Traced Elements

Tag: gardening

Garden Shadow

I am not a scientist (although my current course on soils may turn me into one). Nor am I a psychologist; at best I’d classify myself as a horticulturalist. There is one thing I have come to acknowledge more then ever over the last few weeks… my dog’s intuition is more on point then most people I know. She came with the name Shadow and it suits her to a T – LITERALLY.

So, allow me to introduce you to #shadowruffruff.

(Need a laugh? Follow this Hosta lover’s hashtag on Instagram for guaranteed good times.)

Here’s the skinny. Shadow was surrendered to the SPCA in Prince George where her puppy life was basically non-existent; she was quickly moved to the West Vancouver division for rehabilitation. We fell in love with her photo on their website and promptly pinned it down Hwy 99 from Squamish to meet the then 2½ year old Black Lab x Boarder Collie. Instantly we knew she’d be a perfect fit for us and she’s been melting hearts ever since.

She is not stick or ball obsessed (thankfully). She didn’t swim until she was 4 and it’s only because there was a duck to chase. Her ability to find food and crumb around is so good she should be paid for cleaning the floor. She is extremely smart and loves to tell stories. She took up minnowing at age 10 and has been a pro field mouser for years. She is nearing 13 now and still loves to come on biking, ski touring and hiking adventures. She is showing minimal signs of slowing down. Maybe she’s stubborn like me. Grey hairs you ask? Nope. Only a few visible on her chin but most are hidden on the bottom of her paws. A lady never tells or really shows her age.

(Minnowing obsession, recovery biking, Chief Pascal ski tour & Rohr Mt. summit)

You might be wondering how this plays into gardening but be worried not for this hound loves veggies as much as the rest of us. When I crack my container snack vegetables she’s usually at my feet before the lid is off. I have to pack extra knowing she’ll eat half of what I brought. But don’t try to feed her kale unless it’s been massaged because she’ll look at you like you’re crazy! Smart dog. You have to watch her around the blueberry bushes, raspberries, strawberries and cherry tomatoes; anything at her level is fair game. She is a phenomenal forager. And, of course, all the thinned out carrots rightfully belong to her dirt and all.

Since my bike crash I have been tripping over her even more times then I can count. A friend gave her the nickname “Underfoot” for good reason. I have been spending most of my time in my garden healing my concussed brain because that’s what feels good and Shadow has been there every step of the way. Therapy dog. Keeping the cats out, barking at the deer and warning me when the bears are close long before I actually see them. Again, her intuition is impeccable on all levels. She is the keeper of my garden, paid in full with vegetables.

Besides, someone has to test out the fresh raked dirt to ensure its level.

May 12, 2018
Garden Journals

Hello everyone, my name is Anni Kolbe and I work for the Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS) in Pemberton. My job title for SSCS is a Settlement and Outreach worker for the Pemberton Multicultural Network. So what that means is I help immigrants settle into life in Canada and meet other people.

In order for people to meet I plan and implement life skill workshops. Throughout the years I have learned that people in Pemberton will attend your workshops if it relates to food and gardening.

I wanted to share a workshop I did a few weeks ago at the Pemberton Public Library on garden journals and companion planting.

A garden journal is a great way to keep track of important information about your garden such as the weather, pests, what you planted and when you planted. Those are just a few things you can keep track of.

Take a peek through the slide show to get more ideas of how to keep a garden journal.

May 4, 2018
Unexpected Lessons on Permaculture and Community

When I used to think about permaculture, I thought of it more like the “old way of gardening”. Less intensive, lots of diversity, a closed loop system that tries to reduce our impact on the earth. A systems thinking that uses everything in multiple ways. Gut Gardening. Intuitive.

But, as I was reminded earlier this month during the (FREE) one day course on permaculture by Permaculture Design at Quest University, permaculture principles are rooted in science, and way more complex.

Doing the right thing for the planet, for the patch of soil you are stewarding, is backed by scientific research. For my rational Western mind that sometimes needs things to be “scientifically proven,” that goes a long way. Science, fused with community. Science, fused with growing food, shelter, plants and systems that are good for the earth. Science, and changing our thinking patterns. Taught by the dynamic duo Delvin Solkinson and Kym Chi, the opportunity to attend with a carful of amazing girlfriends and kick ass gardeners was the recipe for a perfect day. Yes please.

