The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

GARDEN GATE: Episode 324 – Feeding American Goldfinches – (Aug 29, 2025)

This summer there sure have been a lot of American Goldfinches at the feeders! These birds are such a joy to watch and hear their sweet songs. They are nesting right now and feed their young seeds, so they really appreciate you keeping your feeders full and clean. The finch tube feeders from Aspects in … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 323 – Downtown Sketcher – (Aug 15, 2025)

This week we are featuring one of our newest artists, the Downtown Sketcher! Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Wynand van Niekerk is the sketch artist that created the brand Downtown Sketcher. Ever since he was a child, he has had a unique vision and passion for urban landscapes. We met Wynand in January and commissioned … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 322 – Offering Water To Birds – (Aug 1, 2025)

It’s been a really hot summer so far! Many days without rain makes it harder for our bird friends to find a cool drink. There are many ways you can help, which will also bring more birds to your yard. Hanging bird baths, hanging waterers, pedestal bird baths, even small dishes of water left out … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 321 – Keeping Kids Busy This Summer – (June 20, 2025)

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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 320 – The best tools make the job easier! – (June 6, 2025)

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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 319 – Keeping Grackles and Starlings Out! (May 23, 2025)

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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 318 – Orioles & Hummingbirds are back ! (May 9, 2025)

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

Birds We Love to Loathe: Grackles and Starlings

  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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 317 – Mad Cap Hats are back! (April 25, 2025)

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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 316 – New DIY Craft Kits! (April 11, 2025)

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

The Avant-Garden Shop