Chris and Jim's Poolside Garden

Take a look at Chris and Jim's poolside garden from my neighborhood. I did some dog-sitting and watered this garden while they were away. I just had to show off there amazing little garden and blooming choices. It has a cottage flair that I love, and so many busy blooms happening at once!

View from one end of the garden, towards the water-slide.

Mr. Sun and Echinacea

Light blushing pink Asiatic lilies, Lavender and Echinacea

Mallow, Monarda, Daisies, Annuals

Bronwyn's 7th Birthday

I can't believe she is already 7 years old! Where did all that time go! At least I can look back on all that time in photographs and movies that I took. Let's just say she is a very well-documented child. Like all of Bronwyn's birthdays, we have the full advantage of the summer, using the pool, the grass and the sun to our advantage. Not to mention the kids are all out of school and most summer-attractions are open for birthday groups. I set up a dress-up photo shoot for her and her friends, they swam in the pool and played games on the grass. We served ice cream cake of course because Bronwyn hates cake. We actually stuck candles in a pie on her actual birthday... yup that's my weirdo kid sister.

A bunch of Goofy-Groovy Girls!

She loves to pose right now...

The Big Birthday Pie!

Hillside 2011

Mainstage on Saturday Morning

Little Guelph Lake

Its was that time of year again! Definitely a favourite on my summer activities list, is going to a summer music festival! The Hillside line-up this year was great, and there was only a short wisp of rain, unlike the monsoons of yester-years. Although the heat was ridiculous, and the lake had a bacteria warning, so we couldn't even cool off in the water. I had a great volunteer position in the office, so I didn't have to work during the festival. It was so hot, everyone was up by 6 am and all the soap and plastic in the tents melted. Here are some pictures!

Foot-view...

Notorious Smiley Mugs!

Hillside 2011 Program

Bright and Hot Morning in the tent.

August 23rd- Garden Update!

This is "my" last garden update. My dad is going to inherit my massive seed collection when I move out and start some seeds in early April, and hopefully I will be around to maintain and enjoy the "fruits" of our labour throughout the summer. We have one PVC, make-due hoop house that will be great for carrots, onions, spinach, lettuce, peas and garlic in the spring. With two possible green houses we could have fresh produce, young perennials and annuals by late April.

I still have many surprises waiting in the garden that I will be unable to witness eye to eye. Like my multi-colour pack of tomatoes, I have no idea what colours they will ripen into. My luscious leeks, variety of unripe peppers, squash and odds & ends.

Hopefully I can return for Thanksgiving and enjoy them with all the family. But for now, this is what's happening in the Meredith-Thrifty garden.

A baby sparrow taking a flying break, about the size and weight of Toonie.

Tomatoes galore! Early Girl, Beefsteak, Big Boy, Cherry, Plum and surprises are overflowing the counter-tops and window-sill.

My big-giant-mammoth sunflowers are blooming. This one with a head size of 12 in. in diameter and a staggering height of 13.6 ft is a winner. Next year's giant here we go!

"Golden" or blush raspberries are finally ripe and juicy! They have a sweeter more subtle taste that seems smoother than the red raspberries. This is a production variety, thus the cane is loaded with large grade "A" berries!

Keep checking out my blog for photos on my garden, family and adventures! I'll be sure to be posting often about University, Rugby, Dorm-life, the garden back home and Montreal! Who knows maybe you can squeeze some more garden updates out of me.

Send garden questions to: sweeneymere@gmail.com, Subject: Garden Update Questions! Ask me anything from, my next garden plans, plant choices, seed selections, garden problems, thrifty ideas, getting started and unique varieties!

Good Day for the Pool...

Malin having a good laugh on the pool stairs.

Grandma Rosalie, Bronwyn & Paula catch some sun!

Alain & Malin share some kisses.

Gone to the Goats!

Bronwyn and I spent last Sunday on a local food adventure. We went out to St. Ignatius Farms in the north end of Guelph, where they were hosting an open house and The Guelph Wellington Local Food Festival. The hot topic around Guelph these days is Local Organic Produce. We always take for grant it what is in season in our local area. It's not like a grocery store where you can just walk in and get apples, berries and carrots year round. Not only does it help local farms, thus stimulating local economy but you get to enjoy top-of-the line organic vegetables, grains, cheeses, fruit, meat and fibres. Ever since Headwaters this has always been on my mind, to think more consciously about where are food comes from, it's environmental impact and the quality of taste, colour and texture. Sure, it's a slow and inconvenient way of preparing meals sometimes, but I love the idea of slowing down and going back to the old way of life and respecting the nature of small scale farming and the organic processes. I love food, and what is better than going out on a hot, muggy Sunday to enjoy it. One thing in particular that is fresh right now is garlic scapes! The tender beginnings of the garlic flower bud, found in the curl of the plant, sweet and 10x stronger than garlic its self, you chop it up like a fine herb and use a small amount in stir-fry, marinades, roasts, sauces, preserves and soups. After listening to some local folk music, enjoying some rhubarb lemonade and playing with hula-hoops, we drove to a local goat farm in Arthur. There Bronwyn and I met several cute goats with personalities, learned how they gather milk, made cheeses, spreads, ice cream, yogurt and meats. We also met two dogs, pigs, chickens and a pony. Bronwyn loved every minute and is always asking "Can we get a goat for the backyard?" She and her friend Sol, fell in love with a goat named "Thor" who they climbed around in the barn with. I loved two baby boys named: Baby New and Baby Poo, they followed me around trying to suck on my figures.

In the pool!

What's with Aidan lifting people? Now that he has grown into his man strength he can't help but use it. We really love using the pool on hot days and when friends are over. This year in April we started using the pool, cool, but just as fun. We are looking forward to some great pool parties and the construction of a Tarzan rope. We are also looking to light up the pool in a creative way at night. Bronwyn has come a long way in her swimming lessons, next year she will be able to do the number levels and progress even more. Come join us for a swim!