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Vol 32 • No 08
$4.99
January 2020
Make your own SALT MEAT p. 17
The stranger side of 2019 Travel Tips for Heading South NALUJUIT VS. MUMMERS
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life is better Published monthly in St. John’s by Downhome Publishing Inc. 43 James Lane, St. John’s, NL, A1E 3H3 Tel: 709-726-5113 • Fax: 709-726-2135 • Toll Free: 1-888-588-6353 E-mail: mail@downhomelife.com Website: www.downhomelife.com Editorial Editor-in-Chief Janice Stuckless Assistant Editor Katherine Saunders Art and Production Art Director Vince Marsh Graphic and Web Designer Cory Way Illustrator Mel D’Souza Illustrator Snowden Walters Advertising Sales Senior Account Manager Robert Saunders Account Manager Barbara Young Marketing Director Tiffany Brett Finance and Administration Junior Accountant Marlena Grant Accounting Assistant Sandra Gosse Operations Manager, Twillingate Nicole Mehaney
Warehouse Operations Warehouse / Inventory Manger Carol Howell Warehouse Operator Josephine Collins Distribution Sales & Marketing Amanda Ricks Sr. Customer Service Associate Sharon Muise Warehouse Associate Anthony Sparrow Retail Operations Retail Floor Manager, St. John’s Jackie Rice Retail Floor Manager, Twillingate Donna Keefe Retail Sales Associates Crystal Rose, Emma Goodyear, Jonathon Organ, Nicole French, Elizabeth Gleason, Rebecca Ford, Erin McCarthy, Mackenzie Stockley, Marlene Burt, Marissa Little, Hayley Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Gauci, Beth Colbert, Kim Tucker, Heather Stuckless, Katrina Hynes, Tammy Keating
Subscriptions Customer Service Associate Kathleen Murphy Customer Service Associate Nicola Ryan
Founding Editor Ron Young
President & Associate Publisher Todd Goodyear
Chief Executive Officer/Publisher Grant Young
General Manager/Assistant Publisher Tina Bromley
To subscribe, renew or change address use the contact information above. Subscriptions total inc. taxes, postage and handling: for residents in NL $39; AB, BC, MB, NU, NT, QC, SK, YT $41.99; ON $45.19; NB, NS, PE $45.99. US and International mailing price for a 1-year term is $49.99.
Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement #40062919 The advertiser agrees that the publisher shall not be liable for damages arising out of errors in advertisements beyond the amount paid for the space actually occupied by the portion of the advertisement in which the error occurred, whether such error is due to the negligence of the servants or otherwise, and there shall be no liability beyond the amount of such advertisement. The Letters to the Editor section is open to all letter writers providing the letters are in good taste, not libelous, and can be verified as true, correct and written by the person signing the letter. Pen names and anonymous letters will not be published. The publisher reserves the right to edit, revise, classify, or reject any advertisement or letter. © Downhome Publishing Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the publisher. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
Printed in Canada
Official onboard magazine of
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76 get moving
Contents
JANUARY 2020
50 Submission of the Year Meet the finalists and vote for your favourite to win!
58 Foresight 2020 Some things to look forward to in the year ahead
76 How to Get Around (in) Winter Transportation tips for the cold, ice and snow. Katherine Saunders
58 future cast www.downhomelife.com
122 The Poet Laureate Ena Constance Barrett’s tumultuous life in Scotland and Newfoundland brought sorrows and delights that inspired volumes of her poetry. Helena Barrett MacLean January 2020
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Contents
JANUARY 2020
homefront 10 I Dare Say A note from the editor 11 Contributors Meet the people behind the magazine
12 Letters From Our Readers Downhome love story, hello from HMCS Halifax and homemade salt meat
20 Downhome Tours Downhome readers explore Iceland
22 Why is That? Why do we say we “heard it through the grapevine”? Linda Browne
12
remember summer?
