Eco Urban Fish

My Army of Gastropods!

2014-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Disclaimer: You'll have to forgive my lack of great pictures for this post.

Growing up in the country meant finding snail shells all the time. In the woods, by the creek, in the creek, everywhere. I've seen snails. I've seen slugs. I've marveled at both with childlike curiosity. But it wasn't until I moved into my house in the suburbs of the south side of Indy that I saw armies of snails (live ones, not simply shells).

The first gastropod I saw at my house was a particularly large leopard slug (Limax maximus), also known as great gray garden slug and tiger slug. These guys grow up to about 4 inches (sometimes more) and, as their common names suggest, are gray (sometimes yellowish) and spotted.

Then I started to witness my massive army of snails coming out after the long, brutal winter. When I say "army," I mean anywhere from 10 to 20 in sight (I tend to exaggerate a bit). On humid or damp nights, I'll see my snails. Two nights ago I counted 16 within a 1' by 3' area just outside my sliding door. Being the curious girl that I am, I began to study them to see where they were hiding during the day.

There is a huge crack between my patio and house. Many of my snails use this crack as their barracks. Others are fond of the area underneath my deck. Still others were hiding under a cooler and cardboard we had by the house.

So, the girl that some have claimed may have an army of spiders at her command now has an army of snails. Spiders and snails: unlikely allies in the fight against whatever.

Control

Yes, snails and slugs can be quite problematic for home gardeners. If you've got them in your yard, forget about hostas or strawberries! However, opening up the area they're in to allow air circulation and reduce the moist, damp habitat they require can greatly discourage slugs away from a particular area. Beer or fermented foods make efficient, homemade slug traps (although I'm not a fan of killing anything!).

Discovering Nightshade

2014-06-11T10:30:00.000-04:00

While waiting patiently to see everything that was going to emerge in our yard, my roommate and I made a startling discovery around our fence. Beautiful, 4-foot tall stems with gorgeous blue-violet and yellow flowers. Bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara).

Bittersweet nightshade along my fence.

There's a lot of talk about nightshade and almost everyone has heard the term before. While this isn't belladonna (Atropa belladonna), the plant most commonly referred to as "deadly nightshade," it is still something I don't particularly want in my yard.

If you want to read a little about the differences between the two species, check out this link!

Bittersweet nightshade can reach heights of up to 6' 6" and is often a vining plant. The flowers are more than gorgeous; it's no wonder why the plant is introduced in the U.S. While it's not considered invasive in Indiana, it is in several other states. It's also poisonous to people and animals, although the toxicity of this particular species is often debated.

I haven't gotten around to ripping it out yet -- unfortunately it's not going to be an easy task. Fortunately, however, there isn't too much of it around my yard. A few scraggly vines growing here and there around my fence.

New House, New Fish

2014-06-10T19:02:00.000-04:00

In the past two(ish) years I have moved three times. I hate moving, but I love the fact that every move is a new beginning. Instead of being in the Fort Wayne area, I am now a resident of Indianapolis. New home, new fish, that's for sure!

While I grew up in the country, I have spent most of my adult life in a city environment. I hate it, but it's what I can do at the moment. I live with a great couple and am now only 25 minutes from my boyfriend's house (as opposed to a 2 1/2 to 3 hour drive). That part's great! I have tons of neighbors, however, which isn't so great.

While I would love to turn the yard of this house into my dream landscape, I can't. You see, it's a rental. It's not a great rental, but it is in a decent part of town and it is a cute house. However, the yard leaves much to be desired.

Yes, I could spend all of my hard-earned money on landscaping plants; I could go to native swaps and dress up the yard to my liking; I could, I could, I could ... But I'm not. That's too much money and time to spend on a house that someone else owns.

Don't get me wrong, I've planted a few things. Some woodland phlox (Phlox divaricata), some liriope and a pretty yellow carnation plant that I just couldn't resist. I also have plans of transplanting a large peony growing on the east side of my house where nobody can appreciate its gorgeous, deep pink blooms.

I was also pleased to find out that the massive shrub that was growing in our backyard is an overgrown lilac that sends off pale, pinkish-purple flowers. They didn't last long, it seemed the flowers stuck around shorter than even standard lilacs. However, it is a 15' (or so) shrub with beautiful blooming potential and one that will look even more spectacular if I truly decide to give her a haircut (yes, I know, I should have pruned her a couple weeks ago if I was going to do it at all).

Huge wild strawberry patches grow along my fence and the massive pit where an above-ground pool once sat. Unfortunately, I have some nightshade growing along my fence as well. Pics and a post about that to come.

What else have I discovered? Oh, the usual. Little jumping spiders making their ways to my window sills, a few house spiders, one sac spider inside, and a huge army of snails waiting for my command. OK, I doubt they're waiting for my command, but there sure are a lot of them that live between my foundation and the patio.

Back at It!

2014-06-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

It's been quite a while since I've posted anything on this blog. For the past two years (OK, quite a bit longer than that, really), my life has been a whirlwind of emotion, change and figuring myself out. I've gone through quite a lot, but I'm anxious to get back at my baby (this blog!).

Expect some new posts in the near future. I'm excited to share some of my experiences and how this urban fish out of water is (still) adjusting to city life! New bugs, new plants, new problems and new everythings! I temporarily gave up this blog because I had so much on my plate, but I miss it. It was still in its infancy when I left it, so it's time for a new start (I'm all about new starts these days).

Great Backyard Bird Count 2012

2012-02-19T09:47:00.003-05:00

I'm really excited about this event. Are you? What is it? Well, it's pretty self-explanatory. The Great Backyard Bird Count is a 4-day event in which everyone is encouraged to tally up the species of birds they see in their backyard -- or anywhere! The event goes on this year from February 17 - February 20.

