Sayward Haven Farm

My mom is in the hospital in Victoria this week. She is elderly, has cognitive challenges, and recently developed sciatica, which I am told is very painful. Spending many hours at her side as she lies in a hallway (no rooms available, as many are waiting to be admitted into long-term care), I am struck by how much we all want the best possible quality of life as we age. We need to move our bodies every day, to the best of our ability. My daughter, who is a physiotherapist, reminded her that...

Garden centres are open, plants are showing up in stores, and Seedy Saturday in Cobble Hill last weekend was a clear sign — we are ready to get growing. It ’s an exciting time. 🌿 Watch out for things that can cost you later.... But it’s also where I see the same thing happen every year. I know because it happens to me after all these years. A lot of plants get bought too early, planted too soon, or chosen without a clear plan. Seeds get started too early too, especially tomato seeds. And...

🌱 The First Morning of Meteorological Spring It’s a cool Sunday morning. Frost is glistening on the rooftops around the farm. Before I retired from my 9-to-5 job, I cherished the slowness and quiet of Sunday mornings. Even now, that peaceful rhythm remains. The pups seem to enjoy the extra slumber too. Today marks the first day of meteorological spring  — March 1 to May 31 — aligned with seasonal temperature patterns. Astronomical spring arrives March 21, when the earth shifts its position...