Join landscape designer Joanne Shaw for practical, down-to-earth tips, expert interviews, and seasonal advice to help you create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden.
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A Harvard graduate, Ellen's first career was on Broadway (Les Miz), but the gift of a peace lily on opening night opened her eyes to the wonderful world of plants. Ellen taught at the New York Botanical Garden for many years and also served as Coordinator of the Gardening Department in Continuing Ed, before moving to Santa Fe, NM. She was named a Great American Gardener by the Epcot Flower and Garden Festival. Her 11th book, Mythic Plants: Potions & Poisons from the Gardens of the Gods, was published this year.
Inspiration & Research
Grew from Ellen's Greek heritage and lifelong love of mythology and plants.
Greek mythology felt personally significant; she wasn't drawn to Norse or Indian myths.
Extensive research across historical texts; citations couldn't fit in the print book, but are available online.
Plant Stories & Mythology Connections
Nepenthe (Poppy):
In Homer's Odyssey, Helen of Troy prepared Nepenthe—an "anti-sorrow" drink of wine and opium poppy.
Calmed grief temporarily. Linnaeus later named the tropical pitcher plant Nepenthes after this myth, believing its beauty could lift sorrow.
Moly (Snowdrop):
Hermes gave Odysseus "Moly" to protect him from Circe's spells.
Described as a plant with black roots and white flowers—likely the snowdrop (Galanthus).
Contains galantamine, which counters hallucinations—aligning with the myth's antidote effect.
Modern research explores galantamine for Alzheimer's treatment.
Fig:
Valued food in ancient Greece, consumed fresh or dried before refrigeration existed.
Special laws governed fig harvesting; penalties for theft were severe.
Ancient figs required complex pollination (caprification).
Some myths surrounding figs are notably "saucy."
Pine Tree:
Associated with violent origin myths, but also practical uses.
Pine nuts were a staple food; pine resin sealed wine vessels, the origin of Retsina wine.
Modern Retsina has a milder pine flavour, enjoyed especially in Greek summer settings.
Aconitum (Monkshood):
Misunderstood as poisonous to touch—false. Dangerous only if ingested.
Blooms beautifully when few others do; it is resistant to deer and rabbits.
Ellen wishes for a "Plant Mythbusters" show to debunk misinformation about plant toxicity.
Daffodil (Narcissus):
Linked to the myth of Narcissus falling in love with his reflection.
Also central to the Persephone story, Zeus created a daffodil to lure her before Hades abducted her.
Explains the origin of winter and spring cycles through Demeter's grief and renewal.
Themes & Insights
Plants in Greek mythology were deeply symbolic, medicinal, and magical.
Many ancient uses align with modern scientific knowledge.
The book groups plants thematically into short, easy-to-read chapters, ideal for bedtime or book clubs.
Appeals to gardeners, historians, herbalists, and mythology enthusiasts.
Ellen's Life & Work Today
Now based in Santa Fe with a small, fully edible garden.
Enjoys discovering new drought-tolerant plants in a vastly different climate.
Former rooftop gardener in New York City; designed and maintained terrace gardens.
Also teaches and speaks across the U.S.—including the upcoming Herb Society of America Conference in Texas (April).
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
The Suburban Gardenista
Season 11 · Episode 33
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 • Duration 41:43
This week on the podcast, Joanne welcomes Brandie, the Suburban Gardenista, an avid gardener passionate about supporting pollinators with native plants.
Brandie is Pollinator Stewardship Certified by Pollinator Partnership Canada and loves sharing her learnings through podcasts, workshops, and social media.
You can find her online on YouTube and Instagram @thesuburbangardenista.
Brandie's Gardening Journey
Began gardening ~20 years ago after moving into a home with no plants
Inspired by her mother's lush gardens
Discovered native plants through growing Obedient Plant — her "gateway" plant
Realized the importance of planting natives to support local ecosystems and pollinators
Shares gardening insights via YouTube, Instagram, and workshops
Native vs. Non-Native Plants
Native plants provide critical support for specialist pollinators (those reliant on specific species)
Non-natives mainly support generalist pollinators
Balance between natives, non-natives, and invasives is key
Common aggressive natives: Canada Anemone, Obedient Plant, Common Milkweed
Alternatives like Butterfly Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed are more contained
Managing Aggressive or Invasive Species
Important to research before planting
Remove known invasives such as English Ivy, Vinca/Periwinkle, Lily of the Valley
Learn plant behaviour (spreading, seeding, etc.) before adding to the garden
5 Tips for Starting a Landscape Project
Season 11 · Episode 24
Thursday, August 21, 2025 • Duration 24:07
Thinking about a starting a new landscape project? This week on Down the Garden Path, Joanne draws on her experience as a landscape designer to share insights on planning, selecting high-quality materials, and collaborating with professionals.
