a maritime gardener

Flower Farming In Nova Scotia

2021-02-17T16:18:00.003-08:00

Several years ago we decided to pursue a new adventure, and expanded our garden. We developed a little flower farm, which we called Celtic Roots Farm.

The Celtic Roots reference includes our own Celtic roots, both Scottish and Irish, as well as the roots of all the plants, growing in the soil that we are nurturing year after year, with our farming practices.

We have met some wonderful community members along the way, sharing the joy and beauty of the flowers.

There has been so much support in our small community. The joy of flowers really seems to bring everyone together, regardless of the occasion.

We grow many varieties of cut flowers suitable for our zone 5 climate. Each year we discover what works best, which flowers are easiest to grow and flourish, and which flowers people just absolutely love!

Our top favourites include dahlias, sunflowers, zinnias and celosia. We are also trying our hand at growing lavender from seed this winter, and hopefully will develop a lavender patch this summer!

We are starting to plant some of our seeds already, and these seedlings will be transplanted out this spring and summer, after all the snow melts away.

Spring is on the horizon, and looking forward to another season on the flower farm here in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Pumpkins

2011-11-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

The pumpkins were ripe for the picking several weeks age at River Breeze Farm Market in Truro Nova Scotia. The children were thoroughly entertained by all of the activities available at the farm.They have an amazing corn maze, and a pumpkin patch for picking just the right pumpkin to bring home with us. Sometimes the choice is a bit difficult:).

The corn maze was fabulous, and yes, we got lost. Fortunately there are large structures built throughout the maze that you can climb and regain your sense of direction:).

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T15:39:00.001-07:00

The Trick Or Treaters are almost done for another year. Hope everyone had a safe and spooktacular Halloween:).

Merigomish Harvest

2011-10-31T06:50:00.000-07:00

It will soon be harvest time in the cornfield. It's a golden harvest, and the golden stalks crackle as they sway back and forth in the breezes of the Merigomish Harbor.The ducks and geese are having a hay day with the bountiful harvest of corn. It is such a spiritual place, this rolling cornfield against the ocean.

Hemerocallis

2011-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

Daylily Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis is one of my favorite pink daylilies. It displayed a spectacular wonky first bloom this season. Although far removed from it's usual regal appearance, this daylily flower was very impressive none the less. Hemerocallis blooms last only one day, so future blooms on this plant will most likely normalize to their usual appearance.

Daylilies and Iris

2011-07-25T15:02:00.000-07:00

The daylilies and iris are in bloom, after a long season of anticipation. We got several cultivars of Iris from Red Lane Daylilies last year, and placed them in the middle of the daylily rows. The colors are spectacular, and set each other off. The daylilies, or hemerocallis, are wonderful shades of yellow, orange, and pink. The intense purple and blues of the iris beckons from afar.
Love the harbour in the background behind the flowers. The Merigomish Harbour provides a lot of moisture for the fields in summer, and an extremely harsh climate in winter, ensuring only the hardiest of daylilies for Alloa Farm:).
Iris bearded collection of 6 - 6 Plants

Hollyhock

2011-03-29T06:30:00.000-07:00

An old fashioned biennial accent plant reminiscent of heirloom gardens and the cottage garden, the hollyhock, alcea rosea, is a beautiful addition to the back of a sunny perennial border. Hollyhocks are short lived herbaceous biennials, however often remain in the flower garden due to the common occurrence of self sewn seedlings. I love the tissue paper texture of the beautiful hollyhock blooms, and the striking height of the plants, which usually range from 5 to 8 feet at maturity.

Starfish Bounty

2011-03-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Look at who we caught while fishing off the wharf last summer!
The kids were amazed with what I believe is a common starfish, pulled out of the harbour at the Merigomish Marina.
The starfish was alive and mobile, and a curious creature to observe. The children were fascinated by his form, and his appearance made up for the lack of fish caught that day:).
Caught and released. Package of 30 Real Starfish

Peonies~ A Little Piece Of Family History

2011-03-21T06:33:00.000-07:00

This gorgeous peony flower is from last summers garden. This peony grows every year as it has for probably generations. Planted by grandparents or possibly great grandparents, it remains undisturbed to provide sustenance for the soul for all the generations that have followed. The children are proud of their heritage, right down to the beautiful plantings that continue to poke up through the soil year after year.

Antique Shed Doors

2011-03-21T05:52:00.000-07:00

These antique shed doors were recently removed from the daylily shed. Built several generations ago by my partners grandfather, they sparkled with intricate layers of peeling paint, and reminded me of large pieces of outdoor art.
An old rusty horseshoe hung on one of the doors.

Lilacs

2011-03-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

A view of the harbour through lilacs.

