather has a surprising effect on human blood pressure. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

The first episode of The Growing Season for 2025 sheds some light on the night. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland steer their sites to Night Vision and the creatures that are blessed with such powers. The McFarland's update you on their New Years. Packaging of materials kicks the show off. Matt chats about Lego. Are humans able to see at night in any comparable manner to our mammalian counterparts?  Biologically, how does night vision work? The darkened sight of cats is explored. Moose, rabbits, picas, horses, foxes and wolves are discussed. What is “moonwater?”Of course bats and owls deserve their fair share of time in the spotlight. What are the differences between sonar, radar and echolocation?  Mice and moths come into focus. The correlation between UV light and WWII is surprising. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

And that's a wrap!The Growing Season closes the book on 2024 in their typical fashion.  Focusing on how horticulture and spirits intersect, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the herbals and aromatics that infuse your favourite seasonal drinks. New Years Resolutions are highlighted.  The McFarlands outline what they'd like to see for the upcoming year. The differences between seasoning and spices?   What are said differences? Infusion and maceration are discussed.  Soaking of herbals in alcohol to infuse flavours.   Sounds heavenly.   Lets explain how its done.  What are hops and why are they used in beer?   How did this come to be?Gin is a prominent topic of discourse. In fact, a live tasting of gin is undertaken on the show.  Jack and Lynne try a gin and tonic for the first time.Aromatic bitters and their usage in cocktails is explained.  Matt gushes about gin.   And gushes and gushes...Wine, Champagne, whiskey, vodka are just some of the spirits that are chatted about.  New school vs. old school wine making is highlighted.  Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

The penultimate episode of The Growing Season for 2024 is a festive offering of wonder...Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland steer their sights on the visitors that accompany the Christmas Season into your home. Matt tees the show off by highlighting the career of a member of the cast of National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.  How do you pet proof your house during the Christmas Season?   Are there ways of keeping your cat from drinking from the Christmas Tree reservoir?How do you properly prep your tree to accept water? Amaryllis, Christmas Trees, Candy Canes, bowls of golf balls and many more holiday favourites are discussed.  Santa and Coca Cola are linked in history.  The McFarlands explain how. Poinsettias and their presence as part of the holiday season is a topic of interest. Lumps of coal and road apples... Yup, you read that right. Jack tells a story about a Christmas Tree heist. Hans Gruber's great, great, great Grandfather was a famous composer.  Matt tells a Die Hard story...Pet rocks!?   WHAT?Christmas gifts from the past are discussed.  Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Its the most wonderful time of the year.The holidays are in full swing on The Growing Season.  Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland get into the heavy hitters of the Christmas Season.  Poinsettia's kick off the proceedings.  Do they flower?   Where do they grow naturally?   How do you initiate the colour change?  Matt details his adventures in witnessing the change in colour on Christmas's most popular potted plant.  Can you initiate the colour change at home?   Choosing a poinsettia at the store comes into focus.  Christmas cacti are a prominent topic. Their care and watering needs are highlighted by The McFarland trio. Why is mistletoe associated with Christmas and kissing?  This parasitic plant is really interesting.  Real Christmas Trees and their shedding tendencies fill the second half of the show. The pros and cons of artificial trees vs. real trees comes into focus. How to set yourself up for success with your real Christmas Tree is discussed. Christmas flocking.   Yeah...lets do some of that!Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Baby, it's cold outside...Matt has packed up the job site tools for the season and is set to kick off the holiday fare for 2024."How would we, as humanity, survive during an ice age?"It's the question that The McFarlands ask to tee off this week's episode of The Growing Season.  What would you be willing to give up in an effort to preserve what's left of our climate?   Hard questions abound...How are people overcoming extreme cold to participate in horticultural adventures?   Matt, Jack and Lynne discuss.  The odds of an ice age occurring soonish is slim. The McFarlands take a geographical adventure to discuss what areas of the world would fare best in the event of an ice age. The world produces 150% more food than we need on a daily basis.  Why? "Human emissions" as a fuel source?   Would it work?   Matt details how. The size of vegetable garden for a family of 4 is discussed.   You'd be surprised to learn how big the garden needs to be to supply a family with produce for the season.  Terra cotta pots as a heat source. What plants can grow is insanely cold climates.  You'll find out. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

