Friday, 10 May 2013


2013 gardening trends

By Tara Nolan

Here’s what’s on our radar for the 2013 gardening season.

2013trends-emerald.jpg

Pantone’s colour of the year
Last year it was tangerine tango, a lively shade of orange you could add to your garden via plants, like begonias, or pots, tools and garden paraphernalia. Pantone has named emerald green it’s colour for 2013. I’m going to state the obvious here. This rich, royal hue is already pretty prevalent in all of our gardens, either as foliage, shrubs or leafy plants, like hostas. However I’ll be looking for jewel-toned specimens for my containers this year. I really like the look of this “spiller” called Big Leaf Creeping Wire Vine from Proven Winners. The leaves are so dainty, yet richly hued.



image courtesy of Proven Winners
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Enticing the birds and the bees—and other wildlife
It used to be hard to find bee and bat boxes—unless you came across an industrious woodworker who had them for sale. With all the prevalent information in the news and other frequently read publications about the importance of pollinators and good bugs in the garden, these little structures are now being mass produced.

I love this one from Pinebush Home & Garden. Check out their website for more options. They supply fantastic bird feeders, too!

image courtesy of Pinebush Home & Garden


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Weather-proof plants
Xeriscaping has been a buzzword for the last couple of years or so as gardeners seek low-maintenance plants that will survive dry conditions. As our weather becomes more unpredictable, growers have taken this concept a step further by raising plants that will survive extreme conditions, like heat and flooding.

An example is Tesselaar’s Next Generation Flower Carpet roses, described by the company as the world’s first easy-care, eco-friendly groundcover roses. The Flower Carpet rose shown here, Pink Splash, is the newest addition to the line.

Image courtesy of Tesselaar 
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Pansies in the fall?
How can anyone resist the sweet, colourful faces of pansies? Well, these guys from the Wave family have been a bit slow to catch on as most people have put their gardens to bed and are planting bulbs by the time autumn rolls around. But I think we’ll be seeing more of these little gems as consumers discover their blooming power throughout the colder months.

Image courtesy of Panamerican Seed
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Interesting seed blends
We’ve seen cleverly arranged pots bursting with themed plant mixes—herbs for your barbecue menu, salad mixes, etc. Seed companies are also cleverly packaging their blends.

Last year I discovered Mrs Richter’s Special Herbed Tea Blend, five herbs that can be planted together to create a flavourful caffeine-free brew. This year, I have a packet of the Quick Stirfry Blend ready to plant from Renee’s Garden’s new organic line. It’s a mixture of mizuna, mispoona, mild mustards and Russian kale. Yum!

Images courtesy of Richters and and Renee’s Garden
 2013trends-calibrachoa.jpg

Try calibrachoas in lieu of petunias
I have had a love-hate relationship with petunias. Every year I decide to try something new, but then I’m wooed by these delightful new colours. First black was such a novelty and last year I succumbed to a shade called pink lemonade. Then partway through the summer, they usually start to get leggy and thin, and I vow next year I’ll take better care to keep them full or avoid them altogether. This year, I will keep my eye out for ‘Superbells Lemon Slice’ and ‘Superbells Double Plum’. These aren’t delicious new petunia names, they are actually calibrachoas, a plant that botanists once thought were petunias, but they’re a different genus. Apparently the petals are not sticky like a petunia’s, and you don’t have to deadhead them. The ones shown here from Proven Winners are doubles, so they have even fuller petals, which I love.

image courtesy of Proven Winners


Article courtesy of Canadian Gardening & Tara Nolan

To get you started, find what everything you need @ any of these exceptional locations:


Elm Gardens Ltd.

Charlie The Tree Guy

Zelda's Flower Studio

McKean's Flowers Ltd.

