Cedar Tree browning / dying

I planted this Cedar tree last year and it was fine during winter but it started to brown in the spring/summer time. I noticed that the soil was always moist and figured that water is not draining so I started…

Native perennials for full sun clay soil

Hi Toronto Master Gardener! Any suggestions for low and medium height perennials that are great for very heavy clay soil in full sun? Also any suggestions for year-round colour? Thanks!…

Shriveled Leaves on Dutchman’s Pipe

I am in Scarborough with clay soil. Planted New Dutchman’s Pipe this Spring and new leaves are shriveling up and edges looking rusted as it is growing. The plant wasn’t looking in perfect health even when purchased, but it was…

Perennial for our home garden

Looking for suggestions on perennials for our front and back yard. The soil is clay. We have partly sun and shade areas. These are pictures of our back yard. Thank you…

Worms and Clay Soil

My garden seems to have become a wasteland for worms. We had plenty several years ago, but for the last 4 years I haven’t seen a single one. The soil has become heavy and wet and we are trying to…

Soil prep for Karl Foerster and Hakonechloa grass

I will be planting Karl Foerster and Hakconechloa grasses together (the Foerster in the background against a fence). Currently I have a lot of clay in the area that I want to plant both of them (they will be together).…

Native plants for clay soil

I have very heavy clay soil. While I am adding raised beds for vegetables, I have areas that are mostly shade and no grass grows there. What plants/ ground covers can I plant on that shaded clay soil?…

Greenery/Shrubs for Shade and Tough Soil

Hello, Thank you for taking the time to answer my question. I have a spot in my back garden in Toronto (south facing), it is about 6-8ft by 2ft. It is under a big tree and next to my neighbour’s…

Landscaping/Creating Privacy in Clay Soil

I live in a 10 year old subdivision 90 min N- E of Toronto. (50 km North of Lake Ontario).  The back yard faces the West and is approx 60′ wide X 30′ deep. (width goes along back of house…

Ornamental Grasses and Shrubs – Full Sun Hot Yard

Oakville – backyard – 10-12 hours a day full sun – blazing hot in the summer What (if any) ornamental grasses, shrubs, flowers that are perennials do well in low grade (clay escarpment) soil and full sun all day long?…