I have done this on several occaisions, like gift for co-workers and kids. I have several wordprocessing programs on my computer, all have certificate type formats. I just make several in a reduced size (about 1/3 a standard page leaving a "binding" edge on one side. I then stack them and using a nice paper have made a cover. (My favorite method is glueing it over index card paper - office folders are perfect, then making a nice "label" to glue on the front, and staple it together.
Examples: a certificate for a package of gum the next time you go to the store, for a soda of your favorite flavour, one day free from nagging you to pick up after yourself and clean your room, one day you don't have to do kitchen duty, one extra piece of cake on cake night, a movie choice (appropriate rating) of your choice with no "oh no that awful thing" from your parents. Office co-workers of course as appropriate. ... View related article.
Congratulations on your trees! I envy you as I live too far south for apples. Take the leaves of your tree to your local nursery and have them verify what the problem is (in a sealed bag like a zippered sandwich bag is best so you don't spread it if is a disease or insect). If they don't know, your county agricultural extension office is a good source. Once you know the problem you will have a better chance of figuring out a cure. At the same time have the soil in the area you tree grows in checked (ph, etc) so that you can treat it also. A tree growing in healthy soil fights/survives diseases and bugs easier. There are a lot of sources on care for your trees both locally and on the web. Again your local extension office is a good source. I personally swear by Rhodales books on natural care of plants. I also hang out at the library and read/buy gardening stuff applicable at Barnes & Nobles (they let you browse books, even provide chairs at my local store). I'm sorry this advice is so general, but not knowing what the problem is exactly limits advice.
In the mean time, when you loose the leaves this fall from these trees, clean them up and destroy them. You do not want to mulch them, this may not destroy what ever infestation you have.
I live in TX and the local water stains. I bought a product they advertise on TV (one of those OH God Nothing Works moments) and had wonderful luck. I tried the Restore4 product designed for tubs and sinks. It worked wonders. ... View related article.
Actually most bulbs NEED to be planted in the fall so they can over-winter and grow properly in the spring.
My mother (southern NE) will cover her beds of bulbs (she has smaller beds) with chicken wire then straw. This is pulled back in the spring and the straw put on the mulch pile. There are many guides for planting bulbs, most things depend on where, when, type of bulb.
I love going to Barnes & Nobles and reading the garden books designed for my particular area. I also love going to my favorite local nurseries and picking the brains of the gardeners there. They are a fountain of wisdom applicable to your particular planting problems. My advice is only good for people, like myself, that live in the deep deep south of Texas and our clay problems, you probably live somewhere else. ... View related article.
