Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Down The Garden Path Podcast

by Joanne Shaw · English · Leisure & Travel

Join landscape designer Joanne Shaw for practical, down-to-earth tips, expert interviews, and seasonal advice to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 7 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026 · 16 min

October Gardening: What to Do, What to Leave Alone

Is October really the time to cut everything back and put the garden to bed? Not necessarily. In this episode, we've gathered some of Joanne's best tips for October in the garden. She shares why October can actually be one of the easiest months, with just a few simple tasks to focus on and plenty you can leave alone. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Do less this fall: There's no need for a major fall cleanup. Most perennials can be left standing, leaf litter can remain, and spent plant material provides a winter habitat for beneficial insects. Prepare for next year:…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S12 · E18 · 1 Oct 2026 · 33 min
Fall Rose Care: Pruning, Planting & Growing Tips
Not sure what to do with your roses this fall? This week on Down the Garden Path , Joanne is joined by master gardener and author Cauleen Viscoff to talk about making rose care a little less intimidating. They cover fall rose care, winter preparation, planting and moving roses, climbing roses, common pests and, of course, pruning. Cauleen also shares the story behind her upcoming book, Pruning Roses: From Mystery to Mastery , and why understanding how a rose grows is the key to knowing how to prune it. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Fall Rose Care and Winter…
S12 · E33 · 24 Sep 2026 · 15 min
Native Ornamental Grasses for Your Garden
Have you considered adding native ornamental grasses to your garden? They're often overlooked but add colour, texture, and movement while providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. This week on the podcast, Joanne takes a closer look at a few standout varieties that can bring interest to the garden well beyond the summer months. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Why Native Ornamental Grasses Belong in the Garden How native grasses add structure, movement and seasonal interest while also providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife. Big Bluestem,…
S12 · E32 · 16 Sep 2026 · 20 min
Three Dwarf Hydrangeas for Small Gardens
Looking for a hydrangea that gives you plenty of colour without taking over your garden? This week on the podcast, Joanne shares three dwarf hydrangeas she has grown in her own garden: Fire Light Tidbit ® , Little Lime Punch ® and Invincibelle Limetta ® . She looks at how each one grows, where it performs best, and why these smaller varieties can be such a good fit for today's gardens and smaller spaces. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Three dwarf hydrangeas for smaller gardens: Fire Light Tidbit ® , Little Lime Punch ® and Invincibelle Limetta ® offer long-lasting blooms…
S12 · E31 · 10 Sep 2026 · 10 min
Fall Gardening: Is It Too Late to Plant?
Wondering what you can still get done in the garden before the season wraps up? This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne explains why fall is still a great time to add compost, plant new perennials, divide and move existing plants, and even start a brand-new garden bed. She also shares an easy, low-maintenance way to create a new garden using cardboard, compost and mulch so you can be ready to plant when spring arrives. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: It is not too late to add compost or soil to your garden. Organic material is best. You probably have enough soil, and if…
S12 · E30 · 2 Sep 2026 · 14 min
Buying Mums? Why Asters Are the Better Choice for Your Fall Garden
Thinking of buying mums for your fall garden? In this encore episode of Down the Garden Path, Joanne reviews the pros and cons of fall mums and shares why asters may be the better choice. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: The pros and cons of fall mums: While mums are incredibly popular for fall colour, they can be higher maintenance than people expect, especially when planted in the garden or purchased too early in the season. Asters as a better long-term fall garden choice: Consider asters as a perennial alternative that can return year after year, bloom late into the…
S12 · E29 · 26 Aug 2026 · 17 min
How to Help Butterflies in Your Late-Summer Garden
Late August and early September are important times for migrating butterflies like monarchs, swallowtails, and painted ladies, and the plants in our gardens can make a real difference. This week, Joanne shares simple ways to support butterflies by providing the right host and nectar plants, even if you only have a small garden, a patio, or a few containers. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Host plants are just as important as nectar plants: Learn the difference between plants butterflies feed from and the specific host plants they need for laying eggs and feeding…
