Sign Off From Spruce

Another year at Spruce is winding down, and for me personally, it is officially over. I have totally enjoyed my job this year, the people I have gotten close to, and the new friends I have made. Don't forget to check out the Christmas store at Spruce that will be unfolding from October 8th to 11th, and being showcased at the Spruce Christmas Unveiling on November 5th. On November 5th, customers will all be able to take advantage of a 15% discount, and the evening event will commence around 6:00 (call for details) with our annual Wine and Cheese - always one of my favorite times of year...
Anyways, until we meet again...Peace Out...J

The New Spruce Gear is Here...

I think Pat is wearing every piece of new gear we got! Thanks to Dave for sprucing up our clothing line...
Can't believe it, I just wrote an article for a September newsletter and I talked about the changing colors on the trees and shrubs. Another summer season will be winding up before we know it, and then out comes the Christmas stuff.
A lot of our spruce 'kids' will be headed back to school soon, so it will just be us 'lifers' left. Thanks go out to all of our staff this year - best season ever! As they head back, I look forward to next season as I complete all of my pre-orders with our suppliers. Pat gears up her buying and receiving as she also looks towards next season. She will be headed to Philly this week to capture a wonderful order of 2010 fountains and pots that we will be showcasing in the near future. Aaah, one year just rolls into the next....
Have a fabulous Monday...

Holidays...

Penelope Trunk wrote a couple of days ago that if you love your life, there is no need to take a holiday. I guess I can appreciate her points, yet coming from someone who loves her job, it would be so nice to take a trip far away from it for a couple of weeks. As my Dad would have said - "where did the summer go?"...
I guess we all took a trip to Edmonton this past week, so that should be good for a while... It was so interesting to see how other garden centres work - the good, the bad and the ugly. It actually made me very proud of what we have built at Spruce. I mean, we can always improve on the little stuff, but I believe we are all dedicated to achieving the best we can be, and the best part is, I think we have a pretty damn nice store...
As we move towards September, we all believe that since summer was 4-5 weeks late, we will have a fabulously long fall season, which is always good for people who want to complete their outdoor projects this fall rather than waiting until spring. September and October are fabulous times to plant if the weather stays decently warm, and then maybe, just maybe, the stars will align and I will be able to take the vacation I am yearning for...

Where Have You Been???

My apologies for being so weak at posting. I think its called the August burn-out time! We all go so hard through the season, and as it starts to slow down a bit, you find yourself coming home in the evenings and not wanting to do anything but watch some crazy reality show. Or maybe that's just me?!??!

As we head into my favorite season of fall, I'm noticing some of the leaves on the shrubs and trees starting to turn color. I'm also enjoying the Black-eyed Susans and the Autumn Joy Sedum starting to showcase their color. I love the colors of fall! Got our first shipment of fall Mums in this past week and they are stunning - next week will be Kale, fall Lilies and Sedum - it should be a great week.

Last Wednesday we finally made it out to a home in the NW, where seven of us planted up a backyard for a family that just lost their young father. A good time was had by all, and thanks to our hosts, who kindly provided beverages for the evening. The picture is a good one - thanks you guys for helping me out!

A group of us are headed to Edmonton this week to a gift show, and also to take a look at some garden centres up there. Pat and Kathie are gearing up for our Christmas giftware shipments - can't believe we are at that point already - one season seems to just roll into the next. September will see us all head off to Vancouver to the CanWest Show and also tour some of our nurseries out there, so it will be a busy once again preparing to place orders for next season.

A Little Spruce Spirit...

Yesterday I put up a request in the lunchroom at Spruce. A simple request - one of time and a bit of labor. There is a family in the city that needs some help 'sprucing' up their yard after a recent loss, and asked if Spruce could lend a hand, so I put up a small note asking if anyone was interested in helping out. Checking back this morning, I found 7 people enthusiastically signed up. It's not that I wasn't expecting it, it just confirmed what a great place Spruce is - in all aspects. So next Wednesday, we are all headed up north to give someone a hand - feels good to be surrounded by good people. Thanks guys....

Work To Live, or Live to Work...

This is the age old question...would you describe yourself as someone who works to live or lives to work? Some of us are designed to feel the pressure to conquer the world, and that if you don't put all those hours in, you have a sense of guilt. I was reading something by Anna Quindlen the other day and she talked about getting a life - a real life, not one that pushes you to pursue the bigger paycheck, the bigger job, the big house, but one that allows you to stop and enjoy something as simple as the look on a baby's face when he is trying really hard to pick up a cheerio between his finger and thumb - I miss those looks. I was pondering the idea that if the work you do makes you feel alive, does that make it acceptable to work long hours - I decided it did, and that if you don't feel that way in your job, then you shouldn't make it your life.
What was that about?? You know that it all leads into my Bachelorette update of the Final Rose Ep. Last night Kiptyn said that he works to live and we all know that Ed lives to work since he left Jillian (albeit for a short time) to return to his job. In the end, after Reid returned and was sent home broken hearted for the second time, Jillian let 8-pack go and accepted a proposal from Ed. I think its going to last... Tonight is After the Rose - stay tuned for the riveting season finale.
What's up at Spruce? Things are rolling along nicely with the large perennials flying off the shelves (truly!). I was a bit reluctant to bring in these larger beauties, but decided to take a chance and it has been a huge hit. You know what I like about them? the fact that they look like they are a three year old plant instantly. Landscapers are snatching them up like crazy, as they try to give their clients that 'holy s***' factor' I use that term because it makes me laugh. A couple years back, Meryl and I went to a new clients house that wanted her landscaping done. We were not 10 seconds out of the truck when she announced that she didn't care what we did, or how much it cost, she just wanted the 'holy s*** factor'. We assured her that the HS factor was our specialty... lol - good times...
Happy tuesday...

My Soil is Dry...

Yesterday I was up very early - Monday is my ordering day at Spruce. Met one of my suppliers at 8am which meant that there was no workout time which is always a disappointment for me. Spent a busy day at the office and was late coming home only to find 24 very dry containers in my yard, full of flowers. The Horticulturist in me says that I should not be watering at night, but I couldn't help myself, as I felt my flowers would most certainly be dead by morning, so I watered, and you know what - Everything survived! It has been said that plants need to breathe at night, and I totally agree, but how can you possibly let your babies sleep overnight without being well watered? I gave in... Not unlike what I do for Bailey, my 12 year old Bichon Shih-Tzu. He is scared of his food dish, so I place his food on the floor, which he happily devours every day. My family scolds me every time I pamper him, but I figure he's 12 years old, and it's not like I need to teach him how to be a productive, upstanding member of society. He's not going to take over the world or anything, so why can't I take the food out and make life easier on him. I hope when I'm 84 someone takes the food out of my dish if I so desire.
The Bachelorette was weak last night, with a reunion tour of all the bachelors being showcased. I felt myself being slightly embarassed for them all. The 'man-code' was discussed in great extent and I would totally be ashamed of myself if I was part of it. That being said, I look forward to the finale next Monday where Jillian decides between Kiptyn and Ed - or, as we have decided to call it, the decision between 8-pack and Greg Brady (for those who know what that means). Taking a vote, I am in the minority as I believe that Ed is the chosen one (although, I would choose Kiptyn in a New York minute), while Grace believes that Kiptyn will come out on top. But wait... Reid is back in the picture with a ring in his hand...hmmmm. Riveting, as always. We will tune in next week and find out who Jillian ultimately chooses. Grace and I are now on to watching Big Brother, but I won't update you on that because it is truly a guilty pleasure that I probably should not share with anyone.
Remember to water your plants in the morning.... Happy Tuesday

Calgary Garden Tours...

One of my favorite weekends of the year is coming up on July 25th and 26th. It is the open viewing of gardens around Calgary, sponsored by the Calgary Horticultural Society. It is a great opportunity to view some of the best gardens in the city and be inspired. Spruce is the proud sponsor of The Newly Landscaped by Homeowner category and we send out congratulations to all of the winners - we are looking forward to seeing all of you at the Awards Banquet and in your garden on the weekend.
I will be sure to take plenty of pictures and share them with you...

Aphids, Aphids, Everywhere...

