Winter rooms spring scents

In a few months we’ll be in the middle of winter, and many of us will be yearning for spring. Forcing bulbs to bloom indoors can be the perfect way to bring a little cheer into our winter rooms. Forcing bulbs is incredibly easy, but it does take a bit of advance planning. Actually, quite […]

Fall into the sky

Gazing up at the night sky is one of the great delights in Muskoka. After all, there’s a reason this region is home to Canada’s first dedicated Dark Sky Reserve (the Torrance Barrens): with very little light pollution in much of Muskoka, we can see a great deal of the night sky. Whether you’re viewing […]

Reviving a cottage classic

As the cold weather and global pandemic force us inside for the season, we are all searching for new indoor group activities. It’s the perfect time to rediscover some of the board games that have been collecting dust – or add some new ones to the rotation. Some outstanding new games have come out in […]

The glaze craze

Planning to serve a ham at the cottage this long weekend? A glaze is an incredibly easy way to take your ham to the next level. Because ham has been brined, it’s naturally salty. The best way to balance that out is with a glaze that is sweet and tangy. The glaze is also a […]

October 2020 events

This is an excellent time to get out and enjoy some of the sights Muskoka has to offer. Many of the amazing museums and galleries are open, albeit with limitations. We featured some of our favourites earlier this year. But this is also an excellent time to enjoy the the trails and even explore some […]

Gardening for foliage

We gardeners tend to obsess over flowers, and with good reason. But a gorgeous garden isn’t just about the blooms. Leaves add colour and texture, particularly as we transition into fall. To get started with a foliage garden, consider whether you want a garden that is predominantly greens, or if you are using foliage as […]

The never ending cottage season

In a typical year, this would mark the end of the season for many cottage owners. But this is not a typical year. And many cottagers have decided that Muskoka is not just gorgeous, it’s also a safe place to be during the pandemic. People are making plans to stay here into the fall, or […]

The scent of autumn

The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing” involves using all your senses while strolling through the forest. Forest bathers are encouraged to move slowly, paying attention to details like the shape of a leaf, the feel of a tree’s bark, the sound of the birds and the taste and smell of the air. An […]

Joy in a garden

Need a boost? Lush plants can help This article appeared in the summer-fall edition of Dockside magazine. When our spirits need a lift, we seek comfort in all kinds of places and things. But above all, we seek joy in our gardens. “Having a lush landscape with plenty of flowers and thriving trees – that’s […]

Tomato basil pasta

It’s been a great year for tomatoes – they are abundant and at their absolute peak right now. Whether you’ve grown them yourself or you’re getting them at a farm market or a grocery store, now’s the time to be feasting on tomatoes. Tomatoes are incredibly versatile, of course, and can be used in endless […]