S12 · E28 · 11 Aug 2026 · 15 min
Tired of Hostas? Three Shade Plants That Add Height & Colour
Looking for something beyond hostas for your shade garden? This week, Joanne shares three standout shade-loving perennials that bring height, texture, colour, and serious foliage interest to darker garden spaces. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Adding height and structure to a shade garden: Larger perennials like Sun King Aralia, Bugbane, and Rodgersia can give a shade garden the height and presence of shrubs while still dying back as perennials each winter. They work especially well behind hostas, groundcovers, and other lower-growing shade plants. Using foliage, not…
S12 · E27 · 5 Aug 2026 · 13 min
Three Sun-Loving Perennials to Plant in August
Does your August garden need a fresh burst of colour? In this episode, Joanne shares three of her favourite white perennials for sunny spaces that add contrast, brighten the garden at dusk and keep blooming well into fall. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: White perennials bring late-season impact White flowers brighten an August garden, create contrast against darker foliage and remain visible at dusk. They can also fill visual gaps after spring and early-summer plants finish blooming. Three reliable perennials for sun 'David' tall garden phlox : tall, sturdy and…
S12 · E26 · 30 Jul 2026 · 33 min
What Does Your Garden Need This August?
What does your garden need this August? After the heat and stress of July, many lawns, containers, vegetables, shrubs and trees could use a little extra attention. In this episode, Joanne shares practical advice for watering, pruning, feeding and refreshing your garden while preparing for the season ahead. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Reviving and maintaining a heat-stressed garden Learn the importance of deep watering, replenishing depleted soil, removing damaged growth, monitoring for mildew and pests, and recognizing when plants need attention rather than…
S12 · E25 · 15 Jul 2026 · 23 min
Mid-Summer Tips for Your Lawn and Garden
In this mid-summer tips episode, Joanne answers some commonly asked questions about managing your lawn and garden. Some of the topics covered: Practical mid-season planting advice: You can still plant trees, shrubs, and perennials in July, provided they are watered consistently. When purchasing discounted plants, check the roots rather than judging them by their above-soil appearance. Managing common summer garden problems: Learn more about Japanese beetles and crabgrass, including how to properly position beetle traps, interrupt the beetles' life cycle, remove crabgrass before it sets seed,…
S12 · E24 · 8 Jul 2026 · 25 min
What to Do in Your Garden in July
Wondering what to do in your garden in July? This week on the podcast, Joanne reviews the essential July garden tasks every gardener should know, including deadheading, weeding, pest control, smart watering, and summer lawn and vegetable care. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: July garden maintenance: The cooler spring, heavy rain, and sudden heat have left many gardens behind schedule, with some plants blooming weeks later than usual. Gardens will catch up, so focus on practical July tasks like deadheading, cutting back perennials, and staying on top of weeds. Managing…
S12 · E23 · 30 Jun 2026 · 18 min
What to Do After Your Peonies Bloom
Peony season may be over, but there's still plenty to learn about these garden favourites. In this episode, Joanne explores the different types of peonies and explains what makes each one unique. She also shares practical tips for planting, supporting, deadheading, and caring for your peonies so they return beautifully year after year. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: The three types of peonies: Learn the differences between herbaceous peonies, tree peonies, and Itoh/intersectional peonies, including how they grow, bloom, and how deeply each type should be planted.…
S12 · E22 · 23 Jun 2026 · 10 min
When (and How) to Prune Your Lilacs
Do you have a lilac bush in your garden? If you've ever wondered when or how to prune it, don't miss this week's episode. Joanne shares timely tips for caring for your lilacs and explains why now is the perfect time to prune. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: The importance of pruning lilacs right after they bloom Lilacs bloom on old wood, so timing matters. The best time to deadhead or prune is immediately after flowering, usually in June, before the plant puts energy into seed production or begins setting next year's blooms. How to rejuvenate older, woody lilacs Two…
S12 · E21 · 8 Jun 2026 · 37 min
Is a Pondless Water Feature Right for Your Yard?
