Bow Valley Greens & Gardens

January 26, 2023

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du.artlandscaping

Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist in Canmore, Alberta🪻
Planting, summer/winter planters, maintenance & snow removal
(403) 688-1020

It’s been a great season for the @thegrizzlypaw

It’s been a great season for the @thegrizzlypaw planters, they exceeded my expectations in every way. Absolutely pumped! Already have ideas brewing for next year, but this season’s not over yet, a few more surprises still to come.

A huge thank you to Grizzly Paw for trusting me with the planters at their downtown pub.

Make sure you check out the befores at the end to really appreciate the difference!

#grizzlypawbrewingcompany #canmore #banff #landscapehorticulturist #tourism #plantlove #planters

I Love a Mock Orange The title says it all. Whenev

I Love a Mock Orange
The title says it all. Whenever someone asks me for a recommendation on what shrub they should plant, I always say Mock Orange first, then Karl Foerster (yes, I know that’s a grass), and then, if they’re still searching, Diablo Ninebark.

Mock Oranges, in my opinion, are some of the least appreciated yet most used shrubs in town. There are Mock Oranges everywhere in Canmore. The hedge at the Drake? Mock Oranges. They’re all through Spring Creek and dotted across many yards. You can hedge them, shape them, or let them grow as they please. You can even coppice them right to the ground, and they’ll come back stronger than ever the next year. That’s because Mock Oranges thrive here-they just work. They’re a reliable shrub when established and they look good at all levels of maintenance. Yet no one seems to know their name.

Which I guess is a good thing in a way-because that means they don’t attract attention for failing, being delicate, or being overplanted. Even though they should absolutely be used more. They’re out there, but no one notices them until they flower around the end of June or beginning of July (so, right now). But when they flower-what a show. I wait for them to bloom every year. They have the most profuse white, four-petaled blooms that smell like citrus and jasmine (hence the name). They’re less potently fragrant than lilacs but much more densely flowered. A couple of my clients have massive bushes that are fully white right now. It’s amazing. I have more pictures of Mocks in bloom than any other shrub.

After they bloom, they spend the rest of the season as dense green shrubs that birds love to hang out and nest in. They really are the best all-around shrub-they check all the boxes: Hardy, Fragrant, Flowering, Habitat, Privacy.

So instead of planting that White Spruce, plant a Mock Orange. Your future self will thank you when you don’t have an overgrown problem tree. I’d personally recommend the Waterton variety, but the Blizzard variety works well too.

#Canmore #CanmoreLandscaping #Banff #bowvalley #mockorange #PlantLove

Let's Talk About Invasive Plants I love this topi

Let's Talk About Invasive Plants

I love this topic because it touches on a lot of subjects that are prominent in the culture right now, and how humans view the world around us. “Invasive plants” is a term used to refer to any plant that spreads rapidly and outcompetes native plants.

The argument against invasive plants is that they destroy the natural ecosystem, upset the balance, and crossbreed with natives, creating hybrids. I understand these arguments, and I see their point. It’s similar to the argument made against European settlers in North America. In a sense, the invasive versus native plants argument is humans applying that same logic to the natural world-or vice versa. Native plants do play an important role in the ecosystem, providing food and habitat to animals, birds, and insects. Some may have evolved specifically to feed, nest, or breed on these natives-and without them, their existence could be in peril. That’s more than a valid reason to prevent the spread of invasive plants.

The other side though, is maybe we should let them spread. Maybe we should let them hybridize. Maybe we don’t actually know what’s best for the ecosystem. Humans by nature fear change-we like to keep everything the same. That’s essentially the reason we’re trying to stop climate change. We fear change. But maybe instead of fearing it, we need to adapt to it. We by no means understand the natural world-we like to think we do, but we really don’t. We will always predict a negative outcome-but what if the outcome is positive?

What if the new hybridized plants are better adapted to the changing climate? What if they provide new feed and habitat? By stifling change, we all but guarantee demise. This is as true of plants as it is for humans. Adaptation and evolution are necessary for survival, and they are the reason plants and humans are as successful as we both are. Neither of us would exist right now if we didn’t evolve and adapt to changes in our environment. Maybe we need to embrace change instead of fearing it. Maybe we need to apply this logic to more than just the invasive versus native plants debate.

