DESIGNI NG green
Image David Coulson
THANKS TO ALL MOMS
Image David Coulson
W
David Coulson has a staff of 25 that have built throughout the island for over 20 years.
ell I would have to say that all building should stop to honour this grand dame of dames. But I think I can speak for most (many I hope) mothers that their dearest wish might be for something of the built environment. Would it be a bookshelf for that collection of cookbooks that have fed us and warmed us all these years. Or a garden bench to
enjoy the views with her of her favourite herb or flower patch. How about a new kitchen after raising a gang, a gaggle or flock of biblets over the years and having to do it in the barest and I’m sure rarest of conditions. Or a bath to spend some retiring hours soothing the aches and pains that are all part of her never ending instinctive desire to give and provide and shelter and protect. OK then, lets just build her a new house! It goes without saying she deserves it. Countless hours at home making meals , doing laundry, looking after the family
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accounting and most likely the booking agent for all family getaways. Yes, this may be a tad reflective but I won’t admit to all. That would not leave me to tell the real story of what we should design and do for ‘mom’s’ at this time of year. We’ll begin as follows. Lets start with flowers, fresh cut but supported and displayed in a unique vase to remember you by. See Rose and Leaf and Petal in Duncan. May it be a hollowed out stem (internode) of timber bamboo, a recycled copper artillery shell from the war (grandpa’s favourite) or your child’s vacated fish bowl with a collection of your favourite pet rocks, shells and throw in a few marbles for colour. Yes marbles. Anyone remember those? Add a personalized card with lots of X’s and O’s. Next best, real flower, rose bush, clematis or hydrangea for mid summer colour. Then a bench. Not just any but go to Lee Valley and get a set of plans for one of those Givenchy benches that are all the rage in France. Want simple? Try acquiring sawmill cut offs of 4” x
4” timbers in three foot or longer lengths and simply dress them up with a block plane or guy tool of choice and fasten together and spread across a couple cinder blocks. Presto, contemporary up cycled bench. A few clay pots, make them large! Large will get you points and what a collection at the Old Farm Garden Pot shop. A terrace of stone to sit your bench on, decorate with pots and view your newly planted hydrangea? Hillside Garden and Stone for some ‘Cowboy Tumbled’ limestone pavers. Let the moss fill the gaps or plant some thyme. Now all you need is the Ampersand Gin mixed with some Rosemary’d infused sugared water and Elderberry Liqueur (St. Germain ) and you have won your mother over for days, maybe weeks. Be sure to serve chilled! I wish you all the best of luck. Do put your heart and soul into this venture. She will likely be the only ‘mom’ ever so treat her as one and leave her something to remember. Note: Most of the above has a good shelf life including the locally made Gin.
BUYING OR SELLING REAL ESTATE?
sutton group • west coast realty
250.748.5000 2610 Beverly Street Duncan, BC
toni@tonib.ca
www.ToniB.ca
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Valley Voice Magazine - Your Monthly Guide to Living in the Cowichan Valley