tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57491067843919726942024-03-12T18:11:45.529-06:00Canadian Country WomanFor the joy of country living! Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-10654105746093642012017-04-28T12:07:00.000-06:002019-04-14T09:42:45.196-06:00Spring Is Here<div style="text-align: center;">
Spring is here, and there's just too much to do.</div>
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So I'm taking a break from the "technology" side of things.</div>
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I'll be back when I'm not outside enjoying life.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">HAPPY LIVING!!</span></b></h2>
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If you've recently moved and aren't sure which planting zone you're in,<br /> here's a map to help.</h3>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvIOFmzffy2Cy0b5ZyhZghklkJUqGqQ9A-5z9zWBa-EQxM1ISk0hirxDymFtTsMKhkRp0HrOGsX4eDbBrl9O0bapjO3tiWjxos0b5zC645gbQU-aalw0eG2BNesPHvLUUmMaUhpIuptnB/s1600/Canada-Hardiness-Zone-Map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Canadian Zone Hardiness Map - planting guide" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvIOFmzffy2Cy0b5ZyhZghklkJUqGqQ9A-5z9zWBa-EQxM1ISk0hirxDymFtTsMKhkRp0HrOGsX4eDbBrl9O0bapjO3tiWjxos0b5zC645gbQU-aalw0eG2BNesPHvLUUmMaUhpIuptnB/s640/Canada-Hardiness-Zone-Map.jpg" title="Canadian Zone Hardiness Map - planting guide" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canadian Zone Hardiness Map</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-84887001109539426802015-03-27T11:26:00.002-06:002018-03-22T16:10:42.143-06:00How To Grow Strawberries<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxjwU1mdjDTJIt6I0CY4KHdEqYBxIhiU21Elk0OcMT5fP7HByamirZpl8NRykom6yQcK8QOBvaAXrX5-hOYa4ndNDZau7SmDN2twsfnZu8nqFmzycFmmIbPHRzkT-7NZ8efKJ7N8XwZE1/s1600/strawberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbxjwU1mdjDTJIt6I0CY4KHdEqYBxIhiU21Elk0OcMT5fP7HByamirZpl8NRykom6yQcK8QOBvaAXrX5-hOYa4ndNDZau7SmDN2twsfnZu8nqFmzycFmmIbPHRzkT-7NZ8efKJ7N8XwZE1/s1600/strawberries.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="background-color: white; color: red; font-size: large;">Mmmm… Strawberries!</span></b> <br />
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There’s just nothing that can beat their taste early on a summer's morning.<br />
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<img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image003.jpg" />Strawberries are hardy, perennial herbs grown throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska and parts of the Yukon. They thrive best in cool, moist areas, but, with special treatment, can even grow in the hot, Gulf states.<br />
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Although cultivated in Europe since the 16th century, the strawberry didn’t become popular as a fruit in the “new world” until approximately the 1840’s.<br />
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<b>Where to plant Strawberries</b><br />
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Strawberries prefer to grow in any soil which is not too alkaline, too dry, or in need of drainage. The best is a light, rich loam with plenty of humus and a pH factor between 5 and 6.<br />
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If you are planning on planting Strawberries in the spring, prepare their bed the previous fall on a plot which has been cultivated for at least two years. A site which slopes slightly is best because of the perfect drainage it will naturally provide. And a southern exposure greatly assists with the earlier formation of blossoms and fruit. Be careful, though, if late frosts are prevalent in your area, as the southern exposure may fool you and cause you to remove the mulch too early.<br />
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<b>Soil additives</b><br />
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Sterilized manure may be turned under in the fall at a rate of 500 lbs for each 1,000 sq. ft. of proposed strawberry patch. At the same time, compost or leaf mold may be stirred into the top layer of the soil for further enrichment. <br />
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If no manure is available, leaves and lawn clipping may be worked into the soil at the rate of five or six bushels to each 100 sq. ft., accompanied by liberal amounts of cottonseed or dried blood meal, ground phosphate rock, and bone meal. Limestone should be avoided unless the soil is very acidic – below pH5.<br />
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<b> How many Plants?</b><br />
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You can expect to harvest about 1 quart of berries from each plant you set out, so 25 - 50 plants will provide plenty of fresh berries for a family of four. For freezing berries, set out an additional 50 to 100 plants.<br />
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Be sure to buy new plants rather than getting strawberry runners from neighbors or relatives. New plants are certified to be free of diseases and viruses while there are never any guarantees with plants received from others.<br />
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When purchasing your plants from a nursery or garden center, it would be wise to take the following into consideration: disease resistance, yield, how long until ripening (especially important in Northern climates), and dessert and freezer quality. <br />
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<b>Planting</b><br />
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Plant your strawberries as early in the spring as the soil can be worked – normally early March to early April. Test for workability by digging a shovel full of soil and tightly squeezing a handful. Does the ball of soil break easily? If so, it is ready to till. <br />
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Young plants showing vigorous roots should be used for your strawberry bed. <br />
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<li>Before planting, first cut out any damaged or diseased leaves or roots.</li>
<li><img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image004.jpg" />Dig a hole for each plant large enough to hold the roots without crowding.</li>
<li> A mound of soil is heaped in the center of the hole, and the plant seated on the mound with roots pressed firmly into the soil all round the base of the mound.</li>
<li>Each plant should be set so that the soil level will naturally cover all the roots, but will not cover any of the small leaves which are beginning to develop in the crown.</li>
<li>Fill the hole halfway with soil. Pour in water to wash the soil around the roots.</li>
<li>Then fill the rest of the hole and firm the earth around the plant. An inverted berry box or basket placed over the newly planted strawberries will prevent drying during the first few days.</li>
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Note: from the time you first take the strawberry out of its container to the end of the planting process when it is firmly in the ground, the roots should never be exposed to sun or drying winds. If the day is sunny, the plants should be shaded at all times. A damp layer of sphagnum moss or a piece of wet burlap may be placed over the receptacle containing the plants in order to prevent drying.<br />
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<b>Rows, Matted Rows, and Hills</b><br />
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There are several ways in which strawberry beds can be grown: rows, matted rows, and hills.<br />
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<b>Matted Rows:</b><br />
This is the way in which many commercial growers plant entire fields each spring for the following year’s production. <br />
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Plants are set 18 – 42 inches apart, depending upon how many runners the particular variety of strawberry can be expected to make. Most of the runners are permitted to grow during the first season, with only the fruit buds being removed to strengthen the plants. A mat of strawberry plants forms as the growing season progresses.<br />
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After their time of bearing is complete, the entire field is plowed under and process begun again the following spring.<br />
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<b>Spaced Rows:<br />
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This system is most often used for strawberry varieties which are slow to send out runners and produce daughter plants, or for any variety when especially fancy fruit is desired. Because of the extra work involved, the system is not widely practiced, but is ideal for the home garden.<br />
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Strawberry plants are set out in rows approx. 12 inches apart and a select number of daughter plants are allowed to form. The selected runners are spaced appropriately from the mother plant, and the runners are then covered with soil to hold them in place until the new plant is firmly rooted. Late-formed and surplus runners are removed.<br />
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<b>Hills:<br />
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When using the hill system, plants are close together and runners are pruned off. Plantings are usually made in double or triple rows. Plants spaced 12 – 18 inches apart, with a 20 – 24 inch alley between rows. No daughter plants are allowed to develop, and fruit production is entirely dependent upon the yield of the mother plants. Individual plants, however, can become quite large and bear more than those in the matted-row system.<br />
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The matted-row and hill systems are both temporary, with the plants being plowed under after 2 – 3 years production is finished. The spaced-row method, however, can be used indefinitely as new plants are always being formed.<br />
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<b>Mulching Strawberries:</b><br />
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<b>Permanently mulched bed:</b><br />
A self-perpetuating strawberry bed under permanent mulch may be freshly planted, or it may be started with an already established bed.<br />
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<b>With new plants</b><br />
Soil should be prepared as mentioned earlier. Plants are set 12 inches apart in rows that are 2 ½ feet apart. <br />
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As soon as the strawberries are set into place, the soil in the rows and in the paths are covered with a 6 inch layer of mulch, such as grass clippings, straw, ground corncobs, pine needles, or chopped leaves. Plants are well-watered, and are left to develop runners through their growing season. If new plants have been set, all fruit buds should be removed, to permit all the strength to go into runner development.<br />
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Though runners seem to sit on top of the mulch, they will send rots down through it to the soil below. As the mulch decomposes, the layer will shrink from 6 to about two inches, and the newly rooted plants will be only slightly above the soil level.<br />
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<b>Using established plants</b><br />
If an old strawberry bed is being used for a permanently mulched bed, preparation of the bed begins with the harvesting of this year’s strawberries. As the picker harvests, he marks with pegs or plant markers the beast-bearing plants in each row, trying to space markers about 10-12 inches apart. <br />
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When all berries have been harvested, all the unmarked plants are pulled out and mulch is removed. Well-rotted manure, compost, decomposed sawdust, plus cottonseed meal or enriched leaf mold are then worked into the top layer of soil. If the soil is too alkaline, a generous amount of peat moss is incorporated around each plant. The soil is smoothed out, and a six inch mulch is again placed around plants which are ready to form runners. <br />
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By careful selection of the best bearers, a strawberry patch can be made to bear a larger crop with each succeeding year. The heavy mulch during the summer will preserve soil moisture for the young plants, and the decomposed mulch on top of the bed will enrich the soil, which gradually becomes blacker and more mellow.<br />
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<b>Strawberries in Pots & Barrels:</b><br />
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Strawberries can be grown in barrels, in special strawberry pots, on movable strawberry walls, and in hanging baskets if you should need to move them around to keep them in the sun.<br />
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Strawberries need good drainage and a soil with plenty of humus. You can grow them from healthy plants bought from nurseries or garden centers, or the plantlets that form on the varieties with long runners can be pegged down to form new plants that are planted out in the summer.<br />
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Strawberries must be protected from frost when they are flowering and fruiting. They should also not be kept for more than 3 years as virus diseases are likely to occur. It's best to burn the old plants, and then plant out new.<br />
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You can make a strawberry barrel by taking one end out of an old barrel, drilling drainage holes in the other end, and making 2" holes in two or three rows around the sides. The first row should not be less than two feet from the base of the barrel, and the positions of the holes should alternate so that the holes in adjacent rows are not directly above or below each other.<br />
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Place a two inch perforated zinc tube in the center of the barrel as low as the first row for watering, and fill around it with good potting soil.<br />
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Place a strawberry in each hole and some more in the top of the barrel.<br />
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Place the barrel in a sunny location and keep it well watered once growth starts, being sure to add manure or fertilizer in mid-spring. The strawberries will grow and run all over the barrel.<br />
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A Strawberry Pot is just like a small version of a strawberry barrel, but made out of clay. It is used in exactly the same way, but needs more frequent watering due to its smaller size.<br />
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A Strawberry Wall is made of a framework of wire mesh. Strawberries are planted at the bottom and trained to climb up and over the wall. Like the strawberry barrel, it can be moved to keep it sheltered from frost early in the year and to take it out of the sun later on.<br />
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Another good way of growing strawberries is to use hanging baskets.<br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image006.jpg" /><br />
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<b>Diseases of Strawberry Plants</b><br />
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Leaf Spot:</b><br />
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Leaf spot is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fragariae. The leaf spot fungus can infect leaves, fruit, petioles, runners, fruit stalks, and berry caps or calyxes. <br />
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The most obvious symptoms of the disease are small, round spots. These spots develop on the upper surface of the leaf and at first are dark purple to reddish-purple. They range in size from 1/8 to 1/4 inch in diameter. <br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image008.jpg" /><br />
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With time, the centers of the spots become tan or gray and eventually almost white; while their margins remain dark purple. Later in the season, tan or bluish areas form on the underleaf surface. <br />
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Temperatures between 65 and 75 F are ideal for infection and disease development and infections may occur throughout the growing season, except during hot, dry weather. Young, expanding leaves are the most susceptible to infection.<br />
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<img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image010.jpg" />Symptoms of leaf spot on other plant parts, except fruit, are almost identical to those on the upper leaf surface. On fruits, superficial black spots may form during moist weather. The spots form on ripe berries and around groups of seeds. <br />
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Black seed disease<br />
This disease is caused by the same fungus that causes strawberry leaf spot.<br />
Red Stele<br />
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Red stele, the most serious fungus disease of strawberry plants in the US. Causes plants to wilt and sometimes die just before fruit starts to ripen. Like other fungi, it is most active in wet weather, and may sometimes disappear in warm, sunny conditions. The disease is most destructive in heavy clay soils that are saturated with water during cool weather. Once it becomes established in the field, the red stele fungus can survive in soil up to 13 years.<br />
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Fruit from affected plants is small, sour and few in number. Control is best achieved by removing any plants with coarse roots with no branching rootlets, by correcting faulty drainage that may exist in the berry bed, and, most important, by planting resistant varieties.<br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image012.jpg" /><br />
Strawberries infected with Red Stele Healthy bed<br />
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Verticillium Wilt<br />
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Another fungus disease which is active in cool, humid weather is verticillium wilt. It causes the outside edges of the leaves to dry up and turn dark brown so that the plants appear dry and flattened.<br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image014.jpg" /><br />
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If you suspect verticillium wilt in your area, do not plant strawberries in soil in which tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, or other strawberries have grown in the last 2 years. Selecting resistant varieties is a must.<br />
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Disease Control<br />
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Strawberry diseases are best controlled by the following sanitary practices:<br />
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1. Select varieties that grow vigorously and are resistant to the diseases in your area.<br />
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2. Buy disease-free stock from reputable nurseries.<br />
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3. Rotate your berry patch regularly or, in the case of a permanent bed, replace old plants with runner plants each year.<br />
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Strawberry Fruit Rots<br />
Grey Mold<br />
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One of the most serious and common fruit rot diseases of strawberry is gray mold. During wet springs no other disease causes a greater threat to flowers and fruit. The disease is most severe during prolonged rainy and cloudy periods during bloom and harvest. <br />
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Fruit infections usually appear as soft, light brown, rapidly enlarging areas on the fruit. If it remains on the plant, the berry usually dries up, "mummifies", and becomes covered with a gray, dusty powder. <br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image016.jpg" /><br />
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Strawberry infection is most severe in well-protected, shaded areas of the plant where the humidity is higher and air movement is reduced. Berries resting on soil or touching another decayed berry or a dead leaf in dense foliage are most commonly affected. Often, the disease is not detected until berry picking time when due to harvesting, the handling of infected fruit will spread the fungus to healthy ones.<br />
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Leather Rot<br />
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Leather Rot can infect berries at any stage of development. When the disease is serious, infection of green fruit is common. <br />
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On green berries, diseased areas may be dark brown or natural green outlined by a brown margin. As the rot spreads, the entire berry becomes brown, maintains a rough texture, and is leathery in appearance. On fully mature berries, symptoms may range from little color change to discoloration that is brown to dark purple. Generally, infected fruit is dull in color and is not shiny or glossy. Infected ripe fruit are usually softer to the touch than healthy fruit. In later stages of decay, mature fruits also become tough and leathery.<br />
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<img border="0" src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image018.jpg" /><br />
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Berries that are affected by leather rot have a distinctive and very unpleasant odor and taste. Even healthy tissue on a slightly rotted berry is bitter. This presents a special problem to growers in pick-your-own operations. An infected mature berry with little color change may appear normal and be picked and processed with healthy berries. The resulting jams, however, tend to be bitter tasting.<br />
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Leather rot is most commonly observed in poorly-drained areas where there is or has been free-standing water or on berries in direct contact with the soil. <br />
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If you would like greater details on strawberry diseases, see:<br />
<a href="http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/fruitpathology/organic/strawberry/all-strawberries.html">http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/fruitpathology/organic/strawberry/all-strawberries.html</a> <br />
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Strawberry Products<br />
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Here are some resources from various suppliers on the internet. Be sure you are online in order to use the links.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/berry-terrace.html"></a><img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image019.jpg" /><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/berry-terrace.html">Grow Strawberries in a Small Space</a><br />
The Berry Terrace is only 6 feet in diameter, but its ingenious 3-tier design gives you enough growing space for over a bushel of delicious, juicy berries. It assembles easily without tools and includes a sprinkler system—what a great value! Makes it easy to grow your own strawberries! Includes sprinkler system! Sturdy aluminum frames are self-locking.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/barrelplanter.html"></a><img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image020.jpg" /><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/barrelplanter.html">Barrel Planter</a><br />
Barrel gardens overflowing with colorful flowers look great flanking a driveway, but wooden barrels crack or rot in a year or two. This Whiskey Barrel looks absolutely authentic, but it's actually made of indestructible 1/2"-thick recycled plastic that has the grain and texture of wood, bound by rusted steel hoops that give it an antique look. Best of all, this barrel is self-watering! Never cracks, rots or splits.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/plantcaddy.html"></a><img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image021.jpg" /><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/plantcaddy.html">Plant Caddy</a><br />
Spare your back, and save your floors from damage, with this solid cedar caddy that makes it easy to move big, heavy plants—up to 200 lbs. The easy-glide urethane wheels roll smoothly over decks, patios, even carpets. Comes fully assembled.<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/strawberrycheesecake.html"></a><img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image023.jpg" /><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/items/strawberrycheesecake.html">Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake</a><br />
Grandmother herself never made cheesecake like this. We use only the sweetest, most flavorful strawberries and swirl them into the New York batter. Your cake is fresh-cooled and rushed from the bakery to your doorstep in a special cool-pack container to ensure freshness.<br />
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<img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image025.jpg" /><a href="http://www.dpbolvw.net/sl72y1A719PZUTSSTPRQSZXWUR?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.candlebay.com%2Fdetails.cfm%3Fid%3D288%26subcategoryid%3D24%26categoryid%3D1%26source%3D10">Strawberry Cheesecake Scented Candle</a><br />
You just can't resist, so go ahead and enjoy the delectable scent of cheesecake. Any way you cut it, it smells simply delicious. These Eli's Cheesecake Scented Tin Candles are 4 oz and have a burn time of 15 hours. Sold individually.<br />
Other interesting links & resources: <br />
<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/gardenindex.php">Gardening Tips & Information</a> - from basics such as composting and healthy soil to specialties like bonsai and kids gardening, here's an interesting list. <br />
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<br />
<br />
Recipes<br />
Meringue Nests with Strawberries<br />
& Lemon Sherry Syllabub<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Syllabub is a thick, frothy English dessert that was popular during the Victorian era. This recipe is adapted from recipe #1486 in Beeton’s Book of Household Management, originally published in the mid 1800’s. It deliciously combines the first strawberries of the season with another Victorian favourite, crisp meringues.<br />
<br />
<img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image027.jpg" /><br />
Ingredients<br />
1 cup (250 ml) strawberries<br />
Mint leaves<br />
<br />
<br />
Meringue Nests<br />
3 egg whites<br />
pinch cream of tartar<br />
¾ c (175 ml) granulated sugar<br />
<br />
<br />
Lemon Sherry Syllabub<br />
<br />
3/4 c (175 ml) whipping cream<br />
4 tsp (20 ml) granulated sugar<br />
4 tsp (20 ml) cherry or Madeira<br />
1 tsp (5 ml) finely grated lemon rind<br />
1 ½ tsp (8 ml) lemon juice<br />
<br />
<br />
Meringue Nests<br />
<br />
1. In a bowl, beat egg whites until foamy; beat in cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Beat in sugar 2 tbsp (25 ml) at a time until stiff, glossy peaks form.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2. Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe meringue into eight 3” (8cm) circles on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Pipe to fill in center of each circle. Along the edge of the circle, pipe a second circle to form a raised edge for the nest. (Alternatively, spoon meringue into rounds: with back of spoon, form each round into a nest.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
3. Bake in center of 200F (100C) oven until dry and crisp – approximately 2 hours. Turn off oven. Let stand in oven for one hour. Remove and let cool completely on rack. (Make ahead: store in airtight container at room temp. for up to 3 days.)<br />
<br />
<br />
Lemon Sherry Syllabub<br />
<br />
