The Growing Season

Sometimes you just gotta go for a walk in the woods.

The McFarland's put their face in the mulch on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt dive into part 1 of a two part series highlighting how to design and build a "woodland garden."

What makes a woodland garden a woodland garden?   Jack spins a yarn about a large woodland area that he created, for a client, in the 80's.  

Jack and Matt guide the listenership through an estimation exercise. 

Is there a natural way to d...

Geometric plants and small trees!

This week's episode of The Growing Season changes what you've got into something even greater. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into lollipops, standards and pom-poms. 

WHAT!?   The trio explain.  What is the difference between a standard and a lollipop?  Can they be both?  What is a pom-pom that is not on a poodle or a cheerleader?

Matt details his cat's adventures in the recent heat wave.  How is kitty keeping cool amongst trees shedding early and farmers harvesting prematurely?

How do you properly water d...

WHEN WILL IT RAIN!?

The Greater Toronto Area hasn't seen significant rainfall in over a month and the plants are starting to show the effects of drought.

Your grass is the colour of Shredded Wheat and the heat is making it a struggle to keep your plants happy.  What to do? 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland focus on water wise plants on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Lynne has changed how she's watering her flower beds.  She describes how and the results thus far.  Maybe it's time for many of us...

Look up!

Its not just in the theatres these days, its on your arbours, trellises and fence lines.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland look up on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  All things that grow up and down are discussed on the most recent episode of TGS. 

Lynne is "3 foot 12 inches..."  She's taller than that but it sets the tone for the show. 

Many clients don't know where to begin when it comes to choosing climbers.  The McFarlands make a list of the most popular ones. 

Climbing roses...

It’s all about Daisies and we and we ain’t talking bout pushing them up! 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland park this week’s episode of The Growing Season in a patch of Shasta’s. 

Matt talks about Daisy Dukes. Jack responds with “Ox Eyes.”

Road Daisies and trains converge. 

10% of the plants on earth are Daisies. 

Echinacea and Black Eyed Susie are members of the Daisy family. Who knew? 

The “Fibonacci Sequence” and phototropism are discussed.

Poisonous Daisy family members? Yup, you read that right.  As well...

Its been dry and hot so how does that effect your lawn?

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland cut this week's episode of The Growing Season into your front lawn with a little grass talk. 

How do you protect your lawn against drought and heat? 

Matt discusses the ins and outs of irrigation systems.  How much does it cost to install the system and what does it cost, on a monthly basis, to run one of these systems? 

A discussion on proper watering occurs.  

THE FIRE HOSE NOZZLE IS THE GREAT...

All stars in July aren’t only reserved for baseball!

This week on The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the horticultural all stars of July. 

Nothing blooms in July says the client. LIES. 

Matt tells a swimming story. 

HERstory returns to The Growing Seasom airwaves. Lynne discusses how the month of July got its name. What are the “Dog Days” of summer? 

TONS OF THINGS ARE BLOOMING RIGHT NOW. 

Portulaca, phlox, echinacea, delphinium and many more are discussed. 

Is July too lat...

Currently blooming in a garden near you! 

The Growing Season highlights Lilies on this week’s episode. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the little blooming bombs that are currently visible in your garden. 

What makes a lily a lily? Are they native to Canada? 

What does Clint Eastwood have to do with Day Lilies? There is a correlation. 

They’re called Daylilies because they only bloom for a single day. Seriously. The trio discuss. 

Spider mite is discussed.  The name “Stella” is used continuously throughout the...

THINGS ARE GROWING LIKE CRAZY!  

Pruning in July takes centre stage on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland open the show highlighting the amount of rain, heat and humidity the GTA has experienced over the last few weeks. 

How does this affect plant growth? 

How can you safely prune away from a plant?  

Is pruning in July different than pruning in early spring? Jack discusses “hardening off” in evergreens. 

What about pruning fruit trees. Is that possible at this time of year? 

Happy Canada Day one and all! 

The Growing Season celebrates Canada’s birthday by highlighting horticulture in Reds and Whites. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland kick the show off by chatting about the recent heat wave. 

It took Canada how long to acquire its own flag? You’d be surprised. 

Red in your garden looks great in small doses. 

Is a Japanese Maple considered “red?”

Matt gushes about coneflowers. He’s a fan. 

The trio highlight the length of time it takes for rose climbers to bloom profuse...

So what’s BUGGING you? 

The dreaded “Box Moth” is public enemy number 1 this season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland get buggy on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

We’re seeing less insects out and about. It’s fact. And it’s scary. The trio discuss the lack of insects. 

We’re not seeing near the amount of bees, mosquitoes, flies and grasshoppers as we were 5 years. 

Is quintillion even a real number? 

What do mosquito companies use to spray for mosquitos? 

Mosquito mitigation bec...

That’s a TON of material. EXACTLY! 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss rockeries and the plants that thrive in them on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Rock gardens, moss and all manner of heavy material come into focus. 

The show starts off with a jobsite story. 

Where is this rock coming from? Are we tearing apart the Canadian Shield to acquire this? 

Is everything in Canada limestone? 

Matt talks about his family’s trip to Point Pelee. 

Matt dives into an Egyptian rabb...

So you wanna get finicky? 

Let’s talk about “Rose Stuff..” - Jack McFarland. 

This week, the McFarlands guide The Growing Season into English Rose Gardens. 

