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Giving Thanks...
As I type this message I am
thinking about all of the things that need to be done for
tomorrow. I have been to the
grocery store several times already this week and certainly won't
be surprised if I have to go tomorrow. The
memory sure isn't what it use to be. Kevin's
parents, Mary and Larry are here from Maryland for a holiday
visit. We are all so excited that
they are here to spend some time. I
am looking forward to using some of Mary's expertise.
Mary is a Master Gardener as well as a professional
floral designer so you can understand my enthusiasm for having
her here while I decorate for the Christmas season.
I will try to include photos in
next week's issue so that you can see
the wonders of her work. She
really is quite talented and I have learned so much from her over
the years. She is
but one of the many talented gardening
people in my life. It all started
with my grandmother, my father and Kevin's mom.
Of course Kevin is a constant
influence and my number one supporter. We
certainly are a team and work well together. I
am so blessed! I hope to continue
the gardening lineage as I, in return,
teach my children the joys of gardening.
We will
pause tomorrow from the usual craziness around this house to give
thanks for the great lives we have. We
are thankful for each other, our health, family, great friends
and all of you! Please have a
very safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
~
Shelly
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.
Bundle
Up For Winter...
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.
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
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
Worm
Wisdom...
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?
Winter Wisdom...
From the number of
calls on the subject that we continue to receive, many gardeners have
questions about plants they have brought into their homes for protection
after a spring and summer on the patio or terrace.
Acclimation, lighting, water, even stowaway bugs are covered in
this
week's
Winter Wisdom...
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... "For
flowers that bloom about our feet;
For tender grass, so fresh, so
sweet;
For song of bird, and hum of bee;
For all things fair we hear or
see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!" ~
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Poet, (1803-1882) |
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