Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, Mississauga boasts a vibrant community and a thriving urban landscape. As the city grows, so does the importance of sustainability. One impactful way to contribute to a greener future is by cultivating a sustainable garden. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, here are a few tips to help you create an eco-friendly oasis right in the heart of Mississauga. Use Native Plants Embrace the natural beauty of Mississauga by incorporating native plants into your garden. Native species are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water and maintenance. They also provide essential habitat and food for native wildlife, fostering biodiversity in your backyard. Prioritize Water Conservation Since water conservation is crucial in our community, one of the best ways to respect the environment is to opt for drought-tolerant plants and implement water-saving techniques such as mulching and drip irrigation. You can also collect rainwater in barrels to use for watering your garden, reducing your reliance on municipal water sources. Compost Your Leftovers Turn your kitchen scraps and garden waste into nutrient-rich compost to enrich your soil naturally. Composting not only reduces the waste sent to landfills but also enhances soil structure and fertility, promoting healthier plant growth and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Implement Organic Gardening Practices Say no to harmful pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that can harm beneficial insects, soil microbes, and waterways. Instead, practice organic gardening methods such as plant rotation, companion planting, and integrated pest management to keep your garden healthy and balanced. Build Wildlife Habitats Create a welcoming habitat for local wildlife by incorporating features such as bird feeders, bee hotels, and butterfly gardens into your landscape. These additions not only attract fascinating creatures but also contribute to pollination and natural pest control. Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle Get creative with repurposing materials in your garden to minimize waste and reduce your ecological footprint. Use reclaimed wood for raised beds, repurpose containers for planters, and recycle household items as garden decorations or tools. Never Stop Learning Even after your sustainable garden is established, try to stay informed about sustainable gardening techniques and innovations by attending local workshops, joining gardening clubs, or following online resources and forums. Gardening is a journey of continuous learning, and staying updated can help you adapt and improve your practices over time. Adapt to the Seasons Practice mindful garden maintenance throughout the seasons to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of your garden. Regularly assess plant health, manage weeds manually or with natural methods, and adjust watering and fertilizing schedules based on weather conditions. Celebrate Successes Don't be a afraid to take pride in the positive impact your sustainable garden has on the environment and the community. Share your successes, big or small, and celebrate milestones such as harvests, wildlife sightings, and increased biodiversity in your garden. Sustainable gardening should be a fun endeavor, so enjoy every accomplishment, no matter how small it might seem! By following these tips, you can create a thriving and sustainable garden that not only enhances the beauty of your home but also contributes to a healthier planet for future generations to enjoy. Start small, experiment, and watch your garden grow into a green sanctuary that inspires others to follow suit in cultivating a more sustainable world. Need a little help starting your sustainable gardening journey? Our garden designers and installers are just a call away!

With three large lakes less than 300 kilometers away, our climate in Mississauga is unique. Summers are warm and generally pleasant, but winters can be very windy with plenty of cloud cover. This presents a challenge when choosing perennial landscaping plants - they must be hardy enough to survive the winter without getting scorched on the hottest days of the summer. As in any climate, the best way to ensure that your landscape thrives is to use as many native plants as possible. Here are a few of our favorite local species to bring color and year-round life to your landscape: Milkweed Asclepias incarnata, also known as swamp milkweed or rose milkweed, is a native perennial that produces pink, purple, or white flowers during the summer. It can grow up to 150 cm tall, providing visual interest in larger flower gardens where it remains fully visible behind smaller plants. Milkweed thrives in damp soil and can handle both full sun and partial shade. Its blooms can be cut and used to beautify the inside of your home as well - milkweed flowers last longer after being cut than many other flower species. And as an added bonus, milkweed is one of the favorite foods of Monarch butterflies, so you just might attract a few very welcome guests to your landscape! Canada Anemone Canada anemone, native to the shores of Lake Ontario, is one of our favorite groundcover plants thanks to its interesting leaves and white flowers. While it can be too aggressive to plant near some smaller or more delicate species, it is great at filling in areas that remain too moist for more traditional lawn coverings. It’s low profile also allows you to mow over it without damaging it if you use proper lawn mower settings. If you are looking for hardy, low maintenance ground cover that also produces attractive flowers, Canada anemone is the way to go. Once it takes root in your lawn or garden bed, it will give you beautiful greenery for many seasons with very little effort! Red Dogwood Red dogwood is a favorite landscaping shrub in many northern climates thanks to its hardiness and adaptability. It produces white flowers in the spring, then white berries in late summer. Our favorite thing about this large shrub, however, is the winter color it brings. As its leaves fall in autumn, its red branches become the perfect focal point for a winter landscape. Native to North America, red dogwood can grow in dry conditions and can also tolerate standing water. It thrives in partial shade to full sun, and will provide great shade for your yard when it reaches maturity. It can grow to be 2 to 2.5 meters tall, but can also be trimmed back almost to the ground every few years if you want to keep it small. Whether you plant a single shrub or use it to line your property, red dogwood plants will serve you well for many years with just a little bit of tending!