Just something to ponder.

#Canmore #Banff #bowvalley #plants

Define a Weed Do it. Define a weed-and don’t sa

Define a Weed

Do it. Define a weed-and don’t say Dandelion.

The definition of a weed is subjective. It’s essentially any plant that’s growing in a spot it shouldn’t and annoys humans. That’s it. It can really be any plant that bothers me or shows up where it’s not wanted.

I’ve called False Spirea a weed. I could call White Spruce a weed-because it annoys me. Aspen could be considered a weed because they sucker into lawns and beds. So could Wolf Willow. Those are all shrubs and trees. Most of those are not what people think of when they hear the word "weed."

The Government of Alberta has both a Prohibited Noxious and Noxious Weed list. They define weeds as plants that present significant economic, social, or ecological risks because they spread rapidly and are highly competitive. Essentially, they’re saying these plants threaten agriculture and livestock because they out-compete cultivated grains-or poison your cows.

Yeah, you probably don’t want Black Henbane or Canada Thistle growing in your yard or field, and it would suck if it got harvested or into your cow’s feed-but growing at the dump? Is that a problem? There isn’t a farm within 50km of Canmore.

Common Mullein used to be a herbal remedy and probably still is for some. Oxeye Daisies and Tall Buttercup grow wild in forests around here. They could just as easily be called wildflowers-a much nicer designation than "noxious weed."

Companies like Bayer or Scotts tell you Dandelions and Clover are weeds because they grow in the “perfect” Canadian lawn. But really, that’s just marketing-so they can sell herbicides, fertilizers, and keep pushing the image of the pristine green lawn with a white picket fence. That image is expensive to maintain, which is great for their bottom line.

My point is this: While other plant categories like trees, perennials, shrubs, and annuals are botanical classifications, the same is not true for weeds.The definition is subjective and in the eye of the beholder.

There were no weeds before Canada was colonized. The clover and dandelion in your lawn might be weeds to you-but they’re food to bees.

One man’s weed is another’s wildflower.

Peonies What more can I say-Peonies speak for them

Peonies
What more can I say-Peonies speak for themselves. They are simply one of the most fantastic flowering perennials that grow in Canmore. I have yet to meet a client who doesn’t like peonies.

The only complaint I’ve ever heard about peonies is that they’re one-and-done, meaning they flower once and that’s it for the rest of the season. Yeah, that’s true-but at least you get a nice bush out of the deal. And for a perennial that only flowers once a season, they sure put on a hell of a show. The only thing that compares, in my opinion, is the Dahlia-which I’ve already gushed about.

The difference between Dahlia and Peony is that unlike Dahlia, which is a tender perennial here, Peonies are hardy perennials. They’re one of the few perennials-next to catmint-that I always feel confident planting. I think they might be invincible.

They’re literally hard AF for a plant that produces such a stunning flower. I’ve seen neglected peonies in a client’s yard that have never flowered while I’ve been there—but still come back year after year. I’ve transplanted and moved a few peonies now and have yet to see one fail. They just don’t die.

Yeah, for some, they may be a classic or “grandma” plant-but that’s because you could give your peony to your grandchild. They’ve earned that title. And frankly, peonies don’t really need your respect-they’ll just keep growing back, year after year.

So if you’ve got a full sun spot and some space, look no further than grandma’s favourite: the Peony.

#Canmore
#Banff #Peony #peonyseason #winning #bowvalley #LandscapingLife #PlantLove #peonylove #mountaingardens #mountains

Let’s Talk About Water
If there is one thing I’m always talking about with clients-especially those considering new plantings-it’s water. Are you ready and able to maintain the watering needs of those new plants? One of the first questions I ask when a client says a plant is struggling is: “How much are you watering?” Everyone always says they water-and in truth, they probably do. Just not enough.

New shrubs and trees need water every other day. Every other day for the first month, then switch to deep watering once or twice a week, depending on how hot it is. The less you water during the week, the more water you have to give the plant when you do water.

