Passions Magazine - Spring/Summer 2023

Cover photo Pet and family freindly stay at the Residences by Sean Fenzl

SPRING HAS OFFICIALLY SPRUNG, AND SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER! So, let’s shake off those last few chilly and rainy days and get excited about all the season offers. From world-class sand sculpting at Parksville’s Beach Festival to the foot stomping all-ages fun of Cowichan Valley’s Laketown Shaketown, there’s no shortage of local events and festivals to fill your calendar. So dust off those golf clubs, dive into the sea (or a good book), and find a sunny patio to sip your favourite cocktail—it’s time to soak up all the fun and beauty that Vancouver Island has to offer!

In this issue of Passions magazine, we’re thrilled to introduce you to Rob and Samantha Bau of Arbutus Meadows Farm, share tips for navigating the ever-changing digital media landscape, and tantalize your taste buds with Chef Sean Wiens’ mouth-watering pizza recipes. Plus, we’re spicing things up with a new take on a classic sangria cocktail that’s sure to knock your socks off and offering some helpful tips for travelling with your furry friends. As the growing season begins, we’re asking the critical question: is it time to add a greenhouse to your garden?

We hope you’ll take full advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to enjoy our island home’s beauty and excitement. I can’t wait to kick back, relax, and dive into our Summer Reads feature for some great book recommendations. And you better believe I’ll be trying out Chef Sean’s Dill Pickle Pizza recipe too!

So here’s to a happy, fun-filled, and unforgettable sunny season ahead. Let’s make the most of it!

Julie Jaworski, PASSIONS Editor

Three units at the RESIDENCES AT FAIRWINDS LANDING are pet friendly (make a mental note for the next time your kids visit with their menagerie in tow). Julie Jaworski, Fairwinds’ sales and marketing manager, explains: “We have a lot of guests coming from far away, and when they can bring their pet, their vacation rental feels even more like a home away from home.” She adds, “Lots of people travel for a month or more—that’s a long time to be without a member of the family.”

ummer’s on the way and with it, plans for adventures with family and friends. For many of us, family also includes our fur babies. Here’s how to make sure they have as much fun on summer vacation as we do. (This story refers to pets using the gender-neutral “they.”)

above Louie checking out his new digs at the Residences

TRAVELLING WITH PETS

by Jen Groundwater

SO WE GET IT: you don’t want to leave Bailey or Mittens behind. Sure, they love being with you. And some pets get very anxious when they’re not with people. You may have plans for lots of holiday fun with your pet. But that doesn’t mean they want to leave their routines and surroundings and put up with hours, or even days, of travel, just to be with you.

Your first step should always be to ask yourself if your pet actually wants to go on holiday. Maybe they’d be happier left with a sitter or in a good boarding kennel. But if you know they enjoy the open road, we’ve put together some tips to help your furry BFF enjoy your summer holidays as much as you do. Happy trails!

PET VACATION

No matter where go with your pet, you’ll need the following: leash and collar, ID tags, food and treats, dishes/bowls, poop bags or litter trays and litter, and medications. It’s always smart to bring along immunization and vet records, especially when crossing international borders. And if your pet isn’t already microchipped, consider doing this for extra peace of mind.

In the car

Set up a cozy place for your pet in the vehicle that’s also safe (we once discovered our dog in the back of our SUV, uncomplainingly sitting under several backpacks that had fallen on him hours before). A crate or seat belt will add security, but be sure your pet is used to it before you set out. Dog owners should plan extra stops for fresh air, leg stretching, and pee breaks. You’ll also need to arrange your own stops and activities so you never leave your pet in a hot car.

Bring some favourite bedding and toys, and throw in an old towel or two for after swimming or on rainy days, and if you have a dog who gets stinky, consider a natural dry shampoo like FurScents.

In the air

If you want or need to fly with your pet, check with the airline before booking your own ticket. Every airline has pet rules, restrictions, and associated fees. Generally, though, you can take a small dog or cat can into the cabin in a ventilated carrier that fits under the seat ahead of you. Larger dogs must travel in the cargo hold. (The “emotional support animals” we heard a lot about a few years ago are no longer permitted in airline cabins. Service dogs for people with disabilities are permitted.)

If you’re planning to put your dog in the cargo hold, there are many things to consider beyond the scope of this article. Research all the potential concerns with your vet or a reliable online source.

Sleeping arrangements

Many hotels, motels, vacation rentals, and campgrounds are pet friendly, usually for an extra charge. If you’re planning on bringing a cat, check in advance that they will be welcome. If you have a dog, you’ll need to keep them under control. No matter where you stay, don’t leave any pet unattended, and if they’re a yowler or barker, consider not bringing them at all. The other guests won’t appreciate their middle-of-the-night warnings.

To find genuinely great places to stay with your pet, check out GoPetFriendly.com; the BringFido app is another great resource (despite its name, it lists cat-friendly accommodations, too).

Family and friends

Just because you call your pet your “fur baby” does not mean other people see it the same way! If you’re hoping to stay with friends or family, you MUST have an honest discussion with your hosts long before you head out on your trip. There are many valid reasons your pet might not be

welcome in someone else’s home, and if your hosts say no, you’ll need to make other plans. If they say yes, and you’re sure Fluffy will get along with any resident pets and obey all the house rules, then go for it.

PET STAYCATION

Plan ahead! Kennels fill up, especially over the summer. As soon as your own dates are set, line up a pet sitter or make a booking for your pet. Our family has had good luck with TrustedHousesitters, a site where potential pet sitters connect with owners willing to trade a home stay for pet care. This option isn’t for everyone, though.

Boarding kennels are a safe and secure option for most pets (though for elderly pets or those who require injections, a vet clinic is probably the best bet.) Ask lots of questions: Does Fido have access to the outdoors? Can you leave them with their own bedding, toys, food, and medication? Do they interact with other dogs? Look for places with lots of space, a thoughtful layout where pets of similar needs and temperament are housed near each other, and attentive staff that dote on the animals. For example, at Del Norte Kennels in Lantzville, each dog gets three walks a day with a staff member, one-on-one, in a space with toys where they can run and play off leash.

Del Norte’s owner Sara Switzer understands that people and pets can be nervous about a kennel, so she encourages booking your pet for a trial run. “It helps them get to know the place in advance,” she says. Reassuringly, she adds, even the most Velcro-y pets quickly get used to the kennel.

Of the boarding kennels near Fairwinds, Errington Pet Lodge and Del Norte both accommodate cats as well as dogs.

Not all who wander are lost; some are just looking for coffee

COFFEE. At its core it’s a simple beverage, an acquired taste that has become part of a daily routine for millions of people worldwide.

Canadians drink more coffee than water, securing our place as one of the top 10 coffee-consuming countries in the world at 2.7 cups per person per day for a total of about 14 billion cups being consumed each year.

