Table of contents for Fall 2024 / Almanac 2025 in Harrowsmith

Growing up, my most treasured childhood memories involve weekends and holidays spent at my grandmother’s house on the St. Lawrence River in The Thousand Islands near Gananoque, Ont. Rocky Knoll, as the property was called, was the centre for my British-Canadian family on my mother’s side during the ’70s and ’80s, and it was where my love for country living was established. I come from a long line of strong women, and my grandma’s home was a constant hub of activity: cousins, aunts, uncles, and people who were not blood relatives but who we called auntie or uncle anyway, gathered year-round at the house perched back from the water, up on a hill, surrounded by trees and rock. How we spent our time “on the River” was organized around mealtimes…

The Side Gardener BY ROSIE DAYKIN, PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREW MONTGOMERY (APPETITE BY RANDOM HOUSE) Is it just us, or are we seeing a trend here? Like Taste Buds author Nikki Fotheringham (see page 32), Vancouvorite Rosie Daykin took her love of gardening and developed recipes to share with others. (And we are thrilled she did!) rosiedaykin.com Raising Ducks for Beginners and Beyond: The Guide to Breeds, Ponds, Nutrition, and All Things Duck BY KRISTINE ELLIS (THE QUARTO GROUP) Nearly 7 million people follow @dunkin.duckson social media, thanks to Kristine Ellis’ fresh, fun and often funny take on what you need to know to be a duck farmer. Food Science for Gardeners: Grow, Harvest, and Prepare Nutrient Dense Food BY ROBERT PAVLIS (OCTOBER 2024, NEW SOCIETY PUBLISHERS) If you’re looking to…

If there is one word that defines the Canadian gardening season from Pacific to Atlantic to Arctic coast, it is: short. As we cast our eyes south, we are impressed with the seemingly endless summer season in Texas, California, Florida and places in between. Truth is, we can grow food crops that rival most any other place in the world, with a little planning. And once harvested, all that food can be “put up” in jars, dried or frozen for use in our “off season.” We have extensive experience in the food garden, and at the table, where generations of Cullens have enjoyed preserved herbs, fruits, berries and veggies. Here is our list of the best food plants for preserving, however you choose to do it. Green and Yellow Beans…

Do you wince at the price of food these days? A simple solution is closer than you think: Your freezer. A well-stocked freezer is the money-saving, waste-busting, dinner-making kitchen hack you’ve been looking for…but you have to do it right. Most importantly, stop putting things in the freezer that you don't like, won't eat or just forget about. Instead, stock your freezer with healthy foods that freeze well and can be transformed into lots of different dinners that you love to eat. I call these magical recipes “favours to my future self”(because I know that Future Me will be hungry and short on time!). I'm delighted to share three of my favourites, plus a buffet’s worth of ways to use them. DOES THE QUESTION, “WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?” STRIKE FEAR…

If you keep grazing animals or plan to, then getting the most from your pasture is worth the effort, both for you and the welfare of your herds or flocks. I’ve been pasturing beef cattle on 40 acres on Manitoulin Island, Ont. since 1989, and I now get five times the productivity from this patch of ground compared with when I started. Most pastures have a lot of room for improvement, precisely because people don’t usually consider “pasture” as a managed crop. But the fact is there are huge gains to be made to boost the output of most pastures and improve animal health, all without expensive equipment, tillage and reseeding. If you have a farmer’s heart, and would love to make agriculture part of your life, then let me…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Very warm conditions with variable skies. 8-14 Seasonable temperatures prevail, with some storms expected late in the week. 15-21 Slightly below normal temperatures accompany partly to mostly cloudy skies. 22-28 A warm start transitions to cooler conditions, with showers expected late in the week. 29-30 Seasonable temperatures and dry weather. Quebec 1-7 Warm and splendid with mostly sunny skies. 8-14 Seasonable conditions persist, with storms on the 8th and 9th giving way to variable skies. 15-21 A cool start transitions to unseasonably warm temperatures, with an unsettled week culminating in a sunny weekend. 22-28 Unseasonably cool conditions prevail amidst variable skies. 29-30 Seasonable temperatures return along with stormy weather. Ontario 1-7 Experience a delightful warmth accompanied by abundant sunshine. 8-14 Embrace seasonable temperatures, but prepare for unsettled…

