How to Use Autumn Joy Stonecrop in Your Garden Layout

Posted by Landscape Plus on May 14, 2025

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.

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.

The Benefits of Working with Landscape Plus: Proper Equipment Makes a Difference

Posted by amy on August 28, 2024

Working with Landscape Plus in Strathmore, we understand that having the right tools is essential for delivering exceptional results. That’s why we’re excited to spotlight one of our key pieces of equipment: the Toolcat by Bobcat.

First introduced to us back in 2004, the Toolcat was a game-changer when it first hit the market. Now, with years of reliable service, it continues to prove its worth. Here’s why having top-quality equipment like the Toolcat is so important for our team and our customers:

Versatility and Efficiency

The Toolcat is incredibly versatile, equipped with a dump box, towing capabilities, and the ability to use various attachments.

Those who live around here know that our climate means that any successful landscaper is doing a variety of jobs in in a variety of conditions to keep busy year round. The Toolcat tackles a wide range of tasks efficiently, whether it’s winter snow removal or spring sweeping.

The adaptability of this machine allows us to handle different challenges with ease, ensuring your project is completed effectively and on time.

Speed and Accessibility

With a top speed of 30 km/h, the Toolcat is not only powerful but also fast. This speed allows us to move quickly, saving time and money.

To truly understand the importance of quick work, try getting to work after a blizzard in Alberta! The crews that are out and about getting the job done ensure that your morning commute is smooth sailing.

Cost-Effectiveness

Investing in high-quality equipment might seem like a big upfront cost, but it pays off in the long run. The Toolcat’s reliability and efficiency reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements.

Our goal is to extend the life of our tools with proper care and maintenance. Investing in quality equipment in the first place keeps our costs down in the long run.

For our customers, this translates into more cost-effective services. We can maintain competitive rates while still delivering superior results because our tools help us get the job done right the first time.

Working with Landscape Plus means Reliability and Experience

Our commitment to using top-notch equipment reflects our dedication to providing the best service possible. With the Toolcat and other advanced tools in our arsenal, we bring years of expertise and reliability to every project.

Our equipment’s performance and our skilled team’s experience ensure that you receive the highest standard of service.

Choosing Landscape Plus means you’re working with a team that prioritizes quality and efficiency. Trust us with your landscaping needs and experience the difference that the right tools can make!

bark mulch thickness alberta landscape plus

Using Bark Mulch in Alberta

Posted by Landscape Plus on May 10, 2023

In Alberta, the recommended thickness for applying bark mulch in a flower bed is typically between 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). This thickness provides sufficient coverage to reap the benefits of mulching while allowing for proper air and water circulation in the soil.

Here are a few considerations regarding mulch thickness

Weed suppression

To effectively suppress weed growth, it is essential to apply a thick enough layer of mulch. A 2 to 4-inch thickness helps smother weed seeds and prevents them from receiving enough sunlight to germinate.

Moisture retention

A mulch layer of 2 to 4 inches is generally effective in retaining moisture in the soil. It helps reduce water evaporation and maintains a more consistent level of soil moisture, which is particularly valuable in Alberta’s climate.

Organic matter decomposition

Over time, the bark mulch will decompose and contribute organic matter to the soil. A thicker layer of mulch allows for a gradual breakdown, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its structure.

Aesthetics and plant health

Applying a proper thickness of mulch enhances the visual appeal of the flower bed while providing insulation and protection to the plant roots. It helps regulate soil temperature, prevents erosion, and supports healthy plant growth.

It’s important to note that excessive mulch thickness can create problems such as reduced air circulation, moisture retention leading to over-saturated soil, and potential root suffocation. Therefore, it’s recommended to maintain the mulch layer within the suggested range of 2 to 4 inches for optimal results.

Kerry’s Tip: At the trunk, start with a thin layer of mulch to allow sufficient airflow. Moving away from the trunk, the mulch can get thicker increasing to 3-4 inches in the spaces between the plants.

Want more tips and tricks for yard and property maintenance? Follow us on Facebook!

10 Days of Isolation – 2021 Gardening Prize Package

Posted by Landscape Plus on April 15, 2021

Landscape Plus “10 Days of Isolation” Facebook & Insta Contest

Enter to win a 2021 Gardening Prize Package*, Valued over $300!

The prize package is fully transferable and the winner will be announced the week of April 26th, so it could make a great Mother’s Day gift!

In order to win you must:

Be a resident of Alberta age 18 or older
Like/follow our Facebook page or Instagram page
Tag a friend who is interested in gardening
Watch our Facebook page to Like, Share & Comment on the daily prize announcements to increase your odds of winning

Contest details:

Starting Apr 16, 2021, Landscape Plus will post one prize daily for ten days. Each day, you can like, share and comment on the prize post, each action is an entry to the contest. We use third-party software to randomly select one person daily from all actions on the post, this person’s name will be entered into the final draw (assuming all other criteria are met, #1, 2 & 3 above).

Contest closes on the 10th day (April 25th, 2021) at midnight. The week of April 26th, one name will be selected to win ALL TEN prizes. The prize is transferable, the winner will be contacted and asked if they wish to receive the prize or gift it. This information will be announced and shared on our social media pages.

*The 2021 Gardening Prize Package includes a cumulation 9 items + delivery & instructions for use of your gardening prize package. In a series of 10 social posts, we will reveal the complete prize package. PLEASE NOTE: Not all items will be exactly as pictured. Upon randomly selecting the winner from contest entries, we will contact the winner to arrange free delivery IF you are within Strathmore, otherwise, you will need to arrange for pickup/delivery of your package and instructions will be given over the phone.

The contest is closed to Landscape Plus employees, subcontractors and affiliates. Any activity by Landscape Plus and/or its affiliates on the campaign posts will not be included in the draw. Click here to contact us with any questions or concerns.

Taking care of your garden during the heat

Posted by Landscape Plus on August 20, 2020

How to care for your garden during a heat wave

Your garden may not be enjoying this heat as much as you are so we are providing a few tips to help keep it healthy.

For the hot and dry month of August, here are some suggestions to keep your plants and grass in good condition.

The running times from irrigation controllers should be increased so things don’t dry out. It is also better to run for longer times less frequently than run the zones every day for shorter times. A deep watering encourages deep roots which in turn make for a stronger plant that can resist droughts and diseases easier.

Bark mulch can also help to keep the plants moist during the hot summer sunny days. Three inches minimum depth is recommended.

New sod needs to be watered immediately after laying. It should be watered until the ground under the sod is wet. Keep the ground under the sod moist and you will see new roots in 5 days!

New plants need to be hand-watered regularly until the root system has established itself. The first week daily watering, the second week every second day, the third week every third day during the hot days or months.

Move potted plants to a shaded area or for larger pots cover with a lightweight piece of fabric.

Finally, early morning or when the evening starts to get cooler is the best time to water or to do any weeding and light clean-up.

Tag: Gardening