26 Life’s Funny Didn’t Quite Catch That… Isabel England 27 Say What A contest that puts words in someone else’s mouth
28 Lil Charmers The Great Outdoors 30 Pets of the Month Snow Days 32 Poetic Licence Where I’m From Megan Sitzmann
34 Blast from the Past Remember… Truck Rides?
36 Reviewed Denise Flint interviews Kevin Major and reviews the final book in his trilogy, Land Beyond the Sea
38 What Odds Paul Warford keeps it in the family 4
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30 super scooper 1-888-588-6353
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40 Dear St. John’s, My Sweet! A travelling journalist falls in love with Newfoundland and Labrador Alec Bruce
42 The Life of a Corner Boy Remembering longtime St. John’s newspaperman, Carl LeGrow Steve LeGrow
46
yup, that happened
46 The Stranger Side of 2019 The oddities of the year in review
features 64 Waiting For You A reunion between a boy plucked from the ocean and his rescuers, a crab fishing crew from Port de Grave, was over 40 years in the making Dennis Flynn 68 Mercedes the Matriarch Tony the Tailor’s widow, now 87, still keeps the family in stitches. Karen Silver
explore 84 Plan Your Escape Essential tips for your next trip down South
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southward bound www.downhomelife.com
90 This Spot is Reserved Thanks to a generous donation, a new nature reserve has been established on the edge of St. John’s. Katherine Saunders 94 The Jewels of James Cove If legend is to be believed, this resettled area has an unsettled past. Dennis Flynn January 2020
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Contents
JANUARY 2020
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new year, new start
98 Fun and Fright on Nalujuk Night Floyd Spracklin shares his holiday experience in Hopedale
102 A Hike to Remember Family members honour a loved one on top of Gros Morne Mountain. Arlene and Bill Adams
food and leisure 104 Everyday Recipes 8 recipes to help you turn over a new leaf in 2020 114 Down to Earth A Year in the Life of Gardening Kim Thistle 6
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132 bye-bye bay
reminiscing 118 Flashbacks Classic photos of people and places
120 Between the Boulevard and the Bay Ron Young 130 From Dust to Dust The Newfoundlanders who patented coal briquettes About the cover This serene moment in Quidi Vidi Village, in St. John’s, NL, puts winter in its best light. The photo was taken by Charmaine Young of Twillingate, NL.
Cover Index Make Your Own Salt Meat • 17 Foresight 20/20 • 58 Emotional Reunion • 64 Welcome Winter • 76 The Stranger Side of 2019 • 46 Travel Tips for Heading South • 84 Nalujuit vs. Mummers • 98 www.downhomelife.com
134 Downhome Memories The Montreal Move Sam Barnes
138 Newfoundlandia The end of the smallpox monster began with Newfoundland daring. Chad Bennett 142 Mail Order 144 Marketplace 148 Puzzles 160 Photo Finish January 2020
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homefront lil charmers
Hitting the Ice
The boys in Marystown get together for a good old-fashioned game of pond hockey. Glynda Evans Marystown, NL
The Great Outdoors Put to Work
Brayden Mugford helps gather wood for a wiener roast in the woods. Cheryl Mugford Pasadena, NL
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Mini Mug-Up
Caleb, 4, Irellyn, 3, and Lucky the pooch enjoy a snack during a day of backyard play. Carla Oldford Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Jack Frost’s Kiss
Jessie goofs around while clearing the snow off the car one winter’s day. Melanie Parsley NL
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homefront pets of the month
Snow Days Little Guy, Big Land
Dexter loves getting out in the snow on large Labrador days like this one! Sarah Kennedy Labrador City, NL
I Help!
Gilmour reps his favourite team as he takes over the shovelling after four days of snowstorms. Brian Button Port aux Basques, NL
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Catching Flakes
Seven-month-old Maggie, left, gets her first taste of snow in Lab City alongside her best friend, Penny. Deanne Hussey Labrador City, NL
Face and Eyes Into It
This doggie loves the feeling of fresh snow landing on her fur. Terri Peyton Grand Falls-Windsor, NL
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homefront
Remember… Truck Rides? We found in our archives this undated vintage photo of kids from the Traytown area riding to a school outing in Newfoundland and Labrador. Submitter Bev Ralph asked, “Could you just see the RCMP and the parents if children travelled this way today?” Pictured here are: Teacher Alan Hobbs (tall man on the left), and (in no particular order) Rex Arnold, Melvin Arnold, Elva Ralph, Jim Patten and Bill Patten, among others. In the forefront is Lester Feltham, the owner of the truck. We posted the photo to Facebook and stirred up some memories. Yvonne Arnold Roach commented: “The highlight of the last day of school. Wondering if I’m in there somewhere?” And Dorothy Beattie Olafson wrote: “My Uncle Ben Woodworth and five-year-old me rode in the truck box from Northern Ontario to Saskatchewan once in the ’50s.” It also sparked a discussion over what this part of the truck was called. We compiled the comments and here are how the responses were divvied up: Dump 19%