Jean's Flowers & Gifts

Masstown Market

Sunrise Greenhouses

Searle's Garden & Florals

Green Thumb Farmers Market & Bakery

Pleasant Valley Nurseries

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Embrace Winter and all the worthy reasons to love "Old Man Sweaters"




50 Reasons to Love Winter 

 


We’re deep into February, buried in snow, and spring is way out of sight. What better time to think about the stuff about winter that’s actually pretty grand? Bet you can add 50 more reasons in the comments. And yes, that is a dare.
  1. hot chocolate
  2. dogs in sweaters
  3. miniature snowmen outside convenience stores
  4. slippers (especially the anthropomorphized ones)
  5. babies in fuzzy hats
  6. a big, wrap-it-around-three-times scarf
  7. getting to use that ultra-rich moisturizer
  8. sun reflecting off the snow
  9. blood oranges
  10. big, bold red wines
  11. hiding in turtlenecks
  12. snow days!
  13. the perfect season for knitting
  14. stews & soups
  15. hot tubs
  16. valentine’s day
  17. paperwhites
  18. fondue
  19. warm, boozy drinks
  20. staying inside all day in pjs
  21. shopping (everything’s on sale!)
  22. kale, squash, and brussel sprouts
  23. fuzzy boots
  24. the foam on a latte…pretty soon you’ll be ordering it iced
  25. toe socks
  26. the Olympics
  27. liberal use of fairy lights
  28. black tree branches heavy with snow
  29. wearing the deepest, darkest, muskiest perfumes
  30. holding hands inside your love’s roomy coat pocket
  31. knee socks and tights!
  32. fireside brunching, cocktailing, napping, smooching…
  33. quiet, snuggly reading time at home
  34. ski blankets
  35. sheepskin rugs
  36. visiting a sauna
  37. the perfect blush color, naturally
  38. vintage capes — you have one, don’t you?
  39. bubble baths (they just don’t hold the same appeal in summer)
  40. chili 
  41. wearing those ladylike, yet sexy gloves that end right above your wristbone
  42. hunkering down under a down comforter
  43. big, sweeping epic novels
  44. legwarmers
  45. the dense quiet of fresh night snow
  46. renewed resolve
  47. getting sweaty outside: snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, snowball fights…
  48. the ultimate excuse to be a homebody
  49. earmuffs — they’re kind of glamorous, don’t you think?
  50. chinese new year (dumplings + noodles, anyone?)







Wednesday, 5 December 2012

LET'S DANCE

Six Incredible Benefits of Ballet

 

Article by:
, Yahoo! Contributor Network 
http://voices.yahoo.com/six-incredible-benefits-ballet-708797.html?cat=50

Whether you're looking for an activity for yourself or for your child, ballet offers many potential benefits for both body and mind. It's a total body workout that requires both discipline and focus but is also quite enjoyable. Plus, ballet is usually taught in a group setting which gives you the opportunity to interact with other dancers. Here are some of the many benefits of ballet:  
Ballet benefit: Promotes better posture
Ballet exercises require the use of good posture and alignment. For this reason, many ballet classes teach postural alignment exercises which help to promote good posture and create awareness of good alignment as you carry out your daily activities.
Ballet benefit: Sculpts and tones your body
The movements taught in ballet classes are designed to tone and firm muscles without developing bulk so you develop long and lean muscles as opposed to thick, bulky ones.
Ballet benefit: Develops poise and body awareness
When you take ballet lessons, you're taught a series of simple exercises called the barre. These exercises are designed to help build poise and grace which are necessary traits that a successful ballerina must have. These exercises are repeated at each class to help build balance, strength, and poise.
Ballet benefit: Helps to relieve stress
When you perform ballet exercises and movements, it relaxes your mind and removes you from the cares of the world. Your focus shifts to concentrating on each movement and the placement of your legs and arms. Many people report they can actually feel their stress melt away when they focus on ballet.
Ballet benefit: Promotes creative expression
Ballet is not simply a form of exercise, although it does provide many of the health benefits of exercise. It's also a form of artistic expression. You interpret each dance movement in your own unique way and it becomes your own personal expression. This can be quite therapeutic for both mind and body.
Ballet benefit: Promotes flexibility.
The movements of ballet are quite effective in promoting flexibility. Ballet uses muscles that are seldom used in other sports, giving you a total body flexibility workout.
Ballet benefit: Strengthens the back and abdominal muscles.
Ballet is an excellent form of exercise to strengthen and develop the core muscles of your back and abdomen. This may result in less back pain and a flatter abdomen. Ballet participants often notice that their waistlines become more defined over time.
There are a multitude of ballet benefits you can enjoy by participating in ballet classes. If you're no longer a child, there are a variety of classes being offered for adults that are designed specifically for the more mature participant. Why not see if these classes are being offered in your area so you can experience the phenomenal benefits of ballet?



