June Garden Updates

We are coming to the end of June and about to celebration Canada Day (July 1), so we thought it would be a good opportunity to provide an update about the garden growth. We have had a few battles, so I feel like some of our plants are a little behind where they could have…

Oasis 1.0

After setting up the pool, we created a temporary seating area to prevent debris from getting into the pool. Using soil from the pool area, we backfilled stackstone walls and covered the path beside the pool. We added outdoor mats, furniture, and a temporary shade, creating a comfortable summer oasis while we plan the final landscaping.

Coleman Pool Setup

The post describes the process of setting up a backyard pool. After considering contradictory advice, the author opted to use blocks for the pool legs, ensuring stability. The pool was assembled with ease, and minor adjustments were made during the filling process. Despite some minor issues, the pool is now in use and enjoyable.

More walls – Stackstone vs Rock

We may be done our rock walls, but we do have a few more walls to build. The remaining walls will all be built out of stack stone, which are much easier to build, though not much less labour in getting them to the location in the yard that we have to take them to….

May Comparisons

In 2024, we are monitoring our monthly harvests and comparing them to 2023. Some accidental harvests, like garlic and green onions, have already taken place. Ground cherries and kale are producing well, while pak choi may not be a future harvest due to limited use. Rhubarb abundance is balanced with new recipes. Strawberry harvest is lighter, likely due to returning plants. Volunteer strawberries are thriving, indicating a promising June harvest.

Oma’s Rhubarb Cake

Technically, this is someone else’s recipe from their Oma. But, I had an Oma, and I made some variations to the original recipe, so I am rolling with the “Oma’s Rhubarb Cake” name. The original recipe that I found for this was very basic. It lacked spices, though it did seem to get a lot…

Lively Swaths of Colour

Colour, lots of colour. That is what is coming to the yard soon. Over the last few days, we have gotten all of our barrels, planters and pots filled with beautiful flowers. We chose as many colours as we could in the hopes of splashing the greenspace with lively swaths of colour that will not…

Gran’s Earl Grey Rhubarb Topper

This ode to Gran celebrates the memories of rhubarb and tea. The recipe calls for chopped rhubarb, sugar, strong brewed Earl Grey tea, lemon, salt, and liquid pectin. After boiling the mixture and achieving the desired consistency, it can be used as topping for various dishes.

Garden Planting ’24

The garden plans always change, as other projects and weather affect the planting schedule. Despite some challenges, the garden is mostly on track. Crops are thriving, with some adjustments still needed. The anticipation of a bountiful harvest and sharing the garden’s produce with others is high.

Rhubarb Jelly

Delicate and Flavorful Rhubarb Jelly for Toast and Pairing Ideas