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November
28, 2001
Philadelphia
Fling...
December is almost upon us and there is so much going on.
We picked out our tree this past weekend at The
Sweet Onion and finally decorated
it Monday evening. We chose a much taller, thinner
towards the top tree as opposed to last year's rounder tree.
I am very happy with our choice and it is quite beautiful and
very aromatic. There is nothing like the smell of a fresh
cut Frasier Fir. It is the smell of Christmas. Kevin
and I enjoyed talking with some of our readers. It is
always so much fun to meet Savvygardeners. I really enjoy
the positive response I receive from all of you. You are
very encouraging and both Kevin and I appreciate that. If
you haven't had a chance to get over to The
Sweet Onion, do so quickly as last year they sold out of
their trees and I would expect them to do the same this year.
PS - They love to hear that you read Savvygardener.com!
I could hardly wait to tell you about this next part. Kevin
and I would like to invite you to join us in attending the
Philadelphia Flower Show next March. We have never been and
what a better way to experience this terrific show than with
other gardeners and good friends! I cannot wait! What
a great Christmas present to give to your gardening partner!
Sign
up now! Space is limited and we don't want you to miss
out! Spring will be here soon and I can't think of a better
way of welcoming it! Traveling Savvygardeners, what a great
idea!
So, they are talking snow. It sounds like only a few
flurries but I guess that counts as the real thing. We knew
it was coming it was just a matter of time. I am thankful
for the fruitful fall we had. I can't believe how much I
accomplished. Hopefully we will see another one of those
again next year. It sure does make getting through the
winter a lot easier. Stay warm and try to enjoy the
upcoming holiday season. December can become rather hectic
so don't forget to slow down and enjoy the true meaning of the
holidays!
~
Shelly
Pampered
Poinsettias...
Poinsettias are somewhat finicky in regard to soil
moisture. Avoid overwatering as poinsettias do not like
"wet feet." On the other hand, if the plant is
allowed to wilt, it will drop some leaves. So how do we
maintain a proper level of moisture? Examine the potting
soil daily by sticking your finger about one inch deep into the
soil. If it is dry to this depth, the plant needs
water. When it becomes dry to the touch, water the plant
with lukewarm water until some water runs out of the drainage
hole, then discard the drainage water..
Source
Cold
Facts On Watering Houseplants...
Before you give your houseplants that next drink you should
know that according to Ohio State researchers cold water can
destroy the ability of root cells to take in water and nutrients.
Water below 50°F was found to reduce leaf size, cause leaf drop,
and eventually contribute to the death of potted plants.
Those requiring frequent watering, such as spathiphyllum and
ficus, are especially prone to damage and should not be watered
with water below 65°F. Other tests show that warmer water
(about 90°F) actually stimulates growth.
Source
Keeping A
Hose Handy...
Last week we talked about the proper way to store your garden
hoses for the winter. One of the most important things you
can do to maintain a healthy lawn is keep it watered during a dry
winter. If the weather is dry and the temperatures are
favorable we will remind you from time to time to get out the
hose and water. If
possible keep the hose in a heated garage or basement so that it
is flexible and ice free when you need it.
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Favored
Foods For Feathered Friends...
Birds are finding it harder and harder to find reliable food
sources. Once we get some snow cover it will be especially
tricky for our feathered friends to get a good bite to eat.
Keep your feeders full and you will be rewarded with beautiful
garden visitors year round. If you're interested in
attracting specific birds here are some popular birds and their
favorite menu items:
Bird
Type |
Favorite
Foods |
American
Goldfinch |
Niger
thistle seeds, broken sunflower hearts, oil-type sunflower
seeds. |
Northern
Cardinal |
Sunflower
seeds of all types, safflower, cracked corn, millet, other
seeds, unsalted nutmeats, raisins. |
Black-capped
Chickadee |
Oil-type
sunflower seeds, cracked unsalted nutmeats, safflower,
suet. |
Dark-eyed
Junco |
Red
or white proso millet, finely cracked corn, oil-type
sunflower seed, unsalted nutmeats. |
Grosbeaks |
Sunflower
seeds of all types, safflower, cracked corn. |
Mourning
Dove |
Oil-type
sunflower seeds, white and red proso millet, safflower,
cracked corn, wheat, milo, other seeds. |
Native
Sparrows |
Red
or white proso millet, oil-type sunflower seeds, cracked
corn, some safflower. |
Woodpeckers |
Suet,
unsalted nutmeats, sunflower seeds, cracked corn. |
Source
Winter
Wisdom...
Each year, we are
asked what gardeners should do to prepare for winter. With
temperatures heading steadily downward, the question seems particularly
timely. In short, do it now, while you can still work in relative
comfort outdoors! A gardener's checklist of chores is in this
week's Winter
Wisdom...
Tannenbaum
Tips...
As you already know, Kevin, the kids, and I picked up a
beautiful Frasier Fir from sponsor The
Sweet Onion last weekend. We love Frasier's for their
short, but soft needles and their wonderful shape. Everyone
has a favorite tree but regardless it's important to take care of
it once it's home for beauty and safety reasons alike.
Your tree
should have a fresh cut across the bottom, about one inch above
the old base. This removes any clogged wood that may not
readily absorb water. Next, it should be placed in a
stand with a large reservoir of water. Use boiling water
for the first watering. Depending upon the size, species,
and location of the tree, it may absorb a gallon of water in the
first day, so it should be checked frequently and re-watered as
necessary. Although some people advocate placing various
substances in the water to preserve freshness, we recommend that
you just keep the tree well-watered with regular tap water.
It is
important that the tree always be kept watered and not allowed to
dry out. If the tree does become dried out, it may not be
able to adequately absorb moisture once it is re-watered, and it
will shed its needles prematurely. A good rule of thumb is
to treat a green Christmas tree just like a fresh bouquet of cut
flowers.
Your
Christmas tree should be located in a safe place, preferably near
a wall or corner where it is not likely to be knocked over.
Keeping the tree away from heat sources such as hot air ducts,
wood stoves, fireplaces, etc., will help to preserve freshness
and lessen fire danger. Similarly, light cords and
connections used in decorating the tree should be in good working
condition. Lights should always be turned off at bedtime or
when leaving for an extended period of time.
Fresh,
well-watered Christmas trees do not represent a fire hazard.
Trees that are dried out, however, do. The best fire
retardant is to keep the tree supplied with plenty of water.
Source
Finally... "In
the evenings
I scrape my fingernails clean,
hunt through old catalogues for new seed,
oil workboots and shears.
This garden is no metaphor --
more a task that swallows you into itself,
earth using, as always, everything it can." ~
Jan Hirshfield, November, Remembering Voltaire |
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