Happened to come across an old project that our build team had installed almost a decade ago... looking good! 

No weeds, no sunken tire ruts, and no stones lifted.

This is the kind of longevity your project will have when you install a precast paver product properly, with a 10" granular compacted granular base and 1" concrete bedding sand to accommodate vehicular traffic. Not limestone screening.

Well done guys!

Stay tuned for my rant as to why you NEVER want to use limestone screening during landscape construction.

10 Ways to Squirrel Proof Your Garden

All herbivores can be pests in the garden but the one we probably deal with the most here in the GTA are squirrels. With fresh planted bulbs and the cold weather approaching these guys can’t help but be tempted to start digging, so here’s some tips on how to keep them out.

The Tips

1.    The first way is the most direct. Put a physical barrier of chicken wire over your planting area. Make sure that you secure it the ground using weights, clips or ties because dig under the edges and lift it.

2.    Next up are the repellants. Most straight forward would be to use a commercially available deer repellent. Simply spray in the areas that they seem to be attracted to or have already started digging.

3.    Try cayenne pepper. Buy bulk amounts of this ground red pepper and sprinkle it not only on top of the ground but also in and around the bulb as you are planting it. This one also works great for keeping raccoons out of the green bin.

4.    While your planting you can also use chicken manure or bone meal, not only will it help keep the squirrels away but also has the added measure of fertilizing your garden.

5.    For something a little more off the wall you can try planting your bulbs with human hair or even dog fur around it. Apparently the squirrels don’t like the texture and won’t dig through it.

6.    You can also try some distraction techniques. Put up a bird feeder in your back garden. Even the squirrel proof types will keep them guessing long enough that they won’t be going after your bulbs.

7.    When mosquito season is over, try leaving out water in birdbaths or buckets. Squirrels often go after bulbs because of their high moisture content. Quench their thirst and it may stop their digging.

8.    If the weather is still warm enough you might want to try laying a trap. Set up motion activated sprinklers around the garden, set to spray if the squirrels manage to get to the garden.

9.    You can discourage some activity just by simple changes in your gardening routine. Make sure you clean up after planting your bulbs; remove the debris, especially the flakey skins from the bulbs. Leaving these out in the garden can attract the squirrels, signaling dinner has arrived.

10.    Try to leave your bulb planting as late as you can in the fall, but before the ground freezes. I try to time my planting until the day before we get the first big snowstorm, generally in November. This technique may be for the diehards however because you may freeze some fingers off.

What not to do.

Despite urban myths, mothballs are not effective and are extremely toxic. Setting out poison for the squirrels is also very dangerous.

If all else fails?

Try planting bulbs that are more pest resistant, such as:

-    Daffodils
-    Fritillaria
-    Glory of the Snow
-    Ipheion
-    Ornamental Alliums
-    Scilla
-    Spanish Bluebells

Right now, the Exteriors for Living online shop is have a spring bulb sale.

Spend $50

Receive 10 FREE daffodil bulbs.

 

Spend $75

FREE SHIPPING within the GTA.*

 

Spend $100

Save $10 off of your next order.

 

Offer lasts until October 15th. Stock up your garden for spring.

*Please enter "GTAFREE" in coupon code area.

 

 

Photo used under Creative Commons license
Copyright Benny Mazur

Japanese Beetles have made their way through the Toronto landscape at an unprecedented rate this year. Now, I’m no “bugspert” so who knows if it’s the heat or just the unusually dry summer we've had that has made their population explode this year, but I do have a few tips to get them out of your garden.

What are they?

Japanese beetles are about 1.5 centimetres long with a copper coloured body and green head. They originate from, surprise, Japan.

Having no natural predators in North America these pesky little buggers have been eating and breeding their way through the foliage unchecked.

New adults tend to emerge around the end of June when they immediately start feasting on and defoliating your garden. They tend to congregate in packs and by mid-July they are already laying eggs in your soil.

How to get rid of them?

Step 1, squish them. Step2, squish them again.

Ok, ok, effective, but a little gross. So try drowning them. Seriously. Get a bucket of water with some added dish detergent. Sweep any you see off you plants and into your soapy water.

You can also try using a small hand held vacuum or dust buster. Just vacuum the critters off plants and empty them into soapy water.

If you’re dealing with a bigger invasion you might want to try commercially available Japanese beetle traps specifically for this purpose. I tried some traps this past week and a client was able to collect three bags worth of beetles. The Safers brand beetle trap seems to perform the best.

