Frequently asked questions

The suggested shape and size represent a basic recommendation. You can modify the shape, size, or quantity of certain plants depending on the final location of your Floria flowerbed. It’s the overall selection of plants and their relative arrangement within the plan that create the concept of each garden.

If one of the suggested plants or its color doesn’t suit you, or if it’s not currently available at your garden center, your garden center associate can suggest an alternative. It’s the overall composition that’s important! Simply check the mature size and hardiness if you’re changing for a completely different plant, not just the color, to ensure the space will be suitable.

Some Floria gardens offer an optional tree to complement the proposed garden style. It’s not included in the garden plan because it could create unwanted shade, but it’s a tree that fits well with the proposed garden style. It’s up to you to decide if you have room on your property for a tree.

A plant’s hardiness zone is an indicator of its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of a given winter. Each geographic region is classified into a specific hardiness zone, based on its average climatic conditions. Knowing your region’s hardiness zone allows you to choose plants suited to your climate, increasing their chances of survival and growth.

Hardiness zones vary considerably, ranging from the very cold northern zones (zones 1 and 2) to the more temperate southern zones (zones 5 and 6). Each zone is subdivided into “a” and “b,” with “a” being the coldest and “b” being the warmest. For example, 5a is colder than 5b.

Determining your hardiness zone is primarily done using maps and tools provided by the Government of Canada. You can consult an interactive online map that allows you to visualize the zones for different locations. Here is the link to the map:
http://planthardiness.gc.ca/

Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a plant’s roots. The fungus forms a network of filaments (mycelium) that extends into the soil, significantly increasing the roots’ absorption surface. In return, the plant provides the fungus with sugars produced by photosynthesis. It therefore facilitates rooting in new plantings and ensures better plant recovery.

Watering a newly planted tree is vital to its survival, as its roots, still underdeveloped, struggle to find water at depth. Regular (every 3 days for at least a month) and adequate watering promotes root establishment, reduces water stress, and ensures healthy growth. To water properly, it is recommended to water deeply, at the base of the tree, and to adjust the frequency according to the soil type and weather conditions, generally more frequently during the first few weeks and during periods of drought. Mulch at the base of the tree can help retain moisture.

You can consult the participating garden center locator tool available on the Floria website. These centers are well-informed about the Floria plant selection and are more likely to have what you need for your project or to offer alternatives.

For planting: a good garden shovel is essential, and perhaps a rake to properly level the soil and/or mulch. A hand-held watering can or a garden hose with a spray nozzle are important. You can even install a small irrigation system with a timer to simplify watering.
For maintenance: a hoe to facilitate weeding, good pruning shears to remove faded flowers, and hedge shears or trimmers to maintain harmonious shapes are recommended.

Especially in spring and fall, when the days are shorter, it’s best to water early in the morning. Since plants act as sun-activated “pumps,” they’ll benefit more from the water you give them, and their roots will be less stressed by waterlogged soil. Avoiding watering the foliage is also a good idea to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.