Episodios

  • Empowering Women in Landscaping with Carla Bailey

    Empowering Women in Landscaping with Carla Bailey
    Jun 24 2025
    Joanne Shaw welcomes Carla Bailey back to the podcast to discuss how Women in Landscaping empowers women in the landscaping industry through networking and mentorship opportunities. About Carla Bailey An HR professional for over a decade, Carla Bailey honed her expertise working for a leading landscaping company in London, Ontario. Dedicated to creating a positive work environment and resolving employee matters, her commitment to staff growth led her to discover and implement various government initiatives to support employee development. In 2018, Carla and three other green professionals founded Women In Landscaping to introduce women to green professions and provide a community to help them thrive. Here are some of the topics covered in this episode: The need for a Durham chapter of Women in Landscaping, which is a registered nonprofitThe success of chapters in other regions, like Toronto and Ottawa, emphasizes the importance of local champions reaching out to contactsCarla explained their funding model, which relies on donations from contractor and vendor companiesJoanne and Carla discussed their experiences with customer service, particularly focusing on gendered treatment and communication challengesThe growth and expansion of Women in Landscaping, and their transition from quarterly sessions to monthly drop-in events at local venuesWomen in Landscaping’s success in reaching 4,500 attendees annually, and their plans to expand into new communities across Ontario and potentially Alberta and BCThe upcoming Congress 2026, which will feature two events: a Landscape Ontario women's event during the day and a WiL-hosted evening receptionEmpowering Women in Landscaping: the importance of promoting landscaping as a career for women and the need for support networks within the industryThe benefits of having a community of women in landscaping, where they can share experiences, provide support, and collaborate on projectsJoanne emphasized the value of networking and learning from each other, while Carla noted the unique open-book mentality in Ontario's landscape industry, which fosters innovation and collaborationInitiatives and events organized by the National Association for Landscaping Professionals and Landscape Ontario to support women in the industryThey highlighted the importance of retaining women in the workforce and shared strategies for creating a more inclusive and flexible work environmentCarla emphasized the need for transparent wage structures and career advancement opportunities, while Joanne shared her personal experience of balancing work and family lifeThe upcoming women's luncheon and networking events, including a cocktail reception followed by a tailgate party at Landscape Ontario's CongressThey explored challenges faced by new entrants to the landscape design industry, particularly regarding business skills and insurance needs, and agreed that supporting young professionals through mentorship and education is crucialThe importance of business acumen and market awareness for landscape designers operating in different regions, and the value of women's networks in the industryWomen in Landscaping's monthly meetings, which take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm local time, with locations varying between local cafes and barsThe group has chapters in London, Ancaster, Ottawa, and Toronto, with attendance ranging from 10-15 people per meetingLandscape Ontario is hosting Touch A Truck events across the province on July 19th, with the London event being co-hosted by Women in Landscaping. Learn more here.The group is seeking sponsorship to create a professional website, and Carla encouraged listeners to follow them on their social media platforms You can find Women in Landscaping on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn. 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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    52 m
  • Gardens of Uxbridge Tour with Barbara Pratt

