Tuesday is the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere -- the longest day of the year! Depending on the place, the solstice is considered either mid-summer or the start of summer. Regardless of what it's called, many cultures celebrate this day.
In our parts, we have about 15 1/2 hours of daylight to enjoy on the solstice. Which means that the plants in the garden are growing at great speed! For a gardener it's a time of year when the days are packed. We are now harvesting 3 days per week, along with planting, seeding, weeding, pruning and trellising. Quite a contrast to the winter solstice when the days are more leisurely.
But, in between the work to be done in the garden, we will take time this week to celebrate Indigenous People's Day, which is also on June 21st. It's a great occasion to learn about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. A good chance to learn a few phrases in Anishinaabemowin -- the language of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation, on whose territories we live. Here is a handy resource to get started.
Dga naa anishinaabemodaa. (Come on, let’s speak Anishinaabemowin.)
Aaniin, niijiiyag.
Schwaebish Hall ind-onjiba besho Kocher Ziibi. Kristine Hammel ind-izhinikaaz.
FYI -- next Friday is Canada Day. We will be delivering as normal, because the vegetables don't stop growing and people need to eat! If you are away, please be sure to re-schedule your share or have a friend/neighbour pick it up for you.
p.s. the picture shows one of my favourite tools in the garden these days...cardboard! We are using it under wood chip mulch to smother the grass.