OCTOBER’S BIRTH FLOWERS ARE … marigolds and cosmos. The former are members of the genus Tagetes and usually red, orange or yellow, giving them a reputation to represent warmth, passion and creativity. The latter, which range in colour and have about 40 species, symbolize order, harmony and peace. 1 Today is a busy one: It’s International Coffee Day, World Vegetarian Day, International Music Day and, hitting a little closer to home and therefore more significant, it’s Treaty Day in Nova Scotia. Proclaimed in 1986, Treaty Day recognizes the peace and friendship Treaties that the Mi’kmaq and Crown signed in 1752. 4 Canadian Beer Day Who’s not up for a day to celebrate beer brewed in Canada, by Canadians, for Canadians? If you need more arm-twisting, canadianbeerday.ca reminds us that, “Canadian…

1 Consider making an eco-conscious statement by choosing a costume like Mother Earth (head-to-toe green and brown), a rain cloud (cover an umbrella with white tulle) or The Lorax from Dr. Seuss (orange clothes and a mustache). Source items at thrift stores and second-hand stores if possible. 2 Look for decorations at farmers’ markets and/or made by local artisans. 3 Choose organic, non-GMO, fair trade and/or ethically sourced “treats.” 4 Use reusable or biodegradable trick-or-treat bags – like good, old-fashioned pillow cases! Have some fun and decorate them as a family activity and save them for next year. Better yet, use them on your beds. 5 Choose locally grown (organic if possible) pumpkins. (Even better, grow your own.) 6 If you don’t care for the taste of pumpkin, avoid wasting…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Mild conditions with a chance of wet snow inland and rain showers mid-week. 8-14 Partly cloudy skies and unseasonably warm temperatures, with late-week rain showers. 15-21 Chilly start transitions to mild temperatures, with showers expected late in the week. 22-28 Heavy mixed precipitation changing to rain, followed by clearing skies. Mild temperatures persist. 29-31 Colder temperatures bring occasional snow showers. Quebec 1-7 Mild temperatures bring rain showers to the south and snow to the north. 8-14 Seasonable conditions prevail with mostly clear skies, becoming milder late in the week with increased cloud cover. 15-21 Unseasonably mild weather brings showers, with a heavy-mix storm expected later in the week. 22-28 Clear and colder conditions are forecasted. 29-31 Mild temperatures accompany mixed showers. Ontario 1-7 Mild temperatures prevail, with…

Fish collars are the best-kept secret of the fish world. The collar is located just past the gills. It is boney, with lots of fat and collagen. But nestled amidst it all are the most succulent parts of the fish, on par with fish cheeks, but much meatier. Think about the two tender little oysters on the bottom side of a chicken and you will get the idea. Every fish has a collar (often cut into two pieces), which means that they are inexpensive and abundant (if you know who to ask). Most stores that sell salmon, toss the collars along with the heads and the tails, or keep them in the back for savvy customers. But if you ask the fish monger, they can usually oblige – and they…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Unseasonably mild and cloudy weather with scattered showers. Humidity increases. 8-14 Mild start gives way to colder temperatures late in the week, with occasional mixed showers. 15-21 Unseasonably mild conditions continue with partly cloudy skies. 22-28 Continued mild weather with a chance for rain showers throughout the week. Quebec 1-7 Mild conditions with mostly cloudy skies. 8-14 Colder temperatures bring snow, with the potential for the season’s biggest snowstorm. 15-21 Seasonable weather prevails with mostly dry conditions and a chance of snow showers late in the week. 22-28 Warmer and unsettled weather, with rain and a flash freeze late in the week. Ontario 1-7 Cooler temperatures are expected alongside clear skies. 8-14 Mild conditions prevail with rain showers in the south and mixed showers in the north.…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Unseasonably mild conditions with passing rain showers early in the week. 8-14 Chilly start becomes mild late in the week, with a major mixed precipitation storm possible early on. 15-21 Warmer-than-average temperatures accompany unsettled conditions. 22-28 Continued mild weather with variable skies. 29-31 Seasonable temperatures and dry weather. Quebec 1-7 Unseasonably warm conditions early and late in the week, with the potential for rain/ice mid-week. 8-14 Mild early, then turning colder with a mix of snow and rain followed by clearing skies. 15-21 Very warm and sunny weather dominates. 22-28 Continued warmth alongside unsettled conditions. 29-31 Seasonable temperatures with variable skies. Ontario 1-7 Unseasonably warm weather is forecasted, with the possibility of rainstorms on the 6th and 7th. 8-14 Early coolness transitions to unseasonable mildness, especially on…

