Birds of Paradise - London

08/29/2026

Given time and patience, this Hoya Carnonsa has finally bloomed. The fragrance is incomparable, and you smell these tiny waxy flowers long before you see them. In the evening. I have nursed this beautiful plant along for years. I couldn't be happier to come home from vacation to this treat.

08/21/2026

What a beautiful day at Glennifer Lake Resort and Country Club just south of Red Deer, AB. The weather has been "top drawer" since last Saturday and should remain that way until my return home on Monday night to London, where it appears that we have had just enough rain to keep things going. Looking forward to ripened tomatoes, cucumbers on the vine too, and the gladioli will be blooming. This is a lovely respite for family time.

08/02/2026

Taking my pail and shovel and going home thanks to the rain! But had a great visit, including pizza after that garden cleanout, and ice cream for dessert. The visit and the food makes every aching bone worth it!

08/02/2026

A busy long weekend Saturday. Out with the old. Outdated, invasive and full of skull size rocks. 18 brown bags full of garden waste. The remaining perennials will be retrieved for a friend once the rain stops and closer to when they can take them.

07/13/2026

Garlic harvest a day late! Different varieties and sizes. They smell amazing and now are off to cure after the stems are braided. Thank you so much to my Iona sister for the beginnings of these huge ones last fall. xo

07/09/2026

What a fabulous stroke of luck and a bit of planning! The lavender is in full bloom in SW Ontario and the farm store and fields are open for business yesterday.
Deep Purple Lavender near Embro...run with heart by a family with decades lived on this property. They will greet you when you arrive, and tell you anything and everything about their lives in lavender. Don't leave it to luck if you can....the season is short. We took a picnic, plenty of places to spread a blanket, but also lots of Muskoka chairs and picnic tables. A charming way to spend a summer day. And the products, soap, sprays and so much more are amazing. And there is a bunkie to rent!!!! With a view of the lavender field. Distilling was taking place yesterday, this place is serious business when it comes to lavender.
https://deeppurplelavender.ca/home-1/

07/02/2026

Feeling droopy in this heat

06/28/2026