(Via Gardening Question of the Day (from the Old Farmer's Almanac))

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 20:00:00

I have a problem with grasshoppers. They destroy my patch of turnip greens in no time at all. What can I do about them? (answer).

From The Old Farmer's Almanac.

(Via Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 17:53:43

I've been longing for this moment ever since Deb carted our first ever REAL Christmas tree into the lounge. It's been a tormentuous affair watching this no-longer-live tree pine (pardon the pun) for my compost heap.

The kids were counting down the sleeps until Santa arrived (yer...we do Santa in our house) while I was crossing off the days until the tree was finally MINE!!!!

Each day it got a little bit drier and a tad droopier until my wonderfully accommodating wife said "Enough was enough!" Apparently, the drool on the carpet was becoming unsightly. So, off came the tinsel, the adornments and any unpresented gifts were packed into a box.

And, before you could say "Where did that Christmas tree go?" I had the mulcher set up and was madly lopping its limbs. Oh the Joy! How good is Christmas??

Five minutes later, the whole tree - minus the stem - had been blitzed into my compost heap and that wonderfully pine fragrance covered up the sins of Christmas preparations past. Unfortunately, the stem was just a little too wide for my shredder so it will head to the local refuse site where they will put it through their gigantuan mulcher and sell it back to me at $5 a trailer load.

My only regret is that we didn't get a bigger tree.

(Via Gardening Tips 'n' Ideas)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 17:53:43

I've been longing for this moment ever since Deb carted our first ever REAL Christmas tree into the lounge. It's been a tormentuous affair watching this no-longer-live tree pine (pardon the pun) for my compost heap.

The kids were counting down the sleeps until Santa arrived (yer...we do Santa in our house) while I was crossing off the days until the tree was finally MINE!!!!

Each day it got a little bit drier and a tad droopier until my wonderfully accommodating wife said "Enough was enough!" Apparently, the drool on the carpet was becoming unsightly. So, off came the tinsel, the adornments and any unpresented gifts were packed into a box.

And, before you could say "Where did that Christmas tree go?" I had the mulcher set up and was madly lopping its limbs. Oh the Joy! How good is Christmas??

Five minutes later, the whole tree - minus the stem - had been blitzed into my compost heap and that wonderfully pine fragrance covered up the sins of Christmas preparations past. Unfortunately, the stem was just a little too wide for my shredder so it will head to the local refuse site where they will put it through their gigantuan mulcher and sell it back to me at $5 a trailer load.

My only regret is that we didn't get a bigger tree.

(Via Snappy's Gardens Blog)

Posted by admin to blackbird, snow on 2008-01-03, 17:31:00

Hey said the Blackbird Whats this white stuff falling down around me? His black feathers and Orange beak contrast nicely to the wind swept snow falling downwards.
Its not the clearest photo but he was at the end of the garden on the fence!
I love watching the birds,I guess its a novelty having a garden, and some feathered garden spirits to watch. The only flowers are the Viburnum, the Primulas, and the Heathers and they have been all photographed.
I will go out in the morning with a blank memory card to photograph the plants that are growing without flowers...
The Spring bulbs will bring an explosion of colours in the Wet January Soil. I hope to photograph the Hellebore Nigers soon too.

(Via Snappy's Gardens Blog)

Posted by admin to snow, viburnum on 2008-01-03, 17:05:00

The Viburnum Tinus with the First snow flakes of the new year.It fell and laid for a while then melted away. you can nearly see the Snow Flake shape on the right hand corner.
I love snow.I slept too much today.More garden posts when I wake up again.

(Via Comments for Anne's Garden)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 15:42:40

You need to get a “scarebear” for your yard obviously!

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 14:14:47

How to make your own creams, salves, oils, and tinctures from fresh and dried herbs in your own kitchen. One of my greatest joys is gathering herbs and flowers over the course of the summer to use fresh or to preserve by drying, infusing in oil, or tincturing. Though I can't prove it, I sense something special in herbs grown close to home that benefits us on an essential, vibratory level.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 13:27:56

One of the conditions required to grow a beautiful lawn is the periodic removal of thatch. Thatch is the layer of the lawn's roots and stems that builds up above the soil's surface. A high percentage of organic matter in the soil is desirable when that organic matter has broken down to the black and crumbly state known as humus.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 12:22:32

More and more people are getting drawn to the finely cultivated beauty of bonsai plants. Some may think that they are half-starved mini plants but they are actually carefully cared-for works of art. When caring for your bonsai plants, you should take note of some important tips.

(Via Home and Family: Gardening Articles from EzineArticles.com)

Posted by admin to Uncategorized on 2008-01-03, 11:10:24

Planting Hostas in soil: Preparation is the key to success. If you can double dig your hosta or flower bed in early autumn and leave the sods of soil intact do not walk over what you dig.