The Growing Season

You think it's wintry in the GTA?   Lets look and see what's happening in The Northwest Territories. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue the new year with a deep dive into Horticulture in the Northwest Territories on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Matt highlights a wonderful development in his career.  Its been years in the making. 

A travelogue starts the proceedings. 

Why is Yellowknife called Yellowknife?   HINT:  It has to do with Yellow Knives! 

Frost free days and growing produce - what is the correlation?  What happens when you s...

What if!?

That's how we start off in 2026.  Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland get hypothetical. 

The Growing Season kicks off the new year with your lawn in mind.   Your lawn, as in the thing buried under the snow.  Its gone!

What if our grasslands just disappeared?  How would that effect our ecology?

Why this topic? Why now? What is the opposite of grasslands?  You'd be surprised to learn. 

The differences between the water consumption of grasslands and forests are compared and contrasted. 

Sound dampening of Grasslands and Trees...

Take your fern to a film on New Years! 

The Growing Season celebrates New Years in style by celebrating the intersection of film and horticulture.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt discuss some of the ways blockbuster movies and TV shows have highlighted wonderful biomes. 

New Years resolutions kick the show off.  Stranger Things' final episodes feature prominently. 

Media and music personalities that have left us this year are discussed. 

What does a location scout do for a living?  How does one become a location scout? Is location scouting a job that is...

Santa Claus is coming to town!

In the penultimate episode of The Growing Season for 2025, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the some of your horticultural holiday favourites.

Could you start a holiday themed decking company?  Famous Christmas music and moves kick the show off. Bing Crosby becomes a topic of discussion. 

"All I want for Christmas," Mariah Carey's ubiquitous holiday hit has sold some copies.  LIKE A LOT OF COPIES. 

Christmas Vacation, It's A Wonderful Life, Home Alone and Miracle on 34th Street are all talking points. 

Frakincense and m...

You knew it was coming! 

Evergreens and Christmas Trees draw the spotlight on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland highlight THE focal point of the Christmas Season for those of us that lean into horticultural interests. 

What came first - evergreens or deciduous plants?  You'll be surprised to know. 

Do real Christmas trees provide significant income to those selling them at this time of year? 

The pros and cons of real and artificial Christmas Trees are discussed.  Cancer, oxygen and the health benefits of eith...

Santa Claus is coming to town!

That's right, here we go.  Christmas 2025 on The Growing Season.  

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland are pleased to add a new entry to their annual holiday fare.  "Planted For Christmas" features 54 minutes of what you can plant in your horticultural space to harvest for Christmas decorations. 

Christmas light foibles kick the show off. Matt discusses how to plan ahead for your holiday decorating during the design phase of your landscape. Conduits and spruce are some highlights. 

Dogwoods and their family members feature prominently on Growing Seaso...

Brrrrr.  That's cold! 

Its upon us.  The rain has turned white and remains on the ground. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss how humans navigate winter on this episode of The Growing Season.  

Matt discusses his love of The Weather Network and snow days.   Lynne delivers the bad news about this winter's forecast. 

Brine, road salt and the methods used to de-ice roads are highlighted.  "Beet-brine" is the last tech on the scene.  You read that correctly. 

The McFarland Query System returns to insult The McFarlands.  How to properly apply de-ic...

Humans aren't the only ones that have to adapt to a colder climate during the winter months. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland track the migration patterns of Canada geese.  Why do they fly south for the winter.  "Whiffing" is a landing maneuver used by geese.  What is it used for? 

Matt talks about his love of the film "Predator: Badlands." Go and see it. 

Down jackets worn by birds in the winter is a real thing.  Birds have remarkable winter adaptations. 

Pets and winter boots is a hilarious sight to behold.  It was a...

More snoozy for your flower beds! 

BedTime continues on The Growing Season and The McFarlands jump in with aplomb. 

Can you plant trees at this time of the year?  Jack McFarland explains why this is a GREAT time to plant large deciduous organisms.  

Matt tells a red maple story that he is about to plant for a longtime client.  Speaking of trees, Matt explains the measures he takes when planting large trees at this time of year.  There are some slight differences between planting now and other times of the year.

Defens...

Is it sleepy-time yet? 

Almost.  The McFarlands guide The Growing Season into the final stretch of the horticultural season on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

Poppies kick off the show and Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss poppy bloom time and why they don't use many poppies on designs.  Hint:  think peonies. 

