Got fruit? Many older houses in Toronto sport a fruit tree of some kind in the yard. From mulberries to apples, sour cherries to pears, backyards across the city offer a trove of hidden seasonal treasure. But in the recent real estate boom, plenty of people find themselves moving into a property that includes fruit trees in the yard and don’t know what to do with the things. Especially when it comes to harvesting the stuff. Even if they manage to pick their fill, there’s usually a lot left over – some for the birds and squirrels, but even more that goes to waste.

An organization called not far from the tree aims to change that, allowing homeowners to share their harvest with local charities, and with volunteers who will come and harvest the fruit in exchange for a share of the crop.

Continue reading How Do You Like Them Apples? »

It all started with a small parsley plant a little girl grew in a cup. That little parsley plant was the foreshadowing of a community garden plot, a thriving rooftop garden and a head full of gardening knowledge. And that little girl was Gayla Trail, now an urban gardening advocate, crafty gal, and author of the popular gardening and project book, You Grow Girl: The Groundbreaking Guide to Gardening. Earning quite a big name in the local gardening scene, Trail was asked to talk about several issues such as the ways an urban Torontonian can start gardening, the benefits of community gardening, and whether or not she thought the rise of interest in sustainability was just a trend.

Continue reading Talkin’ the Green Revolution with Gayla Trail »

The Drake Hotel
1150 Queen Street West
416-531-5042

Folks looking for an eclectic mix of art, culture, and a good time know that the Drake Hotel has it all. Part art gallery, part boutique hotel, this hot spot is ideal for a poetry reading that can transform into a rocking after party with a favourite DJ or band. Step to its entrance and find Drake’s customers lining up to feed on food for thought; but this venue is also set up well to feed the stomach. Known or not, the Drake hosts a number of in-house restaurants - ones that cater to neighbouring locals who might be found cozying it up at the Corner Café & Bistro or munching on fresh muffins and scones in the new Provence-inspired outdoor dining patio; and ones that are a playground for the senses, including a wine bar packed with people from everywhere, a recently renovated rooftop patio or a dining room that embodies the Queen West relaxed vibe. There is even a glassed-in private dining room designed by 3rd Uncle where the yoga studio once stood, equipped with its own sound, heating and cooling system for parties up to 16.

Continue reading The Drake Freshens Up For Summer »

It looks like spring has finally come to Toronto, and it’s time to start thinking about gardening. Even if you only have a small yard or deck, you can grow at least some of your own food. Now is the time to start cultivating most varieties of seeds indoors for transplanting - herbs, beans, and tomatoes are easy to grow and can be grown in containers. It’s a relaxing hobby that can save you money. In addition, you can help keep heirloom plants in circulation.

Many of the fruits and vegetables in supermarkets have been bred for their ability to withstand automated cultivation processes and long shipping distances. They may look good on the shelves, but we lose much of the flavour. Heirloom plants have been passed down though generations in part because they taste good and grow well in smaller gardens. With fewer people growing any of their own food, we are in danger of losing some of the varieties that have been around for centuries.

Continue reading Grow Your Own - Food, That Is »