25 minutes to get there; they open at 8 am and have a fabulous breakfast menu. French Press recently won a gold medal for their Ethiopia Kilenso Moconissa in Golden Bean North America, the largest coffee roasting competition in the world.

After breakfast, and an awardwinning coffee, stroll through Qualicum Beach, visiting the

experience en route, coffee is as good an excuse as any to design a memorable road trip close to home. There are also several flavourful reasons to venture farther afield for an overnight adventure.

AN OVERNIGHT EXCURSION

If coffee is central to a bespoke overnight itinerary, you can’t go wrong on Salt Spring Island. A stunning 20-minute ferry ride leaves Crofton and arrives in Vesuvius Bay, a good place for that first cuppa. The Vesuvius Café, draped in colourful foliage, sets the stage for the artistic atmosphere at the core of Salt Spring’s charm. From there, you can work your way through more than ten cafés, and if you plan your trip for a Saturday, the Salt Spring Saturday Market is not to be missed. It runs 9 am - 4 pm from April 1st to October 28th.

opposite from top White Rabbit; French Press (images courtesy of White Rabbit Coffee Co.)

this page Slow pour; Vesuvius Café

MAKING A DAY OF IT

The biggest question, perhaps, when hitting the road in pursuit of an amazing Cuppa Joe—an interesting phrase with multiple theories on its origin, including connections to a former Secretary to the US Navy, Josephus Daniels, who abolished wine on ships, making coffee the most potent drink available onboard to sailors is: Do you have a cup before leaving or wait to arrive at the destination? My advice, leave early and wait. It’ll be worth it.

From Fairwinds, head north to Qualicum Beach to check out the recent renovations and expansion at French Press Coffee Roasters and Cafe at 92 Primrose Street, with a location opening soon in Parksville. It’ll take about

boutiques and enjoying the quaint village atmosphere while prepping your palette for the next brew. With some of the caffeine-fuelled energy enjoyably expelled, travel south to Nanaimo. Enjoy the seawall, Bowen Park or Colliery Dam, then head to White Rabbit Coffee Co. at 321 Selby Street, part of the old train station that also houses one of Nanaimo’s most exciting new restaurants, Black Rabbit Kitchen.

The vibe is simplistically creative with a focus on community and shared moments away from the busyness of urban life.

These are only two of many quality coffee options close to Fairwinds and Nanoose Bay. With so much beauty to

While coffee at its core might be simple, a flavourful energy boost many rely on to start each day; coffee has become complex. Whether you take your coffee as basic as it comes or you prefer an iced Ristretto, ten shot venti with breve, five pump vanilla, seven pump caramel, four Splenda, poured, not shaken, coffee is percolated

in history, tradition and regional significance.

Java—also the name of a coffeerich island in Indonesia—is as good an excuse as any (if you need one) for a day trip or mini-staycation in pursuit of perfect caffeination.

ARBUTUS MEADOWS

by Kait Burgan

While life on a working farm provides only small moments of reprieve from a myriad of chores, with Spring comes new energy, new ideas and refreshed love for what farm life has to offer.

For Rob and Samantha Bau, it’s a life that has evolved over two decades when they first moved to the family-owned Arbutus Meadows to help out for a while. They lived in Whistler and back then, the farm’s main focus was equestrian activities.

Today, Arbutus Meadows Farm is home to a Lavender Shop with a wide range of products made from the more than 600 Big Time Blue lavender plants, a low-growing variety that blooms earlier than others. Families are invited to visit The Happy Animal Village that is home to turkeys, chickens, ducks, peacocks, geese, sheep, cows, pigs and horses that get to roam free. There are luxury picnic experiences, hay wagon rides, outdoor markets, skydiving activities, equestrian competitions and a wide range of Special Events.

One of the first things Rob and Samantha did when stepping into daily management and operations, was change the zoning to allow non-farm activity.

“That’s really helped just to sustain the property and allow the actual farming to happen here because it’s not subsidized,” Rob explains. “Farming is a struggle for most properties and farms, and so expanding what we’re able to do.”

The Lavender Shop got its start when Samantha was making soap as a hobby.

Photos

All courtesy Arbutus Meadows above Lavender field opposite Samantha & Rob Bau

She started incorporating some of the Big Time Blue products and then expanded to other body products. From there, proper labelling was a logical next step and after that, they began selling at the Qualicum Beach Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. The Lavender Shop has become an integral part of an immersive agro-tourism farm experience for all who visit Arbutus Meadows Farm.

“When you come to a farm, it’s outside of the box for a lot of people,” Samantha says. “Arbutus Meadows is a space for people to bring their kids and walk around. We have a wonderful skydiving business that lands here. People can get a coffee or a gelato and watch the skydivers land. We’re carving our little path here, and we love to share it with people.”

Rob and Samantha were young parents when they began to focus on the farm fulltime, and Samantha admits that a certain degree of naivety has made the property what it is today.

“The first decade that we lived here was definitely full of sharp learning curves,” she says. “It’s baptism by fire and a lot of flying by the seat of your pants, but we do have a lot of ingenuity, and we pivot really well. If a door is shut, we try to open another one. We also feel really privileged to be here because there’s a lot of opportunity, and it’ s a beautiful land to be on.”

Photos

Rob, Samantha, and their two daughters primarily run things at Arbutus Meadows Farm. They bring in seasonal staff and extra support to help with events. They are excited about the future and the opportunity to create better experiences for visitors and themselves as farmers and business owners. They take a few months off each winter to regroup, boost inventory and plan for the next season.

While they both love life on the farm, they do have their favourite components. For Rob, it’s the Scottish Highland cattle. “They’re very docile and easy keepers. I wouldn’t say we’re new farmers now, but I’m quite new to cattle, and I’ve been enjoying it very much. We just got a new bull this past fall, and we’re getting that breeding program going. I’ m excited about it.”

Rob adds that he loves the creative, entrepreneurial side of the work, using machines to maximize building use and taking time to visualize what’s possible.

“Driving the tractor around the fields in circles, doing the hay. I actually enjoy that time seeing all the birds. The eagles circle to see what’s happening and what they can scavenge. It’s early morning or sunset nights and I like that very much.”

For Samantha, creativity is also a favourite component of making Arbutus Meadows Farm what it is today. “I love creating interesting spaces out of ordinary things,” she says. “I love developing a new theme every year, getting some new furniture, designing the shop for the upcoming season. I love seeing people enjoy it. We develop relationships with our

this page and opposite from above Soap made with saponified coconut oil, olive oil, sustainable palm oil, essential lavender oil, essential rosemary oil and lavender bud; Members of the “Happy Animal Village” await their visitors.

visitors and have quite a few interesting regulars here. We have all sorts of people who are artists, designers, musicians, and everybody’s got a story.”

