Latest news with #Sharyn
Ottawa Citizen
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Ottawa Citizen
The City Gardener: Clematis, queen of the garden
My friend Sharyn is a passionate gardener who lives, and gardens, in the Rouge Valley. By her own admission, Sharyn is a clematis queen – she has some twelve different varieties in her wonderful cottage-style garden. She planted her first one, a sturdy little 'Jackmanii', by the front porch fourteen years ago, and it's still growing strong, topping out today at close to 16 feet. Altogether, her collection makes a spectacular display from early June almost till fall. Article content Article content Article content Clematis (feel free to pronounce it Clem-AH-tis, or CLEM-ah-tis, since both are correct) is an old-fashioned favourite that appears in literature going back as far as ancient Greece, where it was associated with the god Apollo. (The word 'clematis,' somewhat unimaginatively, comes from the ancient Greek word for vine.) But the form we know today was probably introduced to Victorian gardens in the mid-nineteenth century, and has been a much-loved (and much-hybridized) garden staple ever since. Article content What Sharyn loves about them is that they are extremely easy to grow, almost indestructible once established, and if they like where you put them, will thrive for years, even centuries: abandoned farmhouses sometimes still have clematis vines blooming by their front doors. Article content The plant comes in a huge variety of colours, from white, pink, red, and blue to light and dark purple – and different sizes and shapes, including bell, star-shaped, multiple, evergreen forms, large or tiny blossoms, and even cone-shaped or tubular varieties. Some are richly fragrant, feature two or even three colours on a single blossom, and can be striped, spotted, or have contrasting throats. Sharyn's collection includes 'The President,' 'Nelly Moser,' 'Icy Montana,' and of course the granddaddy of them all, 'Jackmanii.' Article content Article content The full clematis family comprises twelve different groups, each with different habits and methods of care. But most popular are the spring bloomers (Group 1), repeat bloomers (Group 2), and summer/fall bloomers (Group 3). It's important to know which group your clematis falls into, as each has unique annual pruning requirements – and these can vary considerably. Article content The care tag that comes with the plant will tell you all of that, along with planting and growing tips; read it carefully and hang on to it for future reference, especially if, like Sharyn, you grow more than one variety. (She tends to stick to one favourite group to avoid confusion; almost all of hers are Group 1 or 2.) Article content Clematis prefer rich, well-drained soil, and plenty of water throughout the growing season, but don't let them get soggy. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the plant arrived in and settle it in carefully, adding soil at the sides as needed but being careful not to add more soil on top; they hate being planted too deep. Water regularly and add compost or fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
Glasgow Times
12-05-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Sister raised funds for cancer research in brother's memory
Sharyn Cusack took part in this year's Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise funds for research into glioblastoma, the disease that claimed her brother Graham McKie's life when he was just 32. Sharyn, from Glasgow, said: "Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for. "He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us. "Even during his illness, he stayed strong. "He never let it change his spirit." Read more: Glasgow man steps up to walk 23 miles in a kilt for charity Graham began experiencing severe headaches on Boxing Day 2005. In January 2006, he was diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma. Doctors gave him a prognosis of 12 to 18 months, leading the family to bring forward significant life events such as Sharyn's wedding. Sharyn, 49, said: "It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there. "Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham's condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us. "Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time. "Although Graham didn't feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party. "That was just who he was, a true gentleman.' Sharyn on her wedding day with brother Graham (second left), and family (Image: Supplied) Graham died only seven months after his diagnosis, on August 11, 2006, surrounded by his family. Sharyn said: "There's that old saying that time is a healer, but I'm not sure it's true. "You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away. "On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there's always someone missing. "Graham's absence is still deeply felt.' In honour of Graham's memory, his family have gone on to raise more than £50,000 for brain tumour research. Sharyn's recent participation in the iconic Glasgow Kiltwalk, with friends Pamela Wilson and Lynda Scott, known as Team Braveheart, raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. Sharyn with friends, Pamela and Lynda at the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2025 (Image: Supplied) This joint venture by Brain Tumour Research and the Beatson Cancer Charity, focuses on research into glioblastoma. Read more: St Enoch Centre staff raise funds for Street Soccer Scotland Sharyn said: "There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people. "Before Graham's diagnosis, I hadn't even heard of glioblastoma. "Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won't have to go through what we did.' Ashley McWilliams, community development manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Sharyn's strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving. "Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we're so grateful for their support."