Although I'm not really a bird watcher like some, I do enjoy looking at the different species and take notice when I see a new one or one I haven't seen in a while. The Great Backyard Bird Count relies on bird watchers of all ages and skill levels to help determine some pretty important aspects of bird life and the ecosystem.

This is a great family event and wonderful way to get your kids involved in nature, even during the colder months like now!

Here are some things the Great Backyard Bird Count helps determine:

Did this winter's snow and temperatures affect any populations?
Were there any irruptive species this year (irruptive species are those which appear in large numbers some years, but not others)?
Do the migrations of this year compare with years past?
Are bird diseases affecting various species in different regions?
What's the diversity differences in rural, urban, suburban and natural areas?
Are any species in decline?

Pretty cool when you think about it. Science is relying on regular, every-day citizens to help keep track of really important data.

How Can You Participate?

Participation is easy. Simply set up shop in your yard, or from the comfort of a warm house in front of the window and tally the different species you have in your yard. You should plan for at least 15 minutes of bird watching per day. Once you're done with your bird count, enter your results on the GBBC Submission page here.

Need Some Resources?

The GBBC site gives you regional bird checklists and tally pages you can print out for easy viewing -- especially if you don't have a field guide or other handy resource.

Local parks and natural areas across the nation are getting in on the fun, too! See if one of your favorite parks is having an event dedicated to the GBBC! The GBBC website also has a "Local Events Page" here.

Getting to Know: The Coneflower (Echinacea)

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Coneflowers are a favorite perennial of many. You often see them in giant clumps of flowers throughout landscapes and even while enjoying a nature hike.

The purple coneflower, Echinacea purpurea, is among the most common and has several different varieties to choose from. The 'Magnus' variety is very common and won the coveted Perennial Plant of the Year Award in 1998. Aside from the purple magnus, the purple coneflower also comes in varieties showing off white, cream-colored, rosy or yellow petals, among many other newer, brighter, more vivid hues.

Most have the tell-tale "coneflower" shape: a cone in the middle surrounded by downward-pointing petals. Some, however, have petals that lay horizontal, almost perpendicular to the cone.

Coneflowers are easy to take care of in part because they are native plants. They were built for the climate and soil. Coneflowers will self-sow into the soil, so you're likely to get many more plants than the few you started with. After every three or so years, it's time to divide them if you want to prevent overcrowding of your coneflower bed. Don't get too excited in the spring to plant echinacea -- these flowers do best when planted in fall.

These flowers are a favorite of butterflies and seed-eating birds such as finches. In your landscape, the butterflies will hover gracefully and sip the nectar. Once the flowers have "died," don't remove the heads until your seeds are all gone. Birds such as goldfinches will grace your browned coneflowers with their presence and pick them clean of the seeds.

Upcycling What?

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-05:00

Kind of a confusing word. It's almost the opposite of recycling, which takes items and turns them into still usable, yet not as-high-quality products as they were before. Of course, not all recycling turns items into lower-quality items, but a lot of the time, that's what happens.

Upcycling, on the other hand, takes trash and turns it into treasure -- almost quite literally. When you upcycle an item, you turn it into something new that has equal to or greater value than it did before.

Here's an example of an item that is commonly both recycled and upcycled: The plastic bottle.

By now, most everyone recycles their plastic bottles. If you're not, I highly suggest you start doing so. But this product is so common that it has made its way into upcycle projects such as hummingbird feeders and automatic waterers for pets. Plastic bottles also make excellent mini-greenhouses for your seedlings.

Here, I upcycle quite a few things, even if only on the most basic of scales. A lot of what I do could be considered repurposing, which leads to more confusion. Repurposing is taking an item and simply using it as something other than what it was intended for. I repurpose small flower pots into pencil holders, but I upcycle small flower pots into decorative bells and knick-knacks.

Today, I cut off the bottom of a cereal box and decoupaged newspaper scraps all over it. It's going to hang beside my desk as a holder for my specialty markers. I'm going to make a few more when I'm done eating the cereal for note cards, stationery, etc.

Not finished yet, but you get the idea ...

It's all about finding things that you know you can use and using them instead of throwing them out. Another idea I recently saw was turning old feed troughs into garden containers. The picture I saw looked as though the feed troughs were brand new, but what an easy way to add a rustic look to your yard, deck or patio.

I also upcycled a long, rectangular, horizontal box into a vertical shelving unit. I turned old forks and a block of scrap wood into a coat hanger. I turned old forks into curtain holders and jewelry hooks. I could probably go on and on ..

Getting to Know: Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

2012-01-25T09:00:00.000-05:00

By now many of us have seen these pesky little stink bugs coming into our homes in late fall and reappearing throughout the winter. I personally like to watch their antics as they crawl about. However, I'm not too fond of invasive species, so I'm at a crossroads when coming upon a straggler within my home.

Fortunately, these bugs don't bite, they don't ruin the insides of your home or anything like that. They're simply winter visitors that just happen to enjoy being warm in the winter. It's what they do outside that's the problem.

Like many of its relatives, the BMSB feeds on a variety of fruits, vegetables, ornamentals and agri-crops. Examples include peaches, pears, apples, raspberries, grapes, beans, peppers, soybeans, corn, redbud, walnut, maples, catalpas, holly, butterfly bush, honeysuckles and roses, just to name a few.

As you can see from the photograph, they have the common "shield" shape that other stink bugs have. However, you will notice the distinguishing characteristics as circles and marked in red.

Controlling the BMSB inside the home is as simple as finding where they are coming in and sealing the hole. Common points of entry include cracks around window frames and doors, exhaust fans, baseboards or chimneys. They may not be the only things getting in; other arthropods could use these same entrances and you may be losing energy to these holes.

Stinkbug crawling on my phone charger.

Although you can't tell from this picture I snapped with my phone, the BMSB has white stripes on its legs and antennae, along with an almost checkered pattern along its sides.

