Lawn & Garden Prep Series – Mulching
Episode 2 – Mulching
In the second episode of this series, Johan discusses using mulch to help retain moisture and minimize weeds.
Lawn & Garden Prep Series – Edging
Episode 1 – Edging
In this series, we’re sharing fundamental DIY tips for preparing your lawn and garden for the upcoming season. Here, Johan discusses when, why and how to edge around your softscaping and hardscaping.
Lawn Care 101 – Raking
Our first video of this segment is super straightforward, but some get it wrong. Check out this quick video to ensure you’re not causing more harm than good to your lawn and its root system when raking.
Why Choose Native Ontario Plants
Creating a healthy local ecosystem in our own backyards
There have been myriad reports over the past few months from backyard birders about the decrease in visitors to their feeders. If you’ve noticed this too, you’ll be pleased to know there are things we can each do to radically reverse the decline of small wildlife in our yards.
It’s all well and good to provide seed and suet for birds, but the solution to population decline requires us to look a little closer. Instead of thinking short-term, say season by season, let’s look at it from a yearly perspective, or even longer.
What we choose to plant directly affects the quantity and activity of small and large living organisms in our yards. If our only priority is a yard that looks pretty, we may be missing opportunities to positively impact the local ecosystem.
We should also consider biodiversity – choosing a variety of species that co-exist nicely. If we also opt for plants and trees that require minimal resources for survival, then we can move toward a landscape that not only looks good, but is low-maintenance and welcomes beneficial interdependent activity above and below ground.
Wildlife Ecologist Doug Tallamy, author of “Nature’s Best Hope: A new approach to conservation that starts in your yard” offers strong arguments and simple tips for being a backyard conservationist. Here are a handful of his suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of lawn in your yard to that which you require for walking and playing. Fill this area instead with more productive “host” plants.
- Over thousands of years, native fauna has developed defences and tolerances (and thus, preferences) for consuming native flora (plants with which it has co-evolved), so naturally if we replace these native food sources with non-native alternatives, local wildlife will either have to go elsewhere for food or perish.
- If not kept in check, unproductive, foreign cultivars can become invasive species, choking out native plant life beyond our back yards.
- We currently have 3 billion fewer birds than we did 50 years ago. Globalization and hybridization have replaced native garden options with more “exotic” options that might be fashionable, but don’t contribute to the local ecosystem.
- A great deal of the animals in any ecosystem don’t eat plants, but eat something that eats something that eats plants, so ensuring the right plants are available as a food source for caterpillars and insects is a very big deal to our entire ecosystem.
The good news is this isn’t an all-or-nothing proposition. You don’t have to swap out all of the plant life in your garden and risk disrupting your current modern or tropical motif, for example. Plants that are native to Ontario come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, so you’re sure to find a few cultivars that appeal to you.
And adding just a few native plants and trees will produce favourable results. Visit our June 2019 post on Choosing Native Ontario Plants for Your Garden or head over to our Native Ontario Plants Pinterest Board for some inspiration.
As always, if you need assistance choosing the right native plants and trees for your yard, or you just want to get started on a landscaping project, contact us.
Weed Control
Where weeds come from
There are several classifications and definitions of weeds. However, in the very simplest terms, a weed is an unwanted plant in your lawn or garden.
No plant that’s perceived as a weed today has always been a weed. Once upon a time, they lived in a benign location and had no notable negative impact on their surroundings.
The turning point – when a plant becomes a weed – is when it invades a space where it is not desired and/or has an undesirable impact on people, animals, or other vegetation.
So, if they weren’t there to start with, how did those weeds get into your yard? They were carried there – transported by vehicle, animal, or on the wind.
And many seeds don’t need a whole lot of TLC to germinate. As long as they have oxygen and water, and a bit of sunlight, they will grow. So, the big question:
How to control weeds
Let’s face it – weed avoidance is not a thing. However, there are strategies that will help you tame the beast and minimize the negative impact of weeds.
- Cut off their food supply
As mentioned above, weeds need water, oxygen, and sunlight. So water only desired plants and plant closely together. Weeds don’t tend to grow as prolifically under other plants. The less exposed area you have in your gardens, the fewer weeds you will have to pull. - Don’t disturb the soil.
