tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59092896692241668532024-03-16T11:53:08.335-07:00Agriculture / Gardeningpetanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.comBlogger282125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-80513611797072219742014-01-18T12:06:00.001-08:002014-01-18T12:06:43.855-08:00HelloWe have some of the best on the planet. Wouldn't you agree? We'd appreciate your vote!petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-41944909831100756552013-10-25T19:32:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.589-08:00National Garden Bureau announces its 2014 "Year of the" plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Each year the <a href="http://www.ngb.org/index.cfm">National Garden Bureau</a> selects one annual, one perennial and one edible as its "Year of the" plants. Each plant is chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. National Garden Bureau has selected the following plants for 2014:<br />Annual: <a href="http://www.ngb.org/year_of/index.cfm?YOID=38">Petunia</a><br />Perennial: <a href="http://www.ngb.org/year_of/index.cfm?YOID=37">Echinacea</a><br />Vegetable: <a href="http://www.ngb.org/year_of/index.cfm?YOID=36">Cucumber</a><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/AVvXsEhZ11URK1aSeS6nGFtJQ4P836MvqxqbwMsOAzLuj4MVaZ-mVIvrOGm74kRVHOSVRG4LDHIJa5dGQXRDrFIepUsnNu6oc5F_sLTqPeQQfRVvX7l15Tbz9Tdi0l5qRE1xn3tVA3VDX2wSSZc/s1600/Nat'l.+Garden+Bureau+2014+Year+of+the+petunia,+Suntory+Flowers+Surfinia+Summer+Double.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ11URK1aSeS6nGFtJQ4P836MvqxqbwMsOAzLuj4MVaZ-mVIvrOGm74kRVHOSVRG4LDHIJa5dGQXRDrFIepUsnNu6oc5F_sLTqPeQQfRVvX7l15Tbz9Tdi0l5qRE1xn3tVA3VDX2wSSZc/s320/Nat'l.+Garden+Bureau+2014+Year+of+the+petunia,+Suntory+Flowers+Surfinia+Summer+Double.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Garden Bureau has selected petunia as its annual plant<br />for its "Year of the" program in 2014. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-12599550940542308202013-10-25T19:15:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.597-08:00Time for garden cleanup tasks<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Time is running out to clean up your garden this fall. Here are some <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/your_garden_party_of_fall_cleanup_tasks">tips</a> from Michigan State University Extension about what you should and shouldn't do to your lawn and garden.<br /><br /><strong>Things to do</strong><br />1. Remove leaves from the lawn.<br />2. Remove diseased flower or vegetable garden plants.<br /><br /><strong>Things not to do</strong><br />1. Don't prune trees and shrubs.<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/AVvXsEiCj0MaBEOrcVyQKT7hUppb2u8xXu72W_KnVSFmuQPoWalRwtqaFb248JSBk_GKbkjwnVH7nxehiIeUcICRWEvrHvgLT23tfefWWyZnIm-AgLtr5g_4mM_uDbC8PxQlGv33s9KcQRDSkAU/s1600/Fall+garden+clean+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCj0MaBEOrcVyQKT7hUppb2u8xXu72W_KnVSFmuQPoWalRwtqaFb248JSBk_GKbkjwnVH7nxehiIeUcICRWEvrHvgLT23tfefWWyZnIm-AgLtr5g_4mM_uDbC8PxQlGv33s9KcQRDSkAU/s1600/Fall+garden+clean+up.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Removal and disposal of diseased plant material from<br />garden beds in the fall will help with disease control<br />next season.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-74604534328709255092013-10-13T17:34:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.604-08:00What are going to be the hot colors for spring?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/pantone/pantone.aspx?pg=21070&ca=10">Pantone LLC</a>, the global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries, has unveiled the "<a href="http://www.pantone.com/pages/fcr/default.aspx?season=spring&year=2014">PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2014</a><strong><em>,"</em></strong> a comprehensive overview of designers' use of color in their upcoming collections. The report features the top 10 colors for women's and men's fashion for spring 2014.