The Green Room

David Suzuki wants Canada (and the world!) to be free of toxic chemical pesticides. He just can’t be everywhere at once. So we had to have him replicated.

Gnome Suzuki is on a mission to get our lawns and gardens off drugs. This summer he will be crossing Canada in his magical Gnomemobile, popping up in pesticide-free vegetable patches, balcony flora and indigenous green spaces. It’s easy to earn a chance for a visit . First, enter David Suzuki Digs My Garden .

Then, write to NatureChallenge@DavidSuzuki.org and tell us why your yard, balcony or garden deserves a visit. We’ll pass your request on to his staff of gnomadic assistants. (We’re collecting gnome puns, so be sure to send those, too! You might get gnominated for a prize!)

Just the other day, Gnome Suzuki was hanging out enjoying the sunshine and flowers, minding his own business, when this guy came along and muttered something the other gnomes couldn’t hear. Can you tell us what they’re saying? Sample: “Funny, he looks taller on "The Nature of Things ".

We’ll pick the top three photo captions and, next month (July), readers will get a chance to vote on their favourite. The winner will be featured in the August newsletter.

To submit, write to NatureChallenge@DavidSuzuki.org . (Don’t forget to tell us your name and location!) To make your own (complete with speech balloons) go here .

Here’s an early bird notice for a gardening contest in Teeswater, Ontario: the Contain Yourself! Competition, part of the first Annual Reyouzd Festival (go to http://www.reyouzd.com ) September 20 and 21. It’s a container contest where all garden pots entered must be made of reclaimed materials! Entries will be auctioned, 75% of the money raised will support a bursary program for students seeking post-secondary studies in environmental, landscape and farm science programs (the remaining 25% will go back to the contest winners).

Lynne Taylor, Kincardine Ontario