Watering the garden doesn’t have to be a chore that you rush through.  This is one of my favourite things to do in the garden, here are some tips to enjoy it even more. Watering the garden allows you to stop and be present. Take time and admire new growth and blooms, dream up ideas to improve new areas of the garden, listen to the birds and the sounds of nature around you.  Quiet you mind. Grab a drink. Watering the garden should be enjoyed, so bring along your morning coffee or evening beverage.  My philosophy is Water, Sip, Inspect, Repeat.  Water – focus on a section o ..read more

Gardening can be very therapeutic, it certainly is for me, it is my escape.  I discovered an interest in gardening about 10 years ago when we moved into our current house.  It took me a long time to progress out of the beginner stage because I wanted sun-loving plants in my shade garden.   Once I became aware of the below tips my success with gardening improved. Feed your soil You need to feed your soil so it will feed your plants. You may already be doing this, but if not, here are some tips that won’t break the bank.  At the end of the season, I empty the potting so ..read more

For our book club, we recently read " The 4% Fix" by Karma Brown. Brown talks about taking an hour for yourself, preferably, before everyone else gets up. Why? Imagine a cake with 24 slices, one slice for each hour of the day. If you don't take your slice first, everyone else will eat them up. This book isn't about being more productive and getting more accomplished in your day, it is about doing something for yourself.  These are extremely difficult times, some days we are great and others not even close.  This last round of shutdowns has been the hardest for me, espe ..read more

It felt so great to be pottering around in the dirt again.  To start off my 2021 growing season, I have dusted off the indoor grow lights and set them up next to my desk.  For me, this year is all about doing the things that bring me joy and seeing my seedling sprout, brings me joy.  Now, this could be a terrible decision, what is the expression, “a watched kettle never boils!”  I'm going with a positive attitude and preparing for the best! Here is what I did, if you would like to try this at home.  Please know this is my first time planting both ginger and turmer ..read more

We all had great expectations for 2021.  Whilst I believe things will turn around, life is hard right now, so I thought I'd share some quick tips on taking care of ourselves. We are all busy, so these can be done in less than 5 mins around activities you already do. Pause and Breathe Tips Whilst Enjoying a Hot Drink Select a mug or cup that makes you smile.  Maybe it reminds you of someone or has a funny or inspiring quote. Select your favourite hot drink, a herbal tea, coffee, hot chocolate or lemon and honey  Find a comfy chair with a view, maybe you can see your garden or ..read more

This year I have decided to plant my beans in jars so I can see them germinate.  I have planted a lot of beans and peas this year, but very few have come up.  By using the jars I can see what is happening.  If you’d like to try this too, here is what I used: Glass Jars Paper Kitchen Towel Beans/ seeds Water Pencil Scissors Labels and a marker First, I identified what beans I wanted to grow, so I would know how many jars I will need. Each jar can hold 4-5 beans. Recommend, keep the same beans in one jar.   I decided on 5 beans and peas.  Scarlett Runners, Snow P ..read more

For some Moms, this could be blissfully peaceful; time pottering in the garden, reading a favourite book under a blanket with a hot drink or glass of wine and or watching a movie with no interruptions.  But celebrating without family, due to physical distancing can be hard.  This year we have an opportunity to celebrate our Mom’s in a more creative way this Mother’s Day, as most of us will not be able to be with them in person Here are 5 fun suggestions on how to celebrate your Mom or ask your family to surprise you with, this Mother’s Day. Surprise your Mom with some chal ..read more

Hi Everyone,  Back in January, I volunteered with our local Kindergarten classes to do some winter sowing.  We did this to give us a head start on the growing season here in Ontario Canada.  Our last frost is normally around the long weekend at the end of May. By doing winter sowing we are able to start earlier so our plants are big and strong by the time our last frost has come. Today, I checked on the schools plants and they have all started to sprout.  It is not too late to start.  If you are looking to start your vegetable garden you can use some recycled materials ..read more