Garden gnomes will forever adapt to modern styles and trends, but their popularity and demand will never diminish.

Modern garden gnomes are classified into three main categories. The “Worker Gnome”is characterized by their possession of tools. The “Leisure Gnome”is characterized by the emphasis on relaxation. Lastly, the “Culture Gnome”is characterized by the arts, typically the gnome has a musical instrument.

The name gnome is said to come from the latin word “genomes”, meaning earth dweller. In fairy tales gnomes have often been mistaken as goblins, dwarves and even elves, however gnomes are far from what goblins, dwarves and elves portray. Gnomes are magical creatures from the underground.

Gnomes have historically been described as small stout beings and are known by their bright red pointed hats, solid coloured clothes and their long white beards. Though sightings of female gnomes are rarely reported, gnome women have the same characteristics of the male, excluding the beard.

It is believed that gnomes move through the earth as easily as humans walk upon it. They first appeared in European folklore, in the early 1800s, as benevolent creatures who possess magical powers used to protect, reward and punish. They are believed to be created with the purpose of protecting the earth and assisting nature. For hundreds of years farmers, merchants and housewives have featured these creatures on their land believing that these little creatures will help them achieve success.

Garden gnomes are based on legendary myth, magic and fairy tales. Gnomes are believed to be the guardians of the treasure found underground, mainly gold. They are the guardians of many of the earth’s natural resources. It is believed that they have magical power over these treasures, and can use this power to either reward or punish humans.

Owning a lawn or garden gnome is a delightful experience! They help bring our imaginations to life. They can be purchased in garden stores, specialty stores, and through online merchants. Maybe you should consider putting a little magic back into your garden this spring!!!

Written by Tonia Reinhard

Format: Paperback

Dimensions: 256 pages, 9.5 x 7.5

Published: November 2010

Publisher: Firefly Books

IBSN: 978-1-55407-684-0

Available at bookstores, online booksellers, or from www.fireflybooks.com

Our Review:

Do you want to eat better but believe that eating healthier will compromise your enjoyment of food and limit your options?  If you feel this way then you should definitely pick up a copy of SUPERFOODS: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet. Tonia Reinhard has created the perfect one-stop resource for anyone who wants to eat well and live well. This book is a comprehensive guide to healing foods and takes us on a culinary tour of the most nutritious foods on the planet and offers us advice on the healthiest foods to incorporate in our diets, including chocolate!

This durably bound paperback is devoted to providing information on the top 200 healthiest foods.  The full-colour photographs make this book visually enjoyable and the text layout makes each page easy to follow.  Each “superfood” profile includes an analysis of nutritional facts, “healthy evidence” and how to “make the most” of the food (nutrition retention, cooking, preserving, etc.).  The information provided gives us a detailed view of the nutrients and health benefits each “superfood” has to your health, life and appearance.

SUPERFOODS is an ideal consumer guide to healthy eating and a must have reference book to anybody seeking enhance their diet, allowing them to “Eat Better. Look Younger. Feel Healthier.  Live Longer”.

From the Publisher:

If consumers were asked whether they would change their diets if they knew specific foods would combat certain conditions, help retard their aging process and provide the energy they needed to function at their best, it is safe to bet the answer would be a resounding yes.

Enter Registered Dietician Tonia Reinhard.  In her latest book, SUPERFOODS: The Healthiest Foods on the Planet (Firefly books, November, $24.95 paperback), Reinhard begins by defining a “superfood” as one that is “nutrient-dense” – meaning one that provides significant levels of these specific healthy nutrients in a reasonable number of calories. She cites the ongoing research into the links between food and health, and the scientific evidence that proves the effectiveness of individual foods on certain conditions. (Chocoholics were delighted to learn that people who ate a lot of chocolate had a 39% lower risk of a heart attack and stroke that those who ate almost no chocolate!)

SUPERFOODS is a comprehensive compendium of 200 beneficial foods organized by type covering:

• Vegetables
• Mushrooms
• Legumes
• Fruits
• Nuts and Oils
• Herbs and Spices
• Grains
• Meat, Seafood and Dairy Foods
• Beverages and Treats
• Nutritional Supplements

In addition, the author includes the “Healthy Evidence” that led to the inclusion of each, and provides detailed information including:

• Nutritional content
• Seasonal variations
• Curative value
• Combinations that enhance their efficacy and those to avoid
• How to maximize the beneficial effects of each
• Preparation advice and culinary tips

Readers will find an explanation of antioxidants, omegas, free radicals, enzymes, minerals, plus Nutritional Tables and a Glossary.

