Popping in with a quick photo essay of the past week – it’s been a hectic one!

Saturday April 15…Janet and I had such fun doing a book signing at the adorable indie Yooneek Books in Okotoks, Alberta. Our hosts were absolutely amazing and we loved spending the day with them! If you find yourself in Okotoks, head to Old Towne and stop in at Yooneek Books – we ❤️ them! (Photo courtesy Yooneek Books.)

Sunday April 16…Janet and I were out and about again, this time in Calgary at the beautiful historic Lougheed House. It was an exceptionally warm, sunny day and Janet gave a talk and demo outside on the grounds about small space gardening (a couple of bees and a ladybug even joined the guests in attendance!). Afterwards, we all went inside the house for a book signing. We had a lovely time in an incredible space and enjoyed visiting with everyone who attended. (And a special note: the small tablecloth on our table is one of the artifacts from the house. Such a wonderful touch!).

Tuesday April 18…I squeaked in a short walk on Cranston Ridge in Calgary, seeking wild crocus (Pulsatilla nuttalliana). And I found them! To me, these gorgeous hirsute plants are the entire embodiment of a prairie spring.

Friday April 21…my personal assistant Smudge was busy neglecting her duties (as usual*) and trying vainly to catch snowflakes on the other side of the livingroom window. It’s very dry here and precipitation is welcome, but I’d really prefer rain over snow.

Saturday April 22…Janet and I celebrated the launch of The Prairie Gardener’s Go-To for Perennials and The Prairie Gardener’s Go-To for Fruit with a book signing at greengate Garden Centres here in Calgary. The gardening season is just barely getting underway in our neck of the woods, but we were able to have some delightful focussed discussion with gardeners of varying experience and we covered a wide range of topics from dealing with squirrels to building better soil and removing turfgrass to create new flowerbeds. A huge thank you to our hosts – we had a lot of fun! And…take a look at our gorgeous new banner – tons of love to TouchWood Editions for that! (Photo courtesy greengate Garden Centres.)

Now…if only more garden-y weather would roll in and set up camp….

*honestly, the only things she’s really good at are sitting on all of my papers and knocking my pens off my desk. I would hire a new PA but this one works for kibble and really makes very good economic sense.