The Colors of Autumn

There’s no reason for your landscape to look sad and tired this time of year.

      If you’re like me, you may not have been able to protect some of your plants from recent frost;

 Take my Dahlia's for example  :(

Many plants in local gardens look like they've given up the ghost after a great summer.

                      If you aren't quite ready to give up, too, here are a few suggestions to add a little life to your landscape.

In flower pots, try swapping out those tender plants with frost tolerant ones, such as ornamental kale, fall  chrysanthemums, and grasses. I also like to pop a few decorative gourds in to add a little more colour and embrace the fact that it’s fall.

Many plants go unnoticed the rest of the year, but they become the star of the garden when fall sets in and they start 

showing their “true colours”. 

Some plants that really pop this time of year. Have you noticed these showstoppers ?

winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus compacta)

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina);

The one in my yard has just started to turn.... but turns a brilliant red when all through.

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

I took this picture a few weeks back. This one sadly has no leaves anymore . The Ohio Buckeye tends to turn color early September and drop it's leaves sooner than most; but wow! 
when it turns.... it looks awesome.

 Amur maple (Acer ginnala)

Amur maple (Acer ginnala)

 Amur maple (Acer ginnala), which can be grown in tree or shrub form. This one we planted for a client and the one below is in my front yard.

I seriously wait all year in excitement :)

If your garden looks a bit under the weather, popping in some late blooming perennials helps, too. Black-eyed Susan, Autumn Joy Sedum, fall asters, and hardy mums are all great choices for fall interest.

Happy gardening,

Kirsten Hironaka

The Outdoor Fire

I lOVE the smell of roasting FOOD and the COMFORT of warming my toes near a fire during the summer.

With all the backyard fire options you can find at retailers these days, I’m convinced I’m not the only one :)




In the landscape design and construction business I have see the desire for them increase every year. A fire can draw people outside and can make a chilly night quite inviting.

If you’re planning to incorporate a fire pit in your landscape, the first thing to consider is whether your municipality allows for residential fires and what the regulations might be.

In the City of Lethbridge, you don’t need a permit for fire pits. A “fire pit” is defined as anything used for outdoor burning, such as a fire pit (permanently affixed receptacle), fireplace (enclosed receptacle with permanently affixed chimney or flue constructed of rock, brick, or other masonry), and a portable fire (fire bowls, tables, etc.).



A fire pit in Lethbridge must be 2m from a building, structure, or any other combustible material. They also need to be fully extinguished if left, not used between midnight and 8:00 a.m., and cannot be larger than 1m in size with flames no higher than 1m.

It should also be made of non- combustible material, and owners should not burn painted lumber, glue, resin, wet wood, yard waste, garbage, rubber, or plastic. The smells and harm that can come from burning these things is unpleasant and probably won’t make for very happy neighbours.

You can find more information regarding the City of Lethbridge fire bylaw in Bylaw #5431 at lethbridge.ca.

You can also decide whether you want to use gas or wood to create the fire (gas will require a city permit and inspection) and whether you want to cook food on the fire or just enjoy the warmth. This will help you choose what style of fire receptacle would work best for you.

One suggestion I make to clients is to use a portable fire, especially if you have only one patio or gathering space. Installing a permanent fire pit definitely limits your options. It’s handy to be able to move the portable fire aside when not in use to set out an extra table or two for larger gatherings.

I’m sure looking forward to cooking and gathering around the fire this summer. Have fun and be safe!

Kirsten