Shows
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 26, 2025 - LawnSense 2025Its 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...2025-07-2653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 19, 2025 - July All-StarsAll 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...2025-07-1953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 12, 2025 - LiliesCurrently 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...2025-07-1253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 5, 2025 - Pruning In JulyTHINGS 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? 2025-07-0553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 28, 2025 - TGS Colour Series: Red and WhiteHappy 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...2025-06-2853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 21, 2025 - Bugsense: Invasives and BeneficialsSo 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...2025-06-2153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 14, 2025 - Rockeries and AlpinesThat’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...2025-06-1453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 31, 2025 - Annuals and Small ContainersTrowels 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...2025-05-3153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 24, 2025 - LilacsIt’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...2025-05-2453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 10, 2025 - Ornamentals 2025Ornaments!? 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...2025-05-1053 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, April 26, 2025 - Celebrating Spring pt. 3Let'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...2025-04-2653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, April 12, 2025 - Celebrating Spring pt. 1Its 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...2025-04-1253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 29, 2025 - Multi-Purpose Plants pt. 1So 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...2025-03-2953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 22, 2025 - Flooding 2025Splish, 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...2025-03-2253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 15, 2025 - Birds And HorticultureAhhhh, 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...2025-03-1553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 1, 2025 - Snowmageddon pt. 2And 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...2025-03-0153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 22, 2025 - Snowmageddon 2025 pt. 1So 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...2025-02-2253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 15, 2025 - Grown In CanadaSo 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...2025-02-1553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 8, 2025 - Sexy Plants 2025"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...2025-02-0853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Jan. 18, 2025 - California WildfiresThe 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...2025-01-1853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Jan 11, 2025 - Gone: WinterWhat 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? 2025-01-1153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Jan 4, 2025 - Night Vision 2025The 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...2025-01-0453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Dec 28, 2024 - New Years 2024And 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...2024-12-2854 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Dec 21, 2024 - Christmas Visitors 2024The 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...2024-12-2153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Dec 14, 2024 - Christmas All-Stars 2024Its 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...2024-12-1453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov. 30, 2024 - Weathering The ExtremesHow 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...2024-11-3053 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov. 9, 2024 - Bedtime 2024 pt. 1Feeling sleepy? Well, its that time of year. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss putting your gardens to bed on this week's episode of The Growing Season. As they do every year, The McFarlands highlight some innovative ways to prep your horticultural spaces for the long sleep. Jack and Lynne have dealt with mouse issues recently. Matt discusses the ways he helps clients to safe guard against mouse invasion. The least you need to know? Your AC and Furnace might be the cause of all the mice you're finding in your home.2024-11-0953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov 2, 2024 - Being Stylish: Courtyard GardensInspired by a recent job, The Growing Season dives into the ins and outs of "Courtyard Gardens."What exactly is a Courtyard Garden? What is the difference between a courtyard and a patio? Are there similarities? The history of the courtyard its highlighted and Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into their experiences with such spaces. What plants are appropriate OR on-style for courtyard locations. With sun and shade being considerations the trio dive into recommendations. With the garden being surrounded by walls how do you deal with the heat emanating from...2024-11-0253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct. 26, 2024 - Halloween 2024Its the spookiest time of the year!