<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/AVvXsEh5F4aUdWbY6_LElDQR-aTm8P6o6spHDmdMKqucSMSsVNtK_D49jrTq6KhPiQO6MmMB4kiq8tQmc8qH6xBg2Yje85XSp4eVygeaepkpHGYBVnR5rV1sXofl7SMGc9Itz_EC5eSO1WTb_4w/s1600/PANTONE+Fashion+Color+Report+Spring+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5F4aUdWbY6_LElDQR-aTm8P6o6spHDmdMKqucSMSsVNtK_D49jrTq6KhPiQO6MmMB4kiq8tQmc8qH6xBg2Yje85XSp4eVygeaepkpHGYBVnR5rV1sXofl7SMGc9Itz_EC5eSO1WTb_4w/s1600/PANTONE+Fashion+Color+Report+Spring+2014.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designers have taken a modern twist on the<br />traditional for spring 2014 by pairing soft<br />pastels with vivid bright colors.<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-32708030812554241202013-10-13T17:06:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.611-08:00What are the best cities for urban gardening? You may be surprised.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Nerdwallet reports residents of big cities without residences that afford space for a personal garden, have gardening options. Urban gardens are agricultural and horticultural areas within city spaces, often in unused or vacant lots. These urban gardens allow community members to plant, water and harvest, enabling them to create small oases amidst the asphalt and concrete.<br /><br />To discover which are the best cities for urban gardening, Nerdwallet asked the following questions:<br />1. <strong>Are there community gardens?</strong><br />Nerdwallet included the number of community garden plots per 10,000 residents in its analysis.<br />2. <strong>Does the city prioritize green space?</strong><br />Nerdwallet assessed the city’s capital spending on parks and recreation per resident.<br />3. <strong>Is it sunny?</strong><br />Nerdwallet looked at the average percentage of sunshine per year.<br /><br />And <a href="http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/2013/best-cities-urban-gardening/">the winners are.....</a><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/AVvXsEj6M2K8gVvPYPsZohhXaGB6KGxfkGyBsRtmpF55o_fLay_KcT8AxvqGADfXiAH93NfzHoVLdUYivOdmsEaoU89Wk86lpH89mSM5g5KavahdX-4toyo7T0CsVWaJ2ZQJoypI_kILH94gdg4/s1600/Best+urban+gardening+cities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6M2K8gVvPYPsZohhXaGB6KGxfkGyBsRtmpF55o_fLay_KcT8AxvqGADfXiAH93NfzHoVLdUYivOdmsEaoU89Wk86lpH89mSM5g5KavahdX-4toyo7T0CsVWaJ2ZQJoypI_kILH94gdg4/s1600/Best+urban+gardening+cities.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Washington D.C. ranked as the best city for urban gardening.<br />It offers 27 community garden plots for every 10,000 residents. </td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-41531958313855512172013-10-13T14:15:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.624-08:00Soil amendments can benefit bedding plant flowering<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Most annual flowers prefer moist, well-drained soils. These plants have a very limited root system and require consistent soil moisture to survive. Roots need oxygen in order to survive and grow. If soil becomes too compacted or too wet, roots will die from lack of oxygen.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/gafaces/?public=viewStory&pk_id=4905">University of Georgia Cooperative Extension</a> said soil amendments for clay soil should ideally help loosen compacted soil, improve soil drainage and increase soil porosity. Soil conditioners or soil amendments are not the same as potting soils, which are often blended with materials like peat moss and vermiculite that help retain moisture. Clay already holds plenty of moisture and has the highest water holding capacity of any soil in the world.<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/AVvXsEjN2UHETmLIEcHu07YnSe2W7JZHDex79hO56T6Pgvr9SVUs3iwgQHM66oag2YFR_vDYo42iyQ9XhH47cQ1JyZwCBjlBLk8FVbV6uFRAeiFIzrRn6Hb6b6azVIKCOPGOBy3uWmoHaM6dhbU/s1600/Soil+amendments,+Univ.+of+Ga.+Cooperative+Extension.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2UHETmLIEcHu07YnSe2W7JZHDex79hO56T6Pgvr9SVUs3iwgQHM66oag2YFR_vDYo42iyQ9XhH47cQ1JyZwCBjlBLk8FVbV6uFRAeiFIzrRn6Hb6b6azVIKCOPGOBy3uWmoHaM6dhbU/s320/Soil+amendments,+Univ.+of+Ga.+Cooperative+Extension.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most annual flowers like petunias prefer moist, well-drained soils.<br />Adding soil amendments to the soil can ensure the plants receive<br />consistent soil moisture.