Box 15%
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Back 8%
Bed 4%
Pan 54% 1-888-588-6353
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homefront
We wouldn’t recognize ourselves if it weren’t for all the reader-submitted photos, stories and poems inside every issue of Downhome. Thank you to everyone who contributes to this magazine all year long. Recently, Downhome staff looked back over all the readersubmitted photos we published last year and came up with our top 12. Now we turn it over to you. From January 6 to 17, visit www.downhomelife.com/soty and vote for your favourite photo. The one with the most votes will be declared the 2019 Submission of the Year, and the submitter wins a $500 Downhome coupon to spend at our retail stores in St. John’s and Twillingate, and online at ShopDownhome.com. The same prize will be awarded to the best written submission of the year chosen by Downhome staff. Both winners will be revealed in the March 2020 issue. Don’t miss your chance to win the 2020 Submission of the Year. Turn to page 9 to learn how to submit to Downhome today. 50
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Winter Boats in Dunfield Bernice Goudie St. John’s, NL
Shades of Cool Helen Rose Pasadena, NL
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Out Like a Lamb Sara Mang Branch, NL
Big Ambitions Andrew Ralph Mount Pearl, NL
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Wavy at Cape Race Harold Feiertag Langley, BC
Big Blooms Joanna Green
Harbour Breton, NL
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Summer on Fogo Island, NL Vicki Schofield Stratford, ON
Mailman of Long Ago
Marjorie (Prince) Yetman Princeton, NL
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Fresh Catch Carolyn Warren Massey Drive, NL
Wild Beauty Derek Butler St. John’s, NL
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Little Lobster Marcy Farr Burgeo, NL
Company on the Trail in Goose Cove Melisa Troy
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life is better Caribou along the road near St. Shott’s, NL Bernice Goudie, St. John’s, NL
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explore
Jonathan Anstey photo
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In Newfoundland and Labrador,
winters are long. It’s cold, it’s snowy, it’s icy. But that doesn’t have to keep us from getting out and enjoying the outdoors. Whether it’s getting to work, getting around town, or just getting out of the house, these are some of the ways you can get around (in) winter in our province.
Snowmobile
Snowmobiles may not be street legal, but they are a great way to experience the outdoors off the beaten track. You can ride them in the woods and on the groomed trails. With the right route and plenty of preparation, you can get pretty far on a snowmobile – you could even cross the province if you wanted to! And in parts of Labrador (north of 54°), you can ride them everywhere! If you don’t own a snowmobile, there are lots of places province-wide that rent them, so you can enjoy a day of exploring the outdoors. You can get lots of helpful information and safety tips from the Newfoundland and Labrador Snowmobile Federation: www.nlsf.org.
TIP Snowmobiling can damage your hearing, especially if you spend long hours on your machine. Snowmobiles can reach noise levels of up to 100 decibels! The American Research Hearing Foundation recommends wearing earplugs if you plan on being out for two hours or more. You may even find you feel less tired after a day on the snowmobile if you wear ear protection.
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All-terrain vehicle
Good news! If you love going out on the quad in the summer, you can still do it in the winter! ATVs can navigate snowy conditions and most are able to do so without any modifications. After a fresh snowfall, all-terrain or mud tires are typically sufficient to manoeuvre the vehicle. If you do want to rig up your ride for the snow, there are a couple of options, including all-terrain tires with tread, studs for tires, or dedicated ATV snow tires.
Tip Some users add snowplows to the front of their ATVs. These make it easier to access trails that are not cleared, and you can use them to clear your driveway!
Ice Clamps
For everyday walking, it is useful to have a pair of ice clamps. These slip onto your boots and have spikes on the bottom, which provide extra grip when walking on slippery surfaces such as icy driveways, parking lots and sidewalks.
Tip Remember to take them off when you go indoors – inside, they make it easier to slip, and they can scratch flooring.
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Dogsledding
Aiden Mahoney photo
Snowshoes
If you want to hike trails in the winter without having to worry about sinking to your waist in snow, snowshoes are the way to go. They are a great way to access spots that would otherwise be too snowcovered for walking, and you can take your time and enjoy the great outdoors. Plus snowshoes are relatively inexpensive to buy, require no registration or safety gear, and are easy to use, even for beginners.
Tip
Ski poles are helpful while snowshoeing, especially if you encounter any grades. And don’t forget to dress in layers, and bring extra socks, snacks and water.
