I am the former Director of Horticulture for the Toronto Botanical Garden and former Curatorial Gardener for the largest tropical plant Collection in Canada at the Toronto Zoo. I was recently featured on the new television series ‘Visionary Gardeners’ which aired in 2022.
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36 customer reviews
Nancy Olfert
Gardening
So far, so good: timely response, detailed price quotation, friendly and professional. We are waiting for optimal weather to complete project.
Wendy Gibson
Gardening
I had The Tattooed Gardener do some winter pruning. Paul is personable and very knowledgeable. He had lots of great ideas for my garden and he was flexible in providing just the level of service I needed and asked for. I would recommend him, particularly for garden design and coaching, More...
Beth
Gardening
Paul really knows his plants, did a great job cleaning up my garden for fall, trimming the bushes and moving plants
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
It was so nice meeting you! I hope your garden continues to grow. I look forward to seeing you again, if you need anything don't hesitate to reach out.
Hel
Gardening
I would call Paul to take care of my garden again. He is very knowledgeable, thoughtful and quick.
I highly recommend him. Don’t hesitate hire Paul!
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for the opportunity, it was a pleasure to meet you! I hope our paths will cross again.
Cindy
Gardening
So grateful to have found Paul here on Bark! Now we regularly have Paul come twice a year to our place. It feels personalized because he is so knowledgeable about all our plants and trees and the state of health each one is in. He helps us meet our budget and is always happy to make suggestions for changes that don’t break the bank… because he cares and is sincerely a genuinely kind person! And a gardener that is way overqualified to be working on our home given his experience! So lucky to have met this gem of a person! More...
Trevor Valade
Gardening
We needed a fairly substantial clean-up on an overgrown front and back garden in preparation to sell the home. Paul quickly visited, quoted and compelted the work. Everything looked so beautiful and balanced when he was finished. Very thoughtful and meticulous approach to gardening and great to work with: communication, timeliness, value. We'll definitely work with Paul again in the future. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you Trevor! I appreciate the opportunity. I'm so happy to hear the house sold quickly! I look forward to working with you again.
Alyson
Gardening
Paul came to finish mulching my garden. But when he got here, I kindly asked him if he could trim some trees and clean up the flower beds so they would look beautiful. He gladly helped me with all my asks. He was very professional and knowledgeable about all the plants and flowers I had, and took the time to answer all my questions about the health and position of each plant. He has a lot of gardening experience and he’s just an all around interesting person. He did an amazing job and my garden is thriving! I am looking forward to working with him again. More...
Wendyanne Comer
Gardening
I had the choice of four other companies, but held out until I heard from Paul and am so happy that I did. He really knows his stuff, is a very hard worker and a pleasure to do business with. Bottom line, Paul is a gem!
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much Wendyanne, its been so nice getting to know you and working with you in the garden. I look forward to seeing you again soon!
Arthur Solomon
Gardening
Very good and pleasant. I am quite satisfied
Peter Pan
Gardening
Paul has been very helpful in assessing the needs of our garden and has a great understanding of plants.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much Peter, your garden was a pleasure to work in, and I know you will continue to enjoy it as it grows. Thank you for the opportunity! I look forward to seeing you again in the Spring
Jennifer Hurley
Gardening
Paul was very responsive, warm, and accommodating of our needs (unusual garden for an elderly parent who cannot keep up with the work herself). He arrived on time and exceeded our expectations. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for the opportunity Jennifer! I'm happy that I connected with your mother. Don't hesitate to reach out anytime! I'm happy to help
Kathryn Ariss-Pater
Gardening
Paul is very knowledgeable about everything to do with gardening, plants and trees.
He offers lots of good growing advice and tips for all parts of the yard.
He is pleasant and ready to answer
any kind of question asked about gardens.
Excellent job.
More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much Kathryn! It was so nice to meet you and work in your garden with you. I look forward to connecting with you again, don't hesitate to contact me anytime as you work to revitalize your garden.
John Mohler
Gardening
Great knowledge and great personality
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much John! It's a pleasure to work in your beautiful garden! I look forward to working with you to maintain and breathe new life into your garden.
John Mohler
Gardening
Great guy. Look forward to working with him
Rajka soric
Gardening
Very knowledgeable and very, very pleasant man. I am looking forward to working with him
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you Rajka! Your garden is truly lovely! It was a pleasure to meet you, and work in your garden in 2023. I have always said that my clients end up as friends, and that is definitely the case. Thank you for choosing The Tattooed Gardener Inc. for your maintenance this year. I look forward to seeing you again next year.
Joanne Guoba
Gardening
Paul is so very knowledgeable and has wonderful ideas. Looking forward to a flower full rosy summer.