Topics covered in this week's episode:
1) Go for a walk in your neighbourhood or drive to another neighbourhood and walk there to look at landscapes so that you can see what you like and don't like.
Pay attention to homes that are the same style and or colour
Look at the colour of the paving material used. This can help for choices in the front or backyard.
For front yards, focus on features like front entrances etc.
Do you see an aesthetic you like?
Gardens: do you want more garden and less lawn, or the other way around?
Again, do you like clean lines and minimal plantings, or do you want a colourful all-season garden?
2) Ask for referrals from neighbours, family, or friends who have completed successful landscape projects.
Research landscape companies on social media and websites before contacting them.
Look at the type of jobs they are building, the material they are using.
3) Call Landscape Companies: Ask about design services
Don't fall for "We can do anything you want!"
You don't know what you don't know
Many contractors have design services, and if they don't, many independent landscape designers can help you with a plan.
4) Ask potential landscapers questions and read through proposals thoroughly.
Ask about how deep they dig their base, what base materials they use, what type of edging techniques do they use.
Will they repair or replace the sod?
What is their preferred landscaping material?
5) Once you have chosen your landscaper, you will need to choose your material before your project starts.
Carex and the Mt. Cuba Center
Season 9 · Episode 4
Tuesday, February 14, 2023 • Duration 59:17
This week on the Down the Garden Path podcast, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing speak with Sam Hoadley from the Mt. Cuba Center about his latest research on Carex and other exciting projects at the center.
About Sam Hoadley and the Mt. Cuba Center
Sam Hoadley is the Manager of Horticultural Research at Mt. Cuba Center. Nestled in the hills of Hockessin, Delaware, the Mt. Cuba Center's mission is to inspire an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them. Sam evaluates native plant species, old and new cultivars, and hybrids in the Trial Garden. He earned his degree in Sustainable Landscape Horticulture from the University of Vermont.
Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode:
Tell us about the Mt. Cuba Center.
Why did you decide to research Carex?
What factors did you use to evaluate the 70 types?
What did you learn about the various results?
Are sod farms interested in the results?
Is the industry considering moving away from existing lawn grasses?
How can we as gardeners and homeowners help to move to a more sustainable lawn?
Can you tell us about another research project that you are excited about?
AI has moved into the world of gardening! This week on the Down the Garden Path podcast, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing speak with Dale and Carrie Spoonemore, creators of the new garden AI app, Seed to Spoon.
Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode:
Why did you decide to create this app?
Where does the gardening information come from?
Who is this app geared towards?
Is it North-America based only?
Can users customize their profiles so it remembers the app remembers their location?
If you're not lucky enough to be living somewhere tropical, mid-winter has you in its grasp and you may be wondering what you can be doing in February in the garden. Although there's not much to do outside, there are several activities you can work on inside to get you ready for a new growing season.
Suggestions from Joanne and Matt in this episode:
Take care of your Christmas houseplants.
Set up grow lights for starting seeds.
Check out seed catalogues for interesting veggies or perennials to grow.
Order seeds from catalogues or from online plant sources.
Grow sprouts for salad.
Take an online gardening class.
Book tickets for a local garden show.
Attend a local Seedy Saturday.
Force spring bulbs.
Force spring branches like pussy willow or forsythia.
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for 17 years. A horticulturist, college educator and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
Creating Winter Interest in the Garden
Season 9 · Episode 1
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 • Duration 58:42
Winter can be a gloomy bleak time of year, but that doesn't mean it has to be that way in the garden. In the season nine premiere of Down the Garden Path podcast, landscape designers Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing discuss how to create winter interest in your garden and landscape.
Discover how to create winter interest in your garden and landscape.
Here are some of the questions and topics Joanne and Matt cover in this episode:
Thanks to all the listeners who wrote in over the break.
Changes to the show format: addition of the Stepping Stone segment
As the owner of , Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for 17 years. A horticulturist, college educator and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns , a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
Each week on Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designers Joanne Shaw and discuss down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes.
