THE GARDENING LIFE

Balzac Billy's Predictions on Groundhog Day 2012

2012-02-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

Balzac Billy emerged from his burrow this morning only to duck back in, for he saw his shadow! Using this as an indication of what remains of our winter, we are due for six weeks more. But here in Edmonton, winter has been mild, spring-like, for the most part. Six more weeks of this? Bring it on!!!

Fossils of ancient sea creature discovered | Sympatico.ca Sync.ca

2012-01-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

"Researchers have discovered a bizarre flower-like creature which lived in an ancient sea that covered part of Western Canada more than 500 million years ago."

Fossils of ancient sea creature discovered | Sympatico.ca Sync.ca

It looks like a tulip to me but the article says it is an animal. Amazing, isn't it?

Does Boiling Water Evaporate at -41 Celsius? (that's about -41 F)

2012-01-19T16:57:00.001-07:00

A local tv station runs a myth busters segment every Wednesday in the news. The two journalists/newscasters in the following video set out to prove the myth true or not. Watch and see for yourself!

http://bcove.me/uo0blp0z

Yes everyone! It was -41 Celsius with the windchill here in Edmonton January 18th, when this was done!

EDMONTON INT'L A ALBERTA
Latitude:	53°19'00.000" N	Longitude:	113°35'00.000" W	Elevation:	723.30 m

Hourly Data Report for January 18, 2012
T i m e	Temp °C	Dew Point Temp °C	Rel Hum %	Wind Dir 10's deg	Wind Spd km/h	Visibility km	Stn Press kPa	Wind Chill	Weather
00:00	-32.6	-37.6	61	25	11	24.1	93.27	-43	Mostly Cloudy
01:00	-33.4	-38.7	59	25	13	24.1	93.26	-45	Mainly Clear
02:00	-33.1	-38.1	61	25	15	24.1	93.27	-45	Mainly Clear
03:00	-34.4	-39.6	59	26	13	24.1	93.30	-46	Mainly Clear
04:00	-34.2	-39.3	60	25	13	24.1	93.30	-46	Clear
05:00	-33.3	-39.0	57	27	9	24.1	93.29	-43	Clear
06:00	-33.3	-38.9	57	25	15	24.1	93.29	-45	Clear
07:00	-33.0	-38.7	57	26	17	24.1	93.27	-46	Clear
08:00	-32.8	-39.1	53	26	13	24.1	93.25	-44	Clear
09:00	-32.7	-38.9	54	25	13	24.1	93.19	-44	Clear
10:00	-31.6	-38.0	53	25	19	24.1	93.21	-45	Mainly Clear
11:00	-29.9	-36.9	51	25	11	24.1	93.19	-40	Mainly Clear
12:00	-28.1	-35.6	49	24	22	24.1	93.08	-41	Mainly Clear
13:00	-26.5	-34.4	47	26	19	24.1	92.95	-38	Mainly Clear
14:00	-25.1	-33.5	45	26	17	24.1	92.90	-36	Mainly Clear
15:00	-23.9	-32.3	46	26	19	24.1	92.90	-35	Mainly Clear
16:00	-23.4	-31.4	48	26	19	24.1	92.87	-34	Mainly Clear
17:00	-25.9	-33.0	51	25	13	24.1	92.84	-36	Clear
18:00	-25.5	-32.1	54	25	17	24.1	92.82	-37	Clear
19:00	-25.6	-32.1	54	25	15	24.1	92.82	-36	Clear
20:00	-24.1	-31.0	53	26	20	24.1	92.81	-36	Clear
21:00	-26.0	-32.1	57	26	17	24.1	92.79	-37	Clear
22:00	-25.7	-31.8	57	25	13	24.1	92.75	-35	Clear
23:00	-25.8	-31.6	58	25	17	24.1	92.77	-37	Mainly Clear

Churchill Square

2012-01-16T19:46:00.001-07:00

Taken Christmas evening at Churchill Square, Edmonton Alberta. (2011)

Our World Tuesday is a weekly meme allowing bloggers the world over to spotlight little corners of their world.

Baby It's Cold Outside!

2012-01-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

BaEd

Edmonton:

Current Conditions

Observed at: Edmonton City Centre Airport 3:11 PM MST Monday 16 January 2012

Condition:: Cloudy
Temperature:: -27.4°C; -38
Humidity:: 52%
Wind Chill:
Dew Point:: -34.3°C
Wind Speed:: NNW 17 km/h

Forecast

Issued: 4:00 PM MST Monday 16 January 2012

Wind chill warning in effect.

Tonight:: Periods of light snow ending this evening then partly cloudy. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus 32. Extreme wind chill minus 43.
Tuesday:: A mix of sun and cloud. Wind up to 15 km/h. High minus 27. Extreme wind chill minus 44 in the morning.
Tuesday night:: Clear. Wind becoming west 20 km/h before morning. Low minus 33. Extreme wind chill minus 47.
Wednesday:: Sunny. High minus 24.
Thursday:: Sunny. Low minus 31. High minus 25.
Friday:: A mix of sun and cloud. Low minus 28. High minus 24.
Saturday:: Cloudy with 60 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 26. High minus 20.
Sunday:: Cloudy with 30 percent chance of flurries. Low minus 20. High minus 12.