1. In a bowl, whip cream with granulated sugar. Fold in sherry, lemon rind and lemon juice. (Make ahead; cover and refrigerate for up to 6 hours).<br />
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<br />
<br />
2. Spoon syllabub into meringue nests.<br />
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<br />
3. Top with sliced strawberries and garnish with mint leaves.<br />
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<br />
Makes 8 servings<br />
<br />
<br />
Strawberry Shortcake<br />
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<br />
<br />
<img src="file:///C:/Users/Sara/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image029.jpg" />Ingredients:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
2 eggs<br />
<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
<br />
1 cup flour<br />
<br />
1 tsp baking powder<br />
<br />
¼ tsp salt<br />
<br />
½ cup milk<br />
<br />
1 tbsp butter<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Beat eggs, sugar and vanilla until lemon colored. <br />
<br />
2. Sift flour, baking powder and salt. Add to egg mixture, mixing by hand until combined.<br />
<br />
3. Heat to boiling the milk and butter. Add all at once to first mixture, beating only until smooth.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Bake at 350F for 30 minutes in 8 x 8” greased pan. (I prefer a springform pan, as it’s easier to work with.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Topping:<br />
<br />
Either cut cake so that you have 2 or 3 thin layers, or cut into small sections as is. Top with strawberries, strawberry juice, & whipping cream, then drizzle with chocolate syrup. <br />
ENJOY!<br />
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growing strawberries.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-43439304575592017582014-12-18T09:31:00.001-07:002018-03-22T16:10:41.417-06:00Cranberry Nut Cake Recipe<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3S89C_BqY1dx89i5kPYbUOxjjAEspLZ1S668tSMJg1CJ-ejIiUigvjkd0RVKOgTb0-1jJHCa0QAx0p8IyAZoLq1zcY8pPOlWrG_MDe1Ayl75PkEskksv4_yXrn7hGdbjhzpm4uG0SNf3/s1600/crancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="A festive delight for your Christmas table" border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3S89C_BqY1dx89i5kPYbUOxjjAEspLZ1S668tSMJg1CJ-ejIiUigvjkd0RVKOgTb0-1jJHCa0QAx0p8IyAZoLq1zcY8pPOlWrG_MDe1Ayl75PkEskksv4_yXrn7hGdbjhzpm4uG0SNf3/s1600/crancake.jpg" title="Cranberry Nut Cake Recipe" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cranberry Nut Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<dir><b>Combine:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>2 c. halved cranberries (cut when semi-frozen) <br />
</li>
<li>1/2 c. <b>toasted</b> slivered almonds <br />
</li>
<li>grated rind of 1 orange <br />
</li>
<li>1/2 c. all purpose flour<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
<b>Cream:</b>
<ul>
<li>1 c. butter or margarine<br />
</li>
<li>1 c. sugar<br />
</li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
</li>
<li>1 tsp almond extract<br />
</li>
<li> 4 eggs (add 1 at a time and beat well)<br />
</li>
</ul>
<br /><br />
<b>Combine:</b>
<ul>
<li>1 1/2 c. flour<br />
</li>
<li>2 tsp. baking powder<br />
</li>
<li>1/2 tsp. salt<br /><br />
<b>Stir well to blend</b> </li>
</ul>
<br />
</dir>
<br />
<ol>
<li>Add dry ingredients to creamed mixture alternately with 1/3 c. milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in floured fruit and nuts.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Spread batter into a <b>greased and floured</b> bundt or tube pan.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Bake at 300<sup>o</sup> for 55 - 65 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Cool cake in pan 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack and cool completely.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Wrap cooled cake in aluminum foil and store in cool place for several days to allow cake to ripen.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Dust with icing sugar before serving.<br />
</li>
</ol>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-90293505767605582822014-09-17T11:17:00.000-06:002018-03-22T16:10:42.439-06:00Chocolate Zucchini Cake RecipeHere is a delicious way to use up all the extra zucchini. Even your kids will love this recipe! Very nice and moist. Freezes well, too.<br />
<br />
<br />
2 1/2 cups flour, unsifted <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QfOAS1lI8tRdiy4dHUSF3ITnZuIImtrwi4wx-liipkDBpcC6dTPx3c7-62038O2slghWUx4KB0eJAhboobXlpQPdi-dJ4rgpPY_7ZWjKtSJQrud54nLrpo5MJDEHpQE1Tws3qfq4a5Jr/s1600/zucchini.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7QfOAS1lI8tRdiy4dHUSF3ITnZuIImtrwi4wx-liipkDBpcC6dTPx3c7-62038O2slghWUx4KB0eJAhboobXlpQPdi-dJ4rgpPY_7ZWjKtSJQrud54nLrpo5MJDEHpQE1Tws3qfq4a5Jr/s1600/zucchini.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
1/2 cup cocoa<br />
2 1/2 tsp baking powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 cup chopped walnuts<br />
<br />
3/4 cup cooking oil<br />
1 cup white sugar<br />
1 cup brown sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 tsp vanilla<br />
1 tsp orange rind<br />
2 cups grated zucchini<br />
1/2 cup milk<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Grease 10" tube or Bundt pan. Flour pan, shake out excess.<br />
<br />
2. Blend together in a medium bowl all of the dry ingredients.<br />
<br />
3. In a large bowl, beat together sugar and oil. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Then add orange rind, vanilla, and zucchini.<br />
<br />
4. Add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the milk.<br />
<br />
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. <br />
<br />
6. Bake about 1 hour at 325F. Cool cake in the pan approximately 15 minutes before removing. Ice with glaze, if desired.<br />
<br />
<br />
Glaze:<br />
1 cup sifted icing sugar<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
1 - 2 tbsp milk<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Recipe courtesy of Marilyn Kozar: Our Daily Bread - Etherbert United Church Cookbook 1982</i><br />
<i><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-30141283688084262982014-08-10T09:44:00.001-06:002014-08-10T14:33:47.601-06:00A Drive In The CountryAt this time of year it's very easy to get so involved in the work your garden requires that you don't take time for something as simple as a drive in the country.<br />
<br />
Here are some photos of what we discovered one Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtP6vE0Bb2riVuCTs1B0_lut3LMYrzRTJO-ry-Eov7ISdT4rPNLl7C88hmdrXSq76xJXeBir5tZt4JKH__z5PyoEaZXz8VGOxRGJK-IVsygpgUT-CHhQvto657G6FcroIHl4nLXL3NN-c/s1600/muddy-road-DSC06312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Muddy road on the Canadian Prairies" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtP6vE0Bb2riVuCTs1B0_lut3LMYrzRTJO-ry-Eov7ISdT4rPNLl7C88hmdrXSq76xJXeBir5tZt4JKH__z5PyoEaZXz8VGOxRGJK-IVsygpgUT-CHhQvto657G6FcroIHl4nLXL3NN-c/s1600/muddy-road-DSC06312.jpg" title="Muddy road on the Canadian Prairies" /></a></div>
<br />
It was just a muddy, isolated road that we decided to follow. It had been raining, so the clay was very slick and slippery.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7kGbxYDx-kMiPux6ew9M559qZopcvDIspats0whJ_xC-6LGUI3kazbywGX000TdCcmrvkkg2N7qLMtk7-eXPwsZW07vOakQIhMGsln6ckYZjutowagUJLJnd0OTi6UHKxw9sOU8RFuFy/s1600/ducks-DSC06316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ducks swimming in grassy pond - Alberta, Canada" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW7kGbxYDx-kMiPux6ew9M559qZopcvDIspats0whJ_xC-6LGUI3kazbywGX000TdCcmrvkkg2N7qLMtk7-eXPwsZW07vOakQIhMGsln6ckYZjutowagUJLJnd0OTi6UHKxw9sOU8RFuFy/s1600/ducks-DSC06316.jpg" title="Ducks swimming in grassy pond - Alberta, Canada" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The ducks, however, were very happy to have more than a tiny puddle to swim in - quite a rarity for this time of the year in the prairies.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eSR6UbuPXlJxSy3Oh6zuLzgmjy7Pbnt2YsoKBdhg3Jg_KTsE6YQAapl4U8F1a5b-VHBGYAI1n9dlEb0RsQLX15rUyUA1SHVs6rDxJdVVWPk2Rwfh6D5OS4uJXKeUJW9wYm3jCopIdEYx/s1600/barn-DSC06325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Abandoned farm buildings on the prairies in Alberta, Canada" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eSR6UbuPXlJxSy3Oh6zuLzgmjy7Pbnt2YsoKBdhg3Jg_KTsE6YQAapl4U8F1a5b-VHBGYAI1n9dlEb0RsQLX15rUyUA1SHVs6rDxJdVVWPk2Rwfh6D5OS4uJXKeUJW9wYm3jCopIdEYx/s1600/barn-DSC06325.jpg" title="Abandoned farm buildings - Alberta, Canada" /></a></div>
<br />
Empty fields for miles and miles on end, with only the occasional abandoned building to show that some of these areas used to have thriving communities. Now, they are only whispers on the wind.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmoUxQZX3bjPxY1GSdlz6nJmBRutGKdWmF8prneYW4mPUszXJiBgfc2rdGNM4-FjHXEv_zAHu2zPh_pdx5W3cA9hdrWdNbkVv54TBy3KrbLswJ8ybIp4c3Xx8uhiInVZ1aaoXPXXQbbkg/s1600/stalls-DSC06340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Old stall still visible Inside a historic, abandoned barn" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsmoUxQZX3bjPxY1GSdlz6nJmBRutGKdWmF8prneYW4mPUszXJiBgfc2rdGNM4-FjHXEv_zAHu2zPh_pdx5W3cA9hdrWdNbkVv54TBy3KrbLswJ8ybIp4c3Xx8uhiInVZ1aaoXPXXQbbkg/s1600/stalls-DSC06340.jpg" title="Old stall still visible Inside a historic, abandoned barn" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Looking through the window of the old barn, you could see the stalls that used to house the horses, and the pens that contained other animals. So very small by modern standards.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw51piIdx0XctN4ysQD3JwihKsKyZX4CBN72wWn2A2MlrQMG9Ix7vQ2j3lxFqprLDdeJ7DIMT6WazIYXkZnbDMGsCF9KDFOg7eITA6JEgFi-2Y6EdBojvPmXc6_qRzkQkks3M_hDkAHNc3/s1600/window-DSC06338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Prairie settlers have long since left these regions. Only the abandoned buildings remain." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw51piIdx0XctN4ysQD3JwihKsKyZX4CBN72wWn2A2MlrQMG9Ix7vQ2j3lxFqprLDdeJ7DIMT6WazIYXkZnbDMGsCF9KDFOg7eITA6JEgFi-2Y6EdBojvPmXc6_qRzkQkks3M_hDkAHNc3/s1600/window-DSC06338.jpg" title="Prairie settlers have long since left these regions. Only the abandoned buildings remain." /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The buildings are becoming so frail that they are not safe to go inside. In some areas you could look straight through them - to another building also in its last days.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKbbxihLt6IYL_fGoYafFuK3nZttCW20qvTwW1BRtBL2d7CboOujryWNvDzAfe0y5ZplFgZxFH0YlJ9xbDv02QXXrkDkLjcOiuh6TWLXFnfmCNwk9Ysie1ka30RSfkb9rfHj48h4kBRRQ/s1600/abandoned-DSC06350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Broken windmill in isolated prairie field - Alberta, Canada." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiKbbxihLt6IYL_fGoYafFuK3nZttCW20qvTwW1BRtBL2d7CboOujryWNvDzAfe0y5ZplFgZxFH0YlJ9xbDv02QXXrkDkLjcOiuh6TWLXFnfmCNwk9Ysie1ka30RSfkb9rfHj48h4kBRRQ/s1600/abandoned-DSC06350.jpg" title="Broken windmill in isolated prairie field - Alberta, Canada." /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
With nothing but miles of prairie in all directions, it makes a person wonder what would have brought settlers out these extreme distances. No water. No roads. And no modern vehicles. Just horses and oxen to provide links to others.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06afZY_QDRzbwBo03Ew7-J4zfQI4xsdCNquzeUHdLtPQ-YUBKW6g7kNeUaJP5idI2FkIuaA9vQLM_f173z8lDl2UASFobO4OAtB0iOMf0WwklP_JaAdq1CsHfs1VsJlWOHa9NYONCX4-6/s1600/mericourt-DSC06364.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The former district (village?) of Mericourt, Alberta. Only rubble remains." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06afZY_QDRzbwBo03Ew7-J4zfQI4xsdCNquzeUHdLtPQ-YUBKW6g7kNeUaJP5idI2FkIuaA9vQLM_f173z8lDl2UASFobO4OAtB0iOMf0WwklP_JaAdq1CsHfs1VsJlWOHa9NYONCX4-6/s1600/mericourt-DSC06364.jpg" title="The former district (village?) of Mericourt, Alberta. Only rubble remains." /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
One of the more recent villages that we discovered. I wonder what the history is here? <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZko71n1OA_Bnk7AAsBIfInJvsk2fkbbnZiY0KR7tlNX7M-_GTHiC-jkWGfNLtz4xLYrp8sRCASEQNDg0gGd22vVI0wwoAu2YZxlnI_0ey6ljuPg4lP7B76LBzcLkEutxnPmxkP06jqmDp/s1600/cemetary-DSC06403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="children's cemetary on an isolated road in Alberta, Canada." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZko71n1OA_Bnk7AAsBIfInJvsk2fkbbnZiY0KR7tlNX7M-_GTHiC-jkWGfNLtz4xLYrp8sRCASEQNDg0gGd22vVI0wwoAu2YZxlnI_0ey6ljuPg4lP7B76LBzcLkEutxnPmxkP06jqmDp/s1600/cemetary-DSC06403.jpg" title="children's cemetary on an isolated road in Alberta, Canada." /></a></div>
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<br />
Then, further down the road, was a tiny little corner that was fenced off from the adjoining hay fields. An unexpected reminder of what life was really like in earlier times.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV45QrKm4q9OS8Y_Y_SIYGBgzeu3dme-boopTtRZYXzRJt2qH4K1_Y_ncH2FV0KbKPi5LlhkEGJ1I3ggqJq3qu-prPdNFgwASKY72jAf1uvX5C1y9HBPlPENpO0-n_d_n7mrOMy8vXqI6/s1600/cemetary2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Sign recording the names of pioneer children who died in this region of southern Alberta, Canada." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHV45QrKm4q9OS8Y_Y_SIYGBgzeu3dme-boopTtRZYXzRJt2qH4K1_Y_ncH2FV0KbKPi5LlhkEGJ1I3ggqJq3qu-prPdNFgwASKY72jAf1uvX5C1y9HBPlPENpO0-n_d_n7mrOMy8vXqI6/s1600/cemetary2.jpg" title="Sign recording the names of pioneer children who died in this region of southern Alberta, Canada." /></a></div>
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<br />
It makes me wonder at the tenacity of people who came in earlier times. How did they survive when the crops failed and they lost their children? Seeing this very isolated cemetary bothers me, in that we didn't even know it was there until we took this particular road. Yet people lived way out here in the past.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsvsndjPH2iKjBopFsPWYtJNYb_m5gLf7K8BpvNQ0vZ1RnzKD8TDfE8CeJ7HFHta3UhUgVGZN6cuxs-I6W6dQoZFpH12k_ZI9ZisjV0m1cnb2pHqz50oO1v-fjEh4iVWjubd8zy63e3qs/s1600/horses2-DSC06373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="horses in the field" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsvsndjPH2iKjBopFsPWYtJNYb_m5gLf7K8BpvNQ0vZ1RnzKD8TDfE8CeJ7HFHta3UhUgVGZN6cuxs-I6W6dQoZFpH12k_ZI9ZisjV0m1cnb2pHqz50oO1v-fjEh4iVWjubd8zy63e3qs/s1600/horses2-DSC06373.jpg" title="horses in the field" /></a></div>
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Some horses decided that we needed investigating. What were we doing in their field?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUBn4eG3zrxYaGGdN3EkSZOR3UURyO49-pVoWFRAww8g1ZwTj0B3YuKXeBmsOrEFwETmQNyx48U6-Ekri6MsRlOnnCAMmxLZIuAofJ7IyGHkGC8sZ5HZSyctw9SXW0BdafgFKQgOIgXv5/s1600/kitten-DSC06374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Grey kitten catching grasshoppers" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUBn4eG3zrxYaGGdN3EkSZOR3UURyO49-pVoWFRAww8g1ZwTj0B3YuKXeBmsOrEFwETmQNyx48U6-Ekri6MsRlOnnCAMmxLZIuAofJ7IyGHkGC8sZ5HZSyctw9SXW0BdafgFKQgOIgXv5/s1600/kitten-DSC06374.jpg" title="Grey kitten catching grasshoppers" /></a></div>
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And a kitten happily catching grasshoppers at a neighbouring farm reminded us that life goes on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIP8JwHpbRWWDojMkIWKA8rz-U3MGlTWFk1bLEhYXM5HsxcLWJu17O2pGC9KuptAtwGgIc5UdR3ieDshXBwnZWi1_vmJ48JdQY0jTRZ0QTZwnXpukHex6pHbXOEgJmw7SkZ50z7wN7bjk/s1600/deer-DSC06481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deer in the field at dusk - Empress, Alberta, Canada." border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIP8JwHpbRWWDojMkIWKA8rz-U3MGlTWFk1bLEhYXM5HsxcLWJu17O2pGC9KuptAtwGgIc5UdR3ieDshXBwnZWi1_vmJ48JdQY0jTRZ0QTZwnXpukHex6pHbXOEgJmw7SkZ50z7wN7bjk/s1600/deer-DSC06481.jpg" title="Deer in the field at dusk - Empress, Alberta, Canada." /></a></div>
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Coming home, we found this pretty girl waiting to greet us as the sun slipped behind the hills. Our travels for this day were over.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-37910071872778379542014-05-08T11:27:00.001-06:002018-03-22T16:10:41.300-06:00Flower Bulbs: How to grow garden bulbs, corms & tubers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1qK7Go_hWMJGYSQOyi0h436rc9qWmALVAeSAYj8HlCepcOnp4utzIj6g-j9_52V6TSw9aN5EYJE2yTfKwcH7rHsqZOJUFJ7zx9RKqo07ns5fzoA_QK7nq7uRLcdxcIi4UdkwvokN8a-/s1600/crocus-a.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="pretty crocus flowers come in yellow, white, purple & lavender" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTk1qK7Go_hWMJGYSQOyi0h436rc9qWmALVAeSAYj8HlCepcOnp4utzIj6g-j9_52V6TSw9aN5EYJE2yTfKwcH7rHsqZOJUFJ7zx9RKqo07ns5fzoA_QK7nq7uRLcdxcIi4UdkwvokN8a-/s1600/crocus-a.gif" title="Flowering Crocus bulbs" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crocus - a sure sign of spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Flowering bulbs have become some of the most popular and best loved flowers in the world. Tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, daffodils, and irises are universal symbols of spring. Their lush and colorful flowers are the first to bring life back to a barren winter landscape. Summer-flowering bulbs such as dahlias, begonias and anemones bring variety, texture, unique color and long flowering times to summer gardens. Planted with care and planning, bulbs can keep a garden alive with color from the last snows of winter through the first frosts of fall.<br />
<br />
<b>Types of Bulbs</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Bulbs generally fall into two groups: spring-flowering and summer-flowering . A more accurate grouping, however, divides bulbs into hardy and tender varieties.<br />
<br />
As a rule, spring-flowering bulbs are hardy bulbs. These bulbs are planted in the fall, generally before the first frost. They require a sustained "dormant" period of cold temperatures to stimulate root development.<br />
<br />
Many hardy bulbs, such as daffodils, perennialize well and can be left in the ground to flower year after year.<br />
<br />
Most summer-flowering bulbs are tender bulbs. These bulbs cannot survive harsh winter conditions and must be planted in spring after the last frost of the season. To enjoy these bulbs year after year, they must be dug up in fall and stored indoors over the winter. A notable exception is the lily. Many summer-flowering lily varieties are quite hardy and can be planted in either fall or spring.<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>The Difference Between Bulbs, Corms, Tubers, & Roots</b><br />
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Technically speaking, many popular "bulb" flowers are not produced from true bulbs at all. Crocuses and gladioli, for example, are really corms, while such favorites as dahlias and begonias are really tubers.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVfl6Qh7jURsMixnkYNHkG7sPLv6Yj_fq-ENq0hMnV99DWE28k5Jb9k-60J7Fsp94vlw0pG9E4TCsxM-ExfAZhKQyukAfkuZgY2j9abA8J0-5pbECUFuG_YGTycCkpAnZH-75861HWoMc/s1600/daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Daffodils blooming in the garden" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFVfl6Qh7jURsMixnkYNHkG7sPLv6Yj_fq-ENq0hMnV99DWE28k5Jb9k-60J7Fsp94vlw0pG9E4TCsxM-ExfAZhKQyukAfkuZgY2j9abA8J0-5pbECUFuG_YGTycCkpAnZH-75861HWoMc/s1600/daffodils.jpg" title="Flowering Daffodils" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flowering Daffodils</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The differences between bulbs and corms are slight, and indeed the two look very similar. The main distinguishing trait is the method of storing food. A bulb is composed of fleshy scales, like an onion, which protect a bud at the base. A corm, however, has the bud at the top aand is a solid mass of starchy material that tends to be much flatter in shape (sort of like someone squashed it down).<br />
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Tubers and roots are easily distinguished from bulbs and corms. They have no protective tunic and are really just enlarged stem tissue. They come in a variety of shapes, from cylindrical, to flat, to just about any combination you can imagine. Many come in clusters.<br />
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<br />
<b>Choosing Bulbs</b><br />
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Size alone does not constitute the value or quality of a bulb, but firmness, weight and condition do.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>In a true bulb (daffodil, lily, or tulip, the layers or scales should be firmly joined so that there is little or no feeling of looseness or squashiness when it is compressed in your hand.<br />
</li>
<li>In a rhizome, corm or tuber (such as calla, crocus or dahlia), the flesh should be plump and fairly hard.<br />
</li>
<li>Good bulbs tend to be fairly heavy in weight.<br />
</li>
<li>The skin condition or coating (as in hyacinths and tulips) should be smooth, bright and free of deep cuts and bruises, in particular, the disk at the base. Should this show signs of extreme injury or disease, the bulb will more than likely rot after planting.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Exotic Flower Bulb Choices</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFScMpM62tfrzJzF2PbAC7L3rozcboZhCZqzp5dUIUuo6uW5XcZNTvx2XIHf6oG79f41-23G64oQI1eoESDnKZeCOBPtMn9THOyLVG_lgl41HTG1OZRAyYKTPM2IwP3UZ1XKZ4gKyypgF/s1600/el.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFFScMpM62tfrzJzF2PbAC7L3rozcboZhCZqzp5dUIUuo6uW5XcZNTvx2XIHf6oG79f41-23G64oQI1eoESDnKZeCOBPtMn9THOyLVG_lgl41HTG1OZRAyYKTPM2IwP3UZ1XKZ4gKyypgF/s1600/el.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asian Lily</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In addition to tulips and daffodils, you'll also want to plant other exotic Dutch bulbs, such as spring-flowering scilla, puschkinia, muscari, fritillaria, allium, camassia, and eremurus.<br />
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Your local climate will affect which bulbs you choose to plant. Not all bulbs have the same cold requirements.<br />
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Spring-flowering bulbs offer a wide variety of colors, heights and flowering periods. Let your imagination run wild, easy-to-grow bulbs allow you to concentrate on garden design.<br />
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All you really need to learn about planning your garden is written on the package, or available from your bulb supplier. What you need to know is:<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>the color of the flower</li>
<li>what months it will bloom</li>
<li>how high it will grow</li>
<li>what months to plant, and</li>
<li>how deep to plant</li>
</ul>
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<br />
By cutting out pictures from mail-order catalogues or booklets picked up at your local garden center, you can plan your dream garden on paper right in your own living room!<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b>When to Plant Bulbs</b><br />
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In order to enjoy the glorious bulb flowers that bloom in spring -- such as tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocus and others -- you must plant them in the fall because they require a sustained "dormant" period of cold temperatures to stimulate root development.<br />
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As a rule, the colder your climate, the earlier you plant. In colder northern climates, for example, plant in September or October. In warmer climates you may need to plant bulbs in December (or even later). The only universal rule is that, spring-flowering bulbs must be planted before the first hard frost.<br />
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It's best to plant bulbs as soon as possible after bringing them home. If you must store them, keep them dry and cool -- between 50 and 60 degrees (F). For long storage periods, a refrigerator vegetable compartment can be used, but be sure to keep them away from ripening fruit. The gas emitted by fruit's ripening process can destroy bulbs. Remember, any condition causing the bulbs to shrivel will injure them.<br />
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If storing in a cold cellar, please keep in mind that squirrels, rats and mice absolutely <b>love</b> to dine on bulbs.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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When planning a garden, consider your local climate and the established "hardiness rating" of various plants you have in mind. Some plants cannot handle severe winters; others wither in heat; still others, such as many spring-flowering bulbs, need a cold period to stimulate growth cycles. Look at plant labels, bulb packaging, catalogues and reference books for the hardiness ratings of individual plants. <br />
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Plant spring-flowering bulbs in your area 6 weeks before the ground freezes. <br />
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<div align="center">
<a href="http://atlas.gc.ca/site/english/maps/environment/land/planthardi" target="_blank"><b><u>Zone Hardiness Map of Canada</u></b></a></div>
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<div align="center">
<iframe border="0" frameborder="0" height="60" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=theebookdirect&o=1&p=42&l=ur1&category=patiolawngarden&banner=1Y0PK4VABSJDMEFTSVR2&f=ifr" style="border: none;" width="234"></iframe><br /></div>
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<h1><font size="3">Soil Conditions & Planting Directions for Flowering Bulbs</font></h1><br />
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<p>Bulbs normally like a good, well-drained loam. If the soil in which they are going to be grown is not good, add well-rotted manure, well-rotted compost, peat moss, or other organic material. <b>Never add fresh manure when preparing soil for bulbs</b>. <br><br><br />
<br />
If the soil is very heavy, add compost or peat moss as well as coarse sand. <br />
</p><br />
<br />
<p><br />
<ol><br />
<li>Plant the bulbs, with the exception of the shade lovers, where they will get all the sun possible and where they will be sheltered from sweeping winds.<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Where bulbs are to be planted in the grass, or where hundreds of bulbs are to be planted, used a tool known as a "bulb planter". Otherwise make the holes with a trowel, but flatten them at the bottom so the bulb sits on the soil and not on an air pocket. (Note that a cluster of flowers is more striking to the eye than a lone bloomer.)<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>To determine how deep to plant, consider the caliber or size of the bulb. Large bulbs (2 inches or more) are usually planted about 8 inches deep; smaller-size bulbs (1 inch) are planted 5 inches deep. <br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Loosen the soil with a rake to aerate it and remove any weeds and small stones. Mix in a bit of peat moss to improve soil drainage. Place -- do not push -- bulbs firmly in the soil with the pointed side up. Space large bulbs 3-10 inches apart and small bulbs 1-2 inches apart. (If you're not sure which end is right-side-up, don't worry. Upside-down bulbs usually come up anyway!) <br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Cover the bulbs with soil and water generously. Add 2-3 inches of mulch, pine bark is fine, on top of the garden bed. This will provide added protection from the cold and keeps the soil from drying out. <br><br><br />
<br />
<li>As a rule, bulbs require ample water during the season when their foliage is green and growing actively, and much drier conditions during their period of summer dormancy. <b>Great care should be taken not to remove any foliage until it has died down naturally.</b><br><br><br />
<br />
