Articles

Models\Post Object ( [_post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15227 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2022-05-18 13:41:41 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-05-18 19:41:41 [post_content] =>

Sponsored by Italian Centre

In this no-bake cake, you’ll find Biscoff cookies layered between whipped cream and biscoff spread. It’s perfect to make the day before an outdoor barbeque as it sets up in the fridge overnight. Garnish with sea salt and more cookie crumbles for an easy presentation!

For more great recipes, visit Italian Centre's Recipe page

[post_title] => Biscoff Cookie Icebox Cake [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => biscoff-cookie-icebox-cake [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-05-18 13:41:43 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-05-18 19:41:43 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15227 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [ID] => 0 [filter] => raw [_excerpt] => Sponsored by Italian Centre In this no-bake cake, you’ll find Biscoff cookies layered between whipped cream and biscoff spread. It’s perfect to make the day before an outdoor barbeque as it sets up in the fridge overnight. Garnish with sea salt and more cookie crumbles for an easy presentation! Ingredients 2 cups heavy whipping cream … ) 1

Models\Post Object ( [_post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15222 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2022-05-18 12:19:08 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-05-18 18:19:08 [post_content] =>

Sponsored by Italian Centre

Piadina are thin, Italian flatbreads that are made by street vendors and sold sandwich-style loaded with tasty meats, cheese and vegetables. Pronounced pea-ah-DEE-nah - it’s a thin flatbread from the Romagna region of north-central Italy.

Use our fresh pizza dough to create a piadina packed with your choice of delicious fillings! For this recipe, we used a classic combination of prosciutto, burrata cheese, arugula and red onion. Satly, creamy, fresh and crisp - easy to make and perfect for lunch, a snack or a light dinner!

For more great recipes, visit Italian Centre's Recipe page

[post_title] => Piadina [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => piadina [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-05-18 13:42:24 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-05-18 19:42:24 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15222 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Sponsored by Italian Centre Piadina are thin, Italian flatbreads that are made by street vendors and sold sandwich-style loaded with tasty meats, cheese and vegetables. Pronounced pea-ah-DEE-nah – it’s a thin flatbread from the Romagna region of north-central Italy. Use our fresh pizza dough to create a piadina packed with your choice of delicious fillings! … ) 1

Models\Post Object ( [_post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15212 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2022-05-18 11:21:29 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-05-18 17:21:29 [post_content] =>

Recipes page provided by and Sponsored by Italian Centre

Spicy Kale Flatbread with Honey Drizzle

Speck & Taleggio Flatbread with Balsamic Glaze Drizzle

For more great recipes, visit Italian Centre's Recipe page

[post_title] => BBQ Flatbread Pizzas [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => bbq-flatbread-pizzas [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-05-18 13:42:07 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-05-18 19:42:07 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15212 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Recipes page provided by and Sponsored by Italian Centre Spicy Kale Flatbread with Honey Drizzle Ingredients 1x fresh pizza dough Flour for kneading the pizza dough 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 cups (packed) of kale, torn or chopped 3/4 tsp red pepper flakes Pinch salt and pepper 2x garlic clove sliced 2 tbsp … ) 1

Models\Post Object ( [_post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 15236 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2022-05-04 14:10:00 [post_date_gmt] => 2022-05-04 20:10:00 [post_content] =>

Sponsored by Italian Centre, written by Joanne Elves 

Funny thing about Albertans, if they have a great steak resting on the counter, they will do what it takes to get it onto a BBQ no matter what the season. But of course, when the sun sizzles in the summer, so does the BBQ. Patios, tailgates, campfires, and balconies are grill central. A quick stop at The Italian Centre will have you set for supplies, recipes, and the best meat in the province. Let’s introduce you to Piedmontese – a low fat, high protein delicious beef offered exclusively at the Italian Centre Shop by Messinger Meats.

A few years ago, the Italian Centre shops introduced us all to Messinger Meats from Red Deer. Joe, Mercedes and their children supply all the Italian Centre Shops with a selection of locally raised pork, lamb wild meats and chicken but their speciality is the Piedmontese Beef.

