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Vol. 3, Num. 3, January 17, 2008 (Read It Online) We have an article from Ellen today on Gardening Resolutions for the New Year. If you have any gardening pictures (they can be from growing season) be sure to send them in. Thanks for reading, Susan
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By Mike from Coal Valley, IL
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Rate It: Bless your garden with the warmth and good cheer of a benevolent sun. I used pounded bottle caps, copper nails, and remnants of copper flashing I'd found in the garage. In time, the copper will oxidize and the bottle caps will rust. My plaque will then be bathed in a patina reminiscent of turquoise, terra cotta, and red clay, imparting a festive feeling to my garden. By Laura from Long Beach, CA
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Gardening Resolutions For The New Year
Each year I come across new ideas for improving my garden the following year. Sometimes I find a new idea for an outdoor project, and other times I discover a way to improve upon an old gardening technique. The problem is, I rarely write the ideas down. By the time the next gardening season rolls around, I can't seem to remember any of my new ideas. Last year I resolved to make a list of resolutions for 2007. Here they are: Take A Proactive ApproachThis year I resolve to take a more proactive approach to my garden. I'm going to spend more time observing my plants so I can head off problems at the first sign of trouble. I'm going to observe and inventory garden insects and record wildlife activity and try to come up with more ways to attract birds, butterflies and beneficial bugs to my garden. I'm also going look for new ways to control weeds. This year I intend to spend more time enjoying my garden and less time weeding.Keep Up My Garden JournalThis is a resolution of mine every year. I always start out with good intentions, but by the time mid-summer rolls around, things get busy and I end up forgetting all about keep up my garden journal. Because I'm part photographer by trade, I'm always diligent about taking pictures of my garden. What I'm not good at is keeping track of new plant varieties that I come across or jotting down things I want to remember for next year. One problem seems to be that whenever I'm inside, my garden journal is in shed and vice-versa. This year I resolve to keep my garden journal next to the shed keys.Share Plants, Swap SeedsOver the years, my perennial garden has evolved into a living tribute to my friends and family. Sure, I've bought plenty of own bedding plants and started lots of plants from seed, but the plants in my garden that I cherish the most are the plants that I've acquired from friends and family. I have lilacs and coral bells from my aunt and uncle's farm, hollyhocks and bleeding heart from my mother, daylilies from a friend and a crabapple tree from a co-worker. Sharing plants and swapping seeds is a great way to share the beauty of your garden and share yourself with others. This year I intend to give away more from my garden.Water More EfficientlyWhile visiting a friend's garden this summer, I discovered a better way to water raised beds. The system she uses was designed by her husband and consists of a simple network of PVC pipes that hooks up to her garden hose. The pipes are customized to fit the exact dimensions of her raised beds so that no water is ever wasted. This year I resolve to devise a similar system for my vegetable garden.Beautify My BoulevardStorm water runoff is a huge environmental concern where I live. I've eliminated all chemicals from my garden and I make an effort to keep the dirt and sand from the street in front of my house from entering the storm drain at the end of my block. This year I resolve to expand my garden to the boulevard in front of my house to help further reduce storm water runoff in my community.What are some of your gardening intentions for 2007?
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Rate It: Poison Oak Warning For January In our area, January is typically the coldest month of the year. We use a wood stove to heat the house and use the furnace only as back up. Interestingly enough, we came down with a nasty case of Poison Ivy/Poison Oak. The doctor said that January is actually the worst month for this because everyone handles wood to cut, stack or fill the stove. People don't realize that the oils in Poison Ivy and Oak are still very much present and highly contagious in the winter months as well. So, you may wish to wear gloves and wash your hands directly afterward. Be sure and keep your gloved hands away from your face also. You may save yourself a doctor's bill. Now, where did I put that Calamine lotion? Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf82372562.tip.html
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Rate It: Grow Your Holiday Poinsettias Year Round I just was given a white poinsettia left over from the church Xmas decorations. Don't throw away those poinsettias after the holidays! Over the years, I have rescued several of them from offices and elsewhere. They are viable plants that will eventually provide nice greenery as a potted plant. Or if you live in a mild enough climate, you can replant them outdoors. They are native to Mexico I understand, and were a holy plant to the Aztecs. So they do well in Southern California, with a similar climate. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf34120574.tip.html
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Rate It: Since dryer lint is mostly organic material, it is great for the compost pile. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf76700741.tip.html
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Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow I have several Hibiscus planted outside and today I noticed that on many of the plants the leaves are turning yellow. We had 2 very chilly nights about 2 weeks ago. Could this be the cause? Also we are currently under watering restrictions and can only water 2x per week. We were under these restrictions all summer and no problems then. This goes to 1x per week starting next week. Also how often should I fertilize? Help! Hardiness Zone: 9b Maggie from Port St Lucie, FL Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf91262151.tip.html
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Rate It: I am looking for some examples of artificial fertilizers. Post Feedback: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf78965131.tip.html
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