07/01/2026
Over the last few weeks, we have gradually been filling in all our annual beds with our summer displays. The timing on these plantings is always based on weather, plant readiness, and labour considerations, though this year we managed to get some areas done historically early and are off to a great start. These plants will mature, and beds will fill in over the next month, with many things looking their best by late July. Most plantings will continue to bloom and look good right up until the cold weather comes in the fall.
Every year we always try to find the perfect balance between sticking with what works and trying out something new. Many areas have specific cultural requirements: full sun or shade, dry and difficult-to-water areas, big and small spaces, and several other considerations. For these reasons, some areas don’t change much year to year, but we always try to mix things up as much as we can.
Many classic favourites will be returning, like our Shaughnessy geraniums that have been grown from continuous cuttings for more than 50 years, looking as good as ever. We are also excited about some new varieties we grew from seed, such as Celosia ‘Fresh Look’, Salvia ‘Mojave Red’ and Ageratum ‘Aloha Blue’. Some of our centrepieces like our Plumbago standards are over 50 years old, while some plants like King Tut Papyrus were grown fresh this year.