The little critters are out in full force. Some are green, some are white and some are black, and they are plentiful. I noticed some on my Diablo Ninebark yesterday, so have to get out there and spray them down with the hose. All shrubs and trees can really use a good bath everytime you water - be careful not to shred the leaves as you are spraying, but try to get as many of the aphids off as possible. If they continue to multiply, apply an insecticidal soap on the tops and undersides of the leaves. Leave soap on for up to an hour, then spray the plant down again with water. This process will have to be repeated every one to two weeks to get the infestation under control.
What else is happening out there? We discussed Birch Leaf Miner a few days ago - have you seen the brown leaves on many of the Birches out there? This is definitely a bad miner year.
As we head into the warm temperatures of summer (finally!), ensure you are keeping up with watering your containers - they may need watering in the morning as well as a small drink at night. Ensure you are watering all of your trees, shrubs and perennials in the early morning. Watering in the afternoon proves almost fruitless as most of the moisture evaporates. We still have plenty of summer days left, so check out what's blooming at the garden centre and fill in those empty spots. Here are some of my recommendations:
Perennials:

• Coneflower (Echinacea)
• Shasta Daisy (Leucanthemum)
• Tickseed (Coreopsis)
• Astilbe (Astilbe)
• Garden Phlox (Phlox paniculata)
• Asiatic Lilies (Lilium)
• Gayfeather (Liatris)

Shrubs:

• Spirea
• Mockorange
• Hydrangea (some varieties)
• Smokebush - 'Young Lady' is starting to look fabulous

See you at Spruce!

Dealing with Pressure...

Is it Tuesday already? That means it's time for the recap of Bachelorette...
Jillian and the three remaining men went to Maui this week. Did I mention that Maui is my favorite vacation spot ever? If you like to body surf, that is the place to go. Speaking of bodies, Kiptyn was the first to meet up with Jillian. They kissed all through a High Ropes challenge, ending with a leap of faith onto a trapeze. As the day progressed, Jill ended up in the fantasy suite with Kiptyn. This is a moment that I'm sure she has waited for, but the audience was left to stand behind closed doors as the candles romantically lit the bedroom. Aaaah....
Next day, Jillian's right back at it with Reid, flying high over the island. Her concern with Reid has always been his reluctance to tell her how he really feels and this date was no different. Wasn't it a little childish when he said, with outstretched arms, I like you thiiiisss much. Hmmm... She did, however, end up at the fantasy suite with Reid as well.
Final date went to Ed, who was the only one to tell her he loved her. Ed had his parents meet them in the afternoon since he missed introducing Jillian to them when he left the show to go back to his job (weak). A good time was had by all, and off to the fantasy suite they went. One of the steamiest scenes I've seen on Bachelor showed Jillian and Ed massaging oil over each others bodies on the rose petal laden bed. But alas, the pressure got to Ed and it affected his performance - not sure what that means, but I have my own conclusions. I have to make special mention of Ed's green and white 'man-kini'. What the he** was that?
Off to the rose ceremony, where Jillian told them all that she could see a life with all three of them, which I'm sure made them all feel warm and fuzzy inside. In the end, thank goodness, Reid was booted off the island. And then there were two. Called Kiptyn as the winner from day one, but I think if Ed can get a handle on his performance issues, he may be the one (despite the man-kini and the unfortunate baby blue blazer he wore at the rose ceremony).
As Reid is driving away, he is kicking himself for not opening up. NO KIDDING, REID, like where have you been over the past 800 episodes???
Well, that's my recap, and my only advice to future bachelors is: c'mon, give it up, what have you got to lose?!?!? No sense saying what you should have said and done as you are driving away in the limo. hmmmm. maybe I'm making it more simple than it is...

Life is Like that Sometimes...

Another barn-burner last night on Bachelorette with Jillian taking the boys to Spain. Is it just me, or is Reid the most boring man alive? Unfortunately, she will probably end up with him. Nice dates with Kiptyn, Reid and Ed all travelling to different cities in Spain. Jillian, although given the opportunity to share a fantasy suite with each guy, chose to forego spending the night together with all of them. The last day was spent with Wes, and Jillian finally saw his true colors for herself and sent him packing at the rose ceremony. Most villainous send off in Bach history as he vowed that every woman in Spain was going to know his name by the end of the evening. Hope no one ever buys his CD's... Next week the group is off to Maui - one of my favorite spots in the whole world. Jillian was seen in Calgary yesterday at the rodeo and a couple restaurants around town. Apparently she was overheard saying 'I Love You' to someone on the phone. hmmmm...
Back at Spruce things are really rolling alone. Have had lots of calls about the browning of Birch Tree leaves. The Birch Leaf Miner has hit us hard this season. I usually get a soil drench done to mine each spring, and my tree is incredibly healthy right now, but I have seen some nasty looking specimens out there this week. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do right now to correct the problem. Treatment has to be done in early spring, just when the leaves are emerging. Pick up some Tanglefoot Paste at the garden centre and apply it to the trunk of the tree. The miners overwinter in the soil and make their way up the trunk to the leaves, but get caught in the paste along the way. We used to be able to use Cygon, but it has been taken off the market due to effects to the nervous system. Tanglefoot is our best defense right now. The little miners wil not kill the tree, just make it unsightly - do not however, let the problem persist year after year. And FYI, a foliar spray will not help, as the miners exist between the tissues of the leaf, and are well protected from any spray. Life is like that sometimes...
Happy Tuesday...

Big Pot Bonanza...

As we head further into the summer season, I'm finding that customers are looking for that instant gratification when it comes to plants. For instance, I brought in these fabulous 10 gallon Quick Fire Hydrangeas - they are massive and absolutely gorgeous. Brought 6 in two weeks ago and they sold within two days, so brought in 6 more this week and they are all gone too. The Quick Fire is from the PeeGee family and hardy for our zone, and although it is a PeeGee, it blooms much sooner than the rest. The blooms emerge white and apparently turn pink - I bought one this year, so I'm waiting to see the transformation for myself. Soooo, I've decided to order lots of big shrubs and perennials this week and do a Big Pot Bonanza starting on Thursday. Many people don't want to wait for a plant to grow, they just want to see it in its full glory right away - so we'll see how it all goes at Spruce later this week!

It's Stampede Week in Calgary, and although we may some cooler temperatures and some rain (what else is new!), the week of the 13th is shaping up to be hot and dry. This is the perfect week to fertilize your shrubs and trees. They are well watered from the rain we have been having, so they are better able to soak up the fertilizer. I use a root feeder on my plants so the food becomes readily available right at the roots. Ensure that you fertilize all around the dripline where the newer roots are situated. This is also the month that your trees should receive the most water - you do not want them to dry out at all. As August rolls around, the amount of water should diminish so that you are not pushing new growth while the tree should be hardening up for winter (yeh, I know its weird to talk about winter in August!). Decrease the water given to trees and shrubs in August and September, and then when the leaves start turning and falling, ensure you water the tree well before freeze up. We are seeing many cases of winter die back in trees this year, so following the above watering practices will help ensure healthy trees for years to come.
Happy Stampeding!

Is it Better to Say Nothing at All?

Last night's Bachelorette continued to tell us why it is the best reality show on TV (at least until Big Brother starts up again next week). It was hometown visit time for Jillian, with all of her potential husbands taking her to their respective cities to meet their families.
The first hour and a half were nondescript with Jillian having 4 lovely visits with the families of Jesse (winemaker), Michael (breakdancer), Reid (boring guy) and Kiptyn (8 pack). The fun evolved when Jake (pilot, kicked off from last week) returned to tattle on Wes' sketchy motives. Was it just me, or was the scene showing Jake crying on the balcony rail reminiscent of Jason's(the most recent Bachelor) crying scene when he sent Molly packing on the second last episode? Jake's confession to Jillian regarding his knowledge of Wes' girlfriend fell on deaf ears and Wes ended up in the Final Four.
Remember when I wrote about Ed leaving the show to go back to work (weak)? Well lo and behold, guess who shows up on Jillian's doorstep right before the rose ceremony. It was Ed asking for another chance - which she gave to him by rewarding his less than spectacular departure with a rose. That left Kiptyn, Jesse, Michael and Reid vying for the final two roses. In the end Reid and of course 8-pack Kiptyn ended up with roses. And then there were four...riveting stuff...
So was it better for Jake to let her know about Wes' sketchy agenda, or should he have left it up to Jillian to figure out? When an injustice is done, we have two choices; to speak up, or say nothing at all. I'm glad he said something to her, yet it has a vibe of sour grapes... Only time will tell...
Spruce news...
Pat, Meryl and I arrived back in Calgary on Sunday night after a lengthy delay in the Dallas airport. It never fails - just when you are exhausted and anxious to get back home, mysteriously, the plane needs an essential part like a wheel or something in order to get up in the air. Anyways, we made it home safe and sound and hit the ground running yesterday. It's amazing the difference a week makes - particularly when that week falls at the end of June and the sun is at the peak of its heat capacity. The plants are looking spectacular with a little bit of rain and a lot of warm sunshine.
Canada Day weekend (although it begins on a Wednesday) will see all annuals go on sale, along with shrubs and selected trees. It is a fabulous time to fill in your beds with colorful annuals, or to add some nice shrubbery along a fence or the foundation of your home. This is also the beginning of the 'staycation' season, which will see many people spending their holiday time prettying up their yards. The Landscaping Division is seeing an influx of people asking for designs in order to implement the perfect plan for their backyard oasis' (oasees??). If you are looking for an excellent spot to pick up everything you need to do this, Spruce is definitely the place (shameless plug)!
Get Gardening, and Happy to Tuesday to all....