Outside it's a bit more complicated. As an invasive pest -- it came to PA around 1996 from China or Japan -- it doesn't have the common predators that other stink bugs do; yet like other stink bugs, they will swarm and infest crops. Chemicals are being developed and introduced as a way to help curb the populations, however, that just sounds horrible to me.

For a more detailed photo, check out Rutgers' BMSB page here.

Emerald Ash Borer General Information

2012-01-24T09:30:00.000-05:00

By now we've all heard of the emerald ash borer and know that it's bad. But why? Most of us know that these beautiful but extremely devastating insects kill off ash trees in large numbers.

The EAB came to North America during the 1990s, although a specific year is unknown. In 2002, the Detroit and Windsor areas first began reporting ash trees dying off due to the insect. As of now, the EAB is destroying ash trees in the Great Lakes region of lower Michigan, northern Indiana, Ohio, the Chicago area, Maryland and Pennsylvania. (US Forest Service). Other states, including New York, Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Iowa also have either localized or state-quarantined areas of infestation.

Description:

Metallic green wings, although sometimes seen as metallic reds and purples
Cylindrical and linear body shape
Approximately 1/3- to 3/4-inch long
Top of abdomen metallic purple or red
Blunt head
Larvae are transparent white to creamy white and up to 1-inch long

Life Cycle:

Adults emerge from underneath the bark of host trees in late May and through mid-summer. Egg-laying season lasts through mid- to late-summer in many cases. After 7 to 10 days, the eggs hatch and the larvae bore beneath the bark and feed upon the vascular tissue of the tree. They leave an S-like pattern of zig-zags underneath the bark as they feed. The larvae continue to mature underneath the bark, growing as they feed voraciously on the vital system of the ash tree. The larvae overwinter under the bark, protected from the cold. Once it begins to warm up in early spring, the larvae begin their pupal stage. They emerge as adults in late May and the process continues over and over.

Ash Tree Identification:

Opposite branching
Compound leaves
5 to 9 leaflets (white and green ash)
7 to 11 leaflets (black and blue ash)
Terminal bud

Symptoms:

Dieback of the top leaves/crown of ash trees
Vertical splits in the bark
D-shaped exit holes (where adults emerge from)
S-shaped zig-zags under the bark

Note that there are many, many native relatives of the EAB throughout North America that also feed on Ash trees or other trees. The difference is that native insects are part of the regular food chain and ecosystem; their numbers are easily controlled without any influence from man. As an invasive species, the EAB still doesn't have the right number of predators to help control the population naturally.

For more information:
Purdue University: Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald Ash Borer; Gary L. Parsons; Michigan State University Department of Entomology

Plants I'm Considering

2012-01-23T10:02:00.000-05:00

Well, we all know I've been excited about planting more natives this year. There are so many to choose from, and the best part is they all will lend greatly to a natural look and habitat.

One of my all-time favorite flowers is the black-eyed susan. There's a couple different varieties, but I think the more common ones will be what we choose. I'm also gonna go a bit crazy with monarda (also known as wild bergamot and bee balm). If you've never had the chance to smell bee balm, it is a wonderfully refreshing scent with characteristic, fun-shaped flowers. Purple and yellow coneflowers will look nice; as mentioned before they are also a favorite food source for more than a few species. Beautiful asters will lend to the fall color, and I absolutely love them! I have a feeling asters will make it into my pressed-flower art and resin casting next year.

To round out the look, I'll probably plant some bluestem, little or big, along with a few prairie roses and sedges.

For shrubs, I'm thinking maybe some arrowwood viburnum and maybe ninebark. Dogwoods also are abundant in Indiana and who doesn't love those?

We will be cutting down our silver maple this year; it's seen the best of its life and is slowly dying and becoming a sad eyesore. We're not sure which tree we're going to plant there, although we were going to go with a bald cypress. Not anymore, considering our pact to only go with native plants. It has to be a tall, shade-giving tree. We have a baby thornless honeylocust growing close to it right now, we may just leave it where it is and skip replanting in the place of the old silver maple.

If you live in Indiana, or even the surrounding region, I urge you to check out Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society to get an idea of natives to spruce up your garden!

New Studio Space

2012-01-20T11:34:00.000-05:00

Even though my store isn't up right now (I gave my ornaments out as Christmas gifts and I haven't made many presses lately), I'm still crafty.

Shaun and I recently switched studios, so his music studio is in the back bedroom and my art studio/spare room/office is in the front bedroom. This room is smaller, but I like the layout. I have everything squared away where I want it -- well, almost everything. I still have to get Shaun's large metal shelf out of here, but we're waiting until he gets the last section of his new floor painted so we can put it in his room.

Shaun built most of my new hutch/workspace design for me, we still have to build the hutch part and get it painted. I can't wait.

For those who don't know, I dabble in a lot of different crafts. Painting, sketching, resin casting, wood crafts and a few other things. I'm going to start working with watercolor pencils for the first time, and I also have my first oils to start working with as well.

From the door

Workspace area (Huge metal shelf on right will be gone - new work table will be there)

An old dresser works as a great storage center! Painting it is the next task!

New shelf Shaun built for me! Everything is right within grasp of the desk!

Gardening for Wildlife (and Key Features for a Wildlife Garden)

2012-01-16T10:58:00.000-05:00

This is the year our landscape will come together and become a safe haven for wildlife of all sorts -- not to mention a relaxation haven for my husband and I along with our dogs. Growing up in rural settings, I'm used to coyotes, opossums, raccoons, groundhogs and deer running around the edges of the property. While I'm not happy in the city, I am content with knowing I can still provide a habitat for smaller wild animals, birds and arthropods in my yard.

My lonely birdbath, cottonwood tree and some of our euonymus. This will
look greatly different (hopefully) by the fall of 2012

While my favorite plant is Russian sage, I'm going to stick with the five I have and not buy any more. There are plenty of native species that will complement the feathery-soft silver foliage and lavender-esque flowers.