“Whether you want to make dramatic changes to your diet or take small steps towards better health, this comprehensive guide will help you design your own portfolio of powerful goods.”

About the Author:

Tonia Reinhard is a Registered Dietician and Professor at Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan, where she is the program director for the Coordinated Program in Dietics, course director of clinical nutrition in the School of Medicine, and president of the Michigan Dietic Association. Reinhard is also the author of The Vitamin Sourcebook and Gastrointestinal Disorders and Nutrition.

Written by Jekka McVicar

Format: Hard Cover

Dimensions: 352 pages, 7.75 x 10

Published: March, 2011

Publisher: Firefly Books

ISBN – 978-1-55407-814-1

Available at bookstores, online booksellers or www.fireflybooks.com

Our Review:

Nothing tastes better than a dish cooked with fresh herbs and this book provides all the recipes you need.  Jekka’s Herb Cookbook is filled with 250 delicious flavourful recipes, Salmon & Lemongrass Parcel, Chicken & Coriander Curry, Eggplant & Mint Bruchetta are just to name a few recipes we have tried and loved.  This books focuses on what Jekka McVicar dubs her top 50 culinary herbs, which includes common herbs such as, Basil, Garlic, Mint and Sage, to less common herbs such as Bergamot, Good King Henry, Nasturtium and Shiso.  This book is ideal for gardeners and culinary enthusiasts who love to use fresh herbs in their kitchen but have limited ideas on how to use them.

Jekka’s Herb Cookbook is an excellent, high quality hardcover book that is esthetically pleasing and will sit well with your other cookbooks.  The illustrations in the book are beautiful and give it a lovely artistic design.  The book is filled with useful information and easy to follow instructions.  Jekka McVicar guides you through each herb with a detailed description (including notes on how to grow it, which we love), culinary history, harvesting & other uses, varieties and recipes.  She has also included advice on what you can do with a surplus harvest.

Overall, this is an excellent book that would make a great gift or a wonderful treat to yourself.  After reading this book and trying some of the recipes there will be no question that you will also refer to Jekka as the “Queen of Herbs”.

From the Publisher:

What’s exciting and clever about what Jekka has done with this book is that she’s focused on a “hit-list”, her top 50 cooking herbs of all time, and gives you delicious and exciting ways of using them.”

Jekka McVicar – whom Jamie Oliver dubbed the “queen of herbs.” – has assembled a special collection of her top-50 favorite herbs.  Each herb is described in detail, including its Latin and common names as well as:

• Its botanical features and varieties
• A history of the herb in cooking
• How to harvest and use the herb
• Non-culinary uses
• The most important and useful varieties of the herb
• Suggestions for using excess harvest

Jekka’s Herb Cookbook also features 250 original recipes that use her top-50 garden herbs. The recipes include:

• Salads
• Sandwiches
• Stews
• Beverages
• Desserts
• Meat and Poultry
• Seafood dishes
• Condiments and Sauces

There are international recipes, such as salsa verde, and familiar favorites, such as caraway seed cake.  Extraordinary color illustrations highlight McVicar’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic descriptions.

For cooks and herb gardeners, Jekka’s Herb Cookbook is a fascinating guide to using herbs in practical and inspiring recipes.

About the Author:

Jekka McVicar has been growing organic culinary, aromatic, decorative and medicinal herbs for more than 20 years.  She owns Jekka’s Herb farm, which has won 59 Royal Horticultural Society gold medals, including 12 Chelsea gold medals.  For more books and information you can visit her website, www.jekkasherbfarm.com.

The tradition of growing plants in glass containers is believed to have originated 2,500 years ago, in Greece. These terrariums were used for decorative purposes or to grow delicate plants.