Ashlei Ballet School Offers pre-school through adult classes!!

Thursday, 8 November 2012

THE HEAT IS ON!!

It's that time again, dig out your woolies, time to cozy up and stay warm!! 
There are countless home heating methods, but which one is right for you? Today I will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of various heating methods from Wood and Oil to Solar and Geothermal. There is something for everyone!!




The Benefits of Propane

Most people who chose propane stoves for home heating do so for comfort. Propane is a clean and effective method of heating your home, office, workshop, or any inside space quickly and easily.
propane stoves for home heatingAlthough the price of propane does rise and fall with the seasons, so the gas does tend to be pricier during the bitter winter months, the high efficiency of propane stoves means you end up spending less in the long run than sticking with a poorly working wood burning fireplace or electric heat. Furthermore, propane is a great deal safer than traditional heating fuels like gasoline or kerosene, so the safety of your family and home are taken into consideration.

 Propane suppliers in Nova Scotia include:

Wilsons Fuel and Wilson Propane 
MacGillivray Fuels Ltd. Propane Pictou County 
MacGillivray Fuels Ltd. - Propane Antigonish 
Forced Air Mechanical


 

Wood Stoves for Home Heating


wood stovesIn times gone by, friends and family would gather around wood stoves in homes and stores to warm the heart and soul through good company and heat. Today, wood burning stoves are excellent ways to offset heating costs while adding a fantastic charm to any room. Whether you choose to install a stove in a family room, kitchen, dining room, or bedroom, the entire household will enjoy the beauty and warmth provided by a quality stove. In addition to using renewable resources — wood — to provide heat instead of non-renewable fuels like liquefied propane gas or natural gas, the physical beauty of wood burning in a controlled area is remarkable.

 

Firewood suppliers in Nova Scotia include:

Frank Reid Firewood 
Masters Forestry Ltd. 
Rodney Lucci Enterprises 
Ronal Graham Pulp Contractor Ltd. 
The Wood Chopper 
Earle Atwater 
N. R. Kenney Logging Ltd.  
Polegato Trucking
WG Matheson



Alternative Energy Choices


solar heating
Listed below are some of the alternative energy choices that are available to today’s consumer. Using these energies may require that you revamp or replace your current heating system to a system that will accommodate these types of fuels or conductors. 








  • Corn, rye and wheat – These fuels can be purchased by the bushel for a low price or can be grown right on your property. While you will need to install a furnace that will burn these fuels, you can garner 500,000 BTUs or more from a single bushel.
  • Solar Energy – The addition of solar panels to your home allows you to perform many of your home’s energy functions via solar power including heating your home. The most popular type of solar heating systems are hydronic systems that use heated water to keep your house cozy. Solar power is also free to harness, once your array is installed.
  • Geothermal Energy – Geothermal Energy is captured from a certain depth in the ground where the earth remains a constant 70 degrees. Tapping into Mother Nature’s heating system is also a free energy and is more reliable than solar power. As you can see, there are several alternative energy choices available to today’s consumer. And the growing demand for new, non traditional heating energies guarantees that there will be even more choices in the future. Alternative Heating is the heat of the future. 

