Kingsbrae Gardens 10yr Anniversary

Kingsbrae Gardens was started 10 years ago as a way to give back to St. Andrews by some wealthy long-time residents. Today it is a sprawling much-loved 27-acre estate distinguished by its sense of humour. Story by Kate Wallace.

http://telegraphjournal.canadaeast.com/salon/article/338412

Lily Show

Stop by the Lily Show this weekend, then take in some Sidney by the Sea Canada day festivities.


North American Lily Society, Inc.presents 61st Annual International Lily Conference and Show "Seaside Scentsation"
on 2 - 6 July 2008
hosted byThe Victoria Lily SocietyatMary Winspear Centre2243 Beacon AvenueSidney, British Columbia V8L 1W9

http://members.shaw.ca/lilynet/viclil/

Summer

What happened to Spring?

The weather hasn't cooperated, but the flowers held up their part of the bargain. Spring bulbs have bowed out, and the summer show is taking the stage.

Another signpost of summer is the appearance of my Arisaema in the shade border. This unusual specimen remains dormant winter through Spring, suddenly appearing with the warmth.

I know it's Summer because in my yard the blooms of the bearded Iris tell me so. I was recently told they are grandma flowers, as are Oriental poppies.... hmmfff, I love mine!

Both these flowers are great examples how nature can make something spectacular from nothing.

The ground my beardies, and poppies grow in is dry and scrappy, yet these plants coax enormous luxuriant blooms from it. Froo froo, or exotic I can't walk by them without pausing to take in their beauty.

Spring into Summer Solstice Sale

Spring into Summer
3rd annual
Summer Solstice Sale.

June 21st

Urban Oasis is open 8 till late

Everything in the store is 30% off.

Those friendly Master Gardener's will be in attendance to answer your questions from 11am to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday

Urban Oasis Garden Centre
4085 Quadra St
479 6868
http://www.urbanoasisgardening.net/

Y grip tool

It is always nice to see new products that truly are different. I occasionally have people come to my shop with objects they would like to market. I never know how it's going to go when I hear, they have something they to show me, " it's just in the trunk of my car"

I have seen some amazing things in parking lots. It can also be an exercise in tact. Grampa's bird houses, Billy's painted rock, special one of a kind driftwood bits, decorated pots, and tools don't always hold the test of wide appeal. I am always looking for new things, and objects d' art, but retail is ruthless, it has to sell. It is with trepidation I head into the parking lot, I have been pleasantly surprised....but more often, I have to let someone down.

This was not the case when Paul, a massage therapist "with a tool, I invented", showed up. I loved it! It simply was new, and innovative, simple and effective. Again,... I was delighted, and agreed to take his product in a flash.

I have paddled competitively, and coach a seniors team, so Paul and I were on the same page when it came to wrists, ergonomic designs and neutral alignment. Paddlers suffer the same wrist issues, that are aggravated using a trowel. I was definitely his new biggest fan. I am happy to promote his new tool any way I can.

I showed it to a customer with very bad arthritis, and she agreed it was brilliant. She could hold it, and although she has very little use of one hand she could put pressure on the blade with her bad hand, while holding with her good. She thought with her body weight, and two hands it would be possible to use.

check it out for yourself,

www.ygrip.ca

........it is very reasonably priced too!