Schools assign terrarium projects to students to give them a better understanding of ecosystem functions and interdependence. Terrariums are very simple to build and can be a fun and educational project that you can do with your children, or grandchildren. You can buy terrarium kits at your local gardening or craft stores, however, if you are willing to build your terrarium the old fashioned way you can follow these easy instructions.
You will need:

Fishbowl or Glass Jar (any size)
Small Stones
Horticultural Charcoal
Potting Soil
Plants of our Choice (see plant suggestions)
Scissors
Water
Decorative Rocks and/or Figurines

Instructions:

Wash the glass container in hot, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely.
Create a 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) layer of stones on the bottom of the container.
Add a ½-inch (1.3-centimeter) layer of horticultural charcoal.
Spoon in 2-3 inches (5.1-7.6 centimeters) of potting soil. (Pile soil higher on one side to make plants visible from a side view). Dig small holes for the plant roots.
Take your plants out of their containers, remove extra soil from the roots and trim damaged leaves. While the roots are still moist, place the plants in the holes and pat soil over the roots. (Place taller plants in the back)
Dampen the soil. (Do not overwater)
Decorate the terrarium with decorative rocks and/or figurines.
Place the terrarium in indirect sunlight. (Add water when your terrarium gets dry)

Plant Suggestions:

Almost any houseplant will grow inside a terrarium. For best results, when using multiple plant species, choose plants that need the same amount of water and sunlight, such as:

Moss and Lichens
Miniature Orchids
Baby Tears
Begonias
Miniature Ferns
Hepaticas
Spider Plants
Wintergreens
Gloxinias
Small Palms
African Violets
Coleuses

The removal of small cores of thatch and soil is the best method of aeration for the home lawn and the benefits are substantial.

These benefits to your lawn dramatically outweigh any short-term inconvenience caused by the cores sitting on the soil. The cores will only last a week or two before they break down, generally with the first mowing after the service. Your lawn will then become more receptive to water from either rain or irrigation throughout the season and increased thatch levels and compacted soil along sidewalks, driveways and decks will be alleviated. Lastly, on newly sodded lawns, the interface between the sod layer and the soil will be improved, allowing for good root penetration into the soil and movement of water throughout.

The addition of aerification holes to your lawn will allow the water a place to go when it rains or your lawn gets watered. If your lawn has a thatch layer or if there has not been any rain for a while, the dry soil will repel moisture. When it rains or gets watered, the water will follow the surface drainage and not soak into the soil for the lawn’s benefit. With aerification the thatch is broken up and holes in the soil will allow water to have contact with the soil. This water will then slowly soak into the soil when sitting in the holes. This is the same kind of scenario as with the dried out potted plant in your house. The water passes quickly to the tray below with little being absorbed and will slowly soak into the pot from below. Using this thought process, you can understand that it is beneficial to water your lawn in two stages or cycles if you can. This means you should water for 20 to 30 minutes, then give a rest period for 30 minutes to allow the water to soak in before finishing the watering.

A common area to find thin grass is along sidewalks, patios and driveways, as a result of pedestrians walking on the grass, people getting in and out of cars on narrow driveways or from foot traffic at the exit of the patio. In all three cases, the soil will be compacted, not allowing for air movement to the roots, water penetration and fertilizer uptake. Core aerification will break up the soil and allow for roots to grow into loose oxygenated soil.

While the cores are removed, microorganisms are also brought to the surface. These microbes are beneficial and help in the breaking down of the thatch layer. If your thatch is greater than 1.5 cm, your lawn can show signs of a thatch layer problem, including problems like increased disease and insect activity and shallow rooting which leads to drought stress during the hot summer months. Using hollow tine aerification is an excellent method to combat thin thatch levels.

As towns and cities expand, new home developments arise with the new lawns primarily sourced from sod farms. This means that there is a potential layering problem, as the new sod was grown on soil that was not native to the new home. The problem is not typically noticeable for a couple of years, but then the lawn will likelybegin to decline. Believe it or not, this problem can be alleviated with core aerification once the sod has rooted and a follow up of subsequent aerations. With a newly installed lawn, several aerifications in the first couple of years are needed. Pulling the cores will give the grass’s roots an easier avenue into the native soil while the cores will become incorporated into the sod layer. Over time this layer will disappear. If your lawn was seeded the 2-year decline will not be present, however aerification of these lawns is also very beneficial.

A great time to overseed and/or top dress your lawn is after the core aerification has been done. The ground has been loosened up and holes have been made for good seed/soil contact. The top dressing will have a good chance of getting into the holes and this will help speed up the process of modifying poor soils.

As you can now see aerification is an important and essential tool to help you have an excellent lawn!