    Thanks to: http://www.alternative-heating.com/

    Alternative energy choices in Nova Scotia include:

    Advanced Heating Solutions 
    Fundy Solar Design & Installation 
    Encom Alternative Energy Solutions 
    Global Construction (Maritimes) 
    J. C. Mechanical Contractors Ltd.  
    The Fine Home Builder.Com 
    Nova Sun Power



    THE BENEFITS OF OILHEAT:


    Efficient – modern Oilheat systems perform at 85-95% efficiency or higher.  This means that for every dollar you spend on heating oil 85-95 cents worth of heat and hot water is delivered to your home.
    Clean – Today’s Oilheat is 95% cleaner than it was in 1970.  Modern Oilheat systems create absolutely no soot, dirt, or odors in the home.  It is as environmentally friendly as gas.     
    It's Abundant – No need to worry about world oil supplies. There are over 36 oil-producing countries.
    Safe – heating oil is non-explosive, in fact it will not even burn in a liquid state.   
    Economical – annual heating costs for Oilheat are consistently lower than natural gas or electricity.

    Thanks to: http://www.lykinsoil.com/Page.aspx/182/Advantages-and-Benefits.html

    Oil suppliers in Nova Scotia include:
      
    Bluewave Energy/Bluewave-Ralston 
    Patton's Fuel Service 
    Ballantyne Fuels 
    Fuel Time Inc. 
    V-Filling Station Ltd. & Auto Recyclers 
    Hankin Fuels 
    Scotsburn Co-Op Fuels 
    MacGillivray Fuels Ltd. - Antigonish 
    Landry Brothers Limited 
    D.W. Thompson Fuels Ltd. 
    Forced Air Mechanical 
    Wilsons Fuel and Wilson Propane
  • Thursday, 1 November 2012

    ART, ART, & MORE ART!!

    As an artist, I feel compelled to promote the wonderful Galleries across Nova Scotia. These culture enriching locales not only support local artists but give so much back to the community.
    Yesterday while admittedly self promoting my own work I was fortunate to experience several wonderful art shows in Halifax...

    Be sure to catch these current exhibitions:

    Prospect 15: Anne Macmillan 

    20 Oct 2012 – 9 Dec 2012

    @ the MSVU Gallery http://msvuart.ca/index.php?menid=02&mtyp=17&article_id=405 before Dec - 09.

    Kai Chan: A Spider’s Logic

    20 October - 2 December 2012

    @ the St. Mary's Art Gallery: http://www.smu.ca/administration/externalaffairs/artgallery/ex.html



    Creature Feature - Swoon's 2nd Annual Group Halloween Show


    Sat, October 20, 2012 - 10:00am to Sat, November 03, 2012 - 6:00pm


    @ Swoon Fine Art: http://www.swoonfineart.com/index.php?/site/events/


     






    Also be sure to check out these other hot spots that are sure to tantalize your artistic taste buds!!.....


    Morrison's Woodworks & Gift Shop  

    Visual Voice Studio   

    Fog Forest Gallery   

    Owens Art Gallery 

    Struts Gallery 

    Lyghtesome Gallery 

    A Matter of Tastes Custom Picture Framing & Art Gallery 

    Frida Fine Jewellery & Accessories 

    Down To Earth Art Gallery  

    Creative Watters Art & Design 

    Tickle Road Gallery 

    Dan Munro Artworks Studio 

    Robert Lyon Graphics 

    Portraits by Johanna


    Tuesday, 30 October 2012

    TOP 10 REASONS TO SHOP LOCAL!!!

    Here is a great article I found about why we should shop local, thanks to http://greenupgrader.com, Elephant Journal, & Local First!! ENJOY:))
    Shop Local

    "Going local does not mean walling off the outside world. It Means nurturing locally owned businesses which use local resources sustainably, employ local workers at decent wages and serve primarily local consumers. It means becoming more self-sufficient and less dependant on imports. Control moves from the boardrooms of distant corporations and back into the community where it belongs."

    - Michael H. Shuman, author of the book Going Local.

    Choosing greener alternatives is important for sustainability but where you shop in many cases is the most important factor.   Shopping locally is important for environmental sustainability as well as economic sustainability.  When you shop locally you are supporting members of your own community who are also vested in the heath and success of the community.  You are also travelling less and requiring less things to be shipped meaning less carbon, pollution and traffic congestion.