On the Road with Spruce...

Well here we are in beautiful Dallas, Texas for the Dallas Trademart Giftshow. Meryl, Pat, Tim and I took Spruce on the road to do a little shopping for the store. The last couple of days have been busy checking out millions of square feet of product. Everything from outdoor living stuff, to unique giftware, to furniture and rugs. Last year, we were in Atlanta and discovered many one-of-a-kind products and had great success with everything that we bought. This year is no different - we have discovered hundreds of items that will set us apart from all other retailers in Calgary. Pat and Tim have been busy spending time with reps and negotiating pricing and terms. It is aften a daunting task when you are buying things that will show up anytime between July and January. I was a little taken aback by the Christmas tunes that were playing in many of the hallways!

We work hard and play hard, so at the end of the day we head out for dinner to discuss all of the days finds, and sometimes try to solve the world's problems. The picture above is one that Tim will probably regret posing for, but we thought it was funny that he was between two hooters...ha, there's a joke in there somewhere - I'll let you firgure it out! It has been great getting to know Tim a little bit better - he has been a fabulous addition to our merchandising team at the store and now he gets to think about everything that we have bought and come up with a design theme for the store. We are even thinking forward to the 2010 Home and Garden Show, where some of the new product line will be showcased.

I can't believe it's Friday already and I haven't updated you on Bachelorette. I know, you are disappointed in that, and I truly apologize. It was an exciting episode that brought the group to Emerald Lake, Banff and Lake Louise, while travelling on the Rocky Mountaineer Train. It was so nice to see our mountains shown so beautifully for millions of people to see. Keeping it brief, we still believe that Kiptyn is the front runner (great shot of the abs as he was slipping into the hot tub). Freaky foot fetish guy - Tanner P was sent packing (thank you, there is a God!) and pilot Jake packed his bags as well. This leaves her with 5 guys that will take her to their hometowns next week, It was finally revealed what a weasel Wes (country singer guy) is, and it looks like he may get called out next week.

Well, I better head over to the Market Centre and meet Meryl and Pat. Tim left bright and early this morning back to Toronto, where he will be heading to Cambodia until the end of July. Sounds like it will be an exciting, eventful trip for him and I wish him all the best!

Enjoy your weekend - it is a sweltering 102 degrees here today, but I figure it was snowing back home 3 weeks ago, so I refuse to complain!

Kisser or a Hugger...

Well, here it is - the update. Last night on the Bachelorette, Jillian took her men to Whistler, B.C. It was absolutely stunning - Whistler, I mean...well, I guess the men were too! Front runner still seems to be Kiptyn - he's a kisser - as are Wes, Jesse and Michael. Tanner, Jake and Mark are huggers. Jillian sent hugger, Mark packing at the end of the episode, so I guess she likes the kissers.
Turmoil of the night was when Ed chose to leave and go back to his job. I think that if a place can't get along without you for 6 weeks out of a year, then they haven't structured the company properly. It brings up an interesting point - when it comes to relationships, do you choose your job or your loved ones. For myself, being in the garden centre business, I frequently choose work in the height of the season. It has taken the people that surround me 4 years to come to terms with it, but I think now they just accept it and wait for October to roll around so they can spend some time with me again. Its finding that balance the continues to elude me...
It was another fantastic weekend at Spruce - it was super busy with people looking for plants and giftware to 'Spruce Up' their yards (ha!) Most popular items that I saw flying out of there were the Blue Moon Wisteria (new Wisteria that is hardy for our climate - I bought one, so I'll let you know how it does), the mini Clematis vines (so cute!) and of course, the huge trees (for that instant mature look for the yard). Annuals were a big seller too - perhaps it was the three days of frost earlier in the week that brought people back in to fill in their pots up again! Anyways, it was a busy day Monday for all of us trying to order more stock for this week - both Pat and I put in huge orders for plants and giftware. If there's a recession going on, we certainly aren't seeing it at Spruce...
Have a fabulous week!

Suddenly the Week is Gone...

Wow, blogging during the busy season is tough - there is so much going on, but you have no time to write about it, and then before you know it you have forgotten what you were gonna write about! Meryl offered to be a guest blogger, but I haven't yet trusted him with the HUGE responsibility. I have tried to write a Bachelorette update, but everytime I sit down to do it in the evenings, I realize that my Bachelorette file is at work (yes, I have a file - this is serious stuff).
No Bachelorette update today, but will raise my glass to the Pittsburgh Penguins - exciting game tonight to win the cup over the Detroit Red Wings. It doesn't matter what sport, job or event it is, it always chokes me up when you see people fighting for something that means so much to them. When what you are doing is your passion, it is interesting to see what you are capable of. It's like the garden centre/landscaping industry - it's not for the faint-of-heart. In the height of the season, it is not unreasonable to see staff work seven days a week and possibly 10 hours a day. The only thing that makes that possible, is if it is your total passion (or you need to support a spouse and 4 children, and even then, you may lose your mind by the end of June!) It also helps when you can look at the people standing next to you, and feel admiration and friendship, knowing that they are going through the same trials and tribulations!
The perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs continue to roll off the truck. It is awesome to hear the oohs! and aahs! when plants get unpacked and placed. Judi (our supervisor of Perennials/Annuals) brings a sample upstairs everytime an exciting, new plant arrives! It's wonderful when the seasonal workers share the passion. A job is far more rewarding when you are doing something that excites you. I love the feeling of waking up and being excited to get to work - I have the greatest job ever!
Much happiness....

Time...

• We never have enough time
• Time goes by so quickly
• Time is money
• Waste of time
• Time after time
• First time, next time, last time
• Good time, bad time
• Time's up

The reality is that we always have time; we just choose not to use it wisely. Maybe that's why I haven't posted a blog for a few days!

When we don't plan ahead, often we have to make up precious time. Or, we don't have time to wait for things to come to fruition. We are seeing evidence of that at Spruce these days. We brought in some very mature shrubs - Ninebarks, Lilacs, Dogwoods, Junipers - and they are flying off the lot. These are the extra large shrubs that can give you the instant gratification as if the shrub had been planted for 3 years - they are amazing and everybody wants one!

It is always interesting to see a homeowners reaction to a newly planted landscape. As a designer, I try not to overplant initially to allow room for growth. Many clients look at the initial planting and are bewildered as to why there are so many empty spots. I ask them to trust me and give me a call 2 seasons later. It seems that you see the fruits of your labors in the third season, at which time they understand what the vision was. I have had the privilege of returning to many landscapes and seeing the smiles on people's faces when all of the plants have begun to really settle into a healthy growth pattern and start filling in those once empty spots.

You may have nothing but time, or perhaps you have no time at all; maybe it's all in how you view it...

The Update...

Gripping ep last night on Bachelorette. It was an evening of anger and jealousy in the house. What did they think they were getting into when they signed up? There was an enormous amount of kissing last night, but the one that stands out was the kiss from Kiptyn. Grace and I looked at each other and agreed "That was a Different Kiss"! Oh my, a good kisser AND an 8-pack...hmmmm. On another note, if I hear Wes' country song one more time, I may lose my mind. Front runners: Kiptyn (oh my), Ed (the dark horse), Robby the bartender... Also, my prediction...Juan will be the next Bachelorette!
I'm off to Spruce for another fun-filled day. I have to get my head wrapped around where I am going to find room for 180 flats of perennials and 200 Spireas that will be arriving on Friday - they're gonna love me...
Happy Tuesday!

It's the Small Victories...

Today, Grace and I made it from Sundance to Jimmy Condon Arena in 11 minutes flat. Many of you probably have no idea how awesome that is. We were running late because as usual I was delayed at the store and had to come home and throw a dinner together before she goes off skating for the evening. I didn't speed (well, maybe slightly...), but I hit every light just right and she made it there with 10 minutes to spare. It's the small victories...
The day at Spruce was great - alot was accomplished by everyone. The shrub/tree lot looks fabulous. It was a cold day, so everyone out there banded together and reorganized everything and it looks spectacular! The perennial lot was buzzing with activity with everyone organizing the new plant deliveries and getting everything re-alphabetized. Thanks to everyone for all of their hard work today! I managed to get through all of my meetings this morning and plant orders were done this afternoon. It all went as planned! It's the small victories... it was a good day.
Don't forget... Bachelorette update tomorrow... I know, you can't wait...

Nature is Perfection...