Joanne Guoba
Gardening
Paul is extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. I’m looking forward to a lovely garden this summer.
Corriëtte Roessler
Gardening
Paul was prompt, came to look at the flower beds and at the tasks to be completed. He will start within a week or two.
He was friendly, appeared flexible and is very knowledgeable in his field.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much! I appreciate that, and look forward to maintaining your garden. I’ll see you in the next few weeks.
Susan Bongard
Gardening
Prompt response to our ad, we look forward to working with him this summer
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you Susan! It was nice meeting both you and your husband. I look forward to working with you and your garden. I’ll see you both soon!
Emil
Gardening
Prompt response to ad. Would recommend
Alicia
Gardening
Paul is wonderful. He is extremely knowledgeable and enjoys sharing his passion for plants and nature. I thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent with me teaching me about my new garden, how to care for specific plants and sharing ideas on how I could make it my own. He not only gave me practical information but inspired me and gave me confidence. I highly recommend Paul and know that you’ll enjoy your time together and your garden will thank you. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much! I can’t wait to see what you do with the garden this year! You’re a natural! I believe we have a magnolia to pick out :)
John hyslop
Gardening
Paul is knowledgeable about the shrubs and perennials that we are dealing with. He made valuable suggestions and worked efficiently to get the fall cleanup done and even planted some daffodil bulbs. He is my top choice for the work I planto do in the spring. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you John! I look forward to seeing your garden as it wakes up. I’m glad I could help you out in getting your fall clean up taken care of. Thank you again!
Elaine Smooker
Gardening
Paul was excellent and came right away and got our garden ready for the winter, in a jiffy. He is very knowledgable and and my husband, the gardener, was so thrilled with what Paul accomplished. He said Paul accomplished in 2 1/2 hours what would’ve taken him six months. Paul is also a very nice person and easy to work with. I highly recommend Paul, the tattooed gardener. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you both for the opportunity to recapture some of the magic in your garden. I can hardly wait for Spring! Thank you again
The Estate of the Late Donald Cavender, Lisa Cavender
Gardening
Paul is highly knowledgeable, and professional landscaper and gardener. He did a fantastic job and was extremely reliable and went over and above expectations.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for the opportunity to revitalize and breathe new energy into your outdoor space. I appreciate the time spent working with you. Happy Holidays!
Mary Goring
Gardening
It was lovely meeting Paul. I found he had a wealth of knowledge and information. I am looking forward to his next visit. Great guy.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you Mary! It was a pleasure to meet you both as well! i look forward to seeing you and working in your garden again.
Rebecca Christie
I have been struggling with my garden, and have had help from different “gardeners” over the years.
When Paul came to help me, the difference between the others and Paul was immediate, Paul went to work and knew his way around the garden.
Watching him work was like watching a master at work. I realized that I spent a lot of money on people that called themselves professionals and they were not.
Paul has an easy style and educated me as he worked through the garden, explaining what needed to be done and why. He knew the plants as well as helped me understand placement.
Paul originally came to plant bulbs (of which I had no idea where they should go) and ended up coming back and helped me to sort out my garden! I will only use him in the future and please feel free to reach out if you want photos to get an idea of the spectacular job!
Can’t wait to see the flowers this coming spring!!
Happy Gardening fellow plant lovers!!❤️❤️❤️
More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for entrusting your garden clean up to The Tattooed Gardener! I appreciate the opportunity to work in your garden. Reach out anytime, it was very nice to meet you both!
Fadiah Avais
Gardening
Paul is respectful, helpful and knowledgeable. He got my plants at discounted prices and was honest about it. He did a great job.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you for the opportunity to design and plant a low maintenance garden for you. I hope you enjoy the garden as it grows, and I look forward to working with you again. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time if you have any questions or concerns as the garden settles in.
Miklos
Gardening
Credit to Bark, it connect me with Paul as first choice right after I posted my request. It took only a day or two for Paul to come to met me and my backyard in person :) and we ended the meeting with a handshake on the maintenance schedule and cost. Impressive knowledge, experience and professionalism. As icing on the cake, a few days ago Paul has already completed the Fall maintenance. Thank you, Paul. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Miklos, Thank you! It was a pleasure to meet you, thank you for entrusting your gardens to The Tattooed Gardener for ongoing maintenance. I’ll see you again soon,
Angela Stradwick
Garden Clearance
It was a great experience
Paul is very knowledgeable and a
Pleasure to work with.
Mahmoud Baddar
Gardening
Paul was great and quickly understood what is required. He did a fantastic job in the back yard and front. Will be using his services again for sure.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much Mahmoud! It was very nice meeting you. Thank you for the opportunity to work in your garden! I look forward to seeing you again.
