Category: Uncategorized

    This past weekend was the official kick-off for Summer 2021, and what a difference a year makes! Finally, there seems to be something to look forward to...like seeing friends and family again, eating out in restaurants and possibly even travelling.   What could be better? The onset of Summer 2021 will bring excitement… Continue reading Summer… →

Is there anything more beautiful than a row of peonies in full bloom? Peonies have been a part of the floral mix in gardens for centuries (1000BC!). They have a nostalgic feel along with their beauty and scent... my grandmother grew peonies in her simple garden at the edge of massive vegetable beds.  As part… Continue reading Peonies… →

The past year has been hard for many of us...so much loss, sacrifice and suffering.  For me, it meant losing both my mom and my precious little dog, Chloe.  Although time eases the sadness, when special occasions or holidays come along, the heartstrings are tugged on once again...   Not only is it Mother's Day… Continue reading An Uplifting Mother’s Day… →

The retailer in me is always hopeful that local businesses are doing well.  Last summer, I'd ask employees at my favourite garden centres how business was, and at first, I was surprised at how well they were doing, in light of what the media reported daily about how devastating the impact of the pandemic had… Continue reading More boxwood… →

  Who would have ever thought we would be celebrating another Easter in the midst of the pandemic?  Although we are so much further ahead in understanding the virus that has gripped the world, most of us are in some stage of lockdown or restriction. Some are lucky enough to have been vaccinated, but so… Continue reading Another “Zoom” Holiday… →

    In the northern hemisphere, Spring officially arrived on March 20, along with the promise of longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures. Other signs that Spring is on the way; the geese are back, the birds are singing, and the squirrels are scampering about having a heyday. And after a long, dark winter often… Continue reading Spring-ish… →

    Looking ahead, not too far into the future, we will once again start socializing with friends and family.  I rarely host dinner parties, but I love having my family home for Sunday dinner or celebrating special occasions. Unlike many of you, I have not been honing my cooking skills during the pandemic.  That… Continue reading Sunday Dinner… →

Every February 2,  groundhog, Wiarton Willie (Punxsutawney Phil in the USA), pokes his head outside and decides our fate as to whether Spring is around the corner or if we still have weeks buried in snow and freezing temperatures.  At least one of the cable TV networks runs the romantic comedy movie "Groundhog Day" on… Continue reading Finding inspiration… →

        Wishing you all a Merry Christmas...         ...with some time to relax, reflect, and daydream ...       Spring is just around the corner...   xox Judy              

There are always a few disappointments in the garden every season.  This year it was the Dahlias.  Last year was the first year I planted dahlias in containers, and I was over the moon by their performance.  Cafe au Lait is my favourite variety along with another large dinner plate dahlia called Fleurel.  I just assumed that the… Continue reading Dahlias… →