Bicycle
Although it’s not a common method of transportation these days, dog sleds were essential for winter travel in northern communities not so long ago. When asked what the significance of dog sleds were during his childhood in Black Tickle, Labrador, Scott Hudson tells Downhome, “One word: survival.” Before snowmobiles, trucks or ATVs, dog sleds were essential for accessing supplies and medical care in Labrador communities. And they were used everywhere: all along the coast, in Central Labrador and Lab West. Today, dog sleds are not used for everyday travel, but they remain a huge part of Labrador’s cultural heritage, including as a component of the Labrador Winter Games. Scott and his wife Lori offer dog sled tours through their business, Northern Lights Dog Sledding, based in Happy Valley-Goose Bay. They offer as authentic an experience as possible, to pay homage to the dogs and the stories of their ancestors.“I think that’s one thing that all cultures here in Labrador have in common, whether you come from an Inuit culture, a Métis culture, or a settler culture,” Scott says. “I think it really moulded us as people.” Learn more about more about dogsledding tours at Northernlightsdogsledding.com.
If you are someone who rides a bike regularly, you don’t have to stop when winter comes. You just need to layer up and be mindful of road conditions. You can purchase special studded tires for your bike that makes riding in icy conditions safer and easier to manage.
Tip If you are worried about the impact of winter weather on your bike, it is not a bad idea to purchase a used bike especially for winter use.
Roberta Buchanan photo
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Winter Tech Texting Gloves Texting gloves are winter gloves that have fingertip pads made with conductive wiring. The electricity in your fingertips travels through the wiring so that you can use touch-screen devices such as cellphones without removing your gloves.
Heated Jackets Heated jackets, and other heated garments, contain wires that heat up to keep you warm when you are out in the cold. They are powered by battery packs, usually located in an inside pocket. The clothing is designed not to overheat, and it is safe to wear in wet conditions, as long as you do not submerge the garment.
Pocket Warmer Heat Pack An alternative to heated clothing is to purchase a rechargeable heat pack for your everyday winter gear. These are thin, battery-operated warmers that you can carry in your pocket. They recharge using a micro-USB cable. They are easy to change from one outfit to another, and are water-resistant and shockproof.
Temperature-Controlled Travel Mug If you hate when your coffee gets cold in the car on the way to work, you can get a travel mug that will keep it at the optimal temperature until you arrive at your destination. These mugs plug into the outlet in your car, and you can set the temperature for your beverage. As long as your mug is plugged in, your drink will stay at that temperature for the entire trip.
Hat with Headphones Do you love to listen to music when you’re out and about, but find it hard to wear headphones in the winter when you have a hat on? You need a hat with Bluetooth headphones built right in. Some designs also contain microphones, so you can take phone calls right from your hat. 80
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Loyal Squires photo
Fat Bike
If a regular bicycle just won’t cut it, fat biking may be for you! A fat bike is a bicycle with large tires – about 4”-5” wide – that is designed for winter travel. Local fat bike enthusiast Loyal Squires writes, “Fat bikes provide a fun way to travel short or long distances over packed snow and ice (with studded tires). Fatbiking is an activity that is enjoyed by all ages and all walks of life.” Fat bikes can even travel on frozen ponds!
Tip If you are interested in fat biking, you can find resources on Loyal Squires’ blog, www.fatbikerepublic.com.
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Safety Tips Motorists, watch out for pedestrians. Sidewalks are not always cleared, which can force people onto the roads. Carry an emergency kit in your car in case you get stuck in the snow. You also need to have a snow brush and window scraper, and it is a good idea to have a shovel and extra warm clothing in the vehicle at all times.
Daniel Rumbolt photo
Skis
Skiing is a fun and unique way to experience the trails and hills in winter. There are 18 ski clubs around Newfoundland and Labrador, offering both cross-country and downhill skiing. You can also ski in some provincial and national parks. Skiing is a great family activity, and if you’ve never skied before, clubs offer rentals and lessons for all ages. The website Crosscountrynl.com has lots of information about skiing in Newfoundland and Labrador, including contact information for each ski club.
Tip Make sure you have the proper safety
gear for skiing, including a helmet and goggles. Never go skiing alone because if you get hurt, you will need someone to help you.
