Tales from the Tree Lot: Where Real Christmas Magic Happens

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Every December, people come to the tree lot for a Christmas tree. That part is obvious.

What people do not always expect is how much else happens out there. Tree lots have a way of slowing things down. Families take their time. Kids wander through the rows. Conversations start with trees and end up about life. If you work a lot long enough, you start to notice that the season brings out some pretty special moments.

Over the years, we have seen a few that really stuck with us.

A Tree, A Second Chance

A few years ago, a customer came into the Calgary lot and picked out a tree. When it was time to pay, he paid for his tree and then covered the cost of another one as well.

When asked why, he explained that many years earlier, at this same lot, he had taken a tree without paying. At the time, it probably did not seem like a big deal, but as the years went on, it started to bother him. So every Christmas since, he has come back to buy two trees. One for himself and one for a random customer.

No announcements. No attention. Just someone quietly making things right.

Kindness That Came Back Around

Another moment happened more recently.

One of our team members spent extra time helping a dad and his kids find a tree. They talked for quite a while, and it was clear the family had been through a tough year. Trusting her instincts, she quietly helped cover part of the cost so the family could take home a nice tree.

The next year, that same family came back to the lot. The dad recognized her right away. This time, things were different. He was doing well, paid full price for his tree, and insisted on giving back as a thank you for the kindness he had received the year before.

It was a simple moment, but one that said a lot.

Why We Share These Stories

It is easy to feel like the world is a pretty negative place some days.

Complaints get shared. Frustrations get amplified. The good stuff often goes unnoticed.

Out at the tree lot, we see something else. We see people helping each other. We see honesty. We see generosity. We see families making memories that will last a lot longer than the tree itself.

These stories are not about us. They are about the people who show up and remind us what the season is really about.

The Real Magic of a Tree Lot

A real Christmas tree does more than fill a living room. It brings people together before it even gets home.

That is why traditional tree lots still matter. They create space for small moments that mean a lot. Moments that do not make headlines, but make the season feel right.

And if you ask us, that is where the real Christmas magic happens.

benefits of trees in landscape design

Benefits of Trees in Landscape Design

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When it comes to landscaping, the benefits of trees go far beyond aesthetics—they’re powerful assets that support your home and lifestyle.

Economic Benefits of Trees

Trees can do a lot more than boost curb appeal—they can actually lower your utility bills. A well-designed landscape that includes strategic tree placement can reduce your air conditioning costs by up to 30% and save 10–50% on heating.

By shading your air conditioning unit with trees, you’ll keep it cooler, which makes it more efficient and uses less energy. And don’t forget the power of mulch, adding it around your trees helps conserve water, suppress weeds, and feed the soil, all of which protect your investment and reduce maintenance over time.

Comfort & Climate Control

Trees are natural temperature regulators. In fact, they can reduce the surrounding air temperature by approximately 5°C, and the shaded areas beneath them can be up to 14°C cooler than the surrounding air. This makes a huge difference on hot summer days!

Shade from trees on driveways and patios can also reduce the surface temperature of pavement, creating a more comfortable outdoor environment.

Not only do trees cool the air, they absorb noise, offering a peaceful outdoor space. Planting deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home provides summer shade and winter sunlight, while evergreens offer year-round wind protection, a perfect balance for Alberta’s shifting seasons.

Did you know? On a hot day grass lowers the air temperature whereas asphalt increases it.

evergreen trees used in landscape design

Health & Well-Being

Trees don’t just help your home. they help you, too. Two mature trees can generate enough daily oxygen for a family of four, and just one mature tree can absorb up to 150 kilograms of pollution per year.

But the benefits go deeper: time spent around trees and green spaces has been shown to reduce blood pressure, ease muscle tension, and lower stress. A thoughtfully designed yard invites you outside more often—encouraging better health and stronger connections with nature.

At Landscape Plus, we believe your landscape should do more than look good, it should work for you. From comfort and savings to supporting your health and well-being, we design spaces that make life better, every season of the year.

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Autumn Joy Stonecrop garden layout

How to Use Autumn Joy Stonecrop in Your Garden Layout

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Looking for a plant that adds structure, colour, and seasonal flair without asking much in return? Autumn Joy Stonecrop is a landscaping favourite for a reason—and it’s especially well-suited to our Strathmore and Calgary climate.

Whether you’re reworking a garden bed or designing from scratch, here are some smart ways to work this low-maintenance perennial into your layout.

1. Use It in Mass Plantings for Bold Colour Blocks
Autumn Joy makes a statement when planted in clusters. Its tidy mounds of succulent, grey-green foliage stay neat all season, and come late summer, those clusters burst into salmon-pink blooms that fade to rusty red in fall.

Design Tip: Use groupings of three or more for maximum impact. Perfect for front yard curb appeal or large garden borders.

2. Edge Your Borders with Texture and Shape
The plant’s upright, rounded form naturally defines garden edges. It creates clean lines and a polished look while adding softness with its domed flower heads.

Design Tip: Line pathways or garden borders with Autumn Joy to subtly guide the eye and keep beds looking well-composed.

