Early Harvest Recipe: Baby Spinach with Baked Goat Cheese

This recipe takes just 10 minutes to make. If you don't have baby spinach on hand, you can use mesclun or any young greens.

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Wash & drain 3 cups baby spinach (or mesclun) and place in a salad bowl. Make approx 1/4 cup of a simple vinaigrette using 3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil and 1 tbsp. red-wine or balsamic vinegar and set aside.









In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup dry breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon dried thyme. In another small bowl, pour out 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil. Slice 4 oz. log of goat cheese into 4 half-inch slices. Dip each round of goat cheese in the olive oil...

...and then roll in breadcrumbs, patting firmly.

Place rounds on a greased baking sheet and bake for 6 minutes until golden. Toss baby spinach in vinaigrette and divide among 2 plates.

Top spinach with 2 rounds of goat cheese and serve hot.

Bring Back the Bees!

Although Bee Colony Collapse Disorder remains a 'mystery' in North America, last year France, Germany and Italy all suspended the use of a certain class of pesticides, Systemic Nicotine-based Neonicotinoids, as a precautionary measure. The results - restored bee populations - have prompted these governments to uphold the ban in 2010. In North America, however, for the fourth year in a row more than one third of bee colonies failed to survive the winter. A study recently published in the US scientific journal PLOS (Public Library of Science) found 121 different types of pesticides in 887 wax, pollen, bee and hive samples collected from throughout the United States last year.

Nicotinyl pesticides are systemic pesticides containing clothianidin, thiametoxam and imidacloprid, all neurotoxins that interfere with normal brain function in insects. Crop seed such as corn, soybeans and canola is coated with the pesticide, which is then absorbed by the plant's sap as it grows, so that it becomes a permanent insecticide within the plant. Scientists have observed that directly after sucking dew from corn leaves that had absorbed neonicotinoid pesticides, disoriented bees were unable to find their way back to their hives. Massive numbers of bees are getting lost and dying due to these pesticides! Corn, soybeans and citrus fruits are the main agricultural industries that rely on systemic pesticides, so by purchasing organic fruit and vegetables, you can help reduce the demand.

Systemic pesticides like 'Merit', which contains imidacloprid, are still available to retail consumers to kill White Grubs in lawns, so please encourage your lawn-loving neighbours to use eco-friendly nematodes to combat them instead. Ottawa-area bees are particularly stressed because of the large amount of corn grown here -- most corn is seed-treated with systemic pesticides -- and lots of it winds up in pollen that the bees take home to be stored and to feed the next generation of baby bees. You can create a safe haven for bees on your balcony by growing pesticide-free, nectar-producing plants and by creating an environment bees will feel at home at.

• Bees prefer to feed in sunny areas that are out of the wind
• Bees need a source of water -- use a shallow container of water with a few rocks placed in it for drinking platforms, so they don't drown
• Don't use any chemical pesticides or insecticides on your balcony, and be careful when using organic pesticides such as pyrethrum and rotenone, as bees are sensitive to them
• Bees feed on a range of plants throughout their life cycle -- have several plant species flowering at once, and aim for a sequence of plants flowering through spring, summer, and fall
• Flower colors that are particularly attractive to bees are blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow
• Many garden plants and herbs —particularly older, heirloom varieties—are good sources of nectar or pollen for bees

Annuals & Veggies that attract Bees:
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), Borage (Borago officinalis) Cantaloupe, Cornflowers (Centaurea spp.), Cosmos, Cucumbers, Dahlias, Love-In-A-Mist (Nigella damascena), Melons, Peppers (Caspicum spp.), Poppies (Papaver rhoeas & somniferum), Pot Marigolds (Calendula officinalis), Sunflowers (Helianthus spp), Verbena and Zinnias.

Perennials & Herbs that attract Bees:
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum), Bee Balm (Monarda didyma), Catnip (Nepeta spp.), Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), Coriander/Cilantro, Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum), Lavenders (Lavandula spp.), Mints (Mentha spp.), Nasturtiums, Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Strawberries, Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) and Thyme (Thymus spp.)

