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December 12, 2001

All Aboooard....
Kevin and I took the kids out to Powell Gardens last weekend to see the miniature trains that are set up in the conservatory (pix).  The boys were beside themselves with excitement.  I am convinced that they could have stood there and watched those trains for hours.  Powell Gardens is beautifully decorated for Christmas.  We hopped on the trolley and took a ride over to the Chapel.  The landscape was so winter-like - tall golden grasses glittered in the bright sun and the pansies were shivering in the chill of the late fall air.  Once we arrived at the Chapel we entered and admired all of the different colors and varieties of poinsettias.  What a stunning display.  Of course, the view from the Chapel is so serene.  A great way to spend a few hours.  If you have a train lover in your family, the miniature trains will be running until January 6th. 

As I am writing a light but steady rain continues to fall outside.  What a welcome sight!  We could really use an inch or two but I am willing to settle for whatever comes our way.  This fall has been so dry and I am fearful for all of our plantings going into winter.  We'll continue to water as long as the temperatures are above freezing.  You should too! 

Don't forget that gardeners love gardening gifts.  Make sure you visit our sponsors to look for those special ornamentals that will last a life time.  I know that The Kelly Gallery, The Sweet Onion and Earl May have Christmas treasures for every gardener on your list. 

PS - It is not too late to sign up for the Philadelphia Flower Show. WE WANT YOU!!!!!!!

~ Shelly  

Getting A Handle On Gift Giving...
If you're thinking about buying garden tools as gifts for that special gardener make sure you choose them carefully.  Getting the basics right can be the difference between a tool that helps the gardener versus one that frustrates.  

  • Grips - The right tool starts with a good grip. For starters, it should be pliable and non-slip.  A pliable, soft grip will protect your joints and help keep your hand from cramping.  A non-slip handle means you don't have to waste energy hanging onto the tool.
  • Handles - Tools with longer handles will make it easier to garden by saving you from bending over or overextending your reach in the garden. A long handle will also give you some leverage and help you in using the tool.
  • Weight - Check the weight of any tool you're going to buy.  It should be heavy enough to be durable but not so heavy it is fatiguing to use.  A lightweight tool means more energy to garden.
  • Quality - Good tools, well taken care of will last forever.  Those tools that get daily use (trowels come to mind) should be made of materials that are both durable and effective.  Stainless steel and carbon steel blades are best.  

Source 

Two Out Of Three Wise Men Recommend...
The holiday season is full of traditions involving the plants we grow.  Wreaths, mistletoe, Christmas trees, the list goes on.  How about frankincense and myrrh?  What is that stuff anyway?  Well, they are both resins - dried tree sap - that come from trees of the genus Boswellia (frankincense) and Commiphora (myrrh).  The way that people collect the sap is similar to the way people collect rubber tree sap or pine tree sap.  Cutting the tree's bark causes the sap to ooze out of the cut.  The sap used to create both of these famous resins comes slowly and is allowed to dry on the tree.  Both in the time of the three wise men and today, frankincense and myrrh are most commonly used to create incense.

All Wrapped Up...
You've seen tree trunks wrapped up for the winter but do you really know why?   The aim of tree wrapping is to keep the trunk from heating unevenly on bright, sunny, winter days.  Bark tends to split as it cools rapidly after the winter sun has warmed the south and west sides of the tree.  Most Savvygardeners use commercially available tree wraps or put up canvas or burlap screens to shade young fruit trees.  But even a plank leaned up against the south side of the trunk will help.  Painting trunks with white latex paint is a technique common in orchards to achieve the same purpose.  You should consider these protective measures if you have young, tender-barked trees like fruit trees.

 


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Pacing Your Paperwhites...
As the holidays near, you can adjust the bloom time of your forced paperwhites.  If they are coming along too quickly, place them in a cool room (50-60° F) and water less frequently.  If you need to speed them up a bit, place them in the warmest room in the house.  With a little luck they'll be blooming right on time!

Illuminating Houseplant Help...
To keep your houseplants healthy you may need to compensate for the short days and long nights of winter.  Try moving them closer to windows but make sure their foliage doesn't actually touch the cold window.  Supplemental lighting is another option.  Light units containing special grow lights can be purchased from mail-order companies or at garden centers.  You can also build your own lighting structure.  A standard fluorescent unit containing one cool white 40 watt tube and one warm white 40 watt tube provides adequate light for most houseplants.  Plants should be placed within 6 to 12 inches of the lights for maximum benefit.

Source

 


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Winter Wisdom...
If the recent up and down temperatures have you feeling a little confused try looking at it from a dormant plant's viewpoint.  It turns out that our perennials resting snug in their beds might need some extra care because of the loopy weather.  Our Winter Wisdom staff explores some ideas for tucking-in your plants and even some ideas to help a weary gardener settle in for the winter.  You'll find it all in this week's Winter Wisdom... 

Cold Facts About Cool Season Grasses...
With the notable exception of a lack of rainfall this past fall has been particularly good for establishing cool-season grasses.  Don't get complacent however!  Unless we get appreciable snow, which acts as an insulating cover, cool-season grasses are at risk from desiccation.  Young plants are at the greatest risk, especially with repeated freeze/thaw cycles.  A good soaking (½ - 1 inch) at the time mowers are serviced and stored for winter, will help alleviate this problem by supplying water to the soil and keeping plants moist.  

Source

Finally...
"I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

'We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
"

~ Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing

 

 

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