Tech

Honeywood Heritage Nursery: A beautiful Saskatchewan tourist destination

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2023

Honeywood Heritage Nursery near Parkside was the home and nursery of Dr. A.J. (Bert) Porter, a pioneer plant breeder in Saskatchewan.

A log home is shown at Honeywood Nursery near Parkside, SK. Photo by Jackie Bantle /SUPPLIED

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One of the challenges of living in Saskatchewan is trying to accomplish all of our gardening events in six months of the year.

There is never a lack of outdoor plant spaces to visit in the summer. If you haven’t had a chance to visit Honeywood Heritage Nursery near Parkside, SK, what have you been waiting for?

Honeywood was the home and nursery of Dr. A.J. (Bert) Porter, a pioneer plant breeder in Saskatchewan. Not only was he a prolific lily breeder, but he is also responsible for testing and making many types of hardy fruit available to Saskatchewan gardeners.

Porter was born in 1901 in Guilford, England and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1907 to settle on a homestead in Saskatchewan.

After taking his normal school training, Porter taught for 12 years in rural classrooms. During the depression of the 1930s, Porter left his teaching career to start a nursery on his farm near Parkside.

Although many customers ordered plants from him during the depression, some could not afford to pick up the plants they ordered.

Instead of throwing them out, he planted them.

Soon, he learned that many of the fruit plants he was selling were grafted onto tender root stock and did not overwinter well. It became his goal to develop hardy fruit plants.

If you’ve grown a Honeywood Saskatoon berry plant, HoneyRed rhubarb, Parkside gooseberry, Parkside plum, Green Elf plum, or a Spring Snow flowering crabapple (which doesn’t produce fruit), you have benefited from Porter’s breeding work.

For the first 15 years of the nursery, Porter focused on growing raspberries, strawberries and apples. He helped develop a winter hardy strawberry.

Around 1948, Porter started growing lilies on his nursery and, by 1954, he was selling lily bulbs. For the next 40-plus years, Porter continued to breed plants, especially lilies. He has 43 lilies credited to his name. Some of the more famous varieties include: Cinnamon Toast, Sky Dancer, Jolly Miller and Orange Light.

Although Porter did not do any formal studies in horticulture, he was awarded a doctor of laws degree at the University of Saskatchewan in 1963.

In 1991, Porter retired from his nursery. Over the next decade, it fell into disrepair.

In 1999, a group of neighbours purchased Honeywood Nursery to preserve its unique horticultural legacy. The original buildings and grounds have since been restored and many of the lost plants were identified and labelled.

In 2001, Honeywood Nursery was designated a municipal heritage property. In 2007, the nursery received provincial heritage property status and, in 2009, it became a registered non-profit corporation.

Special annual events at Honeywood Nursery include Lilies in Bloom and A Touch of Autumn.

This year, Lilies in Bloom will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 16. There will be musical entertainment and artisan displays along with food and drinks as well as walking tours through the lily gardens.

A Touch of Autumn is scheduled for Sept. 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fall colours of the surrounding trees, along with fresh rhubarb and apple pie, are an excellent way to spend a fall day. There are always lily bulbs and perennials for sale as well as local musicians and artisans selling their crafts.

You don’t need a special event to visit Honeywood Nursery. There are always plants to enjoy, trails to walk and a nursery to purchase some plants of your own.

This year, the nursery opened to the public on May 12 and will be open daily throughout the summer and fall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the Honeywood Heritage Nursery Inc. online at honeywood-lilies.ca for up-to-date information and announcements.

Jackie Bantle is a horticulturist working in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Saskatchewan.

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Tech

United Airlines will offer free internet on flights using service from Elon Musk’s SpaceX

Published

7 days ago

September 13, 2024

Anne Joseph

CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.

The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.

United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.

Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.

“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.

The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.

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Tech

How to Preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:

Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.

Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers

While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:

Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source

Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:

Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.

3. Sign Up for Notifications

Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.

Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.

4. Prepare for High Demand

Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:

Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.

Final Thoughts

The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.

For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.

Tech

Introducing the PlayStation 5 Pro: The Next Evolution in Gaming

Published

1 week ago

September 10, 2024

Harry Miller

Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.

Key Features of the PS5 Pro

The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:

Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.

Optimized Games & Patches

Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:

Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West

These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.

Design & Compatibility

Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.

Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.

Pricing & Availability

The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:

$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY

Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.

The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.

Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.