spring
Living on the Edge
We live on the development edge of the ever expanding “Greater Toronto”. Despite this, there are still some wild pockets of tranquility not too far from our home. Today we slipped into the woods. It was a perfect day; sunny, and that temperature where you feel like your skin goes on forever. A bounty …
The Clear Warm Light of April
Spring, and I accidentally woke toad with my garden cleaning. He spent a minute rubbing his eyes and looking seriously grumpy before slowly heading off for quieter environs.
I was soon thinking of one of my favourite stories (for young or old), and a whole new year.
“Spring” Â in “Frog and Toad are Friends ” by Arnold Lobel
Garden Update Spring 2014
It was a cold winter and this spring has been a steady but seemingly slow climb towards warmer temperatures. The garden is in pretty good form so far and I was busy in early May planting fruit trees and bushes. Woo-hoo !! We now have four trees: peach; plum; apricot; plumcot. Also, two chum bushes and six black raspberry canes were added. All came from Whiffletree Farm.
In the photo you can also see another spring project; my mini Benjes Hedge. It was a great way to use the trimmings from a large Manitoba Maple on the property. I hate to loose any organic matter ! I’ve planted some climbing nasturtiums along it which will hopefully lessen the number of stares from passers-by.
We’ve already started enjoying a few pickings from the veggie garden. Radishes, baby Red Russian kale, cilantro, multiplier onions, rhubarb, as well as herbs have been gracing the table. Peas are looking promising and should be bearing in a few weeks. The heat lovers have been put in as starts (tomatoes and peppers) or direct seeded (cucumbers and zucchini). Spring turnips have lots of greens but are a bit slow bulbing up. I suspect the phosphorous levels in the soil still aren’t ideal. The garlic, despite a slow start, is being its usual dependable self. We almost made it through the year with our home grown garlic, but fell short by a dozen or so heads. This year I hope to have more than enough !
Art Between the Worlds 