Being married to a butcher means there is usually meat for the table each night but as Mercedes says, she never knows what Joe will bring home. When a roast from Peony Farms of Lacombe who specializes in Piedmontese beef came wrapped in the waxy brown butcher paper, Mercedes thought nothing of it until she cooked it. “I was so surprised by how it cooked and tasted. I just liked it so much, I had to research it. It was so different to me.”

What Mercedes learned made them change out what they were butchering to focus on selling only Piedmontese beef. “We have been selling this beef since 2003 and I’m still fired up about how wonderful it is!” says Mercedes.

The Piedmontese is a domestic breed of cattle originally from the Piedmont region of north-west Italy. While the predominantly white or grey bovine are raised for milk and meat in Italy, the animals introduced to Alberta in 1970 are predominantly raised for their meat. The breed carries a unique gene mutation that causes hypertrophic muscle growth, or double muscling making them look rather, um, “beefy”. This mutation causes the meat to have a higher lean-to-fat ratio. This creates a tender, tasty, high protein, low fat meat that cooks on average 30 per cent faster than what is found at the grocery chains.

The first time you cook any of the Piedmontese steaks on the BBQ you need to step away from old habits. Consider marinating the meat overnight in a blend of fresh herbs instead of salty powders. Let the meat come to room temperature for at least an hour before shocking it with a 450-500 F grill. When your blade slips through the steak, you’ll wonder why you bothered setting out knives. If you plan to grill a showstopper like the Tomahawk, take a look at our Grilled Tomahawk Steak recipe.

A lot of people are excited to set up the smoker and slowly cook the meat over indirect heat to make even the toughest cut delicious. So, the price for brisket has soared due to the sudden popularity and may not be readily available. Mercedes suggests checking the cooler for the tri-tip cut too. “The tri-tip is incredible on the smoker but is quicker to cook compared to brisket.”

Italian Centre Shop's General Manager, Gino Marghella suggests you talk to the meat counter for custom orders.

“Messinger Meats are very accommodating, it’s like having our own butcher shop. If you need 3-inch-thick T-bone steaks for Bistecca Alla Fiorentina or even a dozen beef cheeks for that special ragu recipe you have, we can arrange it.”

The Italian Centre Shop also stocks other items provided by Messinger Meats. They also provide an array of lamb, pork, elk, and bison products from central Alberta farms. The thick cut pork chops are perfect on the BBQ. An easy recipe is the Grilled Pork Chop with Fennel and Grapefruit Salad featured on the recipe page.

Being an artisan butcher shop, the Messingers pride themselves on sourcing their products from local ranchers who use the best practices in herd management. No hormones, antibiotics or steroids are used by the ranchers, and they humanely butcher the animals at their facility. Processed meats like the sausage and hamburgers do not include fillers, water or gluten and only natural spices and sea salt are used for flavours. Almost daily, the delivery vans are on route to all the Italian Centre Shops.

"We pride ourselves on stocking the best quality ingredients from both locally and beyond and our meat coolers are no exception. Our friends at Messinger Meats enable our shops to provide customers with products I'm so proud to serve at home to my family and friends while honouring my heritage."

Italian Centre Shop's President, Teresa Spinelli.

For more great food content, visit Italian Centre's Blog

[post_title] => Locally Sourced Meat Means Fresh Cuts for The Grill [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => locally-sourced-meat-means-fresh-cuts-for-the-grill [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2022-05-18 14:10:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2022-05-18 20:10:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15236 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Sponsored by Italian Centre, written by Joanne Elves  Funny thing about Albertans, if they have a great steak resting on the counter, they will do what it takes to get it onto a BBQ no matter what the season. But of course, when the sun sizzles in the summer, so does the BBQ. Patios, tailgates, … ) 1

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One of the best-kept secrets of living in the greater Edmonton area is the diversity of fishing opportunities right out our back door. The North Saskatchewan River slides lazily through the heart of the city, there are numerous stocked ponds in and around Edmonton, as well as several lakes offering excellent fishing just a short drive away. If you’re new to fishing, it can be a daunting task—understanding where and how to begin can be overwhelming if you don’t have a mentor to help you along. Fortunately, the road to fishing success, even for first-timers, is paved with a plethora of online resources to help you and your family land the first of many wriggling fish in no time.