    Gardens of Uxbridge Tour with Barbara Pratt
    Jun 16 2025
    In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with Barbara Pratt about the 29th annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour, taking place this Saturday, June 21st, 2025, from 10 am to 5 pm. The Gardens of Uxbridge Tour On this self-guided driving tour around the Uxbridge countryside, participants view eight private residential gardens in both town and country settings. The gardens featured change every year and offer a variety of sizes, designs, unique plantings, and inspiration for your own garden. A charitable fundraiser, produced in partnership with The Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario, this tour benefits the local National Historic Site commemorating this Canadian author of Anne of Green Gables fame. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Lucy Maud Montgomery Society Barbara Pratt is one of the founding members of the Lucy Maud Montgomery SocietyMontgomery lived near Uxbridge for 15 years, and her journals were published in five volumes by Oxford University Press Gardens of Uxbridge Tour The annual Gardens of Uxbridge Tour is a major fundraiser for the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of OntarioBarbara explained how the society restored the Leaskdale Manse, where Montgomery lived as a minister's wife, using her historical photographs to guide the restorationThe tour, now in its 29th year, was originally run by Community Care in Uxbridge before being taken over by the society, which continues to maintain both the house and gardens to attract international visitors interested in Montgomery's life and workThe tour focuses on showcasing personal and unique garden styles, overcoming obstacles, and providing inspiration for gardenersThis year’s tour will take place on June 21st, featuring eight gardens (4 in town and 4 in the countryside) that can be visited in a single dayParticipants receive a passport with a map and descriptions of the gardens, along with a list of interesting side trips, such as Richters Herbs in GoodwoodTickets must be purchased online at gardensofuxbridge.org, with all proceeds supporting local community projectsThis year, due to road construction, the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society will serve refreshments at Showbrook Gardens instead of the manse, where they will offer their signature tea and scones along with displaysThe tour will highlight various artists, including Linda Virio for encaustic painting, Daniella Boerhof for metal sculptures, and Anja Kooistra for fabric sculptures.Barbara discussed the upcoming two-day conference in Leaskdale dedicated to Lucy Maud Montgomery, which will attract attendees from around the world, including South Africa, the United States, Europe, and Japan. Lucy Maud Montgomery Summer Events Barbara discussed the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society's summer activities, including weekly Wednesday teas at the historic Leaskdale ChurchLearn more at LucyMaudMontgomery.ca. Get your tickets for this weekend’s Gardens of Uxbridge Tour at www.gardensofuxbridge.org. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    36 m
  • Fruit Tree Pruning with Susan Poizner

    Fruit Tree Pruning with Susan Poizner
    Jun 10 2025
    In this episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw speaks with author Susan Poizner about her latest book, Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees. About Susan Poizner Susan Poizner is an award-winning author, journalist, urban orchardist, and fruit tree care educator based in Toronto, Canada. She trains arborists, master gardeners, and community and home orchardists in fruit tree maintenance through in-person workshops, online courses, and webinars. Her books include Grow Fruit Trees Fast, Growing Urban Orchards, Fruit Tree Grafting for Everyone and Fruit Tree Pruning. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Fruit Tree Pruning and Care Pruning techniques for both mature and newly planted fruit treesHow to approach neglected treesSusan mentions her previous book on fruit tree grafting and discusses whether homeowners should be encouraged to plant fruit trees, given the maintenance involved.Planting a fruit tree is a long-term commitmentAvoid impulse purchases at garden centresResearch disease-resistant varieties suitable for your climate and order from specialist fruit tree nurseriesStart with younger, bare-root trees that can be shaped through pruning rather than older potted treesThe importance of proper site selection, ensuring full sun and space for root growthSusan recommends annual mulching with compost to nourish the tree and advises against planting other plants directly under the treePruning timing: wait a year for transplanted potted trees, but prune bare-root trees immediately upon planting in spring Fruit Tree Pruning Basics The importance of pruning fruit trees from the day they are plantedThe first three years of formative pruning are crucial for shaping the tree's structureTwo main tree shapes: central leader (Christmas tree shape) and vase-shaped (goblet)Remove healthy branches to improve air circulation, sunlight penetration, and fruit qualityThin fruit to ensure better size and flavourFor mature trees, focus on improving air circulation by removing congested branches, limiting removal to 20-25% of the living canopy per yearPrune after blossom time to avoid disease spread and encourage the tree to invest energy in fruiting buds rather than new growthFruit tree pruning is a DIY activity that anyone can learn, emphasizing that even arborists often lack specific training in fruit tree careLearn proper pruning techniques before hiring professionalsUse the right tools, such as Japanese handsaws and pole pruners, and maintain them properlyConduct a soil test before planting fruit trees and use compost for regular feeding, with occasional foliar sprays like diluted blackstrap molasses to boost tree healthSusan recommends a dormant spray of lime sulphur and dormant oil in early spring before bud break as a preventative measure against pests and diseases Fruit Tree Education and Community Fruit trees are generous, providing food for generations with a single plantingSusan shares her experience at community cherry harvesting eventsPests and critters: With proper planning, there's usually enough fruit for both humans and animals Susan mentions her books on fruit tree care, including titles on pruning, fast-growing techniques, urban orchards, and grafting, which can be found on her website orchardpeople.com or on Amazon. Find Susan Poizner online at orchardpeople.com and Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees on Amazon. You can also check out her YouTube channel or listen to the Orchard People podcast. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    1 h y 8 m
  • Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't with Steven Biggs

    Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't with Steven Biggs
    May 30 2025
    This week, Joanne speaks with horticulturist and author Steven Biggs about his latest book, Grow Olives Where You Think You Can’t: How to Grow an Olive Tree in a Pot. About Steven Biggs Steven was recognized by Garden Making magazine as one of the “green gang” making a difference in Canadian horticulture. His home-garden experiments span driveway straw-bale gardens, a rooftop kitchen garden, fruit plantings, and an edible-themed front yard. He's a horticulturist, award-winning broadcaster and author, and former horticulture instructor with George Brown and Durham Colleges in Ontario, Canada. His books include Grow Lemons Where You Think You Can't, Growing Figs in Cold Climates, Grow Figs Where You Think You Can't, and No-Guff Gardening, available at foodgardenlife.com. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Growing Olives in Cold Climates Olive trees are well-suited for cold climatesThey can live for hundreds of yearsOlive trees are available at garden centresSteven recommends the self-pollinating variety, Frantoio, for home gardensCan be used for screening or framing garden spaces Olive Tree Care in Containers Growing olive trees in pots: the importance of full sun, well-draining soil, and regular pruning for size control and fruit productionYou'll also need a simple all-purpose fertilizer and amending potting soil with garden loam and sand for added weight to prevent topplingStore potted olive trees in a cool, dark place over the winter to satisfy chill hours for flowering and fruitingJoanne noted that olive trees can be brought indoors as houseplants during the winter and taken outside in the spring after new growth has hardened off Olive Tree Care, Propagation and Pruning Steven shared his experience growing olive trees, including a method used by a Vancouver Island grower who protects his trees with horticultural fleece and Christmas lights during cold weatherOlive trees can be propagated through cuttings, air layering, or by taking advantage of suckers that naturally develop at the base of the treeOlive trees are relatively easy to care for, but common issues include overwatering in winter, leading to root rot and letting the soil dry out in summerSteven’s potting technique: root pruning every 3-4 years by lifting the tree from its 14-inch pot, trimming the roots, and replacing the soilOlive trees need bright light indoors and can be pruned to minimize alternate bearing, which causes heavy crops in one year followed by none the next Find Steven Biggs online at www.foodgardenlife.com and Grow Olives Where You Think You Can't on Amazon. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    28 m
  • What's Wrong With My Boxwood?

    What's Wrong With My Boxwood?
    May 28 2025
    This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses strategies to prevent a box tree moth infestation and explores the moth’s continued impact on boxwoods in Durham Region. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: The impact of the box tree moth on boxwoodsIts discovery in Ontario in 2018 and its recent appearance in Durham RegionBox Tree Moth Life Cycle: The adult moth has a short lifespan of 14 days but is a strong flyer, making it challenging to controlThe challenges in controlling the pest are due to its rapid reproduction and ability to survive cold wintersPresents a significant threat to boxwoods and may be here to stayBe aware of its presence and consider protective measures for your plantsInspect boxwood plants for signs of box tree moth infestation, including webbing, chewed leaves, and caterpillarsExplore treatment options, focusing on the need to kill caterpillars at the appropriate stageThe only current control method is biological, using BTK spray, which must be applied diligently from mid-May onwards, ensuring thorough coverage, including the undersides of leavesAvoid moving boxwood plants to new locations to prevent spreading the box tree mothExplore alternative plants such as yews, globe cedars, strongbox holly, Japanese pieris, dwarf hydrangeas, dwarf mock orange, or dwarf lilacs as replacements for boxwood.Focus on ornamental areas rather than hedges when replacing boxwoods Find more information about the box tree moth: Canadian Food Inspection Agency Landscape Ontario The Box Tree Moth in Southern Ontario What’s Wrong with Your Boxwood? Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    17 m
  • Groundcover Revolution with Kathy Jentz

