Gardening is just not a hobby for the McFarland Family: it's their business and they are darn good at it.  They share their knowledge and enthusiasm for gardening and landscaping every Saturday morning at 11 on Sauga960AM.  I sat down with the family with the green thumb; Jack and Lynne McFarland who started the business and their son, Matt, who has literally made the business grow.

Praveen Amirtharaj: Jack and Lynne; The Growing Season is not just a radio program; landscaping is your family business.  When did you both first get involved in this industry?

Jack McFarland: I started out in Landscaping in 1972 and my wife Lynne joined me in 1974 when we started dating.  It was shock to Lynne coming from a banker’s family to see that I wore work boots to the office instead of a suit.  The irregular hours were also something that Lynne had to adjust to.  And the smell…I would come from work smelling slightly different than her Dad would.  Sweat, creosote, diesel fuel and hydraulic fluid were all scents she had to get used to.  

PA: Matt, I know you are a talented musician as well but why have you carried on the family business?

Matt McFarland: Landscaping was something I was born into and it’s all I ever knew growing up. I went to Humber College’s Landscape Technician Program and graduated top of my class. Music was and still is a passion but I view landscaping in a very similar light. I have a drive to be creative. Whether that is the theme song for The Growing Season, a landscape design or install or building a radio show, I have a need to create. It just so happens that clients pay me to be creative!

PA: How have you seen this business evolve over the years?

Lynne McFarland: There seems to be less of a desire to get to know the plant materials today and more of an emphasis placed on hard materials. In fact, now there are “hardscapers” which strictly deal with hard surfaces (pavers, large rock) and “softscapers” which deal with anything living. 
The Growing Season seems to thrive because we are comfortable playing in both sandboxes, having spent years in the industry.  

PA: Are you still surprised by how much people invest in their properties?

JM: In the past it surprised me but not now as many homeowners are using their outdoor spaces as living spaces. The typical backyard of yesteryear has been replaced with the modern version of the British “garden.”   

PA: The Growing Season is not your typical “how to” gardening show, it's funny, opinionated, informative and very entertaining. Where did the idea for the show come from?

MM: The idea formulated as a way of reintroducing Jack into the horticultural industry after years away. Health issues limited his on-site adventures but his mind could be used for my “evil” schemes.  Somewhere in there The Growing Season was born.  The goal was to make it super-fast paced, appealing to a younger generation and be something that gardeners and non-gardeners could tune into and still smile. The show really hit its stride with the introduction of my Mom as she gets to be the voice of the audience and referee between her husband and son. 

PA: Matt, you are obviously very close to your parents.  What’s the one thing they have instilled upon you that makes you the success you are today?

MM: Honesty and kindness are a 1:1 ratio.  In every situation they remind me to lead with kindness and honesty. Clients and listeners can detect disingenuousness immediately so honesty is a must. I’ve had many clients tell me that I’m the very same on-air as I am on-site.  

PA: What is the worst mistake you see homeowners/gardeners make every year?

JM: Planting in the wrong locations.  It’s not just shade/light conditions, its planting something that will grow too large for the area. Many homeowners don’t spend the time to research how long it will take, per week, to care for the landscape they’re having installed. Even though the design is pretty many are unaware that much of what they are paying for are living organisms that will require consistent care.  

PA: Where are the best public landscaped places in Peel Region? 

LM: Chinguacousy Park is gorgeous.  Brampton has some beautiful places - Gage Park to name one. If you’re looking for something natural, Peel region has gorgeous forested trail areas that we love to walk when searching for ideas for woodland landscapes.  Palgrave’s Mill Pond Trailway is stunning.  

PA: Do you have any advice for homeowners looking to get their property landscaped?

MM: Hire a designer, do your research and listen to the Growing Season.