Some Pics from the Balcony

Pansies in bloom


Sweet Peas and Evening-Scented Stocks


James' sculpture

Planning your Balcony Garden

Just as there are many ways to plant up a container, there are many ways to go about designing your balcony or deck garden. The obsessed among us will draw up a scaled plan of the balcony and then plot locations of built-in raised beds, seating areas, etc. Others will simply grow their gardens by acquiring plants and pots one at a time and finding the space to squeeze them in. Whichever way you work it, here are some questions to ask to make sure your garden meets both your needs and those of the plants you choose.

1. How much sun does your balcony get?
If you get more than 6 hours of sun per day, choose plants that like full sun and can tolerate hot, dry conditions. If your balcony is too hot and sunny, consider creating some shade to reduce how often you have to water and increase the range of plants you can grow. Areas that get between 3 and 6 hours of sunlight are considered partial shade situations - annuals such as Lobelia and Nicotiana and perennials like Bellflowers (Campanula spp.) and Columbines (Aquilegia spp.) will all tolerate less than 6 hours of sunlight per day. Under 3 hours of sunlight per day is considered full shade - use shade-tolerant plants, like Hostas, Astilbes, Begonias and Impatiens, that flourish in low light.

2. What direction does your balcony face?
South and west exposures will get more intense light and heat. Choose drought-tolerant plants to reduce watering and hot colours to combat glare. North exposures are much darker and cooler, often in full shade for most of the day. Use white and pale coloured flowers to beat the gloom. Eastern exposures that warm up in the morning sun and are shaded in the afternoon are perfect for pastel tones and plants that like moist soil.

3. When are you out on your balcony?
Most flowers bloom all day long but some, like Morning Glories, California Poppies and many Daylilies, bloom only in the morning, so make sure you'll be around to see them! If you work during the day and really only enjoy your balcony in the evening, white flowered plants and those with silver foliage will really stand out in the dark. There are also many night-blooming flowers available, most of which are very fragrant: Evening-Scented Stock (Matthiola incana), Angel's Trumpet (Datura innoxia), Night Phlox (Phlox 'Midnight Candy'), Flowering Tobacco (Nicoltiana alata), Four O'Clocks (Mirabilis jalapa) and nocturnal varieties of Daylilies (Hemerocallis 'Moon Frolic', 'Punk' and 'Hyperion'). Good edible plants for night-time viewing include White Pumpkins ('Boo'), White Eggplants ('Gretel' and 'Alba'), Silver-leaved Thyme and Variegated Mints.

4. How much time can you devote to your garden?
In a container garden, maintenance and weeding are usually minimal but in hot weather your plants will need daily watering. And remember that the smaller the container, the quicker it will dry out. If you get fed up carrying heavy watering cans out to the balcony, try hooking up a special indoor hose that attaches to your kitchen tap. Self-watering containers will keep plants moist for a couple of days but plan on hiring a plant-sitter to water them if you're away for more than a weekend.

5. Do you need to create shade?
Umbrellas, awnings, sunshades and shade nets can all be used to create shade on your balcony or deck. Make sure umbrellas and shades are secure so the wind doesn't carry them away. Vines on pergolas can also be used to create shade, but make sure they're fast-growing types. Once all danger of frost has passed, taller house plants such as palms and dracaenas can be brought outdoors (gradually, over a period of days, so they don't get sunburned) to provide shade over seating areas. Tree-form potted plants like Hibiscus standards can provide shade to smaller plants and are available at most grocery garden centers throughout the summer.

6. Do you need wind barriers?
The higher you are, the colder and windier it will be. Not only can wind make it uncomfortable to sit out on your balcony, it can also dry out plants, break stems and scatter flowers. Consider closing in open railings with wood, vinyl or clear acrylic paneling, if allowed. Weather resistant fabrics such as canvas work well and old vinyl tarps can be used if you and your landlord are not fussy about colour. Make sure all wind barriers are securely fastened, to prevent wind gusts from tearing them off. Tall, narrow conifers or evergreens in containers are also good at screening out wind but must be treated as annuals in our area unless planted in well-insulated planters and wrapped in burlap for the winter.