Last night I talked about passion and this morning I speak of perfection. As you drive out this morning to do your daily routine, enjoy the beauty of spring. The Flowering Crabapples (the picture is from my backyard), the Mayday trees, the Lilacs. The stunning array of color out there right now is breathtaking...
In the planter below my Crabapple tree, I have planted some annual Fuschias (its a shady spot). There must be 100 buds on it right now just about to burst open. Today or tomorrow will be another show of perfection - the Fuschia is a flower like no other.
When you are taking the plunge and heading to the garden centre, think about the beauty of spring and choose a few plants that will make you smile in May.
Come out to Spruce and see what's blooming!

Passion and Success...

When you are pursuing your very own passion, nothing has the power to stop you. When you are doing what you are meant to do, it is effortless and there is no struggle. It's like Susan Boyle - the phenom that is taking 'Britains Got Talent' by storm. She just sings... It doesn't matter what she has to do to survive every day, she just sings because it is her passion. And now, with over 200 million hits on her youTube video, she has passed her passion on to the world. What gratification she must have to know that she has impacted so many people. Every time I watch the video of her first audition, I cry - literally. And you know why? Because I believe she is living her passion, and there is no greater feeling.
That's all my thoughts for Saturday night... Enjoy your evening and I will update you on Spruce tomorrow (it's a happenin' place these days!)
Peace out...

The Busy Season...

Well, things are hoppin' at Spruce. The weekend was fabulous - we got awesome comments on how nice everything looked. Our designer, Tim, is back today to 'Spruce things up', so it will be even prettier by the weekend! As you can see by the picture, the tree lot is full and leafing out/blooming nicely. The busy season is upon us! Biggest seller over the weekend, other than the plants - a bobble head dog bench - one of our finds in Atlanta. We even had some spirited bidding over the last one! We have ordered 8 more! Another Atlanta find - Campania fountains...They are concrete fountains that are absolutely top notch quality - many of them sold over the weekend - these are easy water features that look fabulous on a patio or in the garden. Really nice!!

There is some serious business I have to talk about - you all know what I'm talking about...Must see TV last night - The Bachelorette. Jillian had two group dates and one date with Jake (pilot). The Calgary Stampede got a mention during Jake's date, as they were dancing to a live concert given by Martina McBride. The front runners still seem to be Wes (Country singer guy), Jake, David (scary swearing guy who is going to beat the crap out of Juan before the show is over), Kiptyn (8-pack, oh my!) and Jesse (the winemaker). It was absolutely gripping last night - everything from anger management issues to complete nudity (something for everyone really). Well, that's my guilty pleasure update for this week. When you are at the garden centre, hunt me down if you want to discuss anything from gardening to The Bachelorette!

Happy Tuesday...

Life and Times at the Garden Centre...

It feels like this should have been the long weekend. The parking lot is full at Spruce, the carts are overflowing with plants and everyone seems happy! I have had a great couple of days learning from Pat all the ins and outs of buying the green goods at the store. She is a wealth of information, and I am happy to be working with her.
We got a huge shipment of flowering Crabapple trees and Ivory Silk Lilacs - they are in full bloom, so the tree lot smells beautiful! It looks like it will be great planting weather this week, so enjoy picking out your plants to beautify your yard and remember that it is best to plant early in the morning or later in the evening, rather than in the heat of the day...
Cheers!

Starting a New Position...

When do you know its time to increase your workload, change jobs, or stay where you are? I ask this because yesterday I agreed to take on further work at Spruce. I happily took on the task of assisting the buying of the green goods for the store - trouble is, I've never really paid much attention to where plants come from, I've just expected to be able to find what I was looking for when I was shopping for a landscape client. I saw the trucks rolling in, but never looked at the supplier name on the side. Now I have 15 pages of notes on where we buy, what we buy, and who has the best product. I'm brushing up on my latin and discovering I know more perennials than I thought! I have gone from Landscape Coordinator, to Landscape Designer, to Public Relations, to buying. I'm guessing it's good to learn many aspects of an industry you love, but can I feasably make it all work? Time will tell...For now, all I know is there is no other place I'd rather be working and I love the staff, so it should be an exciting ride!
The forecast is good for the next little while, so I am cautiously believing that I can finally plant my annuals - hope I have time to! With all of this new product rolling in, I will have a tough time choosing what plants to put in my 25 containers. I find containers to be the best way to express some creativity. Go for plants with different textures, foliage colors and no more than 3 bloom colors. Number one container failure problem? Improper drainage...Make sure that you leave an escape route for the water and flush your plants right through, every time. You should be able to see the water run out from the container. I like to use the slow-release fertilizer pellets, but I also supplement with further fertilizing throughout the season. Annuals are heavy feeders, particularly if you have lots of plants in one pot. Use larger pots and mix in some moisture retainer like CocoEarth. Pots look nice when displayed in groupings of three (if possible), and they don't all have to be the same style. For instance, choose a tall and short square pot and a medium sized round pot and group them in a corner on your deck. Always, always use a Planter Box soil for best results, as regular top soil is too heavy and less porous, leaving little breathing room for the plants. Select plants for sun or shade depending on where the container will be placed, and don't be afraid to mix some perennials in with the annuals for texture and foliage contrast. I will post some pictures when I have mine ready! Happy Potting!

Summer's Guilty Pleasure...

You may think that my guilty summer pleasure would be planting a Japanese Maple tree in a planter and treating it like a $150 annual, but no, that was so last year.... my guilty pleasure this year is The Bachelorette. Embarassing, I know, but there we were, Grace and I, last night having some mother/daughter bonding time with a pad of paper making our bets on who was going to win. We had a little spreadsheet going with 3 headings - TOP 10, BUBBLE PLAYERS, and NEVER. We didn't do too badly, choosing 12 of the 20 guys in our TOP 10 and Bubble categories. Our top picks, as displayed and described on our spreadsheet are as follows: Kiptyn (8-pack, oh my!), Wes (country singer guy), Jake (sensitive pilot), Jesse (winemaker) and Mark (pizza guy). We moved Bubble player David up after he redeemed himself from losing his mind when he stepped out of the limo and stood in complete silence for 17 seconds. It was one of those "I think I have to change the channel, cause I can't stand this" moments. He then composed himself inside the house and now we call him David (sensitive crying guy). Dark horse, although too creepy for me is Juan (squirrelly contractor guy). He was initially on the TOP 10, but moved to Bubble after some creepy moments in the house. I'm sure this will provide for riveting conversation over the next several weeks, but now I'm in too deep to stop watching - I have a spreadsheet going and a side bet with my daughter, so will keep you posted!
Another rainy day in Calgary, but supposed to clear this afternoon. Head out to Spruce with the kids and check out our new play structure - it was a hit over the weekend!

Let's Talk Gardening...

Well, we had a great radio show today on QR77. It was broadcast live from Spruce and we had a fun-filled morning of answering gardening questions. Kudos go out to Betty Jo Kaiser for filling in for Barry today - she always does a great job! She says she knows nothing about gardening, but the beauty is, she keeps on trying! There were some great questions today, and I thought I would give a brief synposis because it may be of interest to other people trying to garden.

• When should Irises be divided? They should be divided after they flower in early or mid-July. You will know that they need dividing when the flower production deteriorates
• What are some good companion plants to go with Rose bushes? Baby's breath looks good and so do Daylilies - choose perennials that do well in full-sun, cause that's where roses do best
• Bulb and Soil Dust - what does it do? It is a fungicide that help with worms on Monkshood and Delphiniums. apply it to the soil with your perennials
• What are some examples of trees I can plant in an exposed, windy spot? It was suggested that a Hawthorn, Pear and Maple tree would do well

That's just a few of the questions that were answered - we really pounded through the questions today, so hopefully helped a lot of people out with their gardening! If you want to hear the full show, go to the AM770chqr website and listen in the audio vault for the full show.

Back at home, I got my small water feature going - I love my little abstract fountain because it gives a nice sound off in the far corner of my yard. It is slightly concealed, so you can hear the lovely water sound, but you can't really see it unless you venture into the yard - its wonderful! It seems to be evaporating water, tho, and I discovered it was because my dog, Bailey, is using it as a water dish - c'est la vie, he's old, so I'm not really losing any sleep over it, and he seems to be quite happy with himself - its the small victories...

After the show, Spruce was hopping - even tho the threat of snow was in the air. Just like buying a computer, you have to jump into the market at some point! I fell victim to the excitement and bought most of my annuals as well. Will probably see if the snow flies tomorrow before I plant, but at least I have them in close proximity for quick planting as soon as the forecast is favorable.

Hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend, and when you are out at Spruce, come and say Hi! Enjoy the weekend!

Words from Penelope...