APRIL’S BIRTH FLOWERS ARE … daisies and sweet peas. Daisies attract pollinators with their bright yellow centres surrounded by white petals. They have quite a cultural history, often referenced in literature, poetry, and nursery rhymes. Daisies represent friendship, love, and loyalty, while sweet peas are known to symbolize gratitude and pleasure. Sweet peas come in a wide range of colours and their hues can be solid, streaked or flaked. Their old-fashioned charm and nostalgic appeal make sweet peas a favourite in cottage garden designs. 1 In addition to being April Fool’s Day, today marks the creation of Nunavut, Canada’s largest and northernmost territory. Here are some fun facts about Nunavut, thanks to the Canadian Encyclopedia: • Nunavut means “Our Land” in Inuktitut • The territory encompasses over 2 million km2…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Average temperatures with unsettled conditions early, clearing later. 8-14 Warm and mostly clear weather with a slight chance for showers mid-week. 15-21 Hot inland and warm on the coast, with late-day thunderstorms. 22-28 Cooler, cloudy and humid conditions. 29-31 Seasonable temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Quebec 1-7 Hot, humid and unstable conditions with late-day thunderstorms all week, including strong storms around the 5th due to a cold front. 8-14 A heatwave persists with humid and sunny conditions. 15-21 Hot, humid and stormy weather. 22-28 Cooler temperatures accompany a passing cold front, with a chance for strong storms on the 24th.29-31: Seasonable and sunny conditions. Ontario 1-7 Unseasonably warm and humid weather is expected, mostly sunny with possible strong storms on the 6th. 8-14 Above-average temperatures continue, mostly…

AUGUST’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…Gladiolus. Also known as gladioli or sword lilies, these tall and elegant flowers belong to the iris family and originally come from South Africa. The name “gladiolus” actually comes from Latin, from the word “gladius,” which means sword, which makes sense since their long, narrow leaves resemble swords. Gladioli symbolize strength, integrity, and honour, making them popular in bouquets at special occasions like weddings and funerals. 5 Civic Holiday Wishing everyone a happy summer-long weekend! 7 National Lighthouse Day As if we needed an excuse to explore some of our most iconic landmarks! There are over 750 lighthouses across Canada, with the majority of them situated along the extensive coastline of the country, which is just another reason to plan a trip east, west or north. And…

In March 2024, when the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) officially confirmed for the first time ever that there was a bald eagle nest in Toronto, it made headline news around the world. Not long after, news reports of sightings of Canada’s largest bird of prey started popping up in local papers and on Facebook feeds, especially around residents in the southern Great Lakes region. Once common throughout North America, eagles were at one point seen as pests for settlers and farmers, and people were encouraged to prey on these birds of prey. With the advent of pesticides, the original Toronto raptors became endangered. According to The Narwhal’s Emma McIntosh, “In the middle of the last century, populations of the bird collapsed because of widespread use of the pesticide…