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Keep your cellphone charged when you are going out anywhere, in case of an emergency. Carry a back-up charger – one that plugs into a cigarette lighter – and cord in your glove box. Many vehicles have direct USB outlets so you may only need a cord that matches your phone. Don’t forget to salt your driveway and stairs. And carry a small baggie of road salt when you’re going out walking, in case you encounter a slippery spot in your travels. When you’re heading outdoors, don’t forget sun protection! It may seem an odd thing for the winter, but even in the cold months, the sun can be harmful when you are outdoors for an extended period. Sunglasses are important for protecting your vision when the sun reflects off the glistening snow, and coat any exposed skin with sunscreen. 1-888-588-6353
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Accessible Transport
For mobility device users, winter can be an added challenge. However, there are modifications available for mobility aids, which can improve safety and make winter more accessible. Wheelchair users can purchase special winter tires for wheelchairs that are made with knobs for better traction. If these are out of your price range, the United Spinal Association suggests a DIY option: wrap 25-30 zip ties around each wheel of the chair, with the knobs pointing outward on the tires, to give your chair extra grip. Wheelblades are German-made skis that you can attach to the front wheels of a wheelchair. They prevent the wheels from sinking down into the snow and getting stuck. If you use a walker, it is a good idea to get one with large wheels, as they make it easier to get around outdoors, especially in the winter. There are also all-terrain wheels available for walkers. You can purchase ice prongs for canes and crutches. When paired with ice clamps for boots, these make getting around on icy pathways a lot easier and safer.
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Tip Talk to your doctor to determine the best accessibility modifications for your needs.
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We’re wasting no time preparing for the next Downhome Calendar, . . . and neither should you! Submit your favourite photos of scenery, activities and icons that best illustrate the down-home lifestyle. We’re looking for a variety of colourful subjects – outports, wildlife, laundry lines, historic sites, seascapes, hilltop views, and so much more – and photos from all four seasons. In addition to free calendars and a one-year subscription to Downhome for all those chosen for the calendar, one lucky winner will receive a free trip for four aboard O’Brien’s famous whale and bird boat tours!
What are you waiting for? Submit today, using one of these ways:
by mail: Downhome Calendar Contest 43 James Lane St. John’s, NL A1E 3H3 online: www.downhomelife.com/calendar Must be original photos or high quality copies. Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi, files sizes of about 1MB. We can’t accept photocopies or photos that are blurry, too dark or washed out. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your photos returned.
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Spinach Pasta Pasta
Sauce
3 1 6 1
1 cup butter 2 cups leek, thinly sliced 2 tbsp fresh garlic, minced 12 sundried tomatoes, julienne 1 cup white wine 6 cups whipping cream Salt & pepper to taste Parmesan cheese (opt.)
whole eggs tbsp extra virgin olive oil cups spinach, packed cup + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1 cup + 2 tbsp semolina 1 tsp salt
For the pasta
Whisk together eggs and oil; set aside. Wilt spinach with a tiny amount of water in a frying pan. Once wilted, chop very fine, squeeze out as much liquid as possible and set aside. Put the dry ingredients in a food processor fitted with an S-blade. With the machine running, add the squeezed spinach, letting it blend thoroughly with the flours. The flours should start to look like a green powder. Once it looks even, add liquid ingredients all at once. Once a ball forms, remove it from the processor and knead it with some semolina flour if it’s a little sticky. It should be smooth and firm, but only slightly tacky. Wrap airtight and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, to allow the gluten to relax. Divide dough into small sections and roll it out using a pasta roller (my roller goes to a size 8 thickness, and I roll it out to a size 6 thickness). Once rolled out into sheets, run the pasta through the cutters to make fettuccine. Sprinkle fettuccine with semolina to keep it from sticking together.
For the sauce Melt butter over medium heat in a frying pan. Sweat leek and garlic. When leeks are translucent, add tomatoes and turn heat to high. Once veggies start to sizzle, add wine and swirl the pan to mix. Add cream and let it boil over medium-high heat until it reduces by about half (or to the consistency you desire). Season to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
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Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and boil until it’s still a little bit firm, but cooked through (5-8 minutes). You may have to do it in batches to ensure the pot is not too crowded. Strain pasta and gently toss it in a small amount of olive oil to keep it from sticking together. Serve onto plates topped with warm sauce. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Yield: 6-8 servings
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food & leisure down to earth
A Year in the Life of Gardening By Kim Thistle
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I learned to love gardening
at a very early age. Both of my parents were gardeners; they started a greenhouse business and flower shop the year I was born. I guess I was destined to follow in their footsteps. Some of my earliest memories are of helping with the transplanting in the spring, when the snow was receding and days were starting to lengthen. In summer, I loved to sit in the rock garden and enjoy the scent of lavender. I watched my mother weed till dark during those long summer days. Autumn reminds me of raking leaves for the compost, and putting the garden and greenhouse to bed for a few months. The howling winds of February remind me of helping with the seeding and watching the heat disappearing through the seams in the greenhouse. The risks of the furnace failing during a winter storm caused my father sleepless nights, and some of my earliest memories are of the alarm going off in the dark to alert us that his fears had come true. I guess that is what made me come to appreciate the four seasons of gardening. Yep‌ four seasons. Every season has a landscape and a place in the heart of a gardener.