7. Do you need to create privacy?
Bamboo panels, old bamboo blinds, cedar lattice or trellises holding fast-growing vines will all screen your balcony and make it seem more private. Tall plants in large containers can also form an effective privacy barrier. A series of hanging baskets can screen out harsh sunlight or upstairs neighbours. Even window boxes provide some privacy that you can peep out over. Recycled items make great trellises - try old security caging, chain-link fence panels, old gates and wrought iron fencing, even discarded clothes racks - don't limit yourself to the garden center or hardware store.

8. Does the public see it?
If you're concerned about the curb appeal of your balcony, try to follow the style and colour of your building as much as possible. Brick structures look best against warm tones like yellow, orange and red while concrete buildings often suit cooler colour combinations. Furniture and structures like trellises should copy or complement existing building materials. Containers in similar styles or colours present a more unified look. Mass plantings of one type of flower in a bold colour can make a simple but elegant statement if your balcony faces streetside. Or mimic the plants already used around your building exterior to create a seamless effect. If you have a container at your entrance that needs to make a statement, use a decorative pot and a mixed planting, perhaps with a showy specimen plant.

9. Do you entertain on your deck or balcony?
Make sure to provide comfortable seating so your balcony can easily become another room when entertaining. Shade is essential if you have guests during the day. Dining areas should be sheltered from the elements and as private as possible. Small BBQs are permissible in many buildings. Consider night lighting, strings of party lights, or small solar lights on sticks. Candles work well if you use lanterns, like these great Moroccan lanterns made out of old sardine cans.

10. Do You Know the Rules?
Be familiar with the rules and regulations in your building - some landlords & condo associations will not let you put up anything on exterior walls, others will limit what can be hung off the balcony. Also be aware of the total weight that your balcony can support. A 36"x36"/90x90cm planter full of wet potting soil can weigh more than 150 pounds/70 kilos. Consult with an architect if you're thinking of building large planter boxes, to make sure your balcony can support the load.

11. Got Art?
Consider adding some art to your balcony garden - metal, ceramic and wooden items will stand up best outdoors. Pieces can be free-standing or affixed to exterior walls or railings. Use artwork as a focal point to attract the eye to the best views of your garden. Consider the size of any sculptures, statues and fountains you may want to use in relation to the size of your space -- don't overwhelm a small balcony with a giant Buddha. Too many smaller pieces can also be distracting - try grouping similar items together in one spot for best effect. Choose pieces that complement your containers and your balcony furniture, whether modern, classical or offbeat. In the Ottawa area, remember to bring all artwork inside for the winter. This includes terracotta pots, which will not withstand frost without cracking.


Hemerocallis 'Punk'

Datura inoxia (Angel's Trumpet)

Mentha piperata variegata (Variegated Peppermint)

Hosta 'Blue Wedgewood'

Solanum melangena 'Gretel' (White eggplant)

Design Tips for Containers

Container plantings can be purely practical or they can become your own personal design statement. The container itself is 50% of the design equation so use your creativity and resourcefulness to search out pots and planters that complement both the plants they will hold and the overall style of your balcony garden. To create a seamless effect from indoors to outdoors, match your containers to your interior decor - super-modern for a hi-tech loft, old-school terracotta if you have lots of antiques, or use recycled and "liberated" containers if your home decor is more like mine. Containers can be made of any non-toxic material but must have drainage holes and drip trays. When grouping containers together in one area on your balcony or deck, don't feel that they all have to match -- they should just have a similar look and feel to avoid distracting the eye. You can plant singly, or fill a container with several plants of the same species, or use graduated plant heights to mix several different types of plants in one pot. As a general guideline, plants should not be more than twice the height of the pot or more than1 ½ times its width.