A beautiful lawn and garden can also affect the health and mood of people, mostly through the variety of fresh aromas a lawn and garden offers to a person while walking through their neighbourhood. A healthy lawn also provides a safe area for children to play and can also encourage them to spend more time outdoors and less time inside watching television or playing electronic games. Hardscapes, by contrast, do have an aesthetic appeal but are not as functional or beneficial as a turf grass landscape.

Home gardens and lawns absorb rainfall during different times of the year. This not only provides moisture for the garden or lawn, but it is an important part of municipality storm water management. In the last few years there has been a huge push for the use of rain barrels for storing rainwater for later use and it has proven to be a great practice. Another natural practice that has taken root in recent years is living roofs. Living roofs can be made up of several different plants but the most common plants are grasses or many members of the Sedum family. The theory behind the living roof is that it will absorb rainfall and lessen the amount of water going into the storm sewers. This may be the case with long light rainfalls, but heavy downfalls will end up going down the downspout to the surface below. The need for these roofs has been increasing because homeowners are replacing their lawns with stonework, pavement and even artificial turf. These new ground covers require some sort of drainage which actually leads to more water into the storm sewer system and increasing the problems associated with aging municipality’s infrastructure. Part of the solution is to maintain a healthy lawn in the first place.

Grass is also an integral part of soil erosion reduction, as trees, shrubs and grass have roots that go to various depths in the soil. This matrix of roots prevents soil from polluting streams and rivers with sediment and other elements trapped in the soil.

As a healthy lawn absorbs rainfall, it also filters and traps dirt and dust that would otherwise be released into the air each year. Without grass as a ground cover there would be more dust floating in the air. With a healthy maintained lawn, weeds would be choked out and unable to become established in playgrounds, parks and homes, lessening the amount of allergens in the air.

There is also an economic variable related to having healthy trees, lawns and shrubs in the community. Air temperature can be reduced by as much as 8 o C, when compared to areas with no vegetation. As the costs of running air conditioners increases, the apparent need for more green space should as well. This includes residential lawns, trees and shrubs and some would argue the living roofs are part of this cooling effect as well.

As the grass is cooling the earth it is also cleaning the air of carbon dioxide and ozone and the bi-product is oxygen. One hectare of grass produces more oxygen than one hectare of forest! Grass starts producing oxygen early in the year as soon as it comes out of dormancy in the spring, before the deciduous leaves come out, and continues late into the fall well after the leaves have fallen. It would only make sense that a combination of trees and grass would be best for oxygen production as well as cooling of the earth. Grass benefits the environment in one additional way as well. Noise levels can be reduced up to 30%, as grass absorbs some of the sound waves and dampens them, unlike hardscape which helps sound to carry.

Over 40 years Weed Man has created and promoted healthy lawns. As an organization Weed Man knows that healthy lawns, trees, gardens and any other green spaces are beneficial to homeowners and the environment and we strongly advise against replacing natural lawns with stonework, asphalt or artificial turf.

The following tips can be used for the economically savvy gardener.

Use compost. Using compost helps develop healthy soil in your garden and allows plants to develop roots that will encourage them to blossom and flourish. The more economical approach is to use your own compost waste. By using your own composted waste you will save money and help out our environment.

Choose your plants wisely. Choose plants that look healthy and that are likely to survive . Also, choose plants that are suitable for the type of soil conditions and climate that your garden offers.

Grow plants from seed. Growing plants from seed is a way to get amazing plants on a tighter budget. Seed sales are on the rise because many gardeners are noticing that seeds are easy to grow and can produce quick results. For an even thriftier approach keep an eye out for seed offers and giveaways from gardening magazines and local garden stores.

Buy quality gardening tools. Spend more money on high quality gardening tools and buy only the tools that you need and know that you will use. These days there are countless products available to gardeners; however, the average gardener only uses the basic essentials. The basic essentials consist of a garden spade, garden fork, secateurs and a pair of gardening gloves.

Cultivate plants from existing plants. You can get new plants for free by cultivating your own shrubs from clippings of existing plants in your garden, or from the gardens of your friends, family members or neighbours.

Grow what you eat. Observe your grocery list and diet and grow what you eat. Plant vegetables and herbs that you consume on a regular basis. You can offset what you buy with what you grow.