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Licensing and Regulations

Fishing in Alberta is governed by annual regulations that define when and where you can to fish, what methods you’re allowed to use, and how many fish you can keep. Be aware that these regulations vary between waterbodies and species of fish, so always “check the regs” for the river, lake or pond you plan to fish. 

First off, you’ll need to get your license, unless you’re under the age of 16 or over 65, then you’re off the hook so to speak. If you’re a first-time license holder, you’ll also need a WIN (Wildlife Identification Number). Licenses and WINs can be purchased at most outdoor retailers, or you can buy them online.

To view the fishing regulations, or to purchase your WIN and fishing licence, go to albertarelm.com

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Learning to Fish

If you’re new to fishing, a great way to start is by taking two informative fishing education programs offered by Alberta Hunter Education Instructors' Association (AHEIA). The first, the Alberta Fishing Education Program, consists of eight modules that take you through step-by-step key aspects of learning to fish—including an overview of Alberta’s fisheries management, fish identification, basic equipment and techniques, cleaning and cooking your catch, understanding safety considerations, and more. Best of all, it’s absolutely free! Check it out at Alberta Fishing Education Program | AHEIA

Learning to identify the species of fish you’re catching is important, particularly since regulations about how many you can keep differ between species. Fortunately, AHEIA’s online Identification of Alberta's Game Fish Quiz will teach you what to look for in identifying your fish, and the common mistakes made in differentiating between species. This free course is available at Identification of Alberta's Game Fish Quiz | AHEIA

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Basic Equipment and Techniques

One of the best things about fishing is that it’s easy—getting started requires minimal equipment that’s both affordable and simple to use. While fishing retailers can be imposing places for newcomers, with their endless shelves of rods, reels, lures and other fishing gear, you’ll find that the staff welcoming and ready to help you find the tackle you need.

To get started, and depending upon where you plan to fish, you’ll need a basic spinning reel and rod combination, fishing line, a leader, some split-shot weight to get your bait down into the water column, a bobber or two, and a small selection of hooks and lures. Some rod/reel combinations even come with a basic selection of tackle that’s enough to get you started catching fish. Expect to pay less than $50 in total to get outfitted.

Practice casting and retrieving in a nearby open field before you hit the water. Tie on a small weight instead of hook when doing this—it’s much safer this way!

You’ll also find lots of information online to help you on your journey. One of the very best and most comprehensive sites is ab-conservation.com/go-fish/learn-to-fish/

Depending on where and what you’ll be fishing for, your setup and how you use it will vary. Following are some tips to get you started.

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Stocked Ponds

Ponds stocked with rainbow trout are easy to fish and a great choice for novice anglers. A common setup requires that you tie a single hook directly to the end of your line. Bait your hook with either a piece of worm or a leech. Note: There are bait restrictions on some bodies of water, so be sure to check the regulations before you head out. Crimp on a couple small split-shot weights about 24 inches above the hook, and attach a bobber a couple feet above that. Cast your bait out, then let it sit, watching the bobber for any sign a fish has taken the bait. If the bobber is moving, or disappears under the water, give your line a slight tug to set the hook, and then reel in your prize. If you’re not having any luck, adjust the height of the bobber to present the bait either shallower or deeper. You don’t need to cast out far on stocked ponds, as most fish will be found no more than 30 feet from shore.

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Lakes

Pike, walleye and perch are the common fish species in most of the lakes in the greater Edmonton area that are not stocked with trout. They can be caught on a variety of tackle, including lures that you cast and retrieve, or bait, where legal, presented under a bobber or affixed to a jig, then cast out and slowly retrieved. When casting baited jigs, make sure your jig is heavy enough that it’s bouncing along the bottom as you reel it in—that’s where the fish are most likely to be. When fishing with lures, such as spoons or spinners, retrieve them just quickly enough that you can feel them wobbling as they’re pulled through the water. Tie a wire leader to your line whenever fishing pike waters as these toothy fish may bite through your line and take your lure with them!

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Rivers

The challenge when fishing rivers, especially the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton and area, is the current. If you fish with bait, you’ll need to use enough weight that your bait sits relatively stationary on the bottom. With enough weight, baited jigs and “pickerel rigs” are sure to attract fish. Our river is home to a wide variety of fish species, from relatively small goldeye to gargantuan lake sturgeon— you never know what's on the end of the line when you feel that first tug. Casting spoons, spinners and other hard-bodied lures is also effective, but generally not as productive in the river as fishing with bait. 