Despite having accomplished so much over the last two decades, there are many things still on the “wish list” for Rob and Samantha—landscaping, a large garden and greenhouses and a tea house. The property has show stabling for 160 horses, and the portable stalls have seen better days. Rob wants to see more cattle and is working on growing the herd. They both emphasize wanting more foundational improvements to support the smooth operation of the property.

“We’re excited about the future and what we’re doing here.”

The 2023 season at Arbutus Meadows Farm began in April and runs through December. For more information, visit arbutusmeadows.com

Summer Reads

AN ECLECTIC COLLECTION OF BOOKS WE HAVE READ, BOOKS THAT ARE PILED ON OUR NIGHTSTANDS, AND BOOKS THAT ARE WAITING PATIENTLY ON OUR WISH LISTS.

A WORLD OF CURIOSITIES

Louise Penny Macmillan Publishers (2022)

“It’s spring and Three Pines is re-emerging after the harsh winter. But not everything buried should come alive again. Not everything lying dormant should re-emerge. But something has” and the eighteenth instalment of this beloved murdermystery series does not disappoint! A bit darker in tone than previous instalments, but fans are eager to once again peek over the shoulder of Chief Inspector Armand Gamache and JeanGuy Beauvoir—along with an eclectic group of characters from the village of Three Pines in Quebec—as the mystery unfolds.

Louise Penny— the author of this #1 New York Times and Globe and Mail bestselling series—lives in a small village south of Montréal. She has won numerous literary awards, and in 2017 received the Order of Canada for her contributions to Canadian culture.

THE MYTH OF NORMAL: TRAUMA, ILLNESS AND HEALING IN A TOXIC CULTURE

Gabor Maté, MD, and Daniel Maté Knopf Canada (2022)

Through his work and international bestsellers, Gabor Maté has changed the way we look at addiction and has played a role in shifting our conversations around ADHD, stress, disease, embodied trauma, and parenting. In The Myth of Normal, cowritten with his son Daniel, the author brings his perspective to the great

untangling of common myths about what makes us sick, connects the dots between the maladies of individuals and the declining soundness of society, and offers a compassionate guide for health and healing.

IF AN EGYPTIAN CANNOT SPEAK ENGLISH A NOVEL

Noor Naga Graywolf Press (2022)

Winner for the 2022 Center for Fiction First Novel Prize; Shortlisted for the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize; Named a Best Book of 2022 by Time, Kirkus, Bookforum, and BuzzFeed

In the aftermath of the Arab Spring, an Egyptian American woman, and a man from the village of Shobrakheit, meet at a café in Cairo. She is a nostalgic daughter of immigrants “returning” to a country she’s never been to before, to teach English. He was a photographer of the revolution, but now finds himself unemployed and addicted to cocaine, living in a rooftop shack. A dark romance begins as the novel exposes the gaps in American identity politics, especially when exported overseas. If an Egyptian Cannot Speak English is at once ravishing and wry, scathing and tender and asks “when the revolution fails, how long can someone survive the disappointment? Who suffers and, more crucially, who gets to tell about it?”

THE SLEEPING CAR PORTER

Suzette Mayr

Coach House Books (2022)

The Sleeping Car Porter brings to life an important part

of Black history in North America, from the perspective of a queer man living in a culture that renders him invisible in two ways. When a mudslide strands a train, Baxter, a queer Black sleeping car porter, must contend with the perils of white passengers, ghosts, and his secret love affair. Affecting, imaginative, and visceral enough that you’ll feel the rocking of the train, Porter’s novel is a stunning accomplishment.

Winner of the 2022 Scotiabank Giller Prize; Oprah Daily: 15 Books to Read by the Fire; The Globe 100: Best books of 2022; CBC Books: Best Canadian Fiction of 2022

LOVE, PAMELA

Pamela Anderson

Harper Collins (2023)

Having recently returned to renovate her childhood home and

property in Ladysmith, Vancouver Island born Pamela Anderson is reclaiming the narrative of her life in the pages of this memoir and the recent Netflix release of Pamela, A Love Story chronicling her life.

In her book, the actress, activist, and once infamous Playboy Playmate defies expectation in both content and approach, blending searing prose with snippets of original poetry. In this sometimes brutally honest book, Anderson breaks the mold of the celebrity memoir and offers a different view of her life from the ones that have been crafted by others about her for decades.

THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE

Charlie Mackesy

Ebury Press (2019)

This delightfully heart-warming book from British illustrator, artist, and author Charlie Mackesy chronicles a journey of friendship for all ages as it explores life’s universal lessons. A #1 bestseller this small treasure is described by Elizabeth Egan of the New York Times as “not only a thought-provoking, discussion-worthy story, but the book itself is an object of art” and was recently turned into an animated short film available on Apple TV.

LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY

Bonnie Garmus Doubleday (2022)

Set in 1960s California, we follow chemist Elizabeth Zott as she becomes the reluctant star of a popular cooking show which she takes in an unexpected direction with her unusual approach to cooking... “combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride.” #1 on the New York Times bestseller list, Heather’s Picks on Chapters-Indigo Books raves that the tale is “laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters as original and vibrant as its protagonist.”

FIVE LITTLE

INDIANS

Michelle Good

HarperCollins (2020)

With compassion and insight this award-winning book by Cree writer and lawyer Michelle Good, chronicles the desperate quest of residential school survivors Kenny, Lucy, Clara, Howie, and Maisie as they to come to terms with their past and, ultimately, find a way forward.

A National Bestseller and winner of Canada Reads 2022, the Governor

General’s Literary Award for Fiction, the Amazon First Novel Award, and a finalist for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

KITCHEN PARTY

Mary Berg Penguin Random House Canada (2019)

Mary Berg—winner of MasterChef Canada Season 3— shares delicious, low-stress recipes, special enough for celebrations and easy enough for a regular Tuesday night. With content and recipes covering menus for Brunch Parties, Cocktail Parties Dinner Parties, Parties of Two, and Special Occasions, the effervescent host of Mary Makes It Easy, and Mary's Kitchen Crush shares over a hundred of her wonderful, straightforward recipes. So far, her Cheats Benny, Herbed Mushroom and Camembert Skillet, and Roasted Napa Cabbage recipes are going into our “keeper” file!