<br /><em>Photo by Amanda Tedrow</em></td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-827594301106845832013-10-13T13:49:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.631-08:00Winners announced for All-America Selections Landscape Design Contest <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The <a href="http://www.all-americaselections.org/">All-America Selections Landscape Design Contest</a> has concluded its second year with a 20% increase in the number entries for the <a href="http://www.aaswinners.com/display_gardens/contest.cfm">2013 contest</a>. </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">The contest incorporates past and present AAS winners. Each contest participant is responsible for creating and executing the design, generating publicity surrounding the contest then submitting the photos, proof of publicity and an overall description of their design.</span><br /><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br /><span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 10pt;">There were three categories, based on number of visitors to that garden in one year:</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Category I: fewer than 10,000 visitors per year<o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Category II: 10,001 – 100,000 visitors per year<o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Category III: Over 100,000 visitors per year</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"><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/AVvXsEi275iheyitHQJ3tMpXFP8lyL89JoQkbQFrz7_a0UeUDlv9h4Ak1v6yaow9J50ht-u_cgu-1lVHGy6QHW_nOQc-bgrY12kSz24utmRURbk9l0lZjq6dY9cMEnZmVjmGqs_yy3d69I_OnNE/s1600/All-America+Selections+2013+Landscape+Design+Contest+Winner,+Rotary+Botanic+Gardens,+Janesville,+Wisc..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi275iheyitHQJ3tMpXFP8lyL89JoQkbQFrz7_a0UeUDlv9h4Ak1v6yaow9J50ht-u_cgu-1lVHGy6QHW_nOQc-bgrY12kSz24utmRURbk9l0lZjq6dY9cMEnZmVjmGqs_yy3d69I_OnNE/s320/All-America+Selections+2013+Landscape+Design+Contest+Winner,+Rotary+Botanic+Gardens,+Janesville,+Wisc..jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">1st Place Winner in Category III: Over 100,000 visitors per year,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">was </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Rotary Botanical Gardens in Janesville, Wis. It </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">also placed</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">first </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">in Category III in the inaugural contest last year.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><em>Photo courtesy of All-America Selections</em> </span></div></td></tr></tbody></table></span></span> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-6458709843874572772013-10-13T13:23:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.639-08:00Webinar shows gardeners how to support honeybees <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The free, hour-long webinar "<a href="https://connect.msu.edu/p7igptsguba/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal">Smart Gardening for Pollinators</a>" gives background and tips for gardeners wanting to do their part to help save honeybees. Produced by <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/webinar_shows_gardeners_how_to_support_bees">Michigan State University Extension</a>, the presentation provides gardeners with an introduction to gardening that can benefit pollinators, including some background on bee biology, what bees need to be healthy, and some simple steps that can be used to provide nesting and food resources for some of the key pollinators. The talk emphasizes taking small steps and gradually building a more bee-friendly garden.<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/AVvXsEj1ePsk137c2WcaRnc8JyRE3lnYd-KVojoHAF3vH32VV13fPZyAvuitg7S1DsEn35ZEghz9EahVeBxQAS6L35vCBKafRWftm6WTXkB8iT7ERUAGkFFxAFoz740sOjf1vvpZgvwmq7aiO6o/s1600/Smart+Gardening+for+Pollinators+webinar,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Ext..