The term permaculture was coined back in the 70’s by founder Bill Mollison. The Permaculture Research Institute tells us that permaculture

“is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.”

At the start of the day, fifty-five people sat in a circle – from all walks of life, many young, fresh students, but also many people in their later years. We shared what brought us there. It was everything from wanting to learn how to better compost, to learning more about plants that can help heal the earth. Gardeners who operate more in their heads and want to operate more from their hands/hearts. Pioneers who want to explore the feelings of plants. I admit I was guarded in that space. It had been a while since I had sat in a room with chimes to focus our attention and teachers who ask us to take a deep breath and sit with our thoughts. It took a bit for me to settle into the vibe and be open to the experience. Clearly, I need to re-establish my yoga practice!

Kym and Delvin said over and over during the course of the day: think about the “problems” as opportunities. Have weeds? How can we use them? (Living mulch, compost, re-evaluate if they are actually a problem. Feed your chickens…) A challenging slope on your land? Why not plant an orchard and incorporate bioswales to manage your irrigation challenges and needs?

But what resonated so strongly had less to do with gardening and more to do with community. That, and this statement made by one of our teachers that gave us permission to be OK with where we were, as individuals, and society. “Don’t shit on yourself for not knowing, not doing. Don’t shit on others for not knowing, not doing.” Another yes please.

But by the end of the day the shift was apparent, empowering, and so positive I was actually moved to tears. Yes – lots of great permaculture tips that apply to any space. But what I loved the most was the warrior cries from people fed up with bullshit happening on a day to day basis that we all know is wrong. People inspiring each other, revolutionizing on a micro or macro scale. People swapping problems for solutions.

At the end of the day we shared what we got from the course, what we wanted to do. A grey-haired lady cried: “I am telling my council that I AM putting a garden on that strata lot!”

From others I heard,

“Put the earth first!”

“I am going to plant a garden in that round-a-bout!”

“If you listen, music is everywhere!”

“I am going to make a spiral garden!”

As I reflect on this experience now, almost a month later, I wonder about the seeds that may have been planted that day, ideas sitting below the soil surface needing the heat, the light, the energy to transform into action. How many ideas passed that tipping point? Who is going to start the permaculture food forest in Pemberton? Turn a strip of downtown Squamish dirt into a haven for bees, food for families? Change the thinking patterns of the stuffy strata intent on ridiculous lines, rules, pavement? Who wants to raise a permaculture “army” with me?

So thank you from the bottom of my heart to Delvin and Kym. The work that you are doing is crucially important. Absolutely inspiring. For anybody who missed that magical day at Quest, I would like to bring this team to Pemberton in June. (Please get in touch with me if you are interested, or want to help fund this). They also have more free days coming up.

And until then, Pemberton – don’t forget about the Women’s Institute Plant Sale coming up soon on a Saturday 5 May, 9am to 12 noon at the Legion Parking Lot – the sign with the date is up at the concrete barren round-a-bout. Oh, did someone say round-a-bout? Warrior-guerilla-gardener-lady, if you are listening, we, and the world, need you!

April 28, 2018
Blank Canvas

The summer I turned 11, my family packed our camper and set off on a massive adventure that lasted over a month. The leg of our trip that resonated the most with me was the coast of BC. There was something about the mountains and ocean that spoke to me – it made me feel free. I vowed right then that I would return to live in this place.

Life on the west coast became a reality when my art skills got me into the University of Victoria. However, I quickly discovered I was not like my classmates and had zero desire to become any entity that encompassed being an artist. I lasted 2 years before I bought a car, learned to drive standard in a mall parking lot and set forth for Whistler because it seemed like a cool place to go and get lost.

Fast forward to my years in landscape construction and maintenance where I learned design and plant knowledge and in time I was let loose to create spaces for clients. These playful experiences naturally paired well with my understanding colour and sense of flow. Eventually I realized that I was still creating; it was just a different type of medium.