<li>When cutting flowers, leave as much foliage as possible: the leaves are the food-manufacturing organs, and it is their function to prepare food enough to be transported to and stored in the bulbs to insure sturdy growth and flower production the following year.<br />
</ol><br />
</p><br />
<br />
<p><br />
Most bulbs will increase in number if their conditions of cultivation are satisfactory. After 3 - 5 years, lift and divide the clumps, or else there will be few flowers. Do this as soon as the leaves have died down, or better still, after the leaves have turned half yellow, as it is then easier to see where the bulbs are.<br><br><br />
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<br />
By following these simple guidelines, your colorful garden is sure to turn the neighbors green with envy. <b>Basically it all boils down to: Buy those bulbs, put them in the ground and dream all winter of the glorious spring that awaits you. </b><br><br><br><br />
</p><br />
<br />
<center><br />
<br />
<img src="../inv/ir02.jpg" align="center" width="200" height="218" alt="Iris-superb flowering bulbs are a gardener's delight" border="1"><br />
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</center><br />
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<br><br><br><br />
<br />
<h1><font size="3">Professional Planting Tips</font></h1><br />
<p><br />
<ol><br />
<li>Plant low-growing bulbs, such as grape hyacinths, in front taller flowers, such as tulips.<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Always plant bulbs in groups, either in small clusters or large beds, a single flower standing alone is not very dramatic.<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Plant scattered clusters of early-flowering bulbs, such as crocus, throughout your lawn to achieve a "natural" look.<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Plant clusters of daffodils around the woodpile, or in a meadow area that is not mowed often. These will add a colorful accent to your landscape in spring and, if left on their own to wilt away, will return year after year. Well-selected and mature plantings of naturalized bulbs can add value to your home, just as mature trees and shrubs do.<br><br><br />
<br />
<li>Experiment. You know better than the experts what flowers you fancy. Pick a flower bulb variety on a whim and try a small planting. If it does well for you, add more next year.<br />
<br />
</ol><br />
</p><br />
<BR><br><br />
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<table width="620" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="10" border="0"><br />
<tr><br />
<td valign="top"><font face="arial" size="2"><br />
<h1><font size="3">How To Force Spring Bulbs</font></h1><br />
<br />
<ol><br />
<li> Prepare bulbs early.<br><br> <br />
<li> Wrap the bowl in plastic sheeting and bury in an outdoor plunge.<br><br> <br><br><br />
<li> Or wrap in newspaper and keep as cool as possible indoors.<br><br><br />
<li> Uncover when one-inch sprouts show, and keep in a light but cool place until buds are well formed.<br><br><br><br><br />
<li> Transfer to a warm room to flower.<br />
</ol><br />
</font><br />
</td><br />
<br />
<td valign="top"><img src="../inv/fb01.jpg" align="right" width="300" height="389" alt="How to force spring bulbs for your flower garden" border="0"><br />
</td><br />
</tr><br />
</table></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-88519938046442684622014-03-27T08:00:00.000-06:002018-03-22T16:10:42.321-06:00Asparagus - one of the first delicacies from an early spring garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLoUZKfwELycQJvHknLzRmu_SJRbFldxpjZkFOhEqVijvngxpX1Hkpt3yvOgIrtmUG8yvpC9uSQu_Q7uFhqNO1hW0h-CFYUHjydRBZfd6xFDv3t2dsN54krTR5bJxGJXzVOwUwWqBnRxd/s1600/asparagus-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="How to grow Asparagus" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLoUZKfwELycQJvHknLzRmu_SJRbFldxpjZkFOhEqVijvngxpX1Hkpt3yvOgIrtmUG8yvpC9uSQu_Q7uFhqNO1hW0h-CFYUHjydRBZfd6xFDv3t2dsN54krTR5bJxGJXzVOwUwWqBnRxd/s1600/asparagus-sm.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How to grow Asparagus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_648347675"></span><span id="goog_648347676"></span>A favourite since the time of the ancient Greeks, asparagus is one of the very first vegetables to be harvested from an early spring garden.<br />
<br />
This hardy, perennial plant is productive for 15 - 20 years, and grows best where the soil freezes slightly during winter months.<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
How to Plant Asparagus:</h2>
<br />
It is possible to grow asparagus from seed, but you will be able to harvest your crop much sooner if you begin with one-year-old roots.<br />
<br />
Select a sunny location free from shade where the soil is rich, deep, and well drained. Remember that asparagus will be growing there for many years to come, so make sure your planting will not interfere with your plans for the rest of the garden.<br />
<br />
As soon as the ground can be worked in the spring, dig a trench about 12 inches (30cm) deep and 10 inches (25cm) wide. In the bottom of this trench, place a 3" layer of mature compost. If well-rotted manure is available, it may be added as well. Carefully work this layer into the bottom of the trench. If you require a second row, place it no closer than 4 feet from the first.<br />
<br />
Set the young plants, or crowns, into the bottom of the trench, spacing them 18 - 30 inches apart and making sure they are resting approximately 10 inches below the level of the garden. Spread out the roots, cover the crown to a depth of 3" with sifted compost, and water well. Gradually add fine topsoil and compost to the trench as the plants grow, but be careful not to fill the trench too rapidly, or you might stifle the growth of the young plants.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Harvesting Asparagus:</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
If a good growth has occurred during the first year, it is possible to cut the shoots lightly the following spring. It would be best, however, if the plants are not cut for two years. This gives them time to build up larges crowns.<br />
<br />
During the third season, the asparagus may be cut clean for a duration of one month's time. In future years, the cutting season may be extended to two months<br />
<br />
Spears should be cut when they are 6" high, either at, or slightly below, ground level. My grandfather always preferred to cut below ground level where the asparagus was still tender and white.<br />
<br />
When cutting, place the knife blade close to the spear, run it down to the desired depth, and then turn it enough to cut cleanly through the spear, taking care not to damage other parts of the plant. Careless cutting can cause very serious injury to a planting of asparagus.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Seasonal Care of Asparagus:</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
After harvesting your asparagus crop, the plants must be allowed to grow and store food for the remainder of the summer. Some people sow cover crops such as soybeans between the rows of asparagus. These cover crops deter weed growth and add to the organic content of the soil when they are dug under<br />
<br />
As winter approaches, the rows of asparagus should be lightly mulched with straw or other material to prevent frost from penetrating the crowns too severely. The brush (or fern) should not be removed or burned, but should instead remain as part of the mulch.<br />
<br />
The next spring, remove the mulch, cultivate the ground lightly, work in additional compost, and ridge the rows with a hoe. Ridging in this way serves two purposes - it bleaches the shoots by excluding sunlight, and it works valuable nutrients into the soil.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Asparagus Pests & Diseases:</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
The asparagus beetle is considered a serious menace as it is very difficult to get rid of and does much damage. The most serious damage however, occurs when it is allowed to overwinter in the adult stage by hiding in fallen sticks, trash, and leaves. It then emerges in the early spring to feed upon the young asparagus shoots.<br />
<br />
Garden cleanliness and fall cultivation will prevent the insects from overwintering. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMcraaHKrfBDRHR1TWxNJ0D2VjYYKzRn5JAzCwREtDfdpkR6QmbPse3TJiMnEfIAEvDtjPniNV7K5lx9idxPV_q7q2rRcUiH6Avh7-LSO398hxLjx5W63dPJxGtNy5MyxYs-m4FupQzug/s1600/asparagus_beetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Asparagus Beetle" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeMcraaHKrfBDRHR1TWxNJ0D2VjYYKzRn5JAzCwREtDfdpkR6QmbPse3TJiMnEfIAEvDtjPniNV7K5lx9idxPV_q7q2rRcUiH6Avh7-LSO398hxLjx5W63dPJxGtNy5MyxYs-m4FupQzug/s1600/asparagus_beetle.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus Beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ZrxVi8u4chL_fUk8v6ITACk-Wul7mY20UFHCUGzFaR_fzMMiYGNjKcbGUeopqtnbuJeBMg63NwuJhDlB85lt7OLPqIfvLxQsH81Htflku8hzwjVspr2lNdkg9bRn1ZoAWM3_ezy7ekn/s1600/spotted-asparagusbeetle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Spotted Asparagus Beetle" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI4ZrxVi8u4chL_fUk8v6ITACk-Wul7mY20UFHCUGzFaR_fzMMiYGNjKcbGUeopqtnbuJeBMg63NwuJhDlB85lt7OLPqIfvLxQsH81Htflku8hzwjVspr2lNdkg9bRn1ZoAWM3_ezy7ekn/s1600/spotted-asparagusbeetle.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Asparagus Beetle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b> Asparagus rust</b> is a disease in which small, reddish pustules appear first on the main stalks. These pustules, when they burst, release a fine rust-colored cloud of spores. Sometimes an entire planting is rapidly infected and dies. But the degree to which asparagus rust does damage is largely dependent upon local conditions. The spores require dampness for germination, and so locations with heavy dews and damp mists are not suitable.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Other related articles:</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/healthy-garden-soil-composting-mulching.html">Healthy Garden Soil</a>:</b> composting, mulching, layered gardens</li>
<li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2014/03/companion-planting-includes-chart-of.html" style="color: #046e0d; text-decoration: none;"><b>Companion Planting</b></a> - plants which naturally enhance the growth and flavour of their neighbours.</li>
<li><b style="color: #046e0d; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/natural-bug-sprays.html" style="color: #046e0d; text-decoration: none;">Natural Bug Sprays</a></b></li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTXXiBp-au3kc8UQKyGI5MzJfoei_Et-4JFNlgiIY3mZyZRKlp6o2tRhX1ZP-mpkBm9bu9d_2I6RdIRlqqiyfrMFd9jMB7RMY60Eaab7X4KcQlqE8W4e9RBjHOw7Q6Vchlglq3X0HDWNQ/s1600/asp-soup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Asparagus Soup recipe with Parmesan Custards" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTXXiBp-au3kc8UQKyGI5MzJfoei_Et-4JFNlgiIY3mZyZRKlp6o2tRhX1ZP-mpkBm9bu9d_2I6RdIRlqqiyfrMFd9jMB7RMY60Eaab7X4KcQlqE8W4e9RBjHOw7Q6Vchlglq3X0HDWNQ/s1600/asp-soup.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asparagus Soup</td></tr>
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<div>
<b>ASPARAGUS SOUP WITH PARMESAN CUSTARDS</b></div>
<div>
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div>
<div>
Active time: 45 min </div>
<div>
Start to finish: 2 1/2 hr</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recipe courtesy of <a href="http://epicurious.com/">Epicurious.com</a></div>
<div>
Photo: Miki Duisterhof</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>For custards</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>2 1/2 oz Parmigiano-Reggiano, coarsely grated (1 1/4 cups) </li>
<li>1 cup heavy cream</li>
<li>1/2 cup whole milk</li>
<li>1 whole large egg</li>
<li>2 large egg yolks</li>
<li>1/8 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>Pinch of white pepper</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>For soup</b></div>
<div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 large leek (white and pale green parts only), finely chopped (1 1/4 cups)</li>
<li>1/2 cup finely chopped shallot</li>
<li>1/4 teaspoon black pepper</li>
<li>3/4 teaspoon salt</li>
<li>2 tablespoons unsalted butter</li>
<li>2 1/2 lb asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces</li>
<li>3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth</li>
<li>1 1/2 cups water</li>
<li>1/4 cup heavy cream</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Garnish:</b> Parmigiano-Reggiano curls, shaved from a wedge with a vegetable peeler. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Special equipment</b>: 6 (2-oz) ramekins</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Make custards:</b></div>
<div>
Bring cheese, cream, and milk just to a boil in a small heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and steep, covered, 30 minutes. </div>
<div>
Preheat oven to 300°F. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pour steeped cream through a very fine sieve into a bowl, pressing lightly on cheese solids and discarding them. Whisk together whole egg, yolks, salt, and white pepper in another bowl, then add steeped cream in a stream, whisking until smooth. Divide among well-buttered ramekins. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Set ramekins in a baking pan and bake in a hot water bath in middle of oven until centers of custards are completely set, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer ramekins to a rack and cool 5 minutes (do not allow to cool longer, or custards will stick to ramekins).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Make soup while cream steeps and custards bake: </b></div>
<div>
Wash chopped leek in a bowl of cold water, then lift out and drain well. Cook leek, shallot, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in butter in a 4- to 6-quart heavy pot over moderately low heat, stirring, until leek is softened, about 3 minutes. Add asparagus, broth, and water and simmer, covered, until asparagus is just tender, 10 to 12 minutes. After 2 to 4 minutes, remove 6 asparagus tips, halve lengthwise and reserve for garnish.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Purée soup in batches in a blender until smooth (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer to a large bowl, then pour through a sieve into cleaned pot. Stir in cream, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste and heat over moderately low heat until hot. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Serve soup with custards:</b></div>
<div>
Working with 1 custard at a time, run a thin knife around edge of each to loosen it, then invert a soup bowl over ramekin and invert custard into bowl. Repeat with remaining custards. Ladle soup around custards and garnish with reserved asparagus tips and parmesan curls.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Cooks' note: </b></div>
<div>
• Soup can be made 1 day ahead. Cool, uncovered, then chill, covered.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Makes 6 servings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Gourmet, April 2002, Gourmet Entertains</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-87563256706561943102014-03-19T08:00:00.000-06:002014-03-20T11:02:26.036-06:00Companion Planting: with chart of compatible companion plants & their effects<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden Companions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>In nature, where plants grow without cultivation, there is always a mixture of plant types growing in an area. The selection of the plants living in an area depends on the soil type, local climactic conditions, and horticultural history.<br />
<br />
With few exceptions, the plants that grow together in the wild are mutually beneficial in that they allow for maximum utilization of light, moisture and soil. Plants needing less light live in the shade of those which must have full light, while the roots of some plants live close to the surface and others send their roots far down into the ground. This is known as companion planting. Companion planting enables gardeners to make maximum use of sun, soil and moisture to grow mixed crops in one area.<br />
<br />
Some plants have a beneficial effect upon the garden because of some peculiar characteristic of their growth, scent, or root formation and soil demands. Odoriferous plants (the smelly ones), including those with aromatic oils, play an important part in determining just which insects visit the garden. Hemp, for instance, is said to repel the cabbage butterfly. But while some plants can repel insects, they can also hinder the growth rate of other plants or otherwise adversely affect them.<br />
<br />
Below are combinations of vegetables, herbs, flowers and weeds that are mutually beneficial, according to reports of organic gardeners and companion planting guides.<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: #93c47d;"> Plant Companion(s) and Effects </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Asparagus Tomatoes, parsley, basil<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
</div></li>
<li>Basil Tomatoes (improves growth & flavor); said to dislike rue; repels flies & mosquitoes<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
</span></div></li>
<li>Bean Potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, cauliflower, cabbage, summer <br />
savory, and most other veggies & herbs<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></li>
<li>Bean (bush) Sunflowers (beans like partial shade, unless you live up north, sunflowers attract birds & bees for pollination), cucumbers (combination of heavy and light feeders), potatoes, corn, <br />
celery, summer savory<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></li>
<li>Bee Balm Tomatoes (improves growth & flavor)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></li>
<li>Beet Onions, kohlrabi<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></li>
<li>Borage Tomatoes (attracts bees, deters tomato worm, imrpoves growth & flavor), squash, strawberries<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Cabbage Family Potatoes, celery, dill, chamomile, sage, thyme, mint, pennyroyal, <br />
rosemary, lavender, beets, onions; aromatic plants deter <br />
cabbage worms<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Caraway Loosens soil; plant here and there<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________<br />
</span></li>
<li>Carrot Peas, lettuce, chives, onions, leeks, rosemary, sage, tomatoes<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Catnip Plant in borders; protects against flea beetles<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Celery Leeks, tomatoes, bush beans, cauliflower, cabbage<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Chamomile Cabbage, onions<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Chervil Radishes (improves growth & flavor).<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Chive Carrots; plant around base of fruit trees to discourage insects from climbing trunk.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Corn Potatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, pumpkin, squash<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Cucumber Beans, corn, peas, radishes, sunflower<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Dead nettle Potatoes (deters potato bugs)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Dill Cabbage (improves growth & health), carrots<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Eggplant Beans<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Fennel <b>Most plants are supposed to dislike it</b><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Flax Carrots, potatoes.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Garlic Roses & raspberries (deters Japanese beetle); with herbs to <br />
enhance their production of essential oils; plant liberally<br />
throughout the garden to deter pests.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Horseradish Potatoes (deters potato bettle); around plum trees to discourage curculios.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Hyssop Cabbage (deters cabbage moths), grapes; keep away from <br />
radishes.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Lamb's-quarters Nutritious edible weeds; allow to grow in modest amounts in <br />
the corn.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Leek Onions, celery, carrots<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Lemon Balm Here and there in the garden<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Marigold The workhorse of pest deterrents; keeps soil free of nematodes; discourages many insects; plant freely throughout the garden.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Marjoram Here & there in the garden.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Mint Cabbage family; tomatoes; deters cabbage moth.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Nasturtium Tomatoes, radish, cabbage, cucumbers; plant under fruit trees; deters aphids & pests of curcurbits.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Onion Beets, strawberries, tomato, lettuce (protects against slugs), beans (protects against ants), summer savory<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Parsley Tomato, asparagus<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Pea Squash (when squash follows peas up trellis), plus grows well with almost any vegetable; adds nitrogen to the soil.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Petunia Protects beans; beneficial throughout garden<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Potato Horseradish, beans, corn, cabbage, marigold, limas, eggplant (as a trap crop for potato beetle)<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Pot marigold Helps tomato, but plant throughout garden as deterent to asparagus beetle, tomato worm & many other garden pests.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Pumpkin Corn<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Radish Peas, nasturtium, lettuce, cucumbers; a general aid in <br />
repelling insects.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Rosemary Carrots, beans, cabbage, sage; deters cabbage moth, bean beetles<br />
and carrot fly.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Rue Roses & raspberries; deters Japanese beetle; keep away from basil.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Sage Rosemary, carrots, cabbage, peas, beans; deters some insects.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Soybean Grows with anything; helps everything.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Spinach Strawberries<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Squash Nasturtium, corn.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Strawberry Bush beans, spinach, borage, lettuce (as a border).<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Summer Savory Beans, onions; deters bean beetles.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Sunflower Cucumbers<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Tansy Plant under fruit trees; deters pests of roses & raspberries; deters flying insects, also Japanese beetles, striped cucumber <br />
beetles, squash bugs; deters ants.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Tarragon Good throughout garden<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Thyme Here & there in garden; deters cabbage worm<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.alltomato.com/" target="_blank"><b>Tomato </b></a> Chives, onion, parsley, asparagus, marigold, nasturtium, carrot, <br />
limas.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Valerian Good anywhere in garden<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<br />
<br />
</span></li>
<li>Wormwood As a border, keeps animals from the garden.<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span><br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Yarrow Plant along borders, near paths, near aromatic herbs; enhances essential oil production of herbs<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________________________________</span></li>
</ol><br />
<br />
<b>Here are some additional books on the subject of Companion Planting that you may like:</b><br />
<center>(please click on book image for more details)</center></div></div></div><br />
<center><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1601383452/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1601383452&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1601383452&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=1601383452" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875968473/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0875968473&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0875968473&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=0875968473" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875966160/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0875966160&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=0875966160&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=0875966160" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BWQA0QA/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BWQA0QA&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B00BWQA0QA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=B00BWQA0QA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584799013/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1584799013&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1584799013&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=1584799013" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1605296775/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1605296775&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1605296775&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=1605296775" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1603580298/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1603580298&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=1603580298&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=1603580298" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008UZ21OA/ref=as_li_tf_il?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008UZ21OA&linkCode=as2&tag=theebookdirect" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&ASIN=B008UZ21OA&Format=_SL160_&ID=AsinImage&MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&WS=1&tag=theebookdirect" /></a><img alt="" border="0" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=theebookdirect&l=as2&o=1&a=B008UZ21OA" height="1" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-33957235171260482872014-02-19T10:45:00.000-07:002018-03-22T16:10:41.178-06:00Cold Frames and Greenhouses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRwt9GRMrK77-l0ORx2KvZkCBGGv5XXGq8tG-QM3kUlmWr5FtzfiOuPzN3gtVeugAgX_WOzhW4SgMJfzrnUYyKdh1L6DrTKd5XsM4f-7No1yzuMsWNSUmKq7S9eugFsgR-ApocMqUPBXg/s1600/coldframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRwt9GRMrK77-l0ORx2KvZkCBGGv5XXGq8tG-QM3kUlmWr5FtzfiOuPzN3gtVeugAgX_WOzhW4SgMJfzrnUYyKdh1L6DrTKd5XsM4f-7No1yzuMsWNSUmKq7S9eugFsgR-ApocMqUPBXg/s1600/coldframe.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a Cold Frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Building a Cold Frame</h2><div dir="ltr" trbidi="on"><br />
</div>With very little effort you can build a simple cold frame - essentially a low greenhouse with a translucent hinged top. Placed against a south-facing wall and recessed into the ground it allows you to get a jump on spring with the sheltering of young plants before they are transplanted out, or even grow hardy salad greens such as spinach and kale during frosty winter months.<br />
<br />
Dig a rectangle about 6 -8 inches deep beside the wall. Using scrap lumber or plywood, build a frame with sides the slope down toward the front; a 6 inch slope is sufficient. Make sure the front is high enough (about 18 inches) to accommodate your shortest plant. Then set the frame againt the wall and spread 3 - 4 inches of gravel in the bottom.<br />
<br />
