Most North American backyard birds rely on water sources for both drinking and bathing. Water is only one element of a healthy, safe wildlife habitat, but it’s one of the most important. Fortunately, it’s also something many of us can fairly easily provide. If you happen to have an emu on your property, you’ll … Read more
Getting kids to help in the garden is a great way to get them outside this summer and away from those screens! We have colorful metal tools, watering cans, thermometers, reversible sunhats, and gardening gloves for little ones. For the older kids we have bug catchers, nets, activity books, soapstone carving kits, solar print kits … Read more
In this episode, Brenda shows us some of the best gardening essentials we have at the shop. Having the right tools can make garden jobs so much easier! One tool that has been in the shop since opening day, 23 years ago, is the Garden Bandit. This Canadian made weeding tool is super handy for … Read more
Many important factors determine the quality of bird seed. At the Avant-Garden shop, our customers tell us again and again that after switching from cheap big box store seeds to the quality feed they find at our shop, they see immediate improvement in bird activity and variety at their feeders. The majority of the … Read more
Lately we are seeing lots of grackles and starlings around. If you don’t want them taking over your feeders, we have options! Some feeders like the Squirrel Buster Plus can be adjusted so the weight of the grackles close the feeder. This can definitely help slow down their seed consumption! We also have caged feeders … Read more
Hummingbirds and orioles are back! As per usual schedule they arrived at the beginning of May and we’ve been hearing all about your sightings. A lot of other migratory birds are now arriving and it’s so exciting! In this episode I show you a couple of the feeders we have available. Many feeders account for … Read more
The “birds” are back. It’s hard not to think of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic film when gangs of noisy blackbirds descend upon our feeders. We’re talking, of course, about grackles and starlings. They are called many names for their bullying and aggressive behaviour but to the question “are they invasive?”: the answer is yes and no. … Read more
After a few years hiatus, Mad Cap hats are back in the shop! These hats are the original handmade creations of Tori Capes, a certified milliner! For 38 years these beautiful hats have been designed and created in a scenic lakeside studio near Westport Ontario. These adjustable Sunblocker hats are their most popular sun hat, … Read more
The new DIY craft kits from Genius Premium Craft Company have finally arrived! We received a variety of sewing kits, felting kits, fibre art kits and even ones that come with a greeting card. You’ll find a quirky racoon, a seagull with a pouch of fries, a dog in a coat, and the cats inspired … Read more
When the Hadhad family relocated to Canada in 2016 after losing their home and business in Syria, all they hoped for was a chance to rebuild their lives in peace while their son, Tareq, could study medicine. Their home in Damascus was destroyed by bombs, as was their factory, the second largest chocolate producer in … Read more