The same is true of annuals-water them every other day, especially if they’re sitting in hot sun, on concrete, exposed to wind, or all three. Remember, annuals generally live in containers. They only have access to the moisture within the container. Once that dries out, they start to look sad and wilty.

Another thing I always emphasize with new plantings: Rain is not enough. Transplanted shrubs, trees, perennials, and annuals need regularity to establish. It takes up to three years for shrubs, trees, and perennials to fully establish. Until that time, they need constant watering-two to three times a week. They even need some water in the winter, especially during a chinook. I never expect rain to do my watering for me. It’s a welcome hand, but it can’t be relied upon to establish plants. Once plants are established, it’s a different story-but still: water your plants.

A final note: Drought tolerant doesn’t mean the plant needs less water to establish. I can’t just throw a Karl Foerster into the ground and expect it to establish without water. A plant that’s drought tolerant isn’t drought tolerant until it’s established. So three years.

So before we plant, we need to be sure we’re willing to care for that plant for at least three years and beyond.
Happy planting!

#Banff #Canmore
#water #bowvalley #water #PlantLove #perennials #shrubs #tree #annuals #LandscapingLife #landscapehorticulturist

Another thing about me that some of you know, but

Another thing about me that some of you know, but some of you don’t:
Canmore is my hometown-though I wasn’t born here. I was born in Calgary (I know, the shame). I moved here full-time when I was 9 after being a weekender before that. I grew up here, went to school here, graduated from Canmore Collegiate in 2008, and started my career in landscaping here at the Canmore Golf and Country Club.
I know this valley like the back of my hand. So when I tell you what plants will and won’t work here, it’s not because I looked it up on Google, saw it at Canadian Tire, or saw it growing in Calgary. It’s because I’ve seen it growing here-in someone’s garden, in front of a business, or in the wild.
When I tell you that cedar is not going to survive here in your above-ground beds and that it will die over winter, I’m not just being a killjoy. I’m speaking to you with the experience and knowledge that comes with living in the valley for over 25 years.
I understand the difference in climate between the sunny side of the valley and the dark side. I understand that when we get rain at the valley bottom, we could be getting snow on the Peaks of Grassi. I get that rain on 3rd Street doesn’t mean rain in Three Sisters. I’ve seen Harvey Heights get a foot of snow while Larch gets 6”. I know that the soil in Eagle Terrace is different from the soil in Larch.
I can tell you that a birch in Walker will likely die, but a birch in Spring Creek might survive-although birches altogether shouldn’t be planted here. They’re swamp trees, and Canmore isn’t a swamp. Canmore is floodplain, river bottom, with glacial till along the sides. Our soil is mostly rocky, with a thin layer of topsoil, and if you’re in the right spot on the valley bottom-some clay.
When I select and plant for my clients, or offer them any other advice on their landscapes, I bring them over 25 years of lived experience-along with the knowledge of a Red Seal-certified Journeyman Landscaper.
And though there’s still plenty to learn about Canmore and my trade, my clients can trust that I may know a thing or two already.

#Canmore #bowvalleylocals #bowvalley #Alberta #RedSealJourneyman #lawnmaintenance #bowvalleyinsider #Banff

I Love Dahlia If there is one perennial I truly lo

I Love Dahlia
If there is one perennial I truly love, it is the Dahlia (Dahlia spp.). They have one of the most fantastically beautiful flowers and extraordinary colours. I’m pretty sure they come in every colour-as well as white and black (dark burgundy). They are simply one of the most elegant tender perennials out there. There is absolutely a reason that people get really into growing them and even hold competitions.

Unfortunately… They will not overwinter outdoors here in Canmore, so most people treat them as annuals. But it doesn’t have to be that way! They are tender perennials after all, which means with the proper planning and care, they can be overwintered here and grown season after season. I grow my dahlias in large pots, and when the first frost kills the green off in fall, I cut them down to about 4–6” and then move the pots into a dark corner in the garage. Then once or twice during the winter I give them just a little water and otherwise leave them alone till March–April. Then I move the pots into the light by the window and give them some water to wake them up. Once they’ve woken up, I wait until it's warm enough outdoors to harden them off before moving them outside permanently.

