Accepting Change

The world feels broken right now.  For many reasons.

 

Here in Canada, the population's conflicting medical and political views recently resulted in an angry mob descending on our capital city and conducting a volatile sit in.  While I appreciate a good protest this was different.  What I have seen in the last months is not just frustration with medical protocols but includes threats, intimidation, racist, sexist, and homophobic behaviour.  People are expressing not just frustration but hatred toward points of view they don't share.  There is a level of intolerance that, while it doesn't completely surprise me, is disturbing in its size and vitriol. 

Why this has occurred is something the experts will probably analyze for years to come.  I am just one voice among many but it seems to me that the world has changed quickly and there are many who don’t like or want change.  I will admit I have a hard time with it too.  I’m getting older and change doesn’t come quite as easily as it once did.  I find myself frustrated at times, why am I always having to learn something new?  Why can’t things be consistent?  Good grief, I even have to learn new words.  I have a pretty broad vocabulary but I feel out of touch many days.  

Rapid change can be unsettling and, I think, cause fear.  Fear leads to anxiety, aggression, or panic.  It can be expressed in negative ways such as hostility, or anger.  The world has experienced so much change these past two years.  People have lost jobs, their daily schedules are altered, new rules are imposed, they fear for their health and the health of their loved ones.  Sadly these fears are being expressed as hostility and directed at people who inadvertently represent change.  Immigrants, nurses, politicians, people of colour, minorities and the LGBTQ community are some of the many who have anger directed at them. 

 

What is happening is not okay.  You can be frustrated with policies, you can protest to preserve rights.  But threatening people because they are unlike you and don't share your beliefs is unacceptable. We need to do better as a society.  I can't change the world but I personally can change.  I have previously been uncomfortable with the declaration of pronouns.  I didn't think it necessary.  But it has occurred to me that it is necessary for some people.  By displaying their pronouns they are putting themselves at risk but also proudly expressing who they are and asking for respect.  It's a small step but what better way to show support, to let people know that I am a safe haven and respect them.  Let's leave hate and fear behind and let our fellow citizens know they are loved and supported.   Let's tell the world we have their back.  Change can be good.

Marguerite

She/Her

A New Adventure

 

 

There was a time I thought about removing this blog from the internet completely.  At one point in my life it brought me joy to share my journey in what was my new home.  But life moved in other directions and it's been years since I've put it to use.  When I looked at the stats though I saw that it was of use to others.  Weather patterns, seed collecting, the best kinds of tomatoes.  People have found bits and pieces of useful information so I have left it be.  

Now here I am years later and this blog has found it's place in my life again.  The world isn't quite so simple these days.  Changing climate, pandemic and civil unrest.  There is a lot to be anxious about, and frustrated.  In the last weeks I turn on the tv and become angry.  The state of Canada is shocking to say the least.  There's a lot I would like to say about that.  Things I would like to shout from the rooftops.  But there's already a great divide in this country and a lot of people saying a lot of things.  For better or worse.

So instead I will note that when life gets you down you must choose how you respond to it.  I'm choosing to respond by changing course in a positive manner.  Years ago I had thought briefly of working in the agricultural sector, perhaps sharing the seeds that brought me so much joy. That thought was pushed aside at the time in favour of my nine to five job.  I have continued to garden, and save seed.  Many of those seeds gifts from other bloggers and readers.  And now I am making myself ready to try a new adventure.  The garden is expanding this year.  Currently my vegetable garden contains a half dozen raised beds and as many in ground as seen below.

This spring, part of the field beside the garden will get turned over.  Approximately 3600 square feet to start.  My favourite heirloom seeds will be planted with the hope to preserve them for future generations.  Over the last two years people have begun gardening in earnest.  Growing fresh healthy and cheap food for their families.  I hope these seeds will find their way into those hands for people to enjoy for years to come.  

A Theatre by the Sea

This past summer didn't involve much gardening.   We opened a theatre in St. Andrews, New Brunswick.  I worked as the general manager, while hubby produced, directed, and acted.  I spent the bulk of the summer looking at this.

This is the set for our production of Souvenir.  It's a tale of friendship, music, and living out your dreams.  Featuring the formidable Florence Foster Jenkins.  I loved that show.  I watched it around 50 times this summer.  It never got old and I still cried at the end every time.  If you ever have the chance to catch a production of it, please do.  And don't let that awful Meryl Streep movie turn you off. (full disclaimer, I'm not a fan of Meryl's acting)  This script is far better.  In the right hands you will laugh and you will cry.

