The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

Ruth & Grant Robinson – Watson Pewter

Watson Pewter began in Peterborough in 1972 by Marjorie & Gordon Watson. For many years the Watson?s had a beautiful shop in downtown Peterborough, but after deciding to retire in 1998 they closed the shop. At that time their daughter Ruth and her husband Grant took over the business and have been running it from … Read more

Wendy Stanwick – A Slice of the North

Wendy Stanwick – A Slice of the North Jewelry A Slice of the North was conceived and created by Wendy Stanwick. Using the natural materials found in and around the tiny town of Matachewan, Ontario. Wendy has created a unique, made in Canada-of Canada mini work of Art. The local prospectors and miners provide her … Read more

Peter Baker – Island Winds, Prince Edward Island

For a guy who does not claim to be very musical, Peter Baker has managed to bring a lot of music into people’s lives. For the last 20 years, Peter has been making wind chimes at his studio situated atop the hills of South Granville – one of the windiest locations on Prince Edward Island. … Read more

Jack Willoughby – Anvil Island

Jack Willoughby was born in Newport News, Virginia, spent part of his youth in California and now lives on Vancouver Island where the ocean beaches give him much of his inspiration. Jack’s career as an artist began in steel working, then teaching metal work at a Vancouver College, where the freedom to create his own … Read more

Marian Blunden

Born in Kingston, Ontario, Marian Blunden received her Degree in Fine Arts from Queen’s University in 1996. After her graduation, she followed in her father’s footsteps in creating metal works of art. Marian developed a variety of designs made out of copper, stainless steel and tin, and her metal book covers were an immediate success … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 79 – Once around the shop for Christmas gift ideas

 

The best weeding tool ever!
The best weeding tool ever!

We’ve been helping customers pick the perfect gifts for 13 years so have a pretty good idea of what people like and are looking for. We love what we do and really are “here to help!” On this episode I give you a few ideas for dad, mom, kids and friends. Pop in the shop and we can give you some ideas for that special someone on your list. Lots of Canadian made too! ? Click link to watch this episode online.

Garden Gate: Episode 78 – Squirrel Busters

sb+CHEX TV airdate: December 11th, 2015 5-6pm Squrrel Buster Bird feeders Yes, they really are squirrel proof! Guaranteed! We have been carrying the Squirrel Buster line of bird feeders for MANY years. ?People are initially skeptical about the feeders, but once they see how well they work, they love them! There are 7 different styles available including 5 for mixed seed, 1 for finch seed and 1 for peanuts. You can keep all of your birds happy and even exclude a few that you enjoy less. Squirrels will try to get into the seed but are unable to get anything so give up! You know how smart they are! If they can’t get food they’re going to go someplace else to have their dinner! Watch this episode to learn more about these awesome feeders.

Garden Gate: Episode 77 – Socks, Mittens, scarves, baby & kids socks

octobermorningA few years ago I introduced you to our wonderful Solmate socks! ?Customers love these socks because they make them happy. ?So we’ve nicknamed our “Happy socks!” I first showed them on CHEX TV in Garden Gate: Episode 27. ?This episode is a followup to that one. The company was established about 15 years ago by Marianne Wakerlin. In 2014 she retired and her son and daughter-in-law took over. The socks are milled in Vermont. ?Recently the owner of the mill also wanted to retire and sold to the Wakerlin family. ?Employees are very happy with the transition. The socks are a hit! ?Fun, colourful and very comfortable. Watch this episode to see the awesome products offered by The Socklady.

Garden Gate: Episode 76-Artist Cathy Mark, Windswept trees

heronLocal artist, Cathy Mark makes stunning windswept trees from her studio in Little Britain. These have been very popular items since we got our first order this spring. Cathy uses beautiful granite rocks hand picked from her farm or hand hewn burls found in the wood. Hand cut stainless steel trees are bent and shaped and finished and then attached to the rocks or burls to create one of a kind pieces of art for the home. She also does a variety of other items including herons and wall pieces which come and go at the shop. Stunning, unique pieces.

The Avant-Garden Shop