Historical Data

Yesterday

Max:

-9.8°C

Min:

-24.3°C

Precip.:

0.0 mm

Normals

Max:

-8°C

Min:

-19°C

Today

Sunrise:

8:42

Sunset:

16:45

In the Mood

2012-01-15T18:07:00.000-07:00

This mosaic contains photos of the Alberta Legislature building and grounds taken on the evening of Christmas Day 2011. All photos were taken by myself or my daughter A.

Mary at Little Red House hosts a weekly meme "Mosaic Monday" which I am joining. You just have to pop on over to her house, virtual that is. She is a superb photographer!

Legislature and Churchill Square Get in the Mood

2012-01-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

More photos from Christmas day at the Legislature and Churchill Square. I love making memories!

Brrr....... 20 Degrees Colder Today Than Yesterday!!

2012-01-10T17:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we truly enjoyed a balmy +10 Celsius day here in Edmonton. Today, however, Old Man Winter has revealed his face with biting cold winds and a dusting of snow. -18 degrees Celsius overnight tonight. The forecast for the coming week promises to be even colder, with highs in the low negative 20's. We were spoiled for weeks on end, now we must bundle up and face the facts...it is winter!

Time Frame: to

Auld Lang Syne

2012-01-05T17:39:00.002-07:00

West Edmonton Mall Decorates with Poinsettia Trees

2012-01-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

A recent visit to West Edmonton Mall revealed a plethora of Christmas magic bedecking the malls. Above is a poinsettia tree which is actually several, perhaps hundreds, silk poinsettias arranged in a framework to look like an enormous red tree. From a distance, it is quite stunning.

Above is another wing of the mall decorated to the nines for Christmas. I don't know the name of this wing but it has offices on either side that overlook the tree. It is one of my favourite areas of the mall for its design and decor.

Do you have a favourite mall/store to visit during the Christmas break?

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T12:28:00.000-07:00

Christmas was accented this year with an unexpected visit from our second oldest son who flew home for Christmas. Only my husband and another son knew about the surprise. As I gathered gifts from below the tree, S came up the stairs playing "I'll be home for Christmas" on his I-pod. Well, needless to say, the tears flowed freely as I hugged him. What a wonderful surprise gift!!!

That evening we went to the Legislature grounds, walking amongst the festively lit trees, enjoying Christmas music wafting through the air via aboveground speakers.

We all went out in our new pajama pants (gasp, I know!) and posed for this lovely photo ;) Following which we visited Churchill Square downtown to check out the tree and watch a single skater on the rink in front of city hall. It was a lovely evening which ended with a light shower of rain. Yes, it is winter here! Normally we have a few feet of snow by now but this year is mild, knock on wood, and we are enjoying unusually warm above freezing temperatures. There was a light covering of snow through all of December.

We had freezing rain overnight Thursday and a dusting of snow last night. It is simply beautiful and warm. I cannot complain as I remember last year's winter. January has not yet arrived and with it winter may actually pay a visit. So here's to enjoying this gorgeous weather we have been blessed with, countrywide. Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas at Greenland Garden Center

2011-12-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Early in December, before stores got too crazy busy, my daughter and I headed to one of our favourite places for holiday magic. We took several photos of the Christmas Store at Greenland Garden Center and I share here just a few with you. Enjoy.

Above and below, the one and only upside down Christmas Tree

A new Christmas decorating trend is the little starburst. Sometimes combined with a few small decorative balls and sometimes on its own, it dazzles on a tree.

This "pick" reminds me of a stag horn fern. It is new this season as well.

Colour combinations of bronze and turquoise adorn this tree.

A feathery topper in red. A few years ago I did a similar topper with feathery fronds on a "bird tree". I thought it looked good but one of the proprietors of the greenhouse thought it looked like the tree was going to take flight!

Another new trend is the ribbon upon a ribbon garland. There are actually two different ribbons, one atop another, strung around this tree.

Merry Christmas!!!

http://www.greenlandgarden.com/album/Seasonal/index.html

Holiday Christmas Music Flash Mob of the American Festival Chorus

2011-12-19T07:08:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good new year! (you thought I was going to write "a good night", didn't you? ;))

Christmas House In Utah (lights in sync with music)

2011-12-11T07:18:00.001-07:00

Lunar Eclipse Tomorrow Morning

2011-12-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

On December 10, 2011 there will be a total lunar eclipse, visible from 5:45 am Mountain Standard Time until 7:32 am Mountain Standard Time. According to Christian Science Monitor, the best places to view the eclipse in its totality are from Hawaii to Asia. Those on the east coasts will not see much, while the west coast, without blocked views of the horizon, will have the best views.

"These eclipses occur when the Earth blocks direct sunlight from reaching the moon. But at totality, the moon still gives off a red glow, thanks to sunlight that passes through Earth's atmosphere.

The moon's ruddy hue during a lunar eclipse owes its color to the way light scatters in the atmosphere.

Coming from the far side of Earth, as an astronaut on the moon might see it, the sunlight must travel a relatively long distance through the atmosphere before it exits and heads moonward.

During the course of its travels, the light loses its other colors – think the color spectrum, here – to atmospheric molecules and dust. These scatter the shorter wavelengths of light. The more dust, the darker the red left to daub the moon's surface.

