The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

Garden Tips: Planting for winter bird use

You’ve purchased and set up your bird feeding station, filled it with high-quality bird food, sat down by the window with your binoculars and identification guide, and… …no birds! What’s up with that? Birds need food to survive, of course, and feeders can provide them with desperately needed calories, especially in the deep cold of … Read more

Garden Tips: Is feeding birds helpful to them or a hindrance?

In addition to the pleasure that comes from watching birds at a feeder, many people choose to feed birds to help them out. You may have heard the idea that birds become dependent on feeders, and we could end up harming them if we stop stocking our feeders. The scientific literature suggests this may not … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 231 -Last minute Christmas gift ideas (Dec 17, 2021)

On this episode I share some ideas for last minute gift ideas. Beautiful Stitch by Stitch ornaments are always popular. Hand made and Fair trade. We also have an interesting suet feeder that looks like a cute owl, compressed seed gifts for the birds, beautiful soaps and hostess napkins by Michel Design Works, tea towels, … Read more

GARDEN GATE-Episode 230: Christmas ornaments (Dec 3, 21)

At this time of year the shop is filled with beautiful gifts for Christmas. One of our favourites are the Stitch by Stitch ornaments. These are hand made in South-East Asia by artisans in their homes. While we tend to avoid items made over seas so we can support our own Canadian artists, these items … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 229-Heated bird baths (Nov. 19, 2021)

Winters in Canada are tough on birds. They spend all their time looking for food, water and shelter. Anything that we can do to help these beautiful little creatures is a good thing and will help them to survive the cold nights. Birds must eat from dawn until dusk just to survive the -30C nights. … Read more

More isn’t always better… birds and windows

Can you guess how many bird species have been documented in the Peterborough region? 307! With a blend of urban areas, lakes and rivers, agricultural fields, and forests, the Peterborough area encompasses a huge variety of habitats. On top of that, we sit in an area know as “The Land Between,” the transition zone between … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 227 (Oct 22, 2021)

It’s that time of year again. Time to clean and set up your bird feeders! If you don’t feed all year then now is the time to get your feeders out again. It’s very important that the feeders are clean and that you use good quality fresh seed. And to get the most enjoyment from … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 226-Canadian Made Wall Art (Oct 8, 2021)

Check out this super cute VW Van! Also known as a Westie (Westfalia). These vans are making a comeback! Just like our vintage trailer, these vintage Westies have almost a cult following! In addition to this piece we have many other stunning pieces of wall art and it’s all made in Canada! Super quality and … Read more

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