Category: Summer

Peony Season

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It’s the end of June and that means it’s finally Peony season here!!!

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I had one plant succumb to winter kill but the other two made it and one is thriving better than ever before. It literally makes my heart skip a beat when I see them!

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I bought my very first plant 6 years ago, I brought it home and discovered that it was covered in ants. I quickly cleaned all the ants off into the dumpster and proceeded to plant it in my flower bed. It died. A seasoned peony growing friend of mine told me they need the ants. I did not like that! Not one bit. I hate ants but I wanted the peonies, I learned to accept that the ants were part of the package. I don’t know what the deal is, I don’t know if they actually need the ants but I’ve been growing the plants successfully since, I’m not about to mess up a good thing.

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Lesson learned: accepting things I do not like might yield a beautiful result.

Explore your backyard

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MacKinnon Ravine Park – Government House Park

Edmonton, Alberta

Photos taken in May & June 2017

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As soon as all the snow melts and the sun is shining bright I head down to the River Valley for my run/walks. I come down here and forget that I’m even in the city. It’s gorgeous, calm and so peaceful. I lose myself in my thoughts and come away more energetic and full of inspiration. This daily practice does wonders for my life.

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I park in a residential area just off 142st near the 142st bridge. I start there and head out through the MacKinnon Ravine Park towards Government House Park. From there I head out over the Groat Bridge, run a few sets of stairs and then head back. It works out to be about 6km with the stair climbs.

IMG_7812The Downtown view from Groat Bridge.

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It’s not a hard 6km, I’m stopping constantly to take in the views and take photographs. Everyday, no matter how many times I see it, this is my routine. Spring/Summer is so short here, I never take these seasons for granted.

IMG_7816Almost to the top of a stair set in MacKinnon Ravine.

IMG_7819The reward for the stair climb. The view south towards Hawrelak Park.

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I have began a habit of looking up. The blue sky, the sun, the light, the green- I feel a happiness inside that I can’t put words to.

Get out, explore, there is magic out there if you’re willing to see it.