THE MARROW THIEVES

Cherie Dimaline Cormorant Books (2017)

Accessible for youth and engaging for adults as well, this dystopian novel from Métis Canadian writer Cherie Dimaline, immerses the reader in a futuristic world ravaged by global warming. One of the unforeseen side effects of the crisis includes the loss of people’s ability to dream, and that dreamlessness has led to widespread madness. The only people still able to access their dreams are North America’s indigenous peoples, and it is their very bone marrow that holds the cure for the rest of the world’s population. The gaining of dreams for the others, means the loss of life for the unwilling donors, and Dimaline’s story centres around the struggle of fifteen-year-old Frenchie and his companions as they struggle to survive on the journey north to the old lands; reuniting with loved ones along the way and staying hidden from the

“recruiters” who seek to bring them to the marrow-stealing “factories.”

THE DIAMOND EYE

Kate

Quinn

William

Morrow & Company

(2022)

The New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code returns with another unforgettable World War II tale, this time of a quiet bookworm who becomes history’s deadliest female sniper. Based on a true story, Hitler’ s invasion of Ukraine and Russia sends history student Mila Pavlichenko on an unexpected path. Handed a rifle and sent to fight, Mila becomes a sniper—a deadly accurate one—whose three hundredth kill earns her the moniker of Lady Death and makes her a national hero.

UNRAVELING:

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT LIFE WHILE SHEARING SHEEP, DYEING WOOL, AND MAKING THE WORLD’S UGLIEST SWEATER

Peggy Orenstein Harper (2023)

The pandemic led people to undertake many different projects to cope with stress, fear and isolation; some learned to play the ukulele, others baked (with sourdough bread experiencing a major comeback), and many more took to their gardens. Author Peggy Orenstein set out to make a sweater from scratch—shearing, spinning, dyeing wool, and finally knitting—and in the process discovers how we find our deepest selves through craft.

“With her wry voice, sharp intelligence, and exuberant honesty, Orenstein shares her year-long journey as daughter, wife, mother, writer, and maker—and teaches us all something about creativity and connection.”

— Goodreads review

July 14 - August 20

Parksville Beach Festival

so much more than sandcastles!

Parksville Beach Festival promises fun in the sun at the Parksville Community Park located alongside Parksville’s beautiful sandy beach. The festival starts with the worldrenowned, signature event—the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition—on the weekend of July 14-16 with the sculpture exhibition open until August 20. This ever-popular event features a 30-hour competition between 29 international master sculptors. Working with this year’s sculpting theme “Wonders of the World,” sculptors begin by pounding sand on Thursday, July 13 to create the sculpting base that is so essential to a successful sculpture.

Public entry to the competition begins at 2 pm on Friday, July 14. Sculpting will be complete by 2:45 pm on Sunday, July 16, when the judging begins. Awards and cash prizes are presented to the top three doubles and the top five soloists, in addition to peer-selected awards and people’s choice prizes.

The sculptures are available for viewing from July 17 to August 20 from 9:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. Admission is by suggested donation of $5 per person. Since 1999, the Parksville Beach Festival Society has donated close to $1 Million from gate proceeds to non-profit organizations and community projects.

Known to locals as “Beachfest”, this five-and-a-half-weeklong family-oriented festival, not only includes the Quality Foods Sand Sculpting Competition & Exhibition but a lineup of fun events and activities everyone can enjoy!

Start planning your summer today at parksvillebeachfest.ca and see you at the beach!

Photos left Parksville Outdoor Theatre above Rock the Park 2022 facing from top left Conductor Calvin Dyck, Vancouver Island Symphony; Parksville Coastal Community Credit Union Sculpture Light up!; Canadian Tire Learn to Sculpt

FESTIVAL LINEUP

QUALITY FOODS SAND SCULPTING COMPETITION

Friday, July 14 (2 pm) Public entry to the competition begins. Jul 17 to Aug 20 (9:30 am – 8:30 pm daily) Sculptures are available for viewing.

PARKSVILLE CANADIAN TIRE SCULPTING LESSONS AND DEMONSTRATIONS Jul 15, 16 (10 am – 5 pm) Inspired by our sculptures? The public will have an opportunity to learn professional sand sculpting techniques. Parksville Canadian Tire has sponsored two professional sculptors to teach anyone who wishes to learn how to create a ‘proper’ sand sculpture from scratch. All ages welcome!

PARTY CITY BUSKERS Jul 17 – Aug 20 (11 am – 1 pm, 2 – 4 pm daily) Enjoy a diverse cross section of Vancouver Island musicians at the Boardwalk Gazebo next to the sand sculpting exhibition.

TIM HORTONS FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Jul 21, 22, 28, 29, and Aug 4, 5, 18, 19, Fri/Sat (6:30 – 8:30 pm) Locals and visitors alike look forward to these lively weekend concerts at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre next to the ball field.

ART IN THE PARK Jul 22 (10 am – 6 pm); Jul 23 (10 am – 4 pm) A two-day arts and crafts fair in the gardens around the tennis courts featuring paintings, sculptures, jewelry, pottery, art cards, photography, children’s clothing, art glass and more.

MID ISLAND CO-OP ‘ROCK THE PARK’ MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug 11 – 13 This three-day festival features world-class tribute bands and performances by perennial favourites!

* QUALITY FOODS FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Aug 12 (sundown) The Saturday night show features fireworks, simulcast to music on 88.5 FM The Beach.

*QUALITY FOODS CHILDREN’S SANDCASTLE COMPETITION Aug 13 (Registration: 8 – 9:45 am; Competition starts at 10 am sharp) This event is free and the number one rule is “all teams must have fun.” Building wraps up at 11:30 am and prizes will be awarded once judging is completed.

COASTAL COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION SCULPTURE

LIGHT UP! Aug 18 & 19 For two nights only, the Sand Sculpture Exhibition will be illuminated and open after dark. This event lets you experience our sculptures in a wonderfully unique way. Gate stays open until 11 pm each evening.

REALTORS® AT RE/MAX PARKSVILLE-QUALICUM

"SYMPHONY BY THE SEA" featuring the Vancouver Island Symphony Aug 20 On the final day of Parksville Beach Festival, don’t miss the opportunity to experience live orchestral music at the Parksville Outdoor Theatre. Under the direction of Calvin Dyck, Vancouver Island Symphony will present a Pops show featuring lighter symphonic favourites by Strauss, Brahms, Rossini, Verdi, John Williams, and Henry Mancini.

Visit shop.mcmillanartscentre.com for the full festival line-up and to purchase tickets.

* Event organized by Quality Foods

A VERY INFORMAL SURVEY SAYS...

Four members of the staff at Fairwinds were surveyed to learn about where they get their news – and how often.

It turns out that only one of the four people surveyed actually seeks out the news, and she does it by occasionally accessing news stories through “trusted” online or print sources, as well as news broadcasts on CBC, BBC and/ or PBS. But it should be noted that this person, age 63, has “intentionally reduced” her exposure to news in recent years.

The remaining three people surveyed rely on news that shows up on their social media feeds including Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. This reliance on social media crosses several age groups, in this case, people aged 27, 31 and 60.