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ePsk137c2WcaRnc8JyRE3lnYd-KVojoHAF3vH32VV13fPZyAvuitg7S1DsEn35ZEghz9EahVeBxQAS6L35vCBKafRWftm6WTXkB8iT7ERUAGkFFxAFoz740sOjf1vvpZgvwmq7aiO6o/s1600/Smart+Gardening+for+Pollinators+webinar,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Ext..jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "<a href="https://connect.msu.edu/p7igptsguba/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal">Smart Gardening for Pollinators</a>" webinar provides<br />information on how to build a bee-friendly garden.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-39510559150863458292013-10-13T13:07:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.647-08:00Plants that showed early fall color could be stressed <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The leaves of trees and shrubs that changed color before fall are likely indicating stress. Plants could be letting you know they are having problems and may need help.<br /><br /><a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/early_fall_color_in_trees_and_shrubs_may_be_a_sign_of_stress">Michigan State University Extension</a> advises to pay attention to changes in plants, such as leaves turning color during the last couple months of the summer. These types of indicators are a red flag that needs attention.<br /><br />Not all injuries can be corrected, but the impact of the stress can often be reduced by watering heat- or drought-stressed plants. Mulches can be used to help reduce water loss from the soil and also to protect roots from quick changes in soil temperatures. Careful inspection of plants may show insect damage that if caught early may prevent needless injuries.<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/AVvXsEjCUp1I1c9Lt4J_fAs8z4KSQGWEOuhg_2f5qu_aAb3OcSIywFJBMK_mGPQKG52wJuS4U34eJdOp4smOgFdtWoeCYZVU_p-Q-ZkyiPCZXIp3uwuRfBMYPHxNfz8I-yiRFNSkBpDq-ca8b0k/s1600/Fall+color+plant+stress,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Ext..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUp1I1c9Lt4J_fAs8z4KSQGWEOuhg_2f5qu_aAb3OcSIywFJBMK_mGPQKG52wJuS4U34eJdOp4smOgFdtWoeCYZVU_p-Q-ZkyiPCZXIp3uwuRfBMYPHxNfz8I-yiRFNSkBpDq-ca8b0k/s320/Fall+color+plant+stress,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Ext..jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early fall color in landscape plants can be an<br />indicator of stressed plants.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-81764840280016747502013-10-09T17:30:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:39:17.589-08:00To Plant or not to Plant a Fall Vegetable Garden<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fall is the perfect time in Southern California for planting perennials and non-deciduous trees. However, there is a debate in my mind if fall is the best time to plant a vegetable garden. I attempted a fall vegetable garden in the past, with mixed to poor results, despite all the advice my gardening books give to the contrary. Fall can be a great time to garden, as long as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable. But beware the Santa Ana winds; those devil winds bring miserable dry heat that makes yard work misery rather than a labor of love!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The logistics of a fall vegetable garden are very tricky. If you wish to start plants from seed for fall harvest, the seeds need to be started by mid-August and theoretically planted by mid-September. But this means starting cool weather crops (root and leaf vegetables) during what is usually the hottest and driest times of the year. I often find that the hottest temps of the year occur in September or October, much to the consternation of our tourists. October starts exceptionally dry with Santa Ana winds blowing off the deserts, desiccating delicate plants, and aiding and abetting wildfires in the dry back country. This period can extend through November or end in early October depending on when the first wet season rains descend upon the region. This variability makes for frustrated attempts at cool season vegetables. I found that an early wet season tends to favor growth of cool season vegetables and extended heat and dryness stunts them or worse, kills them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEjBVuWTlsMJFiVyhxXbwFm5yo8pukuxeck7l0u0O2VCmGV73RMTLy4xLFM4KNO8ICoHdGKVMC2IrsL7ze6StNIyzzVcMwyXlvvJ08NxHF4GZglbSraffNngn7x0xQYTAnKlwukHWkFMGRh5/s1600/Pomegranates.