Christmas Trees: Real vs. Fake
Season 8 · Episode 47
Monday, December 12, 2022 • Duration 58:43
In the final episode of the Down the Garden Path podcast for 2022, Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing discuss the pros and cons of buying a real tree vs. a fake tree.
Tune in to hear Joanne and Matthew discuss the pros and cons of choosing a real tree vs. a live tree.
Here are some of the questions and topics covered in this episode:
What type of tree do Joanne and Matthew put up and why?
What is the environmental impact of each choice?
Choosing an everlasting, or fake, tree: What do we need to know?
Choosing a real/live tree: What do we need to know?
Reasons why live trees are more expensive than ever.
Rent-a-tree program: caring for a potted Christmas tree
Resources mentioned during the show
How to Grow Amaryllis: A short episode we created after many listeners wrote in to ask about them.
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. A horticulturist and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
How to Grow Amaryllis
Season 8 · Episode 46
Thursday, December 8, 2022 • Duration 21:29
In this episode of Down the Garden Path podcast, professional landscape designers Joanne Shaw and Matthew Dressing spotlight the classic holiday plant, Amaryllis. These easy-to-grow bulbs make great gifts or additions to your own holiday decorating.
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. A horticulturist and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. It's now available on Amazon.
Designing with Natives in Small Spaces
Small gardens can host a wide variety (Brandie has 70+ species)
Focus on the right plant, right place, rather than "low maintenance" alone
Use design creativity: logs, natural materials, and container plants to fill early gaps
Community and Education
Shares excess seedlings with neighbours; encourages community planting
Label plants with signs to spark curiosity and conversation
Promotes pollinator education through advocacy and her YouTube channel
Pollinator Partnership Canada Certification
The program includes 3 components:
Education: 8 in-depth classes
Habitat Creation: Build pollinator-supportive space
Advocacy: Share learnings through outreach (e.g., YouTube video)
Highly recommended by Brandie; new cohorts start in February
Includes regional eco-guides and plant-pollinator charts
YouTube & Monthly Garden Tours
Started in 2020 to document native garden progress
Monthly updates show plants' life cycles and seasonal variations
Helps gardeners identify seedlings and avoid weeding out young natives
Encourages patience and learning through real-life, imperfect gardening videos
Key Takeaways
Start small—one native plant at a time
Do research: focus on scientific names, avoid hybrids if aiming for ecological impact
Natives can thrive in containers and urban spaces
Real gardens are messy, evolving, and full of learning opportunities
Supporting native pollinators starts with curiosity and one plant
Brandie's Favourite Natives
Obedient Plant (despite its unruly habits)
Swamp Milkweed – fragrant and pollinator-friendly
Eastern Redbud Tree – long-term vision for beauty and ecosystem support
How to Support Pollinators
"Start with one plant. Once you see the pollinators arrive, you'll be hooked."
Gardening with natives isn't about perfection—it's about participation in the ecosystem.
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
You can narrow down the options by reviewing different catalogues, but it is more helpful to visit material yards in person. Visit with your landscaper or designer to select appropriate materials.
Choices can be overwhelming, so do not go alone. It is important to make sure that all the different materials coordinate
Consider future needs like irrigation and lighting if your budget is limited. The landscaper can add during the initial project to make it easier to add lighting and irrigation later.
On Down The Garden Path, professional landscape designer Joanne Shaw discusses down-to-earth tips and advice for your plants, gardens and landscapes. As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. She does her best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low-maintenance as possible.
In Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and fellow landscape designer Matthew Dressing distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. Get your copy today on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe! You can now catch the podcast on YouTube.
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. A horticulturist and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. It's now available on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe!
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. A horticulturist and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. It's now available on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe!
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. You can find it on Amazon.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. You can find it on Amazon.
As the owner of Down2Earth Landscape Design, Joanne Shaw has been designing beautiful gardens for homeowners east of Toronto for over a decade. A horticulturist and landscape designer, Matthew Dressing owns Natural Affinity Garden Design, a landscape design and garden maintenance firm servicing Toronto and the Eastern GTA. Together, they do their best to bring you interesting, relevant and useful topics to help you keep your garden as low maintenance as possible.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. It's now available on Amazon.
In their new book, Down the Garden Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Your Ontario Garden, Joanne and Matthew distill their horticultural and design expertise and their combined experiences in helping others create and maintain thriving gardens into one easy-to-read monthly reference guide. It's now available on Amazon.
Don't forget to check out Down the Garden Path on your favourite podcast app and subscribe!
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