Well, it definitely seems as if we have an early winter this year. The snow and cold has taken many of us by surprise, but like it or not it’s a necessary part of the gardening year in Central Ontario. Good snow cover really helps out plants, providing perennials with more winter insulation for their roots and also of course, giving us precious moisture in the soil in the spring. Frustratingly enough, I still have to finish up in my own garden – pruning and mounding tender plants and planting garlic. I’m hopeful that we can still get this done, despite the snow… Thank goodness I didn’t buy any new bulbs this fall!

I’m now well into my ordering for next season. The perennial orders are completed and off to the propagators. We grow our perennials from roots and cuttings and buy from 4 different companies to get the variety and quality that I like. I have planned plenty of new varieties for 2019. I’m also happy to say that due to customer demand, we will be growing another 25 or 30 premium Peony varieties. So if you didn’t manage to pick up a yellow Peony this year, we will have plenty more to choose from next year. As word grows, I am hoping that we will become known as a Premium Peony Destination!

We are again offering gift certificates for sale during the holiday season. On those -30 nights, your favourite gardener is sure to be dreaming of Spring! What better present than a free choice of plants from our greenhouses! 

Such an easy, practical gift! Please consider this option as an alternative to the mall. Hope to hear from you soon!

The easy way from seed to transplant

Do you have some favourite or special flowers or vegetables that you like to start from seed each year? How about some hard to start perennials? We know that it can be challenging to grow a healthy transplant in a home situation. This is why we offer a Custom Seed Starting Service. Have a look through the seed catalogues this winter and see if there are any ‘Must Have’ plants that we do not currently carry in our stock. Bring us your seeds in January or February and I will germinate and grow them on for you. Pick up your plants at the end of May. I spend one day a week during March and April sowing seeds in our propagation greenhouse, and I would be happy to include your seeds in my production schedule. Contact me to discuss costs and more.

A sneak peak at new plants!

In September, I attended an open day at one of our young plant suppliers, Sants Greenhouses in Bolton. The event gives growers like myself a chance to mingle and compare notes as well as be inspired by the 2019 new plant selection. I call it a ‘Fashion Show’ of plants! It’s an incredible opportunity to see and compare new varieties first hand and make a wish list.

Next, it’s down to business as I figure out which varieties will suit my customer’s needs. I was very impressed with the range of New Guinea Impatiens Sunpatiens that are now available, so look for an expanded colour selection of this versatile annual. Also of note is the unique Petunia Burgundy Sky – the partner to Night Sky which we have been growing for 2 years now. Finally, there are some awesome new Verbena varieties. My favourite was Firehouse Burgundy, so no promises, but it’s definitely on the short list!

Garden Tips

Amaryllis is a gorgeous house plant to grow and gift during the holiday season. Bulbs are readily available in stores and come in many beautiful shades of red, pink, white, salmon and orange. Originally from South America, Amaryllis bulbs are fast and easy to grow indoors during the winter. They reward you with huge, long lasting, bold flowers on tall, sturdy stems. They are easy for children to grow and our kids used to love to grow them for their teachers every winter. I usually have a few on the go for gifts too.

If you are buying new bulbs, always select the largest size possible, as like outdoor bulbs, older and larger bulbs will provide more flowers. Pot bulbs in November or December, and enjoy the flowers for the winter. If you have an Amaryllis that has finished flowering, it can be brought into flower again every year by following these four steps.

Searching for 2019 staff

We are starting to assemble next year’s team already, for both the Flower Farm and our sister company Complete Outdoor Services Inc. If you (or someone you know) loves people, plants and working outdoors, and are looking for seasonal work next year, then why not turn your passion into a job or even a career with us? 

Greenhouse worker – Cut and Dried Flower Farm

Assist in growing and selling plants from our farm. 

Full days, varying from 2 to 5 days a week from late February to mid June, including weekends. The successful applicant will: Be physically fit and energetic; Possess superior attention to detail skills; Be willing to learn and follow direction; Possess a passion for gardening that they enjoy passing onto others; Enjoy working as part of an efficient team; Possess outstanding customer service skills. 

Gardener – Complete Outdoor Services Inc.

Join our professional Garden Maintenance Crew working in our client’s residential country gardens.

Full days, Monday to Friday from early April to mid November.

The successful applicant will: Be physically fit and energetic; Enjoy working outdoors in all weather; Be willing to learn and follow direction from their Crew Leader; Possess superior attention to detail skills; Possess a passion for gardening; Enjoy working as part of an efficient team dedicated to quality workmanship.

Grass Cutter – Complete Outdoor Services Inc.

Join our professional Lawn Maintenance Crew working in our client’s residential country gardens.

Full days, Monday to Friday from early April to mid November.

The successful applicant will: Be physically fit and energetic; Enjoy working outdoors in all weather; Be willing to learn and follow direction from their Crew Leader; Possess superior attention to detail skills; Be very comfortable operating machinery; Enjoy working as part of an efficient team dedicated to quality workmanship.

If you require further information about any of our positions, please contact me.

To apply, email a detailed resume and cover letter and if you are selected for an interview I will be in touch.

It's time to plan for 2019!

Thank you to those of you who have confirmed their custom container orders for 2019. Your order has been planned! I know the early snow and cold has maybe made finishing up the last jobs in your garden a little difficult, but if you haven’t already dropped off your planters, please do so as soon as you can, so that I don’t have to chase you up in February! If you have previously not taken advantage of our custom container planting service here's how it works.