Growing Up

Good Dirt

2009-11-25T15:19:53Z

Here is another good reason to garden , or as we like to call it, 'playing in the dirt'.

Possibly this research will lead to some common sense, when it comes to the over protection and over-sanitation of of normal inquiring kids.

>Children should be allowed to get dirty, according to scientists who have found being too clean can impair the skin's ability to heal. Normal bacteria living on the skin trigger a pathway that helps prevent inflammation when we get hurt, the US team discovered. The bugs dampen down overactive immune responses that can cause cuts and grazes to swell, they say.

After this study was released a spokeswoman for 'Allergy UK' said the evidence was growing regarding exposure to dirt and germs was a good thing. I prefer to think of it as a no-cost, non-governmental,
--- simple, painless and needle-less general inoculation!

Trend 11 Recap 2009

2009-11-24T16:05:06Z

Bubbling is In, Excess is out (Trend #11 09)

Bubbling In
The Survey says: We’re staying home and entertaining in our 'sociable' spaces, and when the sun goes down --dining and playing in comfortable great outdoor rooms, enclosed patios, and decks."

"Mind you they are also looking for utopia in their plants. They want easy care, high value plants, so they are planting shrubs, perennials, and natives."

Sorry to rain on their parade, but from our conversations this season, yes new clients want the perfect plants, but are absolutely shocked when they have to actually take care of them. You have to understand, perfect plants should take care of themselves, who knew?

Excess Out
“Mother Nature” is back!" Well sometimes a down turn in the economy is a good thing' Less money to spend always brings people back to vegetable gardening.

Think Victory Gardens, Food Bank Gardens, Farm Family Gardens, now we have Recession Gardens, so what's changed. In good times flowers sell, in economic downturns, vegetable plant sales tend to increase.

Gardening in good times is entrainment, 'We Garden Centres' compete for the entertainment and restaurant dollar. In tough times people will to reduce the food bill.

Most of the population does not follow Media Produced and Media Publicised trends, instead as we always have,
--- we follow the dictates of our purses and wallets!

Trend 10 Recap 2009

2009-11-23T18:31:42Z

Worldly is In, Cookie-cutter is Out (trend #10 09)

Worldly
Americans are embracing the world's vibrant colors, textures, sights and sounds. Asian, African, Indian, and Mid-Eastern influences are showing up in patterns, textures and colors.

This is mostly an American trend, where everyone at one time went into the same meat grinder and came out American first. Meanwhile, we misguided Canucks have been brainwashed and legislated into so called multi-culturalism.

Up here if we all started to think we were Canadians first, I'm sure some political party would declare it un-Canadian. The Americans have started down the same path as non North American immigrants are driving these new design and plant ideas.

Cookie-cutter
There is still hope as ‘Americana is big with folk art accents, plus antique and hand-crafted one-of-a-kind artisan pieces. Therefore just plant your normal garden, if a neighbour says you are not in fashion, simply explain, "Hey, it's a new trend."

The best approach. plant what you like, hey you may be forerunner of,
--- one of next years gardening trends!

Wonderful Weekend II

2009-11-23T02:09:04Z

It has been another wonderful weekend for all our crazy Rider Fans. Calgary tried, emphasize on tried, in the first quarter.

Hey after that it was all downhill for the Big Red #1, ya that guy was back here again.

Durant completed 18-of-25 passes for 204 yards in the game. The last half was where he started to shine. In the second half he managed 107 yards throwing, with two touchdowns.

The Saskatchewan Roughriders are off to their second Grey Cup in three seasons. Darian Durant threw three touchdown passes as Saskatchewan advanced with a 27-17 win over the Calgary Stampeders at Mosaic Stadium.

Now the Riders will meet the Montreal Alouettes in the Grey Cup game this coming weekend. Which of course, with delicious irony,
--- is being held in Calgary at McMahon Stadium!

Trend 9 Recap 2009

2009-11-22T14:33:19Z

Global Colors are In Safe colors are Out (trend #9 09)

Global Colors
2009 color forecasters predicted a funky mix of colours that reflect the jambalaya of world cultures.

Maybe I'm slow, but there has always been a massive mix of colours used in gardens. Yes, we are influenced by our culture and our heritage. It is simply outrageous to say it's a new phenomena. These so called cultural colours have always been with us.

Then they to go on to say, "Environmental responsibility and connectivity is portrayed by a mixture of colours". Talk about stupid, let's see, if I design a mono-coloured flower bed, does that mean I'm not environmentally responsible. Talk about pandering to a lunatic fringe.

Safe Colours
We are told "The super trendy safe colour this year is anything red." Of course no one really explains why. It must ave been a coin toss. (Oddly, our most sold colour was pink in all shades.)

Now the real surprise is 'People get their color inspiration from flowers", who knew?.

Yes, and foliage adds a more sophisticated look. We should look for more shades of green in most plantings this year.

Therefore the global colours turn out to be just red and green,
--- Me thinks the committee has a Christmas Fetish!

Trend 8 Recap 2009

2009-11-21T16:03:27Z

Quick & Simple In, Over-the-Top Out (trend #8 2009)

Quick & Simple
I'm amazed at how many people wander through city parks and spend hours in our Provincial Legislative grounds. Everyone comments on how beautiful they are. These same people will notice every well kept yard in their neighbourhood.

Now when talking about these parks or yards, they are the first to say, "Yes they are great, but are just too much work for me."

I had one client state, "My idea of gardening is buying a few containers, sticking them on the deck, and throwing them out when they look bad."

I can't fathom not working to produce something lovely. You really have to wonder if they think a good marriage is too much work as well.

Over-the-Top
Hey, things have become so simple, that expensive 'Name Brand Decorator Containers' are what is found framing many front doors. Many of these containers support a single semi-green shrub. Yes, it really does take a lot of training to become this creative.

Meanwhile this same shrub owner will spend multi-hours choosing the wine and arranging the catering for their next garden party.

I guess I'm old fashioned, but give me real friends, and normal patio containers full of colourful flowers,
--- and that alone raises everyone's spirits!