Reader

In this issue:

• An inspiring message on Native Plant Gardening
• My interview on 'Down The Garden Path'
• Home Exteriors
• Seeds and Weeds

Dundas Gardeners win NANPS Video Contest Award

A Suburban Sanctuary by Karen & Zoe Lawrence shows how one family has learned to embrace nature by replacing sterile lawns with a vibrant ecosystem that is home to over 130 species in the Carolinian Zone in southern Ontario. Their garden is a sanctuary for wildlife and humans alike, providing a landing place for pollinators and demonstrating the value of reciprocity.

I first met Karen in the summer of 2022 when she had us out to build a rain garden in one small corner of their backyard. Even back then I could see her passion for native plants and fostering an ecologically respectful landscape. This property is a great example of what is possible in a suburban setting and serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference with patience and intention.

Down the Garden Path Podcast

I joined Joanne Shaw on her Podcast 'Down the Garden Path' to discuss rain gardens. Joanne asked some great questions!

Home Exterior Upgrades

Peace of Mind Exteriors has been looking after AVESI customers for the last couple years. They did all the work on my house this past year and they’re available for your place as well. If you’re an existing AVESI customer feel free to reach out to me directly and we can get started. If you prefer to reach out to their offices, use referral code AVESI2025.

I made the decision to upgrade the exterior trimmings because aluminum prices keep going up – so waiting will just cost me more money in the long run.

ALSO – the eavestroughs were leaking in the back corner and when we took the fascia capping off the underlying wood fascia board was rotten. So, I was happy to replace the rotting wood.

Seeds and Weeds

I posted a short video on Instagram about the rhetoric around fall gardening. The message being 'to manage the weeds, you've got to manage the seeds.' I leave the majority of biomass in my gardens for wildlife over the winter months, but if there are plants whose spread I want to limit I remove some of that material (especially the seeds) before they fall into the soil. It's not an all-or-nothing approach... it's a nuanced approach to managing a garden.

That's all for now,

Michael