We’re lucky this year to have two really illuminating books arrive on two topics of vital interest to gardeners: the one, by Minnesota writer Heather Holm, on providing the conditions that will help our native bees flourish; the other, by Southern Ontario garden expert Robert Pavlis, about creating a pond that takes care of itself. Here are my reviews:

Bees - An Identification and Native Plant Forage Guide by Heather Holm (2017 -paperback, 224pp – Pollination Press $29.95)

Holm’s second book is a tour de force, combining plant knowledge with an intimate understanding of the native bees of Eastern North America. While this is a beautifully produced publication with stunning photographs, it is Holm’s genius for organizing information in a way that’s clear and accessible that makes it especially valuable.
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It's early in our spring season - so take it easy with the 'cleanup,’ both for your own sake (spare that aching back), and for the flora and fauna in your garden. I was happy to read a blog by Robert Pavlis, a southern Ontario gardening expert, which explains, better than I can, the do's and don't's for this time of year.

He writes that the problem at this time of year is that many people do work in their garden that does not need to be done and some of it actually damages soil and plants - in particular, insects that are still in diapause (a state similar to hibernation). They are alive, but not moving. This is a time to leave them alone and if you must move garden material, do it gently and place it somewhere so that insects can get out when they are ready.

Here's the link.

Thanks to everyone involved in organizing Seedy Saturday in Innisfil, especially Bridget Indelicato. It was a great event!

Innisfil is hosting its first Seedy Saturday next week, and I’m excited to be part of it. This is a community seed swap, where gardeners can exchange seed that they have collected themselves – which is great, because local seed produces plants that are more adapted to local growing conditions.

But there’s going to be so much more!

Sponsored by the Innisfil Seed Library, the event will include seed sellers, garden-related local businesses and environmental and horticultural organizations. There will be demonstrations and talks throughout the day as well as children's activities. Lunch can be purchased. Admission is free.

It all takes place from 10 am to 3 pm on Saturday, April 1 at the ideaLAB & Library, 967 Innisfil Beach Road, Alcona.

I’ll have a table and will be selling plants, seeds and other items, as well as promoting two important organizations: The North American Native Plant Society and the Ontario Invasive Plant Council. Drop by and say hi!

I’m also one of several speakers. I’ll have a presentation on the topic of Leaves, Insects, Birds and Why Native Plants Matter, starting at 1:15 pm. More information:
http://www.innisfil.library.on.ca/innisfil-seedy-saturday
https://www.facebook.com/innisfilseedysaturday/