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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?

 


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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

 

 

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