MIDSUMMER AT MOM'S

If Mom's garden seemed lush way back in June, July finds it positively luxurious. A heavenly green mess of ambrosial scents, hues, shapes and textures. Like a painting. Like an ancient family quilt.

Mary's so lucky she's inherited this spectacular green thumb.

SPRINGTIME AT MOM'S

My mother's backyard this past weekend was more lush than than you could imagine, given the prairie weather. It was so nice to go home and see everyone. I love wandering around back there and letting her show me all her growing seedlings and changing landscapes.

They have been eating fresh spinach and lettuce for the last two months thanks to their new home-made cold frames! Quite the feat when you consider it was still snowing infrequently up until a couple weeks ago.

All the many construction projects of the back yard are finally almost complete, which means this year they get to just sit back and watch it all grow.

SPRING = CANNING?

Well to me it does. The fruit trees are all starting to bloom here in Vancouver and I am already thinking of the harvest. My co-workers and I are excitedly scoping out the selection of potted herbs on a daily basis, figuring out which ones to buy. I've really wanted to get into canning for the last couple of years. Our mom makes jams and jellies and sauces almost every year and Elizabeth too has tried her hand at spicy pickles and other treats.
It's not just what's in the jars that thrills me, nor the process of creating and preserving something of your own (one must prepare for the harsh winters of Vancouver, right?) but I also love the jars themselves. The old standard masons are very pretty indeed, but I felt inspired to see a little note on the beautiful and unique Weck jars in Martha Stewart. Now to get my hands on some those.... unfortunately it's still several months before I can start using them.

I DREAM OF GARDENS

The March 2010 issue of Martha Stewart Living has some very inspiring garden ideas. This property in New York state is stunning. I love the use of colour blocking and the design that allows wanderers to weave through hidden paths and admire each carefully chosen grass and flower and shrub up close. It's my dream to have a property like this that does so well to defy the lines of structure and ownership -- it looks as though it is a naturally occurring part of the countryside and that it is nurtured by nature herself. (And that pool!)