I was winding up a tour of Signal Hill, the National Historic Site in St. John’s Newfoundland, when the Parks Canada representative I was with suddenly stopped. “There is something I have to mention,” he said with a note of seriousness. “You are not allowed to pick blueberries here, it’s a federal park.” At the time I thought he was being overly bureaucratic. And while on a walk the next day with a ‘Townie,’ (the name for St. John’s locals), I mentioned the blueberry ban. “That’s ridiculous!” she exclaimed, pointing at another federal park across the water where her “secret” blueberry picking spot was located. “Everybody picks blueberries.” Indeed, the fall berry picking season is a much-anticipated ritual. Preserves of partridgeberries, lingonberries and blueberries have been carrying families through the…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Early warmth gives way to cooler temperatures under variable skies. 8-14 Seasonable conditions with early storms clearing out by late week. 15-21 Unseasonably cool weather brings rain mid-week. 22-28 Seasonable temperatures with partly cloudy skies 29-31 Chilly temperatures accompany clear skies. Quebec 1-7 Unseasonably warm weather is expected, with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a chance of rain on the 4th. 8-14 Seasonable conditions prevail, mostly clear except for a chance of heavy rain on the 12th. 15-21 A cool start transitions to warmer weather with partly cloudy skies. 22-28 Unseasonably warm and dry conditions dominate. 29-31 Mild temperatures accompany rainy conditions, clearing on the 31st. Ontario 1-7 Encounter fluctuating temperatures, especially with cooler spells between the 4th and 6th, amidst mostly sunny days. 8-14 Above-normal…

NOVEMBER’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…the chrysanthemum. In Asian cultures, the chrysanthemum signifies life and rebirth, making them great gifts for birthdays and baby showers. However, on the flip side, in some North American countries, yellow chrysanthemums represent sadness or sympathy. 1 World Vegan Day The lifestyle may not be for everyone, but there is no harm (and actually, some real benefits) to joining the 4.6 per cent of Canadians (equal to roughly 1.8 million) who are vegan (according to madeinca.ca). Adopting a vegan diet for even just one day can lower your environmental footprint by conserving water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, regardless of how minimally it seems. 3 Daylight Saving Time Ends Remember to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to sleep on November 2! Daylight savings…

November 29th is Black Friday – the official start of the holiday shopping season known for deals, deals and more deals. (Put up your hand if you’ve lined up at 6 a.m. for a great sale. Same here.) But if Black Friday is all about consumption and spending, Green Friday (also November 29th) encourages shoppers to reconsider their purchases and start buying more responsibly, sustainably, locally, ethically and mindfully. Green Friday started in 2015, but it was influenced by Canada’s “Buy Nothing Day,” which dates to 1992. An educational initiative meant to promote mindful shopping – or literally taking a day to not buy anything at all – turned into a movement that reminds us that there’s an environmental cost to overbuying. While Black Friday has its benefits (none of…

My favourite movie is National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. It came out in 1989 (35 years ago!) and I have probably watched it over 300 times. (Did I mention I listen to Christmas carols and watch holiday movies when I am feeling anxious, regardless of what time of year it is?) It never fails to make me laugh and reminds me how ridiculous it is to try to make the holidays – or frankly, any family gathering – flawless, when being with family is all that really matters. My family of six re-enact the Griswold’s annual trek into the forest to find the perfect tree, minus the road rage and near-fatal accident. (Note: Clark says something rather controversial about Christmas tree lots to explain to his children why they are tromping…

JANUARY’S BIRTH FLOWERS ARE…carnations and snowdrops.While carnations have gotten a bit of a bad rap because they appear to be everywhere, when you consider that it’s their hardy, long stem that makes them resilient (and therefore, cost-effective for flower farmers to grow and distribute), they should be wholeheartedly embraced! As for snowdrops, these perennials are cherished by Canadians for their delicate beauty and resilience which they constantly prove as one of the earliest flowers to pop up in spring. (They bloom so early, snow is often still on the ground!) 5 National Bird Day Does Canada have a national bird? Not officially, and that’s despite a big effort by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society back in 2016. The goal was to have a national bird named in time for Canada’s…

