The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

GARDEN GATE: Episode 245 – Keeping the kids happy this summer (July 15, 2022)

https://youtu.be/gxvlsZO1k9I With summer vacation in full swing, you may need something to occupy the kids. We have a wide variety of items including Canadian made puppets, Soap stone carving kits, bird books and puzzles. We also have a number of books including some from local authors. You can find most of these items on our … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 244 – Furniture & Decor for your garden patio (July 5, 2022)

It’s finally summer and the perfect time to enjoy our outdoor spaces with friends and family. We have lots of awesome decor to help make your space enjoyable. Our Solair chairs are perfect for the garden, deck or even at the trailer! Lots of fun colours, easy to clean, super comfortable, UV stable and sturdy. … Read more

Garden Tips: Birds need water, too

Birds need water for drinking and bathing, and the heat of summer is a good time to get your bird baths out. Drinking Birds don’t need to drink as much water as mammals do, because they don’t have sweat glands. They lose water through breathing and their poop. Most songbirds feed on insects and get … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 243 -Tools, hats, gloves to help you garden! (Jun. 17, 2022)

We carry a wide variety of tools to help make your time in the garden a little easier. From gloves, small hand tools, weeding tools, hats to heat guards for you and your pup!   Our Garden Bandit is our best selling tool and helps you get those weeds out! Hats protect you from the … Read more

Feeder interlopers – on grackles and starlings

You’ve bought and/or cleaned your feeders. You’ve taken the time to set up your feeding station to maximize the numbers of birds and bird species that might use it. You’ve purchased high-quality, non-GMO bird feed and have stocked your station. You’ve waited with excitement to see who comes to use your new arrangement. …Common Grackles … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 240-Orioles and Hummingbirds (May 6, 2022)

Hummingbirds and Orioles arrive every spring around the 1st of May. Once the days get a bit longer and the weather has warmed up, you’re almost guaranteed to see these beautiful birds! On this episode of the Garden Gate I share some of my favourite styles of feeders and also give some tips on what … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 239 Handmade stone items (Apr 22, 2022)

We take pride in ourselves for supporting many Canadian artists by carrying their beautiful items. On this episode of the Garden Gate I share 3 products made from similar product. Stones and soap stones! Stone and silver necklaces by Wendy Stanwick from Matachewan. Stone necklaces by Samantha Butts using stone from Madoc and Soapstone carvings … Read more

Why do hummingbirds hum?

May 1st(ish) typically heralds the springtime return of hummingbirds and orioles from their southern wintering grounds. They fly far and hard to get here and benefit from whatever energetic support they can get. If you don’t already have them or want more, we carry a nice selection of oriole and hummingbird feeders. Hummingbird feeder set-up … Read more

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