Traditionally, old window sashes formed the tops of cold fames, but you can also use clear plastic, fiberglass, or polyethylene plastic sheeting. In snowy areas, first cover the frame with fine mesh chicken wire or hardware cloth.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694"></a>Place the young plants or sow the seeds on a bed of good garden soil placed on a gravel base. Additional straw can be placed around the outside of the cold frame for additional warmth. Close the lid for protection from extreme cold, opening it slightly for ventilation when the temperature is above freezing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvTsqgdWmWWmRtleXyle6D0z4K-KUSb4lta9n5I963kEVVng1fs-K4tKj2iT7xHADW6HtpMR6ttQUMb8-jIqE2lY8kAklCnSfisxaqX1JYjm85Nf7376xm9x0HpHJ__Js4vAzOD5ad8GH/s1600/raised-garden.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvTsqgdWmWWmRtleXyle6D0z4K-KUSb4lta9n5I963kEVVng1fs-K4tKj2iT7xHADW6HtpMR6ttQUMb8-jIqE2lY8kAklCnSfisxaqX1JYjm85Nf7376xm9x0HpHJ__Js4vAzOD5ad8GH/s1600/raised-garden.gif" /></a></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=174675.460234602&type=2&subid=0" target="new">Stackable Corner Joints, Set of 2</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=174675.460234602&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /><br />
<br />
New Corner Joints Create Endless Design Possibilities Use these versatile corners to create everything from multi-level raised beds to angled landscape edging. Use singly for 5-1/2" high beds or edging, or stack two corners for an 11" high bed. Your 2" x 6" lumber slides right in.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><h2 style="text-align: left;">All About Greenhouses</h2><div><div><br />
</div><div>Traditionally defined as any glass-roofed building or adjoining structure whose purpose is to contain plants, today's greenhouse comes in a variety of sizes, shapes and compositions.</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>There are several advantages that all-year gardening greenhouses afford:</b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Summer and fall crop yields can be stretched one season longer, often through the otherwise dull winter season. <br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Gardeners can use their greenhouses to gain a head start on springtime planting.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>An opportunity to control the environment. Frosts, blizzards, rainstorms, heatwaves and other weather nuisances can be virtually ignored behind the protection of greenhouse windows and wall. Plus controlling the environment allows gardeners to grow specialty plants such as orchids and bromelaids.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Further, there is the therapeutic value of home gardening. Tending fresh fruits, vegetables and ornamental flowers throughout the year is a wonderful way to break the tension and stress of a hard day at work.</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Attached Greenhouse:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>The gardener seeking to minimize construction and maintenance expense, and possibly even capture some heat for the house, may find that an attached greenhouse is more suitable than a freestanding one.</div><div><br />
</div><div>To be most effective, a south wall of the house should be chosen for this type of greenhouse. The spot should not be heavily shaded by trees or other buildings, but it should be protected from strong winds that could chill the greenhouse and possibly weaken it in structure. Supplemental heating can be minimized - or even eliminated - by taking advantage of some features that are being incorporated into the new solar and energy-efficient houses such as the use of multiple-layer glazing, nighttime insulating shutters, curtains, shades, and the addition of thermal mass, such as concrete, stone or brick floors and house walls.</div></div><div><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13GCqQ3dBRhgcs5XgYIm08Ua0CAt8_VTPSm3luLhYPqi5m3tgZ3_pTAystAInwl_nSNU40tu_G-wl6phvvfhF7mqWesyWuWkG8HSXJShApvzjw4KkybPg7747DpRau2SnwKMbwf-RIVQq/s1600/greenhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13GCqQ3dBRhgcs5XgYIm08Ua0CAt8_VTPSm3luLhYPqi5m3tgZ3_pTAystAInwl_nSNU40tu_G-wl6phvvfhF7mqWesyWuWkG8HSXJShApvzjw4KkybPg7747DpRau2SnwKMbwf-RIVQq/s1600/greenhouse.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air flow through greenhouse</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div>Vents near the floor allow cool house air to enter the greenhouse, where it is warmed and then circulated back into the house by means of another vent near the ceiling of the greenhouse. since warm air naturally rises, no fan is necessary in many instances to move this air. Such venting not only helps to warm the house, but it also permits good air flow throughout the greenhouse, raises the humidity of the house and distributes plant-loving carbon dioxide from the house to the greenhouse, and then returning the oxygen from the plants back in.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Vents to the greenhouse should be closed during the summer months, and vents from the greenhouse to the outdoors should be opened instead so that neither the house nor the greenhouse gets overheated.</div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Freestanding Greenhouse:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>To many people, freestanding greenhouses offer distinct advantages. Although they do raise your heating bill, and they require extra expenditures for wire, pipes, fans, heaters, and the like, the additional growing space over attached greenhouses is ample compensation.<br />
<br />
</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Location:</b><br />
<br />
Choosing the best greenhouse location is an important step requiring several considerations. Convenience, accessiblity, yard space, and general land conditions are variables to consider.<br />
<br />
All greenhouses should be situated so that the maximum dosage of sunlight is utilized, especially in winter when it is most needed. A 3 hour exposure of sunlight is considered the minimum daily requirement for most plants during the winter.<br />
<br />
Contrary to popular belief, the precise direction in which a greenhouse faces is usually not a crucial consideration. A more important consideration is the direction of the prevailing winds. Hinged dodors should always swing away from the wind, rather than into it.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><b>Heating and Cooling:</b><br />
<br />
The key to controlling the climate indoors is regulating the temperature to simulate the outdoors. Heartier plants grow best when temperatures tend toward cool. In excessively warm environments, greenhouse plants grow rapidly, but become vulnerable to mildew and insect infestation.<br />
<br />
The proper heating system for your greenhouse depends largely upon the climate and temperature range where you live. Some suggestions for conserving fuel include keeping the greenhouse as airtight as possible; using two outside doors and having one serve as a storm door; using mulch to insulate and retain heat; installing heavy-gauge aluminum foil between the heat source and the outside wall to reflect and retain heat; and planting a windbreak of trees and shrubs nearby to retain heat and protect against wind turbulence.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li><b>Humidity & Ventilation:</b> <br />
<br />
The most important companion to any greenhouse heating system is ventilation. Without fans to circulate the air, the greenhouse temperature can vary from 45F on the floor or ground to over 90F near the roof <b>in winter</b>. Summer temperatures would be even more extreme without proper ventilation.<br />
<br />
Never build a greenhouse too small. In a small area, it is impossible to maintian an even temperature and a healthy atmostpher condition. On sunny days, even in winter, a 4 x 6 ft greenhouse could run over 100F <b>in a matter of minutes</b> and then, at night, when the sun goes down, it would cool off just as fast. Plants will not grow under such conditions without extensive environmental control equipment.<br />
<br />
Maintain a relative humidity of approx. 60%. Excessive humidity invites plant diseases and decreased fruit and flower production (unless you are growing tropicals that are used to such conditions). <br />
<br />
</li>
<li><b>Soil: </b><br />
<br />
A loam soil is often recommended because of its good drainage and aeration. A mix for bench or potted plants is 2 parts topsoil, 1 part sphagnum peat moss, and 1 part sand or horticultural perlite. Another common soil mixture is 1 part soil, 1 part peat moss, and 1 part vermiculite, coarse sand, or perlite. Whichever mixture is used, always keep it fairly moist in order to sustain the living organisms in the soil.<br />
</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
<br />
</div><div><b>Pests & Diseases in Greenhouses:</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Insects, bacteria, viruses, and fungi which thrive in "hothouse climates" can be battled by following these simple sanitation tips:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Remove diseased and dead plants; keep them far from the greenhouse.</li>
<li>Prevent wild weed growth near the greenhouse. Such growth attracts insects and promotes disease.</li>
<li>Keep the greenhouse neat and free of plant clutter.</li>
<li>Be certain that new plants introduced into the greenhouse don't harbour new germs and pests.</li>
<li>Start seed, roots and cuttings in soilless mediums. Sterile perlite, vermiculite and peat moss are recommended for controlling seedling and cutting disease.</li>
<li>Provide proper greenhouse ventilation.</li>
<li>Avoid soaking foliage when watering. Also avoid overwatering or overfertilizing greenhouse plants.</li>
</ol></div><div><br />
</div><div>The organic greenhouse gardener can turn to several safe insect controls, dusts and sprays for disease outbreaks. <a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/natural-bug-sprays.html" target="_blank"><b>Natural Bug Spray Recipes</b></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b>However, not all greenhouse or garden insects are enemies to the propagation of healthy plants.</b> Ladybugs, praying mantis, lacewings, spiders, and horse hair snakes are among the many winged or crawling "friends" in the garden who eat harmful insects.</div><div><br />
</div><div>If helpful insects are not enough, plant companion herbs in the greenhouse such as tansy, sage, rosemary, mint, basil, parsley, valerian, marigolds, and pyrethrum. </div><div><br />
</div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br />
</h4><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #274e13;">RELATED ARTICLES:</span></h4><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2014/02/seeds-seedlings-growing-garden-plants.html" target="_blank"><b>Growing plants from seeds</b></a></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.alltomato.com/" target="_blank">Tomatoes</a>: </b>Grow tomatoes in your garden or on your patio. Includes everything from starting your tomato seedlings through transplanting, growing, pests, diseases, & harvesting.</li>
<li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/healthy-garden-soil-composting-mulching.html" target="_blank"><b>Healthy Garden Soil:</b></a> composting, layered gardens</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/08/raised-garden-beds.html"><b><span style="color: #bf4c01;">Raised Garden Bed</span>s</b></a> - increase crop productivity, reduce weeding, comfort for senior or disabled gardeners</li>
<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2014/03/companion-planting-includes-chart-of.html">Companion Planting Guide:</a> </b> chart of plants which repel insects and naturally enhance the growth and flavour of neighbouring plants.</li>
</ul></div><div><br />
</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbc3DP9pYuwWSxiBM7P7i8R_LXcD6Zf048oA_6kB97hWu_agRAahmEhDrvhwYmYTJEebrIzCsvpGyzrQ6kt_ODB_qlYUWpMRsKyQf0vqdvJtFTKe53Ol8A25j0Fdd0iQttobfxOns1jSF/s1600/elevated-cedar-coldframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbc3DP9pYuwWSxiBM7P7i8R_LXcD6Zf048oA_6kB97hWu_agRAahmEhDrvhwYmYTJEebrIzCsvpGyzrQ6kt_ODB_qlYUWpMRsKyQf0vqdvJtFTKe53Ol8A25j0Fdd0iQttobfxOns1jSF/s1600/elevated-cedar-coldframe.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FElevated-Raised-Bed-with-Cold-Frame%252F8587233%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D22%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Raised Bed with Cold Frame</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">This beautiful elevated bed includes a matching cold frame top to protect plants from harsh weather, making it perfect for starting seeds, hardening off transplants, and growing greens and other cool-season crops. The 2' x 8' elevated bed is easy to plant, tend and harvest without kneeling or bending. There's a false floor made from marine-grade plywood set 10" down from the top so there's plenty of root space for vegetables and flowers. Floor has holes for drainage; vents in the sides allow air to circulate and excess moisture to evaporate. The cold frame top is made with polycarbonate panels that diffuse light so plants don't "cook," and there are adjustable aluminum braces to hold panels at various intervals for ventilation.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJCGzLW2rvvycy7LqRBlViLi9E38UEKCV217nqyUWYXyLaf0zrWRPWBFPvc8TcK2pbX6UdVFEgDKvGka__RWarZ6rAw9Y9ItXcF2TMnc7-Cg_OrioamOQvcVl5tWZ3dmYUMxEnW9CIJNl/s1600/elevated-grow-shelter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDJCGzLW2rvvycy7LqRBlViLi9E38UEKCV217nqyUWYXyLaf0zrWRPWBFPvc8TcK2pbX6UdVFEgDKvGka__RWarZ6rAw9Y9ItXcF2TMnc7-Cg_OrioamOQvcVl5tWZ3dmYUMxEnW9CIJNl/s1600/elevated-grow-shelter.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252F4x4-Elevated-Grow-Shelter%252F8586770%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D28%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Elevated Grow Shelter</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">A self-contained growing system that’s easy to tend and protects plants from chill, wind, heavy rain, insects, birds and animal pests — including deer, dogs and cats. We started with our popular, Vermont-made, 4' x 4' Elevated Cedar Raised Bed. Then we added a powder-coated steel frame and two-part cover that’s tall enough for big crops like tomatoes. The reinforced PVC outer cover protects plants from chill. Large zippered openings reveal the insect netting underneath and let you adjust ventilation. There are zippered openings in the netting, too, for easy access to plants and to allow pollinating insects to reach plants.</span><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Growing Plants From Seeds</b></h2>
<b><br />
</b> <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OsDuHGL29a28LRxmF7RGrbryYgyPI1z8iSXQC_d18pVl2y9WSLoWihwRt1ryAID2JhLYfZSLvOMvpg9zYSwCXvHUFqnOUcK5tXfKj534J9R4NlQZ9PywzYtuLYdcHJKkWw3BxTqRCxXc/s1600/seedling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OsDuHGL29a28LRxmF7RGrbryYgyPI1z8iSXQC_d18pVl2y9WSLoWihwRt1ryAID2JhLYfZSLvOMvpg9zYSwCXvHUFqnOUcK5tXfKj534J9R4NlQZ9PywzYtuLYdcHJKkWw3BxTqRCxXc/s1600/seedling.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grow plants from seeds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Growing plants from seeds is a wonderful adventure. From the first green sprout to a strong, sturdy plant, you have an opportunity to take part in the nurturing process.<br />
<br />
<b>To Begin:</b><br />
<br />
Select the seeds you want to grow, and read the directions on the package or in the plant book. Some plants prefer to be sown directly outdoors, while others require starting inside up to 2 months in advance. There will also be specific light, temperature and watering instructions.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Seeds:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> Choose the type of seeds by looking back on your past gardens. What are some of the plants you have had the most success from? What are some plants you might like to try? Are there some things you have not seen before that look interesting? Browse some seed catalogues and make a list. A few seeds are better to plant directly in the ground where they will grow through the season. Some examples are corn and root crops. Most flowers, herbs and vegetables do well when started early and transplanted. How many packages do you need? Most packages contain more seeds than you might need for a home garden and since the seeds are sold by weight, the smaller the seed size the more per package. What about seed you have from previous years? The simple answer is fresh seed has the best chance of growing. If you have some seed from previous years, you can do a simple germination test by placing a few of the seeds in a clear quart jar with a damp paper towel, close the top and place in a warm (60-70f) spot with bright light. Most good seeds will sprout in about 10-15 days. You can usually store unused seed for the next season if you keep it in a dark and dry location.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Containers:</b><br />
<br />
Seed starting does not require a large container. In fact, shallow containers are generally best. Low rectangular containers called trays or flats are well designed with enough space to start many seeds. You can recycle old trays or containers, but they should be cleaned and treated to avoid contamination from diseases. An easy way to treat your container is to apply a simple mixture of household bleach and water. In addition it works best if you cover the container with a clear dome.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Soil:</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps the most important thing after choosing seeds is the soil selection. The selection of the right material will go a long way toward your success. First, do not use used soil. Start with vermiculite, sand and (or) sterilized potting mix. There are many different recipes for seed starting, but one that we like is to use ½ washed river sand and ½ vermiculite. Save a small amount of sand for seed cover. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Water:</b><br />
<br />
Before planting, add enough water to make the soil moist without making it soggy. Misting with hand a held sprayer or a Garden Coil will work best. It will be necessary to add water later and misting will be easiest.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Light:</b><br />
<br />
There is no equal to sunlight, so wherever possible, use the brightest natural light you can. If you have low light or very short days, consider using a lighting system. The light needs to be placed very close to the surface of the container which makes fluorescent light a good choice because it does not get as hot as incandescent light. To save energy, try to use the lighting system to make the daylight hours longer and use it just before sunset for three or four hours. <br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Warmth:</b><br />
<br />
All seeds germinate best with warm temperatures and bottom heat is best because it helps draw the roots down through the rooting soil. Using a heating mat can make the seeds germinate more uniformly and quickly. If you do not have a heating mat, find a location were the temperature remains stable around 60-70f.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
Sowing and Growing Plants from Seed:</h2>
<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li>Cover the bottom of the seed tray or pan with gravel or other small stones, and fill to withint 1/2 inch of the rim with soil. Level it off.</li>
<li>Gently firm down loam-based mixtures, but not the peaty kind. Water the mixture thoroughly and allow to drain before sowing.</li>
<li>Sow the seed thinly and evenly. With extremely fine seed, mix it first with a little dry silver sand. Cover the seed with about is own depth of soil, but <b>do not cover very fine seed at al</b>l. You might need to treat slow-germinating seed with a fungicidal seed dressing.</li>
</ol>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sowing garden seeds</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
4. Cover the seed tray with a sheet of glass to retain moisture. Wipe the condensation from under the surface of the glass daily, and water seeds<b> only when necessar</b>y with a fine spray. If you find it is too wet inside, either take the glass off, or slide it so that a corner is open and moisture can evaporate. Keep the seed tray out of the sunlight or cover with newspaper until the seedlings appear. Then give full light (but not direct sunlight - it's too strong)</div>
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5. Remove the glass a few days after germination. When big enough to handle without damage, prick out the seedlings into trays, pans, or small peat pots. Use tweezers or a V-notch stick to uproot the seedlings, and plant them in holes made with a blunt-end stick (pencils work great). Water well. The seedlings should not be crowded, so plant them at least 1 1/2 inches apart. Grow them on in warmth and good light until they are sturdy young plants.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRndtTa-Kgn2tIKyhehbFVXT434iYfpyd24wVCDRPe_S2WpiG7L1k_J1q1jUpAR4RJ45cQ7aB8derqDiESW7A3a79HnQCSGSLI2Mvvb70S35aElCvpRLEGEFPdtU4_1dgvWrLdDpuboKvz/s1600/ss-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRndtTa-Kgn2tIKyhehbFVXT434iYfpyd24wVCDRPe_S2WpiG7L1k_J1q1jUpAR4RJ45cQ7aB8derqDiESW7A3a79HnQCSGSLI2Mvvb70S35aElCvpRLEGEFPdtU4_1dgvWrLdDpuboKvz/s1600/ss-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tiny garden seedlings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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6. When the plants are nice and strong, transfer them to 2 1/2 inch pots or to permanent positions. If peat pots are used, the seedlings' roots penetrate the peat. Transplant the pot and all.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Transplanting Seedlings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Tips When Buying Plants:</b></h2>
<b><span id="goog_550033349"></span><span id="goog_550033350"></span></b> If you should choose to buy your young plants instead of growing them from seed, here are a few tips to help in your selection:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Make sure the young plants are healthy, strong, and not too large. They should also have good roots.</li>
<li>Ask for information on the special characteristics of the variety.</li>
<li>Harden the plants before setting them out into the garden. This means that you gradually set them outside for more and more hours per day; preferably in the location where they will be planted. This lets them get used to the temperature changes and sun intensity. Do not set them in full sunlight against the wall of the house the first time out. They will get sunburned.</li>
</ul>
<div>
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<h2 style="text-align: left;">
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<li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><b><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/healthy-garden-soil-composting-mulching.html">Healthy Garden Soil:</a></b> composting, mulching, layered gardens</li>
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It appears that autumn has come to the prairies. The garden is winding down, crops are almost ripe, and the evening air has the scent of fall.<br />
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With everything coming to an end, there tends to be a lot of grass, leaves, and organic garden material left over.<br />
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<b>What to do with it all? Make mulch!</b><br />
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The importance of Organic Mulch can never be over emphasized. Mulch retains moisture and eliminates most weeds, while maintaining a healthy soil structure by encouraging a vigorous worm population.<br />
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A mulch is a layer of material placed on the soil surface to conserve moisture, hold down weeds, and ultimately improve soil structure and fertility. Mulching protects plants during winter by reducing the dangers of freezing and heaving, and offers several other advantages.<br />
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For example, a mulched plant is not subjected to the extremes of temperatures that affect an exposed plant. The roots of unmulched plants can be damaged by the heaving of soil brought on by sudden thaws and freezes, but a mulch acts as an insulating blanket, keeping the soil warmer in winter and cooler in summer.<br />
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Mulch that has been applied to the soil during the spring and summer can be turned under in fall, thereby enriching the garden soil. Moreover, certain materials used for mulch contain rich minerals. These break down gradually and work into the soil to feed the roots of plants, soaking into the ground during the first heavy rain. Therefore, mulch fertilizes the soild while it remains on the soil surface, as well as after it decays.<br />
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<b>A Boon For Busy Gardeners</b><br />
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For the busy gardener, mulching is a boon indeed. Many backbreaking hours of weeding and hoeing are practically eliminated and machine cultivation is not necessary. Weeds do not have the change to get a foothold, and the few that do can be hoed out quickly. Since the mulch helps keep the soil loose, there is no need to cultivate.<br />
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The mulch also keeps the wind and the hot, drying sun from evaporating soil moisture. A few good soakings during the long growing season wil tide the plants over a long dry spell, and mulched plants often endure a long dry season with little watering. Soil underneath the mulch remains cool and damp to the touch.<br />
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At harvest-time, vegetables that sprawl on the ground - cucumbers, squash, strawberries, unstaked tomatoes - often become mildewed, moldy, or develop rot. A mulch prevents this damage by keeping the vegetables clean and dry. In addition, mulched rows are easier to walk on and low-growing flowers and vegetables are not splashed with mud.<br />
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<b>Mulching Materials</b><br />
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Practically any organic material can be used for mulching. However, since different materials have different textures and properties, they differ in suitability.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Alfalfa Hay:</b><br />
Coarse and ragged in appearance, alfalfa is most easily handled when green and freshly cut. It has a high nitrogen content and will supply the nitrogen requirements of fruit trees. <br />
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</li>
<li><b>Buckwheat Hulls:</b><br />
Buckwheat hulls make a clean and attractive mulch, but they are expensive and hard to obtain. They can be spread one or two inches deep in summer, and deeper in winter.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>Cocoa Been Hulls or Shells</b>:<br />
Excellent as a mulch, they absorb 2 1/2 times their weight in water.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>Corncobs & Cornstalks:</b><br />
Ground into one inch pieces, corncobs have many uses. Their sugar content will help increase the microorganisms in the soil, and the material itself will give a better soil granulation. When using cobs as a mulch, use a layer at least 6 inches deep, and apply a nitogenous material - blood meal, cottonseed meal, bone meal, or compost - to the soil first. Shredded cornstalks also make excellent mulch.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>Leaves:</b><br />
Shredded leaves make an excellent mulch as they do not mat down, and they enrich the soil more quickly than whole leaves. There is rarely any nitrogen deficiency in leaves, so it is not necessary to apply nitrogen to the soil before mulching. If unshredded, leaves should be mixed with straw or some other light material so that they do not become a soggy mass. The mixed mulch can be applied 8 - 12 inches deep for winter.</li>
