Discover Serenity: Transform Your Backyard Garden into a Peaceful Sanctuary

This past week has been quite wonderful, almost too good to be true! While focusing on my health recovery, I decided to play tourist in my own town.

The weather has been beautiful, and I’ve enjoyed spending time outdoors. My partner, Tez, has been hard at work in the garden, turning soil, weeding, and planting new seeds and bulbs.

We’ve got a small greenhouse that’s bursting with potential vegetables and flowers. I’ve already planted some early potatoes, with more to come soon. However, those pesky squirrels or deer might have gotten to my new strawberry plants, which means I need to protect them better. Any suggestions?

Just last Tuesday, I attended a meeting of the Kelowna Garden Club. It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic attendees, and I caught a talk by garden expert Don Burnett, who shared insights on building greenhouses. The excitement in the room reminded me how gardening can be a beautiful community experience.

Planning to attend the Garden Club’s upcoming spring plant sale on May 3 has me eager. Although they’re mostly selling flowers, I’m hoping to scoop up a few healthy strawberry plants. You can find out more about the event on their official site www.kelownagardenclub.ca.

Gardens can be a place of peace, especially during tough times. I found myself needing that comfort when I learned of the passing of my friend, musician Bernie Addington. He was a talented stand-up bassist known for his warm spirit and love for jazz. His upbeat demeanor often brightened the stage when he performed. Losing him has left an emptiness in our community.

This week also brought news of other losses. Walley Lightbody, a beloved community figure, passed away recently. He was known for his enthusiasm for life and for bringing people together through countless gatherings and fundraisers. His love for Kelowna was only matched by his passion for tennis and jazz. Walley’s memorial celebration is scheduled for June 23 at his home.

Another loss felt deeply was that of Ian Middler, a respected teacher at École Kelowna Secondary School. He was known for his humor and his dedication to pushing students to succeed, no matter how tough it got. I remember a time when I almost quit a class because I found him challenging, but he encouraged me to stick with it. His insistence that I could do better than I thought made a lasting impression. A service for Ian will be held on May 10 at Springfield Memorial Home.

These losses remind us to cherish our connections and appreciate our community. Time spent in the garden can be therapeutic, helping me reflect on those who have passed while celebrating the joys we still have.

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Kelowna|Opinion