The Avant-Garden Shop: Your Garden & Bird Store

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

GARDEN GATE: Episode 238-Avian Flu and cleaning feeders (Apr 8, 2022)

Cleaning your feeders is very important. Dirty feeders can spread disease and also don’t operate properly when they’re gummed up with old seed. With the prevalence of the avian flu and conjunctivitis in Ontario, it’s especially important to clean feeders regularly. Cleaning feeders with hot water and a small amount of bleach twice a month … Read more

GARDEN GATE: Episode 237 – So many finches (Mar 25, 2022)

This year we’re seeing large numbers of finches. American Goldfinch, Common Redpolls, Pine Siskens, House finches etc. These birds love nyger seed. But it needs to be fresh. And they like feeders with the little holes in them. This also help to keep seed dry and bully birds from throwing everything on the ground. Learn … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 236-March break activities (Mar. 11, 22)

On this episode of The Garden Gate we’ve highlighted some activities that you could do with the kids during March break. (Originally aired prior to March break)   Puzzles, soap stone carving, paint by sticker books, puppet making, embroidery kits, colouring cards, building a bird house or getting outside to identify some birds and play … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 233-Quality fresh, clean bird food

We’ve spoken before about buying good quality seed. Plump seeds with large kernels. The birds prefer it! But having CLEAN seed is also important. Our seed is cleaned multiple times both by the grower and our bird food supplier. This means there are very few sticks, dust or other debris. Some box store brands include … Read more

Garden Gate: Episode 232-Cardinals

On this episode I share tips on how to attract cardinals to your feeders. I talk about the type of feeders they prefer, their favourite seed and also what trees to plant! Cardinals are a favourite of most customers and it’s the goal to get one to their feeders! We can help. Take just 2 … 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

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