</ul><br />
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<b>Mulching Do's & Don'ts</b><br />
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</b> <br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>DO use</b> Pine bark, Compost, Mushroom compost, Stable straw, Leaves, Grass clippings, Wood chips, Wood shavings, Sawdust, and Seaweed for mulch material.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>DON'T use</b> grass clippings and stable straw too thickly, as they will generate heat.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>DO</b> hose down seaweed to wash excess salt away before placing on the garden.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>DON'T</b> use pine needles or gum tree leaves too thickly, as the material will form a mat which will not allow moisture to pass through.<br />
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</li>
<li><b>DO</b> place mulch on the garden, but not too deep that water and air cannot penetrate.<br />
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</li>
</ul><br />
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<b>Other articles you might be interested in:</b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/07/healthy-garden-soil-composting-mulching.html">Healthy garden soil:</a> how to compost and make layered or "lasagna" gardens</li>
</ul><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">____________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<br />
- Blows, vacuums, shreds with precise force!<br />
- Potent 12-amp motor creates a 225-mph wind to blast leaves and dirt away<br />
- Large collection bag and 16-to-1 shredding ratio mean less frequent emptying<br />
- Airflow is adjustable<br />
- Sharp, serrated mulching blades<br />
- Comfort grip prevents hand fatigue<br />
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Don't just blow leaves around! Using a leaf blower is fine for clearing a small area, but it's no way to clean a whole yard. The Leafmaster is a powerful electric tool which vacuums up leaves, shreds them into mulch, and collects them for composting or disposal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkB7gnHAfLxwuSA2gzpI9-625FLEEj_JMOrQrDLGfurlD6foU1W_UAbO9KCAIcDcdPfIJPdRVdVsotl52_3DYkBjSlXiAnSRv7-qTWkcOSoYNCSz68eunwnX2gaCVWNuZtKGUVTvbSV1a/s1600/electric-leaf-shredder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXkB7gnHAfLxwuSA2gzpI9-625FLEEj_JMOrQrDLGfurlD6foU1W_UAbO9KCAIcDcdPfIJPdRVdVsotl52_3DYkBjSlXiAnSRv7-qTWkcOSoYNCSz68eunwnX2gaCVWNuZtKGUVTvbSV1a/s200/electric-leaf-shredder.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=254945.940239402&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeners.com%2FElectric-Leaf-Shredder%2F39-402%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%3FSC%3DXNET8LB1" target="new"><b>Electric Leaf Shredder</b></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.940239402&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /><br />
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Leaves are one of nature's best soil conditioners, but a few trees' worth of fallen leaves can really add up. This easy-to-operate electric shredder converts 11 bags of leaves into one bag of mulch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsPXUwrfGgERiht16sQe8e12OTmHAWwNKQyqsh6gG_53tmt7apmIiCH7IQ1L5j-o5EVfb1VMS26Idi1fQ04MnECxoISJ9vOaGWJ-5rZpHuJAyJKPqZygVjq6TirdQbIJVUomDlMS4MIIQ/s1600/cocomat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsPXUwrfGgERiht16sQe8e12OTmHAWwNKQyqsh6gG_53tmt7apmIiCH7IQ1L5j-o5EVfb1VMS26Idi1fQ04MnECxoISJ9vOaGWJ-5rZpHuJAyJKPqZygVjq6TirdQbIJVUomDlMS4MIIQ/s1600/cocomat.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=254945.737835214&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeners.com%2FCoco-Fiber-Tree-Rings%2F17378%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%3FSC%3DXNET8LB1" target="new"><b>48" Coco Fiber Tree Rings, set of 2</b></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.737835214&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /><br />
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Coco Tree Mats Suppress Weeds Better than Bark Mulch. Lightweight and easy to work with; slips easily around a tree trunk. These rings last three years or more!<br />
<div>- Permeable to water, air, and plant nutrients</div><div>- Center hole is easily enlarged if needed</div><div>- Choice of four sizes: 24", 36", 48", and 60"<br />
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If you're not diligent about replenishing bark mulch, it can start to look messy and start letting weeds through after just one season. These thick mulch mats are made of tightly woven coconut fibers and durable natural latex, so they stop weeds for several seasons. They reduce string-trimming chores too, because you can mow right over them.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0bCHlip178YxL7xooyeCr2F14YSBOLEj6IWZ6JxCofzD0BZGOZQHOoA850TQ2vP8X49sSXfKTKMeFly48f9J-1G338oMZkPhak3KlRguwiC_kcgoYJPUY3YHAAyyzHGW7GFDwFkx42NP/s1600/gardencart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT0bCHlip178YxL7xooyeCr2F14YSBOLEj6IWZ6JxCofzD0BZGOZQHOoA850TQ2vP8X49sSXfKTKMeFly48f9J-1G338oMZkPhak3KlRguwiC_kcgoYJPUY3YHAAyyzHGW7GFDwFkx42NP/s1600/gardencart.jpg" /></a></div><div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=254945.365002118&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeners.com%2FLarge-Garden-Cart%2F36-500VS%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%3FSC%3DXNET8LB1" target="new"><b>Large Gardener's Supply Cart</b></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.365002118&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /><br />
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- Tough, long-lasting cart holds up to 500 pounds — as much as 10 wheelbarrows!<br />
- Even weight distribution and big, pneumatic wheels make pushing and pulling easy<br />
- End slides open for easy loading, unloading and dumping<br />
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Designed specifically to meet the needs of gardeners, not adapted from an industrial utility cart. The garden wagon has big wheels with pneumatic tires roll easily over rough terrain. High sides prevent loose loads like mulch and compost from bouncing out. The axle is positioned to distribute the weight and balance the load. The long handle lets you push or pull with equal ease and has a comfortable neoprene grip. Tough, rust-proof aluminum frame; end slides open for easy dumping. Rated "Excellent" by a leading consumer magazine.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjkzn1NfEFz8wBxsJZzS6q408qolMRqwFv4zcrVNhR3lyB-rehvrzzPUEpeKFVT6w8HXhCXFIA7txZHfqsxkxvcVvA6zf9L1eyjKoUe9Dkn4_THdmUOl6hxkz7KJOdYU1DRfi5s22Hjj_/s1600/red-tomato-mulch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzjkzn1NfEFz8wBxsJZzS6q408qolMRqwFv4zcrVNhR3lyB-rehvrzzPUEpeKFVT6w8HXhCXFIA7txZHfqsxkxvcVvA6zf9L1eyjKoUe9Dkn4_THdmUOl6hxkz7KJOdYU1DRfi5s22Hjj_/s200/red-tomato-mulch.jpg" width="154" /></a></div><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/link?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=254945.398586839&type=2&murl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gardeners.com%2FRed-Tomato-Mulch%2F8586839%2Cdefault%2Cpd.html%3FSC%3DXNET8LB1" target="new"><b>Red Tomato Mulch</b></a><img border="0" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.398586839&type=2&subid=0" width="1" /><br />
<div>This remarkable red mulch helps tomato plants grow faster and produce more abundant crops. Specially engineered red mulch reflects far-red light wavelengths upward into your tomato plants. This triggers the release of a natural plant protein that stimulates more rapid growth and development. Your plants will mature faster, look bushier, and give you a more flavorful, more abundant harvest than ever before. Also may be used with strawberries, melons, red peppers and other crops that fruit above ground. Micro-perforations allow water, air and nutrients to reach the soil surface. Not designed for weed suppression.</div><div><br />
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</div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-7665310683155818462013-08-06T08:33:00.000-06:002014-02-23T12:29:29.697-07:00Fairy Gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>A look into the enchanted world of Fairy Gardens</b><br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3E5HV8tFnL4RwdXv43OADmhkC9lJXVWkjRzqPjTSAp9LrryJhJ-FF2_kUg2r23SFF3q-lA8MZXGU8OF1cVAcCT_uGjYIpOGa5arw2T72BN_LIajtJrDzxLoYYPw21gAZKfvIvtHbhElw/s1600/toadstool-fairy-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo3E5HV8tFnL4RwdXv43OADmhkC9lJXVWkjRzqPjTSAp9LrryJhJ-FF2_kUg2r23SFF3q-lA8MZXGU8OF1cVAcCT_uGjYIpOGa5arw2T72BN_LIajtJrDzxLoYYPw21gAZKfvIvtHbhElw/s1600/toadstool-fairy-lights.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toadstool Fairy garden lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Magic toadstools. Pixie dust. Elves & fairies hiding in the woodland glen. Such is the enchanted world of Fairy Gardens.<br />
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It is thanks to the wonderful imaginations of my beautiful grand-daughters that this element of magic has crept into my garden.<br />
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From the addition of a simple saphire blue marble beneath the fronds of a delicate fern, to doorways hidden in tree trunks, my garden has become a hide-away for mythical creatures of all kinds.<br />
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So whether it is a Unicorn you are hoping to entice into your private sanctuary, or you are looking for your Prince Charming in the guise of a frog, HAVE FUN, and let your imagination run wild. You never know when you might find that hidden pot of gold at the end of a sparkling summer rainbow!<br />
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<b>History of Fairies:</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0tCvj7DjSTA61sP3m4Umcb9GnriDxQ4bN7TrSiHNjFm8dxVX4s9_qWjmeGaEnoEWhm2ZfP_Jx9UpbQ_wWmrFIJ_g6lVfY5OcUJsITTEHOFtoNTmsRwEHS7OEnyRtzBJYYwUiHxoS0Wf-/s1600/fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz0tCvj7DjSTA61sP3m4Umcb9GnriDxQ4bN7TrSiHNjFm8dxVX4s9_qWjmeGaEnoEWhm2ZfP_Jx9UpbQ_wWmrFIJ_g6lVfY5OcUJsITTEHOFtoNTmsRwEHS7OEnyRtzBJYYwUiHxoS0Wf-/s320/fairy.jpg" width="254" /></a></div>Fairy people are thought to have descended from the race of Elves. Elves are an ancient race of magical, slender creatures with pointed ears thought to be extinct. Unlike fairies, they lack the ability to fly, which may have made the fairies a more adaptable race. Elves were once very closely associated with the land and with nature and fairies took over many of their roles in this tradition. Fairies are now air, water, fire and tree spirits...<br />
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Throughout most of the former celtic nations: Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Brittany and Germany, the fairies are becoming things of the past. Even though fairies are commonly believed to exist today, from the eighteenth century and on they have been seen less and less. Once firmly ensconced in the minds of men, the fairies may now be in decline. That people do not often see them any more makes some argue that the fairies will eventually disappear as men stop believing in them."<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><i>Excerpt from<a href="http://www.bronwenskye.com/fairyhistory.php" target="_blank"> History of Fairies: The Art of Bronwen Skye</a></i></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Creating Your Own Fairy Garden - </b><b>How to Begin</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have found Fairy Gardens to be a never-ending source of joy. Whether large or small, indoors or out, all you need is a bit of imagination in order to begin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">My first endeavor into the magical realm was very simple... a hidden doorway on a tree. Almost completely obscured by the leaves of a nearby hosta, and framed by some lily-of-the-valley, the doorway simply appeared one morning - much to the delight of the "wee folk".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLwSZ08z_qkYCGCwVsApbJjEc-UHxihJ88jBrqiW3AIb2v0D4vtkuSS56eWD_rRoTEeu_Q4IGvKyE3_OMC1WE4GWCQIO_o5gxk8CUxqX2KRBCSdEsGOptc_NsVgvA96L474ZaLlBVjGH/s1600/fairy-garden-doorway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnjLwSZ08z_qkYCGCwVsApbJjEc-UHxihJ88jBrqiW3AIb2v0D4vtkuSS56eWD_rRoTEeu_Q4IGvKyE3_OMC1WE4GWCQIO_o5gxk8CUxqX2KRBCSdEsGOptc_NsVgvA96L474ZaLlBVjGH/s320/fairy-garden-doorway.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Garden Doorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's as simple as that to begin.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">From there, let inspiration guide you. Add a bit of garden statuary under a tree. Set a toad house under a bush in a damp, shady corner. Sprinkle some fairy dust along an imaginary path to the home of the Fairy Queen. And be sure to get a new perspective on things by getting down low to the ground and looking under leaves. After all, you never know where you might find a Unicorn sleeping in the shade.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Items for your Fairy Garden</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Please click on the image for more details</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
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<tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=225319.1&type=10&tmpid=1685&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.plowhearth.com%252F&RD_PARM2=resin-thatched-fairy-cottage-and-fairy-garden-accessories_p1011157.html" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/52858x.jpg" width="150" /></a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=225319.1&type=10&tmpid=1685&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.plowhearth.com%252F&RD_PARM2=woodland-fairy-garden-resin-furniture-set_p414330.html" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/52321x.jpg" width="150" /></a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=225319.1&type=10&tmpid=1685&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.plowhearth.com%252F&RD_PARM2=elf-door-and-windows-tree-decorations_p415788.html" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/52251x.jpg" width="150" /></a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td></tr>
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<img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=225319.1&type=10&tmpid=1685&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.plowhearth.com%252F&RD_PARM2=resin-gray-fairy-cottage-and-fairy-garden-accessories_p1011965.html" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/52857x.jpg" width="150" /></a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="33%"><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=225319.1&type=10&tmpid=1685&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.plowhearth.com%252F&RD_PARM2=reading-fairy_p11607.html" target="new"><img alt="icon" border="0" src="http://www.plowhearth.com/plow_assets/images/shop/catalog/51897x.jpg" width="150" /></a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=225319.1&type=10" width="1" /></td></tr>
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</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fun Fairy Activities</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrV9JESPL47Bjmua_wP44sTpTME6-h6zIDl8Rc27aERCvx8clCXyfCbm0MT6MOvssWRCetzSYcb16K-KMDryMZGT6d0vw5mZPTJfjaEl9Cea3E7ZOhnjHfve96JJA2C1nb029X1u1SRfp/s1600/garden-fairy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcrV9JESPL47Bjmua_wP44sTpTME6-h6zIDl8Rc27aERCvx8clCXyfCbm0MT6MOvssWRCetzSYcb16K-KMDryMZGT6d0vw5mZPTJfjaEl9Cea3E7ZOhnjHfve96JJA2C1nb029X1u1SRfp/s320/garden-fairy.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Once you have created some hiding places in your garden for these tiny, winged guests, you might want to give your special fairy land a name. Preschoolers are a great help here!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And don't forget to send out invitations to local fairies, sprites, elves, wood nymphs, gnomes, and magical creatures of all sorts. They love to party and are always willing to celebrate a new haven for the "wee folk".</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Whether you choose to have a real party with little children in your area, or this is entirely imaginary, glitter and sparkle on hand-written invitations to mythical creatures, and a special tea party are fun ways to spend an afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">The only thing that has stymied me in the past has been the menu. Gnomes and trolls are great.... they will eat anything. But those little woodsprites have preferences for the unusual. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Most, however, will eat "ants on a log" (celery stick filled with peanut butter and then studded with raisins). They also love to drink sparkling red nectar - cranberry cocktail with a touch of Sprite for bubbles. Just make sure the fairies don't have too much, because the bubbles go to their heads and then they fly funny.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><b>What's a party without amazing food? Here are some spectacular recipes from around the world guaranteed </b><b>to please the fussiest little fairy or sprite.</b></span></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From easy creations the kids can help with, to an adult recipe that's best saved for after the party, let your imagination run free and have fun as you enjoy tasting these wonderful creations.</span></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fairy Food - Recipes</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Nasturtium-Fairy-Nectar-160342" target="blank">Nasturtium Fairy Nectar</a></b><br />
Your little Fairy will love serving this enchanting drink at her next midsummer night's garden party. It is also a refreshing little treat for her after a long day of chasing dragonflies and butterflies by the pond.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Tale-Apple-Pie-60118" target="blank">Fairy Tale Apple Pie</a></b><br />
Apple pie so good you'll tell yourself a fairy tale about how all the calories have been magically cooked out so you can have a second piece. Although time consuming, this prize-winning recipe (originally printed in a newspaper) is delicious with an adult sauce that is optional.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Pretty-Little-Lavender-Fairy-Cakes-Cupcakes-243191" target="blank">Lavender Fairy Cakes</a></b><br />
These delightful little cakes are easy to make and are ideal for gifts, high tea, picnics and parties. The recipe was created for the Lavender Trust, a British charity for young women with breast cancer.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Bread-39337" target="blank">Fairy Bread</a></b><br />
A popular treat at children's parties in Australia. So simple even the kids can make it.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Gorgeous-Little-Butterfly-Cakes-or-Fairy-Cakes-183505" target="blank">Butterfly Cakes or Fairy Cakes</a></b><br />
An absolute must for ANY children's party or even dare I say, adult parties too... weddings, girls night's in, showers, pajama parties & sleep overs, retro buffets, etc. You can definitely expect these to FLY off the plate!<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Bells-Fried-Chicken-224238" target="blank">Fairy Bell's Fried Chicken</a></b><br />
Every self respecting Southern lady must have the perfect recipe for fried chicken and Fairy Bell claims this one. The cooking time includes marinating in a brine overnight.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Green-Fairy-Caliente-Chocolate-211244" target="blank">Green Fairy Caliente Chocolate</a></b><br />
Complex, luscious hot chocolate that will put that special green spark in the eyes of your decadent beloved. <b><span style="color: red;">This one is NOT for the kids!</span></b> :o)<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Tale-Mushrooms-239035" target="blank">Fairy-Tale Mushrooms</a></b><br />
So cute - and healthy too! Made with tomatoes, eggs & spinach. You'll be surprised how they turn out!<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Wands-289222" target="blank">Fairy Tale Wands</a></b><br />
This is such a simple thing to do. Ideal for your fairy garden tea party.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/green-fairy-smoothie-391614" target="blank">Green Fairy Smoothie</a></b><br />
A unique smoothie made with avocado!<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Cherry-Fairy-Cakes-14163" target="blank">Cherry Fairy Cakes</a></b><br />
Yummy little cakes. Loved by all my family. The recipe was found in a booklet published for a childrens' school as a fund raiser.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Milk-239523" target="blank">Fairy Milk</a></b><br />
This is one that your kids will absolutely adore.<br />
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</li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.recipezaar.com/Fairy-Mushrooms-204429" target="blank">Fairy Mushrooms</a></b><br />
Expensive to buy, but quite easy to make. And absolutely delicious to eat!<br />
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</li>
</ul><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mGSG_R02jNt9Wubg8NWf1mlVXuZDXqkc5X9J_FCm3BUUpkdTJlQI_2DeimyNOdjpb0lfrITFDgq2pShlB6yLkNLjAQR038xRX7NufwLOBd2TXxT6_asHwDkGPcUvzx11yuor8oLCyog/s1600/fairy_cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW-mGSG_R02jNt9Wubg8NWf1mlVXuZDXqkc5X9J_FCm3BUUpkdTJlQI_2DeimyNOdjpb0lfrITFDgq2pShlB6yLkNLjAQR038xRX7NufwLOBd2TXxT6_asHwDkGPcUvzx11yuor8oLCyog/s1600/fairy_cakes.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fairy Cakes<br />
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-59930971092507632482013-08-01T07:00:00.000-06:002014-03-19T12:04:46.677-06:00Raised Garden Beds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Why choose raised beds?</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziv3O1ORirQIbLHOnIiCr17gXfcehT2DAlrLrU8BGB6e-XAaf2c99e8szmIWXMNSs-t421o8pmUBdCh-ZGD73M11Hx9elc-ra02F8nnffthY9YaZH5s-LPtSvD4XI7cX5sVd7HPiwfmsS/s1600/DSC03008-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziv3O1ORirQIbLHOnIiCr17gXfcehT2DAlrLrU8BGB6e-XAaf2c99e8szmIWXMNSs-t421o8pmUBdCh-ZGD73M11Hx9elc-ra02F8nnffthY9YaZH5s-LPtSvD4XI7cX5sVd7HPiwfmsS/s400/DSC03008-b.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raised Garden Bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Using raised beds, planted intensively can produce 4-6 times the amount of yield than normal row planting. The size of the area you need using raised beds is greatly reduced. By cutting down on the wasted space between rows you can save as much as 70%.<br />
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Managing your beds also takes less time, the compact space makes it easy to water, weed and fertilize. Adding fertilizer to this compact space saves dollars instead of spreading it throughout a row garden.<br />
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Plants that like to spread and take over are far easier to keep confined to their designated space. You can have lawn or various groundcovers that can add color and or aroma to your space. Try planted creeping pennyroyal between your beds to help keep out bugs. As you walk on it, you will enjoy the refreshing aroma and flies and mosquitoes will even stay away from the area!<br />
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You may wish to have raised beds closing off the entire perimeter of your garden space. The perimeter beds can be planted with plants and herbs that repel insects, such as Wormwood, Mugwort, Pennyroyal, Garlic, Marigolds, Pyrethrin, Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Nasturtiums, Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Marigolds, and Rue.<br />
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<b>How much work?</b><br />
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Digging the soil to create a raised bed will prepare the beds for several gardening years. The soil does not get compacted down from being stepped on so maintaining the soil is much easier. The more soil builders you add the easier the soil is to work. Roots crops especially benefit from raised beds, as they need non compacted soil to reach full growth potential. If you have a row garden now, start converting to raised beds, a couple a year. Try planting garlic or onions first and you'll be converted forever to raised beds with the size difference. With the savings in money, time and space, what are you waiting for?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>A Simple Plan with Raised Beds Including Border of Raised Beds</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yz6S-Ckb0wumQJItt9XmVfRt002eyeqDUPYuKRj1NylvY18ppKxJ0El8DG4gT4tHQXl5iuRkYhtpWNjoRu714N-rpY1PVM_Oon3ZaYDyvgJCR6gGKaTwvKPzFVYjUyMyCyQDqapVZR3L/s1600/raisedbed50.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2yz6S-Ckb0wumQJItt9XmVfRt002eyeqDUPYuKRj1NylvY18ppKxJ0El8DG4gT4tHQXl5iuRkYhtpWNjoRu714N-rpY1PVM_Oon3ZaYDyvgJCR6gGKaTwvKPzFVYjUyMyCyQDqapVZR3L/s1600/raisedbed50.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garden plan with raised beds</td></tr>
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<b>Steps to Creating A Raised Garden Bed:</b></div>
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<li>Design your beds as long as is practical but beds should not be more than 5' wide. You want the center easy to reach from either side. Now your ready to mark off your bed, use a simple 4 corner post and your garden string to define the area. Lightly moisten the soil, remove any top vegetation and add a 3" layer of compost into the top 1' of soil. dig a trench at one end of your bed about the width and depth of your shovel. Remove this soil and place in a wheelbarrow to move later to opposite end of the bed. <br />
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</li>
<li>Loosen the underlying soil in the trench with a spading fork to 12" deep. Try not to mix the lower soil with the topsoil.<br />
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</li>
<li>Dig a second trench the same as the first. Shovel this soil into the first trench you made. Loosen the next set of subsoil you have exposed and continue trenching and loosening until you reach the end of your bed.<br />
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</li>
<li>When the last trench is dug and its subsoil loosened, fill it with the remaining soil from your wheelbarrow.<br />
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</li>
<li>Rake the top of the bed smooth and flat. shape the bed so that the sides slope gently outward at the base. If desired, box the perimeter of the bed using 2x10 lumber fastened with galvanized nails. </li>
</ol>
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<b><span style="color: #274e13;">That's it! Plant your seeds and enjoy the new look and ease of your garden!</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=287706&u=123075&m=6672&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Frame It All Curved Design Raised Gardens</a><br />
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Every conceivable garden design is now achievable with 'Frame It All' Eco-friendly,Curved Composite Wood Grain Timbers that will never splinter or rot. Joined together with Stacking Joints and Curved Timbers create elegant, undulating garden borders, circles around flower beds and trees. Use them to assemble multi-level, curvy raised gardens.<br />
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<a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=287699&u=123075&m=6672&urllink=&afftrack=" target="_blank">Frame It All Raised Garden Beds</a><br />