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/AVvXsEjBVuWTlsMJFiVyhxXbwFm5yo8pukuxeck7l0u0O2VCmGV73RMTLy4xLFM4KNO8ICoHdGKVMC2IrsL7ze6StNIyzzVcMwyXlvvJ08NxHF4GZglbSraffNngn7x0xQYTAnKlwukHWkFMGRh5/s1600/Pomegranates.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pomegranates to be harvested</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By early fall, I am usually spent, tried of all the responsibility of a vegetable garden, and am ready for the welcome respite of winter. I wind down the warm season crops: completing the final harvests of tomatoes, removing dying marigolds and other annual flowers, pruning perennial shrubs, and the general clean up that comes with preparing for winter. I also preserve the harvest: drying herbs, juicing and freezing pomegranate juice, making and freezing tomato sauce, and making and freezing fig jam. I still need to plant my cover crops (native wildflowers and crimson clover) after removing warm season vegetables from the beds. That is a lot to do and nurse tender cool weather seedlings through unforgiving weather!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></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/AVvXsEicl6FuG_nq9i3XXh1T_-x2-AA5xEzsvoIR-rcaoA341T48ai7zQtvkg0Frf85g8Ss2itWKMZtAIRyYYlWb0fAe7d20uEW-1zGzxglQWAhpGfrok562p5SW1H_ubI2IDkzIhj0hXeJdp1t1/s1600/Swiss+chard.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/AVvXsEicl6FuG_nq9i3XXh1T_-x2-AA5xEzsvoIR-rcaoA341T48ai7zQtvkg0Frf85g8Ss2itWKMZtAIRyYYlWb0fAe7d20uEW-1zGzxglQWAhpGfrok562p5SW1H_ubI2IDkzIhj0hXeJdp1t1/s1600/Swiss+chard.jpg" height="200" width="111" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swiss chard</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This year I successfully grew Swiss chard from seed for fall harvest. My poor kale plants are being eaten mercilessly by black beetles and white flies; they are going to end up a total loss. I started tomatoes later this year and have a later harvest because of the late timing. The wind down is taking longer this year, taking away focus from the broccoli, cauliflower, collards, and arugula that shriveled up and died as seedlings. My best advice for the fall is to focus on winding down the warm season, cleaning up the garden, and preserving the harvest. The cool weather crops can wait to be planted in late winter or early spring. Ultimately they prefer this timing, and weather conditions are more apt to allow them to grow and thriv<span style="font-size: 11pt;">e.</span></span></span><br /><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfNjrsOs8xqQQ1adr84dB1Sv2XvHQ5gTSC1VxsjxGUdQ5zuqoEP-Wef8Fw1Q2jpscSjqsgDVlNmXid1rgXapXizmYKRiKOgc-pck_wSsSbaLpD1AVqa7E4aTLHbEMJg8jd5TmTKhQJbti/s1600/Winding+tomatoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfNjrsOs8xqQQ1adr84dB1Sv2XvHQ5gTSC1VxsjxGUdQ5zuqoEP-Wef8Fw1Q2jpscSjqsgDVlNmXid1rgXapXizmYKRiKOgc-pck_wSsSbaLpD1AVqa7E4aTLHbEMJg8jd5TmTKhQJbti/s1600/Winding+tomatoes.jpg" height="400" width="223" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><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/AVvXsEjJ1Y5yTCb0W9lMM-aKOL66jrOQFdwN0m9bXo5mVTUYMlTgz2JAi60IEOZUU0mkYyvcV7wnTYxgA_zsy9q6oOkJ2ENniODleaNniPl2iO3hrMPIrxjaOIHybeYUrDSw2e7WA-1PBZva7dF1/s1600/Large+Heirloom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ1Y5yTCb0W9lMM-aKOL66jrOQFdwN0m9bXo5mVTUYMlTgz2JAi60IEOZUU0mkYyvcV7wnTYxgA_zsy9q6oOkJ2ENniODleaNniPl2iO3hrMPIrxjaOIHybeYUrDSw2e7WA-1PBZva7dF1/s1600/Large+Heirloom.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winding down the tomatoes - the 2 above photos are a Romanian heirloom we call "Corey's Grandpa." The one in my hand weighed almost 2 lbs! While the plants do not produce quantity, they produce huge quality fruits. This is one of my favorite tomatoes: gorgeous coloring, hug size, light, sweet yet flavorful taste - overall impressive on all accounts!