It starts with spring
Spring is the time of rebirth. Planting seeds and watching those first two leaves emerge through the soil is one of the few ways we have of assisting Mother Nature with a miracle. Who doesn’t love to see a carpet of crocuses and squill followed by tulips and daffodils? It is in the spring that we have the opportunity to prune off a few branches from our fruit trees and forsythia, and watch them come into bloom in a vase of water inside our homes. It is the time when we plant seeds and set them in our living room windows or (for those lucky enough to have one) a backyard greenhouse. I love that first warmish, sunny day when I can get out in the garden and rake the leaves off my perennial beds to see what treasures are poking through the earth. It is the time we awaken to the sound of the songbirds. Spring is the season for coltsfoot, the banquet provided to hungry honeybees. Yes, spring is the time when we all stretch and yawn, and look forward to the feeling of sore muscles at the end of the day. www.downhomelife.com
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Summer brings the heat
Then come the hot, sweaty days of summer, we hope. Now we get to watch those teeny, tiny seedlings that we started a few months ago mature into adults. We battle insects, disease, drought and flood; and when we are not dealing with those nuisances, we are weeding, weeding and weeding. My dopamine is triggered when I get halfway through a garden row and look back from whence I’ve come. That clean, weedless soil is like an artist’s palette. Summer is the season when the perennial gardener realizes there is “that” spot that lacks colour on the 25th of July or the 9th of August, and we go in search of the perfect plant to fit. It is the time when walkers or drivers slow down in front of a house with a beautiful hanging basket. Even non-gardeners take part in this activity and wish they could make their own homes look so inviting.
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Hot summer days are times when we are grateful for large trees that provide shade for our midday siesta. It is the time for picking our homegrown salad greens and strawberries. You can almost taste the sunshine on them. Summer is the time when the vegetable gardeners sneak around the neighbourhood at night, leaving their copious amounts of zucchini on their neighbours’ doorsteps. Only a person who has grown more than two zucchini plants can appreciate that innuendo.
The rewards of fall
Then comes autumn, the season when we reap what we have sown. It is the time when we wonder what to do with all those tomatoes; or, conversely, why our tomato harvest was so poor. Then there are the bushels of green tomatoes that did not have long enough to ripen. (Heads up, Green Tomato Jam is to die for.)
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Kim’s garden under a winter blanket I find autumn to be the busiest season. The harvesting, pickling, blanching and freezing seem never ending. On the decent days, there is the raking, pruning, soil amending and tree wrapping that goes with the fast-approaching end of season. Then, there is the planting of spring bulbs and garlic, as well as the seeding of winter cover crops. There are the drives to the coast to gather seaweed and the search for the perfect, well-rotted manure to top dress your beds for the following year.
A winter’s rest
Thank heavens for winter. Sweet winter. It is time to put our feet up and rest, but not the time to go on sabbatical. Now comes the planning for the following year. Now we can sit in our windows and observe the garden. Are there enough trees that attract winter birds and give them www.downhomelife.com
shelter? Are there plants such as grasses and trees with decorative barks to give our garden colour and interest when the season is bleak? What were our successes and failures over the past year? What are we going to plant next year? Where are we going to plant it? When you get sick of making notes, there are always tools to be cleaned and sharpened. For those of you who are not gardeners, I hope that through my articles I can inspire you to plant even one thing. That one plant will be the beginning of a long love affair with the earth. Kim Thistle owns a garden centre and landscaping business on the west coast of the island. She has also been a recurring guest gardener on CBC’s “Crosstalk” for almost three decades. January 2020
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photo finish
Seeing Red
The first snowfall of the year in Rigolet made Mother Nature’s bright colours come alive throughout the town. Eldred Allen Rigolet, NL
Do you have an amazing or funny photo to share?
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