I absolutely love Penelope Trunk's Blog. Not to say I don't like mine too, but there is a reason she has 35,000 followers, and I have 4 (one of the four is a four-legged feline, so I'm not sure he counts!) One day I hope to have thousands of followers that are eager to log in every morning and see what's happening, and hopefully every follower walks on two legs!
On Monday, we had a great day at Spruce filming a commercial for Global TV. Josh and Mike were the happy customers and I was the Spruce expert - what a riot! Check the commercials out on Global during the news in the morning, 6pm and 11pm. We had a great time putting them together with the crew from Global!
We all know the May Long Weekend is upon us and I thought I might share some gardening myths with you to help you navigate through your yard:
Myth: To amend a clay soil, add sand
In actuality, sand can turn a clay soil into a rock-hard growing medium, or if too much is added, you will have sandy soil, which for most plants is just as detrimental. Choose compost instead to amend your clay soil - it will lighten up the growing medium and adds nutrients
Myth: Young trees should be staked
In most situations (excluding extremely windy locations) letting a tree fend for itself will encourage a stronger root system. I have seen first hand a tree that was staked 25 years ago and unfortunately the stake was never removed. The tree trunk has now grown around the stake and has caused the trunk to split. This is an extreme case, but if you have a typical city lot, your new trees require no staking
Myth: Organic pesticides are 100% safe, so extra protection is unnecessary
This is a dangerous misconception. No matter what product you are applying to your plants, gloves and protective clothing must be worn. Even products derived from natural sources can be toxic and may cause irritation if handled improperly
Those are my words of wisdom for today. In my never ending thirst for blog ideas, I often get inspired by reading other blogs. Came across one today from Tim Sanders. He was talking about How to Avoid Getting Laid Off in this Economy. He had some great tips that I will quickly share:

• don't be emotionally unattractive - when you whine, wring your hands and commiserate about how bad things are, you are raising your hand as if to say, 'pick me for the next big layoff!'
• you must be likeable - it is the ability to consistently create positive emotional experiences
• if you don't like your job, then quit! If you like it, pick a good attitude!
• don't be Chicken Little!

I will leave you with that - have a consistently positive day!!

Ready, Set, Plant!!!

The weekend was a busy one. For Mother's Day, the gift I received from my kids, Mike and Grace, was time in the garden. Yay! Mike re-edged my whole front garden. If there is one thing you want to do for your gardens, and you don't have a lot of money, edging your garden spaces is number one. A nice sharp, straight edge defines the gardens and cleans up the area for planting. We then amended the soil with some Woodlands Mix from Spruce, and I then chose a few new perennials to plant. I am trying the Silver Brocade Artemesia for the first time. If you like the different colored foliage of the ever popular Silver Mound, this is another great choice. It is a low growing, spreading mat of silvery-white scalloped leaves that grows well in full sun to part shade - hardy to zone 3, so perfect for Calgary. I also added two varieties of Daylilies - Happy Returns (yellow) and Rosy Returns (pink). I love the grassy foliage of the Daylilies and these varieties should offer blooms all summer long. They will look nice next to my Rose bushes. I just need one more focal point plant - maybe a shrub - to fill in the middle spot. Then I will wait and see how things fill out and add more if I need to.

I also had our carpenter, Brad, build a privacy screen that I have envisioned in the space between my neighbor and I. He used chunky cedar posts and beams and added 1'x1' glass blocks in a checkerboard pattern. I can hardly wait to dress up this area with some annuals and a few taller shrubs in pots! Will forward a pic when its done...

At Spruce, the trucks keep rolling in with annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs, so the long weekend will see us fully stocked, and the forecast looks nice. Everything is hopping at the store, and the forecast looks good, so should prove to be an incredible long weekend for everyone! Have a great Monday!

A Plethora of Things to Say...

I've always wanted to use that word! Well, I wanted to start of with a story about Pablo Picasso... A woman spotted Picasso in the market and pulled out a piece of paper. "Mr. Picasso, would you please do a little drawing for me?" she said excitedly. Picasso agreed, and quickly etched out a piece of art for her on the paper she provided. When he handed it back to her, he said,"That will be one million dollars" to which she replied,"But it only took you thirty seconds to draw it". Picasso calmly explained,"My good woman, it took me thirty years to be able to draw that masterpiece in thirty seconds".
That is quite often how I feel when I'm doing a landscape drawing. It seems to evolve so quickly because I have been doing it for 7 years, and sometimes I undervalue what I do, but I have to realize that it is more than a piece of paper, each drawing will eventually become someone's private, backyard oasis. I love my job!
While I'm on the topic of feel good stuff, you should take a look at Penelope Trunk's Blog entry today http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/ It talks about 5 ways to be great and I thought it was an excellent entry. She is a fantastic blog writer with over 35,000 followers, so like to check her out when I need a good laugh or some inspiration...
Back at Spruce... Will from Babbling Brooks was in today. Will is the go-to pond and water feature guy in Calgary. I was going to say 'in the world', but he hasn't sucked up to me enough to warrant that! Anyways, he is going to be building a showpiece water feature on the lot. I can hardly wait - he is truly creative and a master at his craft. Hopefully it will be done for the long weekend.
The tree and shrub lots are filling up and the trucks keep rolling in with new product, so it is an exciting time at the garden centre. My favorite shrub this year - the Coppertina Ninebark - check it out, you won't be disappointed... Much love...

Fertilizer Facts...

I just wrote an article on fertilizing your plants for our qr77 webpage and a community newsletter. I was supposed to write it in 300 words or less - I wasn't even close - had to cut it off at about 600. I didn't realize how much could be said about the what, where, how and when of fertilizing. Exciting stuff, hey!?!? The article should be up on Monday May 11th on the Let's Talk Gardening site, so check it out.

To get you excited, here's a few snip-its:

• all trees, new and old will benefit from a fertilizer program


• the time to fertilize trees, shrubs and perennials is right now. I do a second application in mid-June and a third in mid-July. Then I stop to allow the plants to harden off before winter


• the formulas of the fertilizer change all of the time, and bigger numbers don't always mean better. When looking at the three nutrients, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), think 'Up, down, and all around'. This means that the first number promotes leaves, the second number promotes root development, flowers and fruit, and the third number promotes overall health. Decide what you need most in the plant you want to fertilize


• there are many eco-friendly options that I will be talking about in a future blog, but come to the garden centre and ask about them

New products I am excited about:

CocoEarth - alternative to peat moss - holds moisture in your pots and containers - allows you to water your containers on Friday and leave town until Sunday without getting a plant-sitter!

Earth Renew - concentrated organic matter fertilizers - remarkable results for your garden soil containing nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and several micronutrients

The Big Spring Clean Up...

Alright, I succumbed to pressure this past weekend and I did my spring clean up on my yard. All the neighbors were doing it, and I thought that since I'm a garden designer, I better have my yard looking like it! I usually wait a little longer before clearing the debris, and now I remember why. As I was loading up all the debris into bags I noticed the dozens of ladybugs that were going into the bags. These little guys help us in the summer by eating the aphids that invade our plants. So there I was, carefully pulling all of the lady bugs out of the bag and placing them back in my garden!

Then the power raking team showed up, just as I was finishing. This team was amazing and was in and out of my place in under half an hour. Everything looks soooo good. It's amazing to see the transformation from winter drab to spring rebirth. I am trying this new product called Myke Lawn - it is a growth supplement that also contains zeolite (a natural clay buster!). I am hoping this gives my lawn a jump start, so will let you know. This is the first year Spruce has carried it as it is a new product, but I am excited about the formulation.

So, I was excited about everything looking so good, and I went to Spruce for some accessories...uh oh... I ended up with three new planters, two pieces of art for the fence, some CocoEarth to put in my containers (a great moisture retention product made from coconut fibre), a new birdfeeder and some bird seed. Good thing I have a truck! I am excited about getting things planted up, but I know there are a few frosty nights ahead of us and I don't want to get too anxious. There have been way too many nights in my past that have seen me running outside in my jammies at 1am, covering up my pots with sheets to save them from impending frost!

Well, happy gardening everyone, the time has arrived...

Things are a-buzz at Spruce...

What a difference a week makes! Last week snow, this week we have had shipments of beautiful new trees, shrubs and flowers! May 1st hit us yesterday and the store saw 57 new employees hit the ground running. Bright new orange shirts, black caps, gloves and name tags for everyone! It is incredible to see the transformation. Bob was busy digging new holes for our caliper trees - it is fabulous to see all the big trees come in and fill up the back forty. All of the landscape supplies are in and customers are getting a jump on the season. If there is an economic downturn, we certainly aren't seeing it in the garden centre business. Geoff (operation manager) is truly grace under pressure as he tries to get 57 new people trained and working to get the entire lot in shape for the season. It's like ready, set, uh-oh, stop cause the snow is coming...and then its ready, set, stop again cause more snow is coming...and now finally...GO and GO HARD! I said it before, once it hits, its 24/7 for the next 8 weeks, and then maybe one day off! Its what we do...thrive in extreme chaos.

Currently, we are also running classes all day today on Tubby Tomatoes and Potato Towers with Barry Erskine. Not sure we needed the added pressure, but we are all living with it and using Meryl's office as the lunchroom this weekend - good times!