In this episode of Down the Garden Path, we revisit last spring's conversation with Ernest Williams from Aquascape about how pondless water features can bring the beauty, movement, and soothing sound of water into your yard. Here are some of the topics discussed in this episode: Pondless water features offer beauty with less maintenance: Pondless waterfalls, fountainscapes, spillway bowls, bubbling rocks, urns, basalt columns, and disappearing streams allow homeowners to enjoy the sound and movement of water without the maintenance and safety concerns of a traditional pond. Water features…
S12 · E20 · 4 Jun 2026 · 24 min
5 Tips for Starting a Landscape Project
Thinking about starting a landscape project? In this popular episode from last summer, Joanne shares practical advice from her years as a landscape designer, including how to plan with confidence, choose the right materials, and work with professionals to avoid costly mistakes. Some of the topics covered in this week's episode: Observe what works in real life Look at nearby homes to see what materials, colours, layouts, and garden styles you like before starting your project. This is often more practical than relying only on online inspiration because local examples show what is actually…
S12 · E19 · 27 May 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
The Basics of Fruit Tree Pruning & Care
In this popular episode from last spring, Joanne speaks with author and fruit tree care educator Susan Poizner about her book, Fruit Tree Pruning: The Science and Art of Cultivating Healthy Fruit Trees , and shares Susan's practical advice for growing healthier, more productive fruit trees. About Susan Poizner Susan Poizner is an award-winning author, journalist, urban orchardist, and fruit tree care educator based in Toronto, Canada. She trains arborists, master gardeners, and community and home orchardists in fruit tree maintenance through in-person workshops, online courses, and webinars.…
S12 · E14 · 19 May 2026 · 19 min
Why Do Gardens Need Mulch?
This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne explains why mulch matters in the garden, how to choose the right kind, and why proper mulching can make a big difference for your soil, plants, and trees. Mulch is Practical, Not Decorative Mulch should support the garden, not steal the show. Its real purpose is to help control weeds, keep soil cooler, retain moisture, and gradually break down to add nutrients back into the garden. Quality Matters When Choosing Mulch Natural mulch is a better choice than dyed bagged mulch. Dyed mulch can fade, stain, blow around, and may be made from lower-quality…
S12 · E17 · 12 May 2026 · 43 min
Gardening Basics for the Beginner Gardener
This week on the podcast, Joanne speaks with Bri Petersen from Urban Gardening Canada about her new e-book, Gardening Basics for the Beginner Gardener . In this episode: Beginner Gardeners Need Updated Advice, Not Outdated Rules So much common gardening advice is based on old habits, like turning over the soil every spring, cleaning up every leaf, or planting by a fixed calendar date. Bri's e-book encourages beginner gardeners to understand how gardening has changed with the climate and why weather, growing zones, and local conditions matter more than old rules. Bri's E-book Gives New…
S12 · E16 · 4 May 2026 · 44 min
Ontario's Pick-Your-Own Peony Farm
What if you could walk through acres of blooming peonies and cut your own bouquet to take home? In this episode, Joanne welcomes Valérie Chort of Fleur de Roy to share the story behind Southern Ontario's largest pick-your-own peony farm and its short but spectacular bloom season. Tickets are now available to Pick Your Own Peony Flowers from June 1st to 8th, 2026. In this episode: How did a conservation property become a pick-your-own peony farm? Valérie shares the story behind Fleur de Roy, a Southern Ontario peony farm located on a 150-acre property near Lake St. Clair, where conservation,…
S12 · E15 · 28 Apr 2026 · 37 min
What Are the May Garden Do's and Don'ts?
This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne discusses do's and don'ts for your May garden, and walks you through what to do now, what to wait on, and how to give your garden the best start for the season ahead. Be patient and let the May garden guide your timing. May can be unpredictable, especially after a cool, wet winter. Instead of rushing into cleanup, planting, pruning, seeding, or mowing, gardeners should pay attention to soil moisture, insect activity, nighttime temperatures, and frost risk. Focus on smart spring maintenance for perennials, shrubs, evergreens, and lawns. Learn what to…
S12 · E14 · 21 Apr 2026 · 49 min
Tips for Growing Lettuce, Spinach & Potatoes
Thinking about growing your own lettuce, spinach, and potatoes this spring? In this April 2025 encore episode, Joanne chats with Julia Dimakos about successfully growing these popular vegetables at home. In this episode: How to grow lettuce successfully for fresh, continuous harvests Julia explores the basics of growing lettuce from seed, including the importance of starting with fresh seed, giving seeds light to germinate, transplanting early, spacing plants properly, succession sowing every couple of weeks, and choosing varieties for cool weather versus summer heat. Why spinach is a…
S12 · E13 · 13 Apr 2026 · 52 min