How long have roses been on earth? 

Rose hips contain 5X more vitamin C than oranges. 

Roses and Ecuador.  You won’t believe the connection. 

Matt explains why he shied away from roses in years past. He also reveals why he’s changed his tune. 

Red leafed roses are tougher than green leaf varieties. Why? 

The Mr. Lincoln rose is the...

Trowels at the ready!  Let’s annualize the situation. 

That’s right! It’s annual season on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland chat all things annual and the planting of your short term friends. 

Do annuals attract pollinators? You won’t believe it. 

The McFarlands have planted and designed millions of annual flowers. That’s not an exaggeration. 

Matt tells a story about seeding portulaca in a commercial seed setting. 

When is it safe to plant annuals?  What does the soil temperature...

It’s the time of the year when one of the most lovely scents hangs in the air. 

It’s Lilac time!  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss one of the most fragrant horticultural blooms, the Lilac, on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Matt used to shy away from using Lilacs. Not so much these days and he explains why. 

Jack kicks off the show with a story about a song. 

Lilacs came all the way from Europe. Matt has a realization. 

Subdivision lilacs vs farm lila...

Just in time for the May long weekend, The Growing Season focuses on The Colours Of Spring.  

THINGS ARE BLOOMING! 

Crabapples, Magnolias, Redbud, Bleeding Heart, Quince, Iris are just some of the plant materials that are in full-tilt boogey bloom at this time of the year.

Matt rants about Mothers Day and why he feels it takes centre stage over Father's Day. 

Orchids are discussed as a response to Matt's Mothers Day dealings.

Tepid water and tarantulas. 

A $15,000 Japanese Maple becomes a topic of debate. 

Dande...

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 OA...

The McFarlands cap off their “Celebrating Spring 2025 series” the same way they always do - discussing Landscape Design.

The men of The Growing Season dish on their exploits at the drafting table.

Matt apologizes to a listener and tells an emotional story. 

The McFarlands recount winter 2025.

Lynne outlines the importance of knowing your hardiness zone. 

What happens if you plant out of zone?

Are you able to plant under a large tree? How?

Jack discusses modern aspects of landscape design.

Flowering cherries…Matt tells a...

Let's prune some edibles!

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue their celebration of spring with a discussion on daffodils and their link to cancer fundraising.

Matt rages against the forcing of bulbs.  

How long does an apple tree live?  Is there a legendarily old apple tree? 

The McFarland's dive into the science behind grafting and link it to modern day horticultural wonder in your flower beds.  

Why graft?  What's the reason? 

Grafting is akin to Frankenstein’s Monster. 

Suckers, waterspouts and many other interesting words are used...

Jurassic Park and horticulture meet in the middle!  

The McFarland’s continue to celebrate spring by highlighting a significant scientific achievement. 

How can this achievement be applied to horticulture? Lumber? Medicine? 

Jack, Lynne and Matt find answers to these questions on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Increasing the lifespan of your evergreen uprights comes into direct focus. 

The pruning of your large horticultural organisms and flowering shrubs is the sandbox the McFarlands find themselves in. 

Form and function pruning is discussed. 

Matt hates Forsy...

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 relatio...

So does it do anything else? 

Picking up where last week left off, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight multi-purpose plants in the second part of the series on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Bamboo kicks of the hort-topics.  Why isn't bamboo more prominent in Canada? 

Fabrics, construction materials and aesthetics - bamboo can do it all. 

Toilet paper and how its made will dishearten you. 

Is sugar cane used it Canada.   Jack outlines how its integral to many of the aspects of Canadian life. 

Should y...

So what else does it do?

That's the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the Swiss Army knives of the horticultural world.  

Multi-Purpose plants come into focus.

Willows kick off the show in style.  You wouldn't believe the number of things a willow can be used for.  

Willows are packed full of calcium, so in a pinch you could use a willow to boost your calcium intake. 

Lumber, lumber, lumber.  It's a hot topic politically and the trio d...

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? 

Plant...

Ahhhh, the familiar sounds of spring. 

Flying overhead, emerging from their southern getaway is the returning Canadian Geese. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss all things avian on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

What percentage of Canada’s birds migrate south in the fall and return north in the spring? Why do they migrate? 

 How do the birds know when it’s right to make the return home?  Is there a scout crew that is sent out first? 

A discussion of aircraft and migratory patterns occurs. 

Birds can...

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 Me...

And now for the cleanup!  Wow. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the aftermath of the insane snowstorm of February 2025 on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

We have icicles. SOOOOO MANY ICICLES. 

Is that a bad sign?  Can we do anything about them?

Matt talks about driveways, window wells and how they tie into snow. 

Clearing the snow from around your drier and furnace vents is discussed. 

Melted snow as water for your plants and pets comes into focus. 

Jack discusses winter wheat and...

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 c...

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 a...

"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, r...

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...

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 f...

The situation in California is terrible.  

The wildfires in one of the most beautiful parts of the United States have come into focus internationally and we felt it was necessary to explore its ins and outs on The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland correlate the Australian Wildfires and those in California.  

Could this have been avoided?   Did those in power learn anything from Austrialia's fires that could have been used in California's emergency?  

Jack describes "controlled burns..."

Would the salt water that laps the beaches of Los Angel...

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?
<...

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, hor...

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 hop...

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, Ch...

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 prom...

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. 
...

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 sal...