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Easy to install raised garden beds come pre-manufactured. You simply put them in place, fill with soil, and plant. <br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FGrow-Beds%252F34-381RS%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D2%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Raised Grow Bed</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">No digging and little weeding required; just lots of delicious homegrown food! The 3' x 6' Grow Bed gives you twice as much growing space, and the Mini Bed is perfect for narrow areas along a foundation or walkway. All sizes assemble quickly and have a generous 10" depth.</span><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252F8-Elevated-Cedar-Raised-Bed%252F8586748%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D12%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Elevated Cedar Raised Bed</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Set up one or more of these rectangular elevated beds around the edge of your patio to add privacy, or arrange several along a perimeter to create a garden "room". Like our other cedar raised beds, the sides are held in place with our sleek and sturdy aluminum corners. There's a false floor made from marine-grade plywood set 10" down from the top so there's plenty of root space for vegetables and flowers. Floor has holes for drainage; vents in the sides allow air to circulate and excess moisture to evaporate.</span><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FRaised-Bed-Snip-n-Drip-Soaker-System%252F8587043%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D14%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Raised Bed Snip-n-Drip Soaker System</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Apply water just where you want it — and not where you don't. With the Snip-n-Drip Raised Bed Soaker System you can easily create a convenient and streamlined watering system for your raised beds. No special tools required — just use scissors to cut the hoses to the sizes you need. Snap the fittings in place and you're ready to water. The weeping action of soaker hoses delivers water right to the roots, with minimal loss due to evaporation or runoff. Includes 25' of 1/2" soaker hose, 4' of 1/2" garden hose, one faucet adapter, two quick-connect angle couplers, one soaker hose adapter and one end plug. We recommend using our Easy-Out Earth Staples, sold separately, to hold soaker hoses in place.</span><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FDeco-Raised-Bed-Corners%252F8586773%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D9%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Decorative Raised Bed Corners</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Create a snazzy new raised bed or retrofit an existing one with these decorative and versatile corner brackets. The clever design lets you create beds with 1-1/2" to 2" thick lumber. The pointed bottom can be pushed into the soil to accommodate different heights of lumber and also adds stability. You can make the bed any size you like because you supply the lumber. Deco Raised Bed Corners are also perfect for shoring up old raised beds.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3uF0hgnry0c6KN4ul_AG12Qnc8TgQzkVsHFCHhh2kmq5OPFH54t7Wowu0ISb_usfp6_-Y_wgQwDV4As-DQ6c4NahEaHHzswJ8R-CtPrHVQpPz_3QLo2epUtY-vfrejp7mmewDB3EF8_G/s1600/inlineconnectors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj3uF0hgnry0c6KN4ul_AG12Qnc8TgQzkVsHFCHhh2kmq5OPFH54t7Wowu0ISb_usfp6_-Y_wgQwDV4As-DQ6c4NahEaHHzswJ8R-CtPrHVQpPz_3QLo2epUtY-vfrejp7mmewDB3EF8_G/s200/inlineconnectors.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></div>
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FIn-Line-Connectors-for-Raised-Beds%252F33-247VS%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D23%2526q%253Draised" target="new">In-Line Connectors for Raised Beds</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">For raised beds that won't bow out at the sides, use 4-foot planks and anchor them with our reinforcing In-Line Connectors, which come in sets of two. Use with standard lumber. Made in Vermont by Gardener's Supply.</span><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FElevated-Raised-Bed-with-Cold-Frame%252F8587233%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D22%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Raised Bed with Cold Frame</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">This beautiful elevated bed includes a matching cold frame top to protect plants from harsh weather, making it perfect for starting seeds, hardening off transplants, and growing greens and other cool-season crops. The 2' x 8' elevated bed is easy to plant, tend and harvest without kneeling or bending. There's a false floor made from marine-grade plywood set 10" down from the top so there's plenty of root space for vegetables and flowers. Floor has holes for drainage; vents in the sides allow air to circulate and excess moisture to evaporate. The cold frame top is made with polycarbonate panels that diffuse light so plants don't "cook," and there are adjustable aluminum braces to hold panels at various intervals for ventilation.</span><br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252F4x4-Elevated-Grow-Shelter%252F8586770%252Cdefault%252Cpd.html%253Fstart%253D28%2526q%253Draised" target="new">Elevated Grow Shelter</a><img alt="icon" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">A self-contained growing system that’s easy to tend and protects plants from chill, wind, heavy rain, insects, birds and animal pests — including deer, dogs and cats. We started with our popular, Vermont-made, 4' x 4' Elevated Cedar Raised Bed. Then we added a powder-coated steel frame and two-part cover that’s tall enough for big crops like tomatoes. The reinforced PVC outer cover protects plants from chill. Large zippered openings reveal the insect netting underneath and let you adjust ventilation. There are zippered openings in the netting, too, for easy access to plants and to allow pollinating insects to reach plants.</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-54739008926190220242013-07-25T09:12:00.000-06:002016-11-04T17:11:13.604-06:00Natural Bug Sprays<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This article describes how to make natural bug sprays & non-poisonous animal repellants. Includes recipes for pesticides & insecticides. Protect your garden plants from aphids, slugs, mosquitoes, moles, spider mites, flies, leafhoppers, beetles, caterpillars & more. Mugwort insect repellent<br />
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</b> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6K6l4VfSnDk6RUMRMSEUG8QUPN59ZChxaHKskiiASQDyASEj03nXWGlOiJqr7rjMyqVM866M2h5MbccBSjd-hpt5yVdgwyCFRaXkZlC5MgsOz3XR_AQlawxa5eenL_Sf1TINImK8ml65/s1600/bug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6K6l4VfSnDk6RUMRMSEUG8QUPN59ZChxaHKskiiASQDyASEj03nXWGlOiJqr7rjMyqVM866M2h5MbccBSjd-hpt5yVdgwyCFRaXkZlC5MgsOz3XR_AQlawxa5eenL_Sf1TINImK8ml65/s200/bug1.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br />
</b> <b>Caution, please: not all house and garden insects are enemies</b> to the propagation of healthy plants. Ladybugs, praying mantis, lacewings, spiders, and horse hair snakes are among the many winged or crawling "friends" in the garden who eat harmful insects. Please check before you spray.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Alcohol Sprays</b>:</span></h3>
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The idea of using rubbing alcohol as a spray for plants pests has been around for years. Can cause leaf damage on African Violets, and Apple trees. <br />
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<li><b>Protection offered:</b> Alcohol sprays work on aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, thrips and whiteflies. Alcohol sprays have been used successfully on houseplants and tropical foliage plants. Most of these have heavy, waxy cuticles that are not easily burned.<br />
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<li><b>How to Make: </b>Use only 70% isopropyl alcohol(rubbing alcohol): mix 1 to 2 cups alcohol per quart of water. Using undiluted alcohol as a spray is very risky for plants. You can also mix up an insecticidal soap spray according to the dilution on the label but substitute alcohol for half of the water required.<br />
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<li><b>How to Use:</b> Since alcohol can damage plants always test your spray mix on a few leaves or plants first. Tests results should show up within 2 or 3 days.</li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Tomato Leaf Spray:</b></span></h3>
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Nightshade family plants, such as tomatoes, potatoes and tobacco, have toxic compounds called alkaloids in their leaves. These toxins are water soluble and can be soaked from chopped leaves and made into home-made sprays. These sprays also work by attracting natural pest enemies. The good bugs follow the smell of the spray in looking for prey. </div>
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<li><b>Protection Offered:</b> Tomato leaf sprays have been used to protect plants from aphids. Also, spraying tomato leaf spray on corn may reduce corn earworm damage. The corn earworm is also called the tomato fruitworm, as it also attacks tomato plants. A scientific study has shown that corn plants sprayed with tomato leaf spray attracted significantly more Trichogramma wasps to parasitize the corn earworm eggs than the unsprayed did.<br />
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<li><b>How to Make:</b> Soak 1 to 2 cups of chopped or mashed tomatoe leaves in 2 cups of water overnight. Strain through cheescloth or fine mesh, add about 2 more cups of water to the strained liquid, and spray. For aphid control, be sure to thoroughly cover the leaf undersides, especially of lower leaves and growing tips of plants where aphids congregate.<br />
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<li><b>How to Use: </b>Spray plants thoroughly, particularly undersides of lower leaves and growing tips where aphids congregate. while this spray is not poisonous to humans on contact, use care in handling, especially if you are allergic to the nightshade family.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Garlic Oil Sprays:</span></h3>
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Organic gardeners have long been familiar with the repellent or toxic affect of garlic oil on pests. when it is combined with mineral oil and pure soap,as it is in the recipe that follows, devised at the Henry Doubleday Research Association in England, it becomes an effective insecticide. Some studies also suggest that a garlic oil spray has fungicidal properties.<br />
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<li><b>Protection Offered:</b> Good results, with quick kill, have been noted against aphids, cabbage loopers, earwigs, June bugs, leafhoppers, sqaush bugs and whiteflies. The spray does not appear to harm adult lady beetles, and some gardeners have found that it doesn't work against the Colorado potato beetles, grape leaf skeletonizers, grasshoppers, red ants, or sowbugs. </li>
<li><b>How to Make:</b> Soak 3 ounces of finely minced garlic cloves in 2 teaspoons of mineral oil for at least 24 hours. Slowly add 1 pint of water that has 1/4 ounce liquid soap or commercial insecticide soap mixed into it. Stir thoroughly and strain into a glass jar for storage. use at a rate of 1 to 2 Tablespoons of mixture to a pint of water. If this is effective, try a more dilute solution in order to use as little as possible.</li>
<li><b>How to Use:</b> Spray plants carefully to ensure thorough coverage. To check for possible leaf damage to sensitive ornamentals from the oil and soap in the spray, do a test spray on a few leaces or plants first. If no leaf damage occurs in 2 or 3 days, go ahead and spray more.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Herbal Sprays:</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftwuC3AnLgogCTeIGsszeqvNivKeqQ1rnaf65cjLXHWED-6AosU5H46vOVn7X_Gah5BC5tv9IukGbJ-I8W_0l0kcwKzUbirTxHaWK8twbszOxIxqTV1bktDFgbvZa3sV-8zOk6DXOPNXU/s1600/cabbagebutterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftwuC3AnLgogCTeIGsszeqvNivKeqQ1rnaf65cjLXHWED-6AosU5H46vOVn7X_Gah5BC5tv9IukGbJ-I8W_0l0kcwKzUbirTxHaWK8twbszOxIxqTV1bktDFgbvZa3sV-8zOk6DXOPNXU/s1600/cabbagebutterfly.jpg" /></a></div>
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Many organic farmers are familiar with using sprays made from aromatic herbs to repel pests from the garden plants. Several recent studies confirm the repellent effect of such sprays. The essential oil of Sage and Thyme and the alcohol extracts such as Hyssop, Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, and White Clover can be used in this manner. They have been shown to reduce the number of eggs laid and the amount of feeding damage to cabbage by caterpillars of Diamond back moths and large white butterflies. Sprays made from Tansy have demonstrated a repellent effect on imported cabbageworm on cabbage, reducing the number of eggs laid on the plants. Teas made from Wormwood or Nasturtiums are reputed to repel aphids from fruit trees, and sprays made from ground or blended Catnip, Chives, Feverfew, Marigolds, or Rue have also been used by gardeners against pests that feed on leaves. </div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Protection Offered</b>: Try herbal sprays against any leaf-eating pests and make note of what works for future reference.<br />
</li>
<li><b>How to Make:</b> In General, herbal sprays are made by mashing or blending 1 to 2 cups of fresh leaves with 2 to 4 cups of water and leaving them to soak overnight. Oor you can make a herbal tea by pouring the same amount of boiling water over 2 to 4 cups fresh or 1 to 2 cups dry leaves and leaving them to steep until cool. Strain the water through a cheesecloth before spraying and dilute further with 2 to 4 cups water. Add a very small amount of nondetergent liquid soap (1/4 teaspoon in 1 to 2 quarts of water) to help spray stick to leaves and spread better. You can also buy commercial essential herbal oils and dilute with water to make a spray. Experiment with proportions, starting with a few drops of oil per cup of water.<br />
</li>
<li><b>How to Use:</b> Spray plants thoroughly, especially undersides of leaves, and repeat at weekly intervals if neccessary.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">"Hot" Dusts:</span></h3>
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Black pepper, chili pepper, dill, ginger, paprika, and red pepper all contain capsaicin, a compound shown to repel insects. Synthetic capsaicin is also available for feild use. Researchers have found that as little as 1/25 ounce of capsaicin sprinkled around an onion plant reduced the number of onion maggot eggs laid around the plant by 75%, compared to a control plant.<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Protection Offered:</b> Capsaicin-containing dusts repel onion maggots from seedlings, as well as other root maggot flies from cabbage family plants and carrots. Pepper dusts around the base of the plants help repel ants, which is desirable in a garden where ants often protect and maintain aphid colonies on plants.<br />
</li>
<li><b>How To Make:</b> It can be rather expensive to buy enough packaged pepper dusts to sprinkle throughout your garden. However, if you grow and dry your own red peppers, chili peppers, or dill, you can make lots of dust at low cost. Use a mortar and pestle to grind the peppers, or dill, including the seeds, to dust. Be careful handling the hot peppers because they irritate sensitive skin.<br />
</li>
<li><b>How to Use:</b> Sprinkle along seeded rows of onions, cabbage, or carrots, in a band at least 6 inches wider than the row or planting bed. A fine sprinkling will suffice, but the more dust you use, the better the effect. Renew after a heavy rain or irragation. To protect plants from ants, sprinkle around the base of plants in an area as wide as the widest leaves.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Pyrethrin:</span></h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryfe-75DW7b9S1JZsi8bi3YEwmHL7AeN_0Se3wQpYvwp9NT4CMvXa4b5y_0zocf05LZ3TjKdGwKvRvnoH0_67dpKrKc9K7WTVyKDUS2HIGSNVjdDD9fv89GaSb5Zfi5C4MfXkfgVCgV17/s1600/aphids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhryfe-75DW7b9S1JZsi8bi3YEwmHL7AeN_0Se3wQpYvwp9NT4CMvXa4b5y_0zocf05LZ3TjKdGwKvRvnoH0_67dpKrKc9K7WTVyKDUS2HIGSNVjdDD9fv89GaSb5Zfi5C4MfXkfgVCgV17/s1600/aphids.jpg" /></a></div>
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The dried, powdered flowers of the pyrethrum daisy, Tanacetum cinerarifolium, were used as early as 1880 to control mosquitoes. The popularity of pyrethrum insecticides waned when synthetic insecticides were introduced, but they are now enjoying a commercial comeback. </div>
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Many new products formulated with natural pyrethrums are available. Pyrethrins are the insecticidal chemicals extracted from the pyrethrum daisy.<b> Do not confuse them with pyrethroids, the term for a new class of synthetic pesticides</b>. </div>
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Pyrethrums, which are mainly concentrated in the seeds of the flower head, are a contact insecticide, meaning the insect only has to touch the substance to be affected. Pyrthrins have a quick knockdown effect on insects: Flying insects are paralyzed. Pyrethrins can be applied up to one day before harvest because they are quickly destroyed by light and heat and are not persistent in the environment. Pyrthrins will kill lady beetes but do not appear to be harmful to bees. They are toxic to fish and to the aqautic insects and other small animals that fish eat but do not seem to be toxic to birds or mammals.<br />
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<li><b>Protection Offered:</b> Pyrethrins are registered for flowers, fruits, and vegetables, including greenhouse crops. they are effective on many chewing and sucking insects, including most aphids, cabbage loopers, celery leaftiers, codling moth, Colarado potaotoe beetles, leafhoppers, Mexican bean beetles, spider mites, stink bugs, several species of thrips, tomato pinworms, and whiteflies. they are especially good against flies, gnats, mosquitoes, and stored products pests. Flea beetles are not affected, nor are imported cabbageworms, diamondback moths, pear psylla, and tarnished plant bugs.</li>
<li><b>How to Make: </b> If you grow your own pyrethrum daisies, you'll have the main ingredient for a make-it-yourself spray. The concentration of pyrethrums is at its peak when the flowers are in full bloom, from the time the first row of florets open on the central disk opens too the time all the florets are open. pick flowers in full bloom and hang them in a sheltered, dark spot to dry. Once the flowers have dried thoroughly, grind them to afine powder, using a mortar and pestle, old blender or small hammer mill. Mix with water and add a few drops of liquid soap. Store in a glass jar and keep the lid tightly closed, because the mixture looses activity if left open. You'll have to experiment with the amount of water to add, because the concentration of pyrethins in the flowers is an unknown variable. If the spray you make does not seem to kill insects, use less water the next time you make the concentrated spray. Also keep in mind whole flower heads stay potent longer so do not grind until ready to use. </li>
<li><b>How to Use</b>: Pyrethrins are more effective at lower temperatures, so for best results, apply in early evening when temperatures are lower. Spray both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves, because spray must directly contact the insects such as thrips that hide in leaf sheaths and crevices. The first spray will excite them and bring them out of hiding, the second will kill them. Never use pyrethrin products around waterways and ponds.</li>
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<span style="color: #274e13;">Nicotine Sprays:</span></h3>
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One of the top three insecticides in the 1880s, nicotine in several forms is still widely used. Nicotine comes from the tobacco plant and is extremely toxic to insects. The great advantage of home-made nicotine tea is that it is very short-lived, retaining its toxicity for only a few hours after spraying. It is relatively nonhazardous to bees and lady beetles because of its short persistence. </div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Protection Offered:</b> Nicotine is effective against ground and soil pests, especially root aphids and fungus gnats, and on many leaf-chewing insects, such as aphids, immature scales, leafhoppers, thrips, leafminers, pear psylla, and asparagus beetle larvae.</li>
<li><b>How To Make</b>: You can brew your own batch of nicotine tea by soaking tobacco leaves or cigarette butts in water to make a spray. Soak 1 cup of dried, crushed tobacco leaves, or an equivalent amount of cigarette butts, in one gallon of warm water with 1/4 teaspoon pure soap added. Strain the mixture through cheesecloth after it has soaked for 1/2 hour. The solution will keep for several weeks if stored in a tightly closed container.</li>
<li><b>How to Use: </b> For soil pests, pour the spray mixture onto the soil in the area of the stem base and root zone. for leaf pests, spray leaves thoroughly, especially the undersides. Nicotine can be absorbed by plant leaves and remain there for several weeks. to be safe, use nicotine only on young plants and only up to one month before harvest. It's probably safest not to spray nicotine on eggplant, peppers or tomatoes. While most tobacco cultivars now grown are resistant to tobacco mosaic virus, nicotine sprays could contain the pathogen, which will infect nightshade family crops.<br><br> </li>
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Tobacco teas are sometimes prepared by home gardeners to control garden pests, and while not as toxic as nicotine sulfate sprays, any nicotine solution toxic enough to kill insects can also be<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> harmful to humans”</span></b>.<br />
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Recommended Resource:</h3>
</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1594869170/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=theebookdirect&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1594869170" target="_blank">Rodale's Ultimate Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening: The Indispensable Green Resource for Every Gardener</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=40579&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /> - a giant book of 720 pages for only $19.00!<br />
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<a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2014/03/companion-planting-includes-chart-of.html"><b>Companion Planting Guide:</b></a> includes chart of plants which repel insects and naturally enhance the growth and flavour of neighbouring plants.<br />
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Insect Repellent Recipe</h3>
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>1 cup each of Mugwort, Santolina, Sage, Rose Geranium, and Lavender </li>
<li>1 tsp. Thyme oil dropped onto the mix with 1/2 cup salt </li>
<li>1 handful of Bay Leaves and Cloves </li>
</ul>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Mix all ingredients together. This combo is excellent for drawers, cupboards or anywhere bugs like to hide.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxf-a-E4njcXtNTQBPk42dtvlsaZmGuaFEbcdCJuIRNIFSUt-54CBb6BNqYE2CsVZPn66xVKQ2L9M9gYFtjlQECdaB4RW3cikGGAtLh8VYONSOmQQRCcWnr4Xcrir6zn94H2NJjbQ3AsI/s1600/leafchewers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTxf-a-E4njcXtNTQBPk42dtvlsaZmGuaFEbcdCJuIRNIFSUt-54CBb6BNqYE2CsVZPn66xVKQ2L9M9gYFtjlQECdaB4RW3cikGGAtLh8VYONSOmQQRCcWnr4Xcrir6zn94H2NJjbQ3AsI/s1600/leafchewers.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Pest Control Products:</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_TJKt3lwxLlii96duDfPU22K8Gu_z13HQj2un0Derb5fQ4znJSGdY-k2m2g2krQ7oOaAr6AnHO2GUMXgnBkhWfclbH5xPpD5r8JVlwwLmGcQ1PO0VGarJRYqJOnBcONg4xae_fv1-ByG/s1600/catscat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_TJKt3lwxLlii96duDfPU22K8Gu_z13HQj2un0Derb5fQ4znJSGdY-k2m2g2krQ7oOaAr6AnHO2GUMXgnBkhWfclbH5xPpD5r8JVlwwLmGcQ1PO0VGarJRYqJOnBcONg4xae_fv1-ByG/s1600/catscat.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=174675.195431954&type=2&subid=0" target="new">Cat Scat Mats, Set of 5</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=174675.195431954&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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Keep neighborhood cats from using your garden as a litter box with Cat Scat, the non-chemical way to say "No Trespassing!". Simply cut each mat into four pieces and press into the soil where you want to discourage feline excavation. The flexible plastic spikes are harmless but effective. Humane, chemical-free deterrent. Prickly plastic teeth irritate cats without harming them.<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=174675.371033710&type=2&subid=0" target="new">Soapstone Box with Two Fruit Fly Traps</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=174675.371033710&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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Unlike sticky, unsightly flypaper, our Fruit Fly Traps are enclosed in a tasteful hand-carved soapstone box. The all-natural, non-toxic lures are simple to use, mess-free and safe around food. Flies are trapped out of sight. After a month you simply throw the trap away.<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=174675.259932599&type=2&subid=0" target="new">Pantry Bug Traps, Set of 2</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=174675.259932599&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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Here's a safe, non-toxic way to help keep flour, cereals, and pet food free of pesky meal moths. The disposable cardboard trap lures moths with a natural sex lure, trapping them on the sticky surface inside. Earth-friendly, non-chemical insect control.<br />
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<a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&offerid=174675.429934299&type=2&subid=0" target="new">Gnat Guard</a><img border="0" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=174675.429934299&type=2&subid=0" height="1" width="1" /><br />
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Those little black flying insects that hover over your houseplants are not just a nuisance. They're destructive fungus gnats, which live in soil and produce hungry larvae that devour plant roots. A single application of this biological control (naturally-occurring beneficial nematodes) gives your plants permanent protection against gnats and thrips. Safe for people, animals and the environment.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ctT6dsvhOpi5OxVOR9STKHtXB9RZqD0yjsKJQy6W4CB8UtwKZ1RpEcEQ_gojhvphv8BjqKbKpuj-8JhuzgObNUzybkylPKa3qC9PR6PJZqq3BZap8sw7J2xOgjW9k0qR3_VwvJTWuXPA/s1600/mosquitodunks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6ctT6dsvhOpi5OxVOR9STKHtXB9RZqD0yjsKJQy6W4CB8UtwKZ1RpEcEQ_gojhvphv8BjqKbKpuj-8JhuzgObNUzybkylPKa3qC9PR6PJZqq3BZap8sw7J2xOgjW9k0qR3_VwvJTWuXPA/s1600/mosquitodunks.jpg" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-52837775639551421992013-07-21T15:12:00.001-06:002020-08-19T14:37:15.189-06:00Healthy Garden Soil: composting, mulching, layered gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5NNRcGGpeaaYlutM9IeHezMagfrQSqAvMbqiLdE4ZHxB-0G9juHl1TXIXi606KFF79B70OOXbh_-E-J_Qt0BChaKwpYFdfP2HHLAjcz4m2MTShLG3Z2QVz_LyM4intnAlO0cmtlHNA3x/s1600/autumn-leaves.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo5NNRcGGpeaaYlutM9IeHezMagfrQSqAvMbqiLdE4ZHxB-0G9juHl1TXIXi606KFF79B70OOXbh_-E-J_Qt0BChaKwpYFdfP2HHLAjcz4m2MTShLG3Z2QVz_LyM4intnAlO0cmtlHNA3x/s320/autumn-leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Whether you are trying to find a use for autumn leaves, or planning your spring garden, healthy garden soil is the foundation of your success.<br />
