Does mulching benefit garden beds?
Does mulch benefit garden beds? Yes! Think of it as a nutrient-rich blanket protecting and fostering optimum plant growth.
Read MoreNatural Playgrounds are on the rise in Ontario
There is a steady rise of natural playgrounds in Ontario. They are turning up at school playgrounds to parks and even childcare centers. The creation of natural spaces for play helps kids connect to nature, become more physically active and develop limitless opportunities for creative play. Studies have also shown that natural play contributes to…
Read MoreWhy Gardening is Beneficial for School Children
Many studies demonstrate the emotional value of gardening and creating green spaces. More recent studies indicate gardens at schools have very powerful and positive effects on our children. It seems likely that humans are essentially hard-wired to feel better in nature, and need to have plants close to us.
Read MoreCanoeing the entire Grand River
This past spring JP and myself canoed pretty near the entire Grand River, raising money for the Conservation Authority’s tree planting efforts. Over the course of 6.5 days we saw the Grand change from a 20 ft. wide, rocky stream to a meandering miniature Mississippi. Here’s an 11 min. video of that journey.
Read MoreThe ultimate Southern Ontario backyard
Designing outdoor living spaces over the past 13 years in and around Waterloo Region, I’ve come to realize that few landscape elements can add as much impact to your yard as a water feature. From small bubbling rocks to large scale ponds or natural swimming pools, it’s hard to compete with the the sights, sounds…
Read MoreSustainable landscape design: Natural Swimming Pools
Natural swimming pools in Ontario, having become tremendously popular in Europe over the past 20 years or so, are just starting to catch on here. So what exactly, you ask, is a natural swimming pool?
Read MoreCorporate landscape naturalization
This spring in Ontario, with little rain and drought-like conditions, continues to show us the flaws with large scale turf landscapes. Driving around Waterloo Region”s industrial and office parks one is already seeing lawns going dormant, and it’s only May.
Read MoreQuiet Nature partner projects
“I engaged Quiet Nature (then operating as Naturally Maintained) for two landscape projects – from initial concept through to completion. The first was a front entrance way where I wanted a Muskoka look. Derek was able to capture the look and for a small entrance way, it was simple, clean, low maintenance and set the…
Read MoreSoul Standard for Organic Land Care
Over the past several years the term “organic” seems to have taken on a life of its own. We see it branded on everything from carrots to shampoo, clothing to coffee filters. We generally believe that anything displaying this brand is natural, healthy and free from harmful substances. We will even pay more for products…
Read MoreHigh gas prices and zero emission landscaping
Listening to the news this morning, hearing once again about the soaring fuel prices expected this summer, it reassured me that use of our battery operated lawn care equipment will continue to be a competitive advantage in the years ahead.
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