The color is created by the same effect that causes the deep reds late in a sunset or early in a sunrise." (http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2011/1209/Lunar-eclipse-Why-will-this-one-be-so-big-and-red)

Other sites:

http://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/lunar-eclipse-december-10-2011.html

http://news.brevardtimes.com/2011/12/nasa-video-explains-2011-lunar-eclipse.html

Finale: Rich Little's Christmas Carol

2011-12-08T21:39:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, the sweet memories. I hope you enjoyed this as much as I. My family and I saw this as a live performance at the Citadel in Edmonton last year. Such a marvellous performance. If you have the opportunity, you simply must take it in.

Rich Little's Christmas Carol: Part 5

2011-12-08T21:30:00.000-07:00

Rich Little's Christmas Carol: Part 4

2011-12-08T21:10:00.002-07:00

Rich Little's Christmas Carol: Part 3

2011-12-08T21:05:00.001-07:00

Rich Little's Christmas Carol part 2

2011-12-08T21:03:00.001-07:00

I still remember this from when I was a child. Of course, I was too young to understand all the nuances but I do remember it being a less frightening version of the classic Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now I watch it with a new appreciation for the great talent of Rich Little and his humour. It's a light twist but the message remains as important today as it was when Charles Dickens wrote it years ago.

What are your favourite Christmas memories? Do they consist of movies like this?

Rich Little's Christmas Carol: Part 1

2011-12-08T20:50:00.000-07:00

Red Green Keeps You Laughing!

2011-12-07T18:59:00.002-07:00

Creative Alternative to Cutting Down the Evergreen for Christmas

2011-12-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

The creative staff at Gleeson Library in San Francisco have put their imaginations to good "green" work. Rather than cut down a tree, they stacked books covered in varying shades of green, forming a tree that is a focal point in the library. Clean up is super easy - just re-shelve the books! Clever.

Grass Fires Near Lethbridge Over the Weekend and other Anomalies

2011-11-28T20:06:00.000-07:00

This weekend found Lethbridge area dry and windy, necessitating fire crews to be on scene in the Magrath area to battle a grass fire. Residents in the vicinity were temporarily evacuated.

Strong winds down trees, fuel fires in southern Alberta | CTV News

Calgary had winds near 140 km/hr, that's F1 force winds. Windows were shattered in some downtown high-rises, trees uprooted and power outages. Near Claresholm, eight semi trucks were blown off the highway within a period of two days. Click on the link above to view footage.

Winds died down overnight, thankfully. I spoke with someone who had travelled Hwy. 2 Sunday and couldn't fuel up in Claresholm as the windstorm had caused a power outage and gas pumps were inoperable. They too reported semis overturned along the highway. I am so thankful that those who were travelling, my son included, arrived at their destinations in safety.

Dressed for the Season - Dressing up Your Poinsettia

2011-11-20T04:00:00.000-07:00

Rob Sproule, of Salisbury Greenhouse, demonstrates how to dress up your poinsettia.

Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees has won the 2011 National Outdoor Book Awards!!!

2011-11-17T18:28:00.000-07:00


Nature and the Environment

Winner. Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees. By Nancy Ross Hugo. Photography by Robert Llewellyn. Timber Press, Portland.

ISBN 9781604692198

Author Nancy Ross Hugo and photographer Robert Llewellyn together have created this unique look at trees complete with exquisite photography. You see aspects of the tree, leaves opening, flowers emerging, cones up close; magnified to reveal minute details that the naked eye often misses. This one of a kind exploration of the world of trees is sure to keep you riveted page by page with a renewed appreciation for the miraculous beauty and wonder of trees.

Seeing Trees is certainly deserving of the recognition awarded it with the 2011 National Outdoor Book Awards.

Shadow of Autumn

2011-11-12T19:53:00.001-07:00

Crimson King Maple leaf and shadow on dining table. (November 2011)

I am joining Hey Harriet on her Shadow Shot Sunday blog which shares shadowy photography by both amateur and professional photographers, world wide. Won't you stop by and see what catches your eye?

A Soldier's Tears

2011-11-11T18:30:00.001-07:00

Why Poppies?

2011-11-11T17:24:00.000-07:00

John McCrae wrote "In Flander's Fields the poppies grow. Between the crosses, row on row".....

Why poppies? We think it began with this poem, but it started before then. Read this article to discover its genesis.

Poinsettia Varieties - Helping You Make Your Selection

2011-11-09T03:55:00.001-07:00

Rob Sproule, of Salisbury Greenhouse, discusses available varieties of poinsettias, assisting you in making your selection for Christmas.

Caring for Your Poinsettia

2011-11-08T04:52:00.001-07:00

Rob Sproule, of Salisbury Greenhouse, discusses care of your poinsettia.

You Need a Sense of Humour When It's Minus 10 Celsius Early November

2011-11-05T10:09:00.002-06:00

Daylight Savings Time Ends Sunday

2011-11-04T22:07:00.002-06:00

November 4, 2011 Blog For Peace and John Lennon's Imagine

2011-11-04T21:50:00.000-06:00

November 4, 2011
Bloggers from all across the globe
will blog for peace.
We will speak with one voice.
One subject
One day

Choosing the Right Poinsettia

2011-11-01T01:34:00.001-06:00

Selecting the right poinsettia by Jim Hole. Courtesy of YouTube videos.

Weekend Reflections in the Mountains

2011-10-21T16:43:00.000-06:00

For more reflections be sure to visit Weekend Reflections hosted by James.

Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt Your Flowers

2011-10-21T06:52:00.000-06:00

Autumn has gradually been making her presence known throughout the province. These photos of the back garden were taken last week. I must get out to take another photos of this tree below as it is now even more captivating in glorious orange reds.

I love to flaunt photos of my favourite tree in my garden! This is a three-flowered maple which is absolutely stunning in autumn. Notice the foliage colour and the peeling bark. This is a beauty, easy care tree all year round!

A sunrise last week. They seem to intensify in colour as the weather changes and the seasons progress. Looking back over some photos from the last year or so, I've noticed that some of the best sky shots I got were taken in autumn and winter. The colours are magnificent!

I am linking up with Glenda over at Tootsie Time as we share our gardens, and flaunt our flowers. Swing by and say hi, won't you?

Sky Watch Friday in Waterton Lakes National Park

2011-10-20T17:53:00.000-06:00

Is there anything more majestic than the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and British Columbia? Today's Sky Watch Friday photos were taken in Waterton Lakes National Park in southwestern Alberta. The southern-most portion of the park shares the US Border located in Glacier National Park. These photos are of the Canadian side.

Where were you sky watching this week?

Watery Wednesday in the Mountains

2011-10-18T18:20:00.001-06:00

Today's Watery Wednesdays photos were taken the weekend of Canadian Thanksgiving at Waterton Lakes National Park in southwest Alberta, Canada. It was cool, windy and wonderful!

Mosiac Monday: Fall Colour Project

2011-10-16T17:35:00.002-06:00

We spent Canadian Thanksgiving in southern Alberta visiting family, attending a wedding reception, and soaking up the beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Waterton Lakes National Park. It was the best Thanksgiving that I can recall, sharing the holiday with precious loved ones. Today I am celebrating the beauty of autumn, sharing some of my favourite autumn nature photos in this mosaic, and joining Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday.

Waterton Lakes National Park in October

2011-10-15T13:29:00.000-06:00

It has been years since I had the pleasure of a visit to Waterton Lakes National Park in southwest Alberta and I have to say, as we drove through the entrance gate and into the townsite, I sighed with joy. It felt like going home! How I have missed the mountains!! I am including a few snapshots so you can see the grand beauty of my favourite Alberta mountainous park. Enjoy!

Do you have a favourite place that feels like coming home?

Keep Mice at Bay Through the Winter

2011-10-14T07:10:00.000-06:00

Rob Sproule recently wrote an excellent article about steps we can take to keep mice from making our home theirs during the winter. Some of his tips include:

Tramp down the snow around the perimeter of your house so they cannot tunnel through it.

Don't put thick mulch near the foundation of your home as mice love to overwinter in it.

To read more of his timely tips check out his newsletter.

Christmas Unwrapped at Greenland Garden Centre October 14, 2011

2011-10-13T19:04:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!

2011-10-10T19:38:00.000-06:00

Waterton National Park October 8, 2011

To all my Canadian friends, family and readers: Happy Thanksgiving!! Happy Columbus Day to the same in the States! As my brother-in-law would say, "Everyone's thankful today except the turkey!"

Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory by Sara Chapman now ships to Canada

2011-10-10T08:16:00.013-06:00

I know that several of you have been waiting for shipping information for the book Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory by Sara Chapman. This book is a lovely photographic essay featuring the Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle Washington, making it a great table top book for the avid gardener and appreciators of plants and conservatories alike. I recently received shipping information from the author Sara Chapman. First class shipping from the United States to Canada will cost $9.99 (US). It is not yet visible on her site but is now available. To order her book, see her web site at: Love That Image.

For any who may have missed the book review, you may enjoy it by clicking on Review: Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory.

--Author's contact information:

Sara L. Chapman

Photographer and Author, "Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory"

http://www.lovethatimage.com/

Photo blog: http://www.lovethatimage.com/blog/

Follow me on Twitter: @SaraLChapman

Nature's Fall Kaleidoscope

2011-10-04T16:46:00.001-06:00

Near Ft. McMurray last week, you can see the golden hues of autumn brightening the landscape. I particularly like the "U" bend in the river in the last photo. It's Watery Wednesday again. You can see more watery scenes when you visit here.

There's a Nip in the Air and Conclusions

2011-09-29T17:56:00.000-06:00

There is no doubt that it is officially autumn. When I left for work this morning at 6 am it was only 2 degrees Celsius, barely above freezing. There are quite a few barren-esk (I take the liberty to make my own word here) trees in the city already. Rumour has it it is more to do with an abnormally dry fall than the temperatures or the decreasing day light hours.

Maples are showing off their striking frocks, celebrating the briskness of the air, while the Pink Diamond Hydrangea is now truly pink. The peonies leaves are vibrant in red and the deep purple of the Schubert Chokecherry is a strong contrast juxtaposed with the yellow foliage of the neighbouring trees. It is beautiful, no doubt, as every season has its beauty. Last week we had day time temperatures near and just above 30 degrees Celsius. Today it is only 18 with a strong cool wind, another contrast that marks the change of seasons. To everything...turn, turn, turn.......

While you are here, please be sure to drop by for a visit with Glenda at Tootsie Time to see what's new in her neck of the woods as she hosts Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt Your Flowers.

