Martin is a person supported by Pulford who enjoys gardening with his mother. Each year, he tries to capture a theme to tell a story about his flowers. Read more to find out about this year's theme.
When looking at the house, the garden on the front left side presents one of Martin's biggest challenges. As a shade garden, it receives limited sunlight, so he jokes that he has "low expectations" for what will thrive there. Even so, that hasn't stopped him from experimenting with different plants and finding creative ways to make the space attractive. Originally, Martin had hoped to feature official Winnipeg visit plaques throughout the garden, but the cost proved prohibitive. Instead, he found a more affordable way to tell the story he wanted by incorporating records and other unique items into the landscape. For Martin, gardening is as much about creativity and personal expression as it is about growing plants.
The garden on the right side of the house reflects another of Martin's passions. Designed as a tribute to the Winnipeg Arena, the space is filled with memorabilia connected to performers who appeared at the iconic venue over the years. Every item has been carefully selected, creating a garden that is both a living landscape and a celebration of music and entertainment history. Visitors quickly realize that Martin's gardens are more than flower beds; they are personal stories brought to life through plants, artifacts, and careful design.
Martin approaches gardening with the future in mind. When selecting plants, he pays close attention to the effects of climate change and chooses varieties that can better adapt to changing weather conditions. Rather than completely redesigning his gardens each season, he prefers to let them evolve naturally, adding a little something new every year. This gradual approach allows him to continually experiment, learn, and keep the garden fresh and interesting. His love of gardening is evident in the time and thought he puts into every addition, no matter how small. Gardening has also been a wonderful way for Martin and his family, especially his mother, to bond and spend time together. The shared experience has strengthened those connections over the years, and he encourages everyone to give gardening a try.
One tradition Martin never skips is growing tomatoes. No matter what other plants or projects he takes on, tomatoes remain a staple in his garden each year. Their reliability and the satisfaction of harvesting fresh produce make them an essential part of his gardening routine. They serve as a reminder that while Martin enjoys innovation and experimentation, he also values the simple pleasures that keep him connected to the garden season after season.
Away from the garden, Martin can also be found behind the microphone at CKUW 95.9 FM, where he hosts Comic Book Radio Theatre every Saturday night into Sunday morning from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. The program features dramatic readings of favorite comic books paired with a soundtrack of punk and metal music. True to Martin's style, the show comes with a straightforward warning for listeners: "If you don't like heavy guitar, don't bother." Much like his gardens, the show reflects his personality, creativity, and enthusiasm for sharing the things he loves with others.