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-13049694115554606532013-09-14T20:05:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.654-08:00Communicate your community garden message<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/public_relations_and_communicating_your_community_garden_message">Michigan State University Extension</a> advises community garden organizations to have their promotional programs and communication needs planned in advance. This contributes to an organization's long-term plan and promotes community within the group. Regular communications build trust, respect, cooperation and inclusiveness among community garden members. Regular publicity also draws in the greater community at large. Be sure to consider organizational goals when developing the community garden's publicity and communication plan.<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/AVvXsEhD1adeENfMlqN53NNFTYFW6Opo-MkGLMinFA2uqjg37aFPiWOF1CjyV5zuKgwBOZxUc2wPnR1txV05SE1Mvu1CXeZ9mDMH2Ri5v-RiBkxmGBR2_2ROWoybADQdktJBt_NscVEF4BGsLMI/s1600/Community+gardens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD1adeENfMlqN53NNFTYFW6Opo-MkGLMinFA2uqjg37aFPiWOF1CjyV5zuKgwBOZxUc2wPnR1txV05SE1Mvu1CXeZ9mDMH2Ri5v-RiBkxmGBR2_2ROWoybADQdktJBt_NscVEF4BGsLMI/s1600/Community+gardens.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Regular communication helps to build trust, respect, cooperation<br /> and inclusiveness among community garden members.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-72941564660636018612013-09-14T19:55:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.661-08:00Clean up garden tools before storing them<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If your garden season is winding down, this is a good time to inspect, repair and clean gardening tools before storing them for the winter. <a href="http://www.caes.uga.edu/applications/gafaces/?public=viewStory&pk_id=4869">University of Georgia Cooperative Extension</a> offers a checklist to keep garden tools and equipment in good condition and operating properly.<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/AVvXsEh90oaiqbIA6omj5OkcdyD9Tld1ZP9hdC6-bFW2R7ev_8VG3tlBQsIJKeCEa2F4s8vWoq4qHZwDYTIcVq-t1CjYqD0BJAVmrj-CYW7euinsGYr-h7fCThYQw6kVtQtrtyzEKI9RhojlToQ/s1600/Garden+tool+storage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh90oaiqbIA6omj5OkcdyD9Tld1ZP9hdC6-bFW2R7ev_8VG3tlBQsIJKeCEa2F4s8vWoq4qHZwDYTIcVq-t1CjYqD0BJAVmrj-CYW7euinsGYr-h7fCThYQw6kVtQtrtyzEKI9RhojlToQ/s1600/Garden+tool+storage.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">With proper care, garden tools can last for years.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-51218788379914116502013-09-14T19:36:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.748-08:00National Indoor Plant Week starts Sept. 15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.nationalindoorplantweek.com/about.php">National Indoor Plant Week</a>, Sept. 15-21, was established to increase public awareness of the importance of indoor plants and their many attributes. Annually celebrated the third week in September, it was established to promote and increase public awareness of the importance of live plants in interior spaces.<br /><br />Numerous studies have shown that plants have a positive psychological impact on people. According to a recent study, employees exposed to interior plant settings demonstrated better attitudes, positive emotions such as happiness, friendliness and assertiveness.<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/AVvXsEgWIlFrrSPZ38P0ymKhnin7wVgpaVaw9NAWZoMU6-gZoOzz1GKhJCVQ2_Z8k_RWamR4NDbNgETsG9sTCxaKRoXsxBKcvi1MHAd1UsalzbePr0KEjxF1jD3ny_FY7Tp8j18q_Wyfla-LUec/s1600/National+Indoor+Plant+Week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWIlFrrSPZ38P0ymKhnin7wVgpaVaw9NAWZoMU6-gZoOzz1GKhJCVQ2_Z8k_RWamR4NDbNgETsG9sTCxaKRoXsxBKcvi1MHAd1UsalzbePr0KEjxF1jD3ny_FY7Tp8j18q_Wyfla-LUec/s1600/National+Indoor+Plant+Week.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Indoor Plant Week was established to<br />promote and increase public awareness of the<br />importance of live plants in interior spaces.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-31842773557633209972013-09-12T17:30:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:39:17.603-08:00Fig Fest!