How do horticultural organisms handle the extreme's of nature?  The Growing Season pulls the curtains back on the amazing abilities of the plants in your gardens. Lightning kicks the show off. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the ins and outs of lightning and how it's managed on your property. How many people die per year as a result of interactions with lightning? You've seen a tree growing through a chain link fence. How does the tree survive?  The McFarland's explain.  Salt. Uh oh. Not salt on your food but salt on your plants. How do plants deal with a salty environment?  Are there plants available that are salt tolerant.  The McFarlands bring a list with them.  Wind can be problematic for plants. The Growing Season trio explain the ins and outs of something called “reaction wood” and how it ties into wind. Which large trees handle high wind environments the best?  You'll be surprised to learn. Forest fires and controlled burns are discussed. The Coastal Redwood comes into focus. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Feeling sleepy?   Well, its that time of year.   Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss putting your gardens to bed on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  As they do every year, The McFarlands highlight some innovative ways to prep your horticultural spaces for the long sleep.  Jack and Lynne have dealt with mouse issues recently.  Matt discusses the ways he helps clients to safe guard against mouse invasion.  The least you need to know?   Your AC and Furnace might be the cause of all the mice you're finding in your home.Installing Christmas lights comes into focus.  Why do this now?  The trio explain. Should you fertilize at this time of year. Jack outlines what fertilizers should be used during the month of November. Leaves falling from trees and the trees that fall late and early becomes a discussion.  What to do with leaves that have blight or fungal infections...Can't you just leave your leaves on the lawn and refrain from raking them up?   What does that do to the lawn?"Heeling up is discussed." Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

Its the spookiest time of the year!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the horticultural aspects of Halloween.  The history of the holiday, where it originated and why its still celebrated today kick the show off.Pumpkins, beets and turnips have been used a jack-o-lanterns throughout the course of history.  A character named "Stingy Jack" is discussed.  Can livestock eat the pumpkins after they are used on Halloween?Sugar cane is a prominent plant material in Halloween's events.  The trio discuss. Peanuts and how they grow are chatted about.  The query system is used to clarify the biology of the peanut plant. Matt goes OFF THE RAILS when the discussion of artificial vanilla surfaces.  Its absolutely hilarious to hear how far he takes this episode of "Imagine If You Will."Gum and its environmental impact are discussed.  The heavy hitters in poisonous plants are highlighted.  Belladonna, mushrooms, yews, fall bulbs and many more topics of conversation.  Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

This episode of The Growing Season is brought to you from the bottom of a hole filled with fall bulbs.  Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide this week's show into a colourful cornucopia of mums and bulbs.  Chrysanthemums - the all-stars of this time of year but Matt argues that Asters are Asterlutely better.  Listen in to find out why. Are the planting of bulbs and mums in fashion these days?   The McFarlands debate.How do you choose a mum at the store? How are mums and poinsettias similar?Mums and asters... From the same family?   The challenges of keeping your fall planted bulbs safe from squirrels and rodents are discussed.  Matt chats about Ghostbusters.Are bulbs more an annoyance when installing a landscape?   Matt yells.  The proper way to plant a fall planted bulb is discussed.The types of tulips are discussed as is the required chill period necessary to make bulbs grow.  Bulb blindness is an issue.  The McFarland's explain what and why.Wear gloves when planting bulbs... We'll tell you why.  Swiss Chalet... Its a topic.Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

It's that time of year again. The Growing Season celebrates 5 years on the airwaves by highlighting what they've learned over the last year in horticulture. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the weather. Rain, rain, rain and more rain kick off the show. The GTA set records for precipitation this past summer so it's fitting that precipitation is where we start. Pasta. Matt talks about pasta. What? Are cedars easy to transplant?  Not so much. Matt explains his thoughts on the subject. What measures have those in control of flood mitigation taken to prevent catastrophe with regards to excessive water events? Pavement doesn't absorb water…With all this rain, will grub infestations be on the rise?  The trio talk about nematodes and how to use them to fight grubs. Ants, worms, mosquitoes and cockroaches come into focus. Will it be a green Christmas this year?  The McFarlands use history to assess the chances. Sustainable design comes up and Matt rants. Colorado Blue Spruce and Austrian Pine are aging all over the GTA. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

What in the Foo Dog is going on? Things get serene on this week's episode of The Growing Season when The McFarland's focus on Japanese Gardens. Jack, Lynne and Matt compare and contrast Japanese Gardens with Modern Gardens. You'd be surprised how much they have in common. What are the elements that make up a Japanese Garden? The minyen

Are you sneezing with bloodshot eyes and a swollen mess?  Yup. It's that time of year. Seasonal allergies running rampant ruining your routine regularly. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss all things pollen on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack and Lynne discuss the absolute monster of a bald faced hornets nest that has appeared in one of their trees. What are the different methods of pollination?  How are tropical plants pollinated?  The most heavy duty pollinating plants are explored and the timeframes when they seek to procreate are highlighted. What's pollinating right now?

