Blogs

Do you like eating hazelnuts? What if we told you that you can grow them right in your own backyard, while also supporting biodiversity, enhancing privacy and enjoying a range of vibrant fall colours? LEAF’s Residential Planting Programs Field Assistant, Joel, shares all things American hazelnut and why he thinks this shrub could be the perfect addition to your yard this season!

From forest edge to urban yard, native trees and shrubs offer more than beauty. Many can be brewed into flavourful and grounding teas. With a professional background in developing recipes with foraged local ingredients, LEAF's Residential Planting Programs Assistant, Amba, shares her guide to harvesting ethically, storing wisely and blending intentionally with leaves, berries, twigs and flowers. Whether you forage or grow your own, you'll learn to craft teas that reflect your place, your palate and the seasons you move through.

Finding the right shrub for your yard can feel a bit like dating. You’re looking for that perfect match with all the right qualities. So, we’re making it fun with a native plant twist. Imagine scrolling through “Timber,” the ultimate dating app for trees and shrubs, where each profile shows off what makes them irresistible. In our latest blog, we highlight four often-overlooked native shrubs that just might steal your heart (and make you want to swipe right).

Have you noticed a small tree or shrub taking over your yard, forming dense thickets and crowding out native plants? It could be common buckthorn, an invasive species causing significant ecological damage in Ontario. Read on to learn how to identify, manage and prevent the spread of this threatening plant.