The Hamilton Cottage Garden

Thursday, October 8th, 6:30 - 8pm

183 Sherman Ave N

That lush, overflowing, romantic garden look is what a lot of us are after, but it's hard to know where to start, and even harder to know why it keeps flopping, mildewing, or getting eaten alive when we try it here. This workshop is here to make it make sense.

We'll walk through how to build that full, tumbling cottage-garden look with plants that actually belong in Hamilton, and how to get there in layers, at whatever pace your yard and your life allow. No guilt, no all-or-nothing, and no experience required. If you'd rather just start with one corner, that's welcome too.

You'll learn:

• Where the cottage garden came from, and why the classic "cram it all in" approach can quietly work against you here
• Packed, not crowded: how to get the full, romantic look without inviting the powdery mildew and slugs we all fight
• The native (and nativar) swap: how to keep the romance and lose the invasives
• What works in sun versus shade, so you have real options for both your hot dry strip and the shady spot under your trees
• How to build a garden in layers, starting small and letting it grow with you
• A Hamilton-specific, pollinator-friendly plant list you can shop from, all checked against Ontario's invasive species list

You'll leave with a clear plan, a printed take-home guide, and plenty of time for your questions. Come with a yard in mind, and a few photos if you've got them.