Gardening ABCs: C is for Cucurbitaceae: Part 2
Challenges for the Gardener For some regions, insect pests such as the spotted cucumber beetle, striped cucumber beetle, squash bug, and squash vine borer are major problems, both in the…
Gardening ABCs: C is for Cucurbitaceae: Part 1
“Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms…
Gardening ABCs: B is for Brassicaceae Part 2
The Brassicas are “cool season” vegetables. Like lettuce, they grow best and taste best before or after the hottest part of our summer. Wait until after the first light frost…
Gardening ABCs: B is for Brassicaceae Part 1
Introducing the Brassicas This family has many names: Brassicaceae, Cruciferae, cabbage or cole family. I was intrigued to learn that the name Cruciferae is used because flowers of these plants…
The ABC’s of the Vegetable Garden: “A” is for Asteraceae
Did you know that the Asteraceae (a.k.a. the Aster or Daisy) family includes one of our most popular vegetables, lettuce? And this is the perfect time of year to start…
Seed-Saving in February?
Recently I attended a local Seedy Saturday event. The venue was set up with several long tables laden with packets of seeds donated by attendees for the seed-sharing part of…
Nourishing Body and Spirit
“It would be important for a family to have a rice cooker in the home and lots and lots of rice!!” This was part of an email reply an RNDM…
The Rabbit and the Squirrel – A Story
This is the story Fr. Stan Fontaine told at the special Eucharistic gathering for Reconciliation at St. Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Winnipeg on October 1, 2023. At that time, two…
Still This Love Goes On
This song by Buffy Sainte-Marie holds a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite songs. This soulful ballad beautifully explores themes of memory, enduring love, and…
Reflecting on My Academic Journey in Canada
As I embark on the final stages of my academic studies in Canada, a wave of conflicting emotions engulfs me. One part of me is filled with relief and contentment…