Things to do in Spring...

Okay, I am the ever optimist, and I do believe Spring will come soon, so what can we start thinking about doing in our yards and gardens?

• If your lawn is hard and compacted, consider having it aerated. Aeration helps to break up excess thatch, it allows fertilizers access to the root system and it loosens up tight, compacted soil. Wait until your lawn is free of snow, and is mostly dry before aerating or power raking. After that, go to the garden centre and get a quality spring lawn fertilizer


• Amend your soil - your plants will thank you for it. Every soil needs an amendment now and then - I like to add compost or a Woodlands Mix every year to keep the nutrient levels up and provide a healthy growing medium


• If you haven't done it already (and why would you have!) you can plant your Sweet Pea seeds in a warm, sunny spot in the garden for vertical color against a fence or house


• Check out the fabulous outdoor furniture that's available! Great selections out there right now


• Word of advice - I hear this question all the time - I can't get anything to grow in this spot, I have tried 10 different plants and they have all died...Answer: Stop it... ha! Why not consider a piece of statuary or a nice concrete birdbath or fountain in that area instead - if you're fighting nature, you usually lose. It's kinda like knowing what's right, but being afraid of change...

I've only had one comment in the 45 posts I have made, but I'll throw it out there anyway...If anyone has any tips they want to pass along, sign up as a blogger and post a comment!! I dare ya...
P.S. I'm glad I called a plumber...

New Website Link...

We have just launched a new website in conjunction with QR77 radio and it is going to be very helpful with hints that are given during the Let's Talk Gardening show on Sunday mornings from 9-11am. We are just starting, but check back on it frequently for coupon offers and special deals for QR77 listeners. This has been a great relationship for us and we are excited to take it further into the techie world! The website is http://www.qr77chqr.com/ Check for 'Let's Talk Gardening' under "SHOWS" and it will direct you to the site.
After meeting with QR77, I went and picked out a new garburator as all my current one seems to be doing right now is hum - I'm assuming that's bad. A very kind man helped me choose one and I excitedly brought it home, cleaned out the area under my sink, searched for a flashlight, got into some grubby clothes, went and grabbed the box of screwdrivers, unpacked the new garburator and... called a plumber - he arrives at 8am tomorrow morning! I got off on a bit of a tangent there because my point was going to be that I noticed that Home depot had all of their Cedar shrubs out in their parking lot. It is always a shame to see these poor plants that are marginally hardy for our zone in the best of circumstances, but you throw cold weather and a lack of protection into the equation, and it is almost always a recipe for disaster. The staff were also frantically bringing in dozens of carts filled with annuals in from the snow. Wonder how they will look in a couple of weeks?!?!?
At Spruce today, the guys were working hard building beautiful display areas for all of our new fountains, pots and other concrete products. It is looking very, very nice - some wonderful pieces that Pat has brought into the store. Things are shaping up - now all we need is some decent weather...

Are We Human, or are We Gardeners???

The Killers put on a fabulous show at the 'dome last night starting off with their smash hit 'Are we human or are we dancer', so I had to pose the question to Calgarians - Are We Human, or are We Gardeners? I do know that if you are a Calgary gardener, you may not be human, but you certainly need to be patient! Came back from Mexico to the blissful snowfall of late april in Calgary last night. Had trouble putting on the UGG boots this morning and instead, put on my flip flops. Bad decision, considering I had to brush the snow off my truck and the snow was quite cold as it landed on my open toes! It begs the question - WILL IT EVER BE SUMMER?!?!?
Im heading into Spruce this morning to meet Kath Smyth who will be doing a great vegetables in containers class this upcoming Thursday. This will be a great way to at least start thinking about the possibility of summer.
Will let you know what other exciting stuff is happening at the garden centre after I go and check things out. As I flew through Seattle last night, I saw green grass and the last blooms of the Rhodos, which gives me hope that Spring is making its way west. Here's hoping we can think about planting by the long weekend in May! Have a great day...

What's Bugging You...

Absolutely nothing... There is something freakishly wonderful here, and that's the fact that I have not seen an insect, gecko, or any kind of wildlife (except those people at Cabo Wabo last night) in one week. They must have a heck of a spraying program in Mexico - which is somewhat frightening when you think about it... There has to be a two inch gap in the bottom of my condo door and I haven't closed the patio door all week, and still...nothing!!
Anyways, there is probably no bugs in Calgary either! Just when you think its safe to go outside, you get thrown a curve ball - this is why we don't clean our gardens out until May! Tim has just finished up outside Spruce with all the new displays - like I said, I am looking forward to seeing all the work he has done! For those who need a little blast of true spring, Spruce will receive the first truckload of shrubs on Tuesday and some of our annuals.perennials will arrive next week - how exciting! Long term forecast is for lovely weather for the first of May - only in Mexico, tho! ha! Leaving paradise to come home and see the freshly fallen snow - will blog on Monday! Have a fabulously warm weekend - go check out Spruce for a touch of Spring!!!

Waves are Amazing...

Woke up this morning (in Cabo) to the crashing sound of enormous waves. I am going to post a short video of one of the thousands that have crashed in since 4am this morning. Got up at sunrise again to take some pics and found myself just smiling at how humbling the ocean can be. Check out the video below (hope it works), it shows why swimming is not recommended outside our condo!

Spruce has had staff orientation this week to get all the new employees up to speed as we head into the season. We have also had our designer Tim in again to 'Spruce Up' the store! ha! I can hardly wait to see what he has done - he was working on the outside of the store, so I'm anxious to see what has evolved while I have been away.

Barry Erskine will be in the store this Saturday talking about Tree Pruning. We were getting so many calls, we decided that a second one was in order - call the store if you are interested. (201-7525). Have a wonderful day - I see by the forecast that gardening season is being held off for a bit. Isn't it supposed to be 'April Showers Bring May Flowers'? There is no mention of snow at all in there!!

Just Another Day in Paradise...

It's Siesta time for the Mom's here in Cabo, so thought I would try out the wireless connection and it works just fine - yay! It is a lovely 92 degrees today and spent most of the day on the beach - ran this morning, but quickly realized that it is very very difficult to run in 6" of powdery sand, so walked most of my 5km. Tomorrow will stick to the sidewalk and run into the little town that's a couple of kilometers from here. This is the view I am looking at as I am writing this - surrounded by palm trees and Bougenvilla (spelling?). Usually only see it for planter pots, but here, it is used as hedging. I want to be a gardener is at least a zone 8 before I die...

We are headed to Todos Santos on Thursday for the day - have hired a driver. It is an artsy town just north of here where the Eagles' infamous Hotel California is rumored to reside. None of us have been there, but heard fabulous things about it, so should get a really good chance to see some local artisans.

I was in Seattle on Friday and they have also had a very harsh winter. Their snow stuck around much longer than it ever has, so we weren't the only ones! Right now, the trees are out in bloom - the flowering Plums, apple trees, and the Rhodos are all out. The Tulip festival is on just North of Seattle in Skagit Valley, so we hope to go and see it on Sunday when we are back from Mexico - we drove out there on Friday, but just the daffodils were out, so hopefully a few nice days of sun will bring everything to life!

Well I better finish my Corona and Almonds and head back down to the pool for one last bit of sunshine! Cheers....

Was it all a Hoax?

Did you read about the man in Russia coughing up blood and complaining of chest pain? Doctors thought it may be a tumour, but when they went inside to do a biopsy, they found a 5cm Fir sapling growing in his lungs instead! Here's where the plan may fall apart... If it is growing in the dark, how can it be so green? If a seed was ingested, how did it receive light to germinate? Is the body an ideal growing condition for a cold-adapted tree species? According to the internet this morning, it was verified that the story ran on what would be considered April Fool's Day according to the Russian Julian calendar, so who knows...I hate being a skeptic!

Spruce is looking for a full-time horticulturist this season. If you are interested, log onto our website at www.spruceitupgardencentre.com and download an application form. Take it in to Brenda for an interview. We are almost fully locked and loaded with the seasonal staff, so I'm looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and meeting the new ones.

Well, I better get on with my workout, its going to be a busy day, and I gotta be on the Red Mile by 3pm, or I'll never get a spot for the game! ...GO FLAMES GO!!!

Wastin' Away Again...

Well, two more sleeps and I am off to Cabo San Lucas with my Mom and my Aunt. Hope I can keep these two out of Cabo Wabo, so I can get some rest! This is our second trip with just the girls and I am stocked up on chick flick DVD's, so that should keep us out of trouble in the evenings.
I will be blogging from Mexico, so stay tuned for a play-by-play of our adventures down there. Hope to take some pictures of plants, landscapes, the swim-up bar (oops, maybe not...) Upon my return, we will be heading into the first week of May. Spruce should have all of our new fountains and statuary displayed in the front lot. I have already picked out the new Japanese style concrete bench that I am going to showcase in my yard. I am creating a nice focal point in the back and even though the rest of my yard is sort of a random, relaxed style, I hope to showcase a little bit of Feng Shui in this small part of my garden. Speaking of Feng Shui, we have a lady starting at Spruce that specializes in Feng Shui for the garden and I hope to have her do a short seminar on how to achieve that feel in your garden! Will keep you posted...
Have an amazing day!

