Winter in Nova Scotia…
…is Enchanting. The way the ground will freeze, and the ocean will remain fluid and unpredictable. The community is busier than ever. Shops are bustling, neighbors are more cheerful, and everyone is preparing for winter. Wind will bend the last of the rain, slowly freezing into sheets and icicles. Clinging to the brightly painted houses, now dotted with holiday lights. There is a feeling of calm anticipation. The last of the tropical storms push up the coast and seem to turn to promises of snow.
We may not be able to plant more things for spring by this time. The planning stage is always the most important (think: measure twice, cut once). A good plan has few steps, is easy to follow and should have a good success rate.
At Helping Nature Heal Inc., it is easy to think we go into hibernation all winter. As gardens, meadows and shorelines fall asleep. Underneath perfect snow topped nature, everything seems still. However, under this quiet exterior, busy cities of mice and critters dance to keep warm.
Winter markets always reminded me of this as well. All the sweet little tents of craft makers and producers. Friends and neighbors coming together to share the years harvest. A community huddled together, dancing to keep warm.
The good spots are inside the community center. It is heated and always smells of delicious food and nose-approved candles. The noise of the laughing crowd, the hum of children and families float through the building.
Our favorite spots at our local Bridgewater Farmers Market is outside, however. Enjoying the snowfall or outdoor fire. Getting a hot drink to keep your hands warm, as the market goers wander through. It is not as loud as inside the building, allowing you to really enjoy the moment. It is the best time of year to get to know your community. Sharing traditions and starting new ones.
We will be at the last Holiday Farmers Market on December 18th, 2022, outside and dancing to keep warm. We harvest different materials all year and craft for you, locally wild grown teas, seeds, and more. We can not wait to see you all there. The Market is located at 123 Empire St, Bridgewater, NS. and is held from 10am – 3pm. We will be there all day!
Keeping muscles warm is important in colder temperatures and the brain needs to experience this warmth. We genuinely love education and science, which is why we are offering Wednesday Winter Workshops. These workshops are meant to help you engage in your own planning process. As announced, we will be offering Ecological Landscape Design and Food Forest Design. Registration is still open for these educational programs. If you are interest please contact us at office@helpingnatureheal.com or plants@helpingnatureheal.com. Our Bridgewater office can be reached at (902)-543-7416. These courses will start January 4th, 2023 and would make the perfect gift for the naturalist / gardener in your life!
Following these brain-stimulating warmups. We encourage using this dormant time to think about property / land assessments. Helping Nature Heal Inc. is always learning and developing the most innovative strategies. We offer expert advice and services. This includes:
Resource Management – Small tree falling, post storm clean-up, biomass addition or removal.
Woodchip Trail Installation – Custom, private pathways, creating curated experiences.
Drone Mapping – Get an accurate analysis of your locations ecological attributes. Request detailed reports, develop action plans, and use proven monitoring programs.
Thank you to everyone who has signed up for our new year offerings and stay tuned for more details on Seedy Saturday, February 11th, 2023.
Happy Holidays!