Book Launch Party & Other Goings On

Just a reminder that the Book Launch Party is coming up this Wed night at the Gladstone Hotel in Toronto. Details can be found here. ——————————————– The view on my deck is looking somewhat more inviting today. I did not take a photo but it is warmer and brighter with remnants of snow and ice.

Seeds and Keylimes

Today’s view out on my deck. Well gang, it’s March which means it’s time to get on the seed situation. I’ve gone as far as to move some plants around and hook up the *super fancy* electric warming mat. My lemongrass LOVES it, making me feel a little guilty about replacing it with a tray

The Summer Solstice

The Summer Solstice, or “Midsummer’s Day” has its origins in paganism as a celebration of various Sun Gods. Cultures everywhere still celebrate this day, which marks the middle of summer, not, as with today’s calendar, its beginning. SOLSTICE – sol stare: “standing still sun” In Spain, the eve of solstice is called “Night of the

Late May

Over May 24 weekend we did more work in the side garden. After several years we have finally expanded the garden to take up all the space next to the sidewalk. Unfortunately it looks really unbalanced now. One side has lush growth and is surrounded by fencing but the other side is all new, small

Mid-May Update

I can’t beleive it’s mid-May already. We’ve been experiencing an unusually warm, dry May (although it is finally raining today). At times I don’t know whether to be running through the streets cheering on an early summer or frightened by how all this will translate come July/August. One thing it has made me is hesitant.

Parkdale Plant Sale

Today I attended the annual Parkdale Horticultural Society Plant Sale. There seemed to be less selection this year. I bought less plants then last year but still managed to break the bank.

Spring Pinhole Photo

Spring really, truly is finally here and I’ve been taking every opportunity to capture it on film. This photo of a crocus cluster was taken in my garden using a homemade pinhole camera I constructed from a broken camera and a pie tin. Check out these planty pinhole photos taken in a greenhouse by Andreas

It’s Starting…

The first signs of spring are slowly making their way to the surface in my garden.

A Beginner’s Guide to Vegetable Seed Starting

Guest post by miss gard(e)ner Inhabit Hardiness Zones 5 through 8? Ready to start your growing season? The much anticipated moment has arrived. Planning Keep the following in mind when planning your garden: Climate: What grows well in your region? Space limitations: How extensive will your garden be? Domestic habits: What would you like to

Autumn Equinox

Guest post by Beate Schwirtlich Autumn Plantings Bulbs: plant for spring blooms or pot for forcing indoors Spinach: overwinter for early spring greens Beets: overwinter for early spring greens Swiss Chard: overwinter for early spring greens Arugula: overwinter for early spring greens Kale: overwinter for early spring greens Carrots: overwinter in the ground for late

Harvesting Seeds

There are a variety of reasons for harvesting your own seeds; some personal, some environmental. Perhaps you have a variety that you like and you are concerned that seed companies may discontinue stocking it. You saw some wildflowers while on an outdoor hike that you’d like to grow in your own garden. You have a

Seed Starting – Germination

Guest post by Beate Schwirtlich What Happens When A Seed Germinates? The whole purpose of starting seeds indoors is to cheat winter a little. Ironically, even as we cheat nature, we must imitate her. Light, soil, water, air, and a basic understanding of the process of germination are all you need. Once you know the