If you have no idea what I'm talking about then this is your chance to discover something amazing.

The real Florence Foster Jenkins

Florence Foster Jenkins was born in 1886 and was something of a child prodigy.  Playing piano.  However, she dreamed of being a singer.  She desperately wanted to be a singer.  She begged her father to send her to Europe to study singing.  He refused and rightly so.  Florence might have been good at piano but a singer she was not.  She was actually an incredibly bad singer.  But she was young and impulsive and so she ran away and eloped with a man her father did not approve of.  All because he wouldn't let her sing.  Her father was also impulsive and he refused to provide Florence with any money, although he was quite a wealthy man.  Sadly Florence's husband left her and she was reduced to living in near poverty and teaching piano to pay her way.  Florence had tenacity.  Then her father died and suddenly she inherited a family fortune. 

Can you imagine what Florence did?  Oh yes.  She sang.  She moved to New York and formed her own musical society.  There she met Cosme McMoon, who became her accompanist and lifelong friend.  They made an unlikely duo.  An elderly woman of questionable musical skill and a young talented gay man.  This play features their friendship and all the ups and downs that a friendship brings.  They laugh, they tease, they argue but most of all they are there for each other, supporting each others dreams.  Right to the end.

It still brings a tear to my eye.  Life isn't always kind but it all comes down to what you make of it.  Believe in yourself and have fun.  People who love you will always be there for you.


If you're interested, this is an an excellent and fun interview with Souvenir's playwright, Stephen Temperley.  It features clips of Florence Singing and comments from her dear friend Cosme McMoon.

Hello Again

This is rather embarassing.  It looks like I just up and left without saying goodbye.  The computer says I haven't posted here since June of 2015.  That's almost two years gone by and not a word from me.  What a disgraceful lack of manners.

I have no excuse but I can say that in the course of two years a lot of life can happen.  Gardens flourish, and then are neglected.  Jobs change, moves occur.  In the last two years I began courses toward a degree in legal studies, took a new job working in law and then changed course and opened a theatre with a husband.  I moved to New Brunswick, and then came home again.  There have been arguments, illness, joy, tears and laughter. 

and then the other day I saw this photo

and suddenly it was time to write again.

A Big Hug and Many Thanks

It was a cold and rainy morning but despite the weather it was a great day to shop for plants.

A little rain was no matter for these shoppers.
Just put on your wellies and pick your plants!

I want to say a heartfelt thank you to all the many many people who, once again, pulled off an amazing Community Plant Sale.

To my fellow committee members, Beatrice and Donna, thank you for the time you commit each year to making this event happen.

A warm hug to Melda and Anne for handing out coffee and muffins, keeping us fed and caffeinated throughout the day.

Many thanks for all the hands that shovelled manure including Bill, Cliff, Ben, and Tapani.

Our manure loading area

No one would find our sale if it weren't for JoDee's amazing posters and signs guiding them to the site.

Thank you to Rhoda for selling raffle tickets and providing her beautiful rhubarb and dahlias.

Huge thanks to Gordon, Penny, Ginny, JoDee, Calleen, and Mari for a superb sales job.

For Ira who helped move picnic tables, once, twice, three times over and was our all round 'go to' guy.

Many thanks to Hayden for picking up a load of compost and to Jamie for providing the manure.

They might be wet but they're having a great time

A massive hug to the many many many people who donated plants.  I don't know all your names but we are truly grateful for your support.

We had a fantastic raffle once again this year and the prizes were stunning as always.

Thanks goes out to Melda for her hanging planter and the gift basket,  to JoDee and Floyd for the eye catching birdhouse and to Bill Van Kempen of Van Kampens Nursery for the lovely iris.

A special shout out to Gail Kern and husband Joe of The Summer Garden in Argyle Shore.  They made an astounding donation of several hundred tomato plants.  There was Honey bunch, Juliet, Mountain Merit, Marbonne, Rose de Berne, Plum Regal and soooo many more.  I think there was around 30 varieties in total.  We all know how much I love my tomatoes so you know I brought a couple home with me to try out.

And finally, thank you to everyone who came and shopped.  Your dollars keep our old one room Schoolhouse a vibrant part of the community.

Which reminds me....  the Rhubarb Social is on Tuesday, June 16 at 6pm.  Location, the Canoe Cove Schoolhouse .... see you there?

The Always Unfinished Flower Garden

Some of you may remember that I promised myself I was going to finish my flower garden last year. After working away for the past 4 years I swore up and down that 2014 was the year I would finally complete it.

