Red alert: maples and apples

A week ago, one little bright red maple leaf fluttered to the ground just outside the back door of our cottage on the Bruce Peninsula in southwestern Ontario. Me and my guy were horrified. The turning leaves in autumn in Ontario (as well as most of eastern Canada and parts of northeastern United States) is…

Here comes summer 10 ways

The longest day of this year will officially begin on June 21, at 5:13 a.m. here in the Northern Hemisphere. This means, of course, that June 22 marks the inexorable decline of daylight into another long winter. So I figure celebrating heat and happiness right now are in order. Here are 10 not-so-conventional ideas for…

An illustration depicting symbolism associated with the Highway of Heroes.

Native trees living tribute along Highway of Heroes

Imagine driving along the Highway of Heroes (a portion of southwestern Ontario’s Hwy. 401) knowing that the trees lining this multi-lane corridor were planted in tribute to every fallen Canadian soldier since Confederation. Thousands of trees for thousands of soldiers. In fact, one hundred and seventeen thousand of them. The Highway of Heroes Tribute project…

Looking up into the canopy of a Black Oak tree.

Plant an oak, the tree that’s all heart

Want a gift that really spreads the love? Plant an oak tree. I know this isn’t the sexiest idea but hear me out. I’ve got 5 great reasons why oak trees are the lovingest of all the plants you can grow. REASON #1: Oaks are the ultimate sharers. Sitting under an oak tree in late fall,…