    Groundcover Revolution with Kathy Jentz
    May 21 2025
    The traditional lawn has received a lot of heat over the last few years with many recommending alternatives such as micro-clovers and specialized lawn blends. In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing speak with Kathy Jentz, author of Groundcover Revolution, about the groundcover plants you can use to create a beautiful lawn alternative of your own. About Kathy Jentz Kathy Jentz is the editor and publisher of the award-winning Washington Gardener magazine, based in Washington, DC. She hosts the popular GardenDC Podcast and is co-author of The Urban Garden and author of Groundcover Revolution. Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode: What inspired you to write about groundcovers and lawn alternatives?Can you define the term groundcover?Do you consider step-ability?What zones do you cover?What benefits do groundcovers provide to our gardens?What is green mulch?How do we transition from groundcover to green mulch?Do you have favourite groundcovers?Do you need to prune or cut back any during the year?To quote Kathy's book “so many plants, so few pages.” How do we start narrowing down our choices when selecting the right groundcovers? Stepping Stones Listener questions: Is groundcover expensive?Does the groundcover get very big? What is the average height?Does planting groundcover help with erosion? If so, what is the best to plant for this issue?Doesn't groundcover attract rodents in your yard? It leaves a nice place to nest and hide.I hear the term "carpet forming" regarding groundcover. What does this mean exactly? Tips to take the next step in your gardening journey. The best selection of fruit trees and shrubs is at your local independent garden centres right now. Trees and shrubs can be planted now, but softer herbaceous material is still too tender and should be brought in at night.Sod is available and ready for planting. Be sure not to let it dry out as it will take a few weeks to fully root and access the water in the ground below. Find Kathy Jentz online: Washington Gardener Twitter Feed: @WDCGardener Washington Gardener Instagram Account: @wdcgardener Washington Gardener Pinterest Account: @wdcgardener Washington Gardener Facebook Page: @WashingtonGardenerMagazine Washington Gardener Youtube: @washingtongardenermagazine Washington Gardener Amazon Store: www.amazon.com/shop/wdcgardener/ Washington Gardener BookShop Store: https://bookshop.org/shop/WDCgardener Washington Gardener Podcast: GardenDC Washington Gardener TikTok: @wdcgardener Resources mentioned during the show Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden Groundcover Revolution GardenDC Podcast: Groundcovers vs. Ground Covers Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    59 m
  • Pondless Water Features & More with Ernest Williams from Aquascape

