Grounded Resources
Making Gardens
Haliburton Native Plants Explained
An in-depth look at the benefits of native plants, how we decide what’s native to Haliburton County, and a list of plants considered native.
On bioswales, SuDS and rain gardens
There are many ways to create a natural garden – and some of those ways can fulfil vital roles for us. Here’s a sign about a SuDS installation. SuDS (Sustainable Drainage System) is basically a way to use plants and the ground to improve drainage. Instead of concrete which funnels water quickly away and could…
Book Review: The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region
The Gardener’s Guide to Native Plants of the Southern Great Lakes Region is a beautifully produced, full-colour guide to more than 150 native plants.
Ditch the Mulch, Plant Densely: A Natural Approach to Gardening
Natural gardens use a dense matrix of plants that acts as its own “living mulch”. This approach does a better job of mimicking how plants actually behave.
Visiting Nigel Dunnett’s Naturalistic Garden at The Barbican
I talked to a man who was doing some spring maintenance. He told me with a huge smile on his face that he loved the gardens, which were so much more interesting than the grass elsewhere, and whose lushness contrasted with the concreted brutalism of the Barbican.
Helpful books, articles and other resources
A sample of excellent books and articles about native plant garden design.
Plugs: The Goldilocks solution to plant sizes
In the world of gardening, particularly when it comes to cultivating native plant gardens, the choice between starting with seeds, plugs, or larger plants can significantly impact the garden’s development and sustainability. Among these options, plugs often emerge as the ‘Goldilocks solution’ – not too big, not too small, but just right for creating dense, thriving native plant landscapes.
Your New Landscape: What to Expect in the Years to Come
Unlike traditional landscaping, natural gardening isn’t a one-time thing. Instead, it’s about dancing with nature, watching the garden mature year by year. Here’s what you can expect from a landscape installed by Grounded.
A Garden for All Seasons: Designing with Native Plants
A garden that evolves and adapts through the seasons not only offers an ever-changing tapestry of beauty but also provides a sustainable habitat for local wildlife.
Embracing Nature’s Edge: The Importance of Naturalizing Shorelines in Haliburton County
In the landscape of Haliburton County, where lakes and water bodies form a picturesque backdrop, the naturalization of shorelines stands out as a pivotal practice for cottagers. Natural shorelines, adorned with native vegetation and undisturbed habitats, are not just visually appealing but also vital for maintaining the ecological integrity of these aquatic ecosystems.
Growing a Green Renaissance
When the landscape you inherit isn’t yours
Sometimes the gap between mowed lawn and thick forest becomes unbearable.
When the trees fell
Trees mean something to us. They also mean something to those who come after us.
Yes, weeding can be a pleasure
What if taking care of your landscape was like visiting an old friend?
What I learned from a song sparrow one summer
Or why noticing is the beginning of a journey that leads to action.
The less you control, the better it feels
Why our landscapes make weekends stressful and how a different kind of care fixes that.
Nature is good. Let’s have more of it
If you live in the Highlands, it’s likely you love nature. So let’s have more of it… and here’s what happens when we do.
Biggest Haliburton Natural Garden Questions Answered
I was interviewed by Canoe FM for a new show that will be launched in January 2026. Here are my answers.
Bringing Back Biodiversity
Filling a hole in the forest
Imposing our will on nature results in struggle at best, disaster at worst.
Doing it for me, benefiting us all
Beavers change landscapes and create biodiversity. Can we be more like beavers?
Fitting in or forcing out?
Invasive plants are just doing what invasive plants do. But is that what we want?
Can’t live, if living is without you
How plants and animals are here for each other, even if they don’t realize it.
The landscape where everyone’s a winner
No plant is an island. Together, they make a community where every individual benefits every other.
A new go-to book if you love Haliburton’s nature
If you like Haliburton Highlands nature and want to discover more of it, I highly recommend this book.
Your land isn’t messy, it’s getting going
Ecological gardens don’t look perfect right away. But what looks messy to some is a successful landscape establishing.
How much of a pond is beaver?
When does a tree end and the forest begin? How much of a pond is beaver? What percentage of me is me? Big questions… and important for landscaping ecologically.
Why cottage landscapes are all about edges
What if the defining feature of a Highlands landscape is the edge? We sit here in the Land Between, that biodiverse strip at the very south of the Canadian Shield. It’s one big edge where rock meets lowlands. Zoom in on our homes and cottages, and you see more edges. There’s the edge between the…
Newsletters
Natural Garden News from Grounded – August 1, 2026
Inside this edition of Natural Garden News Hurry up and stop If you want a Grounded garden… A time for planting, a time for singing Land heals but it doesn’t go back Doing it for me, benefiting us all When the trees fell New book – The Unfinished Cottage Landscape What’s going on at Lucas House The Grounded native plants ideas generator! My Haliburton Native Plant Database English Haliburton cottage garden The dirty secret about poor soils Today’s recommended reading Today’s VIP (Very…
Natural Garden News from Grounded – July 4, 2026
Inside this edition of Natural Garden News Time and song If you want a Grounded garden… Fitting in or forcing out When did the cottage become work? In ecological gardening, density is the point Haliburton native plants explained New book – The Unfinished Cottage Landscape The Grounded native plants ideas generator! My Haliburton Native Plant Database Planting the shoreline Downhill work Lawn begone! Today’s recommended reading Today’s VIP (Very Important Plant) I hope you enjoy the…
Natural Garden News from Grounded – June 6, 2026
Inside this edition of Natural Garden News The Home Show must go on If you want a Grounded garden… The landscape where everyone’s a winner Native plants and deer Something is missing but I don’t know what Can’t live, if living is without you New book – The Unfinished Cottage Landscape Yes, the mosquitos are back Catch our new show on Canoe My Haliburton Native Plant Database That’s a lot of plants! Today’s recommended reading Today’s VIP (Very Important Plant) I hope you enjoy the…
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