~ December 2, 2009 ~

A Good Workout...
I was lucky enough to be outside yesterday - yes, you guessed it, raking leaves. Trying to get the last few remaining off the lawn. I really enjoyed myself even though I was a bit sore this morning when climbing out of bed. Gardening is a great work out! You get to do lots of bending, (with the knees not the back), and raking which certainly gives you a good cardio workout. It is so much better than going to the gym - it must be the scenery.

Wind Damage To Evergreens...
Anyone else notice the cold, howling wind today? Be warned - cold winter winds can cause injury to evergreens. Needles and leaves of evergreens may become discolored or develop a bleached out appearance, especially on windy sites. Winter burn is caused by the wind blowing over leaf surfaces and drawing water out of the plant, desiccating the plant tissue. Locations in full sun tend to fare worse. To protect plants, be sure soil is evenly moist up until freeze. During a dry fall, you may need to water regularly until the ground actually freezes. You may also want to consider protecting plants by wrapping them in burlap or putting up some sort of barrier to break the wind. Another option is an anti-desiccant spray. These are available from your local nursery or garden center. Anti-desiccant sprays create an invisible film on the leaf surface that reduces the amount of water lost to the wind and sun. If you choose to try an anti-desiccant, be sure to read and follow the product labeling.

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

Poinsettias Perfected...
From our friends at University of Missouri Extension here are some good tips to make your poinsettias last longer and retain their color. Consumers should consider several factors when buying a poinsettia plant, said David Trinklein, professor of horticulture. The plant should have bright bracts and healthy foliage that does not look wilted. Its cyathia, the true flower in the center of the bracts, should be tightly clustered and just starting to shed pollen. Once it is brought home these tips will keep it healthy and happy:

• Place it in a brightly lit location away from cold drafts or hot air registers.
• Color can be prolonged if the plant is kept at 60° to 72° with high humidity.
• Don't overwater a poinsettia. Water only when the surface of the growing medium is dry to the touch.
• If the pot containing the plant is foil-covered, be sure there is a drainage hole in the foil. Empty any water that might drain through the pot and collect in the saucer below.