Wednesday, October 31, 2012
“When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.” — Wilferd A. Peterson
Butternut Squash with Apple &
Cranberries
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1-3/4 lbs.), cut into
1/2 inch cubes (about 5 cups)
- 1 medium apple, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons real maple syrup or brown sugar
Preparation
In 1 1/2-quart baking dish, combine all ingredients. Season,
if desired, with salt. Cover and bake 30 minutes. Remove cover and bake an additional
15 minutes or until squash is tender.
* Mix melted butter with cinnamon,
nutmeg, and maple syrup or brown sugar and stir to coat the squash.
Torenia aka Wishbone Flower
In the September newsletter we talked about downy mildew on impatiens and how
widespread and devastating this disease was. Click here to read September's article.
If you were one of the unfortunate individuals to have
experienced this epidemic first
hand, you will need to plant an
alternative crop next year.
One of my favorite shade plants is Torenia. Torenia is often called wishbone flower and
is a genus of plants in the snapdragon family.
If you look closely at the flower, you will see a tiny wishbone in the center. Torenia:
- loaded with flower power,
- come in a variety of brillant colors,
- are easy to grow
- provide continuous blooms from spring until fall.
- grow equally as well in sun or part shade.
I hope you'll give Torenia a try next spring. You won't be disapointed!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Multi-Layered Approach to Protecting Spring Bulbs
The temperatures are cooling down, which means it's time to start thinking about your Spring garden bulbs.
This year, with the groundhog family still threatening our garden, it's time to take some defensive action. Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs (among other choice names in my house) along with squirrels, moles and voles can wreak havoc on your bulbs and garden. Not only do they nibble on the flowers, but they also dig down to get at the bulbs. It may take a combination of a few measures that may protect your tulips and bulbs from groundhogs. I've come up with a three stage plan:
Moles and Groundhogs aren't entirely evil. Moles do a great job of aerating the soil, amending the garden soil with their "organic matter" and devouring grubs. My plan is just to keep them from devouring our bulbs.
Preparation: The Trench
In front of our porch where the bulbs share garden space with our peonies (it's time to give them a little TLC, too). The peonies need to be divided and their soil amended. I usually mix some bone meal, and peat moss into the soil. Digging a trench is more time efficient than planting bulbs individually. I also prefer a mass of colorful flowers rather than a few bulbs here and there.
Stage One: Block pests from below.
A bottom barrier of 1/2-inch galvanized wire mesh below the level of the bulbs and peony roots will line the trench. You can place mesh around larger plants individually. The mesh will allow the roots to grow while will stopping moles from uprooting them and killing them.
Stage Two: Deter pests from nibbling.
1. Sprinkle Granulated Plantskydd in the bottom of your hole. (You may also choose to spray the bulbs with liquid Plantskydd. Follow the directions on the container and allow the bulbs to dry before planting.)
2. Cover the Plantskydd and wire mesh with a thick layer of soil.
3. Plant your bulbs - gently pressing them into the soil pointed end UP.
4. Cover with soil leaving an inch or two for Stage Three.
Stage Three: Block pests from above.
Top your trench with a piece of chicken wire that extends a few feet past the garden's edge. Top with a layer of soil and cover that with a thick layer of mulch.
Another option is to install a fence around your garden. It would need to be 3 feet above ground and 10-12 inches below ground to keep groundhogs from digging under the fence.
About Plantskydd's® Granular Formulation:
Plantskydd® is a natural repellent that REALLY works! BONUS: Plantskydd's active ingredient is an organic fertilizer.
Protect your garden, plants, and trees from: rabbits, voles, hares, chipmunks, squirrels, mountain beaver, nutria, opossum and other small rodents with Plantskydd GRANULAR Repellents. One pound of granulated Plantskydd will cover approximately 600 square feet.
October is also a good time to spray liquid Plantskydd on your trees and shrubs that are susceptible to deer damage. The odor fades in a day or sy, but it keeps working for up to 6 months!
Article compiled by Renee C. Brannigan
This year, with the groundhog family still threatening our garden, it's time to take some defensive action. Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs (among other choice names in my house) along with squirrels, moles and voles can wreak havoc on your bulbs and garden. Not only do they nibble on the flowers, but they also dig down to get at the bulbs. It may take a combination of a few measures that may protect your tulips and bulbs from groundhogs. I've come up with a three stage plan:
Moles and Groundhogs aren't entirely evil. Moles do a great job of aerating the soil, amending the garden soil with their "organic matter" and devouring grubs. My plan is just to keep them from devouring our bulbs.
Preparation: The Trench
In front of our porch where the bulbs share garden space with our peonies (it's time to give them a little TLC, too). The peonies need to be divided and their soil amended. I usually mix some bone meal, and peat moss into the soil. Digging a trench is more time efficient than planting bulbs individually. I also prefer a mass of colorful flowers rather than a few bulbs here and there.
Stage One: Block pests from below.
A bottom barrier of 1/2-inch galvanized wire mesh below the level of the bulbs and peony roots will line the trench. You can place mesh around larger plants individually. The mesh will allow the roots to grow while will stopping moles from uprooting them and killing them.
Stage Two: Deter pests from nibbling.
1. Sprinkle Granulated Plantskydd in the bottom of your hole. (You may also choose to spray the bulbs with liquid Plantskydd. Follow the directions on the container and allow the bulbs to dry before planting.)
2. Cover the Plantskydd and wire mesh with a thick layer of soil.
3. Plant your bulbs - gently pressing them into the soil pointed end UP.
4. Cover with soil leaving an inch or two for Stage Three.
Stage Three: Block pests from above.
Top your trench with a piece of chicken wire that extends a few feet past the garden's edge. Top with a layer of soil and cover that with a thick layer of mulch.
Another option is to install a fence around your garden. It would need to be 3 feet above ground and 10-12 inches below ground to keep groundhogs from digging under the fence.
About Plantskydd's® Granular Formulation:
Plantskydd® is a natural repellent that REALLY works! BONUS: Plantskydd's active ingredient is an organic fertilizer.
Protect your garden, plants, and trees from: rabbits, voles, hares, chipmunks, squirrels, mountain beaver, nutria, opossum and other small rodents with Plantskydd GRANULAR Repellents. One pound of granulated Plantskydd will cover approximately 600 square feet.
October is also a good time to spray liquid Plantskydd on your trees and shrubs that are susceptible to deer damage. The odor fades in a day or sy, but it keeps working for up to 6 months!
Article compiled by Renee C. Brannigan
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