Those same three people said if they have an interest in a particular story, they’ll do fact-checking on the story using other sources, such as Google, to clarify whether questionable information contained in the story is legitimate.

Read on to discover how well our small survey group represents the media consuming public.

HOW TO GET YOUR NEWS

IN

THE DIGITAL

by Joanne MacDonald

ERA

In the digital era, people get their news in diverse ways, including traditional media, online news sites and social media. Then there are those who deliberately avoid the news. Why? Because all that information simply overwhelms them.

With traditional news media being scrutinized or dismantled in countries around the world – and no longer the only way to consume news – how does the average person get their news?

“ YOU COULD ARGUE THAT THE COST OF ENTRY (TO CITIZEN JOURNALISM) IS SO LOW NOW, ANYONE WITH WEB ACCESS ON A SMARTPHONE OR OTHER DEVICE CAN SHOOT PHOTOS OR CAN PROVIDE THEIR OWN STORIES ONLINE...BUT WHOSE VOICE DO YOU TRUST?"

― LOIS FERNYHOUGH CHAIR, COMMUNICATIONS DEPT, CAMOSUN COLLEGE, VICTORIA BC

CHANGING MEDIA LANDSCAPE

To understand the media landscape, let’s look at the traditional newsgathering process which begins like this: A journalist receives an assignment from an editor (or pitches a story idea to the editor) then seeks out a variety of knowledgeable, diverse sources. The journalist/reporter will want to interview multiple sources with a range of perspectives who can provide credible information and insight for the crafting of a balanced story.



Once the reporter finishes writing the story, it’s submitted to the news outlet’s editing team, where it undergoes a rigorous process that includes fact-checking the content; grammar, punctuation, and style checks; and revision and updating of text. Once final editing is complete, the story is approved for publication, broadcast, or posting online and distributed to the public.

Described this way, the delivery of news sounds like a straightforward process. But the rise in digital platforms, the sheer volume of competing news sites, and the decline of traditional news sources have created a constantly changing media landscape. It’s difficult for consumers to choose where to get news and how to determine who is practicing responsible journalism.

A Maru Public Opinion poll released in September 2022 found that some mainstream media news sources are still popular for Canadians. Up to 1,517 Canadian adults who follow daily news were polled, with 45% of them saying they get their news from an evening TV newscast or a late broadcast. But the poll also found that Canadians, whose usage of news sources varies depending on their age, get their news from a variety of digital sources such as:

• a newspaper website 29%

• a TV news website 29%

• a TV station dedicated to business news and information 29%

• social media sites like Facebook or Instagram 26%

• radio news broadcasts 24%.

Lois Fernyhough, Chair of the Communications Department and Communications instructor at Camosun College in Victoria, says traditional media “has been dying for quite some time”, partly due to the digital era and the change in media business models. Indeed, the shift to digital platforms has devastated some traditional news outlets with declining ad revenue resulting in significant layoffs of print and broadcast journalists across Canada.

NEWS OUTLETS GO DIGITAL

On Vancouver Island, local news is still provided by traditional, as well as new independent outlets:

The Times Colonist newspaper (Victoria) publishes a print edition six days/week and a digital edition on Mondays.

CBC provides radio broadcasts and online news.

CHEK News (independent) and CTV News Vancouver Island offer daily TV broadcasts and both also have a digital presence.

Black Press community newspapers, such as the Nanaimo News Bulletin, offer print and online editions.

The Discourse online news site provides independent, communityfocussed journalism to Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley at thediscourse.ca.

Yet despite these options, many people prefer to get news from social media, news which may not be fact-checked and is considered a threat to the practice of responsible journalism.

And what happens when responsible journalism disappears?

“You get an uninformed citizenry –that’s a concern,” says Fernyhough, who is also a former journalist. “Getting your news on a digital platform rather than traditional media isn’t the issue. It’s the increasing number of people using Facebook or YouTube to get information that is the issue.”

News originating from established media, and from independent, online

news sites which offer their audiences community-centred journalism, is considered responsible journalism produced by credible journalists.

News disseminated on social media channels, however, is often produced by people outside the mainstream media who may not be trained in the journalistic principles of fairness and neutrality. They happen to be in the right place at the right time to witness an incident or event. This type of reporting is often referred to as citizen journalism, in which members of the public use the internet to spread information.

“You could argue that the cost of entry is so low now, anyone with web access on a smartphone or other device can shoot photos or can provide their own stories online,” says Fernyhough. “But whose voice do you trust?”

On that note, the 2022 Digital News Report found that Canadians’ trust in the news fell from 55% in 2016 to 42% in 2022. The study was produced by Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism at the University of Oxford.

A citizen journalist may be an expert on certain issues, but Fernyhough says they might also be so close to an issue that their news reports may be biased.

That said, some mainstream Canadian media – corporate and independent outlets – are often accused of having a left or right-wing bias. However, that suggested bias is often offset by factual, in-depth reporting by trained journalists trying to keep readers informed on important issues – issues not necessarily covered by social media.

Fernyhough notes while citizen journalists may bring passion to their stories, what is missing with the loss of traditional journalists is their professional interpretation of the news.

“You could say they were gatekeeping,” she says.

DIVERSITY IN NEWS SOURCES

Joy Gugeler, a professor at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, teaching in the departments of Media Studies, and Creative Writing and Journalism, echoes Fernyhough’s concerns about the possible erosion of responsible journalism.

She says a high percentage of the 25

students in one of her introductory media courses at VIU rely on social media for news, with only five to seven students going directly to traditional sources for news.

“Often they’re just scanning headlines or scanning the first lines of commentary from their friends and that doesn’t necessarily bear any resemblance to any news story by a reporter working for a professional news source,” Gugeler says. With social media being prevalent since 2005, many of her students from ages 18 to 22 have never known a world without social media. Conversely, her older students grew up in a preinternet world, have been exposed to diverse news sources, and have “an appreciation for print media.”

Gugeler is encouraged by the growth of independent online journalism news outlets like The Discourse, which she describes as “a reliable source of information” about issues relevent to Nanaimo and central Vancouver Island.

Speaking from experience, having previously worked as the editorin-chief of three different citizen journalism sites based in Vancouver, Gugeler also supports credible citizen journalists. For these sites, she managed editors who oversaw teams of citizen journalists. At Suite101.com, for example, many of the reporters were journalists who’d been laid off by print organizations. Some were recent journalism school graduates looking to break into journalism. They were taught how to write localized stories and take photos for the web, and learned search engine optimization (SEO) techniques. Gugeler says the stories were written according to the standards of news journalism, which included corroborating key facts in every story by two or more sources.

TOOLS FOR NEWS LITERACY

Given the diversity in news outlets, what tools can consumers use to improve their ability to determine the credibility of news?