    Pondless Water Features & More with Ernest Williams from Aquascape
    May 12 2025
    This week on the podcast, Joanne Shaw speaks with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about the popularity of water features in landscaping, including pondless designs, fountainscapes, and natural swimming ponds. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Pondless Water Features in Landscaping Increasingly popular in landscaping for their low maintenance and safetyEnhances curb appeal and attracts wildlifeProvides the sound of water without the upkeep of traditional pondsPreferred by homeowners seeking aesthetics and simplicity Pondless Water Features Design and Functionality Mimics natural water flow; includes bubbling elements and disappearing streamsBuilt with similar mechanics as ponds but without standing waterWater recirculates through a hidden basin, minimizing runoffCan integrate downspouts and rainwater harvesting for stormwater management Design and Maintenance Mini spillway and aqua basin designs allow features to fit any yard sizeWater should remain in basins during winter to prevent cracking/freezingMaintenance includes removing pumps before freezing temperaturesNaturalistic design is achieved using varied rocksProper maintenance and design extend feature lifespan Noise Reduction Water features help block unwanted sounds (e.g., traffic)Creates a soothing outdoor environmentWatching water can lower blood pressure and heart rateAn affordable and visually appealing way to improve outdoor spaces Installation Both professional installation and DIY options are availableCertified landscape companies offer installation and customer serviceDIY products available for homeownersThe Aquascape University program provides contractor training and certificationAquascape YouTube channel offers homeowner experiences and advice Construction and Materials Quality materials (granite, field stone) prevent calcium buildup and algaeKits are available for efficient constructionNot all yard rocks are suitable for pondsExisting ponds can be converted to pondless features for less maintenanceAqua blocks allow efficient use of space and are load-bearing Pondless Features and Natural Pools Redesigning or converting old ponds to pondless features reduces maintenanceExisting rocks can sometimes be incorporated into new designsRecreation ponds (natural swimming ponds) are eco-friendly pool alternativesSuitable for swimming and environmentally conscious homeownersMany specialized contractors are available in Ontario and Quebec Water Conservation in Yard Design Pools can be converted into natural swimming or recreation pondsWater collection systems (e.g., aqua blocks) help manage yard water issuesSystems collect/filter water, reduce stormwater runoff, and address muddy yardsEmphasizes the importance of water conservation and management in landscaping To learn more about pondless water features and everything Aquascape offers, visit them at www.aquascapeinc.com and view their videos on YouTube. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    38 m
  • Frontier Mushrooms with Deb McKee Kelly

    Frontier Mushrooms with Deb McKee Kelly
    May 5 2025
    This week, Joanne Shaw speaks with Deb McKee Kelly from Frontier Mushrooms, a leading producer of high-quality, sustainably grown mushrooms. About Deb McKee Kelly Deb is a longtime grower and passionate advocate for reconnecting with the natural world. Based in Grey County, Ontario, she has spent years cultivating gardens, food crops, and for the past 10 years, gourmet mushrooms. Today, her work with mushrooms and mycelium focuses on sustainable growing practices, education, and innovative uses for fungi in food systems and beyond. With a deep respect for nature’s intelligence — and a belief that fungi hold keys to a more resilient future — Deb and her growing partner Darin share their knowledge with growers, makers, and curious minds alike. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Overview of Frontier Mushrooms: a family-run mushroom farm Deb’s background and how she got into mushroom cultivation Types of Mushrooms Grown at Frontier Mushrooms Focus on specialty mushrooms: Shiitake, Oyster, Lion’s Mane, and moreDiscussion on the unique qualities and flavours of each type The Mushroom Growing Process Step-by-step explanation of mushroom cultivationImportance of substrate and environmental controls (humidity, temperature, light)Challenges faced in mushroom farming (pests, contamination) Health Benefits of Mushrooms Nutritional value: protein, fibre, vitamins (B, D), mineralsMedicinal properties: immune support, cognitive benefits (especially Lion’s Mane)Myths and facts about mushrooms’ health impacts Cooking and Using Mushrooms at Home Tips for storing and preparing fresh mushroomsSimple recipe ideas shared by DebAdvice on maximizing mushroom flavour in dishes Buying Local and Supporting Small Farms Benefits of sourcing mushrooms from local growersHow Frontier Mushrooms connects with the community (farmers’ markets, local stores)The importance of sustainable and organic practices Common Questions from Listeners How to grow mushrooms at home: starter kits, best varieties for beginnersShelf life and storage tips for fresh mushroomsIdentifying edible vs. wild mushrooms (safety tips) Deb’s Favourite Mushroom Varieties and Recipes Personal recommendations for cooking and eatingUnique uses for lesser-known mushrooms Learn more at www.frontiermushrooms.com. Find them on Facebook @frontiermushrooms and Instagram @frontiermushrooms. Have a topic you'd like Joanne to discuss? Email your questions and comments to downthegardenpathpodcast@hotmail.com, or connect via her website at down2earth.ca. 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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    52 m