There’s a different to-do list for every month of the gardening season. In honour of Earth Day, which happens to be in April, consider these easy, nature-friendly dos and don’ts:

Procrastinate!

As tempting as it is to get outside with a rake when the weather warms, this isn’t the best time. Bees and other pollinators may still be hibernating under leaves and other yard debris, so please don’t remove it until temperatures are consistently above 10°C. 

There’s no sense in gardening if the soil is still wet and mucky. Wait until the soil crumbles and doesn’t stick to your shoes, to avoid destroying its structure. It’s better (and far more pleasant) to divide and transplant perennials when soil is workable.

If walking on your lawn leaves footprints, leave your lawn alone for awhile to reduce soil compaction. Wait for warm weather before overseeding.

‘Clean up’ responsibly

Go ahead and cut back dead stems of ornamental grasses and perennials, but let nature do the cleanup. Halton Master Gardeners recommend the “chop and drop” method to return organic material to the soil & provide nesting material for birds.

Remove invasive species as they start to appear. These include English Ivy, Periwinkle, Lily-of-the-Valley, and Garlic Mustard. Many invasives are pretty (and popular) but can kill whole forests.

Butterflies, bees and other valued members of our community need time to emerge and safe places to hide. For a stunning garden that buzzes with life and colour, work smarter, not harder. Your back — and the planet — will thank you.

By Michelle Morra

After spending the winter dreaming of warm summer days, it’s finally time to turn your ideas into reality. Whether you’re planning a redesign or simply sprucing up what you already have, you can plan a backyard makeover to suit your style and budget.

Small updates like layering in new outdoor décor can instantly refresh a space, but focusing on bigger elements, such as healthy lawns, vibrant gardens, and hardscape features like decks and pools, can completely transform how your backyard looks and functions.

Outdoor oasis

Thoughtfully designed hardscapes can turn a backyard into an extension of the home. Michael Haunton, owner of Let’s Landscape Together, says features like decks, patios, and pools create inviting spaces for relaxing and entertaining. 

“Proper planning is crucial for a successful project,” he explains. “Traffic flow, furniture space, elevation changes, drainage, and transitions like walls and stairs all need to work together for long-term enjoyment.” 

One memorable project featured a custom pool with a swim-up bar and a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. Built-in bar stools allow swimmers to sit and chat under a shaded roof. With lighting, heaters, a barbecue, fridges, an ice maker, and a sound system, the space was designed as a complete backyard oasis.

Design that defines

Hardscape design is about more than patios or walkways; it’s about shaping how people experience their yard. Will Joyce, owner and general manager of Cudmore’s Landscape & Design Ltd., says thoughtful layouts create destinations and reduce friction in a space.  

“Balancing materials like decking, pavers, natural stone, and garden beds creates cohesion while adding texture and definition,” he explains. Joyce also emphasizes what lies beneath the surface. “We always say our best work is buried. Detailed planning, understanding construction practices, and elements like access sleeves, conduit, and stormwater management, help ensure the space performs well for years to come.”

A standout project brought together a full backyard transformation. Features included all-new hardscape surfaces with a Techo-Bloc Borealis inlay beneath a custom pergola with an integrated privacy screen and space for outdoor ping pong, an oversized natural flagstone walkway leading to a gas fire bowl, LED and dimmable bistro lighting, new gardens, cedar fencing, expanded drainage, and a custom four-season studio.

Green your lawn

Brayden Hauraney of Turf N Dirt Lawn Care helps clients enjoy their backyards with professional and reliable lawn service. 

To create a noticeable visual impact, Hauraney recommends top dressing and seeding with a clover mix. “White clover helps with self-fertilization and soil erosion, and sustains pollinators in early to mid-spring,” he says.

“Cold-season grass requires adequate watering throughout the season, and summer can be harsh when there’s little to no rain,” he adds. “Automatic sprinklers and regular cutting maintenance go a long way in creating a lush yard.”

A project he tackled last September involved a lawn challenged by shade, mature tree growth, and thinning grass. Hauraney’s team worked an organic compost top dressing into existing turf, then overseeded with a premium shade-tolerant blend. “With proper watering and maintenance, the difference was visible within four to seven days,” he says, noting the lawn filled in within two to three weeks.

Flower power

The Garden Girls know that flowers and seasonal planters do wonders for the look of a property and its connection to the environment.

“You can create a vibrant space that benefits your home, supports local wildlife, and enriches your quality of life,” explains Darla Malcolm-Hauraney of The Garden Girls Garden Care. “We recommend rotating seasonal planters to create year-round visual interest.”