My plan is to get a couple of low-growing native shrubs for cover. Maybe a few native junipers will do this for me, and a couple of honeysuckle bushes. I have this grand idea that trumpet flowers or native honeysuckle vines would look gorgeous growing up the exterior chimney and one spot on the back of the house. I might just go crazy with some native coneflowers. Coneflowers are excellent food sources and provide a bounty of color.

I'm also going to make quite a few birdhouses this year as well. I miss my birds. I hate to say it, but with money being tight, bird seed was one of the first things to get cut off our shopping list. This year, that changes. I always joked that I kept the bird feeders full to keep the hawks happy. This was only partially full, as I'm well aware of the dynamics of the urban ecosystem I live in. Keeping the bird feeders full attracts birds to our yard, helps them keep my insect populations down and yes, keeps the hawks happy as they routinely pick off birds from the feeders.

I also want to make a squirrel agility course. Squirrels we have, so why not get a little more entertainment out of them?

So what are some of the key features of a garden designed for wildlife? Here they are, in no particular oder:

Cover. Cover = shelter and home space for various creatures. Birds prefer dense shrubs, small mammals prefer rock piles, low-growing shrubs and dense foliage. We have lots of rocks from our landscaping, but I plan on finding some larger ones to build an aesthetically pleasing, functional shelter place for small mammals. We also keep a rack of firewood that is ideal for different creatures.
Food. Everybody needs to eat to remain happy. Sadly, there's not a lot of food for my creatures. Several birds eat the cottonwood fruit, but that's about all I've got. The coneflowers will add greatly to this, and so will my honeysuckle, trumpet vines and others I've got in the plan.
Water. We have a birdbath that is frequently used by both birds and squirrels. I want a few more, and maybe another water feature like a fountain or small pond. Money's at a premium, so we'll have to review our options here.
Diversity. To keep everyone happy, we'll need to have a bit of diversity to keep the food chain going strong. We plan on a butterfly garden, complete with watering stone, a hummingbird garden and the bigger, denser vegetation listed above under "Cover."
Man-made shelter. This isn't a requirement for a wildlife garden, but it helps. As I mentioned above, I plan on building several birdhouses this year to give different birds their space to raise their young. I am going to start studying the various species I have in my yard to make sure I have the right dimensions for their new home.

For more information on gardening for wildlife, visit the National Wildlife Federation's "Garden for Wildlife" page.

Getting Ready for My Natives!

2012-01-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I talked about how to take care of your garden and plants during the winter. Yes, it's still winter. Actually, if you live in NE Indiana like me, it's just now winter considering it's been so incredibly mild (today it is back to being mild -- 10 a.m., mid-30s and a mix of sun and clouds).

Although I haven't began sketching out our garden and landscaping plans for this coming year, we have talked about what's going in and what we want in our veggie garden.

We decided (o.k., I decided and told Shaun) that this is the year we are starting with all natives. Yes, we have several non-native species in our yard, and even some euonymus. Luckily, we don't have full-size euonymus (burning bush), we have a more compact variety that grow to about 7 feet tall. I'm not sure of the exact cultivar -- they were here when we bought the house. Euonymus is an invasive species, although the smaller varieties may not be as much of a threat as the large, 20-foot-tall-plus regular variety.

While I can buy my natives at the nursery I work at, I can also dig several species up from the woods that line my parents' property. While I know those woods like the back of my hand, I know that there are a lot of plant species I've taken for granted out there and never really paid attention to.

Not a huge fan of may apples, but those grow in insanely large patches in the woods out there. I'm also pretty sure I've seen some Jacob's ladder. This spring and summer, I plan on looking for some natural coral bells, Jacob's ladder, spiderwort, American honeysuckle, wild roses and wild lilies. There are also several native grasses out there, and I love grasses.

I want my yard to be more natural. I get sick of looking at green lawns. It's not natural. The grasses we plant in our lawns are somewhat invasive and are definitely alien. As you've guessed from my blog, I'm also disgusted by the lack of habitat for wildlife and the general consensus that it's okay as long as the people are happy.

When my yard becomes developed with my native plants, I plan on certifying it with the National Wildlife Federation as a wildlife garden. My neighbors might think I'm insane trying to attract wildlife instead of exclude wildlife, but hey, maybe they should follow suit.

My next posts will be about ideas for my landscape, wildlife gardens and other related information!

Taking Care of Your Garden During the Winter Months

2011-12-23T12:09:00.000-05:00

While you may not be thinking of your garden when the temp falls below 32 degrees, you should be -- particularly if you've got young trees and shrubs out in your yard.

Winter is a hard season for a lot of us (although, here in Fort Wayne so far the weather's been pretty enjoyable and mild). It's also hard on your young plants and the wildlife that visits or lives on your property.

Squirrels and other small mammals may start stripping bark from trees -- especially trees with tender bark that easily comes off. Protect your trunks with hardware mesh.

While it may not be snowing a lot here right now, it's only a matter of time. The extra weight of wet snow will easily snap young branches and stems. Tie your stems and branches together -- firmly yet gently -- with plant tape or twine. Tying them together gives less of a surface for the snow to settle on and also adds strength by combining them all together.

The salt that will surely be dumped on the roads to provide safe travel can damage your broadleaf evergreens such as arborvitae. Protect your branches from the harsh salt and other chemicals by covering them with burlap. The salt can burn the leaves and kill off branches.

Meanwhile, enjoy the winter frolicking of birds and squirrels throughout your yard while watching from a window, covered in a blanket, wearing fuzzy slippers and sipping a cup of cocoa ;)

Real Vs Fake: Choosing the Right Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T16:34:00.001-05:00

It's that time of year -- and Shaun and I are planning to go pick out our Christmas tree this weekend sometime. A lot of people seem surprised when they find out we prefer real over fake, considering I'm into the environment and preserving ecosystems. This group of people, as it turns out, may not fully understand what goes into the production of real and fake trees.

