December
5, 2001
Gardening
With Garland...
As I was pondering what to write about this week it suddenly
struck me. I have been busily decorating the house for
Christmas and it is ironic how I am using a lot of my gardening
influence to change the house into a festive showcase.
Hanging garland here, cutting boxwood from out front to stick
into vases and other places to add different shades of greens.
Using poinsettias as the annual to add a splash of bold red.
It reminds me of starting a new garden. The planning is
very similar. You choose what you want to plant and where
you want to plant it. Interestingly enough creativity has
not come naturally to me. Though as I grow older I am
willing to take the time and risk to really try and work with
plants, interiors and other creative things, even cooking.
In the past I have been afraid to try certain things because I
might fail. I tend to be a perfectionist so if it isn't
done right it just doesn't get done. How silly! As
the old saying goes " If you don't try, you will never
know". Another birthday is upon me this month
and not only am I a year older I also believe that I am a year
wiser!
I know that their are hundreds of you pondering the trip to the Philadelphia
Flower Show. Do not procrastinate! Sign up today
and get on board. We want you to experience the best flower
show in the United States with us!
Don't miss Earl
May's coupon - 10% off on-line purchases. Can't beat
that - especially for the holidays.
Get the hoses out if you haven't already. It is dry and
the forecast is calling for a slight (let me translate that word
for you, zero) chance of precipitation throughout this next week.
Don't forget those evergreens. Really soak them now while
the ground is still warm. It could mean the difference in
their surviving the winter!
~
Shelly
Cold
Clay Containers...
Wow, it sure got cold last week! Hopefully not so cold
that your clay flower pots cracked. Assuming they survived
(ours did) now would be a good time to get them ready for the
colder temperatures ahead. As we cycle through freezing and
thawing weather any moist soil in the pots will expand and
contract causing cracks and ultimately breaking the container
altogether. Use this warmer weather we're getting to empty
all soil from your pots and store them in a sheltered area until
spring.
Pesticide
Precautions...
This is a good time to remember that pesticides are dangerous
poisons and must be stored properly for the winter months.
Store them in a frost-free location away from food and out of the
reach of children. If a pesticide is in a paper container,
put the whole package in a plastic container and seal it well.
Be sure that all bottles and cans are tightly sealed and well
labeled.
Store
liquid pesticides where temperatures will not fall below 40°F.
Too low a temperature may result in a breakdown of the chemical.
Also, if the liquid should freeze, there is the danger of the
glass container breaking and scattering the chemical in the
storage area.
Warmer
Worms...
If earthworms have been important residents in your garden
beds make sure you give them the right winter protection.
Basically it's important to know that they must remain below the
frost line in order to survive. Simple mulching is part of
the solution but you can actually direct your earthworms to
specific action by the amount of mulch you use. If you want
earthworms to help break down organic matter in the upper soil
layers, mulch deeply. If you need the subsoil aerated,
leave the surface mulch thin; the worms will burrow downward to
stay warm. How's that for savvy?
Holiday
Boxes...
If your empty window boxes are begging for some winter
substance try filling them creatively with evergreen branches
inserted into the soil. If the soil is already frozen
soften it with warm water first. You will find that balsam
fir branches will hold their blue-green needles until spring.
For added color try bittersweet, holly berries, and strawflowers.
A Winter
Jacket...
Young thin-barked trees, such as maples and many fruit trees,
are especially susceptible to frost cracking or sunscald. Prevent
damage by wrapping their trunks with commercial tree wrap or
painting the south and southwest-facing sides of the trunk with
white latex outdoor paint.
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Winter
Wisdom...
As we approach the holiday season and the weather becomes
more winter-like, our days are brightened by traditional holiday
houseplants. In this
week's Winter
Wisdom we describe three of the more popular with
brief tips for their care which may prolong their life and your
enjoyment.
Talk
About Hungry Plants...
If you're looking for a way to get a small child interested
in gardening you might consider growing some carnivorous plants
indoors this winter. We're talking about Venus Fly Traps,
Pitcher Plants, and Sundew. Any and all of these insect
eaters will capture the imagination of kids (of all ages).
Some hints:
- Carnivorous plants require a
moist, acidic growing medium, high relative humidity, and
bright light.
- Try growing them in a fish
aquarium or large terrarium. A piece of Plexiglas placed
over the top will help maintain a high relative
humidity. Ventilation can be provided by keeping the Plexiglas
slightly ajar.
- Use 2 parts sphagnum peat moss and
one part coarse sand as a growing medium. Place one inch of
coarse gravel on the bottom before adding the growing medium.
- Good lighting is essential for
carnivorous plants. An east or west facing window that
receives at least 1 or 2 hours of direct sun is fine. A
fluorescent light fixture containing two 40 watt tubes can be
used in poorly lit areas.
- Day-time temperatures should be
70° to 75°F during the summer and 55° to 60°F in winter.
- Water with rain or distilled
water. Tap water may be too alkaline or contain too many
minerals.
- There
is usually no need to fertilize carnivorous plants. These
plants are native to areas with low nutrient levels.
Source
Finally... "In
a drear-nighted December,
Too happy, happy tree,
Thy branches ne'er remember
Their green felicity." ~
John Keats, Poet, 1795-1821 |