Why did poppies grow vigorously in Flanders Fields?  You'll be surprised to know. 

An extended version of "Imagine If You Will" takes the listeners back 100 years to find out how homeowners were prepping their flower beds for the win...

Challenge accepted!!!

With the horticultural season wrapping up, Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland discuss the challenges they faced this year on this week’s episode of The Growing Season. 

Winter 2025 kicks off the show’s content.  How did it feed into this summer’s water table?

A rainy May and then blistering heat for the remainder of the summer.  Do you remember how HOT it was?

There were 18 days of temps above 30 celsius BEFORE the humid in summer 2025. 

What is the “litter layer” of your topsoil? What are “hydrophobic soils?” The trio...

Is that your Mum?

Its that time of year, ladies and gents.  The Growing Season highlights the wonders of fall on this week's episode. 

Fall Mums, bulbs and much more are the fare that The McFarlands dine out on this week.  

Halloween kicks off the show. Matt talks a little about his kids and their halloween adventures.  On the horticultural side, is it time to remove your annuals?  The trio discuss. 

Ragweed is still raging and pollinating.  How is that possible? 

The Toronto Blue Jays are World Series bound so the M...

But wait!  There's more!

Break out your Combine Harvesters and enjoy this week's episode of The Growing Season.  Harvest continues to feature front and centre. 

The McFarland's update you, the listener, on Jack's health. 

Matt McFarland discusses how the combine harvester featured prominently into his son's formative years. 

The trio play "The Agricultural Trivia Show" to great results. 

What is to leave the field "fallow?"  Why would someone want to participate in this practice? 

Jack talks about 30" carrots.  HUGE!

Zero till has major benefits.  Lynne discusses...

Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!

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

Turkey's, Thanksgiving, loosening the belts and much more start the show off in style. 

Pumpkin spice and pies are holiday favourites that Matt tees off on.  Matt gets ranty with Jack about cranberries. 

Do cranberries grow in water?   Why are they harvested this way? Jack thinks he may need cranberries. 

The three sisters!!! What the heck are we talking about? Lynne discusses an indigenous city and how aboriginal people...

These are the ones to watch!

The McFarlands celebrate their 6 year anniversary discussing the all-stars of the autumnal season on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Canada geese kick off the show.  Lynne discusses what she learned over the last year.  Jack and Matt chime in. 

Potentillas, sprinklers and irrigation also feature.  

Silver linings and record breaking heat during the summer months are also correlated. 

Jack rants about fall colour change.  Is it stress or is it actual fall colour. 

The science of fall colour change is highl...

Good things come in small packages. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland chat all things small on this week's episode of The Growing Season.  

Take the full-sized version of a large plant and miniaturize it and that's what we're talking about. 

The differences between full-sized, semi-dwarf and dwarf kick off the show. Espaliers are the first out of the gate. Squirrels and apple trees are a highlight. 

Baseball and apples.  What!?

Blueberries have been tough for The Growing Season to grow.  Matt discusses. 

Shade/light conditions play a huge ro...

"I'd love it to stay contained and grow slow..."

These are the sentiments uttered by many a client that have crossed the McFarland's path. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into plants that are just what a client ordered on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

Algae kicks the show off and you'll find out why. Juniper tags in quick and The McFarland's give these lovely evergreens their due. 

Pfitzers, Icee Blue, Blue Rug, Blue Chip and many more junipers are discussed.

What is a "Pancake Juniper?" The Ko...

What's with all the insect activity!?

Have you seen an upswing in insects in the garden of late?   Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland dive into an increased presence of pollinators on this week's episode of The Growing Season. 

Grasshoppers and bees kick the show off.  Do grasshoppers pollinate anything? You'll be surprised to know. 

Ants and Trilliums - there is a relationship there. Wasps and timber steps = stings for Matt. 

Jack tells the same 13 stories over and over.  This comes right in the middle of a conversation about almond pollination. 

What...

More WOOD!  

You WOULDN’T want to miss this. 

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland continue their Woodland Garden series on this week’s episode of The Growing Season.

Picking up where last week’s episode left off, the trio dive into the plant material specifics that would look appropriate in a Woodland Design. 

Matt describes some curious behaviour on plants that he's currently observing on-sites. Jack outlines the two plants that tell you if there is enough water being applied to your flower beds. 

The lifecycle of the fern is outline...

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?  Duration: 00:53:37

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...

Do skunks hibernate?  What about doves?