My love of the tomato began when I was around eight years old, the de facto first-born male child of an Eastern European father of three girls. From an early age I worked the garden in the rich, sandy soil of the Norfolk Sand Plain in Delhi, Ont., an almost identical glacial deposit to the one that made my “adult” garden near High Park in Toronto. My father soon abandoned the garden to us children, and I remember years when we would have dozens of tomato plants for a family of five – not the exotic heirlooms I have, but the classic staples that were already started in greenhouses: Burpee Big Boys, luscious Beefsteaks, prolific cherry tomatoes. We would fertilize them with well-rotted manure from our own horses, and I…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Seasonable and unsettled weather. 8-14 Average temperatures with showers most of the week. 15-21 Continued mild conditions with variable skies. 22-28 Warm temperatures with mostly cloudy skies. 29-30 Seasonable temperatures and sunny conditions. Quebec 1-7 Seasonable conditions with bright skies and a chance of rain on the 5th. 8-14 Mild and unsettled weather, with rain showers in the south and a chance of snow showers in the north. 15-21 Seasonable temperatures initially followed by very warm temperatures and rainy, windy conditions. 22-28 Warm and unsettled weather continues, with rain showers mid-week. 29-30 Seasonable temperatures return with partly cloudy skies. Ontario 1-7 Experience seasonable yet unsettled weather. 8-14 Warm temperatures bring rain showers throughout most of the week. 15-21 Seasonable weather turns very warm on the 20th and…

MAY’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…Lily of the Valley. Representing humility and happiness, there seems to be a bit of a love/hate relationship with Harrowsmith readers when it comes to this shade-loving woodland plant: Some welcome the fragrant spring flower, a common ingredient in perfumes, soaps and lotions, while others turn up their nose at the invasive – and very poisonous – perennial. Have your say on our Facebook page. 3 International Astronomy Day Celebrated twice a year in spring (today) and autumn (September 27th, 2025), International Astronomy Day started in 1973 to promote the study and enjoyment of astronomy. Check in your local area for organized stargazing events or simply use this day to educate yourself by reading about astronomy, or watching a documentary to deepen your understanding and appreciation of…

JUNE’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…the rose. As anyone who has celebrated Valentine’s Day knows, roses are widely recognized symbols of love and passion. According to Greek mythology, Aphrodite’s beauty was so great that roses sprang up wherever she walked. In addition to these flowers being important for pollinators, rose extracts, rosewater, and rose essential oils are widely used in cosmetics and skincare products for their hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. 1-7 Canadian Environment Week Every year, Canadian Environment Week coincides with Clean Air Day (see June 4th) and World Environment Day (see June 5th). (United Nations World Oceans Day follows closely afterward on June 8th.) The week aims to educate Canadians about environmental stewardship, encourage participation in conservation efforts, and highlight the importance of protecting Canada’s natural heritage for future generations.…

In May 2024, the CBC reported that annuals are more popular with pollinators than scientists originally thought. Gardens that were dedicated to single-season flowers were once thought of as “pollinator deserts,” since it was believed that their nectar and pollen weren’t as attractive to bees as perennials. Not so, says entomologist David Smitley, whom journalist Gabrielle Huston interviewed for the CBC article. “Studies have shown that they do provide a food source. They can help ‘carry over’ the pollinators during times when perennials are not flowering and, in urban areas, annual flowers are better than no flowers at all.” Granted, perennials are still best, however, Smitley encourages gardeners to consider planting Cocktail Brandy and Ambassador Rose Blush begonias, and impatiens varieties like Accent Coral and Super Elfin XP White in…

Little did Deb Dana know when she wrote her 2018 book, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, she would be starting an international movement that is still gaining traction. (You know you’ve achieved something quite spectacular when the editors at Oprah Daily write about you!) The licensed clinical social worker defines “glimmers,” as “micromoments of regulation that foster feelings of well-being. A glimmer could be as simple as seeing a friendly face, hearing a soothing sound or noticing something in the environment that brings a smile. They are personal to each of us and one person’s glimmer may be another person’s trigger. Glimmers are a cue in the day, either internal or external, that sparks a sense of wellbeing.”…