In case you were wondering, my Endless Summer Hydrangea did not flower this year though it grew to almost double its size of last year. As you may recall I moved it to a sunny bed where it grows luxuriously, though it wilts during the heat of the day. Perhaps next year will be the year it decides to bloom again. Fingers crossed.

Paper Pots Product Trial Update: I found this to be a satisfactory planting solution for my Lemon Boy Tomato. The plant grew tall and healthy, produced a few good tasty fruit, and is still going strong. If it weren't for the tendency to retain moisture, which isn't a good thing when you are beating rainfall records, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it. If it holds up, I will try it again next year but will add a few drainage holes to see if it works better. All in all, I was pleased with this product.

Eye Movement Study at UBC to Study How the Western Eye Interprets Japanese Pruned Plants

2011-09-24T15:24:00.000-06:00

UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research

Additional Western-raised adults are needed for an eye-movement study on how Japanese-pruned plants are "seen". Volunteers must be between18 and 59, raised in a Western country (especially Canada!) since the age of 3 and able to see 1.5m without eyeglasses or hard contacts. All volunteers meeting the inclusion criteria are welcome, but additional males in particular are needed. For more info, visit: http://ht.ly/6wymk

The UBC (University of British Columbia Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research) is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada).

Giant Hogweed on the Spread

2011-09-19T21:18:00.001-06:00

Giant hogweed found in Richmond Hill. Tracey Steele,
Richmond Hill's manager of natural heritage and parkland
acquisitions, stand back from dangerous giant hogweed plant discovered
and destroyed last year, that grew back and had to be removed again this year.
By Adam McLean (photo courtesy of yorkregion.com)

More toxic than previously thought.....

Many of you may remember the post I wrote last year about the Giant Hogweed and its toxicity. Now the Giant Hogweed is being blamed for increasing the risk of cancer and birth defects because the sap contains carcinogenic compounds (according to Lifestyle at Sympatico.ca) ! Over 400 plants have been recorded within a single area in Ontario. High concentrations of Giant Hog Weed have been recorded in British Columbia, Ontario (Muskoka area, Richmond Hill and Toronto) and New York.

"If you come across giant hogweed, it’s not recommended that you remove it yourself, but anyone handling the plant is urged to wear protective clothing. A rain jacket, plus waterproof gloves and pants are considered ideal.
The highly visible plants can reach heights of five metres tall and if detected, residents should call the ministry’s invading species hotline or phone a private lawn care company."(Killer Plant Invades Canada, LIfestyle@Sympatico.ca)

Frost Warning and First Day of Autumn for the Northern Hemisphere

2011-09-19T20:40:00.000-06:00

Drats, folks, I have to say the "f" word. FROST!!! What did you think I meant? Twice during the last week we received a light frost, but nothing that did any damage to the vegetables still growing in containers. Today I harvested all the tomatoes, red and green, some oregano and parsley, green peppers and carrots. I brought in the basil and geranium and covered the fuchsia. Tonight I covered the remaining oregano and parsley with a sheet as we now have an official frost warning. Lows near 4 Celsius, which could just as easily dip below zero, especially in outlying areas. Mittens or driving gloves are recommended for the morning, folks. Autumn has arrived, though not officially until Friday, September 23, as shown in the table below. And you know what that means....right?

Year	Northern Hemisphere Fall - Autumn begins on ...
2009	Tuesday, September 22
2010	Wednesday, September 22
2011	Friday, September 23
2012	Saturday, September 22
2013	Sunday, September 22
2014	Tuesday, September 23
2015	Wednesday, September 23

Fog on the Horizon - Sky Watch Friday

2011-09-16T21:20:00.001-06:00

photos taken by Matt

Looking out from the balcony on the 23rd floor of a downtown high rise, you can see a fog bank on the horizon. Rather an interesting view from here, isn't it.

Sky Watch Friday features sky shots from all over the world. Stop in for a new view.

Tour of Agatha Christie's Holiday Home and Garden

2011-09-15T05:38:00.002-06:00

In celebration of the birthday of Agatha Christie, I have been compiling information about this incredibly brilliant woman and came across this video. It is a few minutes long (8:43 to be exact), so relax, grab a drink of your favour and enjoy this tour of Greenway in Devon, Great Britain.

The End or the Beginning: Celebrating the Garden

2011-09-03T20:12:00.000-06:00

It is now early September and a definite nip has replaced the warmth of summer. Evenings are markedly cooler and day light hours noticeably shorter. Deep within, this makes me cringe. The older I get, the more I seriously dislike winter, and fall to the extent that it is the harbinger of winter, often accented with days of snow, far too early in the season.

I once, not too long ago, lingered on the deck in the evening, languishing in the warmth of a summer's dusk. Now, I hide indoors, with a sweater, sighing as only a lover of summer and gardening does, knowing that the joy I hold dear is passing me by. Readying itself for a long winter's rest, the garden begins to take on the first signs of a change of seasons. The Pink Diamond hydrangea blossoms are turning a delicate pink on the edges, soon to be a full dusty pink, beautiful in their own right. I spotted a few yellow leaves on the birch and promptly removed them, lest the rest of the garden should feel inclined to follow suit. Berries of the mountain ash are now a deep and beautiful orange, hanging gloriously as the accent of colour in the far corner of the yard. Even the peony leaves are finding new shades of red to brighten their existence in my garden. The garden seems to celebrate the end or the beginning of the season by donning its brightest colours.

