And then there was green...

I guess it is a good thing when life is so busy you don't have time to blog about it. And in the case of the garden it would be a full time job trying to keep up with all that has happened this year. As a quick run down here are some of the exciting things:

• fresh compost arrived to top up everyone's beds this spring;
• new ornamental beds were carved out and planted (they look fantastic);
• a raspberry bed also made its way into the garden, let hope for some berries;
• we were lucky enough to be able to capitalize on the City of Calgary's Neighborwoods Program and now have some fantastic tree groves (I can see stretching out in the shade reading a book in a few years);
• our compost bin was relocated and stirred;
• we have a wonderful new shed built and painted (what a world of difference);
• our centre piece was planted and continues to look amazing;
• we've had a few battles with the water system (it wouldn't be any fun without challenges);
• and last but not least the veggies are prolific, I know I am seeing considerable improvement from last year.

I haven't been able to get many pictures (included a few below) but it has been great seeing so many fellow gardeners tending their plots. Looking forward to running into you while trying to keep the lettuce under control. I feel a bumper potatoe crop coming on.

As winter’s end approaches...

at least according to local groundhogs, people are starting to shift their minds towards spring and summer. Hopefully being outdoors is somewhere near the tops of your spring to do list. One of the best ways to get outdoors in the spring is to dabble in some gardening. Whether you’re a beginner or someone who would just appreciate another seasoned gardener’s opinion there is a number of educational workshops that the community garden group wants to offer to their members this year and if there is interest expand this to all members of the community.

Workshops may include subjects such as:

• Composting Basics
• Starting Plants from Seed
• Food for Small Places
• Growing Food for the First Time
• Vegetable Gardening for Zone Three

Any other ideas would be appreciated and can be sent to garden@northernhills.ab.ca.

If you are interested in vegetable gardening and want to participate in these workshops keep watching the community garden blog or follow the Community Garden link at http://www.northernhills.ab.ca for more information and updates.

There are also some other great local educational opportunities offered by The Calgary Horticultural Society and Green Calgary, being but a few. Below is a great example of a fast approaching event, it looks like a lot of fun.

Just a little peak...

If you just can't wait to see if your root veggies are growing here is a little peak of some potatoes. A little check up helps us tell if we're on the right track.

I don't think it's a coincidence that the potatoes are making a happy face. I guess the garden makes more than the gardeners happy. It must be a potato paradise as well. I would also like to add that no potatoes were harmed in this photo shoot, all disturbed tubers were lovingly recovered with dirt to hopefully grow a little more. See you again in a few weeks.

Some intersting favourites of mine...

Check out some pics from Harvest Gardens. Some of these favourites are just great looking plants, some are prolific producers, others are things I didn't think could grow here, and some I have no idea what they are which makes them all the better.