Shari Podolny
Gardening
Paul is the most knowledgeable person I have ever met, regarding plants, trees, and everything gardening. He’s also a really fun , friendly and engaging coach, even for novices like us, who made us immediately excited about the prospect of taking care of our new garden, and expanding it further. You absolutely cannot go wrong with this consummate professional! More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you Shari! I'm excited for you to embrace gardening as a family, and to make your gardening space the best it can be. I look forward to working with you again.
Angela Stradwick
Garden Clearance
The Tattooed Garner did a great job preparing my garden
for winter. It is so beautiful.
l will definitely use his services again.
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much Angela! I appreciate the opportunity to work in your garden! I look forward to working with you again.
Gail
Gardening
Paul was very personable and very knowledgeable about plants. He did a great job on fall cleanup for my backyard. I will definitely call on Paul for Spring. Gave many suggestions on how to improve the curbside appeal in my entrance as well. Gail in Mississauga More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you for the opportunity to work on your garden. I look forward to working with you again.
Marie
Gardening
Paul is everything people could want in an artistic labour intensive professional. We are over the moon with his work!
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for entrusting the outdoor work on your upcoming listing to me. I truly appreciate it! I look forward to working with you again.
Emily
Highly recommended! This guys knows his plants! My new home had an existing garden, Paul helped clean it up, taught me about my existing plants and provided me recommendations. What was overwhelming at first, is now a new passion of mine, all thanks to Paul! More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much! I appreciate the opportunity to be part of your gardens story!
Loredana Bastasin
Gardening Lessons
Paul was great at teaching me what to do with my trees and plants. Such a wealth of knowledge and willingness to share his expertise. He took his time, gave great suggestions and was very friendly. I truly enjoyed his visit. More...
Reply from The Tattooed Gardener Inc.
Thank you so much for your time, and willingness to learn! Your garden’s potential is exciting. I look forward to working with you again.
What do you love most about your job?
Inspiring people to love their plant spaces regardless of size. Connecting people with nature through their own gardens. Meeting new people and working with them to create spaces they love to spend time in.
What inspired you to start your own business?
Having experience in every corner of the industry; from retail management to Director of Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden, and with a social media post reach of 30+ million people a month, sharing my passion for plants and keen eye for design, having my lifelong passion grow into a brand and blossom into my business was only a matter of time. As a regular speaker at garden clubs and service organizations across Canada, and speaker at Landscape Ontario, sharing my passion for all things plants
Why should our clients choose you?
Hiring the right person to work in your outdoor space is important at any stage. Your garden is an extension of your home. Whether you want to learn more about how to care for your plants, or want your outdoor space to meet its full potential. I have held two of the top horticultural positions in the largest city in Canada, and was featured on the Television program 'Visionary Gardeners' I will bring that experience, my lifelong passion, and broad Horticultural knowledge to help improve your space, and maximize the potential in your garden, terrace, or balcony.
Can you provide your services online or remotely? If so, please add details.
Garden coaching sessions and classes are avaialble online. Other services are in person.
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
As most of my work is outdoors I have been lucky to not have it affect my outdoor work. I have been vaccinated and had 3 boosters. Garden coaching sessions are available in person or online via zoom.
Custom designed planters
Get your planters designed and stand out for the right reasons... regardless of season. Take the guess work out of your planters with dynamic pairings, exciting combinations and unique designs. Planters should be changed seasonally 4 times / year. Treat yourself to some Botanically inspired planters.
Garden consulting / coaching
Whether you’re a new gardener or an experienced one. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes and someone to talk through the challenges and opportunities can make all the difference. Garden consulting / coaching might be for you. Either virtual or in person. Appointments are available. Whether it’s a one time session, monthly, or seasonally I can work with you to help you and your garden reach its full potential.
Garden Assessment / Clean up
Often when moving into a new home, gardens are inherited. Often times overgrown with plant material you aren’t familiar with.
A garden clean up can get your garden space caught up, weeding, invasive species removed. Then you have the ability to do some maintenance on your own or set up maintenance schedule (I also do garden maintenance)
Regular Garden Maintenance
Having a horticulturist handle your gardening needs can save you money, and frustrations in the long run. Often time turf crews or landscape companies specialize in grass / turf, but aren’t experienced with the many different annuals, perennials, and shrubs. Whether it’s plant pairings, rejuvenating older shrubs / gardens, maintaining existing beds, planning / planting a new garden, I can help your garden visions and desires become realities. Maybe pollinator plants, planting to attract birds, or making sure your garden has interest in all 4 seasons.
Custom tropical planters
Do you need a Host or hostess gift? A friend or relative in the hospital or sick? Birthdays, anniversaries, teachers gift, or just a thank you gift. A custom one of a kind planters can be the gift that keeps giving. I can work with a specific colour, theme, and range of price points.