by David Jenkins | May 11, 2025 | Gardens
You know it’s spring in Toronto when the grass starts pushing hard at the garden beds, weeds creep in like they own the place, and last year’s tidy borders begin to blur into soft, shaggy lines. It’s a moment that arrives quietly—like the first warm morning you step outside with bare feet and realize winter has finally loosened its grip.
This is the perfect time to edge.
Not just for looks (though the payoff is instant), but for the rhythm of care. A clean, crisp garden edge sets the tone for the whole growing season. It’s one of those little jobs that makes everything else feel more manageable—like making your bed in the morning or washing the windows after a long winter.
The Dog Edge: Simple, Honest, Beautiful
While many homeowners are tempted to install plastic edging or other manufactured borders, these often end up looking cheap, popping out of place, or interfering with natural drainage. In contrast, the dog edge—a gently carved vertical cut between the garden and the lawn—is a timeless method that offers beauty, functionality, and flexibility.
Why it’s called a “dog edge”: It likely got its name from the habit of dogs trotting that same path over and over, slowly wearing a clean groove in the land. It speaks to something handmade, lived-in, and refreshingly simple.
Here’s how to do it right:
1. Tools You’ll Need:
A sharp flat-edged spade (ideally one you keep honed for this job)
A rake or cultivator
Optional: string line or garden hose for marking your edge
2. Timing is Everything: Spring is the best time to edge. The soil is moist but not soggy, roots are still shallow, and the grass hasn’t fully hardened off. This means you can get a clean cut without tearing or compacting the soil.
3. How to Cut the Edge: Use your spade to slice a clean vertical line, 4–6 inches deep, along the edge of your garden. Angle the soil slightly inward on the garden side to create a mini trench. This discourages grass from creeping in and gives your garden a defined, sculpted look.
4. Maintain It Annually: The dog edge is low-maintenance, but it does need a yearly touch-up—usually in spring, right before the explosion of growth begins. In most cases, you’ll simply re-cut the line and tidy the trench, keeping everything sharp and clean.
The Subtle Power of a Strong Edge
There’s something deeply satisfying about walking along a freshly cut border. The lawn knows where it ends, the garden knows where it begins, and the whole landscape breathes just a little easier.
Edging doesn’t shout for attention, but it makes everything else shine—from emerging perennials to crisp mulch beds and tidy lawn stripes. It’s the unsung hero of good landscape design.
So this spring, before the real work begins—take the time to edge. It’s not flashy, but it just might be the most important thing you do for your garden all year.
by David Jenkins | Mar 16, 2025 | Gardens
As the snow finally recedes and the soil begins to thaw, Southern Ontario gardens are waking up. Late March to early April marks the true beginning of the gardening season here in Toronto. It’s a time for fresh air, muddy boots, and the satisfaction of setting the stage for a vibrant growing season ahead.
Spring Cleanups Begin
The first major task of the season is clearing out winter’s leftovers. That means removing fallen branches, raking up dead leaves, and cutting back any perennial plants that were left standing for winter interest. Clearing out last year’s debris helps prevent pests and disease while allowing new growth to emerge freely.
Time to Prune
Early spring is the ideal time to prune many shrubs and small trees—especially those that bloom on new growth like roses, dogwood, or panicle hydrangeas. Avoid pruning spring-blooming shrubs like lilacs and forsythia just yet, as they’ve already set their flower buds. Instead, wait until after they bloom to give them a trim.
Mulching & Soil Health
Once the ground has dried out a bit (usually by early to mid-April), it’s a great time to top up garden beds with fresh mulch. Mulching not only suppresses weeds and retains moisture, but also gives your garden a clean, well-tended look. Consider adding compost or organic soil amendments as well—your plants will thank you.
Planning & Planting
Now’s the time to dream! Early spring is perfect for planning garden upgrades or new landscaping projects. You can also start cool-season crops like lettuce, kale, and peas, and begin hardening off seedlings if you’ve started them indoors. Hardy perennials and native plants can often be planted as soon as the soil is workable.
Final Thoughts
Spring is a time of renewal, and in the garden, every small act of care makes a big difference. Whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a landscaping team to help, this early part of the season lays the foundation for beauty and abundance in the months to come.