We'll that's a laborious undertaking. Horticultural construction can be a tiring but rewarding endeavour. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate Labour Day by discussing some of the ways they make professional horticulture easier. Jack discusses the differences between how a jobsite was run in the 1970's compared to now. Matt dives deep into how he makes pruning easier for his clientele after they've had their property upgraded by The Growing Season. “Tuning their pruning…”Can you use animals feces as fertilizer? Matt talks about why he's implemented using a toolbelt on-site. Is there any way to make mulching flower beds easier?  There is and Matt outlines how he does it. How to reduce your cleanup after cutting your lawn quicker comes into focus. Matt tells a story about a rock and a Mercedes. Interlock patio hacks. Yup we have those as well!  How do you get stains off of landscape pavers?  The trio discuss. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

The days are getting shorter.  The nights are getting cooler.Its August, but that doesn't mean that the growing season is over.Speaking of The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland touch on the all stars of August on this week's show. BUT FIRST:  We have officially survived the rainiest summer on record in the GTA.  Yeah. It's been that rainy. We've over doubled our average rainfall for the months of June to August, pummelling the old record into oblivion. Biologically, how does all this rain effect your plant materials? It's surprising what they do to deal with all this water. Speaking of plants, Rozanne perennial geranium, phlox, coneflower, black eyed Susie and many more are chatted about. Cheyenne Spirit Coneflower for the win!   Matt chastises Jack about his antiquated attitude regarding Russian Sage. If you've never used Sedum you may want to join the fan club after this show. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.  

We're seeing red!  The TGS Colour Series continues its colourful journey on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight all things red and horticultural. Roses feature prominently to the surprise of no one. Matt discusses some of the rules he's set up for himself with regards to roses. There are supposedly “indestructible” roses. Is that true?  We highlight it. Do the pollinators see red? How about hummingbirds?  The McFarland's suggest plant materials that will attract your polliniferous pals. Japanese quince, honeysuckle, and DOGWOOD. Many dogwood have the most glorious red bark that look glorious in the winter months. With the topic being “red” the trio discuss tomatoes and the blossom end rot affecting many of the tomatoes growing across the GTA. How do you battle blossom end rot?  Lynne discusses. Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

"The world is a wondrous place.Filled with sights, sounds and imagination. Childhood innocence gives way to our adult realities. Do not adjust your podcast, join The Growing Season for strange, BUT true."The Growing Season ventures into the wonderful world of weird and The McFarlands are on-board. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland offer some insight into an interesting idea that they came up with over the winter months.  Ants, Tamarisk, Belladonna and Coal are all seemingly innocent parts of our lives but they all come with spoonfuls of strange.  Its Unsolved Mysteries meets Nat Geo...Are diamonds just an over compressed lump coal?What is a salt cedar and why aren't they used any more?Is there a vine/plant creeping around your flower bed that is capable of killing a human with its on-board defences?   Yes!  And you've seen this plant before.Why are ants so prolific this year?You'll come away learning some wonderful facts you can lay on your fellow campers whilst sitting around the fire...Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

Cue "Holiday Road" by Lindsay Buckingham...  You know the song - from the Vacation Movies.I found out long ago(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)It's a long way down the Holiday Road(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)Holiday Road...Holiday Road....BUT THEN DISASTER STRIKES!Mosquitos, wasps, hornets, ants, flys, poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are just some of the things that can ruin a rendezvous with Christie Brinkley in her Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (WHAT. A. CAR!). Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland break down the horticultural hazards that can make your vacay go sideways on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  Jack McFarland has completed his course of radiation and updates the listeners on his health.  Spiders...AHHHHH.  Why are they necessary?  How to rid yourself of wasps and mosquitos can be easy if you know what to do.   The trio outline the steps you need to take.Can your pets get poison ivy AND can a human develop a tolerance to it?The most deadly insect?  You'd be surprised to learn...Do flys pollinate and what exactly is purpose of an ant?Tune in. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.  

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

"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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE. 

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. Looking to book a consult for your property?  We'd love to help.  CLICK HERE.What is a TGS Tiny Garden? CLICK HERE. Subscribe to The Growing Season podcast.  CLICK HERE.