Guerrilla Gardening

I know, I know! This is supposed to be a blog about real estate. Truth be told, I'm fascinated by where we live and how we live, regardless of whether we own it or not.
That's why the concept of guerrilla gardening appeals to me. I like the idea of people sowing seeds and planting seedlings in public spaces for no other reason than the joy of watching something grow amid the squalor and neglect of some god-forsaken traffic island, back alley or hyrdo pylon.
This site offers, pix, videos and tips on beautifying the urban landscape. There's even a Montreal chapter. In honor of International Sunflower Guerrilla Gardening Day on May 1, I'm going to plant sunflower seeds around the base of a Hydro-Québec transmission tower near my house. You could do the same. Think of it as an act of rebellion and hope.

Gardening Season is Nearly Here

The snow is gone from my south-facing back yard, but I'm obsessed with the shady side yard. It still has a stubborn crust of ice and snow.
When Clancy, my beloved 16-year-old mutt, died last year (okay that's not quite true, I had him euthanized here at home by a vet) we dug a big ol' hole in the solid clay and buried him in the side yard under the lilacs. I then planted a garden over top.
All last fall that patch of land looked like a slick, muddy mess, but I'm pretty sure it will be beautiful come spring. I placed some large jagged rocks around the bed, then sowed Asian poppy seeds that my sister in Calgary semt with assurances that they will spread like wildfire. I planted ornamental grasses, yarrow and Russian sage.
Yesterday's rain did a job on the snow and today I can see lots of crocuses and early bulbs sending out strong green shoots.
This year, I'm taking my gardening cues from this guy profiled in the Sunday Times. He says gardening should be slow, easy and green. I'm done nurturing roses. My ongoing battle with goat weed is a thing of the past. This year, easy does it in my garden. I might even try making a bottle tree.
By the way, this is my favorite Montreal garden centre. You need a car to get there, but it is totally worth the trip.