Dahlias are sensitive to spring frosts, which are common here, so I always make sure to keep a frost cloth nearby to cover them on colder nights. And if it's really cold, I’ll move them back to the shade or the garage. But in the end, it’s all worth it when I get my first blooms in August. As you can see, their vibrant colours and flower form are stunning-like a sunflower, but better.

Dahlia tubers can also be dug up in fall, stored in peat moss, and kept in a fridge to keep them alive till the next spring, but I honestly find my planter method works just fine, and I never have to risk damaging the tubers.
So if you’ve got the time and don’t mind putting in effort for a more high-maintenance plant that’s not a tomato-and 100x more beautiful than a tomato-dahlias are definitely worth it.

#dahliagrower #dahlialove #dahliaaddict #dahliasofinstagram #dahliaseason #canmoregardens #zone3gardening #mountaingardener #rockymountaingardens #albertagardener#coldclimategarden

Love the Lawn You Have Sometimes you just need to

Love the Lawn You Have
Sometimes you just need to love the lawn you have. Take these two lawns for instance. They are 75%-80% dandelions and you know what? They are always green and lush looking. They hardly get watered-I’m really not sure how the first one grows so well, besides that the water table is pretty high in that area of town and it’s well shaded-they're pollinator and insect friendly, and honestly, they are pretty standard Canmore lawns.

There is no written rule that says lawns have to be completely grass or that they can't be composed of other plants besides grass. Yes, the definition of a lawn is an area of mowed grass, but in my mind, a lawn is just a mowed area. Besides these two lawns, I mow another lawn where one area is all forget-me-nots and buttercups. There I mow the center higher than the standard 3" and leave a large border area plus a middle flower patch. And guess what? It looks fantastic, in my opinion. It's the perfect blend of maintained and wild. It's healthy, pollinator friendly, and beautiful. And most importantly, the client loves it.

In my view, a lawn is what you make it. Yes, perfect golf course-style green grass lawns are very attractive and appealing. But they are also the most water- and maintenance-intensive lawns you can have. Grass is a thirsty plant, and it's not pollinator friendly. Plus, maintaining a weed-free surface is a nearly impossible task by hand and is actually something I won’t do for clients because it's just not worth my time. The best solution is spray, which comes with its own downsides. Then there are the other maintenance tasks like aeration, fertilizing, dethatching, and leveling, if you really want that golf course lawn. By the time you're done all that, is it really that hard to tolerate a few other plants in your lawn?

#duartlandscaping #canmorelawns #naturalorder #pollinatorfriendly #dandelionlawn #landscapethoughts #mountaingardens #wildlawns #forgetmenots #hostaanddandelion #landscapingphilosophy #rethinkyourlawn

Something some of you already know—but some of y

Something some of you already know—but some of you may not—is that in addition to running Du.art Landscaping, I also work full-time with @threesisterslandscapecompany.

Which is why I sometimes show up at random times to mow your lawn, water your planters, or weed your beds, lol.

I’ve worked for Andrew at Three Sisters for over five years now, and he’s a huge part of why I started Du.art Landscaping in the first place. He was my mentor during my apprenticeship and helped guide me toward becoming a Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist.

Thanks to that, I’m now able to bring the expertise of a Journeyman straight to your yards.

I couldn’t be more grateful to Andrew and the whole team at Three Sisters for their support and guidance. To say I lucked out is an understatement.

Working at one of the valley’s top landscape construction companies gives me experience I couldn’t get anywhere else—experience I bring directly into my maintenance work.
I actually understand how your landscape was built and how it’s meant to function, which means I can offer solid advice when things need to be maintained or fixed.

Thank you to all my clients—current and future—for your patience while I grow Du.art Landscaping. Whether I show up on Saturdays or after 5 PM, your support means everything.

Anyway, here’s one of my client’s beautiful lawns—with a retaining wall, paver pathway and stairs in the background built by @threesisterslandscapecompany.