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Where to Go

Living in the greater capital region means you have access to a wide range of fishing-friendly waters. For beginning anglers, stocked trout ponds provide an easy, safe and rewarding way to dip your toe into the angler’s world. Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and the Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) stock a long list of ponds and lakes each year with rainbow trout. Check out ACA Stocked Lakes - ACA (ab-conservation.com) for the full list. 

One of the more popular local stocked ponds is the Hermitage Park Pond on the east side of Edmonton. This pond is open to the public and invites family fishing, making it ideal for learning to fish. You can cast from shore or, bring along a canoe, kayak or other non-motorized boat. Each angler is allowed to keep up to five rainbow trout, perfect for a family meal of fresh-caught fish!

There are many other family-friendly stocked ponds in the region, with favourites including Beaumont Pond, Gibbons Park Pond and Muir Lake.

The North Saskatchewan River is home to a wide diversity of fish species, and on a good day you can easily catch three, four or five different types of fish! Popular fishing spots along the river include Dawson Park, Hermitage Park, Strathcona Science Park, Gold Bar Park and Whitemud Park—although virtually any place you can get access to the riverbank will produce fish. Creek mouths, storm water discharges, bridge pilings, riprap shorelines, back eddies, foam lines and natural deep holes all offer prime holding and feeding habitat for fish. When all else fails, select deeper water over shallower water, remembering that outside bends in the river are typically faster and deeper than inside turns.

Note: The North Saskatchewan River is deep and moves more swiftly than it appears to. For safety reasons, children should not be permitted to fish along the river unless accompanied by an adult and should wear personal flotation devices, even when fishing from shore.

For those interested in fishing one of the capital region’s many lakes, popular destinations include Wabamun Lake, Lac Ste. Anne, Pigeon Lake, and Gull Lake. Those are but a few, but there are many other lakes that offer wonderful fishing opportunities, both from shore or from a boat. Be sure to check the regulations as to how many fish you are permitted to keep. 

Fishing offers hours and hours of fun for kids and the whole family! There’s no better time to learn than now. 

Produced and sponsored by Alberta Conservation Association.

[post_title] => Fishing Alberta’s Capital Region [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fishing-albertas-capital-region [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-07-29 15:09:01 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-07-29 21:09:01 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15072 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => One of the best-kept secrets of living in the greater Edmonton area is the diversity of fishing opportunities right out our back door. The North Saskatchewan River slides lazily through the heart of the city, there are numerous stocked ponds in and around Edmonton, as well as several lakes offering excellent fishing just a short … ) 1

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Rediscover Endless Adventure

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After being closed for two seasons to accommodate a $165M enhancement project, Fort Edmonton Park can’t wait to welcome visitors back. The Park’s improvements include a new signature exhibit, the Indigenous Peoples Experience, expansion of the 1920s-style midway, and a new front entry plaza & admissions area.

The Indigenous Peoples Experience is a new signature exhibit occupying over 30,000 square feet, where visitors will learn about First Nations and Métis peoples, who will recount their history in their voice. Visitors will be immersed in these rich cultures through Indigenous narrators, interactive and hands-on exhibits, and engaging audio-visual components. The cultural gathering place will reflect the area’s diversity and the shared histories in an educational and engaging way. 

You can still find old favourites like the carousel and swing ride in the 1920’s-style midway; however, you won’t want to miss the larger Ferris wheel, outdoor maze, the Cabinet of Curios exhibit, funhouse, and expanded game selection. In addition to the rides and attractions, there will be plenty of carnival-style food to enjoy and a healthy serving of photo ops.

The new front entry plaza and admissions area will welcome visitors to Fort Edmonton Park with all the conveniences of a high-quality tourist attraction. A new public plaza offers wide open spaces for gatherings and plenty of room for social distancing. Included in the admissions area are a café, gift shop, gender-neutral washrooms, ticketing and guest services.

For more information, visit fortedmontonpark.ca.

