Tis the season when we are reminded that climate change is real. The Gonzales weather station near our house recorded 39.8 C on June 28, more than 9 C hotter than the previous daily record, and an all-time high for any day. As of this writing there are 246 active wildfires burning in BC.

And yet our provincial government still fails to make a meaningful connection between these impacts and the ongoing logging of our miniscule swaths of remaining old growth forest. Or more likely (and cynically) they get the connection but lack the political will. Some of the municipalities in our region still think there is nothing problematic about cutting deeper and deeper into the wildland urban interface under the belief that owning a detached single family home with a large yard is either a human right or the key to happiness.

So what am I doing about this, other than feeling the mix of sorrow and rage that has become endemic to our current times? Being the optimist that I am, I take solace in the things I can control. Increasing urban green space and growing ultra-local food are two things that keep me believing that each of us can change things for the better (and prepare for what’s to come). I’m also a sucker for fresh berries.

I’m delighted that the lavender and catmint we planted in the front yard last spring are now attracting a small army of pollinators, and I stop to listen to the buzz of bees when I walk past. There’s really no downside to growing green stuff, other than an aching back from all the weeding. If the green stuff creates shade and is also food for bugs, animals and humans, all the better.

Our backyard greenspace potential may appear modest at first glance. But even with our large woodpile still occupying the space of future veggie beds, I’ve found space for 5 dwarf fruit trees; a 12′ long raspberry patch; a raised bed for blueberries (three kinds!); a strawberry patch, some peas, plus the garlic I’d planted late last November.

I’ve been observing the changing path of the sun as the season has progressed and am pleasantly surprised by the growing potential on the north side of the house. Even the area shadowed by the house gets direct morning and evening sun in summer.

I also planted nasturtiums and blue borage (both flowers edible) as companions to the apple and strawberries, and recently discovered the nasturtium seeds are also edible. Who knew? Most people recommend pickling them as a caper alternative. I ignored this advice and roasted mine. Not recommended if you’re wondering.