About John

I have been an avid gardener for over 25 years. After retiring from a 30-year teaching career, I had the opportunity to turn my passion into a second career and started Gray Gardens in the spring of 2021.

All of my work is done with manual tools. I don’t use motorized tillers or gas/electric leaf blowers. Typically the spaces I work in are not very large and I have found manual tools are just as effective - and a lot quieter!

I drive a VW station wagon which is big enough to carry my tools as well as some material. For larger jobs, I have materials like plants and soil or compost delivered.

Because I am a one-person team, you will always be able to discuss any aspect of the job with me, as opposed to some third party. From the initial consultation and design to the purchasing of material, installation and subsequent maintenance, you will always know who to contact. In addition, I will be the one doing all of the work so should any issue or concern arise, you always be able to talk to me directly.

I’m an ardent outdoors person with a love for the natural world. I see our gardens, however big or small, as a crucial part of preserving and expanding the natural environment in a large, densely populated urban area like Toronto.

I am dedicated to using sound horticultural practices in combination with ecological principles to create and maintain sustainable gardens in a way which maximizes aesthetic appeal while, at the same time, provides healthy habitats for diverse species. Where possible, I encourage using plants which provide pollination for insects like bees and butterflies.

My Favourite Plants for Toronto Gardens

Hellebores
A very early bloomer - sometimes as early as February!

Tiarella (Foam Flower)
Native plants with delicate flowers and interesting foliage. Loves the shade.

Japanese Anemone
Beautiful blooms for autumn colour.

Wild Geraniums
Native hardy geraniums which spread quickly. Long bloom period. Good for shade.

Joe Pye Weed
Striking native plant. Flowers mid summer and attracts lots of pollinators.

Butterfly Weed
Spectacular blooms on this native species. Great for pollinators.

Borage
Easy to grow annual herb.
A favourite for bees.

Photo credits (from left): followtheyellowbrickhome.com, schwitter.ch, amandasnativeplants.com, highcountrygardens.com, elledecor.com, hgtv.com, bobvila.com

“John has transformed the yards of two houses for me now…They are now lush with all kinds of plants in all colours and sizes, that come into their own at different times of the year. Almost wild looking, but in the best way possible…read more

Doug L.