In one Oakville project, they transformed a small, tired garden into a formal English-style space inspired by the client’s childhood. Using a timeless green and white palette, the team layered perennials, flowering shrubs, and textured greenery for an elegant look.

For homeowners worried about upkeep, Malcolm-Hauraney emphasizes that success starts with strategy. “Every garden requires a maintenance plan. Choose low-maintenance plants, group them by watering and sunlight needs, and use tools like raised beds, apps and timers to keep garden care manageable.”

Local Links

Let’s Landscape Together
3235 Fairview Street Unit #5, Burlington
letslandscape.ca

Cudmore’s Landscape & Design Ltd.
450 Wyecroft Road, Oakville
cudmoreslandscape.ca

Turf N Dirt Lawn Care
289-644-TURF
turfndirt.ca

The Garden Girls
289-6GARDEN
thegardengirls.ca

By Nicole Hilton

Good things come in small spaces. With the right mix of design and greenery, balconies can become lush, inviting retreats. Maximizing space is simple with appropriately sized furniture, clever storage solutions, and vertical gardens that bring colour and style without taking up too much square footage. Dust off the cushions and start planning because patio season is just around the corner.

Less is More

When it comes to designing small balconies, scale is everything. “Alwayschoose furniture that suits the size of the space,” says Shawna Salvo, Patio Design Consultant at Bum Outdoor Furniture. Measurements are a key component, not just of the balcony itself, but of the doorway leading to it. “Condos don’t typically have wide entrances,” she notes. “It’s important to consider the width of the door and leave enough room to walk freely in and out without feeling like the space is overcrowded.”

SMALL SPACE, BIG BLOOMS by Darla Malcolm-Hauraney, The Garden Girls Garden Care

BEST BALCONY PICKS:
Petunias, marigolds, geraniums, basil, mint, chives, parsley, cherry tomatoes, salad greens, and peppers.

MAXIMIZE SPACE:
Rail planters, tiered plant stands, hanging planters, and self-watering containers create a lush feel.

GO VERTICAL:
Pocket planters, trellises, and modular panel systems let sweet peas and climbers thrive.

GET IT RIGHT WITH LIGHT:
Full sun? Choose tropicals, sedum, tomatoes, peppers, or rosemary.

WATER AND FEED SMART:
Containers dry fast – water consistently and in the morning. Use quality potting mix, add slow-release fertilizer at planting, and feed every 2 to 4 weeks.

WEATHER WATCH:
Protect plants from wind, cold snaps, and summer heat.

Small-scale modular furniture can be easily configured, while foldable or stackable pieces make winter storage easier. Durable, commercial-grade materials also ensure the furniture can withstand the elements, such as direct sunlight and high winds. The one thing worth investing in is prioritizing comfort. “A high-quality, comfortable seating group like a compact conversation set or a loveseat with a side table creates a relaxing place to spend time outdoors,” shares Jay Real,

Founder and Director of Operations at Oakville Home Leisure.

The Little Things

Accessories transform a balcony from functional to inviting. “There are many ways to turn an outdoor space into a tranquil area for relaxation and connection,” says Real. Soft lighting with rechargeable lanterns sets the mood in the evening, while introducing some wood elements, such as teak, can create a natural and calm feeling during the day.

Real recommends that small outdoor rugs can soften the space or add a punch of colour, and that lighter tone fabrics will help small spaces appear larger than they are overall. If the condo regulations allow for it and space permits, a small firepit adds warmth to extend patio season into early spring and late fall.

Privacy is equally important. Salvo adds, “My clients are not only looking for seating, but also privacy because they might have a balcony directly beside them.” She suggests tall lattice planters that provide seclusion from neighbours, block the wind, and offer sun protection. “You can even weave in twinkle lights to add ambiance at night.”

Open-Air Occasions

A balcony can become a great entertaining space. Salvo recommends flexible pieces that adapt to the moment. “We offer tables with bases that tilt and fold away for convenient storage, along with narrow and bar-height options that elevate seating so you can enjoy the view from higher up,” she says.

Real adds that a few club chairs and a small table highlight a space dedicated to sipping morning coffee or watching the sun set, maintaining a lounge feeling while connecting with family and friends.

Whatever the occasion – a card game, charcuterie and wine, dinner for two or unwinding with a book, a thoughtfully designed balcony transforms extra space
into a true outdoor living room.

Local Links:

Oakville Home Leisure
1318 Speers Road, Oakville
905-847-8551
oakvillehomeleisure.ca

Bum Outdoor Furniture
3270 South Service Road West, Oakville
1-855-337-2995
bumoutdoor.ca

The Garden Girls
289-6GARDEN
thegardengirls.ca

BY NICOLE HILTON