If you’re looking for help with spring cleanup, pruning, or planning a new garden bed, we’d be happy to hear from you. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we love this season—and we’d love to help you make the most of it.
by David Jenkins | Jan 15, 2025 | Gardens
While Southern Ontario gardens rest beneath a blanket of snow, January is far from idle for gardeners and landscaping enthusiasts. In fact, this quiet month is the perfect time to prepare for the upcoming season, reflect on last year’s successes, and tend to the behind-the-scenes work that helps everything run smoothly come spring.
Tool Care & Maintenance
Now’s the time to bring your tools out of hiding. Pruners, shears, loppers, and spades all benefit from a mid-winter tune-up. Sharpen blades, oil moving parts, and check handles for wear. Well-maintained tools not only work better—they’re safer and easier on the body.
Planning & Design
January is perfect for dreaming and designing. Whether you’re looking to add raised beds, a new pollinator garden, or overhaul your landscaping layout, winter is the ideal season for thoughtful planning. Consider which plants thrived last year, what changes you’d like to make, and how you can incorporate more native and drought-tolerant species into your space.
Seed Catalogs & Early Orders
With seed catalogs arriving in the mail and online shops freshly stocked, now is a great time to browse and place your early orders. Popular heirloom and organic varieties often sell out fast. If you plan to start seeds indoors in late February or March, January is your window to get everything lined up.
Enjoy the Winter Interest
Even in the coldest months, the garden can offer moments of beauty. Ornamental grasses, seed heads, and evergreens bring texture and movement to the landscape. Birds, too, become more visible, especially near feeders or berry-laden shrubs like viburnum and holly. Take a moment to walk through your garden, noticing the subtle architecture that remains when everything else is asleep.
Winter Pruning (Selective)
While most pruning should wait until later in the season, certain dormant trees and shrubs—like fruit trees or summer-blooming varieties—can be pruned in mid-to-late winter when temperatures are stable and above -10°C. Always research specific plant needs before pruning in cold weather.
Final Thoughts
Gardening isn’t just about the growing months. It’s a year-round rhythm, and winter is when we restore ourselves and prepare our spaces for the return of light and life. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we embrace the quieter moments too—because they set the stage for all the beauty to come.
by David Jenkins | Dec 12, 2024 | Gardens
As the days grow shorter and the garden settles into its long winter sleep, December invites us to slow down and reconnect with the natural world in a different way. One of our favorite seasonal traditions at Wind Whistle Landscaping is making handmade holiday wreaths—a beautiful, grounding craft that brings nature indoors and celebrates the spirit of the season.
Gathering Materials
The best wreaths start with a walk through the woods or garden. Look for a mix of evergreens like pine, spruce, cedar, and hemlock—each adds a unique texture and scent. You can also clip branches from holly, juniper (with blue berries), or winterberry for a pop of color. Don’t forget to forage responsibly—only take what you need and leave the plant healthy.
Other great additions:
Dried seed heads (like echinacea or hydrangea)
Birch bark curls or curly willow
Pinecones
Rosehips
Cinnamon sticks or dried orange slices for a fragrant touch
Making the Wreath
You can use a wire wreath frame (found at most craft stores), or create your own base using grapevine, willow, or even a sturdy coat hanger bent into a circle.
1. Start by attaching bundles of greens with florist wire, layering in one direction around the frame.
2. Overlap each new bundle slightly on top of the last to hide the stems and wire.
3. Once the frame is full, tuck in accents like berries, cones, or dried herbs.
4. Finish with a bow, some jute twine, or a ribbon in whatever style suits your space.
Tips for Freshness
If hanging indoors, mist your wreath every couple of days to keep it looking fresh. Outdoors, it should last several weeks in the cold. Try to avoid direct sun and hot indoor vents if you want to extend its life.
A Gift from the Garden
A handmade wreath isn’t just decoration—it’s a reminder that even in the quiet of winter, the land provides beauty, texture, and connection. Whether you gift it to a friend or hang it on your own door, it carries a piece of the forest with it. That, in our opinion, is the heart of the holidays.
Wishing you warmth, stillness, and a touch of evergreen magic this season.