Ball lightning: A passing enigma One of the most elusive and puzzling atmospheric phenomena is ball lightning, a rare, transient event characterized by the appearance of glowing, spherical orbs of light. Accounts of ball lightning describe orbs ranging in size from a few centimetres to several metres in diameter. Colours vary from red and orange to blue and white. These luminous spheres are often reported to move erratically, hovering or darting unpredictably across the landscape before disappearing. Despite centuries of anecdotal evidence and sporadic observations, the scientific community has struggled to provide a comprehensive explanation of the origins and behaviour of ball lightning. Theories include plasma discharge, vaporized silicon, and electromagnetic phenomena but none fully account for the observed characteristics of this enigmatic phenomenon. Ongoing research and laboratory experiments continue…

With the sun approaching a period of heightened activity, which will continue throughout 2025 into 2026, you can expect to see brighter and more frequent auroras. The best way to see these auroras is to have an unobstructed northern horizon and observe from a dark location. Want to find out when there may be an aurora? Visit the website spaceweather. com. Or, you can view the aurora graphic at https://services.swpc.noaa.gov/images/aurora-forecast-northern-hemisphere.jpg As in previous years, binoculars help cut through the urban haze and light pollution to reveal star clusters, nebulae and galaxies. They are all you need to take stargazing to the next level, so we encourage readers to keep a pair with them during their walkabouts – even during daytime excursions to “eye-drop” into the activities of wildlife. Even modest…

SEPTEMBER’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…the aster, the symbol of love, wisdom, faith, and patience. Named after the Greek word for “star” (one look at its blooms and you’ll understand why), their dainty appearance, along with their strong straight stems and variety of colours, make them a popular choice for bouquets and floral arrangements. These perennials are hardy and bloom a little later than some (i.e., late summer to fall), adding vibrant hues of white, blue, purple or pink to gardens during the cooler months. 2 Labour Day Did you know that Labour Day originated in Canada? Our first Labour Day, which occurred on April 15, 1872, in Toronto, also marked North American’s first officially recognized annual “workingmen’s holiday.” Much to the chagrin of some Canadians, Labour Day has come to mark…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Mild temperatures and variable conditions, with rain showers mid-week and mixed showers inland. 8-14 Unseasonably warm weather in the first half transitions to seasonable conditions with isolated showers. 15-21 Cold start leads to seasonable temperatures, with clear skies turning stormy late in the week. 22-28 Seasonable weather becomes warmer, accompanied by unsettled conditions. 29-30 Cold temperatures and partly cloudy skies. Quebec 1-7 Mild and mostly sunny conditions are forecasted, turning cooler on the 7th. 8-14 Warmth prevails from the 8th to the 11th, followed by colder temperatures and the potential for the first mixed precipitation storm. 15-21 Seasonable conditions with variable skies are anticipated. 22-28 Seasonable temperatures give way to milder weather on the 27th, with a chance of rain showers. 29-30 Colder temperatures return with rain/snow…

DECEMBER’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…holly. Given the influence of Christmas in Canadian culture, it’s not surprising that holly’s bright red berries and glossy green leaves – plus its ability to thrive in harsh winter conditions like ours – make it a festive and enduring symbol of the season. 2 World Pollution Prevention Day For some, just thinking about ways to prevent pollution can seem overwhelming, let alone taking action. Thankfully, Harrowsmith’s website has tons of suggestions for you to make World Pollution Prevention Day every day of the year. From how to use less plastic to making your own biodegradable compost bin liner, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make small changes to your daily routine – and inspire others to do the same. But before you put…