Fake trees, while on the surface seem like the best bet, are constructed out of PVC and metal (not too great). This isn't all bad, as they're *supposed* to be used for several years. The problem (for me) stems from when people decide they don't like their fake tree anymore and decide to throw it out. What happens to the tree that once was the centerpiece of a family's holiday tradition when it is thrown out in the garbage? Well, sadly, nothing. It sits there in the ground, buried with everything else. Fake trees also don't have the needle drop and don't require watering and other care like fresh trees do.

Real trees, while much better for the environment (in my honest opinion), don't come without certain precautions, either, but let's discuss the pros of real. Real trees are harvested and grown as commercial crops. Sustainability is at the forefront for most growers, because every tree needs to be replaced the next year for another consumer. Typically, a Christmas tree farmer will plant one to three seedlings to replace every Christmas tree brought the previous season.

Most people recycle their live Christmas trees, as well. Recycled Christmas trees are turned into mulch for playgrounds, parks and other areas. You can also leave a real tree outside after it's spent to create a winter habitat or playground for squirrels and birds. They make great shelters for these creatures, and you can keep decorating them throughout the winter with homemade bird foods and treats for these creatures. An excellent idea for people who don't have a lot of trees in their yard or places of shelter for these animals.

The cons of the real Christmas tree include that many of the "farms" use pesticides and herbicides to make sure their trees look the best and are pest-free when taken into the homes of consumers. Bad news there. More bad news: if you don't live in the proper climate for Christmas trees to grow, chances are you're getting a tree that was shipped in from who-knows-where.

The best option, by far, is to buy a living tree in a pot. Living trees add the beauty, pine smell and character or fresh-cut trees, but also add beauty to your yard when done. They also make great donations to local parks or your favorite local businesses if you don't have space to put a tree in your yard.

Bottom Line:

Choose wisely. A fake tree may be the best bet financially for you, and if you're responsible, the tree can last for many, many years. Shaun and I have discussed getting a 12-foot-tall fake tree to highlight our 17-foot ceilings, but I'm still on the fence. We could buy one now for $200 to $300 and have it for years, or we could buy a tall tree like this every year for anywhere from $150 to over $200 Financially, the fake tree would make sense for us; environmentally, I'm not sure.

Final Plantings and Purchasing Plants

2011-10-31T09:22:00.000-04:00

Autumn is -- and it's no secret -- the ideal time to plant several types of trees, shrubs and perennials. The question seems to be "how late in the season you can actually plant?" The answer to the question is difficult to answer, although in many parts of the Midwest and around the nation you still have a week or so -- maybe even longer -- to get those plants in the ground.

Spring and fall both offer transplants different benefits. In spring, the benefit is that if you get the plant in early enough, it will become better established before hot, long summers. This is important for young plants especially. In fall, the plants are put in the ground just before they go dormant for the winter. The benefit here is that the plant can become somewhat established in the ground and have a nice, long winter nap before its glory is displayed in the spring.

When planting this fall, remember to make sure your plant has plenty of its needed nutrients so that it has a better chance of surviving a harsh winter. For young, tender roots, consider mulching around the base of the plant to help shield them from the elements. You also get lucky this time of year with mulch -- use raked or mulched leaves. For small, tender plants, you can also put a cage around them and fill the cage with leaves or straw. Tomato cages are ideal for this.

Be wary, though, because not all plants are suited to fall plantings. Ornamental grasses, certain species of magnolias and others do better when planted in spring. This doesn't mean you can't plant them in fall, it just means to exercise caution. If you're still looking for last-minute plants to get in the ground, always choose from a nursery that offers a guarantee on their plants. Not to "toot my own horn," but the nursery I work at offers a 2-year guarantee on trees, shrubs and perennials. The key is to hang onto your receipts.

While I haven't done so yet, I plan on making a file for all my receipts from the plants I purchased this year -- and for years to come. It makes it easy to find the receipts in case a plant doesn't make it, but also it's easier for me to remember details about the plants I purchased. I don't know how many times I've planted plants only to forget which variety they were. It happened this year with my 12 tomato plants -- I had 4 different varieties and couldn't remember what they were or which ones were planted where. Had I saved the tags, it would make next year's garden even more productive because I would easily be able to tell which variety(ies) were our favorites, which ones produced when and which ones were ideal for different uses (canning, salsas, salads, sandwiches, etc).

Changes of Fall: What's Going on in Nature and Home Improvement Tips

2011-10-05T09:16:00.000-04:00

Fall is a wonderful time of the year that brings so many changes many people overlook. While many see spring as the "new beginning," autumn plays an important role in making sure that that "new beginning" is as spectacular as it should be.

Along with the cooler winds and changing of the leaves, a quick look around will show you much more going on in nature. The squirrels provide a brief, yet amusing, snapshot into what's going on. As they frantically run around and chase each other, they're also gathering supplies for the winter. Hidden morsels carefully tucked away in secret locations need to be reclaimed from the ground. These guys need some fat and protein to survive this winter when food is scarce and temperatures take their drastic drop.

The wasps and hornets show us yet another glimpse of changes that are occurring. After the queen established her nest and produced her offspring, the end of the line comes for the rest of the colony. Males and workers begin dying off, having lived their short life to serve not only their queen but the promise of new colonies next spring. If you take the time to notice during the cold mornings, you'll not see many wasps and hornets out. They have difficulties flying when the temp is below 50 degrees F. While the warm days bring them out to finish their life's purpose, in a few weeks they will be all but gone.

The queens will find a place to overwinter. Paper wasps unfortunately sometimes congregate inside a home. They're pretty docile, so there's no need to worry. Just scoop them up in a cup and release them outside to find leaf litter or another warm place to overwinter for next spring.

