Remembering Summer 2013

Autumn has only been here for 10 days and already the nostalgia is setting in. The shorter days and cooler nights remind me that I need to get back to the lawn maintenance. The morning frost on the tender vegetables is a reminder that I need to keep harvesting. And the returning hummingbirds are my reminder that all of this work is worth it.

This year was a phenomenal one for many of the garden regulars: the delphinium, coneflowers, hollyhock, and the rudbeckia, wow, did it ever flourish! The perfect combination of sun and rain are to thank for those long-lasting beauties.

The wet, but not too wet, spring should be remembered for it was the spring rains and normal spring temperatures that boosted the apple blossoms this year. I kept a regular spraying regime of garden sulfur and insecticidal soap to keep away the scab and hordes of insects that love apples as much as I do. Last year I harvested from every tree what I harvested from one tree this year! I’ll be spraying a dormant oil in the spring to knock out the overwintering insects, helping to keep them in check throughout next year’s growing season.

My 200 tomato plants flourished and yes, don’t worry, I was left with my fair share of green ones too. So what do you do with them?

This past summer I also saw a host of new Mark’s Choice products hit the shelves and for the most part, it seems that you have enjoyed my choices. I’d have to say the overall winner though was the Potato planter. Home Hardware stores across the country couldn’t keep them on the shelves! Remember that we love to hear your feedback, positive or negative. It’s your feedback that helps us improve upon these products.

It’s been a great year in the garden and out of it. Thank you for your continued love of the outdoors and improving the green and non-green spaces in your neighbourhood. And now, it’s time to get back out there to pick the last of these green tomatoes!