– by Solara Goldwynn – This time of year on the Saanich Peninsula can seem a little bleak with regards to the availability of local food. Farmer’s markets won’t start up for a few more months, farm stands are typically bare, and garden beds are just beginning to wake up. However, eating local organic food […]
West Coast Gardener: Year-Round Growing for Healthy Living Read More »
– by Trudi Jones – Urban areas are experiencing a shortage of land and developers are opting for higher density with smaller homes. Homeowners have to be creative in utilizing these spaces to their maximum efficiency, so the following are some basic guidelines that can make this process both easier and fun. First step: Take
On Design: Design in Small Spaces Read More »
– by Gillian Crowley – It’s leap year, which gives us an extra day this month to enjoy music, film and the visual arts. Film Festival at the Star Cinema Here’s your chance to see a number of the Victoria Film Festival offerings in nearby Sidney. This year the Star Cinema will be showing 11
Seaside Arts Scene Read More »
– by Barry Mathias – Those who visit the Gulf Islands are often surprised and delighted by the variety and population of the wild animals that inhabit them, although the word “wild” might, sometimes, be confused with domesticated, or even farmed. A visitor’s first interaction is often with the native black tail deer or, on
Island Life: Animals on the Islands Read More »
– reviewed by Hans Tammemagi – Robert Bateman’s wizardry with a brush captures animals, birds and their natural landscapes in an evocative and realistic manner. Also a crusader for nature and conservation, he is probably Canada’s best-known and best-loved artist. Now, at the ripe age of 85 he has written his autobiography describing his rich
Book Review – Life Sketches: A Memoir by Robert Bateman Read More »
What to give that special person for Valentine’s Day this February? Why not an orchid? Moth orchids (phalaenopsis hybrids) are easy to grow, and their beautiful pendulous stalks covered in a dozen or so wide, moth-like flowers are a common sight today. They are of course not the only orchid variety, and given that there
Orchids for Valentine’s Day Read More »
With all due respect to my fiancé, two years ago I found out I was just eight months away from meeting the real love of my life. On February 15th, 2014 we celebrated Valentine’s Day with the wonderful news that I was pregnant with our now-15-month-old daughter Tessa. We were thrilled (and scared!), and when
Last Word with Allison Smith Read More »
– by Gillian Crowley – Pet owners know their best friends repay their food and shelter with unconditional affection that lightens winter’s dark days. Medical research has shown that interacting with a pet can slow heartbeat, reduce blood pressure and improve one’s mood. Not everyone who would like to enjoy a pet, though, is in
Pets Patter: Therapy Pets Read More »
– by Lara Gladych – This is the third in a six-part series of profiles featuring some of the Saanich Peninsula’s wonderful restaurants and pubs. In the course of covering the Peninsula Restaurant Profiles feature over the past year, I’ve visited the Prairie Inn on more than one occasion. Getting to know the pub and
