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.
14 October 2011
10 October 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!!
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| 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
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
04 October 2011
Nature's Fall Kaleidoscope
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.
29 September 2011
There's a Nip in the Air and Conclusions
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.
24 September 2011
Eye Movement Study at UBC to Study How the Western Eye Interprets Japanese Pruned Plants
UBC Botanical Garden and Centre for Plant Research
Additional Western-raised adults are needed for an eye-movement study 19 September 2011
Giant Hogweed on the Spread
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| 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) |
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
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 |
16 September 2011
Fog on the Horizon - Sky Watch Friday
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| 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.
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