From The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Before I arrived at this blissful state – which is nothing more ambitious than universal tolerance of one’s neighbors – I fought and lost a war. 
Now it’s time to negotiate some sort of mutual tolerance in my garden - I mean, in our garden. Perhaps sensing the seasonal karma, I refuse to continue poisoning the insurgents. That would defeat the purpose of growing things in the first place – to create life. That would be to fail to negotiate with the natives and jump straight to the final solution: the scorched earth policy employed by Mother Nature and her henchman Killing Frost. My lovely cabbages and hybrid purple broccoli are jet-setting arrivistes in the back yard, occupying the empty palaces of a once great empire, populated by strange natives who I have failed to understand. Genocide is not the answer. Hits & Misses: Indoor plant sale & growing pains
Question of the Week: How do I keep my evergreen arrangements looking fresh?
Science & Technology: Mandarin Oranges
The Path to Enjoy 2009: Unique
With Christmas yet to arrive, I know it may seem slightly heretical to talk about spring, but I can’t help myself. Just a few days ago, we received a huge shipment of gorgeous succulents destined for patio containers. There are speckled succulents, clam-shaped succulents, even flaming-red ones, but what they all have in common is that besides being good looking, they are also remarkably drought tolerant. And let’s face it, who of us would complain about having to spend less time watering?
Hits & Misses
Hit: Indoor Plant Sale
Speaking of shipments, we just received a truckload of tropical plants that will be for sale on January 2nd. At a time when the greenhouses are looking a bit sparse because of the gaps created by sold poinsettias, it’s wonderful to see so much large greenery. If you can’t travel to the tropics in January, might as well bring the tropics here!
Miss: Growing Pains
I have some plant problems in my home. Well, let me clarify that. My plants are actually having some people and dog problems. You see, my dog has decided that Ficus and Dracaena are part of a healthy diet, and my toddler has decided that potting soil shouldn’t be restricted to pots—apparently hardwood floors also make an excellent repository. To date, the dog, plants and floors look none the worse for wear, so with a little luck, I’ll be able to chalk it all up to the “it’s a phase they’re going through” principle. Come on, luck!
Question of the Week
How do I keep my evergreen arrangements looking fresh?
Outdoor wreaths and evergreen-filled urns will almost take care of themselves this time of the year. The humid air and cold temperatures act as an extreme version of a florist’s cooler and will keep your greenery looking good for months. To extend the life of your indoor arrangement, keep evergreens away from drying heat vents and fireplaces, and give them an occasional misting of water.
Science & Technology
Mandarin Oranges
I was reading a research report in the latest issue of The Journal of the American Society for Horiticultural Science called…wait for it…“Phylogenetic Analysis of Mandarin Landraces, Wild Mandarins, and Related Species in China Using Nuclear LEAFY Second Intron and Plastid trnL-trnF Sequence.” And now for a confession that really shouldn’t surprise you: I didn’t actually read this paper. I would have, but I’d have needed a lot more coffee to wade through the complicated Mandarin genetics to have even had a hope of comprehending the complexities of this research. At the same time, I know that as I stand in my kitchen and enjoy the sweet flavour of a Mandarin orange, I’m immensely thankful that researchers are spending time investigating what makes this fruit tick. The more we know about the nuances of crops like Mandarin oranges, the greater the likelihood of them being around for many generations to come.
Trend Spotting
Tired of traditional? You’re not alone. Make a unique holiday statement in your home with one of these feather wreaths. Quite possibly the perfect gift for tickling your holiday fancy.
The Path to Enjoy 2009
Unique
Can a Storm Pond become a Botanic Garden?
We think so. Our new greenhouse in South Riel will be located beside a storm pond, so we are working with the City of St. Albert and Beaverbrook Developments to come up with a plan to turn the functional into the enjoyable. That means exploring the idea of creating a water-cleansing system that doubles as an attractive botanic garden.
Did You Know?
The world’s largest puffball weighed 6.12 kilograms.
“A lovely thing about Christmas is that it’s compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together.”
–Garrison Keillor
Jim’s notebook will be taking a break over the holidays and will return on Thursday, January 10th, 2008. Until then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.