As I contemplate this change of events, from the plants' perspectives, I cannot deny them this yearly ritual for I too glory in the magic of the change of scenery. The magnificent accents that dot the landscape or sometimes set it awash in divine brilliant colour, makes my heart leap in joy. Yes, I love fall too. Such a gloriously colourful season. I imagine the crisp scent that permeates the air with the change of seasons, summer into fall, and there is something energizing in it. It makes me long to walk in the wilderness, bundled in my favourite sweater, long jeans and comfy shoes. Of course, what would such a walk be without my camera? It is a frequent companion on such occasions and soon I will be posting photos of the delights that capture my senses. Is it the end or the beginning? Whatever it is, I too shall find joy in it!

Here are some of my favourite photos of the passing season......

I'm celebrating the garden with......

Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Cottage Flora Thursday at Fishtail Cottage

Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt Your Flowers at Tootsie Time

Thanks for visiting, dear friends. Have a great one!

Conversations with a Moonflower - book review

2011-09-02T05:17:00.001-06:00

Conversations with a Moonflower
Author: Christine T. Hall
Published: 2011
Publisher: Bonneville Books, an imprint of Cedar Forts, Inc.
Pages: 120

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. You may see my full review at http://shirley-mybookshelf.blogspot.com.

The plot of Conversations with a Moonflower centers upon the most unlikely of things, a plant. Actually the moonflower plays a secondary role to that of Chris, the narrator and main character, but its role is vital to the telling of the story. Without the moonflower, there would be no story.

Chris was presented with a moonflower plant as a gift from an Amish friend who knew the joy and peace of such a present. Taken home and planted, the moonflower took hold in Chris' garden and flourished there. To her amazement, Chris noticed that the synchronizing of the opening of blossoms at dusk and the visits of neighbours and friends was becoming a regular thing in her garden and soon the introduction of a bench facing the moonflower was made. Odd that it didn't face the front, but rather it faced the plant, but if you were witness to the display put on by the plant, you'd understand. However, the moonflower offered to Chris so much more. Her frequent visits did something for her spirit and mind, something she desperately needed and had desired for a very long time. You must read Conversations with a Moonflower to see the subtlety of the message and the hope therein. Then you will understand the miracle of the moonflower.

About the plant:

Oenothera biennis, moonflower, is a yellow biennial which blooms in the summer at dusk.

Light: full sun to part shade

Height: 24" - 60"

Spacing: 15" - 18"

Water: average moisture

Fertilizer: 2-3 times during the summer, no later than August 15th in zone 3

Susceptible to snails and caterpillars.

There are a variety of plants that are referred to as moonflowers and Oenothera biennis may vary.

Instructions to enjoy your moonflowers (from the author, page 118)

"Place several lawn chairs in front of the plant about ten to fifteen minutes before the normal blooming time. You can either sit quietly by yourself or invite a family member or neighbour to share the joy with you. Pay attention to your thoughts as you sit peacefully in the twilight waiting for each blossom to open. Breathe deeply. Ask questions. Listen. After the plant has finished blooming, sit quietly a few more minutes. Reflect on your blessings. Breathe deeply. Listen a little longer."

The following photos are courtesy of the internet:

http://www.bestflowerwallpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/59751_primrose_evening_flower_3657264186_846099bf52.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f0/Oenothera_biennis_1prg.jpg

In some garden centres, the moonflower is also known as evening primrose (which is what our local garden centres refer to it as). The evening primrose is also available in white or pink as seen below, though the plant I have grown has yellow blooms. It is a bit of a spreader and looks very much like the plant seen above.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8e/Antioch_Dunes_Evening_Primrose.jpg

http://www.riverbendnursery.com/_ccLib/image/plants/DETA-194.jpg

Conversations With a Moonflower

2011-09-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Conversations With a Moonflower is available at Cedar Forts Publishers, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble

Seeing Trees - book trailer on YouTube

2011-08-27T02:02:00.007-06:00

Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees
Publisher: Timber Press

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 244 pp.
Book dimensions: 8½ x 10 in. (255 x 215 mm.)
Images: 175 color photos
ISBN-10: 1604692197
ISBN-13: 9781604692198

Order yours now here.

Review to come soon.

New Book, "Seeing Trees", Giveaway Link

2011-08-27T01:52:00.002-06:00

Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees

We see trees everywhere. We enjoy their shade, their form, their foliage and, sometimes, their flowers. But have you ever taken a few moments to really "see" the tree - to inspect the bark and the nuances that set it apart from other species, smelled the almost invisible flowers of a Russian Olive, or investigated the whorls and layers of a pinecone?

A new book, Seeing Trees by Nancy Ross Hugo and Robert Llewellyn, profiles the very intricacies of a tree with stunning photography teaching us an entirely new perspective.

The contest

Timber Press is giving away:

A signed, 16"×20" print of a Robert Llewellyn photograph from Seeing Trees, custom matted and framed (see image below)
A signed copy of Seeing Trees

All you need to enter the contest is an email address. The contest ends September 9! Giveaway link for Seeing Trees: http://www.timberpress.com/seeingtrees?s=seeing&a=3.

Watch for my review of Seeing Trees coming soon here at The Gardening Life.

*October 10/11 - Note, due to unforseeable delays in shipping, I have just received a copy of Seeing Trees. Watch for the review here soon.

