The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

Garden Gate: Episode 107- Getting your Vitamin “N” at Kawartha Environment Centre

It was a great treat to visit The Kawartha Environment Centre at Trent University in January. I felt like a kid again. Tromping around in the snow and feeding chickadees from my hand. This centre is truly a gem for the City and County of Peterborough. Kids come to this centre and also Camp Kawartha … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 106 – The Paddling Puppeteers

Chex TV airdate: Friday Jan. 6th, 2017 To watch this episode online click link here.   On this episode I’m joined by Glen Caradus of The Paddling Puppeteers at The Kawartha Environment Centre. I’ve known Glen since we worked together at Peterborough Green-Up in the ’90’s. He’s always had a special way with kids, frogs … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 102 – Predator birds at your feeders (Drew Monkman guest)

CHEX TV airdate: Friday Nov. 11th, 2016. Watch this episode online by clicking link. Predator birds such as Sharp shinned hawks (Picture courtesy Gwen Forsyth), Barred Owls and Northern Shrikes have been known to visit bird feeders in our back yards (and they’re not after the bird food!) It can be very shocking to see … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 101 – Migrating birds at the feeder (Drew Monkman guest)

CHEX TV airdate: Friday Oct. 28th between 5 and 5:30pm. Click link to watch this episode online. Now is the time to keep your bird feeders full of quality fresh bird food! Migrating birds are more apt to drop by and visit your feeders if they are clean and full. They may drop by for … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 97 – Answering your questions (Sept. 9, 2016)

CHEX TV air date: Sept. 9th, 2016Click link to watch this episode online   My Garden Gate episodes are often inspired by what birds we’re seeing, products that have recently arrived or questions from customers!  So on this episode I will answer two timely questions. First off, how to keep wasps and yellow jackets out … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 95 – Rain chains (August 5th, 2016)

CHEX TV airdate: August 5th, 2016 5-6pmClick link to watch this episode online. Rain chains originated in Japan and have been used as artistic decorations for the home for many years.  You often see them in magazines but to find quality ones in shops has been difficult.  But no more!  We have a lovely supply … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 94 – Sun protection with Dr. Salvaterra (July 22, 2016)

CHEX TV airdate: July 22nd, 5-6pmClick link to watch this episode online Oh the heat!  Oh the sun!  Who would have thought we could be complaining about too much sun after the last couple of winters we’ve endured!? But, under our breath we complain (a little). Be aware! The occurrence of sun burns and skin cancer … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 93 – Clay wine cups & garlic pots with Artist Barbara Taylor (July 8, 2016)

   CHEX TV airdate: July 8th, 2016Click link to watch this episode online.   My guest on this episode of The Garden Gate is Barbara Taylor from Earthworks Pottery in Burlington. Barbara specializes in non-glazed clay products for the home. Barbara has been making these items for many years and has had lots of success … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 91 – Orioles and Hummingbirds (June 10, 2016)

CHEX TV airdate: June 10th, 2016 Click link to watch this episode online. Want to learn how to attract hummingbirds and orioles to your garden? Check out this episode of The Garden Gate! I share tips on types of feeders they like, plants and also food! Did you know orioles like grape jelly? Yes-it’s one … Read more

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