Organic Gardening
Plant Paradise Country Gardens™ is an organic perennial nursery and destination garden centre that is solar powered. On the twenty four acres at Plant Paradise Country Gardens™, we do not use any pesticides or herbicides anywhere. It has never been necessary. We have allowed the natural defenses of nature to take control. Not using pesticides or herbicides encourages birds, toads, frogs, snakes and beneficial insects to thrive and create balance in the garden. With the addition of plants that attract beneficial insects you will encourage them to live permanently in your garden. For more information read the article Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects

Pesticides and herbicides poison the environment. There are many environmentally safe, non-toxic, organic and natural ways to control insect or disease problems.

As growers of thousands of perennials, we use certified organic products for feeding all of the plants we grow. Organically grown perennials are not forced to bloom so that we can sell more plants. Forcing a plant to bloom creates weak root development. Fertilizing a plant with synthethic based nutrients also creates a weak plant. Over time, with the use of synthethic fertilizers in the garden or lawn, salt residues build up. This creates a toxic environment for growing anything successfully. It also discourages the good bugs from inhabiting your property.

Healthy, moisture retentive, well drained soil is one of the single most important elements of successful, organic gardening. Creating healthy soil in sandy or heavy clay soil is as easy as adding composted manure or worm castings. This increases moisture retention and improves the soil structure and fertility which encourages millions of micro-organisms to thrive. Their existence increases the absorption of essential minerals to the plants which creates better root growth and greater resistance to disease and pests.

By adding the product MYKE to your soil it will aid in your plants health and root development. MYKE contains mycorrhizal fungi which has occurred naturally in the soil for 400 million years. Mycorrhizal fungi form a close, symbiotic relationship with plant roots. However, in most soils that have been disturbed by residential construction or intensive applications of fertilizers containing pesticides and other chemical products, the mycorrhizae content has considerably diminished, and has become insufficient to significantly enhance plant growth. When mycorrhizal fungi colonize the plants root system, they create a network that increases the plants capacity to absorb more water and nutrients such as phosphorus, copper and zinc. This process in turn enhances growth and favours rapid development of the plant's roots which creates greater resistance to disease and drought.

Incorrect watering is a key reason why some plants may not overwinter or become weak and are prone to disease and pests. At Plant Paradise Country Gardens we do not water the display gardens. We rely entirely on nature. This promotes a healthier plant because the roots grow deeper into the ground searching for water and nutrients. If you do decide to water any of your plants such as: perennials, annuals, vegetables, evergreens or even your lawn, Deep Water. The water has to penetrate to the roots where the plants require it. Depending on the plant, this can mean a depth of between 2 to 8 inches. Shallow watering creates plants that do not develop deep roots that search out the water and nutrients they require. By watering deeply and less frequently you will grow healthier plants that will be less susceptible to drought, disease and pests.

Even some of our best efforts may need a little help occasionally. Here are some of the many non-toxic and organic solutions that are available at Plant Paradise Country Gardens.

Solutions for Pests in the Garden
Safer's Slug & Snail Bait
(Non-Toxic to pets and humans. It contains Iron Phosphate which occurs naturally in the soil. Earthworms, bees and other beneficials are not affected.)

Neem Oil (OMRI Certifed) 100% Organic.
For aphids, caterpillars on roses, red lily beetle and much more.

Plantskydd (OMRI Certified)
100% Organic and Environmentally Safe. Deer and rabbits avoid treated evergreens, perennials, bulbs, tulips and annuals before they bite, not after. Lasts for up to six months and does not need to be re-applied after a rainfall.

Granular Neem 100 % Organic
For disease and preventative control of mold and mildew in the soil which transfers to the plant.

Certified Backyard Habitat The Canadian Wildlife Federation has awarded Plant Paradise Country Gardens a Backyard Habitat Certificate for outstanding effort in helping wildlife through the creation of habitat and wildlife gardens.