Fernyhough says whether people are getting news from social media or traditional media, they should take responsibility for checking sources in the stories that they’re reading or watching.

“Some sites are very careful to look legitimate but when you check it out…you may find it’s not legitimate,” she says.

Gugeler recommends looking for multiple points of view in an article to ensure it’s balanced. She says if people are named in a story and their quotes are duplicated in different news outlets who have all cited the same facts, “then I feel that it is not a conspiracy and that it’s true.”

For more tips on how to judge the credibility of news reports, visit these websites:

 Spotfakenews.ca

– from News Media Canada

 CheckThenShare.ca

– from Media Smarts

 Doubt It or Trust It

– from the Canadian Journalism Foundation

 breakthefake.ca

– more news literacy tips from Media Smarts

 Snopes.com

– this site has been called one of the world’s top internet factcheckers

Make Yourself at Home ake

Discover 11 luxurious rental suites at our modern vacation destination, perfect for families, friends, and romantic retreats. Located in a vibrant waterfront community, book your stay at Fairwinds Residences today for ultimate relaxation and luxury.

book.fairwinds.ca

• Spacious two-bedroom + den units for up to six people: perfect for families or friends travelling together.

• Fully equipped kitchen and laundry facilities: feel right at home during your stay.

• Accessible and pet-friendly units: ensuring comfort and convenience for all guests.

3521 Dolphin Drive Nanoose Bay, British Columbia

"JalapeñoBusiness " "

This spicy white sangria recipe has a bit of a kick from the jalapeno pepper, which pairs well with the citrus flavours and tequila. However, feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Depending on your heat tolerance, you can add more or less jalapeno or swap out the citrus fruits for your favourites.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of dry white wine

1/2 cup of silver tequila

1/4 cup of triple sec or other orange liqueur

1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice

1 sliced jalapeno pepper (remove seed and ribs for less spice)

1 sliced lime

1 sliced lemon

1 sliced orange

1 cup of club soda

2 tablespoons of agave nectar

Fresh cilantro

Instructions:

Combine the white wine, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and lemon juice in a large pitcher. Stir until the ingredients are well combined.

Add the sliced jalapeno, lime, lemon, and orange to the pitcher and stir gently. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavours to meld.

Add the club soda or sparkling water when ready to serve and stir gently. Rim your wine glass with lime juice and margarita salt. and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro

Pour over ice and garnish with a sprig of fresh cilantro; enjoy!

Plan an Outdoor Pizza Party

Is there a more universally loved food than pizza? Endlessly customizable from meat lovers to vegan, this prized pie can be the answer to simple and interactive summer entertaining. There’s no need to heat up the kitchen when outdoor pizza ovens are readily available and more affordable than ever. Portable and fueled by gas, wood or electricity, these fastcooking ovens make it easy to master the art of the ’za.

Fairwinds Chef Sean Wiens says allowing your guests to make their own pizzas is an easy way to entertain. “This works well with adults but is also fun when grandkids and younger family members come to visit. You can make the dough ahead and lay out a variety of sauces and toppings and then your friends can create their own. I guarantee every pizza will be totally unique but everyone will love the results.”

To get you started, Chef Sean is sharing his own pizza dough recipe. “This is more of a Greek style dough which is a little heartier and more like a focaccia type of base. It’s very flavourful and easy to make.”

1 c all purpose flour

1T olive oil

½ t sea salt

1T sugar

½ c lukewarm water

1 tsp dry active yeast

In a measuring cup, whisk the yeast, salt and sugar into the lukewarm water.

Let stand for 10 minutes until the mixture poofs up.

Measure the flour into the bowl of a stand mixer and add the oil. When the yeast mixture is ready, add to the flour and oil and run the mixer with the dough hook for 20 minutes until the dough is smooth looking and elastic.

Classic Greek-style Pizza Dough

Words by Sandra Jones Pictures by SeanFenzl

Spray a large bowl with non-stick cooking spray, place the dough ball in and cover with a clean, damp dish towel. Let sit in a warm area for 40 minutes.

Punch down the dough and portion into one larger or two smaller individual pizzas. This recipe yields one 10-12 inch pizza.

Once portioned, form into a ball on a baking sheet lined with parchment, spray tops with non-stick spray and cover with a second layer of parchment. Rest in fridge if not needed immediately. If needed immediately, rest on a rack on the counter for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle semolina flour or cornmeal onto a pan (if cooking in oven) or onto the pizza peel to ensure the dough doesn’t stick.

Allow each guest to roll out the dough, add their choice of sauce, toppings and cheese and into the oven it goes. Cook until golden brown!

Pizza peels come in a number of different formats, with wood or metal, perforated or solid blades, different length handles. Before making your choice, learn what the experts told the Food Network about their favourites: foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/ shopping/product-reviews/best-pizza-peels

Tired of pepperoni and mushroom?

Chef Sean gives us two new inspiring ideas to try at home:

Dill Pickle Pizza

Spread the dough with alfredo sauce and top with:

Cooked pork jowl

Chopped dill pickles

Shredded mozzarella cheese

Sprinkle of parmesan

Sprinkle with fresh dill after it’s baked

Sweet & Spicy Pizza

Spread the dough with marinara sauce and top with:

Capicola

Pitted and chopped Kalamata olives

Chopped roasted red peppers

Caramelized red onions

Blend of shredded mozzarella and edam cheeses

Drizzle with honey or agave syrup and fresh basil after cooking

Mix and match for new creations!

“Pizza dough is really just a blank canvas,” says Chef Sean. “Think about what flavours you like in a sandwich or a soup and add those to your pizza. It could be a Reuben pizza; I’ve even made a pulled pork and mac and cheese pizza. Really anything goes!”

Start with the sauce:

Marinara

Alfredo

Bechamel

Pestos―basil, sun dried tomato or other herbs like chive or parsley

Barbecue

Olive oil

Top with:

Cured or cooked meats

Fresh or roasted vegetables

Fruit

Seafood

Pickled options like artichokes, onions, garlic, jalapenos or olives

Get cheesy:

Mozzarella

Goat Cheese

Feta

Edam

Cheddar

Parmesan

Finish it with:

Drizzle of olive oil

Finishing salt

Chopped fresh herbs

Other fresh toppings like arugula

Chef Sean’s tips:

• When making the dough, the water should be at 105 degrees F, or lukewarm to the touch. If it’s too hot, it kills the yeast and if it’s too cold, it creates a longer rise.

• Dough is very forgiving. If you tear the dough while you’re rolling it out just fold it over to close it up.

• Experiment with cheeses—the higher the moisture count, the better it’s going to melt.

• If you’re cooking it in the oven, set your oven to 450 degrees F and bake it for approximately 10-12 minutes.

