GARDENING WITH MARK AND BEN

January, 2026

We Are All Different, No?

Generally, we don’t have to look very far to discover just how different we are from one another.

Take New Year's Eve for example. 

Ben will stay up late, ring in the new year at midnight, laugh a lot and enjoy the company of friends and neighbours into the wee hours. 

Mark will have an early dinner, toast the new year over a plate of spaghetti and read until bedtime. He will not see the ball drop in NYC. But he will be up early on January 1, likely on his third cup of coffee before Ben ventures downstairs. 

The differences between us are extraordinary, considering we are father and son.

A moment of reflection here and it is not hard to imagine why we have moments of difficulty as a nation, even as a race of people, understanding one another.  Canada is, after all, a mosaic of cultures, knit together by democracy and geography. 

Why do we mention this? Well, soon it will be 2026. A new year, and many of us just might take a moment to reflect on the world around us: where do we fit?

Nature Boosts Wellbeing

An article in The Garden magazine, the official publication of the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK, reported that a recent study indicated that the wellbeing of a study group improved significantly when the participants actively noted things such as birdsong, plant textures and scents out of doors. 

One study group was asked to notice buildings. Paths and man-made sounds such as traffic noise. This group reported a much lower level of “wellbeing” than the other.

Professor Alistair Griffiths, RHS Director of Science said, “Engaging with natural elements can unlock deeper restorative benefits, which has powerful implications for how we design and manage public green spaces.”

The findings will feed into a new RHS blueprint for wellbeing gardens, due to launch in 2026.

Perhaps like us, you are surprised to hear that wellbeing gardens are a thing.  Trust the Brits to come up with a leading-edge concept for a deeper, more meaningful experience in nature. Just when many Canadians are waking to the benefits of pollinator gardens, bug hotels, and the planting of native trees, the Brits are on to the next thing.  

In another article in the same magazine, The Garden, Chris and Kate Packham, were interviewed and asked about living with bugs that, while they may be beneficial to the garden, are annoying to humans. Take slugs, for example. Kate, “You don’t have to kill them – you can move them or discourage them from coming in the first place. And I hate to say it, but if the human mind can’t outwit that of a mollusk without having to resort to killing, then frankly, we need to evolve further.”

Full stop. We laughed out loud. Is this British humour or a truly insightful comment on the human condition? Perhaps both. 

It is true, we are all different.

And it is also true that green spaces make for an enhanced living standard for all Canadians who live with or near them. 

What we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about is the time that we spend focusing on nature and feeling calmer as a result. The emphasis is not on the existence of the green space, which we all agree is a necessary element in our living environment, but the time we take to observe what is going on in that space. This is on us.  

If a new year has one unifying purpose, we say let 2026 be the year that we slow it down a little bit, celebrate our differences and enjoy a new level of wellbeing. 

Thank you ever so much for reading and responding to our monthly newsletter. It is our intent to inform and sometimes entertain without pitching you for the next hot product. Though, daughter/sister Heather loves to hear from you at Food and Shelter Goods (dot com) and Trees For Life values your attention and financial support. 

Other than that, this may be a rare missive in your inbox that does not oblige you to buy anything. We truly hope you enjoy it and share it with friends and family.

With our best wishes for the happiest of new years.

Yours as ever,

Mark and Ben Cullen

www.markcullen.com

www.foodandsheltergoods.com

www.treesforlife.ca

p.s. we would like to thank our good friend Jody Allair for his monthly birding contribution to this newsletter. There is no one in our experience with more passion or has such deep knowledge as Jody on this subject.  If you enjoy his work here we encourage you to donate to Birds Canada. This is the country’s leading birding charity and we believe in their work.  

BIRDS IN FOCUS:

The Joy of Birds

By Jody Allair

I can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2025! It has been a full year of great birds, new birders, conservation successes and challenges. I can’t help but be inspired by all the people I meet who are just beginning their birding journey. Over the past few years, I have seen an unparalleled growth in the number of people that have now discovered the joy and value of birds. But let’s not stop there, if you regularly benefit from time spent with birds in your yard, or during your travels, then take the next step to help others appreciate just how amazing and transformative birding can be.

I had the good fortune to see many great birds this year. The biggest highlight was getting to see Black-footed and Laysan Albatross (pictured here) on a pelagic birding trip off of Tofino, BC. Seeing any species of Albatross in Canadian waters is a big deal, not to mention that we had outstandingly close views of these ocean giants. 

Laysan Albatross

Photo credit: Jody Allair

I also want to take a second to encourage you all to learn more about how you can make positive changes to help birds in 2026 by visiting: Your Guide to Helping Canada’s Birds | Birds Canada | Oiseaux Canada.

Thanks again to Mark, Ben and Brenda for having me be part of this wonderful newsletter and thank you all for reading my monthly column.

Good Birding!

Jody Allair

Director, Communications

Birds Canada

Connect with me on Instagram and Bluesky at: @JodyAllair

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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM TREES FOR LIFE

2025 was a year of significant growth at Trees for Life. Thanks to you and fellow tree lovers, Trees for Life supported the planting of over 100,000 trees, worked with 74 partners across all 10 provinces, and expanded the Trees for Heroes program. Over 2,000 volunteers joined us to plant trees and our staff has expanded to offer even more support across Canada. We also reached our 3-year, $6 million fundraising goal! This was all made possible by your generosity.

Thank you for believing in our mission to make Canada healthier for future generations by planting native trees where we live, work, and play. Together we will continue to honour people who protect and enrich our lives, fight climate change, and bring more green canopies to communities across the country.

With gratitude and wishes for health and happiness this season and in 2026!

~ Reminder that an anonymous donor is matching all donations

until December 31st - talk about impact!~

Harrowsmith - Potluck Favourites

These potluck recipes can be made ahead of time and are easy to take with you. 

By Chef ILona Daniel www.harrowsmithmag.com/53418/potluck-favorites 

Wishing you and your family, all the best in 2026. From Harrowsmith, Canada’s magazine for hands-on, sustainable living. Since 1976 Harrowsmith has offered trusted, practical journalism about gardening, food, home, travel and nature — helping readers make, grow, sustain and share.  

~ As a subscriber to this newsletter, you get a special rate, 1yr subscription to Harrowsmith for $29.95. Click here to learn more.