Native Trees: Finding the Right Tree for the Right Spot
This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne chats with Manny Lavrador about the growing interest in native trees and how to choose the right one for your property. In this episode: Why are native trees such an important topic right now? More gardeners and homeowners are looking for plants that support the environment, work well in local ecosystems, and respond to growing concerns about invasive species. What is the most important thing to remember when choosing a native tree? That even a native tree still needs to be the right tree for the right place, based on the space, conditions, and goals…
S12 · E12 · 7 Apr 2026 · 48 min
Hardy Canadian-Grown Roses from Jackson & Perkins
Have you been hesitant to add roses to your garden? This week on the podcast, Joanne talks with Paul Zimmerman about Jackson & Perkins' expansion into Canada, what it means for rose lovers, and why these cold-hardy, Canadian-grown roses may be easier to grow than many gardeners think. In this episode: Roses are becoming more accessible for Canadian gardeners. Jackson & Perkins roses are now available in the Canadian market, with roses being grown, tested, and shipped within Canada through their partnership with Bakker. Modern roses are not as high-maintenance as many people think. Paul…
S12 · E11 · 31 Mar 2026 · 30 min
April in the Garden
After a long winter, it's tempting to get outside and start tidying, digging, and checking everything off our spring to-do list. But April is such a gentle, in-between month in the garden, and it really asks us to slow down, pay attention, and let nature lead a little. This week on the podcast, Joanne reviews what you should and shouldn't be doing in your April garden. Why is patience so important in the April garden? Because early spring gardening depends more on weather and soil conditions than the calendar. Joanne emphasizes waiting for the ground to dry, the frost to leave, and nighttime…
S12 · E10 · 23 Mar 2026 · 50 min
Landscape Designer Spotlight: Abby Rupsa of Botanical Living
This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. In this episode, Joanne speaks with Abby Rupsa, founder and lead designer of Botanical Living in Colorado, about her path into landscape design, the evolution of her "design bid" service model, and what it…
S12 · E9 · 16 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 17 min
Landscape Designer Spotlight: Jeff Collins of REWILD Landscapes
This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. In this episode, Joanne speaks with Jeff Collins of Ottawa's REWILD Landscapes about ecological landscaping, native plants, edible gardens, and outdoor spaces that support both people and wildlife. Topics…
S12 · E8 · 9 Mar 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
Landscape Designer Spotlight: Rita Nugent of Rita Nugent Landscape Design
This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. This week, Joanne welcomes Rita Nugent, a landscape designer in Southern Ontario, and owner of Rita Nugent Landscape Design . Topics Covered Rita's journey from solving problems in her own garden to becoming a…
S12 · E7 · 4 Mar 2026 · 50 min
Landscape Designer Spotlight: John Bright of BRIGHT Design Studio
This month on Down the Garden Path, Joanne welcomes five talented landscape designers, each with their own style, story, and specialty. What connects them all is a shared passion for creating beautiful, thoughtful outdoor spaces for their clients. Tune in each week in March as they share their experiences, perspectives, and the many ways landscape design can shape how we live outdoors. This week, Joanne welcomes John Bright, a certified landscape designer in London, Ontario, and owner of BRIGHT Design Studio. Topics Covered Why landscape design matters (for homeowners) John compares exterior…
S12 · E6 · 26 Feb 2026 · 55 min
Little Forests Durham with Ingrid Janssen
This week, Joanne welcomes master gardener Ingrid Janssen to the podcast to discuss the inspiring work being done by Little Forests Durham , a nonprofit organization focused on planting Miyawaki mini forests throughout Durham Region. About Little Forests Durham Little Forests Durham is a volunteer-run community non-profit organization based in Durham Region, Ontario, Canada, focused on giving tools, knowledge, and support to people, communities, organizations and local authorities to plant Little Forests in their neighbourhoods and communities. Topics Covered Ingrid's background as a Durham…

About Down The Garden Path Podcast

Join landscape designer Joanne Shaw for practical, down-to-earth tips, expert interviews, and seasonal advice to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.

Down The Garden Path Podcast is a English leisure & travel podcast from Joanne Shaw. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Joanne Shaw
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 7 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1303318652
Rights: Joanne Shaw

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