• Cooking times on outdoor pizza ovens will vary depending on the size and thickness of the pizza and the temperature of the oven.

• Make sure to shift and turn your pizza in the outdoor pizza oven as the heat source is often coming from the back or side. This will allow for more even cooking.

We’re Back!

BACK TO A FULL CALENDAR OF EVENTS ON VANCOUVER ISLAND!

There is so much happening this summer—from sandcastles to seafood and silly boats in the harbour it seems there is an event planned for just about every weekend. We couldn’t possibly list every festival and community gathering scheduled for the summer of 2023 but here’s a snapshot of the excitement ahead.

Just remember to pack up the sunscreen before heading out to join in the fun!

JUNE

SUMMER BY THE SEA STREET MARKET Tues evenings starting Jun 13, 6 – 9 pm except Aug 15, 22, 29 when the market closes at 8:30 pm Parksville | parksvillechamber.com

FATHER‘S DAY SHOW AND SHINE Jun 18, Qualicum Beach seasidecruizers.com/event/show-andshine/

VICTORIA SKA & REGGAE

Jun 21 – 25, Victoria victoriaskafest.ca

TOFINO JAZZ FESTIVAL

Jun 22 – 25 | tofinojazzfestival.com

TD VICTORIA INTERNATIONAL JAZZFEST Jun 22 – Jul 2 jazzvictoria.ca/jazzfest-home

BC SEAFOOD FESTIVAL

June 23 – 25, Mount Washington mountwashington.ca

LAKETOWN SHAKEDOWN

Jun 30 – Jul 2, Lake Cowichan laketownshakedown.com

JULY

NANAIMO DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Jul 8 – 9 fgpaddle.com/races/nanaimo-dragonboat-festival/

VANCOUVER ISLAND MUSICFEST

Jul 14 – 16, Courtenay musicfestivalwizard.com/festivals/ vancouver-island-musicfest-2023

SILLY BOAT REGATTA

July 16, Nanaimo | sillyboat.com

NANAIMO MARINE FESTIVAL AND GREAT INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BATHTUB RACE

Jul 21 – 23 | bathtubbing.com

VICTORIA SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Jul 25 – 26; Aug 2 – 3, 8, 9 | vsmf.org

ISLANDS FOLK FESTIVAL

Jul 21 – 23, Duncan | islandsfolkfestival.ca

AUGUST – SEPTEMBER

SUNFEST COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

Aug 3 – 6, Cowichan Lake sunfestconcerts.com

FILBERG FESTIVAL

Aug 3 – 6, Comox | filbergfestival.com

NANAIMO BLUES FESTIVAL

Aug 10 – 13 | nanaimoblues.ca

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

Aug 12 – 13, Victoria

victoriadragonboatfestival.com

NANAIMO INTERNATIONAL

JAZZ FESTIVAL Sept 15 – 16, 17 nanaimojazzfest.ca

FILBERG FESTIVAL

NANAIMO INTERNATIONAL JAZZ

Friends of Fairwinds presents

4TH ANNUAL SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

WITH VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY (VIS)

Thursdays, Jul 6, Jul 20, and Aug 10 (7 pm sharp) Fairwinds Wellness Club

Jul 6, The Marko-Paolo Trio will take you on a musical adventure, exploring the melodies of France, Spain, and composers such as Beethoven and Bach.

Jul 20, Sunlight Serenades will transport you back to the 18th century with a micro-orchestra of VIS musicians performing Baroque and Classical works by well-known composers (Haydn and Mozart) and their lesser known contemporaries (Bodinus, Kozeluch).

Aug 10, Back Row Brass presents “Imagination.” This entertaining hour of music, poetry, and opera features the brass ensemble accompanied by special guest Rebecca Woytiuk as the narrator. Enjoy a whimsical evening of music, unique compositions... even a brass horse opera!

Summer Concert Series Tickets Scan this QR code to purchase your tickets

SILLY BOAT REGATTA

DRAGON BOATS IN VICTORIA HARBOUR

FATHERS' DAY SHOW AND SHINE, QUALICUM BEACH

words

by Sandy Robson

A place of beauty, inspiration and even solace it has become my favourite place to be. We designed and built our greenhouse based on the dreamy versions on Pinterest that I had been sighing over for years. Using a rough plan that I sketched out, and lots of recycled windows with whimsy, charm and patina—aka flaking old paint—my handy husband was able to put it all together. Being semi-retired, we finally had the luxury of time for this project, so this approach worked well for us, but there are many other ways to add one to your garden. There are also many practical considerations before you begin to build or purchase a greenhouse, and many styles to choose between. From a classic conservatory style fit for a country estate, to snap-together kits, poly tunnels, hoop houses, and DIY specials like ours, there are as many greenhouse

with fresh eyes and picture what a greenhouse would add to it, in both practical and aesthetic terms. For inspiration, Pinterest is the place to be… set up your own board and then browse and borrow ideas and images that appeal to you and get a feel for what you want your dream greenhouse to look like.

When you are at this crucial information gathering stage, YouTube videos on greenhouses and how to build them are very helpful. One of my favourite short clips, “The Beginner’s Guide to Greenhouses” from GrowOrganic Peaceful Valley, covers some of the basics to consider before purchasing or building your own. I found the BC Greenhouse Builders Ltd. website (bcgreenhouses.com) to be both informative and inspirational. And you can download a free copy of their “Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Greenhouse” with featured product lines as well as information on site selection, foundation prep, drainage, flooring, and glazing options.

Once you decide what your greenhouse priorities are, here are some things to keep in mind:

LOCATION

opposite The dreamy interior space of the author‘s greenhouse left author‘s greenhouse build in progress

from top hand-crafted greenhouse like many posted on Pinterest;Pacific series greenhouse by BC Greenhouse Builders; Poly tunnel

options out there as there are gardens to house them in.

As with any home building project, it all starts with planning and knowing what it is you want your greenhouse to do for you. Will you be starting plants from seed for transplanting into your veggie and garden beds when the time is right? Would you like a place to grow exotic plants, or to house some of the tender specimens over winter? Are you hoping to extend the season and supply your household with fresh vegetables year-round by growing directly in the greenhouse? Or perhaps you dream of a space where you can be out of the house puttering, reading or sipping a cup of tea no matter the weather?

Take a moment to look at your yard

When it comes to situating the greenhouse, choose a sunny spot with a southern exposure—at least six hours of sunlight is recommended— and ideally with exposure to stronger morning rays. You can always add shade with coverings or strategic plantings if needed, but you can’t add more sun. That being said, on our property we had no choice but to build the greenhouse facing east, and so far the seedlings have done just fine!