Planting a Massed Container
For a dramatic effect, mass plants of a single species in one container. You can stick with just one flower colour or mix them up. Stagger the plants in two or more rows for best effect, as in the photo below. I like to mass pansies in spring containers, spaced about 3" apart to get a good quick show, since they tend to fade out once hot weather arrives. Then it's easy to replace them with more heat-tolerant annuals once all danger of frost has passed. Impatiens mass well and can take the shade. If you only have sun, use the New Guinea Impatiens. Mounding or trailing plants look best when massed. Taller, single-stemmed plants such as daisies often look too leggy. If using vertical plants such as Snapdragons, stick to dwarf varieties under 12" in height. Try to avoid planting *anything* in a single row. Garden designers call this the dreaded "tin soldier effect" although it can work well in a very modern garden if you use the right type of plant.

Planting a Mixed Container
When using more than one type of plant, make sure all plants in the container prefer the same amount of sun or shade, and the same type of growing conditions, such as moist or dry soil, rich or lean fertilizer, etc. Avoid using plants of the same height - try to incorporate at least one tall plant, one medium-height plant and one trailing plant in your design. Often a tall vertical plant such as an ornamental grass or a dracaena spike is used in containers as a focal point and is surrounded by successively lower layers of mounding "filler" plants. Trailing plants are then planted at the container edges to soften it. But nothing is written in stone and combining just two plants, for example, a foliage plant and a flowering plant, in one container can be very effective. Use the plant's natural growth habits to guide you in where to place them. Tall leggy plants do best at the center or back of a container so they don't shade out smaller plants. Trailing plants should be planted at least 2" from the edge of the container, to prevent them from drying out too quickly.

Planting Specimen Plants
You can plant showy, large or unusual plants singly in containers, to create a focal point on your balcony or deck. Make sure the container compliments or effectively contrasts with the plant's colours. Plant your specimen directly in the center of the container and stake it if you get high winds. If your specimen is tree-form or single-stemmed, rather than bush-shaped, you can plant a "living mulch" of low growing or trailing plants at its base to help conserve moisture and add visual interest. Place your specimen as far out on your balcony or deck as possible, in order to draw the eye outwards and create the impression of space. If you have a large enough area, you can create both secondary and primary focal points to guide the viewer's eye around the garden at a leisurely pace.

Climbing Vines
Climbing plants are one of the few ways to create space-effective screening on a balcony or deck. Stick with climbing annuals or use fast growing woody vines such as climbing roses, trumpet vine, clematis, etc, in the Ottawa area. Most vines will not survive our winters in containers unless they are heavily insulated and well-protected from temperature changes. Annual vines can be hard to find as garden center transplants so buy seeds and grow your own. Morning glories, climbing nasturtiums and sweet peas are all very easy to grow and will reach 6 feet in height about 8 weeks after germination. Interesting tropical vines can also be started from seed in early spring and will grow fast enough to provide quick screening for summer. Try starting Cobaea scandens, the Cup & Saucer Vine with its beautiful purple flowers, from seed, or the Canary Creeper, Tropaeolum peregrinum, with its bright yellow flowers that resemble birds. Woody climbers should be planted singly in a large deep container at least 24" x 24" x 24" in size. Annual climbers and tropical perennials need containers at least 12" deep and 8" wide and are usually massed for best effect. Thin out seedlings to 4" apart, to avoid overcrowding and fungal diseases. Use gardening twine strung on balcony railings, store-bought bamboo or wooden trellises, or even old wire fencing to support your climbers. Woody climbers such as roses and clematis may need to be tied to the trellis with gardening twine but most climbers will find their way up by themselves.

Sourcing Containers
Searching out interesting pots and planters can be fun. If you're going for a romantic look, second-hand stores, antique & yard sales often yield decorative old terracotta and cast iron pots. Old, cracked terracotta pots can be easily repaired. Ethnic-inspired pots and hand-turned pottery can be found at craft sales and art shows. These pots can be used as cachepots if you are reluctant to drill holes in the bottom. Check IKEA or Urban Pot for planters with a more modern, minimalist look. Or visit Global Home & Giftware in Chinatown for large oriental pots at a reasonable price. If recycled containers and veggies are more your style, use large deep containers to imitate raised garden beds. I like old white plastic Versailles planters for tomatoes, eggplants and peppers and I often find them left out on the curb on garbage day. Old window boxes are great for shallow-rooted veggies like lettuce, spinach and herbs.