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the horticultural aspects of Halloween. The history of the holiday, where it originated and why its still celebrated today kick the show off.Pumpkins, beets and turnips have been used a jack-o-lanterns throughout the course of history. A character named "Stingy Jack" is discussed. Can livestock eat the pumpkins after they are used on Halloween?Sugar cane is a prominent plant material in Halloween's events. The trio discuss. Peanuts and how they grow are...2024-10-2653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct. 19, 2024 - FrostStay frosty…Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the cold, hard facts about frost and it’s relation to the plants in your garden. The Growing Season gets chilly. What exactly is frost? The trio explain. Does frost affect leaf drop on your deciduous plants? High frost vs. low frost - the battle rages on. Thickly leaved plants seem to tolerate frost. Ligularia, sedums and various hostas are known to be frost tolerant. A simple sprinkler system might be the thing to delay frost dama...2024-10-1953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct 12, 2024 - Fall Colour and ThanksgivingIts a tough time of year to be a turkey! BUT, its a wonderful time of year to be a tree!Thanksgiving in Canada features prominently on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into the history of Thanksgiving and why it is celebrated at different times in the Great White North. Matt talks about the challenges of dressing his kids this time of year. Jack reminisces about this time last year.Turkey families...How are the chicks parented?Cranberries - why is th...2024-10-1253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct. 5, 2024 - Mums and Fall BulbsThis episode of The Growing Season is brought to you from the bottom of a hole filled with fall bulbs. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide this week's show into a colourful cornucopia of mums and bulbs. Chrysanthemums - the all-stars of this time of year but Matt argues that Asters are Asterlutely better. Listen in to find out why. Are the planting of bulbs and mums in fashion these days? The McFarlands debate.How do you choose a mum at the store? How are mums and poinsettias similar?Mums...2024-10-0553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Sept. 28, 2024 - 5 Year AnniversaryIt’s that time of year again. The Growing Season celebrates 5 years on the airwaves by highlighting what they’ve learned over the last year in horticulture. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the weather. Rain, rain, rain and more rain kick off the show. The GTA set records for precipitation this past summer so it’s fitting that precipitation is where we start. Pasta. Matt talks about pasta. What? Are cedars easy to transplant? Not so much. Matt explains his thoughts on the subject. What measures have th...2024-09-2853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Sept. 21, 2024 - Being Stylish: Country Cottage GardensCottage season is drawing to a close, with many of us lamenting it’s exit. BUT, that doesn’t mean we can’t squeeze the few final drops of cottaging into this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland do an about face from last week’s affairs and dove into the colourful chaos of Country Cottage Gardens on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. What is the difference between Japanese Gardens and Country Cottage Gardens? Are there tie-ins between English Gardens and Country Cottage Garde...2024-09-2153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Sept. 7, 2024 - PollenAre you sneezing with bloodshot eyes and a swollen mess? Yup. It’s that time of year. Seasonal allergies running rampant ruining your routine regularly. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss all things pollen on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Jack and Lynne discuss the absolute monster of a bald faced hornets nest that has appeared in one of their trees. What are the different methods of pollination? How are tropical plants pollinated? The most heavy duty pollinating plants are explored and the timeframes when they seek to...2024-09-0753 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Aug. 31, 2024 - Labour Day 2024We’ll that’s a laborious undertaking. Horticultural construction can be a tiring but rewarding endeavour. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate Labour Day by discussing some of the ways they make professional horticulture easier. Jack discusses the differences between how a jobsite was run in the 1970’s compared to now. Matt dives deep into how he makes pruning easier for his clientele after they’ve had their property upgraded by The Growing Season. “Tuning their pruning…”Can you use animals feces as fertilizer? Matt talks about wh...2024-08-3153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Aug 24, 2024 - August All-StarsThe days are getting shorter. The nights are getting cooler.Its August, but that doesn't mean that the growing season is over.Speaking of The Growing Season, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland touch on the all stars of August on this week's show. BUT FIRST: We have officially survived the rainiest summer on record in the GTA. Yeah. It’s been that rainy. We’ve over doubled our average rainfall for the months of June to August, pummelling the old record into oblivion. Biologically, how does all this rain effect your plant m...2024-08-2453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Aug 17, 2024 - TGS Colour Series: Red 2024We’re seeing red! The TGS Colour Series continues its colourful journey on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight all things red and horticultural. Roses feature prominently to the surprise of no one. Matt discusses some of the rules he’s set up for himself with regards to roses. There are supposedly “indestructible” roses. Is that true? We highlight it. Do the pollinators see red? How about hummingbirds? The McFarland’s suggest plant materials that will attract your polliniferous pals. Japanese qu...2024-08-1753 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Aug 3, 2024 - Horticultural Holiday HazardsCue "Holiday Road" by Lindsay Buckingham... You know the song - from the Vacation Movies.I found out long ago(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)It's a long way down the Holiday Road(Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)Holiday Road...Holiday Road....BUT THEN DISASTER STRIKES!Mosquitos, wasps, hornets, ants, flys, poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak are just some of the things that can ruin a rendezvous with Christie Brinkley in her Ferrari 308 GTS Quattrovalvole (WHAT. A. CAR!). Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland break down the horticultural hazards that can make y...2024-08-0353 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 27, 2024 - Surviving The FloodAt the time of recording the Greater Toronto Area has received a summer's worth of rain in just 4 weeks. Less than one month into summer and the many of us have seen as much or more rain than we usually get in 3 full months. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the absolutely insane amount of precipitation we've seen this year. French drains, dry wells and all manners of flood mitigation methods are discussed. Why are there more flood incidents recently? Matt discusses a bylaw that he feels should be passed. It will e...2024-07-2753 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 13, 2024 - Ferns 2024All hail Charlotte's Web!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the ins and outs of using ferns in your landscape and/or your landscape designs. Matt details the various degrees of success he's had with using ferns and, specifically, fern varieties. The fern life-cycle is explored. Outside of the spores that we all have heard about puddles and gametophytes feature prominently. Do ferns display a fall colour change? What varieties would you use to feature this change to its fullest effect?Ferns and fiddleheads. How should your prepare the fiddle...2024-07-1353 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, July 6, 2024 - Hydrangeas 2024They're one of the most asked about plant materials on sites and designs and The McFarlands spend 54 minutes discussing them on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland spend close to an hour on hydrangeas. From 5-10 classic varieties to dozens upon dozens of variations of the flowering shrub the hydrangea has bloomed in popularity. Oakleaf, big leaf, smooth, french, panicle and climbers are all discussed alongside how and what to design in with them. Is it true that hydrangeas can take dense shade? Yes and no. ...2024-07-0653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 29, 2024 - Ornamental GrassesChildren of the wind, rejoice! Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland unearth the secrets of ornamental grasses on this week's episode of The Growing Season. All grasses can be linked back to something called "The Timothy Grass." What's the history of said grass? How does the lineage work?What about grasses in shade? They exist and THEY ARE WONDERFUL!Matt tells a story about lilac's pollinating and by-law officers. Not kidding.Forest grass, festuca, Red Baron grass, ribbon grass, zebra grass and sedges all come into focus. Jack expla...2024-06-2953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 22, 2024 - Cancer and HorticultureYou’d be amazed at how many horticultural organisms have cancer fighting elements built in. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland base this week’s episode of The Growing Season on Jack’s recovery from cancer. Jack details his stay at the Princess Margaret Cancer Lodge and how The Growing Season can get involved in the gardens there. Black Walnut, maple, pines are just some of the plants that are discussed. BUT! Insects. Insects come into focus. Ants are being used to “sniff out” cancer tumours. Studies are being conducted but the early resul...2024-06-2253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 15, 2024 - Roses 2024So they're not as much work as everyone says!ROSES. Years ago this word struck fear into the hearts of many a gardener. Roses, renown for their beautiful blooms and fragrance BUT along with that comes disease, fungus and insects. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland cautiously guide this week's episode of The Growing Season into the world of roses. Matt rants - which is becoming commonplace. The correlation between pollinators and roses starts the show. The history of the rose, the cultivation methods and the various sub-groups of these lovely...2024-06-1553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 8, 2024 - Waterfalls"Splish splash I was taking a bath...."One of the most maintenance heavy features for your garden takes centre stage on this week's episode of The Growing Season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland uncover the ins and outs of installing a water feature.Matt discusses why he moved away from installing the outdoor water holes and what drove him to get back into it. Has the technology changed since he was away? What is new and exciting? Leaking used to be a real issue but there have been developments in...2024-06-0853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 1, 2024 - Suburban RainforestThe GTA has had record levels of rainfall over the last 6-8 weeks. What does that mean for gardeners. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland open this week’s episode of The Growing Season with a rant from Matt. Matt is offended! Fear does all this rain mean for the growth of your plant material outside of rapid growth? Disease and fungus can be exacerbated by rain. What should you look out for when it comes to moisture and disease. The trio chat about pruning at this time of year. 2024-06-0153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 25, 2024 - Annuals Vs. PerennialsLLLLLEEEETTSS GET READY TO RRRRRUUUUUMMMMBBBBLLLLEEE!In what will be called the greatest battle horticulture has ever seen The Growing Season has ringside seats in the fight between annuals and perennials.Which will come out victorious? Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland weigh in on the debate on this week's show? Aren't annuals more financially feasible? Why choose perennials? What is an annual? Is a Butterfly Bush an annual? For The Growing Season it kinda is! Dahlias - are they annuals? Kinda. The McFarland's chat about how to pick an ann...2024-05-2553 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 18, 2024 - Long BloomersFollow my lead! Green is all you need. In some cases, the statement above is correct. Horticulturally, green is used to keep your plant pals growing strong. But what about colour? Is it possible to have all that green hold hands with some prolonged colour over the course of the spring, summer and fall?Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland talk about long bloomers on this week's episode of The Growing Season.What is a long bloomer? How long is long in a bloomer? The McFarland's reveal a little about how they design w...2024-05-1853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, May 11, 2024 - Tearful Trees (Weeping Trees)Easy now! There's no reason to get upset.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into trees that tear tirelessly. They WEEP! You get it? The various organisms that are pendulous in nature become the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season. "Pleaching" is discussed but Matt has no idea what it is.Weeping beech, weeping willow, weeping redbud, weeping Japanese maple and the HOLY GRAIL of weepers - The Camperdown Elm are just some of focus. This is flowering cherry season! Many cherry trees weep so why not ch...2024-05-1154 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, April 27, 2024 - The Colour Series: Yellow 2024Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland steer this week's episode of The Growing Season into all things Yellow. The Growing Season's Colour Series continues with a colour that tends to be a divisive topic amongst gardeners.Are you a fan of the colour yellow? Do you dislike it? If so, why?Many of the heavy hitters in a yellow variety feature: Dandelions, witch hazel, forsythia, daylily, tickseed, black eyed susie.Matt detests forsythia and he explains why.The trio discuss the loveliness of Japanese Kerria. IT IS THE BEST. ...2024-04-2753 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, April 6, 2024 - Celebrating Spring Part 3: Spring PruningIts safe to finally prune your plants, people!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland guide The Growing Season into the heart of spring pruning and all of its related topics. When can you prune? If its been 10 degrees during the daytime over the course of 7 days you are good to go. How do you transition plants from indoors to outdoors? What about those hydrangeas that you received for easter? Can those be transplanted? How?Jack McFarland creates a sound bite for the ages. "Your plant is not sick because its bei...2024-04-0653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 30, 2024 - Celebrating Spring pt. 2Bunnies, bulbs and bougainvillea! We’ll, not the last one but it started with “B” so it fit. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue to celebrate spring on The Growing Season. McFarland Park is about to undergo an expansion. The trio detail the new elements to be installed. Jack and Lynne offer an update that may impact the show slightly over the next few months. We’d love your positive thoughts and energy. Onto horticulture! Being that it’s Easter weekend why not focus on Hydrangeas and Easter Lille...2024-03-3053 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, March 16, 2024 - Gardens Through TimeLets get down to some horticultural history.Gardens through time are the focus of this week's episode of The Growing Season. The Aztecs, The Myans, The Romans, The French, The Indians and The Japanese come into focus as some of the innovators in garden tech. The French, in particular, have some sordid history intertwined with their horticulture. THEY HAD THEIR CAKE AND ATE AND ATE AND ATE!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland meander through the history books and uncover some of the most discussed horticultural spaces that have ever graced a la...2024-03-1653 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 24, 2024 - eXtremesSoooo, how exactly does that dandelion grown AND THRIVE in the asphalt on the 401?Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss extremes and how horticultural organisms have adapted to exist in such environments. Alpine areas, extreme cold, extreme heat, lack of oxygen and many locations come into focus on this episode of The Growing Season. How exactly do they grow plant materials on the space station? What measures are taken to ensure success?The adaptations of plants growing in extremely moist areas is an interesting topic. To make a long st...2024-02-2453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 17, 2024 - Put Your Plants On 2024Knickers made of nettles? Wouldn't that hurt?This week Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss how horticulture and textiles converge. The Growing Season tackles the putting on of your plants, as in how textiles are created using plants in an effort to increase sustainability. Athletic supports, dresses, tops, bottoms, hand bags and many more garments are all being made using materials like potato skins, pineapple parts and apples. Can you get high if your hemp hoodie burns? The trio pontificate. Matt rants on organic farming. Parblex... Popular in Ir...2024-02-1753 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Feb 3, 2024 - Prehistoric PlantsLife finds a way…Matt McFarland’s love of Jurassic Park takes centre stage on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Are there any prehistoric plants still around in present day? You’ll be surprised to learn that the answer is resounding yes. A breakdown of the lifecycle of the Gingko tree is tasked on the trio. Trees the size of skyscrapers, bees changing size, and volcanic soil all fit into the McFarland’s trip into prehistoric plants. A group of super secret pines in Australia is discussed...2024-02-0353 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Dec 30, 2023 - New Years 2023And that's a wrap, ladies and gents. The final episode of The Growing Season focuses on the horticultural aspects of the final party of the year.Beverages of all sorts are discussed. Terroir and its effect on the taste of wine and coffee becomes a topic of interest for Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland. Does the mineral content of the rain in your area affect how your coffee will taste? What about the micro particles that make up your soil? Alcohol... You knew it was coming. What, on the plant...2023-12-3053 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Dec 2, 2023 - White ChristmasYeah, but what about that fluffy rain? With the holiday season in full swing, The Growing Season kicks of the season in style.