MY RETREAT GARDENS

My "retreat", thus far, consists of a gazebo, a couple firepits, a three-level deck, a little fish pond,and some paths througout my backyard, intermixed with small flower beds.

In the early mornings, from spring to fall, Rick and I will sit out on the deck (from 5:30 - 6:30 AM) and watch the earth come alive as the birds start to sing and visit the bird feeders and the sun begins to rise. It is my favourite time of day. On chilly days we will start a fire in one of our fire pits, to help take the chill off.

Once a month, our morning involves sitting around the fire and/or in the closed-in gazebo with my family and have a bonfire breakfast. This tradition began in the summer of 2007, with my Mom, my aunt and uncle, my brother and sister-in-law, and Rick and I meeting at 6:30 AM and having a bacon and eggs breakfast together. It has continued on through the winter, with the benefit of the gazebo which helps protect from the winter weather, although we usually stand outside around the fire anyway. The group has increased to include my daughter and her husband and my niece. It is a wonderful time!

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MY VEGETABLE GARDEN

This is a work in progress, as we fine-tune what the best crops are for us. There is no use planting something that we are not going to eat.

This year I have purchased some seeds from Salt Spring Seeds and can't wait to get them in the ground. I hope that all of my purchases will be used and will fill the pantry for the winter!

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• here is my plan

MY CAROLINIAN FOREST

Our region of Ontario is the furthest north point of what is called the "Carolinian Forest". Due to man's past, much of the native Carolinian plants and trees have been eliminated from the area.

It is my goal to create a mini forest in my own yard, filled with as many Carolinian plants as my bank account will allow. I have been purchasing a couple of trees each year and the forest is slowly growing. Hopefully someone, some day, shall treasure my little piece of heaven.

I also have a few fruit trees planted (apple, pear, and cherry) and shall continue to add to this list. Last year I had a huge crop of apples from our tree and was able to make lots of jars of apple juice and some pie filling. This year I hope to make even more preserves.

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