Areas of specific interest to Hardcastle Horticulture

In the land of fresh clean water sources it seems moot to speak about water. Our belief it is more beneficial to retain rainwater to help foster and nurture the ecology, plant & tree health.  

Climate adaptation for the site is considered and anticipated for future weather events. Water throughout the property is encouraged to be retained when applicable and managed for specific applications by implementing ‘blue-green infrastructure.'

Shoreline erosion is occurring yearly.  Flooding is always a concern. Where will the evicted species live?  How do we retain the natural shoreline?  Even small things can help towards solving a big problem. With a focus on water retention & mitigation on your property as well as storm water management,  the intention is to slow water run-off & allowing it to penetrate the soil as opposed to running off to somewhere it isn't intended to go. Warmer water temperatures affects reliant species & water quality. Contamination also occurs. 

In the news there is so much buzz about bees and native insects. These amazing creatures help support our diverse eco-system, keep pest insect populations in check and provide pollination to native fruit & nut trees, shrubs & native plants.

Protecting native species habitats and creating new ones is key to a healthy landscape. You can do your part by restricting disruptive maintenance techniques and allowing natural processes to occur and flourish.

North America has lost 70% of our native wild songbirds since 1970. Through my work experience in national wildlife gardens and restoration projects,  I possess plant knowledge and design skills to promote year-round food sources and ideal habitat resources for our resident & migrating birds. 

We will install bird, bee, duck and bat houses throughout your property.

Wanting to integrate permaculture into your landscape?

Incorporating native edible (fruit) shrubs & groundcovers, cultivated species of vegetables and herbs feed humans and wildlife.  Food sources look great growing within a healthy eco-system. Flowering trees support early season pollinators too!

Companion plantings of vegetables and herbs provide diverse plantings which promotes healthy processes. Providing  food for yourself, family & friends is rewarding. Plus it's fun to pull harvests from your very own yard. 

Incorporating complex planting plans, recognizing plant relationships and proper plant selection is key to overall aesthetics and landscape health. Healthy soil and proper coverage reduces the need for invasive and frequent maintenance.

Mitigating future landscape considerations are implemented into plans. Are the trees planted in a proper place? Will plants become a nuisance and have to removed within a few seasons?

Properly installed and maintained landscapes can be enjoyed for years, often over generations. Implementing these important elements your landscape and waterfront will be a cherished space that you will be proud to call yours and help set the new level of excellence in  the landscaping trade  for the future.  

 Let's do better - together. 

It's cool, it's hip and now it's expected. Plenty of industries, services and products claim to be 'eco-friendly', 'green' or 'sustainable'. There is a mound of scientifically backed research that  implementation of natural processes are benefiting our soils through carbon retention and enriching soil with biologically microbes which leads to creating healthier soil. Ideally these processes should become common practice within the industry especially in Muskoka to help keep building sites natural and beautiful.

Utilizing native species plants and shrubs can be a beautiful addition to landscapes. Native plant nurseries are commonly local, reducing transportation impacts. Also native plants are acclimatized to our growing region, making their success rate higher. 

Native species are usually deer resistant & support native animals, insects & pollinators. We can prove that using native species can be beautiful!

With ecological preservation and promotion as a top priority, Hardcastle Horticulture  works with the existing ecosystems. We implement sustainable processes in design, materials and their implementation and most importantly the future needs within the landscape and its maintenance. 

I design and work to making what we do a little better for the environment and our conscious by creating beneficial spaces & promoting  the ability to co-exist within it.

Some positive processes are not difficult and I encourage them to be implemented by my clients and sub-trades;

•  not removing leaves from garden beds in the autumn 
• not using marginal invasive & invasive plant species
• utilizing 'chop & drop' garden maintenance 
• eliminate double digging
• using turf alternative products
• not using harmful or synthetic products
• reducing & repairing soil compaction 
• recycling on-site soils