Yiddish Proverb...

I was watching the World Curling Championships final game last night, and this proverb came up on the screen...
The wagon rests in winter, the sleigh in summer, the horse never...
I love that - my trainer would also love that! We are his horses...
I am busy setting up vendors to showcase their products at Spruce on the May long weekend. There is so much knowledge that the reps have, so we thought we would bring in a few to share that knowledge with our customers. Everything from soil amendments to appropriate chemical application, to tools of the trade will be showcased from May 15-18th. It should be a great weekend!
Well, the prediction of the European weather channel was incorrect (so far!) about us getting a heavy snowfall today, but the cold wind and nasty looking clouds could prove to be an interesting day in Calgary. The lovely weather over the weekend has lessened my snow piles in my north facing backyard. It makes me wonder why a gardener like myself ever agreed to buy a house with that kind of backyard exposure! Next time I will be more selective. I did notice sooo many plants peeking out from the soil in my front yard, though, so I'm definitely getting the itch to get out there. Word of advice... Don't get too anxious to pull the leaves and debris off your gardens yet. These piles are nice little havens for future ladybugs that will be instrumental in controlling the aphid infestations in summertime. I always wait until May to clean things up.
One more quote - bumper sticker I saw today. What's happening in the world today?? Sadly thought it was funny tho... Honk if you've never seen an Uzi fired from a car window...
I'll sign off with that today...

Happy Easter!

What a glorious day! I have been sitting at my kitchen table reading the newspaper, listening to Let's Talk Gardening, and enjoying the many birds that are chirping and flying past my window. I have had a Blue Jay hanging out for the past couple of hours and there's another bird that bobs up and down when he chirps - tried looking him up in my bird book, but couldn't find a name. He was kind of non-descript in color (grayish). Anyways, it has been a lovely morning to just sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy. The Easter Bunny arrived sometime in the night, but the eggs are yet to be hunted, as my daughter is still fast asleep! aaah teenagers....

As promised, here is a pic of one of the containers of veges that I planted at Spruce. This one will be a nice decorative display of multi-color lettuce. These are just plastic containers from the garden centre, filled with potting soil and seeded on April 2nd. That means they were up in one week! How easy is that! I also have beans, corn, beets and carrots. Since my last seeding attempt ended in untimely death, I am cautiously optimistic about this venture - but its actually very exciting! I can realistically see many people having these type of vegetable containers outside their back door this summer, growing their own veges and herbs on a sunny patio.

It is time to hunt for eggs - Grace has awoken...

Hey...just looked out my window and guess who was there...

The History of Twister...

The game Twister was released by Milton Bradley the year I was born - which is a very long time ago. Last night, I went downstairs to check on what the roaring laughter was about, only to discover my 15yr old daughter and her friends entangled (literally) in a game of Twister! As I was looking up the origins of the game, I notice some significant variations - naked twister, strip twister and then I saw pregnant twister and quickly had to walk away from the computer. Gotta draw the line somewhere...

I was thinking, and maybe this is a stretch, but I was thinking that gardening is like Twister because it is a fun thing to do, that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. Both gardening and Twister break the barriers between cultures and demographics and they both take some physical skill. Gosh, I truly think you can link anything if you really try!

I was in the store today, and it was sooo busy. I think everyone is getting spring fever and just want to dream about sunnier and warmer days. There was quite a 'buzz' in there! I noticed that my vegetable seeds were up - I guess that's what happens when I leave them in someone elses care! Took some pictures that I will post tomorrow, but for today, it was imperitive that I talk about Twister...

Plant Smiles and Grow Giggles - that's what Twister and gardening are all about....

When Does Spring Start Again?

It's a beautiful day in Calgary today! I have, however heard that there may be some much needed (ha!) snow for Monday. According to some European weather forecasts, they are saying we will have heavy snowfall. Why are they forecasting our weather?!?! And what is their meaning of 'heavy snow'? I guess we will find out on Monday!
I got a little optimistic today and bought a new weed eater and fertilizer spreader, so hopefully I get to use those before June!
For now, we can all just dream of warmer days and drier soil. If you want to have something to look forward to, check out our website at www.spruceitupgardencentre.com and sign up for an upcoming course. There are a couple coming up on easy vegetable gardening, and then just before Mother's Day, there will be a 'build your own container' class that will make a great gift for your wife, mother, or evern just for yourself.
Hope your long weekend gives you a chance to go out and see what's happening in your garden - before the snow covers it all up again!

20 Years has Flown By...

Today is my son Mike's 20th birthday. He is celebrating at UBC today, and it is also his last day of classes - wonder if he'll be enjoying some cocktails today?!?!? I couldn't be more proud of him and all he has accomplished in his 20 years and I can hardly wait until he is home again in a couple of weeks. Happy Birthday, Mike - love you lots!!!
Let's see...what else is happening? Meryl and I spoke at the Calgary Zoo last night to a great group of homeowners and do-it-yourself landscapers. It is always gratifying to share construction knowledge with others. I find Calgary gardeners so eager to share their experiences. It is one of those passions, that most are very willing to give and receive advice on how to construct patios and decks or grow trees and shrubs successfully. Let's face it, we have a relatively short growing season, so we want to do it right the first time! But hey, if at first you don't succeed, there is always next year!
Hint of the Day: Always make your deck/patio bigger than you think it should be. You will never miss that extra bit of grass, but you will have regrets when that beautiful patio set you just bought doesn't allow you ample access to manoeuver around the table and chairs, and suddenly Aunt Hilda has fallen off the side!! Also consider constructing nice, wide stairs. It is always nice to have a grand entrance into your garden. Before you start construction, call 3-1-1 for permit information and always Call Before You Dig...
As we head into gardening and landscaping season, if you have any questions, become a blogger and ask me! I will do my best to answer your questions, or I will find someone who can!
Cheers!

Garden Show...

The Calgary Horticultural Society's Garden Show was on this past weekend - at Spruce Meadow's for the first time. What a great show for gardeners! It was a beautiful weekend, and I think everyone was just glad to participate in something that means 'Spring'. It looked like they had record numbers of people come through the door, so congrats to the Hort Society - it was an excellent show that I'm sure will only continue to grow.
Can you feel it?? The approach of Spring?? It is always a time a great anticipation at Garden Centres. You can hardly wait for it to be upon us, but you're not sure you are ready for it physically or mentally! This week will see the snow melt and uncover all of the sins of our winter. For me personally, I'm sure I will discover that I didn't quite clean up after the dog as well as I should have! And at Spruce, they will be excitedly setting things up outside for the upcoming season. It has been very busy getting ready indoors (new giftware, new flooring, interviewing, etc) and everyone has been working very hard. One more month and Spruce should have a great selection of Trees, Shrubs and Perennials - can't believe it is here again!
Happy Monday, I'm off to Yoga, aaaaahhhhh....

Bat Out of Hell...

I worked out this morning to the old Meatloaf album - Bat Out of Hell. Aaah, good times...Really gets ya moving in the morning. Good thing the family was already out, as I was screaming a damn good rendition of Bat Out of Hell during my double under sequence!!

I am off to the store this morning to meet Sheldon Gesell from Greenstar - he is doing the talk on Organic Gardening Products. He's there from 11-1pm today, so drop by - its a fabulous talk! It's a great weekend for a garden show and Meryl and I will be meeting up with Barry and Wade for the QR77 Let's Talk Gardening show tomorrow from 9-11am. It will be nice to walk around the show and see people I haven't seen all winter. If you go to the show, it is at Spruce Meadows, and you can head to Spruce It Up afterwards and get 15% off all regular priced items today and tomorrow. I have to go in for the talk and check whether Rocky has made his way into my vege pots again!!

I was googling "ways to sign off, or say goodbye"... I will sign off today with my favorite...

May your mouth never be conquered by a band of marauding Vikings

If at First You Don't Suc-seed...

Seed, seed again! Well my little grow kit has had some success and some failure. I seemed to do okay with the Nasturtiums, but my herbs crashed and burned. For those who know me, it really isn't a big surprise considering I'm not all that nurturing! I will try it again when it warms up, and seed them right into a pot outdoors.
So, that being said, I am attempting to grow some veges in the greenhouse at Spruce. This is in preparation for a course that Kath Smyth will be doing on April 30th at the store. I have planted lettuce, beets, corn, radishes and beans. I have planted them in nice big pots and I'm sure they will be under the gentle care of Kathie, Michelle and Bev, so they have a much better chance of survival! I hope they will all be up a little bit in time for the Thursday class with Kath at the end of the month, so that she can have a nice display. Hopefully Rocky stays out of the pots, as I saw he had already used one of them as a litter box yesterday. We love him anyway...
Question of the Day...
How do I ensure the greatest success for seed planting?

