We have had a massive number of orioles coming to our backyards since late April.. We’ve been hearing comments from across the province that there are a LOT of orioles this year. Local ornithologist Andrew Jobes and Brenda Ibey discuss why this may be the case this year and also share a few tips on […]
Year: 2019
Garden Gate: Episode 164 – Hummingbirds & Orioles (May 10th, 2019)
Some people refer to hummingbirds (“hummers” to birdwatchers) as “winged jewels,’ which is no surprise, given their small size, the males’ brilliant iridescent colours, and the way they flit about. There are 5 hummingbird species in Canada, but only one, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in Ontario. Males have bright red throats, iridescent green backs, wings, and […]
Garden Tips: Going to Bat for Bats
Bats are remarkable creatures. They’re the only flying mammals in the world, and they use echolocation to catch flying insects on the wing in the dark. Imagine looking for your food with your ears… There are 8 bat species in Ontario, 4 of which are listed as Endangered on Ontario’s Species At Risk (SARO) List. […]
Garden Gate: Episode 163-Mother’s day gift ideas (April 26th, 2019)
Mother’s Day is Sunday May 12th and we have some beautiful items in the shop that will make her happy. You can go pretty or practical! Pretty hats, fragrant soaps, handmade necklaces, wind chimes, Kawartha candles, garden art….or you can go with more practical items like garden tools, gloves, trugs or tea cups! We can […]
Garden Tips: Jewels of the Air
Some people refer to hummingbirds (“hummers” to birdwatchers) as “winged jewels,’ which is no surprise, given their small size, the males’ brilliant iridescent colours, and the way they flit about. There are 5 hummingbird species in Canada, but only one, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, in Ontario. Males have bright red throats, iridescent green backs, wings, and […]
Jim and Lynn Dawe – Murals in Metal
Art has always been a passion for Jim Dawe, but he says he never did anything with his talent or drawings and had actually trained to be a sheet metal worker instead. Until one day, Jim and his wife Lynn decided to combine the two and started Murals in Metal in their backyard. The business […]
Garden Gate: Episode 162 – Grackles and Starlings
Next to Squirrels, Grackles and Starlings are the most bothersome to backyard bird feeders. They eat so much, come in large flocks and scare away the prettier birds like cardinals. During this episode of The Garden Gate I focus on types of seed and feeders that help to eliminate them from your garden and leave […]
Christine McGrath – Bibelot design
Bibelot Design Studio was started in 1994 by Christine McGrath and her husband Reid Maltby. They began by designing jewelry, but since have evolved into creating a line of fresh, modern home accents using glass, textiles and wood veneer. Each piece is handcrafted from start to finish with great attention to detail.. There are so many steps […]
Garden Gate: Episode 161 – Madoc Rocks and Quarry Cut designs
Father daughter team of Nick and Samantha Butts create both coasters and necklaces from the same locally sourced rock. Madoc Rocks is a family run business established in 2002. Their coasters are hand crafted with rock from the Madoc area, in Eastern Ontario. The unique patterns and colours in each coaster are an indication of […]
Garden Tips: Cheer up, cheerily! Bird Song vs. Call & Tips to Learn a Few in Your Yard
The air will be increasingly filled with bird song this month as more species return from the south. Learning to identify birds by the sounds they make takes time and effort, but it can deepen your connection to your garden as you become increasingly aware of what’s going on around you. The words “singing” and […]