Review: Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory by Sara Chapman (Seattle)

2011-08-26T22:14:00.002-06:00

There are few places left in the United States that have the privilege of having a Victorian Glass Conservatory within their city and Seattle Washington is one of those lucky cities. Seattle is a beautiful termperate city on the west coast of Washington USA and its gardens lure many tourists every year. The Volunteer Park Conservatory is considered "Seattle's Hidden Gem." Since 1912, The Volunteer Park Conservatory has been open to visitors. The author and photographer, Sara Chapman, visited the conservatory every month to catch the progression and changes within, then expertly compiled those photos in this spectacular glossy new book, Flowers of Volunteer Conservatory: Blooming Month by Month. Below is a sample of what you will find therein:

Sara Chapman's photography is superb, the lighting is spot on and the colours genuine. Each detail and nuance is expertly captured and showcased in this book.

Featured in November is the Crimson Tide Chrysanthemum. The colour combination and texture of this flower is stunning.

Above is a sampling of orchids blooming during March in the conservatory and below is some lush greenery featuring hostas, helleborus and variegated sempervirens. Whatever the month, your tour will take you for a luscious visit.

Sara painstakingly put several hours into compiling an incredibly detailed index. Below is a sample of one of the index pages. Preceding which, is a floor plan drawing of the conservatory and Keys to Plant Identification which may be utilized to identify the specimens featured in Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory: Blooming Month by Month. It may also be used to quiz your knowledge of the species accented throughout.

Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory: Blooming Month By Month is an impressive and beautiful keepsake that should grace your coffee table. It is available in hard cover or paperback. Currently available to US residents by placing your order at www.lovethatimage.com. Sara assures me that she is working on facilitating shipping to Canada and as soon as it is available I will pass it on.

*note: all photography and pages used within this review were provided by the author, Sara Chapman, and used expressly with her permission.

Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory:
Blooming Month By Month
Author and Photographer: Sara L. Chapman
Publisher: Book Publishers Network
Copyright: 2011
Pages: 144 full-color pages
9" x 6" quality binding
Paperback ISBN 978-1-935359-80-7
Hard Cover ISBN 978-1-935359-81-4

Available at www.lovethatimage.com

"A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Friends of the Conservatory. Visit www.VolunteerParkConservatory.org."

See Sara's site at www.lovethatimage.com for a free download 7 Secrets to Better Flower Photos.

Watery Reflections, Shadows and a Bear!!!

2011-08-26T21:06:00.001-06:00

These photos were taken near Fort McMurray August 24, 2011. I love these softly muted reflections of the clouds in the water below. The last two photos were taken from a safe distance as this black bear investigated the garbage dumpsters near a local hotel/motel in Fort McMurray.

Contributing to:

Sky Watch Friday

Weekend Reflections

Shadow Shot Sunday
Watery Wednesday

Skywatch Friday at Willoughby Ridge

2011-08-25T17:32:00.002-06:00

The beginning of July marked a huge occasion for Scouts across Alberta and a portion of British Columbia. A huge jamboree of sorts was held over a period of a week wherein over 2000 young men (ages 12-18) and many leaders gathered at Camp Impeeza, north of Westcastle (popular skiing destination). Here they hiked, biked, repelled and numerous other activities, too many to mention, to earn badges and get in touch with nature.

These photos were taken at the top of Willoughby Ridge which is north of the ski area. What a magnificent location for such an event. My husband was one of the leaders involved and he is the photographer of these two shots. Not bad for an I-phone!

Sky Watch Friday is a weekly meme hosted at Skywatch Friday featuring skies from all over this beautiful planet. Click on the link to see more.

Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory by Sara Chapman

2011-08-24T22:21:00.000-06:00

I just received this week this gorgeous book, Flowers of Volunteer Park Conservatory, by Sara Chapman and I will be reviewing it right here on this blog!!!! You have to see this! Glossy colour photos on each page capture the spectacular beauty of the historic Volunteer Park Conservatory in Seattle Washington which is only one of a few Victorian glass conservatories that remain in the USA.

You don't want to miss this review coming soon!!

Lac La Biche in Northern Alberta

2011-08-24T10:35:00.000-06:00

This sunset shot was taken by my husband at Lac La Biche in northern Alberta. If you recall, last week's Watery Wednesday photo was of the same location but looking directly at the sun as it set over the lake. The reflection was exquisite!

Join others as they explore Watery Wednesday in their part of the world.

Bigger Than Golf Balls - Hail Storm Near Cold Lake Alberta

2011-08-20T01:31:00.000-06:00

Last Sunday, which would have been August 14, I am told a nasty hail storm went through the Cold Lake area. The hail stones were huge, larger than golf balls. One of my husband's customers collected a few and froze them so he could show everyone. He said they melted a bit before he got to them so they were actually larger than this as they came down.

An interesting cross-section of one of the hail stones. Look at the rings. I wonder just how windy it was up there in the clouds before they actually got so heavy that gravity played a role on their release.

I'd hate to have been outside during that storm! There was no mention of significant damage. Can you imagine?

Sky Watch Friday Near Innisfail

2011-08-19T11:16:00.000-06:00

My husband took these photos this week near the town of Innisfail Alberta.

I am joining the Sky Watch Team for Sky Watch Friday.