• number one - do not ask Joanne to do it for you
• number two - use a light sterilized soil that is not too heavy
• number three - water the sterilized soil well before placing the seeds
• number four - keep in a warm spot, and use good natural light and/or a grow light
• number five - keep soil moist - which is probably my downfall!

Now is the time to really get those seeds going. Check out the book "Gardening Under the Arch" for great advice!

Cheers!

Back to Basics...

As fun as the Pinocchio thing has been, it is probably time to get back to gardening! I am still open to further discussion, however, if anyone finds out more about the type of wood Pinocchio is really made of!

Frequently asked Questions:

When is the best time to transplant houseplants?

• April is a great time to do that chore. The daylight hours are longer and plants are starting to come into their prime. Choose a new pot with drainage and ensure you have a tray underneath so you can water a plant right through to flush the salts out when you water. Always water until it comes out the bottom. Ensure that the plant is not root-bound by creating air holes in the soil with a knitting needle

Can I prune my trees right now?

• Yes, most trees, with the exception of Maple and Birch (best done in June/July) can be pruned right now before the leaves emerge. Remember to take out the crossing branches first to give good airflow. When in doubt, call an experienced Arborist to get good advice. I have a great contact if anyone is looking for an arborist in Calgary.

I have some trunk injury at the base of my trees, what could be causing this?

• With all of the snow cover this year, the injury could have been caused by mice, rabbits or voles. Tree bark becomes a source of food for these rodents, and many people will see tree injury this year more than ever, since we have had a lot of snow cover. You will also be seeing many cases of snow mold on your grass.

What types of shrubs can we use in Calgary for hedging?

• The most common choice is Cotoneaster. It is fast growing, easily pruned and it gives nice fall color. Other choices could be Miss Kim Lilac, Dogwood (good for shadier spots) and Globe Caragana. I have also seen some nice Hydrangea hedges (PeeGee or Annabelle)

Can I plant shrubs/small trees/perennials in containers during the growing season?

• Yes, and I encourage it! I believe that containers can show off your creative side. Remember to ensure good drainage, and choose a larger pot for best success. In the fall, if you would like to overwinter your plants, the container and/or the plants must be dug into the ground

More Q&A tomorrow. If there are specific questions you would like answered, send a comment to this blog. Have a terrific day!

Pinocchio Predicament...

Since we can barely see our gardens, we may as well discuss Pinocchio. In the original book and the Disney movie, Jiminy Cricket calls Pinocchio a "boy of oak". Some have said the name Pinocchio came from one of Gepetto's family friends and has nothing to do with Pine... hmmm... perhaps more research is required! Must dig deeper Jeannie...

Outdoor Living...and Pinocchio...

Well, we had our first Spring 2009 course today - Pruning and Tree Care with Barry Erskine. It went very well despite the fact that is was snowing! Every time I get excited about the arrival of Spring, it seems dump another 5cm! Oh well, soon, soon, we will see the buds on the trees pushing. Actually, last week, on our garden walkabout, we saw a Robin - first one for me this season. That has to be a good sign, doesn't it?
I have been looking at magazines and I can't believe the push that is on right now for outdoor living. As predicted, the magazines are full of outdoor rugs, outdoor lighting, gazebos, pergolas, gorgeous outdoor furniture and tons of whimsical art pieces to hang and place in your yard. I am seeing bamboo pieces EVERYWHERE, especially in furniture and vertical accents in outdoor containers. I can hardly wait! I wish I had a blank canvas so that I could start over with new stuff!
Brenda has been busy interviewing for our seasonal staff - a brand new batch of "Sprucers"! The buzz is starting, and I'm very happy, once again, to be a part of it...
I was wondering today what kind of wood Pinocchio was made from? If you find out, let me know...
Peace out...

Gear Up For Summer Gardening Season...

Well, I have finalized quite a few courses coming up in April and May, so check out our website at http://www.spruceitupgardencentre.com/ for more information, then phone the store at 403-201-7525 to sign up. There are a couple of courses on vegetable gardening, one on organic gardening, one on planting a container with flash and flair (hands-on class), and this Saturday there are classes on tree care and pruning. Should be a fun couple of months!

I just started a new book. It's called "The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything". I remember when I discovered that gardening and design were my true passions. In my travels, I hear people say "I would love to have your job - I love gardening". I say to them, "if it's your true passion, then you should be doing it". Trouble is, many people are afraid of following their dreams because they are caught up in the rat race, workin' for the man (as my kids say!) Maybe taking some of these courses will ignite the passion in you and encourage you to delve deeper into gardening - even if it is...just on weekends!

Have a sensational Friday!

Thanks James for all Your Inspiration - Enjoy...

The 10 most important words: I won't wait for others to take the first step.
The 9 most important words: If it is to be, it's up to me
The 8 most important words:If not me, who? If not now, when?
The 7 most important words:Let me take a shot at it
The 6 most important words:I will not pass the buck
The 5 most important words:You can count on me
The 4 most important words :It IS my job!
The 3 most important words:Just do it!
The 2 most important words:I will
The most important word:We

This made me smile this morning! Have a fabulous day...

I Don't Like Mondays...

Thinking back, I used to love that song by The Boomtown Rats. Now I listen to the lyrics and realize that if someone wrote those words in their blog, the police would be at their door in less then and hour! Anyways, I used to dislike Mondays, but then I started taking yoga every Monday morning, and now it is my favorite day of the week. Maybe I should go to yoga class every day?!?!?
Today, on my blog layout I added a few of my favorite books. Two of them are books on landscaping ideas and one has gardening advice that is relevant for Calgary. I get great inspiration from reading landscape books and magazines, so thought I would pass a few good ones along.
Gardening Under the Arch has great info on when to start seeds, and when you flip through it, you can pick up some great tips on almost any gardening subject you can think of, so its really worth purchasing.
I have been out meeting with landscape clients for the past few days. It is so interesting to see how many people are calling to "Spruce Up" their yard (shameless plug...) I had thought it may slow down this year because of the economy, but it is actually one of the busiest springs we have had. We have some really exciting projects firmed up already, and we are very proud that Joel Seibert is taking a big role this year in making our Landscape Division the best yet! I'm excited about the whole feel of the group this year - lots of positive vibes!
Hope you like your Monday...

Springtime in Calgary...

So, it was 13 degrees yesterday around 1pm when we were walking around with my University Landscape Design students - had a fabulous walkabout in Brittania. Then we wake up this morning to 9" of snow. Here is a picture from my front door - that's probably the closest I will get to going outside today!

We had no snow on this south facing front yard when I went to bed last night, but now its a winter wonderland! I guess my Birch and Spruce will be happy with all of the extra water on their roots.

What's new at the garden centre? I am headed in there today (so I guess I am going outside!) because I have finalized a few more spring courses - check out the website later this week for updates. You can also call the store for more info. Meryl was also telling me yesterday that herbs and pansies are in - a sure sign of Spring!

Olly Olly Oxen Free...

Okay, again, what the heck does this have to do with gardening? Nothing, but I'll get there eventually... Do you remember yelling this out during a game of hide-and-seek? If you're younger than me, perhaps it was a game of kick the can? Aaah, so many nights out playing hide and seek as a kid, and I didn't really think twice about running through a neighbor's yard at 11 oclock at night, but a few years ago, when my son was out playing kick the can in the evenings, I used to cringe as I would see a silhouette of a young man flying over my fence into the neighbor's yard at midnight... oh how they must have hated us.... How did it ever become Olly Olly oxen free??? This was the statement the person who was "it" would say when they caught their first person, to let the rest know that they could come out without losing the game. Some say it started off as "all ye, all ye, all in free". It's like a game of telephone, really, where the message changes as it reaches a new set of ears...

As far as gardening goes, after much research, my talk in February at the Home and Garden Show was about Design Trends for 2009. One of the trends I listed was 'Bamboo' and how hot it was going to be. Meryl pointed out to me yesterday all of the ads in current magazines about bamboo. You will be seeing it everywhere - sheets and linens (I know!), outdoor furniture, privacy screens. I am going to k.i.s.s. this year and use bamboo as the vertical interest in most of my pots. I am even thinking of turning a small area in my backyard into a small Japanese themed sitting spot with bamboo screens, black urns with bamboo, a concrete bench...aaah, I can hardly wait...

Today I am doing a walkabout with the University students from my Landscape Design course. It's a three hour, fun-filled tour of some gardens in Brittania. Should get us all in the mood for spring!