Play in the Dirt
- Time to Think “Winter”
Now that that summer has arrived, it’s time to think about your winter garden. Yes, that’s right: if you want to extend your vegetable harvest into the fall and even right through the winter, you need to start planning for it now.
The biggest mistake new gardeners make is not starting early enough. Come September or October, it’s too late to plant a winter garden. Some plants, like kale, leeks, mustards, carrots and beets, can be planted now for winter eating. Since you’ll will be eating these plants throughout the winter, they must be full size by Halloween, so make sure you plant your winter harvest garden no later than mid-August. July is even better.
Create Beauty
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A gardener’s visit to New York wouldn’t be complete without an afternoon walking the High Line, a public park on Manhattan’s West Side built around a defunct elevated railway.
Designed by Dutch planting designer, Piet Oudolf, this elevated garden is a dynamic and inspired 3-mile-long transformation of what otherwise is just a ugly urban relic.
According to one of our favourite blogs, Gardenista, here’s what we can learn from the High Line to apply in our own gardens. Read more
Shop the Stores
- Save 15% on In-Stock Garden Furniture
Time for our annual summer furniture sale! There’s still lots of lovely summer weather to enjoy your garden or deck, so why not do it in comfort? Ratana furniture is durable, comfortable and stylish. The aluminum frames won’t rust. The cushions are covered with Sunbrella brand outdoor fabric, and the foam in the cushions sheds water rapidly.
Each store has a different selection of in-stock furniture but all our staff are eager to help you find exactly what you need.
Over the Fence
- Terrarium & Mini Garden Workshop
Work with miniature enthusiast Chelsea Uphoff to create your own miniature garden using succulents, tillandsia or small tropicals. Workshop includes a choice of plants, planting mix and terrarium container. Save 15% on terrariums and other miniature accessories during the workshop.
Dig This Oak Bay. Sunday, August 20 from 10 am to noon. Cost is $25. Please register in advance by phoning 250 598 0802.
The Good Stuff
Slow Down … It’s Summer I don’t know about you, but I’m finding it increasingly difficult to drag myself away from my garden these days. Early in the morning, the air is cool and the plants look gorgeous. The long stretch of warm weather has made everything in my allotment garden explode. Even though it was only planted at the very end of May, I’ve already been able to harvest lots of greens and soon I’ll be on to beans, zucchini and tomatoes.
Ornamental gardens are at their summer height – colourful and lush – including the plants transferred from my old garden to my deck.
While this newsletter encourages you to think about next season’s gardening, do take time to just sit back and enjoy the beauty and bounty you’ve already created.
Elizabeth Cull, Franchise President
What We Dig Now
- Re-Usable Wasp Traps
Mid-summer + eating outside = wasps! Trap them with this effective new trap that uses pheromones to attract the insects into the reusable bag. Available now at Dig This Sidney, and soon at all stores.