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[post_title] => Fort Edmonton Park [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => fort-edmonton-park [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2021-06-22 22:49:50 [post_modified_gmt] => 2021-06-23 04:49:50 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://www.summercity.ca/?p=15023 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Rediscover Endless Adventure After being closed for two seasons to accommodate a $165M enhancement project, Fort Edmonton Park can’t wait to welcome visitors back. The Park’s improvements include a new signature exhibit, the Indigenous Peoples Experience, expansion of the 1920s-style midway, and a new front entry plaza & admissions area. The Indigenous Peoples Experience is … ) 1

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With an abundance of space, Lac La Biche Region is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Relax, restore and rejuvenate in the laid-back lifestyle of lake country. There are a variety of accommodation providers from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, tipis, trappers’ tents or bring your RV/camping equipment and set up your own oasis. Of course, if you are craving some retail therapy there are many unique shops throughout the hamlets of Lac La Biche and Plamondon.

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Imagine breathing in the fresh air with the smell of evergreens and water surrounding you as you explore and adventure in the outdoors. Lac La Biche Region is home to the Lakeland Provincial Park which is home to Alberta’s backcountry canoe circuit. Challenge yourself to paddle and portage through the Lakeland Canoe Circuit for your next outdoor adventure.

The long history of cultural diversity of Lac La Biche Region provides the perfect opportunity to experience different cultures activities and foods. When you visit you are encouraged to immerse yourself to your level of comfort be it visiting a museum like the Mission Historical Site, learning to make a lean-to with John from Hideaway Adventures, or enjoying some dumplings and a brew at the Fat Unicorn Brewery.

Visit Lac La Biche Region to make new connections and create lifelong memories.

Enter to win a two-night three day get-a-way in Lac La Biche.

Itinerary FYI

Day One

Travel

Stop at Metis Crossing in the morning

Late afternoon/overnight arrive at Hideaway Adventure. Experience the Metis culture and overnight in Trappers tent

Day Two

Museum Tours LLBC (Plamondon, Mission, Lac La Biche)

Dinner at Fat Unicorn Brewery

Overnight at hotel

Day Three

Kayak ½ day

Lunch at golf course

Travel home

Enter Here:

https://www.laclabichecounty.com/come-visit-us/lac-la-biche-region-2020-contest/

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[post_title] => Lac La Biche [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => lac-la-biche [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-07-27 10:58:49 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-07-27 16:58:49 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.summercity.ca/?p=13982 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => With an abundance of space, Lac La Biche Region is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of life. Relax, restore and rejuvenate in the laid-back lifestyle of lake country. There are a variety of accommodation providers from hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, cabins, tipis, trappers’ tents or bring your RV/camping equipment and … ) 1

Models\Post Object ( [_post] => WP_Post Object ( [ID] => 13973 [post_author] => 3 [post_date] => 2020-06-02 13:57:43 [post_date_gmt] => 2020-06-02 19:57:43 [post_content] =>

Flower pots add beauty to any home exterior. They are also easy to maintain. Anita Kuhlmann, one of the owners of Kuhlmann’s Greenhouse Garden Market, recommends using a good quality, all-purpose potting soil mix, along with a water-soluble fertilizer as often as once a week. 

Kuhlmann also says that it is better to use larger containers rather than ones that are too small. “Especially in the hot sun, smaller containers dry out quickly, plants get root-bound in the summer, and it’s harder to water them well,” she explains. 

This is especially important for hanging baskets, where there is both wind and sun to consider, as well as placement around the edge of the house so rain is not hitting them.

Finding the right plants to add that super splash of colour is also easy. Kuhlmann recommends the following popular annuals:

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[post_title] => Five recommended flowers to brighten your surroundings [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => open [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => five-recommended-flowers-to-brighten-your-surroundings [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2020-06-02 13:58:35 [post_modified_gmt] => 2020-06-02 19:58:35 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => http://www.summercity.ca/?p=13973 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => post [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [filter] => raw ) [_excerpt] => Flower pots add beauty to any home exterior. They are also easy to maintain. Anita Kuhlmann, one of the owners of Kuhlmann’s Greenhouse Garden Market, recommends using a good quality, all-purpose potting soil mix, along with a water-soluble fertilizer as often as once a week.  Kuhlmann also says that it is better to use larger … ) 1