Did you know?
by Leslie Cox; Monday; February 3, 2025
Did you know…
…February 2 was not only Groundhog Day but also World Wetlands Day?
In Canada, our wetlands play important environmental roles. They store more carbon than any other ecosystem. Peatlands alone store twice as much carbon as the world’s forests. Wetlands also absorb excess water which helps in preventing floods and provides a source of water in times of drought…both of which assist communities in adapting to climate change.
And even more importantly, wetlands are a very unique water cleansing environment capable of removing harsh pollutants and improving the quality of the water. Nature’s superior water filtration system.
Globally, almost 90% of the wetlands have been degraded since the 1700s. We are losing wetlands three times faster than our disappearing forests. And yet, we do not seem to grasp how critically important these ecosystems are through their valuable contribution to biodiversity, climate mitigation and adaptation, freshwater availability, world economies and much more.
This is why it is extremely urgent we raise national and global awareness about the threat to our global wetlands. It is imperative we work towards reversing their rapid loss immediately before it is too late. Efforts must be made to encourage wholehearted action in conserving what wetlands are left and restoring those we can.
Quote of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Sunday; February 2, 2025
“The trouble with weather forecasting is that it’s right too often for us to
ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it.”
~ Patrick Young
Plant IDs updated
by Leslie Cox; Wednesday; January 29, 2025
Two more plant IDs have been updated in the new format layout with photos which are now working properly when you click on them. I have also added some information pertinent to how this unique plant performs in our Zone 7a garden.
Check out Clematis viticella ‘Polish Spirit’ and Convallaria majalis.
Teaser Tuesday
by Leslie Cox; Tuesday; January 28, 2025
When you are avidly searching for any early signs of spring in your garden in late January
even a rogue patch of moss that has settled in at the edge of a garden bed is a thing of
great beauty and joy.
Word of the Week
by Leslie Cox; Monday; January 27, 2025
cappadocica – (kap-pa-DOE-si-ka)
from Cappadocia in eastern Asia Minor
Omphalodes cappadocica – navelwort native to Asia Minor
Crocus kotchyanus cappadocicus – a crocus subspecies of C. kotchyanus
Acer cappadocicum – a maple native to Asia from Turkey, along the Caucasus, the Himalayas, to southwestern China