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Compost is more than a fertilizer or a healing agent for the soil's wounds. It is a symbol of continuing life. Nature herself made compost before man first walked the earth and before the first dinosaur lifted its head above the primeval swamp. Leaves falling to the forest floor and slowing moldering are composting. The dead grass of the meadow seared by winter's frost is being composted by the dampness of the earth beneath. Birds, insects and animals contribute their bodies to this vast and continuing soil rebuilding program of nature.<br />
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The compost heap in your garden is an intensified version of this process of death and rebuilding which is going on almost everywhere in nature. In the course of running a garden, there is always an accumulation of organic waste of different sorts - leaves, grass clippings, weeds, twigs - and since time immemorial gardeners have been accumulating this material in piles, eventually to spread it back on the soil as rich, dark humus.<br />
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<b>The Purpose of Composting:</b><br />
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Gardening and farming disrupt the natural pattern of the return of plant matter to the earth. Compost is the link between modern agriculture and nature's own method of building soil fertility.<br />
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In addition to returning rotting vegetable material to the soil, there are two major reasons for making compost:<br />
<ul>
<li>to render certain materials such as manure and garbage pleasant to handle<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>to increase the nitrogen content of low-nitrogen materials such as sawdust, straw and corncobs<br />
</li>
</ul>
The high heat of composting rapidly "cooks" the smell out of manure and garden waste. This is a significant gain because gardeners are often reluctant to use those materials "fresh".<br />
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The composting process also increases the nitrogen content of the pile. Microorganisms "burn off" much of the carbon, reducing the cubic bulk of the heap but correspondingly increasing its nitrogen portion.<br />
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Organic matter is valuable to the soil only while it is decaying. Even finished compost is actually only partly decayed. It continues to break down in the soil, providing food for increasing populations of microorganisms upon which your plant health depends. Pound per pound (kg per kg) compost is the finest soil conditioner to be had.<br />
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<h1>
<span style="color: green; font-size: medium;">How To Make Compost</span></h1>
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Making compost is not difficult and can be easily done at home. Essentially, the basic methods call for layering natural ingredients in heaps in mixed proportions, providing necessary air and moisture and turning the heaps to provide bacterial action on all parts of the heap.<br />
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Just about any <b>organic</b> matter can be used. Weeds, fruit and vegetable peelings, grass, garden clippings, dead flowers, sawdust, woodchips, coffee wastes, nutshells, shredded leaves, and more can all be used <b>provided they are chemical, pesticide and herbicide free.</b> Also, do not use feces, or dead animals. In short, think to yourself, "Do I really want to eat this?" <br />
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Compost can be made either in open piles or in bins. Piles are more easily turned, but bins have a better appearance in the garden. Bins also have the advantage of better moisture and temperature control. Personally, I have found beginning with a pit in the garden seems to work best, as it attracts earthworms to help with the breakdown of the materials, plus you can turn it easily. <br />
<ol>
<li>Whichever method you choose, select a sunny spot and begin by putting down a 6 inch layer of plant wastes such as spoiled hay, straw, sawdust, plant leaves (shredding them first helps) garden clippings, or wood chips<br />
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</li>
<li>Add a 2 inch layer of manure and bedding<br />
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</li>
<li>Follow with a layer of topsoil, approximately 1/8 inch thick. Unrine-impregnated topsoil is particularly valuable <b>but find out what the animals have been eating</b> as hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals etc, will end up in your soil and then in your food<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>On top of this layer of soil spread a sprinkling of lime, phosphate, bone meal, rock, granite dust, or wood ashes to increase the mineral content of the heap. Lime is not added if an acid compost is wanted<br />
<br />
</li>
<li> Water the pile, and continue the process of laying. <b>Do not trample on the heap</b> as if it is matted down, aeration will be impeded.</li>
</ol>
Within a few days the heap will begin to heat up and start to shrink in size. The heap is turned with a pitchfork 2 - 3 weeks after being made, and again at about 5 weeks of age. Care is taken during turning to place the outer parts of the heap on the inside so that they can decay fully.<br />
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<b>Do not turn the heap too frequently, as it needs to build up heat for the decaying process</b>. Keep the pile moist, but not wet, and let nature take its course. The compost will be finished after about 3 months.<br />
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<b>When To Apply Compost:</b> <br />
<b><br />
</b> The main influence on timing, rate and method of applying compost is its condition, age, and degree to which the composting process is complete. Fully mature compost resembles - indeed, it is - supersoil, a light, rich loam. If half completed so it still retains some fibrous material, it will continue to decompose and generate heat. Such compost should be permitted to finish composting. Never place it near growing plants. However, if you have unfinished compost in the fall of the year, it is safe to apply it. It will finish up in the soil and be ready to supply growth nutrients to the first spring plantings.<br />
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The preferred time to apply fully matured compost is a month or so before planting - or, if you are a successive cropper, planting two or more crops to the same parcel of land each session, just before planting. The closer to planting time it goes on, the finer it should be shredded or chopped, and the more thoroughly it should be hoed or tilled into your soil.<br />
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If compost is ready in the fall but not intended for use until spring, it should be kept covered and stored in a protected place. If it is kept for a long period of time during the summer, the finished compost should be watered from time to time.<br />
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<b>How To Apply Compost:</b> <br />
<b><br />
</b> For general application, the soil should be stirred or turned thoroughly. Then the compost is added to the top four inches of soil. For flower and vegetable gardening, it is best to pan the compost through a 1/2 inch sieve. Course material remaining may then be put into another compost heap.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>To avoid disturbing roots of established plants, compost should be mixed with topsoil aand applied as mulch. This is often termed "side dressing". It serves a double purpose, providing plant food that will gradually work itself down to the growing crop, and as a mulch giving protection from extremes of temperature, hard rains and growth of weeds.<br />
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For best results, compost should be applied liberally, from 1 - 3 inches per year. There is no danger of burning due to overuse, as happens with artificial fertilizers. Apply compost either once or twice a year.<br />
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<h1>
<span style="color: green; font-size: medium;">Layered Garden or "Lasagna" Garden</span></h1>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5749106784391972694" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>For those of you who are short on garden space, you might want to try one of the two methods pictured below. The first picture allows for more intensive gardening (more plants for the area available).<br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Begin by digging a pit of the appropriate size</li>
<li>Line the bottom with wire mesh if rodents are a problem in your area</li>
<li>The core or bottom of your compost pile garden is made up of twigs, small branches, and other coarse materials</li>
<li>Next comes twigs, finely shredded branches, sawdust, etc</li>
<li>On top of this, place garden materials such as weeds, lawn clippings, fruit and vegetable peelings from the kitchen, coffee grounds, shredded leaves. It's best to shred the leaves, as oo many leaves placed in whole can pack down and prevent natural aeration and decomposition (it might start to stink)</li>
<li>Follow with a layer of partially finished compost</li>
<li>Top with fully finished compost mixed with quality topsoil</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Layered compost garden or "lasagna" garden<br />
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<b>OTHER ARTICLES:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FHow-to-Choose-a-Composter%252F5082%252Cdefault%252Cpg.html" target="new">How To Choose a Composter</a><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" width="1" /><br />
</b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&subid=&offerid=254945.1&type=10&tmpid=1562&RD_PARM1=http%253A%252F%252Fwww.gardeners.com%252FWorm-Composting%252F5714%252Cdefault%252Cpg.html" target="new">Worm Composting</a></b></li>
<li><b><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/2013/08/garden-mulch-conserve-moisture-prevent.html">Garden Mulch</a> </b>- conserve moisture, prevent weeds and disease<br />
<b><img alt="icon" height="1" src="http://ad.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/show?id=apv9Fj9gKuU&bids=254945.1&type=10" width="1" /></b><br />
</li>
</ul>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-13594927298691303222011-11-18T11:49:00.001-07:002011-11-18T11:50:31.901-07:00Stormy Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h3 class="post-title entry-title"></h3><div class="post-header"></div>Driving in from Medicine Hat last night, there was no indication of the wintry weather we would be waking up to this morning. I had forgotten just how icy the wind can get when blowing across open prairie.<br />
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It's a good day for staying indoors and baking cookies.<br />
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Which brings Christmas to mind. Do you have any favourite memories, traditions or recipes you would like to share? Will family be coming to visit you - or will you be going away for a vacation?<br />
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Send in your thoughts, memories, pictures, recipes, etc. by using the Contact form, or by adding a comment below. Let's share some warm thoughts this festive season.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ3UTYaGxhv1heyP9pDTs0NRWn2W4M58ps6hs1r85zXIVUR9QsVqMQfNbL-oZTjE2tt8eYMKT0Dn5iyLxKpyQP_lLYyZH_WuTbK9jkNWA3m0V3KnK-CTott6LR4bJYCwOYeUPTboMAJE4/s1600/2009snowman-copyright.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ3UTYaGxhv1heyP9pDTs0NRWn2W4M58ps6hs1r85zXIVUR9QsVqMQfNbL-oZTjE2tt8eYMKT0Dn5iyLxKpyQP_lLYyZH_WuTbK9jkNWA3m0V3KnK-CTott6LR4bJYCwOYeUPTboMAJE4/s320/2009snowman-copyright.jpg" width="228" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman Craft<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">In honor of my Mom, Grete Bubbel, here is a favourite family recipe that is good for any time of the year. Since it's a refrigerator dough, it can be kept in the freezer - readily available should unexpected guests arrive (or if you just need some quick, warm cookies on a frosty afternoon).</span></div><br />
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<center><h1><span style="color: #29297a; font-family: COMIC SANS MS; font-size: medium;">Grete's Christmas Nut Cookies</span></h1><table style="width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="left" valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"></span><br />
<ul><li style="font-family: inherit;">2 3/4 c. all-purpose flour </li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"> 3/4 tsp. salt </li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 tsp. soda </li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;">1 c. soft butter </li>
<li style="font-family: inherit;"> 1/2 c. brown sugar</li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></ul></td> <td align="left" valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"> </span> <br />
<ul><li>2/3 c. white sugar </li>
<li>1 tsp. vanilla </li>
<li>2 eggs, beaten </li>
<li>1/2 c. chopped almonds </li>
<span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"> </span></ul></td></tr>
</tbody></table></center> <span style="font-size: small;"><br style="font-family: inherit;" /></span> <br />
<ol style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">Sift flour with salt and soda. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and beat until well blended. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Add flour gradually, mixing well. Stir in nuts. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Chill dough until stiff. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Divide dough in half and form into 2 uniform rolls approx. 2" in diameter. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Wrap in wax paper and freeze; or store in fridge overnight. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Cut with a <i><b>sharp knife</b></i> into 1/4" thick slices. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Place 1" apart on ungreased cookie sheet. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Bake at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes. </span></li>
</ol><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE04yXmvRtpzmjNdjVBMncPm7-9Vc6IGQAKa3jyKCZA5eUsxiKiE33Bq29qBn_nwVM6Rna-iV9SbQ8jHeWA9dTj9hbt5mBPhNe1RAoAuj6ORfTHKXN97PWmXzvABlW0JcicDNBtAwEfAyS/s1600/bluejay.gif" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE04yXmvRtpzmjNdjVBMncPm7-9Vc6IGQAKa3jyKCZA5eUsxiKiE33Bq29qBn_nwVM6Rna-iV9SbQ8jHeWA9dTj9hbt5mBPhNe1RAoAuj6ORfTHKXN97PWmXzvABlW0JcicDNBtAwEfAyS/s1600/bluejay.gif" /></a></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <b>YIELD:</b> approx. 40 cookies </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="color: black;">FUN STUFF!</span></b></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">For kids big and small, you can find some gorgeous coloring pages <a href="http://holidays.kaboose.com/xmas-color.html" target="_blank">by clicking this link</a></span><b style="color: black;"> . </b><span style="color: black;">Here's just one example.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-6J59maVshaLX-qWlD8u-broeeXc4qzlssb6bV4BRJG67y8VNKw1CwT2FayZkwomcjw3l_4LiHovW6eCcMtV3RG6reWmlLxV4f6Wf6HZKUP7xKebTmSAnV_8DnlmKJpeQS0zx1vNrAPP/s1600/christmas-candle-coloring.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-6J59maVshaLX-qWlD8u-broeeXc4qzlssb6bV4BRJG67y8VNKw1CwT2FayZkwomcjw3l_4LiHovW6eCcMtV3RG6reWmlLxV4f6Wf6HZKUP7xKebTmSAnV_8DnlmKJpeQS0zx1vNrAPP/s200/christmas-candle-coloring.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">Be sure to use the link above for printable copies of all the coloring pages.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span> <br />
<div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;">And for those of you who love to make your own gifts and decorations, here are some great books. Just click on the picture for more details.</span></span></div><div style="font-family: inherit; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div><br />
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</tbody></table></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-73215491628750379912011-05-27T15:51:00.001-06:002011-05-27T16:23:11.828-06:00A NEW HOME<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">A lot has happened in the past half year - not the least of which was moving to a new country home. I'm now located in the village of Empress - a tiny place in the middle of vast regions of prairie and badlands.<br />
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<a href="http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&q=google+maps,+empress,+alberta&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.&biw=1440&bih=690&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x5312760d4306b9bf:0x4739460c96ac55a,Empress,+AB&gl=ca&ei=IRTgTZzbOOPkiAKhh8jpCg&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CB0Q8gEwAA">Map of Empress, Alberta</a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQF3qVQv_EdLAZR4Hh1mo-7fhHnm51O45SOVErhL2CF9WM7g9rvTAC_KfdxJMdUzI067xna5hZccY7rxKkvQmPVcrfZfmQbpQ9Ekzsu8m650bXKatlUoyl9N0pIyKn6IraQ4uaPVeLbmzB/s1600/DSC02049-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQF3qVQv_EdLAZR4Hh1mo-7fhHnm51O45SOVErhL2CF9WM7g9rvTAC_KfdxJMdUzI067xna5hZccY7rxKkvQmPVcrfZfmQbpQ9Ekzsu8m650bXKatlUoyl9N0pIyKn6IraQ4uaPVeLbmzB/s1600/DSC02049-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is a place of endless sky.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFVDOeBYwOwZfPrrkOGTJgslRCQin_HdVWLpdo5IULVUMqQ2SFOm36-DbxLPwhlIwleOw5gCp29yFtTcCSMdSEqlvp4aqvpr7CKw8FWPKlbbgVno_NOe_GA3rU0xWwIvk1aJN-7-pTEWs/s1600/DSC02079-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPFVDOeBYwOwZfPrrkOGTJgslRCQin_HdVWLpdo5IULVUMqQ2SFOm36-DbxLPwhlIwleOw5gCp29yFtTcCSMdSEqlvp4aqvpr7CKw8FWPKlbbgVno_NOe_GA3rU0xWwIvk1aJN-7-pTEWs/s1600/DSC02079-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where you're never quite sure where the next road will lead.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSpBNBZeuOtqiVutKuz0xQLUTFY8cem7nED7-itsYlKELmy1TdfZrmuDWr1GJtTGrjAx1Ky7Hfia45gKR0KccYtaqE46VfumCEdfUitT62bYPMyQsTBJVDBiUflI3GUzvIZXSjdgE6iWi/s1600/DSC02081-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSpBNBZeuOtqiVutKuz0xQLUTFY8cem7nED7-itsYlKELmy1TdfZrmuDWr1GJtTGrjAx1Ky7Hfia45gKR0KccYtaqE46VfumCEdfUitT62bYPMyQsTBJVDBiUflI3GUzvIZXSjdgE6iWi/s1600/DSC02081-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A place where you need to stop and really LOOK, or the subtle beauty will pass you by.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6lvD50rZ7AxplTRGWD8G3poys3aOqEPVsqfO6QHomdXYzf8M2b6Iv6vpVOP7Yx64eykI4v0poJmArA1nwz2O3ozj5yTds0UxTiltnaxhLcy7No9oC9x1NBukxFOBtfXHjz7y3VM1WQ4/s1600/DSC02084-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSl6lvD50rZ7AxplTRGWD8G3poys3aOqEPVsqfO6QHomdXYzf8M2b6Iv6vpVOP7Yx64eykI4v0poJmArA1nwz2O3ozj5yTds0UxTiltnaxhLcy7No9oC9x1NBukxFOBtfXHjz7y3VM1WQ4/s1600/DSC02084-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And where the ravages of extreme weather and time have left their mark on the landscape.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8kk6ntQVmTp3j4rzyKb0XveyhNxEyDJKVk2rB6W67QkOm36pU-WCMbDr6Q-wIir2FJ37S2TjnneF5M_RX1TR-9-UP8fmRKKJxYiIAskNpKmbhajY6SII1pMdYoTHtniXHGttflm0dPVr/s1600/DSC02090-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB8kk6ntQVmTp3j4rzyKb0XveyhNxEyDJKVk2rB6W67QkOm36pU-WCMbDr6Q-wIir2FJ37S2TjnneF5M_RX1TR-9-UP8fmRKKJxYiIAskNpKmbhajY6SII1pMdYoTHtniXHGttflm0dPVr/s1600/DSC02090-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pelicans - such an unexpected sight!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx2rGyeiH8G3N0zAq2lcRCx9WqdHjqYVaSnixhek0GiNL2ZcJqqs_62elmrY6FNUdmCgpTZ215upMhR8ZDEM6D4wehE2pQ3flmR1-fN2HtsWocH6W_EuaIAKS1OVcGBHmNvxRPKhSddrh/s1600/DSC02105-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrx2rGyeiH8G3N0zAq2lcRCx9WqdHjqYVaSnixhek0GiNL2ZcJqqs_62elmrY6FNUdmCgpTZ215upMhR8ZDEM6D4wehE2pQ3flmR1-fN2HtsWocH6W_EuaIAKS1OVcGBHmNvxRPKhSddrh/s1600/DSC02105-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In a land of extremes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtVGJ3Yit4j2DxrZgBE8GgjEpyjIB62tdtqoLDORZ3bvTKBuIlFbpogPKgcQ0XlqLKDvIcoMpvzFo0VR36QVpIcvFtCAX3amfiGwi55YzZSIjYT8z6TIp_LSqjJ65MEjd6hf7D0tovJ37/s1600/DSC02119-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJtVGJ3Yit4j2DxrZgBE8GgjEpyjIB62tdtqoLDORZ3bvTKBuIlFbpogPKgcQ0XlqLKDvIcoMpvzFo0VR36QVpIcvFtCAX3amfiGwi55YzZSIjYT8z6TIp_LSqjJ65MEjd6hf7D0tovJ37/s1600/DSC02119-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Where the best chance of survival is to blend into your surroundings.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CPRxdLocCOJdaEGRkECoa1lpcx33iIzRCohCgbm5mkLKlR9gUSqg8GXSsGhrjzYEc5Onr7yJxUNd_pH1OEji7Q7us9zVvrQfrOl48pWppTPWpCV8DIfJKxPdk4qSKHrE1N_ex4WpNLA_/s1600/DSC02133-2-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CPRxdLocCOJdaEGRkECoa1lpcx33iIzRCohCgbm5mkLKlR9gUSqg8GXSsGhrjzYEc5Onr7yJxUNd_pH1OEji7Q7us9zVvrQfrOl48pWppTPWpCV8DIfJKxPdk4qSKHrE1N_ex4WpNLA_/s1600/DSC02133-2-sm.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a sudden summer storm rolls in at the end of the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
</div><br />
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BOOKS YOU MIGHT LIKE:<br />
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<center><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/swflash.cab" height="324px" id="Player_da054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346" width="430px"> <param NAME="movie" VALUE="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Ftheebookdirect%2F8003%2Fda054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate"><param NAME="quality" VALUE="high"><param NAME="bgcolor" VALUE="#FFFFFF"><param NAME="allowscriptaccess" VALUE="always"><embed src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Ftheebookdirect%2F8003%2Fda054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346&Operation=GetDisplayTemplate" id="Player_da054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" name="Player_da054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346" allowscriptaccess="always" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" height="324px" width="430px"></embed></OBJECT> <noscript>&amp;amp;lt;A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=tf_ssw&amp;amp;amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;amp;amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;amp;amp;ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Ftheebookdirect%2F8003%2Fda054cfd-96c4-47d5-a4bb-97c329136346&amp;amp;amp;Operation=NoScript"&amp;amp;gt;Amazon.com Widgets&amp;amp;lt;/A&amp;amp;gt;</noscript></center></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-7721972452930692312010-10-29T14:01:00.003-06:002010-10-29T14:07:53.873-06:00Winter ChillEarly morning mists cover the land as bare trees reach up to the grey winter skies. There's a definite nip in the air and a scattering of snow now covers the ground.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdWgHVTfm3n4rcVjsi2SSehDumXTuNHTiqW62powTWYJF1ptvhszHOyQCi8Ic-SfVkrL9D5WMdq5qxWITsT4OulFcaD8ejyLDNmI3122S5KfxLKHP-qQKXsaTpooG7y1PPPmJhTgiAe5M/s1600/DSC02285-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKdWgHVTfm3n4rcVjsi2SSehDumXTuNHTiqW62powTWYJF1ptvhszHOyQCi8Ic-SfVkrL9D5WMdq5qxWITsT4OulFcaD8ejyLDNmI3122S5KfxLKHP-qQKXsaTpooG7y1PPPmJhTgiAe5M/s400/DSC02285-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
But just because the weather has turned colder is no reason to stay indoors. <b> </b><br />
<b>Get bundled up and enjoy this new season!</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnYqDIG0S2zUDG4jq5P3BcRXIxk7YvDaRAjhH8LtzCRA2cWNMW7ic_iuYZa46C9fWvwTKVwEtBUFkiYh1ZamaW1OcBruJibfIAJ2aTMF42DwA3lgPYlMBJX6WMO2xBddBJGlrCmcOSqiG/s1600/DSC00417-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbnYqDIG0S2zUDG4jq5P3BcRXIxk7YvDaRAjhH8LtzCRA2cWNMW7ic_iuYZa46C9fWvwTKVwEtBUFkiYh1ZamaW1OcBruJibfIAJ2aTMF42DwA3lgPYlMBJX6WMO2xBddBJGlrCmcOSqiG/s400/DSC00417-sm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
To keep your little one's toes nice and warm while sledding, skiing, or just traveling around the block, I've posted the latest <b><a href="http://www.woolbabysocks.com/shop.html" target="_blank">Wool Baby Sock</a></b> colors online. This is the Christmas selection, as there isn't much time left to knit between now and Santa's arrival. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_hn3HZeAovYQd_b-bD-2RkHwWxq_Hay8Vx-kbsgZePzF7StdD9W7NzU4F0ptHS7VZ0N4qon0d5_s1o0zgxxSAPsNtIX68s73s7I5zilCIkxP5oJjZ5kuBy-lR8S0vy08UC6kqWj4Zw-i/s1600/autumn-toddler-sock-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_hn3HZeAovYQd_b-bD-2RkHwWxq_Hay8Vx-kbsgZePzF7StdD9W7NzU4F0ptHS7VZ0N4qon0d5_s1o0zgxxSAPsNtIX68s73s7I5zilCIkxP5oJjZ5kuBy-lR8S0vy08UC6kqWj4Zw-i/s200/autumn-toddler-sock-sm.jpg" width="123" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVQ3yRVylG0qInX3N4uJYL_BHEFoXhy5rOOjQRSciBd3ryXsSpylZ5TmfZEkycJ5RzVgymP_CpLn_JD57A1nfjAxnJb1RHXYuJgbeQyvhJIiVPc-jHYmRHtS2CQgUKikLixkcYkNF0Y6x/s1600/havanna-wool-baby-sock-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVQ3yRVylG0qInX3N4uJYL_BHEFoXhy5rOOjQRSciBd3ryXsSpylZ5TmfZEkycJ5RzVgymP_CpLn_JD57A1nfjAxnJb1RHXYuJgbeQyvhJIiVPc-jHYmRHtS2CQgUKikLixkcYkNF0Y6x/s200/havanna-wool-baby-sock-sm.jpg" width="138" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkahTL8TBNfLFjopioDEzkcco5TIvasHDED-7itvgZ4xoXIDvLrqBH3NRqruwpJOKQV1lTC3GM2wm0NsrSVvSS7TOFJiBiogVnhit7VYAzrnAEDRH54UwdVGPtsE5ZZ95Iam1mx0gCRkE/s1600/denim-cream-wool-sock-sm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirkahTL8TBNfLFjopioDEzkcco5TIvasHDED-7itvgZ4xoXIDvLrqBH3NRqruwpJOKQV1lTC3GM2wm0NsrSVvSS7TOFJiBiogVnhit7VYAzrnAEDRH54UwdVGPtsE5ZZ95Iam1mx0gCRkE/s200/denim-cream-wool-sock-sm.jpg" width="125" /></a></div><br />
<div style="background-color: yellow; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>These are only 3 of the 14 colors currently available.</b></span> </div><br />
So you've got a great selection this year. And for those of you who have been asking for <a href="http://www.woolbabysocks.com/shop.html" target="_blank"><b>LARGER KIDS KNIT SOCKS</b></a>, there are a very few left.<br />
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<b>Prefer to Knit Socks Yourself?</b><br />
<br />
Detailed instructions on <a href="http://www.woolbabysocks.com/how-to-knit-socks.html" target="_blank"><b style="color: blue;">How To Knit Socks in 8 Easy Steps</b></a> are posted on the website. They even come with great photos which can be enlarged for a closer view.<br />
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<b>Books available at Amazon</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Socks-Classic-Patterns-Cozy/dp/1603425497?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Knit Socks!: 17 Classic Patterns for Cozy Feet" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1603425497&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1603425497" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1592172350" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Knit-Socks-Three-Methods/dp/1592172350?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Knit Socks: Three Methods Made Easy" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1592172350&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1592172350" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Socks-Toe-Up-Essential-Techniques/dp/0307449440?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Socks from the Toe Up: Essential Techniques and Patterns from Wendy Knits" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0307449440&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0307449440" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitting-Circles-around-Socks-Circular/dp/1564777391?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Knitting Circles around Socks: Knit Two at a Time on Circular Needles" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1564777391&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1564777391" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-52732286099993895322010-10-23T09:55:00.006-06:002010-10-24T12:27:11.488-06:00Autumn Joy<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0920474837" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0671640615" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />In the midst of the rush to clean up the garden before the winter snow flies, I sometimes forget the sheer joy Autumn brings. Fresh, crisp air. The glorious colors of the leaves. Fall flowers in their last bloom. And squirrels scurrying madly from tree to tree (much to my dog's delight) grabbing up the last of the acorns.<br />
