Gordon's Garden Diary

7 Dec '07 6:20 pm

Hi, all!

Well, the storms have finally eased and it looks as if we will be having a sunny but colder than usual weekend (-4C as a high). That removes most of the flood warnings and gives me a chance to finally plant the crocus and iris bulbs that I didn't get around to planting before the cold weather Laughing

! Most of the snow , except in shady areas, has now melted, but I have contracted a terrible head cold, so, here I sit, sniffling and coughing as I type!

Jack, you haven't lived until you have experienced a real winter snowstorm!! The snow is SO beautiful and quiet as it falls, and traffic noise diminishes as the accumulation on the ground grows. And to wake up after a snowstorm and to see the sun sparkling on millions of tiny diamonds on the ground is magic!! People in tropical countries miss SO much! The only trouble in most of Canada (not here) is that after the beauty, the snows remain, day after day, week after week, growing steadily grubbier and messier. And then, when the temperature moderates, it all turns to heavy, dirty slush! But then it freezes again, snows once more, and everyone forgets about the mess and wonders all over again at Nature's beauty!!

And, Liza, for those pictures, rather than using a flash attachment, I used the light of the outdoor yard light, which has a halogen bulb and is very bright. Didn't you love the way in which the weight of the snow made it flop over, yet remain attached to the handrail in the last picture? Once, when I was teaching in a completely isolated village in the North, it snowed over a metre in one night, and when I went to leave the house in the morning, I could not open the door as the snow had oozed, toothpaste-like down to within less thasn a metre of the ground! I had to poke away at it through the tiny bit that I could get the door opened to get the snow to fall away high enough up to allow the door to open! Now, THAT was an adventure!! Very Happy

All the best, everyone!!

gordonf

8 Dec '07 5:14 am

Gordon-your accounts of snow are so interesting.You would laugh(in a nice way of course) at the excitement when we see a tiny smattering of icing-sugar on the nearby mountain in winter-It might happen once in 5 years,and there is usually a photo in the local paper.
This is a picture I took(with no snow)-the morning mist on the mountain is clearing.
Dixie

8 Dec '07 6:08 pm

Hi, Dixie!

You have a wonderful mountain view! I can understand the fuss that is made when there's snow in a place that seldom gets it! But, you know, even though we get snow every year (almost), people still make a big thing of it here, especially for the first snowfall of the year! That's when the tire stores are totally overworked with panicy drivers and everyone starts thinking of buying Christmas gifts!! And many folks feel personally slighted if we don't have snow for Christmas! Personally, I rather like green Christmasses, but that's just me! Very Happy

Perhaps it's because, for me, a green Christmas is still somewhat of a novelty!

Cheers!
gordonf

9 Dec '07 3:48 pm

Hi, everyone!

Well, today was clear but cold again; didn't do much outside, but I took this picture of my Christmas cactus. I hope you like it!

Cheers!

gordonf

11 Dec '07 2:43 am

I agree that snow seems much more magical to those who hardly ever get to see it in their own gardens. On the rare times when it does appear, everyone is on holiday because we just don't have equipment to handle snow clearing. Schools are dismissed and all the children get to play in the snow instead of sit in classrooms. Unfortunately, in the South US states, we often get ice storms instead of snow storms. That's what is happening in our nations mid-section today. It is beautiful, but oh so treacherous. Trees and power lines fall causing much damage and inconvenience. We here in Alabama are experiencing one of the warmest Decembers in recorded history. Today, our expected highs are mid 70's F (over 23 C) and even warmer tomorrow. Our outlook for a white Christmas is pretty dim, but we are certainly enjoying the balmy temperatures. It does seem odd however. At least we don't have ice, thank the Heavens.

11 Dec '07 5:32 pm

Your Xmas cactus is a beaut. I was at a party Saturday night where there was one just like it in bloom. Mine is always in bloom for Thanksgiving but will have nothing to do with blooming around Christmas. I can't recall if it blooms in Spring but I don't think so. Mine is white.

We've been colder than usual. I'm actually putting on a warm vest and today a sweater too to walk the dogs. Speaking of which, my best to Joey. I haven't used any flea medication on the dogs in a while and a week ago I a flea hopped on me off of Fletcher. I picked up some Advantage the same day. Yuck. When I was a kid in San Diego we'd powder our poor dog all the time but it didn't work very well. I'm sure glad there are sure ways to be rid of fleas!

Any more plans for moving inland? I imagine it will be a good deal colder hey?

Goodnight,

11 Dec '07 5:58 pm

Hi, Mark!

I use Revolution on Joey for fleas as it also prevents mange, which has been found around here (rarely), but this month, while I bought it, I haven't used it yet because of the snow and cold weather. I'd dare any flea to come out in this!! Very Happy

My other Xmas cactus is a white one with pale pink centres in the flowers, and it almost never blooms at the right time - always in September or around Easter!

As for the move to the Interior, I've been speaking with a representative of the community on the phone lately and I think I like him. I'm planning to visit there for a few days towards the end of March, when he's able to get out and begin planting on his certified organic farm. Helping him should be a lot of fun! I've been checking the daily weather there on the internet, and for the last week it has been pretty clear and cold there - -20C. with a light wind day after day. So that doesn't scare me after experiencing -50 up north! All I have to do now is get my present place ready to sell and hope that I get what I'll need to set me up in a new location (everyone think good thoughts for me!! Rolling Eyes

).

Here are some pictures that I downloaded last night from the village's website, just to give everyone an idea of what it's like there.

Cheers!

gordonf

12 Dec '07 6:02 am

Gordon-this is so hopeful and exciting!You have been hinting at a move for some time now,so I think we have all been wondering about it.I think it is important that all the residents have similar ideals,and willingness to work together,so I guess you would figure it out.There are successful places round the world..my second daughter has experienced working in communities-she worked in the gardens or something else for just her food and bed-it has a name which escapes me at the moment-(wooshing or something like it???)
If something definite comes of it,would you let us know the website,so that we inquisitive ones can have a look at it?
Dixie.

12 Dec '07 3:29 pm

Hi, Dixie-

Here's the website for the "intentional community" that I'm thinking of moving to:

www.saranagati.ca/ .

It's basically a Krishna Consiousness community and is a member of an international group of intentional communities, some religious, others not. I just received some literature from them today in the mail, so I'll be busy reading about their beliefs for the next week or two, but I really don't think I'll get any major surprises that I disagree with. What an adventure, eh?? Smile

Cheers!

gordonf

15 Dec '07 3:26 am

I'm on the webpage as I write this, Gordon, and I find it fascinating - especially as a part of me has wondered about creating a community of sorts on my farm once my folks have moved on...

Give us the picture. You first spoke of moving, if I remember correctly, after your visit to the interior. Or did you go there to investigate? Then an "idle thought" seemed to turn more and more into a definite plan.

How unique is the community? Are there many such in Canada? Is there some form of state sponsorship, tax assistance or some such?

For a winter project this sure has the potential to be a life-changing experience!

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