The beetle traps work using pheromones and pollen scents. So you will want to keep the traps as far away from the vegetation you are trying to protect as possible. They should be set preferably at a distance of about 50 feet and downwind if at all possible.

Of course now we are approaching fall and the Japanese beetle larvae are already crawling around in the soil, possibly munching on the roots of your grass. You’ll want to kill as many as possible now before they are able to winter in your soil and pop out next spring.

The most natural way to handle this is to get some beneficial nematodes for your fine local garden centres and nurseries. Nematodes, specifically the Heterorhabditis spp., or Hb variety, can help control larval production. You’ll need to mix the nematodes with water at home and apply to your grounds when the air temperature is above 15 degrees Celsius. You’ll want to get this done within the first few weeks of September and remember to apply well to all soils, lawn, flowerbeds and even plant containers.

Well, I hope this helps and stay dialed in for more articles on fall maintenance and prepping your space for spring.

Keep up the bug fight,

Jennifer Hayman

It was such a pleasure to work with Maria & Jeremy once again on their backyard oasis.  Their new home in Leaside had a backyard that required some serious TLC but had the framework for a really unique outdoor room.

We began the transformation by removing the neglected garage that divided the backyard into two unusable areas and also removed the old pressure-treated deck boards and railing.  We expanded the upper deck area and added updated horizontal cedar fencing for privacy and deep deck treads for overflow seating.  The garden structure hiding in the far corner of the property was now visible and became our focal point and set the stage for a romantic outdoor dining room.

The rest of the garden hosts a series of contemporary horizontal cedar privacy panels, low-maintenance four-season planting, contemporary containers with decorative twig panels and grasses, a rectilinear lawn area with a flagstone mowing strip and walkway.  And last but not least, Dad built a great little playhouse for the little ones. We added a stepping stone path that meandered through the mature wooded area creating a true enchanted garden.

All in all, a garden made for everyone.   

"I just wanted to write a few words to let you know once again how happy we are with the garden you have created for us. As you know we were thrilled with your design for our Riverdale garden back in 2007. Now in our new home we find ourselves equally delighted with your latest vision. You were able to blend perfectly both my husband and my ideas for our backyard. It’s a perfect retreat, play area and entertaining garden! Thank you Jennifer!"
Maria and Jeremy

After - low-maintenance gardens

After - horizontal cedar privacy panels, rectilinear lawn, low-maintenance gardens

After - expanded cedar deck, steps and flagstone walkway

After - deep wide steps for overflow seating for the kids

After - our garden structure after the make-over (note the yellow chandelier!)

After - new contemporary planters to break up neighbour's expansive stucco wall

Before- old garage and very small deck 

Before - garden structure hiding at back of property

Before - very small usable backyard

 

We were thrilled to be asked to furnish the award-winning "Ethnography" feature garden at this year's Canada Blooms, Garden and Flower Show.  Winner for best small garden and best use of theme, the "Ethnography" garden by Tony Lombardi of Dr. Landscape is a must see!


Exteriors For Living has decorated this new space with the Vera Lounge Chair (and off-white cushion), a new product line this season from Emu in Italy. A true juxtaposition between old world charm and new urban living, the Vera was a perfect choice to complement this absolutely fantastic outdoor living space.  The Karen Bistro set is another one of our favourite new lines this season.  This chrome and oiled teak bistro set is perfectly suited for any urban oasis and a great option for small spaces.  


Visit www.exteriorsforliving.com to see our new collection of outdoor furnishings and garden decor.

We're excited to participate in the 2012 Canada Blooms Show.  Our team has been asked to design and install the landscape lighting at the Unilock "A Place To Connect" feature garden (see work in progress images).  "A Place To Connect" is a beautiful show garden, equipped with a fireplace and multiple water features,  showcasing many of Unilock's product offerings.

 

Really impressed with this new line of stand-alone fire features from Conmoto!  These smokeless, portable fire features bring warmth to your outdoor room, without the expense of a custom built installation.  You can bring them with you from room to room, indoors or out. Designed in Italy. How gorgeous is this Roll Fire!

Thank you to my wonderful clients for sharing these pics.  Planted less than 5 years ago, this garden continues to provide curb appeal all year long!

I state my case...A well designed garden should always look terrific (or even better) in winter!  But enough of winter...spring is already here...and we're waiting!

See the full gallery on Posterous