Save the Bees! Ban Neonics Pesticide.

Some time ago, I wrote a post about the decline of the bee population. At that time, it was not known for sure what was causing the death of the bees, but pesticides were believed to be the culpit.

Now, an international team of scientists have firmly pointed the finger at Neonics. This pesticide is used extensively on genetically engineered crops. And it is not just affecting the bees. It also poses a significant risk to earthworms and birds and it is harming the planet's ecosystem.

To learn more you can watch this news report:

Calls for international ban on neonicotinoid pesticides

Or read this article.

Researchers sound alarm over neonics, urge global phase out

If you live in Canada and want have your voice heard, you can call, write or email Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, to ban neonicotinoids in Canada.
Email: rona.ambrose.cl a@parl.gc.ca
Phone:(613) 996-9778
Write:
Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health
Rm 163 East block
Ottawa ON K1A 0A6

Grow It! Garden Photo Contest

Announcing the Grow It! Garden Photo Contest

Are you proud of your garden? Want to show it off? Then this is the place for you!

How to Enter

Here's the deal. 'Like' my new The Bloomin' Blog Facebook page. Post your photo. Then share your entry with your friends. The photo with the most votes wins!

Deadline to Enter: June 24, 2014

The Prize

Your reward is the satisfaction of knowing that you have the best garden photo!

This blog is a hobby of mine. So, I am unable to offer a physical prize.

You will also be helping me out with an assignment, which is to test a photo contest app for my 'real' job. Your help is appreciated and I hope you will participate.

What to plant now?

We've had the branches that crashed on our roof cleaned and branches from trees over our roof removed. We also took this opportunity to have some dead trees and stumps removed from the front yard. As a result, we are left with a garden full of dirt! Though I like that I can put whatever I want, within reason, I am not sure what to do.

I am thinking an evergreen or two to the left of the wall, possibly yews. This path leads nowhere except to the gas metre so it does not have to look pretty.

As for the rest of the garden, on the left side that is now dirt, I am not sure. I want low maintenance. Rose of Sharon? Bridal Wreath Spirea? Blue Beard Shrub? Some hostas?

Suggestions would be appreciated! Please comment if you have some ideas.

Spring & Ice Storm Clean Up Begins!

Weather Extreme

This past winter, for the first time in my memory, which is now considerable, we had an ice storm in the GTA. It was eerie and wondrous at the same time. Trees were completely covered in ice. When a breeze blew the branches crackled. They glittered in the winter light. Then the sickening sound of branches breaking under the weight of ice would start. You can watch it here.

 Can you hear the branches and ice crackling?

The Aftermath

Beautiful mature trees downed

Branches on our roof

The branches on the road were cleaned up by the city within a couple of weeks, but the branches on our property still need to be removed. Tomorrow is the big day! Not only are we having the branches removed we are having some trees and other bushes removed.

In a way we are starting with a new slate. A blank canvas.

We had snow again in mid April.  I know, however, that winter will not win! The daffodils, tulips and other spring blooming perennials are starting to peek out of the earth.

By the way, if anyone out there thinks climate change does not exist then they are in denial. This extreme weather and polar vortex that lasted for two months here in Ontario, Canada was a first and proof to me that climate change is a reality.

Spring Refresh

After a particularly brutal winter, I am inspired to refresh the look of my blog. The image at the top is a picture I took of the muscari that grows in my garden. And I've made the format wider.

What do you think?

Announcing the Bloomin' News!

Now You Can enjoy Gardening News & Tips All Year Long

Living in a northern country, I am not privileged to garden all year, and therefore, for several months I do not have original content to share with you. So I have started the Bloomin' News. It is a collection of gardening information and articles from across the web.

I hope you find the content enjoyable! Please let me know if what is shared is useful and interesting to you.

You may follow the Bloomin News here:
http://paper.li/thebloominblog/1397143965

Happy gardening!