When adding new plants or removing weeds from your lawn and garden, closely target the soil or weed in question. Weed seeds are generally present throughout your soil, so turning the soil brings new seeds closer to the surface, giving them the opportunity to germinate. - Mulch is your friend.
Keep exposed soil covered with a thick (about 4 inches) layer of good quality mulch. This deprives weed seeds of sunlight, helping to keep them at bay. Some prefer crushed stone or river rock. These work as well. Just be sure to add a base layer of landscaping fabric over the surface before adding the rock. Keep in mind though that new seeds that are deposited from animals or the wind will germinate, so see the next tip. - Weed early and often.
The sooner you pluck weeds out, the easier removal will be and the less damage they will do. If you give weeds a chance to take root, they’ll develop stronger, deeper roots systems at one end and seed heads (which will distribute more seeds) at the other. The best time to weed is after a good rain, when the ground is soft and roots will release more easily.
Weeds in your lawn and garden are the bane of any homeowner’s existence. But, armed with the information above, you’ll have a better understanding of where they’re coming from and how to control them.
Ready, set, weed!
Landscape Planning and Design: 4 Steps to Your Dream Garden
Are you dreaming of a backyard retreat but feeling overwhelmed by the transition from “patch of dirt” to “outdoor oasis”? Many homeowners know the look they want but struggle with the logistics of soil types, sun exposure, and plant spacing.
A successful garden is an investment of time and resources. At A Touch of Dutch Landscaping & Garden Services, we believe a solid plan is the best way to minimize long-term costs and maintenance. Whether you’re DIY-ing or hiring a pro, here’s how to master the landscaping planning and design process.
1. Evaluate Your Environmental Conditions
Before buying a single plant, you must understand the canvas you’re working with.
Map the Area: Measure your square footage and note fixed elements like fences, patios, or porches.
Track the Sun: Does the area get 6+ hours of direct light (Full Sun) or filtered light (Part Shade)?
Analyze the Soil: Is your ground clay-heavy, sandy, or well-draining?
Review Past Performance: If you’re renovating an existing bed, identify which plants thrived and which struggled.
Pro Tip: Consider the “mature size” of plants. A small shrub today could block your window view in three years if not planned correctly.
2. Define Your Signature Landscape Style
The worst place to choose your aesthetic is at the garden center, where every blooming flower is competing for your attention. To stay on track:
Curate Inspiration: Use Pinterest, Houzz, or local neighborhood walks to identify themes you love (e.g., Modern Minimalist, English Cottage, or Traditional Dutch).
Stick to the Script: Having a digital or physical mood board prevents “impulse buying” plants that don’t fit your overall design.
3. Determine Your Maintenance Threshold
Be honest about how much “garden therapy” you actually want to do. Every garden requires some work, but smart design reduces the load.
Low-Maintenance Picks: Choose native, drought-tolerant plants that don’t require constant fertilization or specialized pruning.
The Power of Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch or decorative stone. This suppresses weeds, regulates soil temperature, and retains moisture—meaning less time with the hose and the weeding hoe.
Remove “Problem Children”: If a specific plant in your current garden is a constant source of stress, don’t be afraid to replace it with something hardier.
4. Know When to Call a Professional Landscaper
Landscape design is as much a science as it is an art. If you are short on time or lack the technical knowledge for complex “hardscaping” (patios and walls) or “softscaping” (plant installation), a professional ensures the job is done right the first time.
Why Timing Matters:
In our industry, the “planting season” may start in May, but the planning season starts in January.
Scheduling: Our calendars fill up months in advance.
Weather Variables: Spring rains and early frosts can shift timelines; early booking secures your spot in the queue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the first step in landscape design?
The first step is a site analysis. This involves measuring the space, testing the soil, and monitoring sun patterns to ensure you choose “the right plant for the right place.”
How can I make my garden low maintenance?
To reduce garden chores, use mulch to prevent weeds, install an irrigation system, and select perennial plants that are native to your specific climate.
When should I hire a landscaper?
It is best to contact a landscaping company in the late winter or early spring. This allows ample time for the design process before the ground thaws and the busy installation season begins.
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
If you’re ready to move from inspiration to installation, A Touch of Dutch Landscaping & Garden Services is here to help. We combine expert horticultural knowledge with stunning design to create spaces that thrive.
Would you like us to provide a custom consultation for your property? Contact us today!