I find it amusing how preoccupied I’ve become with the weather since starting this gardening journey. I know, I know… everyone must be as eager as I am to spend evenings watching a channel dedicated to non-stop, 24/7 weather reporting (snicker). But seriously, I don’t think I’ve ever thought this much about weather. Not too long ago, I found myself …
There are many lessons I’ve learned in the garden. Some of the hardest lessons have come from my attempts to grow fruit; apple trees, blackberry bushes, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. We’ve uprooted trees, transplanted bushes, and battled disease and pests. Seriously. I could probably write a series of blogs on the difficulties trying to grow fruit. It has not been …
Not long ago, I was talking with a friend about the rude awakening I received the year I discovered that gardening wasn’t easy. How do I describe this? Imagine with me for a moment: Deep in the heart of the garden, a great battle rages against an evil so vile that it has set its sights upon the …
A couple of years ago, I went to a local farmer’s market and found myself looking at vegetable plants. I was excited to find some spaghetti squash and began conversing with the farmer who grew them. He told me about their expected size and taste. I kept thinking that growing them would save money since they …
Sometimes things don’t go as planned. This reality shouldn’t be a shocker, but when it happens I often find myself taken off guard. “How did this happen? This isn’t the way this was supposed to go!” I know I’m not the only one to face disappointment. It’s a reality we often face especially when …
There are moments that seem insignificant but become something more. In our home, we call them unexpected gifts. It happened to me today at the kitchen table while I sat with my daughter Abby. I was listening to her complete a reading assignment about Canadian agriculture. I must admit, the topic had already made me soften …
One of the highlights during the growing season happens when I transplant my seedlings to the garden. A few years ago, I decided to start using seeds rather than plants. My reasoning was simple – large quantities of plants can get expensive. I called my Gardening and Canning Jedi-master, Brenda, who recommended a reputable company with organic and conventional seeds. I made my first purchase before thinking through the entire process. You see, …
Looking back at that first garden, I have to smile. Those pictures remind me of how small we were when we started. Since then, the garden has quadrupled in size with hopes of more to come. Thinking back on it now, it makes all those fears seem ridiculous. Isn’t that the way it is?
It wasn’t too long after the fence was complete and the new plants were in that I found myself drawn …
“What in the world am I doing?” The statement left my mouth as Jeremiah and I began hanging the second strand of wire for the new electric fence. I was about to embark on our first garden since the move and doubts were racing through my mind. I had spent the last few months talking with Brenda (more …
This new friendship with my neighbor was an unexpected gift. I remember venturing to her door to inquire about eggs. Brenda called out from the kitchen, “I can’t leave the stove! Come on in.” I was definitely not in the city anymore! I walked in. It’s difficult to describe the experience I had in that moment. The smells …