Harrowsmith is still the reliable go-to for gardeners, weekend carpenters, homesteaders, hobby farmers and urban dwellers with romantic fantasies of country life. Harrowsmith publishes four issues a year in conjunction with the seasons.
For many of us, spring is all about coming out of hibernation mode and welcoming the outside world with a reawakened sense of excitement and vigour. And if you are like me, you kicked off 2025 with a handful of New Year’s resolutions and a long to-do list full of DIY projects that you can’t wait to start. My determination (albeit often misguided) to paint, stain, build, grow, make and fix things on my own comes from the influence of the strong and frugal women in my family who always take great pride in accomplishing self-assigned tasks (even if the end results leave a little to be desired…). As such, I was thrilled to receive MasterClass as a Christmas gift from my family. (If you haven’t heard of it, MasterClass…
Every new planting season brings endless possibilities for introducing new plants. Whether your passion is vegetable gardening, landscaping or flower gardening, you’ll fine-tune your skills and home’s curb appeal by trying something new each year. I’m a big fan of hostas in a shade garden—the bigger the leaf, the better. Empress Wu, by reputation, is one of the largest introduced to the market. Its deeply veined, dark blue-green leaves mature to four to five feet tall, and six to eight feel wide. If you want to make a statement, this shade-loving perennial will create an outstanding focal point and deliver an architectural punch. Another interesting hosta, known for its heart-shaped ornamental leaves, is Sieboldiana Elegans, which can grow to 26 inches tall with a 51-inch spread. A word of caution,…
Shout-Out to Our Farmers February 11 is Canada’s Agriculture Day — a day to recognize the hardworking people who produce some of the best food in the world! Here are three easy ways to give them a nod: 1 Post a photo or video of your favourite local farmer’s market with the hashtag #CanAgDay. 2 Check out some great recipes featuring Canadian beef on harrowsmithmag.com. 3 Watch the documentary, A Nation’s Table, which explores the life’s work of Anita Stewart, the “patron saint of Canadian food.” Everyday is food day, Canada! Watch the short film here. GREEN SPEAK What is a B Corporation? More than 600 Canadian companies have acquired their B Corporation (colloquially known as B Corp) certification, a designation based on social impact that is granted by global…
For generations, birds have represented freedom and independence, while birdhouses have evolved to symbolize a sense of home and charm. Some of the earliest documented examples of birdhouses can be found in thirteenth century Turkey, in a region known as Anatolia. According to Turkish architect and poet, Cengiz Bektas, birdhouses personified the Anatolian love for birds and the belief that humankind must be in balance with all creation. By the sixteenth century, birdhouses could be found throughout Turkey, and they became more stylish and elegant in their designs. Built into public buildings and schools, birdhouses symbolized and impressed upon adults and children alike the Ottoman traditions of kindness and mercy. Early European examples of birdhouses can be found in Belgium and Holland during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. There, ceramic…
Earth Hour has grown into a worldwide event observed in more than 190 countries and territories. Wherever you live, on March 22 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 for your household. Have an indoor picnic: Set a blanket on the floor, prepare picnic-style foods, like sandwiches and chopped fruits and veggies, and play board or card games. Go stargazing: Head to a clear spot, away from any lights…
World Water Day is celebrated every year on March 22. We don’t often recognize that water can both help establish harmony and be a catalyst for conflict. Our health, food, environment, economy and energy systems rely on a fair, functioning water cycle, and with climate change and population growth threatening supply, we need to work together to protect and conserve clean, usable water as a resource. According to the United Nations, more than 3 billion people on the planet need water that crosses national borders, but only two dozen countries have agreed to share their supply. What’s more, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says half the world’s population experiences “severe” water scarcity for at least a few months a year, and the World Health Organization and UNICEF report more…
