I've been in Kingston all this week. The gardens are beautiful here and way ahead of Calgary of course. Sigh. I've seen huge hostas here whereas the hostas in the shadiest parts of my garden hadn't even started poking their heads out of the ground by last Saturday. It is peony season here right now and it seems like every old house, whether it's been well-maintained or not, has an ancient peony in their garden which is currently doubled over the weight of its ridiculously large blooms.
I grew up in southern Ontario and spent at least a little time every summer in the Kingston/Ottawa area as my Mom grew up here and my grandmother lives here. As I drove/walked around this week admiring and feeling very nostalgic over the beautiful old limestone and brick Victorian architecture in this area...
I suddenly had this lightbulb moment when I realized that one of the reasons I love to garden so much is probably my irrational need to recreate the lush garden environment I grew up around, despite the fact that I live in cold, windy, dry Calgary now. So I may be crazy but at least I have a reason for it!
BTW. I realize I haven't posted a June to do list yet, but since I'm still working on my May to-do list and it doesn't sound like it's gardening weather in Calgary right now, I'm not feeling any rush...
I grew up in Ontario too and so feel the same way about my garden. Ugh. Don't rush back...it feels like October here.
Posted by: Allison | June 10, 2010 at 08:08 AM
I'll just go and cry now...
Posted by: awfawef | June 10, 2010 at 09:03 AM
amazing..beautiful garden when ill go there i want to picture taking.
Posted by: Medical Advice | June 10, 2010 at 10:57 AM
I grew up in Ontario too. But in Ontario it gets too hot to do anything in the summer. Here you get to be outside all summer you don't have to run into your air conditioned house.
Posted by: Jenn | June 10, 2010 at 05:48 PM
That's beautiful....for sure. Now I'm very sad here. Garden here in Calgary is really chalenging, when time to harvest coming, and snow coming soon too. I just want everything grow faster here.
Posted by: ina | June 10, 2010 at 07:30 PM
Jenn, thanks for reminding us all to look on the bright side!
Ina, I don't really believe gardening here is actually challenging if you know the right time to do things and have the right expectations. Sounds like maybe you need a greenhouse! ;-)
Janice
Posted by: Calgary Garden Coach | June 11, 2010 at 09:37 AM
Well, I do have greenhouse, even cheap one. I started everything since February, and I make sure plant I grow can withstand in Calgary weather, and I check weather forecast all the time, maybe it just no luck for now, well I guess I have to change the plan and learn more. Thanks for suggestion.
Posted by: ina | June 11, 2010 at 03:57 PM
ina, don't worry about the tomatoes, they're fine with those low temps.
Posted by: awfawef | June 11, 2010 at 05:16 PM
I hope so, Thanks awfawef , you cheer me up ^_^
Posted by: ina | June 11, 2010 at 10:57 PM
Thanks from me too, awfawef!! I really appreciate all you commenters.
Janice
Posted by: Calgary Garden Coach | June 12, 2010 at 06:47 AM