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, is Giving Tuesday, “the world’s largest generosity movement.” (Basically, it means people should make a concerted effort to be kind and help others.) Here are 3 eco-friendly ways to show your support: • Financially support a charity that focuses on conservation, reforestation or renewable energy • Shop only at companies committed to sustainable practices • Make this your annual day to purge and donate gently used items ANIMAL SPOTLIGHT: Reindeer/Caribou (Rangifer tarandus)) In December, this deer species is often associated with the holiday season, especially in Canada's northern regions, where they play a significant role in Indigenous cultures and traditions. Happy Birthday Montreal, Quebec (December 18, 1833) 191 YEARS OLD IN SEASON THIS MONTH • Similar to November, with many fall fruits and vegetables still available…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Seasonable conditions with fair skies. 8-14 Mild and changeable weather, with occasional rain showers along the coast and wet snow inland. 15-21 Unseasonably mild conditions become colder late in the week, with mostly dry weather but possible heavy mixed precipitation. 22-28 Fair skies accompany normal temperatures. 29-31 Dry and seasonable conditions persist. Quebec 1-7 Mild and snowy conditions mark the start of the year, becoming colder and sunny. 8-14 Seasonable conditions with clouds clearing toward the end of the week. 15-21 Mild temperatures persist, with a January thaw bringing rain and warm southerly winds. 22-28 Continued mild weather with rain/snow showers, followed by colder air and the potential for an ice storm. 29-31 Mild temperatures and variable skies are expected. Ontario 1-7 Expect seasonable weather with an…

FEBRUARY’S BIRTH FLOWERS ARE…the iris and violet. Irises, with their vibrant colours, have petals that represent courage, faith, and hope. (The three upright petals of an iris bloom also signify friendship and compliments.) Violets are delicate flowers symbolizing modesty, humility, and faithfulness, often blooming in shades of purple, blue, and white. 2 Groundhog Day Here’s a shout out to Canada’s hardest working groundhogs: Nova Scotia: Shubenacadie SamQuébec: Fred la MarmotteOntario: Wiarton Willie, Groundhog Harvey Manitoba: Manitoba MervAlberta: Balzac BillyBritish Columbia: Okanagan Okie, Van Isle Violet *New Brunswickers look to Shubenacadie Sam, too. 2 World Wetlands Day In addition to Groundhog Day, Canadians also spend this day thinking about the vital role wetlands (ie. land areas that are saturated or flooded, either permanently or seasonally, natural or manmade) play for our…

MARCH’S BIRTH FLOWER IS…the daffodil. Bright and cheerful, daffodils symbolize friendship and new beginnings. As one of the first signs of spring, they bring a sense of renewal and hope, making them closely associated with Easter. In China, daffodils are cherished as symbols of good fortune and are the official flower of the Chinese New Year, adding a touch of prosperity to the celebrations. (See page 157 to learn more about the Year of the Wood Snake.) 2 World Wildlife Day Established by the UN in 2023, the purpose of this day is to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, protect endangered species, and combat threats like trafficking and habitat destruction for a sustainable future. A few ways you can celebrate are by making a donation to a reputable wildlife conservation…

Wherever you live, at 8:30 p.m. local time, it’s time to switch off your lights as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and raising awareness about environmental issues, particularly climate change. In addition to doing something kind for our planet, it’s a great opportunity to turn off your screens and spend quality time with your family. Here’s a short list of earth (and child) friendly activities to help make Earth Hour a success. 1 Have an indoor picnic Set a blanket on the floor, prepare picnic-style foods, like sandwiches and fruits, and play board or card games. 2 Go Star Gazing Head to a clear spot, away from any lights if possible, and point out the constellations, planets, and (hopefully) a shooting star. (Use this Almanac and Robert Dick’s astronomy charts found throughout.)…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Unseasonably mild weather with partly to mostly cloudy skies.8-14 Early warmth transitions to cooler temperatures with mostly sunny skies. 15-21 Average temperatures and mostly fair skies, with showers expected late in the week. 22-28 Mild and humid conditions, with foggy weather early. 29-31 Seasonable temperatures and wet conditions Quebec 1-7 Warm weather with rain early, clearing later in the week. 8-14 Early warmth gives way to cooler temperatures (with a chance of frost damaging budding trees and shrubs) and variable skies. 15-21 Warm temperatures persist with variable skies, turning stormy on the 20th and 21st. 22-28 Very warm weather continues, with unsettled conditions and thunderstorms on the 27th. 29-31 Warm and sunny conditions. Ontario 1-7 Seasonable weather prevails with light rain showers most of the week, clearing…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Warm start becomes cooler late, with thunderstorms expected toward the end of the week. 8-14 Warm weather persists with showers and thundershowers midweek. 15-21 Continued warmth with clearing skies. 22-28 Fluctuating temperatures bring unsettled conditions and scattered showers. 29-30 Seasonable temperatures and fair weather. Quebec 1-7 Seasonable weather with early-week showers and thundershowers, clearing later.8-14 Seasonable conditions initially, turning hot later in the week with strong thunderstorms on the 13th. 15-21 A heat wave dominates, with unsettled conditions early followed by mostly sunny weather. 22-28 Cooler temperatures accompany severe storms early in the week. 29-30 Warmer temperatures return with showers and thundershowers. Ontario 1-7 Slightly above-normal temperatures are anticipated, with a mix of sun and storms. 8-14 Abovenormal temperatures continue with unsettled conditions throughout the week. 15-21…