Other animals are also preparing, although the changes may be more subtle. Even the dogs and cats that live with us start changing their bodies to prepare for the cold. Thick coats are beginning to emerge for an extra layer of protection from winter's snow, ice and frigid temperatures. Just seeing this happen is making me dread the warm days of late spring when the massive shedding begins.

It's just around the corner ....

Fall changes also signal a time to take care of the home. While many of the leaves are still on the trees, they will begin dropping suddenly, clogging gutters and covering our lawns. In a week or so when the leaves begin dropping, it will be time to clean out those gutters but NOT rake the leaves.

Cleaning your gutters out of dead leaves and debris can help preserve the life of your roof and other areas of your home.

Raking is not recommended for a healthy lawn. The leaves break down into a rich, compost material that adds vital nutrients into your soil. If you really don't like the look of leaves on your lawn, consider mulching them with your lawn mower so they still break down. At the very least, save the leaves you rake and throw them into a compost bin or pile to use next spring and summer.

Other than the rich nutrients they provide to your soil, fallen leaves offer a winter home to many small creatures that need a shelter for the winter. The wasps and hornets mentioned above often find a small pile to live under and protect them from winter's treachery. Other arthropods and some mammals also find retreats within the fallen leaves.

The cooler temperatures also bring about a change for humans. Fall and winter signal us to start preparing our home for the drastic changes -- something we should be thinking about year round. While replacing windows and doors may not be in everyone's budget, these areas of our homes are where we become most concerned with the cold getting in. Get out the caulk gun and start finding trouble areas. Caulk around your window sills and door frames -- places where the cold breezes slip through and let our precious, expensive heat out.

Install tight-fitting sweeps on your doors -- even garage doors -- to prevent drafts from chilling you to the bone. Put protective shrink wrap around your windows and doors you won't use to prevent drafts.

You may be amazed at how much these inexpensive materials can save you on your heat bills -- and how much more comfortable your home may be.

Autumn's Gift of Craftiness

2011-10-05T08:54:00.000-04:00

This year has been a magnificent year so far for color change. After our wet, cold spring that jumped directly into a hot, dry, drought of a summer, fall has brought with it some much needed rain and now a beautiful dash of sunlight and warmth.

As someone who truly enjoys nature and the gifts it offers, I've begun collecting some fall leaves and blooms for my presses. These intriguing purples, yellows, oranges and reds have given me the opportunity to create some beautiful pieces.

I've made some beautiful ornaments and have quite the pile of unused frames at my disposal for arrangements. I must admit though, I've been preoccupied with my crafts and not so much on my writing. Sometimes it seems so hard to find the perfect balance.

For right now, though, I'll keep trying to find that balance while I'm also collecting for my presses.

Coming in for the Autumn ... What to Know About Different Creatures

2011-09-25T09:29:00.000-04:00

As the warmth of this summer drifts into the past and the cool and crisp autumn winds bring changes, you'll probably be seeing a lot more activity of the many-legged kind inside and around your home.

Several arthropods (and even some mammals) may try to use your home as an escape from the pending winter. While many insects and arthropods die off in the fall, others overwinter to start new populations in the spring. Lucky for you, control is natural, cost effective and can ultimately save you from the sight of various creatures!

Brown marmorated stink bugs are coming out in full force -- I've seen several on my window screens. These guys aren't dangerous at all, but they can become quite a nuisance inside your home. They look like other stink bugs; they have long legs and antennae and also the common shield-like body shape. As their name suggests, they're also brown. They'll come inside and congregate in your home -- sometimes in large numbers.

Paper wasp queens may also start making the move inside. Some of these girls choose to overwinter together inside a home. Like many other social wasps, queens and fertile females overwinter while the rest of the colony dies off. Paper wasps aren't very aggressive, but seeing a couple in your home can make you feel uneasy.

Spiders are also coming in in some instances. If you have outdoor spiders inside, they probably came in in late summer -- mating season. The ones I've seen that aren't year-long guests still are males -- recognizable by their large pedipalps in the front.

Mice and rats may also start seeking shelter indoors. These guys can breed all the time it seems like, and a winter haven of warmth and a seemingly never-ending food source will be ideal for them to play house in.

So what can you do to prevent these critters from getting inside? The answer is easy, but may take a little bit of time. You need to exclude them.

Insects will start coming in through any hole they can fit (which doesn't have to be very large). Examine your home for cracks and holes. Common places include window sills, around door frames, gable vents, under fascia and siding, and access holes for pipes and cables. Seal these with caulk, expanding foam, insect screen or a tightly woven wire mesh. Install door sweeps under all exterior doors that create a tight seal. Stay away from the poisons of insecticides -- use your vacuum to sweep up any insects or spiders and then release the canister's contents outdoors.

The best part about making some of these changes is that they don't only prevent bugs from getting in, they also can help you save on your utilities and stop wasting energy. Going green with another plus; that's a win-win!

Oh! The Joys of Harvest

2011-09-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

There's nothing better than a salad made from vegetables picked straight from the garden. It's one of my favorite summer meals and snacks -- the freshness of the veggies makes for a delightful and colorful meal. While this summer I've used various vegetables from other people's gardens (my dad's and farmer's markets, to be exact), I am never dissatisfied by the way it tastes.

With our 12 tomato plants Shaun and I have in our garden this year, we've only picked 4 or 5 so far -- but have many that are ripening at the same speed (anyone else have the word "salsa" come to mind?). Being the disorganized person that I am, I forgot to mark all my plants with which varieties they are so I'm "eating blind." The tomatoes we've had thus far are nice and sweet, juicy and kind of small.

We've also picked a few of our cucumbers this year. We only had one plant make it -- I planted a row of starts a friend gave me and one survived. Our cukes are small, about 4 to 5 inches and extremely sweet. They're the perfect snack or addition to a salad or cucumber sandwich.

