“March is mostly a winter month, and carries the threat of a late season blizzard…. this is a month of promise, but also one of caution.” The New Victory Garden After thirty years of gardening in this particular place I have my favourites that I can’t live without. Yes it… Continue reading
“In winter’s tedious nights sit by the fire…” Shakespeare Looking at my garden notes from last spring I see that the tops of the bulbs on the warm west side of the house were showing on February 25. That cheered me up somewhat. A lot of fireside sitting has been… Continue reading
“…after summer evermore succeeds Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold…” Shakespeare It was definitely feeling very barren winter here in the valley in November. Like many people I was caught out by the early snow and cold. I managed to plant garlic and the last of the bulbs before… Continue reading
November’s sky is chill and drear….. Sir Walter Scott It is difficult to think of much positive about dark November. Heavy rain and wind have taken a toll on the colourful leaves and soon all will be bare. I have always been a bit envious of my English cousins for… Continue reading
Listen! the wind is rising, and the air is wild with leaves, We have had our summer evenings, now for October eves. Humbert Wolfe Indian summer has arrived here in the valley. We haven’t had any frost yet. The warm days and a few good rains have… Continue reading
“Up from the meadows rich with corn, Clear in the cool September morn.” John Greenleaf Whittier There are many things to celebrate in the late summer garden. My favourite Colour Fashion sunflowers are finally blooming in many shades of bronze and only one lone yellow. The brilliant fuchsia coloured nicotines… Continue reading
“Summer treads On heels of spring.” Horace Odes Book VII The heavy spring rains have made for an extraordinary summer garden here in the valley. I am surprised every time I go outside to see the coneflowers, lilies, yarrow and other perennials that are at least a foot taller than… Continue reading
“July is the year at high noon.” Hal Borland Here in the valley the vegetable garden is off to a good start after the wettest spring in many years. Two types of snow peas, bush and climbing, both look like they have escaped from the tropics with their giant leaves…. Continue reading
“Spring, with her golden suns and silver rain, Is with us once again.” Henry Timrod After a cold and icy winter spring is finally upon us. The first warm days brought on the little species crocuses and snowdrops. I seem to have fewer crocuses now after the chipmunks and squirrels… Continue reading
