Country Furniture Vancouver showcases Edible Garden author, Andrea Bellamy

Country Furniture Vancouver showcases Edible Garden author, Andrea Bellamy

What does one do on a rainy, grey Saturday afternoon?  I sure needed a pick-me-up.  One of my favourite things to do is visit Country Furniture, on South Granville in Vancouver.  Ok, honestly, I really think they should re-name the furniture store "French Country Furniture", because what keeps me coming back is all the French influenced furniture and accessories.

Today was the result of receiving Country Furniture's newsletter a little while back.  The store kept advertising a local Vancouver author, Andrea Bellamy, who has recently released a book called Sugar Snaps and Strawberries.  If the title isn't enough to warm your heart, then flipping through the pages of this delightful book certainly will.  As a visual person, I really appreciate the beautiful photographs throughout this book of herbs and vegetables showcased in beautiful pots and vessels. 

Sugar Snaps and Strawberries covers creating edible gardens in small spaces, such as you apartment balcony or townhouse garden.  Coop community gardens are also mentioned.  To quote the book, it's all about "simple solutions for creating your own small-space edible garden".  Now I don't know about you, but I'm really not a gardener.  I don't have indoor plants because I kill them.  However, Andrea assures me that this book is for the beginner and even hopeless cases like me can achieve some form of success.  The book is set out in simple step by step instructions to help achieve a little urban garden oasis in your urban jungle. 

Now, as a Home Stager, you know I have to bring this back to home staging...  How exciting would it be to a potential buyer if on your deck you had urns full to the brim with herbs and veggies, all ready for the picking.  Talk about creating an enviable lifestyle.  As long as there's someone (Realtors...) to water the plants, this could really speak to a buyer's emotions.  With Jamie Oliver's quest to create meals incorporating what is grown in the garden (although he does confess to hiring gardeners...), wouldn't a pot of herbs speak to all those foodies out there!  

The book, Sugar Snaps and Strawberries is published by Timber Press, and has been released in both Canada and the U.S.  Also, check out Andrea Bellamy's Blog, Heavy Petal.  Enjoy, and happy growing and cooking!