3. Make It the “Thriller” in Container Designs
Autumn Joy is tall and sculptural enough to anchor a container arrangement. Use it as the centerpiece and surround it with trailing or low-growing companions like creeping jenny, ornamental grasses, or purple alyssum.

Design Tip: Use containers on patios or decks where you want visual interest through the end of fall. Just remember: perennials in pots may need extra protection over winter.

autumn joy stonecrop images for garden design

4. Pair It with Grasses and Drought-Tolerant Friends
This sedum shines in xeriscapes or low-water designs. Pair it with ornamental grasses, echinacea, or Russian sage for a look that’s wild, structured, and water-wise.

Design Tip: Contrast its full, rounded form with the vertical movement of tall grasses to add depth and balance.

5. Fill Gaps with a Reliable, Long-Lived Filler

Because it thrives in poor soils, handles urban conditions, and lives up to 15 years, Autumn Joy is a great long-term investment for patchy areas or spaces that need a boost of interest.

Design Tip: Don’t overthink it—drop one in any full-sun spot where you need texture and lasting colour.

Need Help With the Layout? We’ve Got You Covered
At Landscape Plus, we don’t just recommend great plants—we help you design with purpose. Sign up for our newsletter for more landscaping insights.

Biophilia - Mental Wellness Landscaping

Biophilia: Enhancing Mental Wellness through Landscaping

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At Landscape Plus, we believe that the spaces we create should do more than just look good—they should also support the well-being of those who experience them. As landscape designers, we understand the profound impact that nature can have on mental wellness. That’s why we focus on incorporating biophilic design principles into every project, creating spaces that nurture creativity, reduce stress, and promote overall health.

Nature’s Impact on Mental Wellness

Spending time in nature—or even just being in spaces with natural elements—can seriously boost your mental health. When you hang out in a garden, landscape, or outdoor spot, you’re not just soaking in the view—you’re actually reaping the benefits. Research shows that nature-based elements can:

  • Lower stress levels
  • Boost creativity by up to 15%
  • Improve overall well-being by 15%
  • Increase productivity by 6%

It’s not just about making a space look good. When we add plants, textures, patterns, and colors, we’re creating an experience that engages all the senses. This helps with relaxation, focus, and a positive mindset.

Designing for the Senses

At Landscape Plus, we love creating spaces that really connect with nature and bring out its calming and inspiring vibes. Here’s how we do it:

  • Bird-Friendly Plants: We choose plants that attract birds and other wildlife, so not only does the garden look good, but you get to enjoy the relaxing sounds of nature. It’s a great way to de-stress and feel at peace.
  • Textural Variety: We mix things up with different textures—soft grasses, rough bark, smooth stones—to make the space feel interesting and soothing at the same time. It’s all about giving the senses something to enjoy.
  • Vibrant Patterns & Colors: Color makes a big difference in how we feel. Whether it’s bright, cheerful flowers that lift your mood or calming green leaves that help you relax, we design landscapes with colors that inspire and recharge you.

Bringing Wellness to Every Space

Whether it’s a private garden, office, or park, we make sure our designs support your mental wellness. The right environment can boost your mood and productivity, and we’re all about creating spaces that help you feel good, think clearly, and enjoy life more.

At Landscape Plus, we design landscapes that work for you—supporting your creativity, health, and well-being every day. Get expert advice, seasonal reminders, and practical tips to keep your lawn healthy year-round — straight to your inbox! Sign up for the Landscape Plus Newsletter today.

Turfgrass blog graphic readed sodded or seeded lawn?

Turfgrass: Sodded or Seeded Lawn?

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When you think about your lawn, you might picture lush greenery that enhances the beauty of your yard. But did you know your turfgrass is far more than just a pretty face? Grass plants are made up of 75-80% water by weight, with up to 90% of that weight coming from their roots. This root system does more than just anchor the plant to the ground – it plays a crucial role in improving soil health and managing water. A well-established, dense lawn can absorb rainfall six times more effectively than a wheat field and four times better than a hayfield.

Sodded Lawns: A Superior Choice

What’s more impressive is how sodded lawns outshine seeded ones. Even after three years of management, a sodded lawn is 15 times more effective at controlling runoff than a newly seeded lawn. This can make a significant difference in areas prone to erosion or water pooling. And it’s not just about protecting your yard – your lawn actively contributes to the environment by releasing enough oxygen to sustain a family while also absorbing harmful gases like carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride. A 50×50-foot lawn, which covers 2,500 square feet, can make a tangible difference in the quality of air around your home.

Turfgrass facts

The Environmental Impact of Turfgrass

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to make a positive environmental impact, consider the hidden value of turfgrass. In a well-maintained 10,000 square-foot lawn, there are approximately 8.5 million turf plants, collectively supporting a network of 3 billion miles of roots—enough to make 15 round trips between Earth and the Sun! With turfgrass, you’re not just growing a beautiful yard, you’re fostering an eco-friendly powerhouse that benefits both you and the planet.

landscaping what to know strathmore

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