    I was psyched when I found this graphic while perusing one of my favorite sites (Elephant Journal), which led me to Local First.  Local First an organization aimed at promoting sustainabile economic devolpment in the greater Grand Rapids, MI area.  There I found a list of 10 resons to shop local.  There are far more than just 10 but the internet likes lists and the number 10 so to start here is a version of their list I tweaked a bit...

    1. Local Economic Stimulus.

    When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money is kept in the community because locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses, service providers and farms. Purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the local tax base.

    2. Non Profits Receive Greater Support.

    Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.

    3. Unique Businesses Create Character & Prosperity

    The unique character of your local community is defined in large part by the business that reside there, and that plays a big factor in your overall satisfaction with where you live and the value of you home and property.

    4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced.

    Small local business usually set up shop in the town/village center, providing a centralized variety that is much friendlier to a community's walk score than out of town shopping malls.   This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.

    5. Most New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses.

    Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.  Plus the more jobs you have in your local community the less people are going to have to commute which means more time and less traffic and pollution.

    6. Customer Service Is Better.

    Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise for better customer service.  You are also going to see these people around town and they are less likely to blow you off or be rude becauses they have to face you day after day.

    7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community.

    Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community's welfare and future.

    8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs.

    Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.

    9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices.

    A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term.

    10. You Matter More

    We talk a lot about exerting influence with your purchasing choices, or "voting with your wallet."  It's a fact that business respond to their customers but your values and desires are much more influential to you local community business than the large big box stores.
    To read more about going local check out Ecolocalizer, a great site that provides news, ideas and inspiration to "Think globally, act locally."
    via Elephant Journal and Local First

    To get you started, here are some terrific local markets in your area: 

    Masstown Market

    Amherst Farmers Market

    Sunrise Country Market

    Green Thumb Farmers Market & Bakery

    Truro Farmers' Market

    Cattail Ridge Family Market

    Cross Roads Country Market

    Thursday, 25 October 2012

    What is Naturopathy?

    Naturopathic medicine is a distinct primary health care system that blends modern scientific knowledge with traditional and natural forms of medicine. The naturopathic philosophy is to stimulate the healing power of the body and treat the underlying cause of disease. Symptoms of disease are seen as warning signals of improper functioning of the body, and unfavourable lifestyle habits. Naturopathic Medicine emphasizes disease as a process rather than as an entity.

    Treating both acute and chronic conditions, naturopathic treatments are chosen based on the individual patient – their physiological, structural, psychological, social, spiritual, environment and lifestyle factors. In addition to diet and lifestyle changes, natural therapies including botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.

    In Canada, the naturopathic medical profession’s infrastructure includes accredited educational institutions, professional licensing, national standards of practice, participation in many federal health committee initiatives, and a commitment to state-of-the-art scientific research.

    Read more: http://www.cand.ca/index.php?78&L=0 

    Naturopathic Approaches

    Naturopathic treatment can take the form of a variety of therapies and approaches, including:
    • Dietary advice – a balanced diet is an essential component for a healthy body
    • Herbal remedies – traditional remedies utilised for hundreds of years for healing
    • Homeopathy – the practice of treating like with like in diluted remedy form
    • Hydrotherapy – the healing power of water
    • Iridology – analysis of the iris for diagnosis of health issues
    • Massage – the manipulation of the tissues of the body for healing and relaxation
    • Nutritional supplements – especially useful when immunity is compromised by illness
    • Osteopathy – manipulation therapy concerned with the musculo-skeletal system
    Naturopaths will not necessarily utilise all of these therapies, but will have a range of therapies they specialise in. It should be noted that this list is not exhaustive, and other therapies may also be used.

    Naturopathy Benefits

    The benefits of naturopathy are many and varied, and are used to treat a variety of conditions including:
    • Allergies
    • Arthritis
    • Depression
    • Digestive problems
    • Infertility
    • Menstrual issues
    • Reduced immunity
    • Skin conditions; and
    • Weight Loss 

    Naturopathic practitioners in your area include: