There’s no such thing as consistent temperatures in Alberta, but it’s usually safe to say that May is the beginning of gardening season. The sun is out (most of the time), the rain is falling (hopefully) and there are signs of life all around us. 

Alberta’s magazines feature gardening in many forms, whether that’s as an activity to do with the kids, a foray into hydroponics, a powerful source of nutrition, a peaceful destination, or a cultural offering.

Calgary’s Child is your source for gardening with the kids! You’ll find helpful ideas for getting the littles involved in “Get Your Hands Dirty! Easy gardening with young children” by Stacie Gaetz, “Little Green Thumbs” by Nanica Brown, and “Dig This: Big benefits of gardening with kids” by Janeen Lewis. 

Here’s a tip that could save you time, money and energy in the garden: did you know it’s best not to eradicate those dandelion weeds? Those pretty yellow flowers are an invaluable early bloomer for pollinators, so leave them be! Or if you truly can’t stand the sight of them, make the most of your plentiful harvest by exploring “The Nutritional Power of Dandelions” with Julie Daniluk for IMPACT Magazine. Brew a mug of dandelion tea or toss the greens in a salad – the benefits are endless.

If you don’t have an outdoor space, or maybe you just want to bring the green indoors, never fear, Alberta’s innovative entrepreneurs are here! In Lucy Haines’ story “Alberta entrepreneurs bring innovation and grit (no, not dirt) to gardening in small spaces” for Culinaire, she shares an ingenious indoor vertical garden system created by Albertan siblings Tessa and Ryan Agrey.

If enjoying the fruits of someone else’s landscaping labour is more your style, there are many stunning public gardens to visit in Alberta. When you’re in Southern Alberta, be sure to stop by the peaceful Nikka Yuko Garden in Lethbridge. Paula Worthington shares the details in her story “5 ways to find peace at Nikka Yuko Garden in Lethbridge” for ZenSeekers. The garden was created during Canada’s 1967 Centennial to “recognize the contributions made by citizens of Japanese ancestry to the community of Lethbridge, as a sign of international friendship.” 

A garden can be your personal oasis, at home or in the community. Don’t waste any time getting out there – you’ve waited all winter long to enjoy the blooms and the beauty!