<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figs are the final burst of the summer bounty and in my mind, the ultimate form of food porn. I have never seen such a voluptuous and indiscrete fruit as the fig. Soft and tender on the outside and easily bruised, left one day too long on the tree and it is ruined by its own weight or marauding birds. Their delicate nature force customers pay dearly for them at the farmers’ markets or to purvey them in processed forms of dried fruit, preserves and jams, or dried-out cookies. If one can manage to find them, figs are best in fresh form, to better enjoy all their sensuous goodness.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first fig of the season must always be enjoyed raw, unadorned, and in all its natural glory. But as with the dealing with this easily perishable fruit, nature in all her irony turns all the figs ripe at once, so time is of the essence. Here are some of my favorite recipes:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fig Pizza</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlhT_U2qs7tC19svOd5Klz8oRi7ApAVOAJHh1p6KfbR3z3-2n2EnZj6nqqpp0BzmhEcoVbIvKkwAc159vZtI2WATzcBExdMSDR1F1kPX2xRRQ5UKMt63gvmmpYXVSR2XfA7s7FYmHm8Ae6/s1600/Fig+Pizza.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/AVvXsEhlhT_U2qs7tC19svOd5Klz8oRi7ApAVOAJHh1p6KfbR3z3-2n2EnZj6nqqpp0BzmhEcoVbIvKkwAc159vZtI2WATzcBExdMSDR1F1kPX2xRRQ5UKMt63gvmmpYXVSR2XfA7s7FYmHm8Ae6/s1600/Fig+Pizza.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This has to be Hubby and my favorite pizza. Better yet, it is very easy to make with pre-made dough. We head to our local Little Italy in Downtown San Diego to purchase pre-made dough, either from Assenti's or Mona Lisa's. Allow the dough to rise for a couple of hours then roll out into 2 thin pizzas. Transfer dough to pizza stone and cook in oven for seven minutes at 500 degrees. After seven minutes, pull dough out of oven to add toppings. First, smear goat cheese (not feta!) over the dough, then add sliced figs. Transfer back to oven and bake for ten minutes at 500 degrees. Remove pizza from oven (final time) and sprinkle arugula greens and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar over the figs. Buon appetito!</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fig Jam<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQVeP5J51bohttyJ56L-0s26iVdqXqRAyM2-OkOdAM3w6t3wS0NCdI3IJtnGINJc5Fukkc46lAMKUDt4wLGD05OX5WyEtWPcNyEXSJ6YJ7cCM90BaRdzct5KRLRqsrcye_OhSzdeZ-i9he/s1600/Fig+Jam.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/AVvXsEjQVeP5J51bohttyJ56L-0s26iVdqXqRAyM2-OkOdAM3w6t3wS0NCdI3IJtnGINJc5Fukkc46lAMKUDt4wLGD05OX5WyEtWPcNyEXSJ6YJ7cCM90BaRdzct5KRLRqsrcye_OhSzdeZ-i9he/s1600/Fig+Jam.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A friend recently brought fig jam to an Afternoon Tea I recently hosted and was kind enough to share the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/recipes/1014990/How-to-Make-Jam.html" target="_blank">recipe she found in the <i>New York Times Magazine</i></a>. It is so simple yet so unbelievably good! The key, as with all simple recipes, is to use only the best ingredients. (I used figs, fresh squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and 2 sprigs of thyme.) Please keep in mind that this recipe does not preserve the fruit, but rather, will last up to a week in a refrigerator. Hubby was in heaven in eating this recipe with cheese on toast. I offered to teach him how to make the jam, but he demurred, “a wife should always have her secret recipe; so her husband remains in awe of her.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Healthy Fig and Yogurt Breakfast</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Place 4 ounces of non-fat, plain Greek yogurt in breakfast bowl. Drizzle a natural honey over yogurt (to taste). Slice one large fig and add slices to yogurt. Add a tablespoon of slivered almonds for some added crunch. Just a satisfying as a doughnut, but so much healthier!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Figs with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cut fig in half, add a dollop of smooth goat cheese (not feta) to empty pit of fig, then wrap the half fig in a thin piece of prosciutto, covering the cheese. How easy is that?! Now you can surprise your friends and family as a true gourmand!