Siberian Iris 'Caesar's Brother' and perennial Bachelor's Button in June

I'm here to report.  That didn't happen.

This garden is taking off at the speed of a turtle stuck in a pool of honey.  It started out 5 years ago as a small circle around a forlorn apple tree and I thought, well that's just too small.  It looks out of scale against this large house.  So I enlarged it.  A lot.  It's now 50 feet long and 25 feet wide.

It's not that the size was a bad idea.  I love how big it is.  Passerbys can see it from the street.  I can see it from inside the house through my bay windows.  But I didn't take into account how much work it would be to plant all that space.

Oh I tried.  I dug and dug, put in yards of compost and plants.  I have had some good results.  One end of the bed is fully planted and even starting to mature a bit.

The original starting point around the apple tree is now filled in with flowers

I'm quite pleased with some of the plant pairings.  Siberian Iris 'Caesar's Brother' and 'Snow Queen' look wonderful together.

 Late in the season Autumn Joy sedum and blue fescue combine for a cool autumn look.

 This unplanned collaboration of Jupiter's Beard and Evening Primrose was a lovely surprise.

The problem was I didn't plant enough plants, nor did I mulch.  And so the weeds took over. For the last couple seasons I have been battling weeds in an attempt to gain my garden back.

those aren't flowers, those are WEEDS

I came close.  There is just a small corner of the garden left to dig over.  I'm ready for that corner this year.  I have bags of mulch on hand ready to fight the good fight, and I have pre-purchased plants so once the ground is dug the space will be promptly filled.

 the left side looks good but the right needs some work

Part of what is slowing me down is that in addition to digging out the weed filled areas I'm constantly assessing and reviewing what I've already done.  It's hard to finish the whole garden when I keep going back and changing things.

That's a garden though isn't it?  As it matures we realize what works and what doesn't.  There's one thing I found that I really don't like.  What do you think of these?

Rudbeckia hirta

It's not that I don't like Rudbeckia.  In fact they're great flowers.  The bees love them and they grow easily from seed.  But they are SOOO ORANGE.  At least they look really orange when they're planted next to a bright pink flower.

Filipendula and Rudbeckia clashing in the August garden

These seeds were originally tossed in as filler and I think it's high time I removed them.  Jody likes them but every time I look at those flowers I cringe.  I have yellow in the garden but the Rudbeckia is not the right shade of yellow in my eyes.  What's your opinion, would you pull them or keep them?

Another issue that was giving me trouble was the spring flowers.  Originally I planted spring blooms all over the bed thinking I should spread them out.  It didn't work.  Cushion spurge sat alone in an island of not quite living perennials.  Tulips sprang out of a sea of dead foliage and looked quite lonely.  So I moved them all.  Grouping them together in one section I planted anemone and columbine, spurge, February daphne, tulips and daffodils.

Anemone are early bloomers in my garden

I'm hoping for a spring explosion this year.  I don't want to hunt and peck all over my garden looking for flowers.  With any luck this will give more impact in one area and later in the season the other areas will take over.

Columbine are the first blooms to follow the bulbs

And so you see why this is taking so long.  I make a choice and then I take it back.  And then I change my mind again.  By the time I get settled the weeds are back and we start all over again.  Wish me luck trying to 'finish' my flower garden this year. 

Long Gone Bouquets

I'm still digging through my old photos.  I took a lot of pictures last summer but failed to post any.  I think I lost my blogging mojo somewhere.

June blooms - Spirea, Filipendula and Scabiosa

I usually try and pick at least one bouquet of flowers every month out of my garden.  I love flowers indoors and putting together bouquets gives me another perspective on my garden.

A simple bouquet of peonies and lady's mantle in early July

My theory is if my flowers look good together in the garden they should look good in a vase.  But that's not always the case.  Sometimes they don't go together at all or I'm missing some critical element and I find myself rethinking my planting schemes.

Siberian iris and lady's mantle

Sometimes it's a simple issue of some plants don't make good cut flowers.  I don't design my gardens for cut flowers so that's not necessarily a bad flaw.

Late July brings Filipendula blooms, Veronica, Pearl and Ligularia

A mistake I do see though is a lack of green filler.  I always struggle to find some green to set the flowers against.  The reason is obvious, my garden lacks shrubs and other woody plants.

August bouquet - Asparagus leaves, Rudbeckia hirta and Rudbeckia 'Golden Glow'

I get caught up in the blooms sometimes and forget that you need a backdrop.  The green framework is what the flowers hang on and is very important.  Something to consider for this upcoming garden season.

