gardening
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Greetings from the Cottage! Although we are still experiencing snow and some negative temperatures here on the Canadian Prairies, the signs of spring are everywhere, and I’m feeling the need to dip myself back into this space after a long time away. Spring awakens a feeling of rising energy after a long, uneventful winter. There Read more
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Everyone goes through hard times, and life here at the cottage is no different. If I had kept up with blogging, there would have been posts about grief, loss of loved ones, unexpected health issues, and goals unmet. Let’s just say it’s been a tough year. A year that I for one am happy to Read more
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Avril Cottage offers a place of safety and respite to more than just people. Surrounded by wetlands, numerous feathered friends have come to call this place home during the spring and summer months. This morning I awoke to this lovely visitor resting on the grassy lawn where she stayed for a number of hours, possibly Read more
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The rain has continued non-stop here and is expected to carry on over the next few days. The fear mongering powers that be told us to expect a terrifyingly hot dry season due to ever increasing climate change. Well we are 10C below the average temperature for this time of year, and the ponds are Read more
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A turn in the weather has put a pause on all outdoor work for the last couple of days. Buckets of rain and a massive temperature drop means muddy garden beds and cold soil. No matter, Wednesday was a trip into the city for supplies and a little get away. Thursday was very blustery and Read more
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Potato planting and other garden prep filled the morning, Yukon Gold and Russet varieties are going in this year. Before getting very far we were blessed with another drench of rain, sending us inside for a restful coffee break. Flower baskets are hung, and tomato plants are climatized in preparation for a permanent move to Read more
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For those of us who are familiar with more traditional gardening methods, transitioning to a permaculture lifestyle can feel somewhat overwhelming. It means a major shift from a consumerism mindset to adopting a holistic view to life that prioritizes sustainability, self sufficiency, and harmony with mother nature. But the transition should be viewed as a Read more
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To all mothers out there from Avril Cottage, may your day be filled with the appreciation, relaxation, and love that you deserve. Come back for a visit tomorrow for a post on trees! Have a blessed Sunday Read more
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It’s amazing what we can grow in the north here in zone 3. At Avril Cottage we have four very distinct seasons and summers are short and intense. The intensity means we can grow a surprising variety of plants and vegetables, but sometimes mother nature needs a little help. Take tomatoes for example. These were Read more
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Here at Avril Cottage, Spring makes a slow and welcome appearance. So many blogs and vlogs showcase their worlds in full bloom before the last of the snow has even left our gardens. The grassy lawn is visibly greener today, lush and thickening. The nourishing rain ended this morning, yesterday was spent indoors cooking, drinking Read more
Avril Cottage 