The Wildness of Our Gardens

Joanne Mohan • March 12, 2025

The Wildness of our Gardens

One might typically think of a garden as a tame and orderly space. However, there is a growing trend towards embracing the wildness of our gardens. This movement recognizes that a certain level of untamed beauty can bring a sense of vibrancy and natural charm to our outdoor spaces. Incorporating elements of wildness into a garden can take on many forms. It may involve allowing certain areas to grow freely, encouraging the growth of native plants, or creating a more natural-looking landscape design. The result is a garden that feels more connected to the natural world, with its own unique rhythm and charm.


Embracing the wildness of our gardens also has environmental benefits. Native plants and untamed areas can provide crucial habitats for local wildlife, including insects, birds, and small mammals. By promoting biodiversity and creating a more balanced ecosystem, wild gardens can contribute to the overall health of the environment.


From a design perspective, the wildness of a garden offers a sense of spontaneity and discovery. Instead of rigidly controlled spaces, a wild garden invites exploration and surprise. It can be a place of tranquility and reflection, with a sense of natural wonder around every corner. For those interested in cultivating a wild garden, there are many resources available to help guide the process. Local native plant societies, gardening clubs, and online communities can offer valuable advice and inspiration. By learning more about the native flora and fauna in your area, you can create a garden that feels deeply connected to its surroundings.


In conclusion, the wildness of our gardens represents a shift towards a more organic and harmonious approach to gardening. By embracing the beauty of untamed spaces, we can create gardens that are not only visually stunning, but also support the health of the environment. Whether you have a small urban plot or a sprawling rural acreage, there are endless possibilities for bringing the wildness of nature into your own backyard.


Contact Parklane Landscapes at parklanelandcsapes.ca or 705-327-.0064

By Joanne Mohan August 18, 2025
Unplug, Disconnect, Bloom!
By Joanne Mohan August 18, 2025
During the winter months, it's completely natural and acceptable to adopt a more laid-back attitude toward your garden. As temperatures drop and snow begins to cover the ground, most plants enter a state of dormancy, making winter a time when many gardeners can take a well-deserved break. This is an opportunity to appreciate the unique beauty that winter brings to your outdoor space. The skeletal branches of trees can create striking silhouettes against the crisp, clear sky, while winter-blooming plants, like hellebores and winter jasmine, add unexpected pops of color. Consider how the landscape transforms, with the quiet stillness allowing for reflection and rest. Instead of worrying about weeding or pruning, embrace this season of inactivity. You can enjoy cozy moments indoors, perhaps with a warm beverage, while dreaming of the vibrant blooms and lush greenery that will return with spring. Allow yourself to recharge and relish the tranquil beauty of your garden during this quieter time, knowing that it will soon awaken to life again. Winter gardening offers a unique opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that can enhance both your garden and your gardening skills. One enjoyable task is to create a winter garden plan, where you can research and select plants that thrive in colder months, such as evergreens and winter-blooming flowers. You can also take this time to prepare for spring by organizing your gardening tools, cleaning pots, and starting seeds indoors for future planting. It’s a great time for winter pruning of certain trees and shrubs, which promotes healthier growth in the spring. The winter months provide a valuable opportunity to prepare and organize for the upcoming spring and summer seasons in your garden. This is the ideal time to assess your needs, set clear goals, and create a comprehensive plan. Consider reaching out to professionals for ideas and designs. Many companies are still working and scheduling work for early Spring. If you hope to have landscaping completed for Summer, start planning now and call Parklane Landscapes at 705-327-0064 or visit our website parklanelandscapes.ca