SIZE

Personally, I am a small is beautiful kinda gal, but I have never run across a gardener who wishes their greenhouse was smaller! So go as big as you can, given your available space and budget. A quick search for greenhouse kits will provide a wealth of options for style,

size and price. From a 30"x 56" plastic pop-up model from Walmart, or a Palram Snap & Grow (6' x 8') available through Home Depot or Lowes, to a 10' x 20' Sungrow (with a galvanized steel structure and polycarbonate panels) from Planta Greenhouses (plantagreenhouses.ca), or a 12' x 16' Pacific series model from BC Greenhouse Builders with its elegantly curved roofline, there are many options available to purchase for your garden... and you can also build a custom model, in which case any size is possible.

TYPE OF STRUCTURE & MATERIALS

Your greenhouse can be portable or permanent; attached to your home or free standing. It can have a traditional pitched roof, or sport an A-frame,

This is year three with our greenhouse and it has been everything I ever dreamed it would be and more.

lean-to, gothic arch, or rounded hoop-house profile. Are you going to hire a greenhouse builder? Purchase a pre-fab package? Or go all-in with a DIY project? As always, ensure that you also look into local building regulations to determine whether you will need permission &/or permits for the size and type of structure you are planning.

The supporting structure for the greenhouse can be made of plastic, wood, aluminum, or steel. Glazing options for the walls and the roof include polyethylene (plastic) sheeting, tempered single or double-pane glass, and twinwall (or fivewall) polycarbonate panels. Each option has its own pros & cons as far as light, insulating R-values, relative heat gain and aesthetics. Tempered single pane glass, for instance, allows 95% visible light transmission, but has a lower insulating value than twinwall polycarbonate, but the polycarbonate only allows for 82% light transmission. The former is also clear, while the latter provides a transparent, but distorted or wavy view when looking into, or out of, the greenhouse.

THE EXTRAS

If you plan on having running water and electricity in your greenhouse, this will mean permits and the services of a professional plumber and electrician. For my DIY special, I opted to just drag in a hose when needed and having a nearby power cord available for running a fan etc.

Speaking of fans, ventilation is critical to your success in the greenhouse. A roof vent is a must, and one that opens automatically with any fluctuations in air temperature can be

a real plus. In our humid climate, a fan bringing in fresh air and providing some air movement will help keep your greenhouse plants healthy... and it even helps with pollination!

THE INSIDE

Flooring can be exposed earth, wood, brick, concrete, paving stones, gravel… or marble for that matter! Again think about what you will be doing in the space: if you are watering plants and the overflow hits the floor, will you want it to just soak in or would you rather mop it up and have a cleaner surface? Countertops, benches, storage cupboards and shelving for inside your greenhouse will need to be planned and suited to how you will use and move within your greenhouse space. Allow for at least 19-24” for walking room between any of these features. Hooks and pegs for hanging garden tools and equipment come in very handy, as does a step stool. And some comfortable seating will make the greenhouse a space to relax, as well as work!

The process for designing a functional, pleasing space, is much the same in the greenhouse as it is for any room in your home. Personally, I cannot resist those romantic images of shabby-chic, white-washed greenhouse interiors that populate magazines and the online world. For my greenhouse project I have tracked down some Dutch tulip trays, a vintage potting bench, and a twinkly glass chandelier, but that’s just me… your own approach may be more practical, and your design style may lean towards the sleek and modern. Whatever you create for yourself, make it your own and enjoy every moment planning, building and using your greenhouse!

SUMMER IN THE GARDEN

JUNE: Given our colder spring I’ve delayed planting out many starter plants until the soil warms, but beans can be seeded now, as can squash. Tomato and cucumbers can go in and it’s a good time to set up trellises and other supports for vines. Deadhead spring flowering bulbs as they fade, but leave the foliage to yellow before lifting or dividing... this will allow the bulbs to store energy for next year’s growing season. And it’s time to get those dahlias in the ground.

JULY: Keep seeding bush, and pole beans, arugula, lettuce, beets, kale, cabbage, chard, spinach, leeks, and carrots. Keep picking and harvesting as fruit and vegetables begin to ripen.

Chores: Mulch, weed, water, and apply fertilizer as needed. Pest patrol is an ongoing summer task. Look out for aphids, slugs, snails, ants, pillbugs, and assorted garden chewers. Armed with a sturdy spray nozzle, a cup of beer (for the slugs, mind) and some soapy sprays and potions—non-toxic ones please— the garden will survive the occasional muncher.

AUGUST: Plant seed peas, arugula, beets, corn salad, cilantro, turnips and oriental greens, carrots, kohlrabi, pac choi, swiss chard, lettuce, and spinach.

Chores: All of the above, and fingers crossed that even after a slow start to the season we will have had enough sun and heat to start harvesting fruit and veggies. If you’re letting some plants set seed, collect them as they ripen, dry for a couple of weeks, and then store in a cool, dry, dark place for use next year.

SEPTEMBER Plant seed corn salad, beet greens, mustard greens, garlic and purple sprouting broccoli (for a spring harvest) and of course arugula… mine grows pretty much year-round here!

Chores: Thin out winter root crops (beets, carrots etc.) to give them room for that final growth spurt. Mulch, water judiciously, and harvest. Seed saving continues. Remove spent plants. And start looking up recipes for green tomato chutney and salsas. You know there will be some that don’t have time to fully ripen.

BC Greenhouse Builders

PRE-SHOT ROUTINE

by Coulton Sheets Golf Instructor, Fairwinds Golf Club

An often overlooked, but extremely important aspect of your golf game is the way you grip the club. There are generally three hand positions when it comes to gripping the club. A strong grip, a weak grip, and the most common/effective method that you will see the vast majority of touring players utilizing is a neutral grip. Most golfers have gripped the club one way when they began golfing due to a comfortability factor and haven’t given a second thought since on how it affects the way the ball comes off of the club face. The images below illustrate how each grip affects your swing.

STRONG GRIP

The path of the golf swing takeaway is directly affected by the grip. If the left hand (for a right-handed golfer) is twisted around to the right too much in a strong grip, it generally sets the left arm higher than the right—this leads to a swing path that is too inside and a swing plane that is too flat, which results in a hook.

WEAK GRIP

If the golfer’s left hand (for a righthanded golfer) is twisted underneath the club in a weak position, the right arm is set higher than the left at address, and leads to an outside swing path, with a steep swing plane which results in a slice.

NEUTRAL GRIP

This image depicts a neutral grip in which you can see two knuckles (the pointer and middle finger) on the golfer’s left hand at address. Although you cannot see it in the image, the shaft of the club is set directly down the crease between the fingers and the palm on the golfer’s left hand. The right palm of the thumb then covers the left thumb when placing your right hand on the club. A neutral grip gives the golfer the best opportunity to take the club away on a proper swing plane and come back to impact with a square club face.