WEEDING A GARDEN-LIKE LIFE IT CAN BE OVERGROWN

With the personal stuff and all the rain, my garden beds and paths are a huge overgrown mess. Every time some area is worked, well the rain came and voila more growth. So finally attacking the paths with a week killer, the garden is taking some shape. There is some stone or brown showing in the paths. It had me thinking about how overwhelming some events can be in our lives. We work on one area then along comes more- "rain"- to make events grow. By attacking a little at a time then some headway is made. Sometimes overgrown is not bad. Like my garden, more birds and definitely more butterflies are visiting my little corner of the world. So trying to control and manage too well may discourage other aspects of life. Letting life happen can be challenging. Having some control even more challenging. One thing for sure, I will never win one of those local horticultural awards for best gardens in town. But the 4 yard waste bags on the curb do show that some work was done as well as the little patch of grass was cut. in the front yard.

The perennials make their way through it all too.

These pretty cone flowers that attract wild life are abounding too. So in the midst of a busy and chaotic life comes some beauty. How is your life going? 

#life#challenges#stress#coneflowers#garden#weeds#weedkiller

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND IN CANADA

Monday is a holiday. Victoria Day! For most people it is just exciting to have a long weekend when the weather is nice. There are some seasonal rules. Can't wear white until the Victoria Day weekend. The farmers warn don't plant your garden or crops until after the long weekend. This year it is a few days earlier than normal. So do we delay the rules??? It is a busy time for all the garden centers across the country as many people do attack their gardens for the next few days. Plants, bushes, potting soil, and stones for the paths are major purchases. Those with cottages, pack up the cars to go and open the cottages for the coming cottage season. Fireworks on Monday are a must. There are many places to go and see them. I just look out my windows to try to find one that I can see from a distance. Wonderland in Vaughan always has a good display! Hopefully some good eating with backyard barbecues! So what are you doing this weekend? Enjoy! Queen Victoria would love it!

A CANADIAN GARDEN

The flowers in the garden continue their growth. Like an orchestra, each one brings colours. The poppies are about to bloom with their red hue that blast colour.

Of course the variety of tulips are giving a wonderful show. Flowers do not do much. They just look pretty. Attracting bees and birds, May is a time to enjoy the beginning of the warmer season. Planting a few annuals for colour in the shade so they look good during the hot weather- well my share of the planting is finished. Weeding is a regular chore, however. The vegetable patch is coming along. It is still early to try to plant too much. The soil must be warm or the seeds do not grow well. Summer gardens are the reason we Canadians survive the winter. How is your garden coming along? The best thing I like about my garden is sitting in a favourite spot with something to read and a beverage of choice. How about you?

VICTORIA DAY WEEKEND IN CANADA 2014

Victoria Day weekend comes a little early this year. Usually around the 24th of May, it is the time for gardeners to plant and people to open their cottages for the Spring/Summer season and others to have a 3 day weekend. Of course, Victoria is the famous Queen Victoria that reigned in England over a hundred years ago. Born May 24, 1819, she became Queen June 20, 1837 and continued her reign until January 22, 1901. Since 1953, Queen Elizabeth II celebrates her official birthday. The day started as Empire Day, changed to Commonwealth Day which was moved to the second Monday in March according to some internet research. Now the Monday before May 25th is the designated holiday. A little dated for a Canadian holiday but it works. It is not an official Statutory day off in every province. In Quebec it is called La Fete de la Reine. But here in Ontario it is a great long weekend. Federally the Post Offices are closed so it does have a Canadian wide flavour. Some seasonal rules apply. For the fashion wise, do not wear white until after the May weekend. Farmers always were advised not to plant their crops until the end of the May usually coinciding with it as well. Of course there are large fireworks at major venues and parks. Homeowners often do their own backyard ones but with lots of warning to do it safely. Regardless of any historical context, having a long weekend to work, to chill, to get together with family for a barbecue or to go to the cottage it is great to have a day away from work. How are you spending your long weekend?

A GARDEN IS IN THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER

Do you ever tire of the same gardens one sees in subdivisions-especially new ones? It looks as if the same landscaper did everyone's front lawn. Perfectly shaped bushes and lots of impatiens! On a recent trip to the Niagara area it was refreshing to see the gardens of homeowners with a great variety of Canadian wild flowers and trees on properties.

Niagara on the Lake was abundant with street flowers and trees. Like many quaint Canadians towns that are historic and full of cute shops for the tourists, it was colourful and pleasing to visit.
The Niagara region has the Horticultual College. It seems the students can perform many field trips keeping the many gardens and areas of the vicinity flourishing.

Even time can be told with flowers! Don't you just love the floral clock! A must for any visitor to the area!
A wonderful drive along the Niagara Parkway revealed garden after garden of beauty. A welcome difference from my own locale!

NANA SAYS OUTDOOR PLAY IS GOOD FOR CHILDREN

With the warmer weather here, the outdoors becomes a great playground. A fenced in yard can keep children safe. Depending on the day- bug spray, sunscreen , a good hat and we are now advised to use sunglasses for not only adults but children of all ages. My yard is paths and gardens so teaching the little to leave the dirt in the garden and the stones on the path is a constant struggle. We are creating a little area under one of the trees so it can become " a fort"! Cheap plastic toys, a wagon and somewhere to sit makes for fun! My yard is full of rocks that the children like to climb and sit on! If you do not have a yard, there are many parks with lots of equipment or just go to the grassy area for some creative play. Make a picnic! Low tech! Old imagination! Listen to the birds- identify them. Teach about the trees! Pick up pinecones- then try to find uses for them! Nature becomes a lesson in constant progress! Walks, jogging and long bike rides work for older children and teenagers! If you are a lucky one with a cottage, learning the rules of the water- swimming, boating- learning to canoe or row a boat, and whatever the area brings in terms of wildlife and vegetation! Every adult becomes a teacher! Of course reading a book outside or doing a craft with natural products becomes fun. What do you have in your yard? Can an area become a castle for a princess and prince? Can a section of your garden become the little one's spot for flowers or vegetables? Get a bird book and a natural atlas for your area! Have fun looking up new any unknown "thing" with the family! Even if teenagers appear to be totally uninterested, keep at it anyway! They continue to learn through osmosis! As we spend more time outdoors with the children in our lives, it can have a great benefit on us! I find the screaming, and sometimes fighting that occurs with my grandchildren is less annoying as the sound evaporates into the air! Of course, helps with naps and sleeps as the play and air does tend to tire children. Tires adults as well! Oh the great outdoors- just love it!