n THE CARILLON STEINBACH, MAN. B14
n www.thecarillon.com THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026
Home & Yard SPRING
SHOPPINGGUIDE|2026
Landscaping: designs that address the challenges of climate change
Grasscycling and leafcycling: simple, eco-friendly practices to try now D o you want to adopt eco-friendly habits without adding extra work to your rou- tine? Start grasscycling and leafcycling!
T he effects of climate change are inspir- ing homeowners to make their proper- ties more resilient in the face of extreme weather events, wildfires and unpredictable growing seasons. These sustainable landscap- ing practices may be part of the solution. • Grow native plants. When you opt for plant species that grow naturally in your re- gion, you’ll need to rely less on additional plant management practices like irrigation or temperature controls. • Choose eco-friendly materials. A more sustainable garden includes furniture and oth- er landscape features made of environmen- tally responsible materials. Natural materials and fibres have the benefit of biodegradabili- ty. Additionally, corrosion-resistant materials like metal and fibreglass are long-lasting and therefore require less frequent replacement. • Incorporate supportive technologies. Moisture sensors and sprinkler timers mini- mize water wastage by ensuring your plants get just the right amount of water at just the right time. New adaptive lighting solutions can moderate light exposure and help counter the effects of light pollution. • Add weather-resilient features. Strategic landscaping features can help protect your home from extreme weather events.
Learn more about these practices. The principle
Grasscycling involves leaving grass clippings on your lawn after mowing. Skip the raking and yard waste bags. Just mow as usual and let the clippings decompose naturally. As they break down, they return valuable nutrients to the soil and feed your lawn. Leafcycling follows the same principle, but with dead leaves. As summer gradually gives way to fall, run your mower over the fallen leaves to shred them into small pieces. Leave the fragments on your lawn. This will allow the soil to absorb useful nutrients. The benefits In addition to creating natural fertilizer, these two practices offer several clear advan- tages: • In summer, grasscycling helps the soil re- tain moisture, significantly reducing the need for watering • In winter, leafcycling creates a protective layer that shelters insects and beneficial mi- croorganisms • You reduce the amount of green waste sent to landfills, cutting down on polluting emis- sions associated with transportation and land- fill disposal • Soil fertilized with its own organic matter resists disease better than soil treated with commercial synthetic products Tips These habits can simplify your life by saving you the chore of collection. Additionally, you can use green waste around shrubs and flower beds to help them grow better. Collect some of the grass clippings and use them to nourish your hydrangeas, rhododendrons and other plants. Do you want to take your grasscycling and leafcycling practices to the next level? When mowing your lawn, leave small patches of dandelions or clover unmowed to support pol- linators that use these plants as a food source. These simple steps can transform your lawn into a true ecological haven. In short, you can take several steps to help maintain your soil in an eco-friendly way. Ul-
Well-placed trees and hedges can serve as windbreaks. A stormwater drainage system can limit the effects of flooding. Ask your local landscaper how you can make your property more resilient to climate change.
Edible flowers: as pretty as they are delicious Y ou can add colour, flavour and a touch of
stamen before serving. • Peonies . Peony petals make a beautiful, flavourful dessert garnish. Use them lavishly as a cake decoration or add them to your fruit salad. • Red clover. Add the flowers to a salad or serve them with cheese and crackers. You can also dry them to make tea. • Violets. In addition to serving these fra- grant flowers in salads or cooking them in jams, you can serve them as greens. They’re also an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Visit your local garden centre to explore ed- ible flower options you can bring home today. Eat plants safely Be sure you know precisely which plants, and which parts of a plant are edible. Cultivate only organic varieties to ensure you’re not in- gesting pesticides or other contaminants. If you’re prone to allergies, asthma or hay fever, avoid eating unfamiliar plants.
whimsy to your meals and desserts with edible flowers from your garden. Do you need some suggestions to get started? Try a few of these popular species. • Arugula flowers. These blossoms have a milder taste than their better-known leafy greens. They make a tasty—and pretty—addi- tion to salads. • Dandelions. Dandelion greens are often steamed or served raw in salads, but the flow- ers are also sweet and slightly crisp. For opti- mal flavour, pick younger flowers and buds rather than more mature flowers. • Nasturtiums. These easy-to-grow flowers are easy to eat. Plus, the entire plant is edi- ble. The petals will add a peppery kick to your slow-cooker meals. • Pansies. Adding a splash of colour and a versatile burst of flavour, these popular garden flowers work well with both savoury and sweet dishes. Just make sure to remove the pistil and
timately, you’ll save money, reduce your water consumption and help the planet. Consider- ing that many municipalities ban grass clip- pings from regular trash, now is the perfect time to start this new habit. Do you need to get properly equipped for the mowing season? Visit your local retailers.
A brief guide to installing a tree stake D oes one of your newly planted trees look unstable? You may need to help stabilize it with a stake. Warning signs One or more of the following signs may indi- cate that your tree needs support: • The roots are visible or are lifting out of the soil
• The trunk is bending under its own weight • The root ball moves when you gently pull the trunk upward • Strong winds regularly push the tree off balance Proper staking Purchase a long, sturdy wooden or met- al stake. Drive it into the ground just outside the root ball. Position it on the side facing the prevailing wind. Push the stake at least 60 cen- timetres into firm, undisturbed soil to ensure good support. Next, secure the trunk to the stake using a tie. The tie should be flexible and wide, so it doesn’t cut into the bark and injure the tree. A nylon stocking, a strip of bicycle inner tube
or a soft cotton band will do the trick. You can also purchase specialized tree ties at a garden supply retailer. Wrap the tie in a figure-eight pattern between the stake and the trunk be- fore knotting it. Visit a garden centre in your area for more advice.