Have a great day!

#duartlandscaping #threesisterslandscapecompany #canmoregardens #redsealhorticulturist #yardcare #landscapemaintenance #albertalandscaper #gratefulgardener #landscapinglife #naturalorder

If there’s one plant I love in gardens, it’s t

If there’s one plant I love in gardens, it’s the Hosta—especially Big Daddy Hostas.
(I’m not being funny—that’s actually the variety name.)

Hostas are one of the few hardy perennials we have in the mountains that still bring tropical vibes with their giant, luscious leaves. Planted in the right conditions with the right light and enough water, they’ll absolutely take over.

Try planting them under taller companions like birch or other deciduous trees to fill in the space below. I’ve got mine under some peonies, and it’s thriving—plus, it hides the skinny legs of the peonies beautifully. The overhead canopy gives them the dappled shade they need while still letting in enough light.

Most Hostas do best with 4–6 hours of sun a day and lots of water. Irrigation or drip lines really help in our dry mountain climate.

Happy planting 🌿

#hostalove #bigdaddyhosta #canmoregardens #shadeplants #duartlandscaping #mountaingardening #perennials #rightplant #naturalyards #gardenlayers

As a Landscape Horticulturist in Canmore, if there

As a Landscape Horticulturist in Canmore, if there’s one thing I wish people would stop doing—besides using river rock and 40mm Rundle—it’s planting spruce trees as yard trees. Spruce trees, especially white spruce, are terrible yard trees.
There’s a concept called “the right plant for the right space.” It means that when planting anything, you should think about the entire lifespan of the plant and what it’s going to look like when it reaches full height and width—not just what it looks like when it’s small and cute. Yes, blue and white spruce are both cute when they’re small—so are lodgepole pines and Douglas firs—but when these trees reach full size, you have a massive tree and, in the case of lodgepole, a giant matchstick.
More often than not, they’re planted too close to the house, or too close together. Even if they’re planted far enough away, when they’re fully grown, they can still fall and hit the house or completely overshadow it. They’re also more flammable than deciduous trees, and in the age of FireSmart, they are one of the main trees homeowners are encouraged to remove.
Spruce, Douglas firs, and lodgepole pines are forest trees and should really only be used on acreages—places where they can comfortably reach their full potential without becoming a problem down the road. Because if a tree falls in the forest, no one cares.
If you’re looking for a good yard tree in Canmore, I would suggest hawthorns. They are beautiful trees, have great form, are easy to maintain, have lovely white or pink flowers, and age beautifully. Varieties like Crataegus laevigata ‘Paul’s Scarlet’ are essentially sterile, so they don’t produce any significant fruit. This makes them bear-safe and compliant with the town’s new policies regarding fruit-bearing trees.
I’m always getting compliments on our hawthorn, and I never maintain it. It just does its thing year after year.
Spruce trees belong in the woods—and honestly, we live in a valley of spruce trees. I don’t have to look far to find one. They’re everywhere. They don’t need to be in a yard.
So think about the next tree before you plant.

#landscape #landscapehorticulturist #Canmore #rockymountains #tree #firesmart #bear

This client always asks for the best-so I always b

This client always asks for the best-so I always bring my best.
Really stoked with how these planters turned out this season. Can’t wait to see them fill out and thrive over the summer!

#CanmoreLandscaping #DuArtLandscaping #PlanterSeason #MountainGardening #SummerBlooms #BowValleyBeauty #DetailsMatter #GardenGoals

Wouldn’t be summer without one of my favorite pl

Wouldn’t be summer without one of my favorite plantings!
Always an honour to do the planters at @thegrizzlypaw—such a staple of Canmore and a spot I genuinely look forward to working on every year.

Really happy with how they turned out this season. Can’t wait to see them fill out and come to life over the next couple months!

Thanks as always to @bowvalleygardencentre for the beautiful plant material!

#CanmoreLandscaping #DuArtLandscaping #TheGrizzlyPaw #PlanterSeason #MountainTownVibes #SummerBlooms #BowValleyBeauty #PrideInTheDetails

Mowing season is officially ON—and I couldn’t

Mowing season is officially ON—and I couldn’t be more stoked to kick it off with my new STIHL electric mower.