The McFarland's discuss the winter survival tactics employed by many a creature on this week's episode of The Growing Season.

Jack, Lynne and Matt kick the show off by chatting about how to insulate your home for the winter months.  Are you prepared for winter?   The trio tell you how to get there.

What are goosebumps?   Why do they occur?

Jack plays "Imagine If You Will..."

What do deer eat in the winter?   Where do they over winter?   Do they have a den?
Duration: 00:54:00

Its time for a visit from The Sandman...

The McFarland's steer The Growing Season into the final days of outdoor horticultural adventures for 2024.

Its time to put your flower beds to...bed.

Is this time of year the best time to get involved in Landscape Design?   Yes.  Jack and Matt tell you why. 

Matt tells a Seinfeld story.

How do you store your fall flowering bulbs for the winter?   The McFarlands tell you how.  Should you be cutting your perennials back in the fall?   If so, which ones and why? Duration: 00:53:36

Feeling 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. Duration: 00:53:33

Inspired 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...

Its 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...

Stay 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...

Its 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...

This 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...

It’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...

Cottage 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...

What in the Foo Dog is going on?

Things get serene on this week’s episode of The Growing Season when The McFarland’s focus on Japanese Gardens.

Jack, Lynne and Matt compare and contrast Japanese Gardens with Modern Gardens. You’d be surprised how much they have in common.

What are the elements that make up a Japanese Garden?

Statuary, evergreens, maples, rockery stone and wooden structures have all become popular links to the items you’d normally see in a Japanese garden.

Matt gets Miyagi.

Are Japa...

Are 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...

We’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...

The 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...

We’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...

"The world is a wondrous place.

Filled with sights, sounds and imagination. 

Childhood innocence gives way to our adult realities. 

Do not adjust your podcast, join The Growing Season for strange, BUT true."

The Growing Season ventures into the wonderful world of weird and The McFarlands are on-board.

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland offer some insight into an interesting idea that they came up with over the winter months. 

Ants, Tamarisk, Belladonna and Coal are all seemingly innocent parts of our lives but they all come with spo...

Cue "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...

At 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...

What's better than one colour?  How about two? Three?  MORE!

The Growing Season returns to their TGS Colour Series with a bang. 

Bi-Colour/Colour Gradients are the latest entry in the Colour Series library. 

Jack McFarland updates the listeners on his ongoing cancer treatments. 

The trio discuss the trend of plants featuring blooms and leaves that change colour throughout seasons that aren't necessarily the autumn. 

Hydrangeas come into focus but they aren't the only horticultural organism that features colour gradient blooms. 

Is bi-colour the result of a genetic...

All 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...

They'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. ...

Children 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...

You’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...

So 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...

"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...

The 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. Duration: 00:53:56

LLLLLEEEETTSS 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...

Follow 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...

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...

Oh-oh-ah-ah-oh! Oh-oh-ahhhh-oh!

So what the heck are The McFarland’s using on landscape designs in 2024?

The Growing Season follows Matt into his annual practice of wiping the slate clean and starting over with his choices of plants.

Yucca is back on the menu!  For over 20 years the McFarland’s refused to use a yucca on a design. They explain why.

Phlox!  The science of hybridizing plants is discussed. Why the phlox are there sooo many new varieties of phlox!?

A new variety of pyramidal/pencil birch, a classic viburnum return...

Jack, 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.

...

"Coming up we'll talk to you about edible herbs and how they can be considered 'sage advice!'"  [BA DUM CHING!]

Jack, Lynne and Matt McFarland celebrate Earth Day in style with a 54 minute discussion on plants that produce fruit, berries and nuts.

EDIBLES - not marijuana, but plants that produce stuff that can be eaten...

Apple trees, specifically espaliers, are highlighted.  Its a case of making lemons out of lemonade, so to speak.

Blueberries, raspberries, currents, strawberries are subjects of discourse to the surprise of absolutely no one.

Ho...

Landscape design is in FULL SWING for The McFarlands.

Jack, Lynne and Matt discuss the ins and outs of Landscape Design on The Growing Season. 

Matt outlines how his business model works.  The differences between a landscape consult, design and install are discussed.

Why do you, as a homeowner, need a landscape design?   Does the design make the landscape process easier for you?   The trio discuss. 

The McFarlands chat about how a site meet with a potential contractor will go.  Its nothing to be scared of.

How can you make s...

Its 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...