Garden Gate: Episode 155 – Thank you! (Jan. 4th, 2019)
A quick two minutes to say how much we appreciate our customers support and how much we love to support our community.
Avant-Garden Blog
Garden Gate: Episode 154 – Supporting local and Canadian made
2018 was our 16th year in business. In those 16 years we have shared the wonderful work of so many artists with you! And every year we add more and more of their beautiful work to our offerings. It so important to support local artists. These artists are your neighbours and friends. When … Read more
Garden Tips: It’s for the Birds (the Importance & Nuances of Bird Seed)
Seedy Business The majority of the contents in most bird seed mixes available at large stores is a blend of “fillers” that are low in nutritional value, such as wheat, red millet, and flax. The seeds in these bulk bags are often poorly cleaned, which leaves them dusty, and oils are then added to reduce … Read more
Garden Gate: Episode 153: Blue Jays (Dec. 7th, 18)
Many people who love feeding birds dislike Blue Jays, because they can be loud and aggressive. Although this is true, there’s so much to love about these intelligent and charismatic creatures! Jays are in the Corvid family, which includes ravens and crows. They are very intelligent, capable of problem solving and mimicking the calls of … Read more
Garden Gate: Episode 152 – Suet and Peanuts to keep birds warm (Nov. 23, 18)
Certain needs must be met to for any living creature to survive: food, water, and shelter from inclement weather and predators. These elements work together to form a critter’s habitat. No matter how ideal a habitat may appear to be in one or more of these areas, it will not be used by wildlife if … Read more
Garden Tips: Backyard Blues (Jays)
Many people who love feeding birds dislike Blue Jays, because they can be loud and aggressive. Although this is true, there’s so much to love about these intelligent and charismatic creatures! Jays are in the Corvid family, which includes ravens and crows. They are very intelligent, capable of problem solving and mimicking the calls of … Read more
Garden Tips: Supporting Birds in the Winter
Certain needs must be met to for any living creature to survive: food, water, and shelter from inclement weather and predators. These elements work together to form a critter’s habitat. No matter how ideal a habitat may appear to be in one or more of these areas, it will not be used by wildlife if even … Read more
Garden Tips: Birds, Birds, and More Birds! (Migration & Irruptions)
“Stock your bird feeders because many birds will have a difficult time finding natural foods this winter…” Fall migration is now well underway, and you may be noticing more birds and new species at your feeders. Many seed eaters, such as Dark-eyed Juncos and American Tree Sparrows move in for the winter as most insect-eating … Read more
Garden Gate: Episode 148 – Eco Friendly Solmate Socks
Solmate socks are super comfy but also very Eco-Friendly. The socks are made from recycled cotton, bits are reused and made into cup cozies, door mats and even puppets! Over the years the company has been successful enough that they purchased a local mill that was going to close. This preserved many jobs in the … Read more
Garden Gate: Episode 147 – Fall migration and setting up a pole system
Fall migration has already begun for some bird species. As birds leave their northern breeding grounds to head south for the winter, the numbers of birds and species of birds that will pass through or arrive in this part of Ontario will increase quite a bit over the next month or two. If you haven’t … Read more