Star of the North Daylilies

 

Three new reblooming daylilies planted in June of 2026 

in the redesigned space in the backyard in Boylston. 

Santa Fe Peony

 

Santa Fe Peony planted in July 2026 in peony bed by the 

back deck at the Lakehouse. 

 Amy saw this peony at the nursery and couldn't resist adding it to Grandmaman's garden.

Stowe Pillar Eastern White Pine

After lots of research on different species of pine trees that grow well in Central Alberta, availability of trees, the quality of a medium size tree and the desire for an evergreen tree to add a little green to our long winters we came up with the Stowe Pillar Eastern White Pine.  Planted in the Northeast corner of our backyard

 in July 2026 in memory of both 

Charlie, (big brown standard poodle) our best dog ever and 

Nike, (big black standard poodle) our other best dog ever,  

this tree is destined to be a very special part of our lakehouse.

A Christmas gift from the kids.

 

Kuusamo Cabin Garden May 2026

Mountain Ash replanted from Lakehouse May 2026

Small Pine Tree May 2026

Tristan's Grade One Tree  2026 with Ethan for perspective

Rhubarb May 2026

 

Day Lilies in Jenny's Garden

 More daylilies were planted in Jenny's garden in June 2026.

  This time they were planted in the garden by the pool 

underneath the Japanese Maple Tree. 

Bought Early June 2026

Frilly Tropicana Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Frilly Tropicana Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

Planted Early June 2026

Bloomed Early July 2026

July 2026

Rosa Olympiad (Hybrid Tea Rose)

 Rose Bush planted in late June 2026 in the backyard 

by the new Japanese Maple Tree in Boylston, MA.

Jenny's comments

 "The plant itself is rough but I think it's because it's "established" with "decent roots" so we will see.  My other roses did not make it.  Already very pokey.  Has stabbed both of us twice and it's not even in the ground."

About the Rosa Olympiad

A Hybrid Tea Rose

A Shrub Rose

Lightly scented Hybrid Tea Rose with large, full, high-centered, pure red flowers, 5 inches across, packed with 32 to 37 petals.

A light fruity fragrance.

Blooming in flushes from spring to early fall.

Vigorous, heat tolerant that is very disease resistant

 and perfect for beds, borders or as a flowering hedge.

A great rose for cutting too.

Grows 3-5 feet tall and 2 feet wide.

Best grown in full sun, in rich, fertile and well-drained soils

 with adequate moisture.

Spring Pruning:  Remove old canes and dead or diseased wood and cut back canes that cross.  In warmer climates, cut back the remaining canes by about one-third.  In cooler areas, youll probably

 find you'll have to prune a little more than that.

Ice Out 2026

The Results Are In 
Ice Out 2026 is May 11, 2026.

Tristan wins the title and socks with bragging rights to the soles of his feet! He credits his years of elite ice watching experience for his win! 

2026 Predictions As Follows As They Arrive

April 19 Jenny

April 30 Grandpa

May 1 Kevo

May 3 Reegan

May 4 Ethan 

May 5 Oliver

May 7 Amy

May 8 Grandmaman

May 10 Logan

May 11 Tristan
May 14 Sadie

May 19 Chad (Happy 25th)

May 30 Charlie

The annual competition is up and running as of today, April 9, 2026.  Predictions are rolling in at lightning speed.  Scientific theoretical predictions, data driven decisions, evidence based theories or random guess based on your gut feelings and impulsive choices. 

Deadline for predictions April 15, 2026. Winners will win bragging rights and a unique prize.

April 9, 2026

Family Ice Out Competition Past Winners 

2019

2020 

2021 Charlie May 2

2022 Chad May 12

2023 Reegan May 10

2024 Grandpa April 28

2025 Ethan May 4

2026 Tristan May 11