Grow expensive produce. A great way to save on your grocery bill is to grow the expensive products instead of buying those items at the store. Next time you shop take a look at some of the prices. It’s insane how much we pay for a few stems of rosemary or a tiny carton of cherry tomatoes! The grocery store is filled with overpriced items that can easily be grown in your home garden.

Container gardening. Not only is it practical to plant container arrangements but they can also be beautiful and bountiful. Container gardening is a great alternative for people who don’t have the time, space or budget for a full garden or flower-bed. You can choose to plant beautiful flowers, bountiful vegetables or both.

Gardening is a fun and creative activity that has been enjoyed for centuries, but it’s not an unknown fact that gardening can be quite an expensive hobby…

-Jennifer Ferguson

Even though we are spending less and making thriftier choices, this doesn’t mean that we have to compromise beauty, practicality or the enjoyment of gardening. Gardening on a budget can allow you to become more creative and mindful of what you are planting. Become an economical gardener today, and see how much you can save!!!

Getting the Season Started

It’s a good idea to give your lawn a stiff raking as soon as the snow melts in order to stir up the old dead grass and make room for new spring growth. Now is a good time to seed any thin or damaged areas. Remember seed needs two things to grow, moisture and sunshine so try not to plant the seed too early. The ideal seeding time is May long week-end in most years. Also make sure you are lightly raking the seed into the soil or spreading some top soil over the seed as it is imperative to have good “seed to soil” contact for proper germination.

FERTILIZING

Your Lawn Needs to Eat to be Healthy!

Weed Man uses a slow release granular fertilizer that lasts up to 8 weeks in your lawn. Our polymer coated fertilizer made specifically for our Canadian climate ensures your lawn gets the nutrients it needs, when it needs them! Watering after application is not required but will speed up the results. In general, lawns in our climate need 3 fertilizer applications per season but those customers who have in ground sprinkler systems tend to use fertilizer up faster so it is a good idea to add a fourth fertilizer application to these programs

WATERING

1 Hour Every 4 Days!

Your lawn requires 1.5 inches of water per week, which breaks down to about 1 hour every 4 days. Water in the morning hours for best results. Early evening is the second best time.Avoid watering at night as it can promote the spread of disease.

OVER SEEDING

Are You Sick of Those Weak and/or Bare Areas?

Our technique inserts the seed directly into the soil to ensure great soil to seed contact, which is essential for proper germination. The results of this service depend largely on you. Newly seeded areas need to be kept moist for the first two weeks while the seed is germinating. This could mean that you have to water your lawn twice daily depending on the weather. A good rule of thumb is 1 hour of water daily for 10-14 days or until the seed is established. You can expect to see seedlings germinating within one week assuming the lawn has received adequate moisture and there has been some sunshine. Once the seed is established.. ie needs cut, you can continue with your regular watering and mowing practices. This service can be done spring and/or fall depending on the condition of your lawn.

MOWING

The Most Important Thing You Do for Your Lawn!

Set your lawn mower at its highest setting to ensure that your lawn remains at least 3 inches long throughout the season. Remember, a longer lawn is a stronger lawn. Cutting your lawn too short actually encourages weed growth by allowing more sunlight through to the weed seeds in the soil. It also puts extra stress on your lawn, especially during the hot summer months. Grass is made up of 90% water, so the longer it is, the more moisture it can hold and the more heat stress it can withstand. Make sure that your lawn mower blade is sharpened at least twice a season to ensure a clean, precise cut that heals quickly, avoiding any injury to your grass blades. Also make sure that you are not bagging your clippings. The clippings return moisture to your soil.

ROOT BUILDER CORE AERATION

Stimulate Root Growth and Reduce Thatch All At Once!

Removes small cores of soil and thatch about the size of your finger from your lawn. This service makes it easier for air, moisture and fertilizer to reach the root zone, promoting deeper, stronger roots and a healthier lawn. It also helps reduce thatch, which will decrease the chances of disease developing in your lawn. It is important to allow these cores to naturally decompose on your lawn as they contain vital nutrients and moisture. Cores normally break up within 7 to 14 days after regular mowing and watering.

TOP DRESSING

Revitalize Your Soil!

