Relocated and Got My Hands Dirty!

Well, I most excitedly announce that gardening has recommenced 1150 km to the southwest.  Yes, we are in beautiful British Columbia and the gardening season is hotter, longer, and drier here.  We are in Summerland, to be specific, and have carved out a nice spot of orchard land to live on amid some apple trees.  The disturbed soil on the property needs to be tamed and planted, and we are discovering the local flora and fauna, including the SNAKES.  At least we haven't come across the poisonous snakes...yet.  

Phlox longifolia growing wild across the street

Prickly Pear cactus, blooming at the Summerland Ornamental Gardens

Neglected plum tree, rediscovered

Okanagan Lake, looking south towards Penticton

I spent some time today removing yards of Virginia creeper from the canopy of a long-neglected plum tree that we noticed growing in our yard.  I am not sure if it was even intended to be living in its current location or just arrived by accident of nature, but we certainly can appreciate it.  Perhaps we can devise some way to water it on occasion, though plum and apricot trees seem pretty adapted to the climate here.

I think I will probably start blogging on a new blog (now that I am not so northern) and will start exploring the available blogging platforms.  After all, I don't want to confuse any northern residents when grapes and figs start to be grown here...not to tempt all you northern folks!