A few weeks ago after a storm, while wandering along the beach at Roberts Creek I noticed several people harvesting kelp left by the high tides.

Curious as to why they would be doing this, I started up a conversation with a windswept bystander. He explained that the kelp was highly coveted by the locals for use as a garden mulch and that it was very rich in nitrogen.

As a novice, trying to garden as organically as possible I thought I’d do a little research into all this and this is what I’ve found:

First, a quick guide:

Appearance: Poor
Insulation: Good; recommended as a winter mulch
Cost: Low in coastal areas
Thickness: 4-6 in.
Weed Control: Excellent
Water Penetration: Fair
Moisture Retention: Good
Decomposition Speed: Slow; adds nitrogen and potash
Comments: Provides sodium, boron and other trace elements. Excellent for sheet composting.

Most homeowners live a distance from the sea. But horticultural research suggests that they should bring a part of the sea to their yards and gardens–in the form of a seaweed or kelp product –to enhance the beauty and health of their plants. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been a few months since I’ve had the opportunity to participate in GTS. This afternoon I took a wander around the new garden and took some shots to share. I really need to get out and do some more cleaning up but that will have to wait for another day.

I have no idea what this is but I just adore the vibrant colours:

*This has since been identified as a Winged Spindle (Euonymus alatus). The ‘winged’ refers to the ridges of bark on the stems, these can become quite prominent with age.   Thanks to the UBC Botanical Garden forums for help identifying this for me.

My last apple. I discovered from a neighbour that this is a grafted apple tree so it will be interesting to see all the different varieties next year:

Albizia julibrissin or commonly known as a silk tree or commonly mis-named ‘mimosa’:

‘Bittersweet October. The mellow, messy, leaf-kicking, perfect pause between the opposing miseries of summer and winter.’

~ Carol Bishop Hipps

What’s blooming in your garden this week?

Gardeners, Plant and Nature lovers can join in every Sunday, visit As the Garden Grows for more information.

Compost them!