In this double-page spread for the May 2011 issue of Style at Home magazine, I compiled a list of gardening stores across Canada and garden-inspired favourite things. Read more »

Experience acres of multi-coloured, spring-flowering bulbs at this magical flower park

I’m standing at the gates to the Keukenhof, listening to the cheerful, tinkling sounds of a barrel organ. This colourful park with its extensive gardens is home to over seven million flowering bulbs. And it’s my very reason for being in Holland. My visit falls between the opening and closing of the Keukenhof—a short window of bloom-filled opportunity that lasts from about the third week of March until almost the end of May. (This year, it’s open from March 24 to May 20.) I set off with my guide, Elisabeth, eager to put my new camera to work. [read full article] Read more »

From blossoms and bulbs, to eco-friendly landscaping, this year’s show provided endless inspiration for gardeners Read more »

We all know what it’s like to get in the door after a busy day and have no clue what to eat. But if you stock a well-organized pantry, you’ll find that throwing meals together is much easier when you have the right ingredients at hand. Read more »

We thought it might be hard for landscape designer Robert Myers to encapsulate the gold-medal winning garden he designed for the 2010 RHS Chelsea Flower Show in just one word. How do you describe something that is at once lively and peaceful, colourful and monochromatic, wild and orderly? When he answered “elegant” we were a bit surprised, but as we explored the elements of his design—one where even the shadows were planned—we had to agree. [read full article] Read more »

Lately, you may have been idly surfing around for package deals that will allow you to escape to a beach. But before you book your vacation, consider the fun you could have a bit closer to home. Quebec, for example, is a province that embraces winter to the fullest—there is even a whole carnival dedicated to the season. Though you may not be able to pack as lightly–long johns and a really warm jacket are a must–you will experience enough unique adventures that you may start to welcome winter each year instead of dreading its arrival. Read more »

From South Beach to the Master Cleanse, diets that help you drop pounds in a hurry may seem appealing–but will set you up for failure. Here are five quick-fix diets that don’t work Read more »

With a little special attention, a beautiful arrangement can hold its own through the cold season. We asked Jim McMillen, president of Landscapes in Bloom, to create lush planters that will last until spring. Read more »

Feel better fast with these healthy pick-me-up foods, plus learn which foods will get you down

It’s 3 o’clock and all you want to do is march to the vending machine and grab a bag of chips or a chocolate bar. Sure, you’ll feel good for a while. But then, as your body crashes off that junk food high, you’ll come to regret digging around for that spare change. However, there are foods that you can eat throughout the day that will give you a more natural pick-me-up. [read full article] Read more »

Since 2008 I have been writing a novice gardening blog called The Budding Gardener on CanadianGardening.com. Coined by former Canadian Gardening editor-in-chief Aldona Satterthwaite, it was created as a column of sorts where I would write about all my adventures in the garden. As someone who is new to gardening, everything is still fun and fascinating and fresh to me. Read more »