There is undeniably a gap between Inuit culture and “southern” culture in Canada. For instance, I learned that there is no word in their native language of Inuktitut for money.

But they have over 60 words for snow and more than 600 descriptions of ice, according to one of our hosts.  

The idea of owning land, as we do in the “south” is foreign to Inuit culture. The land beneath the houses in Iqaluit, for example, belongs to the people of Nunavut. You can buy a house, which is priced in the same range as a Toronto based home, without many of the frills, like running water, municipal sewage, and gas to power your furnace or to cook. All of which is brought in as needed by truck, except the sewage, which of course is taken out. And the real estate beneath each home? It belongs to the people of Nunavut and is on a long-term lease to the homeowners. 

The native landscape may appear cold and hostile to a southerner but for all the people that we met who live there (and who love Nunavut: non-Inuit and Inuit alike) the land is a place of comfort and sustenance. Comfort when you know how to dress for it (with little or no regard for fashion statements) and sustenance when you hop on a snowmobile and go hunting for seal, polar bear, or caribou. Or ice fishing for Artic Char, as we did one Sunday. 

All of these “outdoor” activities are real for the Canadians who live in the far north.

Their love and respect of nature is extraordinary. In traditional Inuit teaching they hold the raven, char, and polar bear above themselves. That is, humans are not superior to nature, but an integral part of it.

I reflect on my love of gardening, for trees and I believe that the Inuit and us gardeners are not all that different in this regard: Nature is our partner in creating a better world. We look out for and protect her, she responds in kind. 

We don’t need masses of flowering pollinator plants or giant trees to remind us that we live in a world surrounded by nature: rocks, snow and ice are equally a part of the whole.

When you look out into your back yard or condo/apartment balcony, what do you see? 

What do you imagine?

Would you be prepared to think of the outdoor space beyond your kitchen window as something different from what it is? Something extraordinary? Perhaps, something that enhances the natural world?

The thought process of transforming your yard into a garden is not a lot different than the thought process I experienced by visiting the great north. 

Seen through the eyes of someone other than ourselves, perhaps our minds can be opened to new beginnings. 

Wishing you a wonderful Canada Day and warm, growing month in July.

Mark and Ben Cullen

Merchants of Beauty and Beans

p.s. Two weeks ago, for Father's Day, Mark received this painting from his 5-year-old grandson Conrad. “I love the size of the trunk!” says Mark

The picture of Ben, Mark and Ben’s son Peter is a reminder of how much of a show you can get from a single bag of mixed, “hummingbird” seed, featuring cornflower, poppies and larkspur. McKenzie Seeds, $15 plus some soil prep. 

Photo taken June 25. 

Cullen’s Foods growers are enjoying the best early-season conditions in Ontario since the first Cullen’s crop 5 years ago. Ben spent the first two weeks of June delivering seed to growers, who had time to get it in the ground right before the consistent mid-month rains.

Mike Holzworth’s navy bean crop emerging in Palmerston, Ontario 

So far, emergence is looking good, and growers will be out in the next few weeks to cultivate between rows before the crop really fills in. Fingers crossed for a summer that ends as well as it begins.

Registration is open for the Annual Trees for Life Golf Tournament. It’s always a special occasion when we come together, thanks to supporters who are united in our goal to create greener communities. Last year, we raised $67,000 to support this work. Our fundraising goal for the 2023 tournament is $100,000 – we appreciate your help to get us there!

Spaces for golfers are limited. To avoid disappointment, register today.

The American Goldfinch is one of the most recognizable songbirds across southern Canada. With the males bright yellow body feathers, black cap, and black flight feathers, it’s hard to dispute that the American Goldfinch is one of the best looking birds that live in our backyards, and local green spaces. It should be noted however, that the more subtle olive and yellow plumaged female is as attractive as the male in my humble opinion.

There are so many fascinating aspects of the life history of the American Goldfinch that you could write a whole book about them. Since I do not have that kind of space, I will just list off a few of my favourite facts.

American Goldfinches are the only finch species in North American to completely moult their body feathers twice a year. Going from retina-burning yellow, spring through summer, to a more subtle gray/ olive plumage for the fall and winter.

They have shockingly short legs, and very strong feet which enables them to balance on the ends of flowers (like thistles) in order to feed on seeds and collect seed fluff to use as nesting material. And speaking of nests, American Goldfinches build one of my favourite looking nests. They are usually found in shrubs and are very dense and soft, often made with seed fluff from a variety of plants – including Milkweed, and are often sewn together using spider silk.

The flight call of the American Goldfinch (“potato-chip…potato chip…”) can be easily learned and has one of the best mnemonics of any bird call.

To attract these amazing little birds to your yard, consider planting some native shrubs like Chokecherry or Dogwood. You should also check out Birds Canada’s amazing resource for making your yard a safe haven for birds at: https://birdgardens.ca/.

American Goldfinches are exclusively seed eaters and can also be attracted by putting out bird feeders with Nyjer seed or Black Oil Sunflower seeds. And as always, please clean your feeders regularly and try to maintain a safe feeding environment for your feathered friends.

Good Birding!

Jody Allair

Director, Community Engagement

Connect with me on Twitter and Instagram at: @JodyAllair

Harrowsmith’s 8 Easy Recipes for the Grill

Fire up the barbecue and enjoy these simple, summery & fresh favourites. There’s no better way to embrace the warm weather than by cooking on the grill with these easy recipes. From burgers to salmon, to pork to veggies and fruit, and even cheese, get grilling with our favourite barbecue meals.

Find the recipes here.

Don’t miss an issue of Harrowsmith’s gardening, cooking, sustainable living and DIY tips. Harrowsmith’s Summer Issue is on newsstands now. It features fresh & easy pasta dinners, how to refinish furniture in a weekend, how to make a solar generator, planet-friendly-activities, easy care flowing plants, and everything you need to know to grow a wildflower garden that is perfect for pollinators from Mark and Ben Cullen + so much more! 

Subscribe now and never miss an issue www.harrowsmithmag.com/subscribe.