<br />
I was reminded of the joy of Autumn this past weekend when my garden was invaded by "Leaf Creatures". So helpful they were - gathering all the leaves into bins and piles.<br />
<br />
<img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEr2NFMDJkR3M96V_SspKGvQwpRvpP6YjWO2fOe8AAYSXATT1ycP1YBsfJ4aWPkVa5ss7I1xFv0C_Rkhd4J39SnTepYqo5YE-V7_jJDBq8LbjBuhc2IJz9VaqVGDZg6mjFRZURCl4vb31e/s320/DSC01211.jpg" width="240" /> <img border="1" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuMsjtC0bW_LNoan0SrMXNrSHSRlo6_mHSEWaODl7swnpxUZ8Kk7j39YB460E7KjLdiTaONKEuAw9NNRvDo_WZggZtouCc3X0i4CSPYLY15EYg2N3U9JDLcGmtQrANGOcaH_MoTcy-Lte/s320/DSC01234-b.jpg" width="240" /><br />
<br />
And then the fun began. The men had gone into the front, and I had only turned my back for a moment when we heard the gleeful shrieks.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFFkDEn-coNLQ4jXzMeodRpoTt1l7Rb4IqfQ-r7hiQEaG1Anm-WRx2Gh0Tr35mL9cg1m6nlrK-50IqUJtvFvPRGuGLDNW3QWNX4YsGYyjf1WVa79-eLXummBO4O8fpimA4CaBTlaOU9NB/s1600/DSC01246-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFFkDEn-coNLQ4jXzMeodRpoTt1l7Rb4IqfQ-r7hiQEaG1Anm-WRx2Gh0Tr35mL9cg1m6nlrK-50IqUJtvFvPRGuGLDNW3QWNX4YsGYyjf1WVa79-eLXummBO4O8fpimA4CaBTlaOU9NB/s640/DSC01246-b.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That giant pile of leaves was just too tempting<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1580173160" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> to resist.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IvucqWtrAuL8W5UQNXXaDu6P37NHLS0jidbE3YY51uNOplVOPX83SJOP6BYKB-rI62ar0xvfrIJOjimrMfbcuV2WdL1xfx1ETgoxwAqHGGru5SDiv2jmeI5LsV15uzELC1teubQZ5i2a/s1600/DSC01254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8IvucqWtrAuL8W5UQNXXaDu6P37NHLS0jidbE3YY51uNOplVOPX83SJOP6BYKB-rI62ar0xvfrIJOjimrMfbcuV2WdL1xfx1ETgoxwAqHGGru5SDiv2jmeI5LsV15uzELC1teubQZ5i2a/s640/DSC01254.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">WHEEEE!!! See me fly!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR9PA9obowJUmoL8rb5zpl4tcR9PVgar72zXXd8uTOwFnLk5rKO1Q5_tsS1TrrDSwOWHbls670J4u4WmNrwQKcnng9a0ccrt3N1zchG7uQ8XoGP7xsnkghpHN90veVgAFJvX1fvPfzCpL/s1600/DSC01259-c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOR9PA9obowJUmoL8rb5zpl4tcR9PVgar72zXXd8uTOwFnLk5rKO1Q5_tsS1TrrDSwOWHbls670J4u4WmNrwQKcnng9a0ccrt3N1zchG7uQ8XoGP7xsnkghpHN90veVgAFJvX1fvPfzCpL/s400/DSC01259-c.jpg" width="380" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm trying to go backward.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSSPizEJ9suLAuNw9LJ-pwsRO5wjNNQ7PtC8HIn06408pA2Dl9NsRf7gvxiYLyj2PRAHxIWe9HtpN8KNTEdzH7prAIMguguup2vfO6A1izt7gNeuJrHsj6unIst7fajrYEY7uEr6A8QpN/s1600/DSC01274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSSPizEJ9suLAuNw9LJ-pwsRO5wjNNQ7PtC8HIn06408pA2Dl9NsRf7gvxiYLyj2PRAHxIWe9HtpN8KNTEdzH7prAIMguguup2vfO6A1izt7gNeuJrHsj6unIst7fajrYEY7uEr6A8QpN/s640/DSC01274.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">That face-plant turned out well. Whew!</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1NxRQG4Gn39tfY_ymeYpapC9QYlel_OBdCYRFD8odJ0oVlQw_NvUkNhKh58tzsLGs8hCd_hwJPf77MS02ggFkQJCggKRTHxh8jps3oSMwxUPg4qyBjuYorPJf9UwFGF6J-bPmlboKDsC/s1600/DSC01289-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB1NxRQG4Gn39tfY_ymeYpapC9QYlel_OBdCYRFD8odJ0oVlQw_NvUkNhKh58tzsLGs8hCd_hwJPf77MS02ggFkQJCggKRTHxh8jps3oSMwxUPg4qyBjuYorPJf9UwFGF6J-bPmlboKDsC/s1600/DSC01289-b.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">AUTUMN JOY</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Then the sun started to set and the weather turned cool. The "Leaf Creatures" went back into their hide-away, and the flowerbeds got a good layer of mulch for the winter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you would like to read more about how to mulch your garden, as well as composting tips and tricks, there are some great articles on the <a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/">Canadian Country Woman</a> site.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><ul><li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/mulch.php" target="_blank">ALL ABOUT MULCH </a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.canadiancountrywoman.com/garden/gardensoil.php" target="_blank">COMPOSTING TIPS & TRICKS (indoor and out) </a></li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">_____________________________________________________________</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><b>Kids Nature & Craft Books:</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Nature-Crafts-Kids-Gwen-Diehn/dp/0806983736?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Nature Crafts for Kids" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0806983736&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0806983736" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Good-Earth-Art-Environmental-ebook/dp/B003ISJBWY?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Good Earth Art: Environmental Art for Kids" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003ISJBWY&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003ISJBWY" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kids-Nature-Book-Activities-Experiences/dp/1885593074?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Kids' Nature Book: 365 Indoor/Outdoor Activities and Experiences (Williamson Kids Can! Series)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1885593074&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1885593074" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </b><br />
<br />
<b> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Felt-Wee-Folk-Enchanting-Projects/dp/1571201939?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Felt Wee Folk: Enchanting Projects" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1571201939&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1571201939" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gnome-Craft-Book-Thomas-Berger/dp/0863157211?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Gnome Craft Book" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0863157211&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0863157211" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gnomes-Book-Christmas-Crafts/dp/0810909685?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Gnomes Book of Christmas Crafts" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0810909685&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0810909685" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> </b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Mulch Books you might like:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mulch-Practical-Guide-Garden-Landscape/dp/1580173160?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Mulch It!: A Practical Guide to Using Mulch in the Garden and Landscape" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1580173160&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a> <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1580173160" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mulch-Book-Gardeners-Down-Earth/dp/0882666592?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Mulch Book: A Complete Guide for Gardeners (Down-to-Earth Book)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0882666592&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0882666592" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Farm-Your-Backyard-Mulch-organic/dp/0070011281?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Farm Your Backyard the Mulch-organic Way" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0070011281&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0070011281" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Magical-Gardens-Myths-Mulch-Marigolds/dp/1567184669?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Magical Gardens: Myths, Mulch and Marigolds" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1567184669&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1567184669" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mulch-Book-Guide-Family-Gardener/dp/0882660179?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Mulch Book: A Guide for the Family Food Gardener" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0882660179&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0882660179" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mulch-Pile-Other-Poems/dp/0920474837?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="The Mulch Pile: And Other Poems" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0920474837&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0920474837" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Have-Green-Thumb-Without-Aching/dp/0671640615?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="How to Have a Green Thumb Without an Aching Back: A New Method of Mulch Gardening" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0671640615&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0671640615" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-24153914699798212312010-10-08T11:50:00.002-06:002011-11-18T11:59:59.776-07:00Thanksgiving Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Thanksgiving has always been one of my favourite holidays of the year. The weather is still warm but with the crispness of fall. The trees are beautiful in their multitude of colors. And what's better than friends and family gathered around a table laden with delicious food?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="1" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm80CeiJpBFMpfc-hLiNsuPvMlHRTaSsqquNaZ7nvQbgpZ9KnPT8h-kDtNn_-XmVxfJ4RPi94H8BLO5lQ3mtRz3lUS6jkZn8Gcj38GDgfPZzGTPeGHq_H6zi4LHTxmXm6NJzxBtc7Qnjh/s400/taghum.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taghum, BC</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm80CeiJpBFMpfc-hLiNsuPvMlHRTaSsqquNaZ7nvQbgpZ9KnPT8h-kDtNn_-XmVxfJ4RPi94H8BLO5lQ3mtRz3lUS6jkZn8Gcj38GDgfPZzGTPeGHq_H6zi4LHTxmXm6NJzxBtc7Qnjh/s1600/taghum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
In keeping with our family tradition of enjoying fruits & vegetables from the garden, I thought I would share two of my very favourite Thanksgiving recipes.<br />
<h1><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: green; font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><b>Home-made Cranberry Jelly</b></span></span></h1><b>This recipe is very quick and easy.</b> <br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;">Warning:</b> once you've tasted this home-made version, you'll never go back to canned.<br />
<br />
<b> Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul><li> 1 c. sugar</li>
<li> 1 c. water</li>
<li> 1 package (12 oz) Ocean Spray fresh or frozen cranberries </li>
</ul><br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ol><li>Sort through all the cranberries and wash thoroughly.</li>
<li>In a saucepan, mix sugar and water. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to a boil.</li>
<li>Add cranberries.</li>
<li>Return to boil, reduce heat, and boil gently for 10 minutes or until jelly starts to gel: stirring occassionally.</li>
<li>Remove from heat and cool completely at room temperature - then refrigerate.</li>
</ol> Makes approx. 2 1/4 cups. <br />
<br />
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: green;"><span style="color: green;">Baked Squash with savory vegetarian stuffing.</span> </span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Delicious!!</span></span></b></span><br />
<br />
This recipe makes 2 cups of filling, so adjust it according to the size of your squash. If you have any red pepper add a handful of it (diced) to give the filling more color.<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<ul><li> 1 squash, halved, seeds removed (personally, I love the red kuri squash for this recipe!)</li>
<li> 1 c cooked grain, such as rice, millet, couscous, or bulghur</li>
<li> 1 tbsp olive oil</li>
<li> 2/3 c minced onion</li>
<li> 4 mushrooms, diced</li>
<li> 2 cloves garlic, minced</li>
<li> 1 1/2 c diced red-skinned apple</li>
<li> 1 leaf of chard</li>
<li> 1/2 tsp each cinnamon and allspice</li>
<li> 2 tsp brown sugar</li>
<li> 1/4 c water</li>
<li> 1/4 c nuts</li>
</ul><br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<ol><li>Bake the squash face side down on an oiled baking sheet at 350º for about 35-45 minutes, until tender. </li>
<li>Crush the nuts by putting them in a double plastic bag and whacking them with a hammer</li>
<li>Sauté the onion in the oil until soft. Add mushrooms, apples, chard, garlic, and spices. Cook another few minutes. </li>
<li>Add grain, mix well. </li>
<li>Mix sugar with water and add to filling. Stir well, and cook for another minute. </li>
<li>Fill the holes in the squash halves with the filling. Sprinkle with the nuts. </li>
<li>Bake at 350º for 20 minutes, or until heated through. If desired, sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for the last few minutes of baking. </li>
</ol><ol></ol>This lovely recipe is courtesy of Velvet at <a href="http://www.endlessharvest.com/" target="_blank">Endless Harvest</a> - a home delivery service providing organic fruits and veggies right to your door. (Nelson, BC area)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Festive-Recipes-Holiday-Williams/dp/0783503245?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0783503245" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Festive-Recipes-Holiday-Williams/dp/0783503245?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Thanksgiving: Festive Recipes for the Holiday Table (Williams Sonoma Kitchen Library)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0783503245&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0783503245" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sonoma-Collection-Dessert-York-N-Y/dp/B003WUYS30?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Williams-Sonoma Collection: Dessert (Williams-Sonoma Collection (New York, N.Y.).)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B003WUYS30&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003WUYS30" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Petite-Sweets-Bite-Size-Desserts-Satisfy/dp/1416207732?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"><img alt="Petite Sweets: Bite-Size Desserts to Satisfy Every Sweet Tooth" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=1416207732&tag=countrywoman-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=1416207732" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!</b></span></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Festive-Recipes-Holiday-Williams/dp/0783503245?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0783503245" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><br />
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<tr><td class="main"></td><td class="main"><br />
</td><td class="main"><br />
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="main"><div style="text-align: left;"></div><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Williams-Sonoma-Collection-Dessert-York-N-Y/dp/B003WUYS30?ie=UTF8&tag=countrywoman-20&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=countrywoman-20&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003WUYS30" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="main"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-18696629016283970642010-10-01T14:20:00.001-06:002013-08-20T19:32:39.695-06:00When should I pick all my tomatoes?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As the summer draws to a close, one of the most common questions that I hear is, "When should I pick all my tomatoes?"<br />
<br />
Tomatoes definitely love warm weather, and don't like frost in the least. <b> So the time to pick all tomatoes is before the first frost.</b><br />
<br />
Yes, you can try and cover the plants to extend the growing season - especially if they are in a warm location such as the corner of the house, and you are expecting a couple more weeks of continued warm weather. Blankets, bed sheets, plastic, and tarps all work - as long as you remember to tuck the fabric into the soil at the bottom so the cold air doesn't get in. You can also use one of the tomato covers currently sold at gardening shops.<br />
<br />
But if you want to be sure your tomatoes are safe, simply pick them. They will ripen on your kitchen counter. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kL5LH9z41kl-jmX4OBiS34BJ1rKc18MYUy81yxE3TcJIKLSOdEADJFN1QwQ-_XXkEigPORuwJaAv-v5-xa28mxNqoH2cndb-GSmQ2ql0qokqmeUTP117R-PRvpLnqc5ZAjmIzotaME_o/s400/DSC01060.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tomatoes showing varying degrees of ripeness</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kL5LH9z41kl-jmX4OBiS34BJ1rKc18MYUy81yxE3TcJIKLSOdEADJFN1QwQ-_XXkEigPORuwJaAv-v5-xa28mxNqoH2cndb-GSmQ2ql0qokqmeUTP117R-PRvpLnqc5ZAjmIzotaME_o/s1600/DSC01060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<b>If you have large quantities of tomatoes, place them in layers in a cardboard box.</b><br />
<ol><li>Put some newspaper into the bottom of the box.<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Place your first layer of tomatoes on it. Do keep them separate so they aren't touching each other. That way if one goes bad it doesn't affect the rest of them. <br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Cover with another layer of newspaper<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Add more tomatoes<br />
<br />
</li>
<li>Keep layering to a maximum depth of 3 layers. You don't want it too deep as it makes it difficult to check how the tomatoes are ripening.</li>
</ol>Place the box in a cool, dry place and <b>be sure to check the tomatoes at regular intervals. </b><br />
<br />
I must admit that in the past I have forgotten to check regularly and found that all of a sudden I needed to make a huge pot of spaghetti sauce - NOW.<br />
<br />
If that should happen to you, there are lots free online tomato recipes, as well as tasty tomato cookbooks on <a href="http://www.alltomato.com/recipes.html" target="_blank">All Tomato.com </a>.</div><br />
<br />
<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-72792024172785538142010-09-11T15:02:00.009-06:002013-07-21T21:51:58.309-06:00How To Harvest Tomato Seeds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been an avid seed-collector all my life, and it's quite normal at this time of year to find my cupboards starting to fill with enevelopes full of seeds. Nasturtium, marigolds, cosmos, some tender green beans, and my newest addition - Pearly Pink Cherry Tomatoes.<br />
<br />
This is an amazing, medium-sized cherry tomato that I found in the heritage seed list from <a href="http://www.saltspringseeds.com/" target="_blank">Saltspring Seeds</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh74ooo2wPrOLyT6KT9UxMPJp_6N8fo9PYmY6L9Dv2q3qJm01KHNroGUa3l19iCaDa73qb1G7mfeUxYdauztpKhBaxlxYWm-HYHswVSSNee85oToDIplNMtfuyBRHn3wj_ETMuzjgh_qi/s1600/rotator-tomatoes_476x357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="1" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh74ooo2wPrOLyT6KT9UxMPJp_6N8fo9PYmY6L9Dv2q3qJm01KHNroGUa3l19iCaDa73qb1G7mfeUxYdauztpKhBaxlxYWm-HYHswVSSNee85oToDIplNMtfuyBRHn3wj_ETMuzjgh_qi/s400/rotator-tomatoes_476x357.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherry Tomatoes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
So here I was in my kitchen, happy because of the bumper crop of little tomatoes that I had just gathered, and all set to harvest some of the seeds when a friend told me that I wasn't supposed to just dry them. They needed to be fermented first.<br />
<br />
<b>WHAT? FERMENT TOMATO SEEDS?</b><br />
<br />
Now this I had to check out. So I went straight to Saltspring Seeds - and was amazed that my friend was right. They do need to be fermented.<br />
<br />
I read the instructions, but being a more visual person, I just wasn't sure about the process.<br />
<br />
So for others like me who need to KNOW what they are doing, I've written out the instructions for <a href="http://www.alltomato.com/harvesting-tomato-seeds.html" target="_blank">Harvesting Tomato Seeds</a> as well as posted a most helpful video.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-52343925349110001362010-02-06T17:18:00.006-07:002010-10-08T12:03:58.082-06:00Spring Fever - container gardens on my windowsill<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Wn-5B9A4Ki5fp8Dt7Z0cV7EdTLi13kOy8sTnhv4YaaAHefAJbUrT1DCFiXwIPZ3SYPn04uLiIwnZgkNHS7hhI0AmInelmOxT0INoI3b6q98DGNPv91Psg_ADpvMc1VfoB6fkkoB1dTz2/s1600-h/DSC00806-b-sm-copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="1" height="150" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Wn-5B9A4Ki5fp8Dt7Z0cV7EdTLi13kOy8sTnhv4YaaAHefAJbUrT1DCFiXwIPZ3SYPn04uLiIwnZgkNHS7hhI0AmInelmOxT0INoI3b6q98DGNPv91Psg_ADpvMc1VfoB6fkkoB1dTz2/s200/DSC00806-b-sm-copyright.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Well, I think it's official. I have a bad case of Spring Fever! First it was <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/growgardenbulbs" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank"><u>garden bulbs</u></a>, and now I've gone and started a <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/portablegardens" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank"><u>container garden</u></a> as well.<br />
<br />
It all happened while on a trip to the local Wal-mart. I was only intending on getting a few little things for Valentine's Day when I noticed some discounted plants. VERY DISCOUNTED. <br />
<br />
Now there's just something about a sale - and about plants that look like they would like to see some sunlight - that brings out the imagination in me. I start to visualize where I will put them. How they will thrive. And how pretty they will look in their new setting.<br />
<br />
So I picked up three of the bedraggled little creatures, as well as a shallow dish (seeing as they were succulents) and took them all home on a very cold and blustery winter night.<br />
<br />
They have since turned out quite well! Their color is back, and the leaves perked right up again.<br />
<br />
And I must admit I'm happy as I sit here in my kitchen, watching sparrows and chickadees at the snowy outside feeder, and having an ever-growing garden on the corner of my table.<br />
<br />
If you would like instructions and a video on how to plant a container garden, please visit <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%7Chttp://www.squidoo.com/portablegardens%22" style="color: #38761d;" target="_blank"><u>http://www.squidoo.com/portablegardens</u></a> I've posted all the details.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8-HU2sZwbEwUYb9rp6yJrLVtgzrhwYr_4DAYqqGZXukjO_xrk4dai5aYAUvsZv83f_u_98VBoD36iGVzdlgF_5zqOvynrnsci1psMz7XhBwZIsyw3zqfcmKm_BnNe49AbqWH9isAoX5B/s1600-h/DSC00788-crop-copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="1" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8-HU2sZwbEwUYb9rp6yJrLVtgzrhwYr_4DAYqqGZXukjO_xrk4dai5aYAUvsZv83f_u_98VBoD36iGVzdlgF_5zqOvynrnsci1psMz7XhBwZIsyw3zqfcmKm_BnNe49AbqWH9isAoX5B/s320/DSC00788-crop-copyright.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-61554532289568256762010-01-30T14:18:00.010-07:002010-10-08T12:07:23.295-06:00Is It Time For Spring Yet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvkm6gHE1-Z3HwVOV7_bzFEY8CuV-uyhsxiGGagoSZG3dUCGp5uE1lzz-sOVSgK_rxieQuykhlrFzzJ8LGmpJRZ1TtKumXu5aOLEbkW5Bg0sOuQOCNOhe3zoAO3fnET0ig4j9om21aMSD/s1600-h/DSC00242-2-copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="1" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNvkm6gHE1-Z3HwVOV7_bzFEY8CuV-uyhsxiGGagoSZG3dUCGp5uE1lzz-sOVSgK_rxieQuykhlrFzzJ8LGmpJRZ1TtKumXu5aOLEbkW5Bg0sOuQOCNOhe3zoAO3fnET0ig4j9om21aMSD/s200/DSC00242-2-copyright.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I don't know about you, but I'm finding that I'm yearning for <span style="color: red;"><b>COLOR</b></span> in my life. Flowers, bulbs, even new curtains - anything to break the monochromatic winter months.<br />
<br />
So after a browse around our local gardening/hardware store, I purchased a few spring bulbs to try and grow indoors. I've never done this before, so in the words of my children, "It's an EXPERIMENT!"<br />
<br />
Not quite knowing the best way to go about things, I decided to get some of the smaller bulbs like crocus, the miniature daffodils, and some mini-tulip bulbs. I'll plant them in separate pots and start them at intervals of one week to see what happens.<br />
<br />
<b>Choosing Bulbs</b><br />
<br />
I wasn't quite sure how to choose a good bulb, so have found the following information helpful. <br />
<ol><li>Size alone does not constitute the value or quality of a bulb, but firmness, weight and condition do.</li>
<li>In a true bulb (daffodil, lily, or tulip, the layers or scales should be firmly joined so that there is little or no feeling of looseness or squashiness when it is compressed in your hand.</li>
<li>In a rhizome, corm or tuber (such as calla, crocus or dahlia), the flesh should be plump and fairly hard.</li>
<li>Good bulbs tend to be fairly heavy in weight.</li>
<li>The skin condition or coating (as in hyacinths and tulips) should be smooth, bright and free of deep cuts and bruises, in particular, the disk at the base. Should this show signs of extreme injury or disease, the bulb will more than likely rot after planting.</li>
</ol><b>Don't plant them too deep!</b><br />
<b> </b> <br />
Since I purchased the bulbs, I've had to do quite a lot more research. My neighbour was telling me that you can't just plant them - you have to put them in the FRIDGE for a period of time first, in order to get them to bloom. Something about imitating the seasons (at least in the bulb's sense of things). So rather than putting all the technical information here, I'll just give you the link to my latest findings. Then we will all be able to enjoy some festive colors long before the snow melts. <br />
<br />
<div style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/growgardenbulbs" target="_blank">http://www.squidoo.com/growgardenbulbs</a></div><br />
<br />
I hope you have fun planting your spring bulbs. Do let me know how they turn out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqH_mPpiypvb4MCHHxozXq7qLldYJCdiD6HQPDJe2kZZsHoPjTIrRUBIKfJBECPiZFayfTpS5-tKRd4L2SE96XyGHrKwpO7UE48SB-v-MN1pVNre9XEy07peMrMKQ61aAJymLWnUVG4UD/s1600-h/DSC04645-2-copyright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLqH_mPpiypvb4MCHHxozXq7qLldYJCdiD6HQPDJe2kZZsHoPjTIrRUBIKfJBECPiZFayfTpS5-tKRd4L2SE96XyGHrKwpO7UE48SB-v-MN1pVNre9XEy07peMrMKQ61aAJymLWnUVG4UD/s400/DSC04645-2-copyright.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5749106784391972694.post-43870836948112457742009-12-13T19:30:00.003-07:002010-10-08T12:08:31.193-06:00What to do when it's 45 degrees BELOW ZEROYesterday we had the dubious record for being the coldest location in Canada! At -45 C there's not much to do other than stay indoors, cook good food, and watch movies.<br />
<br />
It was this afternoon, when the sun finally shone through the clouds for a while, that I noticed the intricate patterns the intense cold had drawn on the windows.<br />
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And there, in the bottom corner of the patio window, were the beautiful structures of black ice. The colors in these photos have not been changed.<br />
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</div>With a bit of imagination you can see the settings for a world of magic and mythical creatures in the patterns and colors of the frost .<br />
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