The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

Seen any new birds lately?

If there’s one thing that’s boomed during COVID, it’s birdwatching! With more time at home and less abroad, so many have turned their attention to the beauties they share their yards, gardens, and local parks with and are continually amazed by the variety of species so close to home. I (Brenda) saw my first American … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 221-Dog Bite Steel recycled art (July 30, 2021)

Recently we made a trip to visit artists J.P. Schoss and his wife Brenda Tucker from Dog Bite Steel in Uxbridge. It’s always a fun day! We have a nice visit, pick out new pieces for the store, fill up our truck…then go for a nice lunch in Uxbridge. It’s an all day adventure! Brenda … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 220-Canadian made (July 16, 2021)

  Our store opened in 2002 with a focus on gardening, birding and Canadian made. After almost 19 years, you can imagine we’ve met some very talented artists and have been able to help add a touch of beauty to your home and garden. We’ve always felt it important to support local and Canadian artists … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 219 – Tools, gloves and other handy items (July 2, 2021)

https://youtu.be/weCmTNlkL2o Besides all of the beautiful wall art, bird feeders and wind chimes, we also carry a good selection of quality tools to help you get your gardening done with ease! We carry hats, gloves, trowels, hori hori knives, expandable rakes, watering cans, weeding tools including our super popular garden bandit and so much more. … Read more

Late-summer allergies: goldenrod isn’t the culprit!

For many, late-summer is hailed by runny noses, itchy eyes, and irritated throats. Plenty of colourful flowers are in bloom at this time of year, including Queen Anne’s Lace (a.k.a. Wild Carrot), New England Asters, and Blueweed (a.k.a. Viper’s Bugloss), but the new bloom on the block when these allergies hit is the conspicuous bright … Read more

Feels like drought already, doesn’t it?

Peterborough only got 16 mm of rainfall in May! The gardens, rain barrels, and farmers’ fields are so dry already. All the plants and critters, whether maintained in your yard or in the local natural areas all need more water. Including the birds. If you have active bird feeders (and we know many of you … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 216 – Hummingbirds and Orioles (May 21, 2021)

  t’s the time of year again when we’re all so excited to orioles and hummingbirds. You can feel the excitement in the air. People are chatting online trying to figure out when these sweet birds arrive. And when they do–we hear about it! I suggest getting your feeders out the first week of May. … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 215 – Kitras glass (May 7, 2021)

Hand blown glass from Fergus Ontario. The colours reflect beautifully when hanging in the garden or under a tree. We have a variety of sizes and styles. Some are on our website, but not all.   3″ glass hearts, 3″ Blossom balls, 3″ Tree of Life and larger 6″ tree of life. We even have … Read more

The Avant-Garden Shop