My dad's cucumbers are large, about 10 to 12 inches long and snow-white on the inside. They're super crisp and have that undeniable cucumber flavor. He has so many I think I'm gonna pick the rest of what he's got and pickle some of them (which will be my first venture into pickling). Because they're fairly large with about a 3-inch diameter, they make an ideal addition to my pasta salads and garden salads when cut in big, thick chunks.

I see a lot of tomato and cucumber sandwiches in my future -- which is ok by me because there is almost nothing better than a cucumber wrap with a dab of cream cheese and sprinkled dill.

What's your favorite harvest snack or meal?

Undeveloped Lakes: A Thing of Beauty

2011-08-27T18:56:00.000-04:00

This year for our annual family trip, my parents, sister, brother-in-law, husband and I went down to Southern Indiana to see Patoka Lake. This almost-9,000 acre lake is beautiful. One of the reasons it's so beautiful is that people can't build on it. I'm sure if they could, they would, as all beautiful things it seems must be ruined by development.

We rented a pontoon and spent 9 hours cruising around the lake. Yes, there were lots of other boaters out there, but even that didn't take away from the pristine beauty of this beautifully clean lake.

Nowadays, when people talk about going to the lake it seems they're always speaking of a lake that has multi-million dollar cottages built on it and an overwhelming amount of people. To each their own, but to me, that's not relaxing AT ALL. I enjoy nature for what it is, not for what people want to abuse it for.

I think one of the only things that would have made Patoka even more beautiful would be had it been a natural lake. Obviously it's not, it's a huge reservoir built to sustain 11 counties' water needs. I'm not big on that, as I'm sure you can tell by the nature of my blog. Nearly 6 million gallons are taken out daily for the water needs of these people. When they built the reservoir, three towns were evacuated and covered by the almost 60 billion gallons the lake holds on any given day.

Now, the lake serves as valuable habitat for a variety of creatures -- great and small. But what about when it was created? How many were displaced because of this massive lake? That's another story. Right now, I'm still relishing the fact that I got to see this treasure. There's no doubt I'll go back. Next time I'll spend more time and get to hike around the lake. The area surrounding the lake is managed by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Hoosier National Forest surrounds parts of it, as well.

One of the islands in the lake

Basil -- The Powerhouse of Companion Planting

2011-08-14T12:36:00.000-04:00

I didn't do very much companion planting this year in our first garden, but I'm pretty sure what we did do has paid off. Companion planting, if you're unfamiliar, is planting plants that benefit each other together. This isn't just for vegetable gardening, either, but this post is about the veggie garden.

For our first veggie garden at our home, we decided to plant basil and tomatoes together. Basil is a powerhouse in the garden, especially for tomatoes. It not only improves the growth and flavor, but also repels several pests of tomatoes (and other fruits and vegetables). Basil repels white fly, tomato hornworms, aphids, flies and mosquitoes.

I had heard of basil's repellent properties quite a few years ago when I asked my grandma about natural items to spray on fruit trees to repel insects. I can't remember why I asked; I'm pretty sure my husband and I were engaged at the time and maybe I was looking at houses -- or maybe I was curious about my parents' fruit trees. Anyway, my grandma told me "basil water."

You're supposed to plant three basil plants per tomato plant for the best results, but we didn't go that far. Although I love basil, especially in homemade sauces, I bought the basil specifically for it's pest-repelling capabilities.

We planted 12 tomato plants on the NE side of our garden in 4 rows. To the south of the tomatoes, I planted 4 basil plants, 1 at the end of each row of tomatoes. I haven't had ANY pests on my tomatoes, or the rest of my garden from what I've seen. There are some ants on my zucchini, but they aren't doing any damage. I haven't seen any aphids or other "ant prey" on my zucchini, so who knows.

I've let my basil bud out -- which if you didn't know makes the basil more bitter. I do have a container of basil in the freezer, enough to get us through I'm sure.

Because it repels flies and mosquitoes, it's also useful in the kitchen. You can cut stalks of basil and put them in a glass of water. They'll stay fresh for quite a while this way. It also works as a fungicide and can slow the growth of milkweed bugs. Who woulda thought?

As for improving the flavor and growth of tomatoes, I can't say because I don't have a "control" garden to see if it's working or not. I've just picked my first three tomatoes, and we're having them for dinner tonight.

I'm sure they're wonderful. Pest- and pesticide-free tomatoes. The perfect compliment to any meal, alone or in a sauce or salad!

Pruning Basics

2011-08-10T21:09:00.000-04:00

Most of us have a basic understanding of what pruning is, but few of us know how to do it correctly. It's not simply shaping the plant to give you what you think is the best look; it's actually for helping to maintain the health of your shrubs and trees (which, coincidentally, adds to the aesthetics). Pruning correctly also stimulates new, fresh growth and the production of buds -- keeping your shrub looking new and young for many years.

Before you go shearing your shrubs into an unrecognizable box, get in tune with your plant and figure out a few things about it before you've actually damaged it.

What You'll Need to Know:

Does your shrub bloom on previous or current year's growth? This refers to when your shrub sets its buds. A general (and by general, I mean most of the time, not all of the time) rule of thumb is that summer-flowering shrubs bloom on current year's growth and spring-flowering shrubs on previous year's growth
How thick are the branches I'll be cutting and which tools will I need?
Is any of it dead, diseased or injured?
Should I really prune it back to a different height or width or should it be moved to an area where it can grow as it should?

1.
If you cut a spring-flowering shrub back in the late winter or early spring, you'll be cutting off all of the buds the shrub or tree has developed over the summer, fall and winter. This means you'll effectively make sure your shrub or tree doesn't have near the amount of flowers it's supposed to -- if any. Spring-flowering shrubs include lilacs, forsythia, weigela, viburnum, quince and beautybush, among many others.

Summer-flowering shrubs including rose-of-Sharon, philadelphus (mockorange) and butterfly bushes need pruning in late winter or early spring. These shrubs set their buds in the spring time, getting ready for their showy blooms in summer.