Halifax Public Gardens

Van Dusen wasn't the only garden I visited last year.  Later in the summer we made a short trip to Halifax.  Oddly enough I always seem to end up in Halifax during the winter.  This was my first time there in summer and I knew exactly what I wanted to see.  I've walked past this garden many times but it's closed in winter.

This time I was able to walk right in and see all the sights at the Halifax Public Gardens.  This garden is a national historic site created in 1874 when two older gardens were combined.  It's a Victorian style garden and very different from the gardens I am used to seeing.

Victorian gardens tend to be quite formal.  They were used to displayed exotic plant collections and often had brightly coloured symmetrical flower beds.  Ornamentation was prized and Victorians did it big displaying large gazebos and sculptures.

The Halifax garden demonstrated many of these typical Victorian characteristics.  There were numerous statues and grand water features.

This very ornate bandstand is surrounded by brightly planted perennial beds.

 Many plantings were impossibly intricate, like this snake that wove through the grass.

There were several of these snakes winding around, perfectly edged and planted in annuals.

Even the more natural looking plantings still featured statues and large masses of plants.

I really enjoyed some of the wonderful plant displays like this one of locally grown dahlias.

This was a great way to search out new plants for my own garden.

I did find though that the Victorian gardening technique was a bit stuffy for me.  I'm not a huge fan of annuals and I like a bit of a wild look to my gardens.  Regardless, I loved being able to wander through this large park in the middle of the city.  It's a welcome refuge from the bustle and noise.

Have you seen any Victorian gardens?  What's your favourite garden style?

It's Doing it AGAIN!!!

Snowing that is.

Remember the days when my yard looked like this?

See that lovely compost bin on the left hand side?

Now my veggie garden looks like this.

Where exactly did the compost bin go?

The wood strip you see peeking out of the snow is my bin.  That bin is around 4 feet high.

And what about this?

I have a series of trellis' that support peas, beans and tomatoes in the summers.  They stand around 5 feet high.

They don't look so big right now and after today I wonder if we'll see them at all.  There's approximately another 50cm of snow blowing down on us right now.

I think we're going to set a record in the garden this winter for most snow.  It's the first winter I can remember where I completely lost my compost bin.

Visiting Vancouver

All this snow reminds me of last winter.  We had similar cold temperatures and heaps of snow back in 2014.  But last winter I grew tired of the 6 foot snow drifts and packed up my bathing suit and headed west, back home to Vancouver, British Columbia.  Vancouver is a beautiful city at any time of year but it never looked lovelier to my eyes than it did last April.

Vancouver city skyline

While PEI was still being ravaged by winter storms I flew to a spring paradise on the west coast of Canada.  Vancouver is garden zone 8 and their spring was a good month or two ahead of ours. 

Palm trees are quite at home in suburban front yards

While my yard was still covered in snow, Vancouver was in bloom. Cherry trees and magnolias greeted me each day and I was beyond ecstatic to be able to walk around without a parka.  For two weeks Jody and I walked everywhere, taking in all the old haunts that we used to frequent when we lived here.  Stanley Park was one of our stops.  It's a major tourist attraction and a beloved park to locals.  The park is 1001 acres in total and contains a seawall, trails, swimming pool, restaurants, tennis courts, beaches and the Vancouver Aquarium. My favourite part is Lost Lagoon.

Turtles basking in the sun (Lost Lagoon)

We used to live close to the park and searching for turtles in the lake was a favourite past time.  We also spent a lot of time walking the many beaches Vancouver has to offer. You can literally walk for hours along the waterfront and when the sun is out the views are spectacular.

Cherry trees in full bloom

Gorgeous walks along the seawall

Of course there was no shortage of plants to look at.

Everywhere you looked there was plants and flowers to admire.  I was particularly taken with the community gardens I saw.  This garden on an abandoned railway has been there for years but I always enjoy visiting.

This is a perfect little hideaway from the street where people gather to dig, plant and socialize.  Plus it features this great sign.

"You know all the things you've always wanted to do, you should go do them -xxx"

A new garden I noticed in a very prominent spot was the Davie Village Community Garden.

What used to be a gas station is now green

I love love love that this garden is right smack dab on prime real estate in the city core. Who needs another office building?  Hundreds of people are walking by daily and seeing fresh food being grown. It’s insanely refreshing to see something green growing in the concrete jungle and Davie is just the community to pull this off.  Whoever made this happen I applaud you.

Looking at all these old photos makes me think of taking a trip again.  Winters are long in PEI and I'm dreaming of green daily now.  How long is it until spring arrives?