Thoughts and opinions on the life and culture we have and need.
There are few things as satisfying as seeing your hard-work come to fruition. So putting the shovel in the ground and beginning the placement and construction of my vegetable boxes is something I have been looking forward to for months. As satisfying as it is, this has been the most gruelling, labour-intensive task so far.... Continue Reading →
There is a revolution taking place in people’s gardens. The demand for Organic products; mistrust of chemical companies; the longing for a simpler time; near complete chemical resistance in some pests; and an adjusted sense of what constitutes garden productivity have all played a role in the major increase in demand for biological controls... Continue Reading →
Hi. It's been a while. Much has happened, since I last wrote: I frantically continued to clear as much of the yard as I could - knowing how things would slow down with the arrival of my son; and then BOOM! 45 minutes after walking through the hospital doors my wife delivered our baby boy;... Continue Reading →
Almost Done! Since my last entry, we have had tree fallers working, chainsaws humming, fires burning and neighbours yelling. I have learned about burning bylaws, noise bylaws, and tree permits. With another hour of chainsawing, one more burn-day, some hand-sawing and raking, I will have my blank canvas! Here is how it looks right now... Continue Reading →
How to use good bugs,
Want to know what Salal is? Want to know how to grow it, how to eat it and how valuable it is? Read-on: While clearing my yard I discovered in one corner a small and weak cluster of salal. I immediately recognized it as a local plant I grew up with, but was excited because... Continue Reading →
Today is the spring equinox! This might be my favourite day of the year. I am such a sun-lover that today means I have 6 months to look forward to more light than dark. Also, here in the North West, we often have wonderful summers and falls to look forward to. Springs are hit-and-miss. We... Continue Reading →
Stratiolaelaps scimitus (sometimes called Hypoaspis miles) is a commonly used predatory mite for biological pest control. It is a tiny clear to orange/pink mite that is very quick. Traditionally, stratiolaelaps are used to control fungus gnats in greenhouse applications, however, there are many, many more uses. Stratiolaelaps also: eats eggs of other soil borne insects... Continue Reading →
It was a warm and sunny weekend on the coast. Adding to the sound of lawnmowers, and pleasure aircraft was me clipping, chopping and sawing away at the thick brush. What started off as a 3 degree morning and me in three layers quickly transitioned into a 12 degree day and I in a t-shirt... Continue Reading →