Over time, your soil gets tired and nutrient deficient. Revitalize your soil with our fortified Nature’s Touch Top Dressing. This service adds valuable organic matter to your soil; helping soil organisms fight plant disease and prevent thatch build up. It also increases your soil’s ability to hold moisture, which will increase the effciency of your watering practices. Top Dressing is a great addition to our over-seeding service as it holds the moisture that the seed needs to germinate properly. You can continue to water and mow as normal after this service is applied. Weed Man has become the leader in lawn care by providing great looking lawns to happy customers. If your lawn doesn’t look great or you’re not happy, PLEASE contact us and we’ll have a licensed technician out to your property within two business days to address the issue, at no charge to you!

WEED KILLER

A Healthy Lawn is Your Best Defense!

The best way to prevent weeds from invading your lawn is to maintain it by keeping it properly fed, cut and watered. Other cultural practices such as aeration, over seeding and top dressing also increase the overall health of your lawn and will decrease the number of weeds you see. Thick, healthy lawns are less likely to have weed infestations as weeds most often pop up where turf is thin or damaged. Weed pressure has increased in recent years, as many municipalities have decreased the level of weed control programs being utilized.

My lawn is as healthy as possible and I still have some weeds… Now What?

Weed Man’s Weed Killer eliminates the weeds that have crept into your lawn. Results will be visible within 48 hours after the service has been performed. Mowing and watering the lawn should be suspended for a couple of days after any weed killer application for best results.

Weed Man is continuously involved in new technology research and development, to bring you better, even more effective lawn care treatments, as part of Weed Man’s healthy lawn programs. As always, Weed Man applies the right product at the right time in order to kill your weeds.

Clean tenderloin of any surface silverskin and excess fat. Trim off small ends.

Coat tenderloin with olive oil. Roll in finely chopped fresh herbs. Sear on high, turning a quarter turn every 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium high and continue grilling 5-8 minutes per quarter turn.

Test for desired degree of cooking with a meat thermometer. Remove from grill and let stand for 10 minutes before carving into 1/2” to 1” slices.

• 3 – 4 lb Whole Beef Tenderloin
  (for smaller tenderloins just reduce herbs and cooking time)
• 1/4 – 1/2 cup Fresh finely chopped regular or Italian Parsley
• 1/8 cup fresh finely chopped Thyme or Oregano
• 1/8 – 1/4 cup Fresh finely chopped Basil
• 1/8 cup Fresh finely chopped Rosemary
• 1 tsp Fresh Cracked Pepper
• 1/4 cup Virgin Olive Oil

Cutting your lawn weekly is generally a good practice. However, the frequency of mowing should be tied into the length of the grass. A general rule is to cut no more than one third of the leaf blade at one time. Cutting more than this will result in stressing the turf. If you follow this rule, you may have to cut more frequently in the spring and fall but less frequently in the summer. The reason for the suggestion to raise your height of cut, 7.5 cm (3 inches), is to benefit the general health of your lawn. Cutting your lawn at a lower height will give the mower the opportunity to scalp your lawn if it is bumpy or uneven, and this would allow an avenue for weed introduction. Also, keeping your lawn a little longer helps keep the soil surface shaded which helps in the prevention of weed establishment. Lastly, the longer the leaf blade, the longer the supporting root system will be and the ability to find moisture deeper in the soil will improve.

When I cut my lawn, should I bag my clippings, shoot them out the side or mulch them?

It is best to mulch your clippings. Using a sharp mower blade will make the clippings very small and they will easily mix into the lawn. If you bag your clippings, you will take away many beneficial nutrients, while shooting the clippings out the side does not break down the clippings sufficiently and can be found in large clumps on the lawn. Mulching is the best method when cutting your lawn.

I live in Ontario and the weed control used has a very quick kill, but a few weeks later there was some re-growth of the weeds. Can you explain this?

The herbicide that we used in 2010 in Ontario killed the weeds on the lawn; however, the weeds that have a better root system will grow back. A second application 4 – 5 weeks later will help clean up these harder to kill weeds. For best results with any weed control, having a healthy, thick lawn will help keep out invading weeds.

This past summer there seemed to be a lot of weeds in my lawn. Can you explain why?

The spring of 2010 was early and wetter than the average year across the country. The soil temperatures warmed up quicker than normal and the weed seed germination started early and continued throughout the spring. There are a lot more weed seeds floating around as a result of municipalities and provinces either banning pesticides or stop using them on parks and government buildings. Weed pressure will continue to increase in residential areas. This can be found in all provinces with or without bans.