SAND GRAVEL STONE
TOPSOIL LOADING & HAULING Residential & Commercial We offer delivery and pick-up
For all your landscape supplies call us!
SOILS: Screened Topsoil, Garden Soil, Compost GROUND COVERS: Woodchips & Mulch AGGREGATES: Limestone, Red & Black Granite, River Rock, Sand & Gravel, etc
Residential & Commercial We offer delivery and pick-up
204-326-3668 Hwy 12, 1 1/4 miles south, Steinbach
MONDAY-FRIDAY 8 AM-6 PM SATURDAY 9 AM-3 PM SUNDAY - CLOSED www.peteslandscaping.ca
STEINBACH, MAN. THE CARILLON n B15
www.thecarillon.com n
THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2026
Home & Yard SPRING
SHOPPINGGUIDE|2026
Transform your backyard into a wellness space
3 benefits of ground cover plants: varieties to explore
D o you ever wish you could have a spa- like experience without leaving home? You can create your own wellness space right in your own backyard. Here are some tips to inspire you. What does wellness mean for you? Do you need a workout space? Do you have a meditation practice? Are you a yoga or Pilates practitioner? Do certain religious or spiritual icons speak to you? Let your personal vision of wellness guide you in your backyard transfor- mation. Inspire serenity through clean design A tidy, uncluttered space with clean lines creates a calming atmosphere. When you choose furniture or structures for your back- yard, select items that eliminate distraction
and promote contemplation. Incorporate organic elements
I s maintaining your lawn becoming a chore? You might want to consider replacing part of your grass with ground cover plants. These low-growing plants have many advan- tages and support local biodiversity. Here are three great reasons to make the switch, plus a few easy varieties to try. 1. Save time on maintenance A diverse lawn resists disease, pests and harsh weather better than grass alone. Ground cover plants spread quickly and crowd out weeds nat- urally. Say goodbye to chemical sprays! They also form a protective layer over the soil, which helps to slow water evaporation. This means your lawn will bounce back more easily from summer drought, especially in sparser areas, such as spots under trees or in shady corners. 2. Add style and originality to your yard Who says lawns must be green? Many types
of ground cover bloom for weeks, adding a touch of colour and originality to your land- scaping. Plant them along pathways, near low walls or between decorative pavers, and let na- ture do its work. 3. Support the environment Ground cover plants generally require less watering than traditional turf. They also at- tract pollinators and provide a valuable source of food, especially late in the season. Support the bees and butterflies! You have plenty to choose from when it comes to ground cover plants. For example, white clover and lesser periwinkle grow al- most anywhere. Creeping thyme tolerates light foot traffic, and sedum is relatively resistant to drought and temperature swings. Visit a garden centre or nursery in your area for more information about ground cover plants.
A strong relationship with the natural world goes hand in hand with a healthy body and mind. Plants are just one way to forge that connection with nature. However, you may resonate with other organic features, such as a stone garden, a fire pit or a water fountain. Build the spa of your dreams If space allows, why not construct your fa- vourite spa experience? A sauna and cold plunge are so much easier to do every day when you have them right outside your back door. A simple wooden platform can become the perfect meditation or yoga space. Visit your local garden centre for more inspi- ration.
Master the art of contrasts D o you want to give your garden added visual interest without compromising on sophistication? Try embracing the Combine rustic garden furniture with luxuri- ous fabrics and prints. Geometric balance
Spotlight on Corten steel: a versatile landscaping material H ave you noticed an increase in metal outdoor installations with a rich or- ange-brown finish? These creations are made from Corten steel, a durable and eye-catching material. Composition
Uses Originally used for railway equipment and later embraced by avant-garde artists and ar- chitects, Corten steel now appears in a wide range of landscaping features, including foun- tains, outdoor fireplaces, decorative panels, garden edging, planters and fences. Corten steel is praised for its exceptional durability—it can last more than 50 years. It also requires minimal maintenance. All you have to do is rinse it with water if it becomes dirty. If you want to preserve a specific shade, apply a clear sealant once the desired colour is achieved. Do you want to add character to your yard? Incorporate Corten steel into your landscaping.
Soften industrial materials with the organic shapes of trees and flowers. The smooth, func- tional lines created by a concrete walkway are subtly balanced with a border of irregularly shaped stones. Complementary light and shadow Create spaces where sunshine and shadow are the focus. A sundial feature tracks the sun’s movement. Mature leafy trees provide sooth- ing dappled light. Reach out to a local landscaper for help making the most of your outdoor space.
spirit of yin and yang. Here’s your inspiration to incorporate artful contrasts in your outdoor spaces. Colour harmony Commit to two complementary colours and apply them throughout your outdoor space— think blue and orange, yellow and purple or red and green. Diverse textures Textures contribute to your visual and tactile experience. Create a counterpoint with deco- rative shrubs beside a stone retaining wall.
Corten steel is made by combining copper, chromium, nickel and phosphorus with tradi- tional steel. This alloy protects the metal’s sur- face from oxygen by developing a protective layer of rust. This layer is so dense that cor- rosion cannot penetrate the structure, which prevents any future deterioration. Unlike or- dinary rust, this outer layer, also called a pati- na, reaches maturity after several months to a few years. Over time, the colour changes from bright orange to a deep brown.
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