Some exceptions to this rule include many hydrangeas, which bloom on both old and new growth.

For shrubs that don't flower and are grown for their foliage, prune in late winter or early spring.

2.
The thickness of the branches determines which tool you'll need for the job. In general, hand shears (scissor-style, not blade-and-anvil style) cut branches up to about 3/4-inch in diameter; lopping shears (loppers) cut branches up to 1 1/2-inches in diameter; pruning saws are for branches up to 4-inches in diameter; and a chainsaw is for thick, larger branches.

3.
While there are certain times of the year you should prune, you'll want to cut out any dead, diseased or otherwise injured branches. Your shrub or tree is using precious energy to keep feeding these branches, energy it could use elsewhere.

4.
While you can prune to shape, you should never try to keep a large shrub in a small space. There are so many different cultivars of plants these days that you could probably replace that large, overgrown shrub with a smaller one that looks almost identical.

Before you begin pruning, you'll also need to know basic techniques. Don't blindly cut the branch anywhere you see fit, this could kill parts of branches. When pruning branches and twigs, always cut back to a side or main branch or about 1/4-inch above a bud that is facing outwards to promote growth in the right direction.

When you're cutting large branches, like those that come off the main trunk, you'll want to cut to the branch collar. The branch collar is particularly noticeable on trees where they're at eye-level. The branch collar is a swollen area that connects the branch to the trunk. Don't cut and leave a knob, and don't cut within the branch collar. Leaving an open wound on the branch collar can allow access for diseases and pests.

Again, these are just the basics; this isn't your only go-to guide for pruning ... yet ...

Fertilizer?

2011-08-01T18:57:00.000-04:00

Fertilizer is often a term tossed around by gardeners and other people, but what is it? Why do you need it? Do you need it? Ah, the questions that arise when planning and planting a garden. Fertilizer supplements the needed nutrients that your soil may be lacking. It comes in various forms: Granules and liquids; man-made and organic; etc ...

When you look at a bag of fertilizer, you'll notice 3 numbers on the bag or box. These 3 numbers represent NITROGEN, PHOSPHOROUS and POTASSIUM, in that order. These 3 macronutrients are the ones more likely to be needed in your soil. The numbers represent what percentage of each is in the fertilizer you're getting. But what exactly do these nutrients do?

Nitrogen promotes green growth on your plants. If your plants are suffering from a nitrogen deficiency, they may have stunted growth and reduced size. Their leaves may also be stunted and begin to yellow. Too much can cause leaf burn on your plants.

Phosphorous is the primary ingredient in many starter fertilizers. It aids the roots in gaining a strong, healthy start in your soil and also keeps them stimulated. Phosphorous also promotes buds, flowers and fruit production on your plants. If your plants have a phosphorous deficiency, your plant may have a delayed maturity or stunted growth; unusually dark foliage; and may fail to produce adequate amounts of flowers or fruit.

Potassium is a power horse when it comes to adding to the plant's ability to combat drought. It also aids in photosynthesis.

Before you apply fertilizer, get your soil tested. You can often have soil samples tested at your local university's extension office. Your extension office experts can even help you make the correct decisions on which type of fertilizer to buy. A soil test's results can aid you in modifying your soil and creating an ideal environment for various types of plants.

There are also other fertilizers that supply micronutrients into the soil. Micronutrients plants need are boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sulphur and zinc.

Spiders: Why I Love Them

2011-08-01T18:29:00.000-04:00

It seems even some of the more environmentally minded people are still squeamish around spiders. Although I'm not, I have to admit they can be somewhat intimidating with eight legs and the ability to snare their prey with high-quality death traps of sticky silk; well, some of them anyway.

I know even the most arachnophobic people out there have heard either "They're more scared of you than you are of them" or "Oh, but they're soooo beneficial." And most of those arachnophobic people, no matter how severe the fear, believe it deep down in their heart but just can't seem to appreciate these eight-legged predators.

Few creatures have had to endure the horrible reputations caused by stories and tall-tales like spiders; wolves and snakes may be the only other two that are in the same category. Horror stories of massive spiders in toilets, faint-causing photographs of bites and of course the Hollywood machine have all put images in our heads of spiders with fangs the size of steak knives readily hunting us as their next meal.

As someone reluctant to kill anything or use pesticides of any sort, people often look at me as if I'm insane when they see a spider in my home and I grab their hand to stop them from smashing it. These creatures truly are amazing and I relish having a few in my home from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I don't readily collect spiders from their outdoor habitats to bring them in, but they do come in willingly depending on the season.

In my home I currently (and throughout the year) have 4 types of spider in my home: Wolf spiders; sac spiders; cellar spiders; and American house spiders. I've never seen the American house spiders, I must admit, but they're here. I can tell by the unruly webs in my corners that collect dust. The wolf spiders and sac spiders are among my favorites. Sac spiders, especially.

I love these guys because I really don't have other bugs in my home, besides house centipedes (another killer of things people detest) and house flies. I wouldn't have the house flies if I could somehow coax a large orbweaver into my home to build a massive, beautiful web every night and catch them.

I also love the spiders who prefer to stay outside of my home, although, admittedly, I wish a couple of them would move a little closer to our outdoor living areas. Sadly, even with our deck and the front stoop, we really don't have an ideal place for my large orbweavers to build their webs.

Among spiders, the orbweavers are often the kings and queens of catching flying pests. The black-and-yellow argiope -- my all-time favorite -- is a master of building large, beautiful webs in sunny locations. Moths, flies, mosquitoes, the occasional wasp and butterfly, and other insects become ensnarled in their webs.

I wish more people shared my enthusiasm for these masters of the class Arachnida. So before you quickly kill a spider, please take the time to identify it and release it outside if you can't stand it in your home. I'll even give you a reference: The University of Michigan's Animal Diversity Web classification page of the order Aranea so you can check out how awesome these guys really are!