Ben O’Brien – Growing (in) Grit

Ben, a planting designer in eastern Canada talks about trials he has run growing perennials (mostly natives) in deep mineral mulches, using either gravel or crushed concrete. His results support the work of others in this field, who claim many benefits: reduced weeding, manageable plant growth and greater biodiversity. CEO of major Atlantic region perennial producer North Creek, Steve Castorani, joins at the beginning to briefly outline his research in this area too.