Monkshood~ Aconitium Napellus

2011-03-07T18:28:00.001-08:00

Monkshood growing in my maritime garden. Although very beautiful,this is a highly toxic perennial plant. It is extremely poisonous and should absolutely NEVER be ingested. Even a small taste can be fatal. Monkshood can also be absorbed through the skin, and so handling should be done only with gloved hands. Since discovering the highly toxic nature of this plant, I have chosen to remove it from my garden. My children and pets roam the garden, and we will not be risking any accidental poisonings.

Fossil Hunting

2011-03-07T17:48:00.000-08:00

Fossil hunting at Arisaig Provincial Park in Nova Scotia has become a yearly adventure for our family. I would highly recommend it as an exciting day trip for budding archeologists:). Our province is very rich in fossil sites. The kids always have a fantastic time, and it never fails to produce some fantastic treasures, and of course memories to cherish as well! We are so fortunate to live so close to such an amazing place.

Fossil hunting ~ summer 2010.

Fun On The Beach

2011-03-06T18:40:00.001-08:00

The appeal of a buoy, an amazing new toy! Who would have thought that an old washed up buoy would be such a hit with the kids and dog alike?! Missing the fun of last summers frolics on the beach at Big Island Nova Scotia!

Skeletonized Chinese Lanterns (Physalis Alkekengi)

2011-03-04T05:25:00.000-08:00

Physalis alkekengi,or commonly known as Chinese Lantern, is a European perennial garden plant often grown for it's autumn fruit and colorful orange pods and is frequently used in flower arrangements in the fall. The pods or calyces which surround the fruit change from green to a brilliant red orange color when they are ripe . If left on the plant, the can become skeletonized, and provide a remarkable subject to photograph:).I find it interesting how the fruit or berry can be easily seen through the skeletonized Chinese Lantern pod.

Daylilies Are Our Passion

2011-02-07T12:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of our seedlings from 2010.See His Glory x Fluff And Stuff
Winter Memories x Puffer Fish
Bordello Queen x Bass Gibson

Daylilies are our passion, and new daylily seedlings in the garden are our pride and joy. The feeling of anticipation when awaiting the opening of the fat daylily bud for the first time never gets old. Every day during daylily season there is always something new to see. How fortunate we are to have such a glorious passion!!!:)

Spring Is In The Air In Nova Scotia

2011-02-07T12:21:00.000-08:00

Spring is in the air. Although the fields are laden with snow, the light of the day has changed and brings an air of anticipation for the new life that will burst from the ground in a few short months.

We live along the beautiful Merigomish Harbor in Nova Scotia. Corn grows in the fields right to the shore. Daylilies are our passion, and gradually the cornfields will be replaced by fields of daylilies. One by one the fields will be filled with our hybrid seedlings, and we will be able to share our dream with all those travelling along the beautiful Sunrise Trail.

Blossoms Of Spring

2010-06-28T11:01:00.000-07:00

The harbor through blossoms. Nothing is quite as calming as capturing the beauty that surrounds us, and living in the moment. If one just stops and takes note of what's actually there, an amazing world opens up right before your eyes.

Wild Mustard

2010-06-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

Wild mustard, also known as Indian Mustard (brassica juncea) growing in the ravine by my house. This plant can be seen growing as a weed throughout the province.

Coltsfoot

2010-06-04T16:30:00.000-07:00

Interesting display of coltsfoot, ready to disperse it's seed.

Antique Farm Machinery

2010-05-27T11:52:00.000-07:00

I'm surrounded by rusty antique farm machinery, and I must say, I just love it. Great for photographing, and the history is so intriguing.

A Beautiful Place

2010-05-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Abundantly beautiful, Merigomish is a place like no other. With its surreal sunrises and sunsets and amazing shorelines, it's a gift for the spirit.

a new beginning

2010-05-26T13:20:00.000-07:00

It has been an absolutely amazing year, full of change, new perspectives, and new beginnings.

It's been a year of loss and love, extreme tragedy and awe, heartache and happiness.

If nothing else it's taught me to appreciate life in all of it's unpredictable glory.

It's a new beginning.

Beautiful Big Island

2009-03-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

Chilling winds and frost added to the awe of this spectacular day on Big Island. Wooden breakwalls standing tall against the wind, lichen covered wooden posts standing strong in icy waters, and beauty everywhere just waiting to be discovered. Spring is just around the corner, although I can't quite feel it in the air on such a beautiful winter day. We are truly blessed.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

As fall eroded into winter, a much needed blogging hiatus has proven to be very beneficial.
Looking back on the haunting images of fall, I'm reminded of just how beautiful every season can be.

Our daylily seed harvest kept us busy in the fall, dreaming of all the potential beauties in years to come:).

Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season filled with health, joy, and happiness.

Warmest Regards,
Chey