There was a lot of pollinator and bird activity in the yard during the last weeks of August. Cedar Waxwings visit the stream (August 16, 2023) I often hear Cedar Waxwings around, but rarely see them at the stream. I was lucky enough to see this pair. They both insisted on bathing at the top … Continue reading In the garden: August 16 to 31, 2023 →

Throughout August, some interesting migratory birds have been visiting the garden and stream. Hummingbird visitor (August 2, 2023) A few times, I spotted a hummingbird at the patches of Cardinal Flowers in the backyard. In the past, I've scared hummingbirds away trying to approach them to get good photos, so I left this one alone … Continue reading In the garden: August 1 to 15, 2023 →

Photos from the garden in late July ... Winecups (July 17, 2023) A few years ago, I bought several species of Winecup seeds from Prairie Moon Nursery. Winecups are showy prairie native flowers of varying heights -- Callirhoe involucrata grows low to the ground, digitata is 3 feet tall, and bushii is in between. It … Continue reading In the garden: July 16 to 31, 2023 →

In July, the forest fire smoke wasn't as bad here in Ottawa, and we finally got much-needed rain -- lots of it. Raccoon family (June 30, 2023) I prefer to work in the garden early in the morning or in the evening to avoid the heat. A few times I've seen raccoons climbing down a … Continue reading In the garden: July 1 to 15, 2023 →

In June, choking smoke from Quebec forest fires and hot, humid weather kept me indoors a lot, so I only took a few photos. Poke Milkweed pods (June 25 and July 20, 2023) I've been growing Poke Milkweed for a few years now. This year for the first time, I have seed pods forming. I … Continue reading In the garden: June 16 to 30, 2023 →

Here in Ottawa, April weather was very rainy, May was dry and uncomfortably warm, and June has been smoky because of Quebec forest fires. All in all, it's been a challenging time for gardening and taking photos of garden activity. Butterflyway kits being distributed (June 9, 2023) I’ve been potting up and distributing free Butterflyway … Continue reading In the garden: June 1 to 15, 2023 →

Although April's weather varied wildly -- from an ice storm to summer temperatures -- most days were cloudy, dreary, and rainy. As a result, the garden's been slow to get going. Icy start to April (April 5, 2023) The month started with freezing rain and lost power. Freezing rain accumulated on the back patio doors … Continue reading In the garden: April 2023 →

This year I'm volunteering with the Butterflyway Project, a David Suzuki Foundation initiative to establish community pollinator corridors across Canada. Ideally, each Butterflyway consists of at least 12 plantings that will provide food and habitat for native bees, butterflies, and other wildlife. Looking for Butterflyway participants I'm encouraging my neighbours to create our own local … Continue reading Join the McKellar Park Community Butterflyway →

I've been gardening for almost 25 years here in Ottawa. Early on, as a beginner, I was a loyal listener of CBC Radio's Gardening Phone-in show on Ontario Today. On Mondays at noon Ed Lawrence, then head gardener at the Governor-General's residence, answered questions and offered gardening advice. It seemed that every week someone called … Continue reading Calling a truce: making peace with ants in my garden →

My husband jokes that I mention Red Osier Dogwoods (Cornus stolonifera) at least once a day. He's exaggerating, I'm sure, but I admit that I do talk about my favourite native shrub a lot. And why not? It's attractive all year 'round and has high wildlife value. I grow Red Osier Dogwoods in four locations … Continue reading Red Osier Dogwood: a perfect four season native shrub →