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Toronto homeowners who work from home and don’t have access to a dedicated office space can create an unexpected office. Even if you don’t have a spare room there are ways of setting yourself up properly and without necessarily needing a ton of space. We’ve compiled a list of easy ways to set yourself up comfortably. 

Extra closet 

One of the cleverest and sneakiest ways of setting up an office is in an unused or underused closet. There are a number of ways to get this done, however, installing proper shelving and lighting are key to functionality while paint, wallpaper and accessories will add the sparkle needed to make it conducive to working. If you want to further extend your workspace you could remove the closet door, however, keeping it on means being able to close your office off after hours. 

Staircase landing

If you have space at the top of your staircase landing, it might be enough to set up a desk and some shelves. Most landings are brightly lit and open – two elements that contribute to a great work environment. All you need are furnishings that are small enough to fit into your space and a creative way of arranging them. Installing an office at the top of your stairs will provide 

Under a staircase

There is usually plenty of dead space under a staircase. Instead, turn this overlooked area into a cozy home office. This is an easy DIY or can be done professionally. Simple wall shelving and some good work lighting along with a slimline desk are all that such a space really needs. 

Hallway stealth office

If you really don’t have space, you can always set up a stealth office in your hallway. This would require purchasing a wall cabinet that converts into a desk for when you are working and looks like a regular cabinet for when you are not. They are handy desks in a pinch and can definitely be set-up for a more permanent solution if you live in a small apartment or condo. 

It’s summer time in Toronto! And, whether you live in a grand estate with sprawling grounds or your patch of heaven is an upper floor condo with a small terrace, having an outdoor space can contribute plenty to your summertime enjoyment. Gussying-up what you’ve got to maximize your pleasure is easy and doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Plan it out

The first thing about creating a small garden is to plan your space properly. Note the position of the sun throughout the day and then layout our plan accordingly. Ideally provide adequate shade so you can sit outside without frying in the heat. Also, make sure the plants you choose are suited for the area of the garden you have planned for them. Regardless of how big your space is, you can always create a mini-oasis by figuring out the best seating and planting areas. 

Pots and plants

If your space doesn’t allow for full-out planting of flowers and bushes because you have a small patio, terrace or balcony, you can still add colour and greenery by using potted plants. Potted plants are easy and versatile. Depending on how large the container and plant is, they can also be portable. And, the best part about a potted garden, is that a number of those same plants can be brought inside to overwinter – so you can be surrounded by greenery year-round. 

Versatile furniture

Another good way to maximize the space of your small Toronto garden is to invest in good furniture. There are pieces designed specifically for small spaces that serve double duty or that can fold for easy storage. For instance, table fire pits are super convenient as they work as a table that converts into a firepit at night. Folding chairs are another great option – after using you can fold them up and hang them on a wall or tuck away into a storage shed. Bench seating that runs along a wall is another great way of saving space. It provides seating while minimizing the footprint needed. Large padded cushions placed on a low, sturdy table can also make a great seat if you’re running low on place. 

If you are unsure on how best to plan your small Toronto garden, you can always look online. There are a number of excellent resources that will help you find the perfect plan for your little paradise.

Pollinators are the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, beetles and flies, amongst a long list of other creatures, that help to pollinate the plants responsible for our food. From the coffee and tea that start off our days to the chocolate and tequila that enrich our days, we owe 75% of the food we eat to pollinators (https://ourworldindata.org/pollinator-dependence). 

Choosing the right plants

Creating a pollinator garden might seem easy enough but choosing the right plants is actually key. The plants you choose should be native to your area. Including plants that are great pollinators but not found in your area can actually do more harm than good. Non-native species can threaten native species. Non-native plants can also negatively impact the life-span of pollinators that depend on such plants for survival by providing nourishment for only part of that pollinator’s lifecycle. 

Avoid chemicals!

The next step to creating a great pollinator garden for your Toronto home is to forego the pesticides and espouse natural fertilizers. Be sure that any plants you buy at your garden centre haven’t been grown using pesticides or water soluble chemicals. These chemicals are very harmful to pollinators and can even be lethal. The worst part? These chemicals can remain in a treated plant for up to seven years. 

What’s in a good pollinator garden

Here’s what to include in your Toronto pollinator garden to create a paradise for your local bees and butterflies.

• Make sure you have a diverse offering of native plants that produce pollen and nectar for adult pollinators.
• Include plants that can support butterfly and moth larvae.
• Have a readily available water supply and create nooks for nesting.

Best pollinator plants for Toronto

The Toronto Botanical Garden blog has put together a list (https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca/blog/plants-for-pollinators/)of native plants that will attract pollinators to your garden. Included are favorites such as Beebalm, Dogwood and Godenrod. 

If you have never created a garden before, it is best to consult with your local nursery to get the best advice on what works in your area. Doing our part to help keep our pollinators healthy will also give you a beautiful garden.