July 2 – I love the cheeky cleverness of corvids. This little magpie spent about half an hour supervising me as I worked in the garden a few days ago. Not sure if my work passed inspection but things seemed quite amicable between us so….

July 3 – Ducked out for a couple of hours on the lake before work today … scarlet mallows (Sphaeralcea coccinea) were in bloom EVERYWHERE. We don’t often think of ants as pollinators but here’s evidence.

July 3 – Hard-pressed to find anything more beautiful than a field of blue flax (Linum perenne) swaying in a gentle breeze….

July 4 – It’s been a very trying week for me, but a walk with these views definitely lifted my spirits today! If you’re visiting the city for the Stampede, take a moment to stroll the pathways at Reader Rock Garden – it’s a true sanctuary.

July 7 – On (actually in!) the Sheep River this evening. My toes were happy. So much birdsong. And fireweed blooming along the banks.

July 9 – Ah, mockorange! I mean, look at this plant. It’s not enough that it is ridiculously lovely, but those gorgeous flowers have a delightful gentle, sweet fragrance that will stop you in your tracks. Go find one to sniff. I’ll wait.

July 12 – While I was attending the Calgary Stampede this week, I was delighted to take in the amazing Fleurs de Villes installation of floral art representing several famous country music stars. This is T-Swift, of course, designed by local florists @flowersbyjanie and @westqueenstudio. Those are all real flowers! You can see some videos of the way this work was created on @flowersbyjanie‘s IG.

July 13 – My last day working at the garden centre this season … I had a blast out there over the past few months. Felt appropriate that my shift was a closer. Goodnight, greenhouse!

July 15 – It’s been so busy I haven’t had a chance to post this, but it’s great food for thought as we consider the gardening season we are currently having on the prairies. I had the wonderful opportunity to be interviewed for CBC’s “Good Question, Saskatchewan” podcast in the spring, and host Leisha Grebinski and I chatted about changing hardiness zones. Use the keywords “Can we grow peaches in Saskatchewan?” to listen!

July 18 – Spied a few familiar titles at The Book Nook in Akamina Gifts in Waterton, Alberta! A huge thank you to the Cruickshank family for supporting local authors!

July 19 – A little river therapy today on the Livingstone ….

July 20 – A wonderful day at Beaulieu Flower and Artisan Market – thank you to everyone who popped by my table! I had a fantastic time chatting with all of you and hugely appreciate the support! A massive thank you to the wonderful staff @lougheedhouseyyc for hosting such a great event. And, despite the ongoing heatwave, the gardens were looking glorious!

July 27 – Allium cepa var. proliferum, aka tree onions or Egyptian walking onions, are perennials in these parts. They produce these adorable topsets that, when heavy enough, will nod down to the ground and replant themselves. (Hence, they “walk” all over your garden.) You can also remove them and plant them wherever you want to. There isn’t a more shareable onion!

July 27 – The best: The plants that surprise you by popping up in the compost bin.