It took me a while to make the switch, but after a few mows with this bad boy, I’m completely sold. No more ear protection. No more waking up the neighborhood. No more throwing my back out lifting gear in and out of the truck.

Between this mower and my electric weed whipper, my ears and back have never been happier—and I know my clients will feel the difference too. Quiet, clean, and efficient service from start to finish.

Looking forward to another season serving the beautiful Bow Valley.
If your lawn needs a mow, you know who to call.

@stihl
#CanmoreLandscaping #BowValleyLawns #DuArtLandscaping #ElectricMower #STIHL #SustainableLandscaping #QuietPower #LawnCarePros #LandscaperLife #MowingSeason #BackyardBliss

Spring is in bloom! We brought new life to these

Spring is in bloom!
We brought new life to these planters with a fresh mix of textures, colour, and structure. Cream sola roses, vibrant purple statice, and soft eucalyptus mingle with curly willow and birch for a design that bridges winter’s wild beauty and spring’s emerging energy.

Whether you’re after a statement piece by the front door or a lush border for your backyard oasis, Du.art Landscaping brings creativity and care to every planter.

Let’s make your space bloom—drop us a message to get started!

#DuartLandscaping #CanmoreGardens #SpringPlanters #MountainDesign #GardenArtistry #LandscapingWithSoul

❄️ Wrapping Up the Season ❄️ Just as I wa

❄️ Wrapping Up the Season ❄️

Just as I was getting ready to put the shovel away, winter had one last surprise! Of course, the biggest snowfall came right at the end.

It’s been a long season, and I want to thank all my clients for trusting me to keep your walkways and driveways clear. The early mornings, the heavy snowfalls—it’s all part of the job, and I appreciate the support.

Now, it’s time to shift gears into landscaping, garden prep, and bringing some greenery back to Canmore. If you need help with your yard this season, let’s chat!

#DuartLandscaping #Canmore #SnowShoveling #EndOfSeason #SpringIsComing #SnowToSun

Your Winter Worries, Gone ❄️ When you hire Du

Your Winter Worries, Gone ❄️

When you hire Du.art Landscaping for snow removal, my work speaks for itself. I guarantee to be there snow or shine, ensuring your driveways, walkways, and steps are as clean and safe as possible.

Reliable. Professional. Alberta-tough.

📩 Message me today for stress-free snow removal all season long!

#SnowRemoval #WinterReady #CanmoreBusiness #DuartLandscaping #SnowOrShine #Local #Canmore #snow #mountains
#living #bowvalley

✨🎄 Merry Christmas from Du.art Landscaping! 🎄✨

As I reflect on this beautiful season, I’m grateful for the opportunity to create stunning outdoor spaces for my incredible clients throughout the year. Whether it's winter planters, lush gardens, or snowy landscapes, I take pride in bringing your vision to life, no matter the season. ❄️

This Christmas, I want to thank you for your continued support and trust. Wishing you all peace, joy, and beautiful moments with loved ones. 🎁

Here's to a prosperous 2024 filled with new beginnings, growth, and endless possibilities!

#MerryChristmas #DuartLandscaping #LandscapingWithLove #ChristmasJoy #HappyHolidays #WinterWonderland #Canmore ##Banff #bowvalley

Bringing Christmas Cheer with Festive Planters!

✨ Added these charming stars for a touch of Christmas magic to these seasonal planters.

Perfect for welcoming guests to your home with warmth and style this holiday season! 🎄

Looking to elevate your outdoor space? I create custom planters for all occasions—whether it’s for the New Year, the upcoming spring season, or anytime you want to freshen up your entryway.

Let me design something special for you! Contact me today to order your bespoke seasonal planter and make your space come alive.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎅✨

#ChristmasPlanters #SeasonalDecor #CustomDesign #LandscapingArt #DuartLandscaping #PlantLove #bowvalley #CanmoreBusiness #Canmore #Banff #mountains

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