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the hanging of Christmas Lights, Christmas Movies and the songs that make the season. The subject of snow is front and centre and The McFarland's discuss the shovelling of it and the health risks associated with such an activity. Identical snowflakes? Science fiction or fact? How to prep your snowblower for the upcoming season is chatted about. The Weather Network's Mark Robinson...2023-12-0253 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov 18, 2023 - Winter Survival: Humans, Insects and AnimalsSome birds and butterflies fly south but where do the other creatures go?This week's episode of The Growing Season dives into migration south and the staygration that many creatures employ to survive the sub-zero months.Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland chat about skunks, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks and many more of the critters that cohabitate with us. How long can a human survive buried underneath snow? An interesting story emerges. A hilarious skit concerning a posse of rabbits develops. Jack and Matt discuss deer damage on trees and shrubs an...2023-11-1853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov. 11, 2023 - Bed Time 2023 pt. 2Lets get ready for the long sleep one more time...In part 2 of this series The Growing Season jumps into a pile of leaves before they're blown into the flower beds for the off-season. In honour of Remembrance Day Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss poppies and why they were so prominent in Flander's Fields. You'll be surprised to learn why the poppies thrived in a war-time environment. What is the most dangerous thing found in a pile of leaves? Cars setting leaves on fire? Yup. the trio discuss it. Ov...2023-11-1153 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Nov. 4, 2023 - Bed Time 2023 pt. 1Lets get ready for the long sleep!In part 1 of this series The Growing Season jumps into a pile of leaves before they're blown into the flower beds for the off-season. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the how-to's of what to do to get your property prepped for the winter season. How do you prep your lawn for a long sleep? What are the benefits of gypsum? Can you use it in the fall? The composition of triple mix topsoil is discussed and how it relates to all those leaves you...2023-11-0453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct. 28, 2023 - Halloween and Poison PlantsPumpkins, poison plants, grave digging and cows. Wait... is this the wrong show?The Growing Season dives into all things halloween and how the spookiest time of the year intersects with horticulture. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland chat about pumpkins and turnips and various other plants that can be carved into jack-o-lanterns. What is the difference between poison and toxic? The trio uncover the answers. Loco-weed, belladonna, yews, elderberry, mountain ash berries and many others are discussed with respect to their possible poison parts. Matt discusses his trip to Cub...2023-10-2853 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Oct. 14, 2023 - Autumn's Beauty pt. 1"AND ITS ALL ABOUT THAT RAKE, 'BOUT THAT RAKE, NO SHOVEL!!!"It's autumn, the leaves are changing colour and falling from their lofty perches. It happens every year and every year we marvel at its magnificence. The Growing Season celebrates autumn and its horticultural goings on in part 1 of this series. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland explain the science behind fall colour. Red Maples, Sugar Maples, Red Oaks, Gingko, Black Tupelo, Sumac, Tiger Eyes Sumac, Poplar, Birch and Aspen are just some of the plants discussed. Why was the hydr...2023-10-1453 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Sept 24, 2023 - Overs: Over-watering, over-fertilizing and more"What's wrong with my [FILL IN THE BLANK]?" "I water it routinely, it’s fertilized on a six week cycle, I prune it religiously and it’s not thriving!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland hear this ALL. THE. TIME. In fact, the correlation between over-caring for your plant materials and their failure to thrive is a strong one. On this episode of The Growing Season, the McFarland's guide you through the ins and outs of "Overs," as in over-watering, over-pruning, over-fertilizing and over-salting. What are some simple guidelines for fertilizin...2023-09-2353 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Sept 9, 2023 - Repeat BloomersTHERE'S MORE???The Growing Season dives into the plant materials that give you not ONE but TWO blooming cycles per season. Let's get this straight - there are plants that will bloom more than once? YUP. In fact, there are many.Bloomerang Lilac, Sonic Bloom Weigela, Japanese Kerria, Daylilies, Yarrow and Black Eyed Susans are just some of the plant materials that are discussed in the 54 minutes that Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland spend chatting. Why is the fall colour coming so early this year? The trio try to get t...2023-09-0953 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, Aug 26, 2023 - The Colour Series: Orange 2023Orange you glad you tuned in?We know, it’s an eye-rollingly terrible joke BUT it’s super topical. Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the colour orange in horticultural terms on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. Coneflower, quince, nasturtium, day lilies and some of the most gorgeous azaleas around are a fraction of the plant materials discussed. Potentilla has been given a name change and Matt rants about it. The McFarland’s highlight the orange variety as well as its groundcover option. Companion colours to orange an...2023-08-2654 min
The Growing SeasonThe Growing Season, June 17, 2023 - Weddings and HorticultureIt’s that time of year! Flowers in bloom, birds chirping and speeches from your aunt Trudy about how you covered yourself in peanut butter and rolled around on her white couches as a kid. IT’S WEDDING SEASON!Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss how horticulture intersects with weddings during the most popular month to tie the knot. Roses, Lily of the valley, carnations, ferns, even dandelions get some love in the plant department. How can you extend the life of your bouquet? How do florists ensure blooming for t...2023-06-1753 min