Aphids Everywhere!!!!

2011-08-18T16:01:00.000-06:00

This has been a wonderful growing season.....for aphids!!! I generally expect a battle with the Summer Wine Ninebark, sometimes the roses, and occasionally on the Mock Orange. This year, though, I have seen blue/green ones on the tomato plants, black aphids on the ninebark and mock orange, green on the rose bush (only a few) and several in my hair or on my clothes when I come in from working in the garden. What to do?

Summer Wine Ninebark late spring before I washed off the black aphids you see clustered here on the new growth.

A sharp blast from the hose is what I most often do for control. Spraying every square inch and centimetre of the plant, I wash those nasty little suckers off where they can become bait for other predatorial bugs. I also encourage (carry) the lady bugs to the affected regions. You can buy them at a few of the local garden centres, just in case you don't have enough in your garden.

If your petunias are suffering from a recent infestation now, though, the best advice is to pull them out and discard the plants. Replace them with annual mums or something else that will continue blooming while the evenings lose their warmth and the daylight hours begin to dwindle. Days here have been a bit cooler so it is the perfect time to add some mums for a splash of colour now.

For more information on aphid control, see this article written by Rob Sproule of Salisbury Greenhouse:

http://www.industrymailout.com/Industry/Home/5553/23982/images/SPN%20Aphids%20101.pdf?utm_source=mailoutinteractive&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Aphids+101+

Enjoy those sun shiny days while you can. I hear whispers of an early autumn. Are you turning a deaf ear or a blind eye? I am.......

New Research on Powdery Mildew and Lighting is Promising

2011-08-18T15:33:00.001-06:00

Once a week I receive Jim Hole's Notebook, a virtual newsletter written by Jim Hole and distributed by Hole's Greenhouses in St. Albert. Under the Science and Technology section, I read the most interesting and promising bit of research that I've seen in some time and it regards powdery mildew on roses. Here is what it said,

"A Gardener’s Red-light District? Researchers in Norway have discovered that exposing roses to red light during the night reduces the incidence of powdery mildew. Apparently, red light inhibits germination of powdery mildew spores. Even a short period of exposure can be quite effective. How well this research will translate into the real world of gardens is tough to say. But who knows? Perhaps night lighting will become one more pest-fighting tool for gardeners."

Are you ready to go out and buy red night lighting for your rose garden? Believe me, I am tempted!

Hot Cocoa Rose (floribunda)

Cottage Flora Thursday and Flaunt Your Flowers/Fertilizer Friday

2011-08-17T22:27:00.003-06:00

Earlier this week I was out checking on the progress of the container gardens. The parsley is growing great planted beneath a Roma Tomato.

Roma Tomato

Believe it or not, this is a salad green that I allowed to go to flower. Today, however, I pulled it out of the pot, tired of it and hoping the pepper will achieve its potential with the added room.

Little peppers growing here. I see something has been nibbling the leaves.

Two fairly nice size peppers. Now for some heat and sunny days for the tomato and pepper production.

Another Roma Tomato plant.

Close up of a green bell pepper plant.

Campanula, white carpathian bells, finally flowering!

Pink Diamond Hydrangea. It is finally taking on a decent shape after a few years in the garden and lots of TLC. It had an odd shape in the pot when I bought it but I was determined to have one of these beauties in my garden. The patience is paying off. Sometimes I wish it would retain the white colour in its blooms, as it is so delicately beautiful but it is rather lovely as it takes on hues of dusty rose/pink later in the summer.

No....I am in denial! It is much too early!!! The peony leaves are already turning their autumn colour, and yes, you do see some chlorosis here. I have treated with chelated iron but may need to do so again.

European Mountain Ash berries are already turning colour and yesterday I saw one cedar waxwing in the garden. They love mountain ash. As the season turns to autumn, the berries become red and swarms of flocking wax wings feast upon them.

What's blooming and/or ready for harvest in your garden? Please leave a link in your comments below so I might visit your garden.

I am linking in with:

Cottage Flora Thursday

and

Glenda at Tootsie Time for Fertilizer Friday/Flaunt Your Flowers

Watery Wednesday at Lac La Biche

2011-08-17T22:08:00.000-06:00

Watery Wednesday meme is hosted here. Join others there for more watery photos.

Product Trial: Paper Pots Update August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T12:40:00.000-06:00

Paper Pot Product Trial planted with Lemon Boy Tomato

The Paper Pot Trial is going fairly well. Compared to the other tomato plants in nearby containers, its fruit has grown larger faster but the plant seems rather sparse.

Lemon Boy Tomatoes

Lemon Boy is the tomato plant of choice and here you can see it is beginning to ripen. Last week we finally received summer like temperatures, 24-29 Celsius, and this has been a huge assistance to fruit production and ripening. I am somewhat disappointed at the number of fruit on this tomato plant and the sparseness of the foliage.

My fail here is that I had only one Lemon Boy Tomato plant so I cannot compare similar varieties of tomatoes. Those in the other pots are Roma Tomatoes and they are very bushy with multiple fruits. Still the trial continues.

If this paper pot is in reusable condition next year, I may try perforating it in a few places for drainage in case we have a wet spring and summer again. I wonder, though, if that would affect the integrity and stability of the product?

Roma Tomatoes

Note: all tomato plants received the same fertilizer regimen and were watered the same.