Daily Mirror
11-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'My brother had a headache on Boxing Day - seven months later he was dead'
Graham McKie, 32, complained of severe headaches on Boxing Day before he was diagnosed with grade 4 cancer - and died just seven months later surrounded by his heartbroken family A woman has paid tribute to her "generous and caring" brother whose Boxing Day headache turned out to be the first sign of a fatal illness that claimed his life seven months later. Graham McKie, 32, complained of severe headaches on Boxing Day before he was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma and given just 12 to 18 months to live. The heart shattering news came shortly after his younger sister Sharyn Cusack got engaged - so she and her partner brought their wedding date forward to allow Graham to attend. He was able to serve as an usher on her special day, but tragically died months later on August 11, 2006, surrounded by loved-ones. Graham's family have since come together to raise £50,000 for cancer charities in the hope of contributing to a cure in the future, Glasgow Live reports. Looking back on her engagement almost twenty years ago, Sharyn, 49, said: "Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham's condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us. Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time. "Although Graham didn't feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party. That was just who he was, a true gentleman. It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there." She added: "Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us. Even during his illness, he stayed strong. He never let it change his spirit. I believe he put on a brave face for all of us, right up to the very end." Alongside friends, Sharyn took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise cash and awareness for research into glioblastoma - the most aggressive and most common type of brain cancer. Brain tumours affect people of all ages, yet just 1% of national cancer research funding has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. The group raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma. Sharyn said: "There's that old saying that time is a healer, but I'm not sure it's true. You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away. On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there's always someone missing. Graham's absence is still deeply felt. Losing him has spurred us on to support others who may be facing the same devastating diagnosis. There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people. "Before Graham's diagnosis, I hadn't even heard of glioblastoma, and very little about brain tumours. Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won't have to go through what we did." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Sharyn's strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving. Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we're so grateful for their support."
Daily Record
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Woman's tribute to brother after severe headache turned out to be deadly cancer
Graham McKie's sister rescheduled her wedding so he could be part of it after his diagnosis. A Glasgow woman has paid tribute to her "generous and caring" brother who died only seven months after being diagnosed with cancer. Graham McKie had been experiencing severe headaches on Boxing Day before he was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma and given just 12 to 18 months to live. The devastating news, which came shortly after his younger sister Sharyn Cusack got engaged, left her having to reschedule their wedding so Graham could be part of it. The 32-year-old served as an usher on her big day, reports Glasgow Live. Tragically, just a few months after the wedding Graham sadly died on August 11, in 2006, surrounded by his heartbroken family. His absence is still deeply felt, especially during family occasions, but it has inspired his family to raise over £50,000 through various activities for the brain tumour cause in the hope of one day contributing to a cure being found. Sharyn, 49, said: "Our initial plan was to be married in November, but after the doctors said we should move things forward due to Graham's condition, we started to make plans sooner so he could be with us. Arranging the wedding in a short space of time gave us something positive to focus on during that difficult time. "Although Graham didn't feel comfortable in himself because of the side effects of his treatment, he still insisted on wearing a kilt to match the rest of the wedding party. That was just who he was, a true gentleman. 'It was such a special day and meant everything to have Graham there." She added: "Graham was the best big brother anyone could ask for. He was generous, caring and would have done anything for me and my sister, Jaclyn, giving us lifts before we could drive, helping with DIY when I got my first flat and always looking out for us. "Even during his illness, he stayed strong. He never let it change his spirit. I believe he put on a brave face for all of us, right up to the very end." Sharyn took part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk, walking alongside friends Pamela Wilson and Lynda Scott (in a group known as Team Braveheart) to raise cash and awareness for research into glioblastoma - the most aggressive and most common type of brain cancer. Brain tumours affect people of all ages, yet just 1 per cent of national cancer research funding has been allocated to brain tumours since records began in 2002. In Graham's memory, the team raised more than £2,500 in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma. Sharyn said: "There's that old saying that time is a healer, but I'm not sure it's true. You learn to live with the grief, but the feeling of loss never goes away. On birthdays, Christmas, family occasions, there's always someone missing. Graham's absence is still deeply felt. 'Losing him has spurred us on to support others who may be facing the same devastating diagnosis. There is still so little awareness about brain tumours, even though they are one of the biggest cancer killers of young people. "Before Graham's diagnosis, I hadn't even heard of glioblastoma, and very little about brain tumours. Fundraising gives us a sense of purpose, and the new Centre of Excellence opening in Scotland gives us hope that other families won't have to go through what we did." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Sharyn's strength and commitment in memory of her brother is incredibly moving. Families like hers are the driving force behind our progress, and we're so grateful for their support."