— The Wind Whistle Landscaping Team
by David Jenkins | Oct 20, 2024 | Gardens
October in Southern Ontario is a bittersweet time in the garden. The leaves have turned to fire, the nights are crisp, and the first frost has likely kissed the edges of your plants. It’s the season of quiet preparation—a time to tidy up, nourish the soil, and set the stage for spring, even as things begin to fade.
Here’s how we at Wind Whistle Landscaping approach the garden in late October:
Final Cleanups & Cutting Back
While it’s good to leave some seed heads and stems for winter interest (and for birds and beneficial insects), now’s the time to cut back most perennials, remove annuals, and clear out the last of the vegetable beds. This helps prevent disease and gives the garden a clean slate come spring.
Leaf Management
Raking leaves is one of the season’s biggest tasks—but you don’t need to haul them all away. Try mulching leaves directly into your lawn with a mower or using them as insulating mulch for garden beds. A thin layer of shredded leaves can protect tender perennials and feed the soil as it breaks down.
Planting Bulbs
This is your last call to plant spring-flowering bulbs like tulips, daffodils, crocus, and allium. Bulbs need a period of cold dormancy, so planting them now ensures a beautiful payoff come April and May.
Soil Care & Mulching
After your final harvest, add compost or organic matter to garden beds. This helps replenish nutrients and improves soil structure over winter. Top with a layer of mulch (straw, shredded leaves, or bark chips) to prevent erosion and protect microbial life below the surface.
Tree & Shrub Care
October is a great time to plant new trees and shrubs, as the soil is still warm and roots can establish before winter. Be sure to water them well and add mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk). For established trees, it’s also a good time to do light pruning and remove any dead or broken branches.
Winterizing Tools & Equipment
Once the bulk of the work is done, take time to clean and store your tools properly. Drain garden hoses, store ceramic pots, and check that your shed or greenhouse is in good shape before the snow comes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something sacred about these closing days of the season—the smell of damp earth, the sound of dry leaves underfoot, the golden light across a sleeping landscape. It’s a time of gratitude, reflection, and care. When we tuck our gardens in properly, we’re not just preparing the land—we’re honouring the whole cycle of life.
Let us know if you need help with your fall cleanup or want to schedule a final consultation before winter hits. We’re here to help you wind down the season with ease and intention.
— Wind Whistle Landscaping
by David Jenkins | Aug 28, 2024 | Gardens
As August begins to wane and the golden light of late summer settles in, Southern Ontario gardens are at their fullest expression. Tomatoes are ripening on the vine, pollinators are busy in the flowers, and there’s a certain richness to everything—the kind that only comes after months of tending and growing.
Here’s what we’re focusing on in the garden and landscape at this time of year:
Harvest Time & Garden Gratitude
For vegetable gardens, late August is prime harvest season. Tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, squash, kale, and herbs are often in abundance. It’s a great time to preserve what you can—freeze, ferment, dry, or share with neighbours. This part of the season is about gratitude and enjoyment as much as it is about maintenance.
Deadheading & Prolonging Blooms
To keep your perennials and annuals blooming into September, take a few minutes to deadhead spent flowers. This redirects the plant’s energy into continued blooming rather than seed production. Plants like rudbeckia, coneflower, and zinnias will thank you for it.
Late-Season Planting
Believe it or not, there’s still time to plant! Consider fast-growing fall crops like radishes, spinach, lettuce, or arugula. You can also plant perennials and shrubs now—late August through September is a great window for root establishment before winter.
Lawn Recovery & Overseeding
If your lawn took a beating during the heat of summer, now’s the time to help it bounce back. Dethatching, top-dressing, and overseeding are best done from late August through early September, when the nights are cooler and moisture is more consistent.
Planning Ahead
Now is a good time to think about fall landscaping projects, such as garden bed expansion, tree planting, or natural stone work. The soil is still warm, and with a few good rains, fall installations can settle in beautifully before the frost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something almost sacred about late August in the garden. It’s a time of ripeness and reflection, when you can feel both the fullness of summer and the gentle pull of autumn. It’s a perfect moment to pause, harvest, breathe deep, and take note of all the work that’s led to this abundance.
If you’re looking to prep your garden for fall or start dreaming up a new project, we’re happy to help. At Wind Whistle Landscaping, we love the turning of the seasons—and there’s still plenty of beauty and potential left in this one.
