June 2014
The Yonge North Corridor can be viewed as an expanse of concrete towers broken up by parks, sitting areas and walking areas. Yet it is these parks, sitting areas and walking areas that, in part, draw people to the community.
Condominium buildings play an important role in creating these green spaces which may include benches, walking paths and playground equipment. Condo owners take pride in these areas and the quality of their gardens.
Some of the best condominium gardens are those managed through active involvement of a Garden Committee. For those involved in a Garden Committee, gardening is a community contribution and exercise. The garden itself is an important visual attraction enjoyed by many.
Owing to the large size of these gardens, the Garden Committee is likely to work with and direct the work done by a landscaping company.
The type of garden maintained by a condominium will depend on many factors. Natural considerations include shade vs. sun and the number or type of permanent trees on the property. Man-made infrastructure considerations are typically based on location. Gardens may be situated as bordering parking areas, in an internal courtyard, exposed to passerby or situated above underground parking.
Regardless of the size and type of garden, the following tips will help maintain a high quality garden that your community can enjoy.
- Be sure to water regularly. Shallow and frequent watering is less effective than watering deeply and less frequent, thereby allowing the soil to remain damp longer. Watering early in the morning is best to avoid potential burning during the heat of the day.
- Edging garden beds and/or tree circles create a distinct separation between garden and lawn.
- Keep plants healthy by regularly trimming and pruning them. When doing so, be aware that a pruned branch will die back to the nearest bud or branch so it is best to prune just beyond this point.
- Consider adding mulch to garden beds and/or tree circles. Mulch, which comes in various colours, adds to the visual appeal of a garden. It also helps to keep soil moist and cool, reduces water loss and suppresses weeds.
- Control weeds by picking them on a regular basis. Do not allow them to get out of control and unmanageable. For perennials, consider popping off dead flowers and old blooms to help the plant continue blooming. Some annuals do spread out during the season. For these, clip up to 1/3 off the plant to encourage new buds as a way to freshen your garden.
