This time of year is rough on gardeners; either you are up to your knees in snow or your ankles in water and there is really not much to do. And this winter has supplied us with lots of water in the form of rain. This is good because we don’t have to worry about water restrictions next summer. The rain also means it is quite mild so, if you get a break in the weather, gardening is still possible.

Work in the greenhouse, if you have one, and get seeds and cuttings started. Our cuttings from herbs taken in late December are going well except the lavender. But there is plenty of time to try again before spring. Because we are Organic I don’t use commercial rooting hormones but make my own instead. Cut a small willow branch and chop it into small pieces to increase the surface area, and soak them in a small amount of water. Willows are naturally very rich in rooting hormones as you will find out if you ever use a piece as a stake for your tomatoes. Then dip the cutting in the water and put it into the seeding mixture you are using. It works as well as the commercial hormones and is free.

Good luck with your winter and remember spring is just around the corner.

Byron Cook
Head Gardener

Coming up in the new year:

• Spring Gardening Courses
• Our Famous Composting Worksop
• Hanging Baskets

Is coming up quickly. Start early so you have strong seedlings when it is time to plant.

To all Canadian customers we offer a variety of seeds harvested and packaged right here at Sooke Harbour House :

Walking Stick Cabbage, Calendula, Borage, Flat Leaf Parsley, Black Hollyhock, Shugiku, Oxeye Daisy, Miner's Lettuce, Anise Hyssop,White Strawberry, Red Russian Kale, Rustic Italian Arugula, Nasturtium, Gentian Sage, Mache, Arugula, and Fennel.

All seeds are $5.95CAD
and can be shipped only within Canada. Shipping can be combined with other items or multiple packages.

Please contact us at info@sookeharbourhouse.com . We are working on creating an online store and soon will be able to offer direct purchase options.

We are introducing a great new line of Organic Teas.
Hand picked and mixed by our gardeners, these teas truelly capture intensity, flavour and aroma. Hand dryed, sorted and packaged, they preserve full health benefit of herbs selected for each blend.

Garden Infusion
Digestive Tea
Mintea
Sweet Lemon

$12.95CAD ea. To order, contact info@sookeharbourhouse.com

These fun t-shirts feature our seed labels on the back. Sizes available: S / M / L / XL
$26.95CAD

Other gifts and Gift Certificate

January 2007 we are opening an online giftshop.
All purchases will be available directly through our website.