Toronto Sun
09-05-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Clematis: Queen of the garden
Clematis are easy to grow, almost indestructible once established, and if they like where you put them, will thrive for years. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Like many an old-fashioned favourite, this versatile vine is so beautiful and easy to grow This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account My friend Sharyn is a passionate gardener who lives, and gardens, in the Rouge Valley. By her own admission, Sharyn is a clematis queen – she has some twelve different varieties in her wonderful cottage-style garden. She planted her first one, a sturdy little 'Jackmanii', by the front porch fourteen years ago, and it's still growing strong, topping out today at close to 16 feet. Altogether, her collection makes a spectacular display from early June almost till fall. Clematis (feel free to pronounce it Clem-AH-tis, or CLEM-ah-tis, since both are correct) is an old-fashioned favourite that appears in literature going back as far as ancient Greece, where it was associated with the god Apollo. (The word 'clematis,' somewhat unimaginatively, comes from the ancient Greek word for vine.) But the form we know today was probably introduced to Victorian gardens in the mid-nineteenth century, and has been a much-loved (and much-hybridized) garden staple ever since. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. What Sharyn loves about them is that they are extremely easy to grow, almost indestructible once established, and if they like where you put them, will thrive for years, even centuries: abandoned farmhouses sometimes still have clematis vines blooming by their front doors. The plant comes in a huge variety of colours, from white, pink, red, and blue to light and dark purple – and different sizes and shapes, including bell, star-shaped, multiple, evergreen forms, large or tiny blossoms, and even cone-shaped or tubular varieties. Some are richly fragrant, feature two or even three colours on a single blossom, and can be striped, spotted, or have contrasting throats. Sharyn's collection includes 'The President,' 'Nelly Moser,' 'Icy Montana,' and of course the granddaddy of them all, 'Jackmanii.' The full clematis family comprises twelve different groups, each with different habits and methods of care. But most popular are the spring bloomers (Group 1), repeat bloomers (Group 2), and summer/fall bloomers (Group 3). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It's important to know which group your clematis falls into, as each has unique annual pruning requirements – and these can vary considerably. The care tag that comes with the plant will tell you all of that, along with planting and growing tips; read it carefully and hang on to it for future reference, especially if, like Sharyn, you grow more than one variety. (She tends to stick to one favourite group to avoid confusion; almost all of hers are Group 1 or 2.) Clematis prefer rich, well-drained soil, and plenty of water throughout the growing season, but don't let them get soggy. Dig a hole the same depth as the pot the plant arrived in and settle it in carefully, adding soil at the sides as needed but being careful not to add more soil on top; they hate being planted too deep. Water regularly and add compost or fertilizer monthly during the growing season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Like all exuberant bloomers, clematises love full sun, a minimum of six hours a day. (Even so, there are a few hybrids available that will tolerate light shade.) But they need cool roots, so plant something at their feet: hostas or daylilies are a perfect complement, since they allow the clematis's roots to warm up in early spring sunshine but fill in to provide shelter as summer wears on. Since it is a vine, you'll need to provide something for your clematis to grow on. A trellis or arbour is ideal, but you can train it to cling to espalier frames, ladders, sturdy twine, or anything fanciful you can imagine. (My own 'Jackmanii' grows on an ugly wire fence separating my garden from my neighbours', and transforms it into a colourful carpet of royal purple by July.) Sharyn always buys the biggest potted specimens she can afford from the nursery; that way, she knows the plant has gotten off to a good start and sometimes gets blooms the very first year. But you could also start off with a few smaller ones in four-inch pots, and experiment with different colours and types. Before long, you may become a passionate clematis enthusiast yourself. Please feel free to write in with questions, to comment or to share your own city gardening adventures with Martha. Write to her at marthasgarden07@ Canada Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Canada
