Sprouts – Discovering A Garden

Editor’s Note: This morning we have local garden enthusiast Kendra Quince discovering the treasures within her new garden and giving us a helping hand with identifying unknown plants and flowers. Here she is:
Well, I have to admit, I’m not sure where to start. This new garden is throwing me off. Suddenly my yard is twice [...]

SPROUTS – Goodbye Garden

Editor’s Note: Happy Friday. This morning we have gardening goddess Kendra Quince taking us through the steps of moving a garden from one home to another. Here she is:

Every year at this time, I begin to feel a little sad. Pulling out the plants and harvesting what remains of the garden reminds me that cooler [...]

SPROUTS – Creating a Kids Garden

Another sunny day. Everyone loves it when warm days blow in. With all this good weather I can finally tackle the weeds that have been meandering in my garden beds and deadhead a few of the plants that escaped me in the Fall.

It is so refreshing to be outside for hours these days – with [...]

SPROUTS – Composting, Family-Style

Editor’s Note: Good Morning. SPROUTS gardening goddess Kendra Quince is here to kick off our Earth Month goodness with a quick lesson in composting.
While I’ve got you thinking gardening, this gives me the chance to announce some big news here at Our Big Earth.
On Monday morning (April 6), if you wake up bright and early [...]

SPROUTS – Early Spring Kid Gardening Fun

Brrr, it’s chilly.
On those afternoons when the bright sun makes it tolerable, I stroll aimlessly around my garden with hopeful ideas of planting.
My daughter and I sample a bite from a patch of oregano as it pokes its head out of one of my veggie gardens.  In the front yard we marvel over little yellow [...]

Winter Nutrition From The Grocery “Garden”

Another new year! But with the remnants of snow it is hardly a time to be gardening. So I thought we’d take a look at a few common foods available at the grocery “garden!”
Typically the new year ushers in new year’s resolutions, and eating healthier is a common goals after the onslaught of Christmas [...]

A Garden Full of Family Holiday Creations

With Christmas just around the corner I am starting to scramble…
WHAT am I going to get everyone this year? Ideally, each year my children and I will create a beautiful, crafty tree ornament. Two years ago we made playdoh angels. Last year is a bit of a blur.
Now it is that time again… But coming [...]

Kid-Friendly Garden Parties

Rain, rain go away….
But, on the other hand, a cooler day makes it easier to get out into that garden to investigate.
Suddenly treasures are popping up everywhere! One by one our tomatoes are turning red, the peas are plump and sweet.
Then, we find something new in the garden – a gnome hiding in the tomatillos… [...]

Time to Cool Off with Peppermint Tea

Editor’s Note:
I know, I know. Wednesday is food day.
But, in honour of the birth of Sprouts writer Kendra Quince’s baby boy, and the fact that some cool minty tea sounds perfect during this very steamy week, we bring you Sprouts, the foodie version.
Congratulations Kendra and family.
Time for some leisurely back porch sitting with a glass [...]

The Weather & Garden Synch Up

It’s true.
Our Sprouts preschool garden experiment, well, died.
Being entirely new at making anything grow, I had no plan for dealing with the record-cold April and the reality that frost always wins over veggies when push comes to shove.
I’m a little embarrassed, mildly comforted by the fact that a whole whack of people I know [...]