JULY’S BIRTH FLOWERS ARE…larkspur and water lilies. Larkspur comes in many shades and provides great support for pollinators. Though historically used in medicine, larkspur is toxic and should be handled with care. Water lilies represent purity and rebirth, providing habitat for fish and frogs, and hold cultural significance in Hindu and Buddhist traditions, often associated with spiritual growth and enlightenment, and are famously celebrated in art by Claude Monet. 1 Canada Day See why we think Canada is the G.O.A.T. on page 11. 3 International Plastic Bag Free Day The CBC reported in January 2024 that the Canadian government plans to create a national plastics registry to track plastic production and waste, aiming to boost recycling and reduce landfill use. This initiative could encourage companies to reclaim waste plastic and…

Lobster Festivals: On the east coast, towns like Shediac, NB, and Pictou, NS, get into the spirit with lobster festivals. These parties showcase the region's maritime heritage and culinary delights, with events such as lobster boils, seafood tastings, and cooking competitions. Fishing Derbies: Places like Campbell River, BC, host fishing derbies where anglers compete to catch the largest fish or the most species. These events often include family-friendly activities and entertainment. Log Rolling Competitions: In towns with logging history, Canada Day celebrations may feature log rolling competitions. These events harken back to Canada’s lumberjack heritage. Locations like Hayward, Wisconsin, and Squamish, BC is especially known for its Canada Day log rolling competitions. Canoe Races: In towns with rivers or lakes, like Kenora, ON, located on Lake of the Woods, you’ll…

Atlantic Provinces 1-7 Hot and mostly sunny conditions. 8-14 Cooler temperatures accompany stormy weather, with a chance for showers all week. 15-21 Seasonable temperatures persist with continued stormy conditions. 22-28 Cool and fair weather expected. 29-31 Warming trend with early stormy conditions, becoming dry later. Quebec 1-7 Seasonable and unsettled weather initially, followed by mostly sunny skies and a heat wave. 8-14 A heat wave continues until the 14th when a cold front brings possible strong storms. 15-21 Seasonable temperatures with early rain giving way to sunny skies. 22-28 Hot and humid conditions with late-day thunderstorms. 29-31 Cooler temperatures return with sunny skies. Ontario 1-7 Seasonable temperatures prevail with mostly sunny skies, chance for storms on the 3rd and 6th. 8-14 Seasonable temperatures give way to very hot conditions, with…

The word “almanac” has its roots somewhere in the Arabic language but a handbook telling you what to plant and when, is actually a western invention. It grew out of the work of a committee of scholars in Toledo, Spain in the eleventh century who worked through the calculations of Ptolemy, the ancient Roman mathematician and astronomer, to give us a rough idea of how many months, days and hours there were in a year. Like most committees, the Toledo group kept meeting for no reason at all, for a couple of centuries. Finally, one of the members emerged from a long meeting at a seaside resort to report what they knew so far to the Learned King Alphonso X. He handed the king an “interim report,” but he called…