The Painters Guild Fall Art Show & Sale was last weekend in St. Albert Place. I always look forward to this show, it is a tremendous tribute to all the talented artists we have in the city and the area. This year my husband and I attended together, as in we entered the building together and left the building together, however, we took different paths to view the show. This works for us, as what I stop to admire, at times will only get a passing glance from him, and of course vice-a-versa.

 This year as part of the show they had a “People’s Choice” award. Armed with a golf pencil and a slip of paper we were asked to pick our top three. What a great way to really immerse your visitors in the show. We both took our job very seriously and carefully deposited our votes in the draw box. Of course, the first question you ask each other as you leave the building is “What three did you pick?” We were both very surprised to discover that our second choice was actually the same, a partial nude painting of a woman....

According to the National Research Council, a green roof (one covered with plants) minimizes heat flow into a building and can reduce the summer energy demands (i.e. air conditioning) by up to 75 percent.

I stole this quote from Jim Holes Gardening newsletter; his newsletter is a constant source of inspiration for me and Jim is responsible for my excitement about “Woolly Pockets.” You would assume this product would probably serve to keep your hands warm…not even close. “Woolly Pockets” allow you to grow vertically…yes indeed; I am talking about green walls. Made out of recycled pop bottles these growing pouches feel like soft felt. They also feature a watering tongue that wicks water down to the roots of your plants, a moisture barrier that prevents leakage, and breathable material that allows excess moisture to evaporate. The units are modular and can be used horizontally or vertically and both inside and outside.

Plant material is up to you; you can plant a woolly pocket full of tropical plants...