Gardening That Grows With Me
I am not very good at taking care of indoor houseplants. While I have a pretty good green thumb for outdoor gardening, my indoor garden skills are practically non-existent. Even keeping Christmas poinsettias is a major feat for me. However … Read More
Every year I seem to have one major project or another on the go. While these projects have been crucial to our landscape, managing these projects along with trying to keep up with the necessary garden chores often meant that … Read More
2011 was like an extreme sandwich for the garden. The summer was hot and dry, nestled in between a spring and fall that were both cold and wet. Top that off with an addition to our home and we definitely … Read More
We came home today after three days away to the first snowstorm of the season. After a mostly grey and rainy December followed by a green Christmas, it was strange to leave our house is what seemed like spring and … Read More
Tis the Night Before Christmas, when all through the house, something was stirring, oh shoot, it’s a mouse! The mouse traps were place on the cold floor with care, in hopes that the mouse head soon would be there. The … Read More
I went outside today and picked what will likely be the last of the mesclun mix lettuce still growing under cover in our mini greenhouse or cold frame. While the lettuce has survived several nights of below zero temperatures (including … Read More
Weeds are public enemy number one to most gardeners. Fighting persistent weeds without the use of chemical pesticides can be quite a challenge. One of the first steps is to know your weed. A great resource guide is produced by … Read More
I was looking to create a menu to entertain some friends for dinner to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the wonderful produce from our vegetable garden. The end result was this Harvest Menu that incorporated not only … Read More
A crumb topping makes a delicious change for this spicy apple pie. The cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves are quite noticeable in this recipe. If you do not really love cinnamon, I would recommend reducing the spices by up to one … Read More
Well it’s that time of year again — the deer are roaming and that means many of my trees are susceptible to damage from bucks rubbing their antlers along the bark. Every year I debate — to cover or not … Read More
Another part of my Harvest Menu, I used some of the Magnotta Vidal Ice Wine in this Ice Wine Vinaigrette. It is pleasantly not too sweet, and a perfect match with bitter baby arugula. INGREDIENTS 3 tablespoons ice wine 1 … Read More
A classic vodka martini with just a hint of sweetness. We enjoyed these as part of our Harvest Menu and used Magnotta 2008 Vidal Icewine. It is best served very cold. 1 oz vidal icewine 2 oz vodka Frozen grapes … Read More
Made with our home made Garlic Jelly these are a one bite treat. INGREDIENTS 3 parts cream cheese 1 part garlic jelly crackers DIRECTIONS In food processor or small blender, mix cream cheese with garlic jelly until well combined. Place … Read More
A simple yet tasty appetizer with a delightful use of garlic scape pesto. We make these when out of season using frozen pesto (frozen without the cheese). Have everything ready to assemble at the last minute. Assembling early will result … Read More
A meat lovers sauce with a slight kick from the italian sausage, this Bolognese style pasta sauce is great on a cold winter day. INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons olive oil 125 grams (about 4 ounces) pancetta 1 pound ground beef 1 … Read More
The day is proving to be cold and blustery, with the potential for freezing rain in the forecast. It’s that in between time of year — not anything; neither fall nor winter, just a waiting game. So I’m spending the … Read More
I was looking for a different outdoor decoration for our front entrance this year and stumbled upon the idea to build my own Christmas tree topiary. I usually use greenery from the garden center and around the yard to decorate … Read More
Height: 90 cm (36 inches) Bloom: early season Colour: Huge, very deep red-purple blooms with green throat. Another of my favourites. The blooms sit very high (truly close to three feet), are absolutely huge, there are loads of blooms, not … Read More
Height: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) Bloom: Midseason, repeat bloomer. Extended bloom. Colour: Bright red small flowers with yellow throat. About the same time as I planted some Pardon Me, I put in some Ruby Stella. They are remarkably alike, almost … Read More
Height: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches) Bloom: Very early, repeat (constant) bloomer Colour: Raspberry pink with yellow throat. Rosy Returns is one of the longest bloomers I have seen. It starts in early June and blooms until frost. The only disappointment … Read More