Now I spend countless hours every year drafting my garden plans for the following season. Notes on notes on notes as to what was great, what was horrible, where to plant what, what not to plant, what I want more of. Lots of mindless staring out the window at my plot fantasizing its potential; then scavenging bits of wood and rocks to add into the landscape. And, like clockwork when it comes to planting time, the plans that have come to fruition are loosely used and I stuff seeds and starters in the beds as I see fit.

Maybe it’s the old artist in me coming out to play and wanting to just be free to experiment with what feels good at the last minute. This is an integral part of the learning process in gardening and I highly encourage it. Sure we can read books and learn what we should or shouldn’t do but at the end of the day if we are satisfied with the results then, who gives a shit.

Feel it out. Plant what makes sense. Plant what you love. Look at your space and see it as a blank canvas in which to create your sanctuary. It can be whatever you want it to be. Let it evolve. You can always return to your canvas and paint over something you don’t love.

Eighteen year later since arriving home in the Sea to Sky I have finally accepted that I’m a gardener and a landscaper: an artist after all.

Photo notes – The main photo (above) was taken out the window when I moved into our current residence from where I sit every day drinking coffee. The picture below was taken this morning and I can guarantee in a month it will look even different. Stay tuned!

April 24, 2018
Honor Thy Weeding

It’s funny how life can throw us curveballs when we least expect. Call it coincidence that I have struck out during a season that literally celebrates rebirth and renewal. But as the saying goes; everything happens for a reason. What has kept me sane is my garden.

When you’re forced to slow down in a life that is typically robust it’s truly hard to cope – every day brings new challenges. Many of which I am not comfortable with and have had a hard time accepting.

So, what does an active gal do when forced to step outside of her skin and just be?

She sits with her garlic. She weeds. She envisions where all the little seedling starters will eventually go and thrive. She checks on these seedlings at least 20 times a day. She walks and appreciates the revival of the forest after a long winter. She watches the ants. She buys plants (retail therapy for the win).

A calming sensation genuinely lifts me up when I’m gardening. It’s my therapy. No stress involved – just the dirt and me. It has always been this way: before I was concussed, now while I’m concussed, and indefinitely when I’m past it.

There is something to be said about stopping to smell the roses. Going back to the simpler things gives us a greater appreciation of the bigger picture. Through my minor setback I have learned the importance of this phrase and will celebrate it beyond my recovery. Gardening has an effortless way of healing.

Spring. I surrender my ego to you… and the weeds in my garden.

April 18, 2018
Passion Prevails

My childhood subconscious began manifesting my green thumb life long before I understood the benefit of my compost chore or using the excuse, “I’m thinning them out” when caught eating baby carrots. When you grow up surrounded by gardeners you’re bound to inherit some level of love for the same hobby.

Basically, I’m a full pledged geek when it comes to everything plant related.

For example… I have pulled illegal U-turns moments after spotting a nursery. I carry pruners in my car to pluck wild flowers bouquets from ditches. I save plants from becoming garbage and give them new homes. I take pictures while traveling of unrecognizable vegetation so I can come home and identify them… and so on.

(Insert crazy garden lady photo here.)

It was during my years as an on again off again landscaper that solidified my love affair with horticulture. The jobs I held in between seasons never really satisfied my soul. I genuinely missed cleaning dirt out of my nails.

One instance that really stands out in my head happened while emptying my pockets after a day of work in the city. Out came my keys, my wallet and a whole bunch of deadheaded flowers. A big smile graced my face upon seeing the blossoms. I had visited a nursery on my way home but for the life of me could not remember committing the act. No doubt it was my subconscious giving me a little nudge. I gave my two weeks notice the next day and promptly returned to my happy place slinging dirt.

Now I’ve really come to realize that I glow when I talk about gardening. I mean I get giddy like a little schoolgirl talking about this shit. (Giggity)! The other side of my coin is that I love to cook and preserve all the wonderful things that come out of my backyard and our bountiful valley but I’ll save that for later.

In January I figured there was no point in fighting the feelings anymore. Time to take my passion by the reins and just go for it! And although I’m not exactly sure what will grow from this adventure one thing is for sure: I want to share my love of gardening with people, inspire them to grow their own food and experience the simple pleasures that come with the failures and the successes along the way.

Welcome to my journey back to dirt.

March 24, 2018