</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Enjoy the figs while they last, for the won't last long!</span><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><o:p></o:p></div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-80631081299723189712013-09-07T18:32:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.838-08:00Designing your "ideal" outdoor room<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">You can enjoy your outdoor living space by re-thinking your home’s landscape. Planting a few trees and shrubs along your home's foundation isn't going to cut it especially if you enjoy grilling and eating outdoors, bird watching or hosting guests. The outdoor spaces you desire need to be identified by “function” (e.g., grill area, flower garden, quiet space) first, then the design process can begin. <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/designing_your_outdoor_room">Michigan State University Extension</a> says that by combining basic principles such as scale, balance, repetition and dominance with artistic elements such as line, form, color and texture<strong>, </strong>you can create a beautiful landscape canvas to enjoy for many years to come.<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/AVvXsEgRbVybeqxqSCx52IMCtMO6TosH4CXGUIOTu-8jMU4gZq_K-QbLv7Y0EOp-cmKTWk84maWl1iPjGX1JxvR93wydzIN-awDsGzQ9wdl18tQYtUTOXbpctsFRJP9j4WdAi0JJuOAJcTB78qY/s1600/Outdoor+living+space,+Michigan+State+University.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbVybeqxqSCx52IMCtMO6TosH4CXGUIOTu-8jMU4gZq_K-QbLv7Y0EOp-cmKTWk84maWl1iPjGX1JxvR93wydzIN-awDsGzQ9wdl18tQYtUTOXbpctsFRJP9j4WdAi0JJuOAJcTB78qY/s320/Outdoor+living+space,+Michigan+State+University.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To enjoy your outdoor living space may require<br /> re-thinking your home’s landscape.<br />Photo by Rebecca Finneran, <abbr title="Michigan State University">MSU</abbr> Extension</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-65273369362653403792013-09-07T18:21:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:50.926-08:00Create a four-season container garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Have a decorative container that looks just too good to put away after the summer? The Chicago Botanic Garden offers some ideas on how to create a <a href="http://www.chicagobotanic.org/plantinfo/container_gardening">four-season container</a> that can be enjoyed year-round. Miniature evergreens, low-growing perennials and ground covers can often survive winter conditions if they are heavily mulched.<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/AVvXsEiuxu7hycZgf-WqqXwaIGqHv0Z1o8LLdwO9RN9qk-b4GP7CtIqfaldK9ecDJNPVH8urDKX8SDQBaI0pqEXKQeCXwbh8tWNdRDgm_ObzpyQjZXLniRO1Q7OA6K6lIIoavUuCaMeHRRi-vTM/s1600/Four-season+container+(spring),+Chicago+Botanic+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuxu7hycZgf-WqqXwaIGqHv0Z1o8LLdwO9RN9qk-b4GP7CtIqfaldK9ecDJNPVH8urDKX8SDQBaI0pqEXKQeCXwbh8tWNdRDgm_ObzpyQjZXLniRO1Q7OA6K6lIIoavUuCaMeHRRi-vTM/s1600/Four-season+container+(spring),+Chicago+Botanic+Garden.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Chicago Botanic Garden suggests<br />rotating seasonal plants into containers<br />to reflect the best of the garden and to<br />extend the growing season.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-78297230220187569692013-09-07T13:00:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.017-08:00Fall is a good time to upgrade garden beds<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Fall is a good time to improve flower, shrub or tree beds by adding <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/making_a_manure_sandwich_adding_compost_manure_to_garden_beds">composted manure</a>. Michigan State University Extension advises gardeners to remove mulch out of beds. Raking the bed helps to loosen the soil which may have become compacted during the summer. Add 2 to 3 inches of composted manure to the soil surface and replace the mulch. The soil on the bottom and the mulch above keeps the composted manure damp improving the habitat for beneficial earthworms and other soil insects. By spring the earthworms will have turned the compost into the soil. Also consider adding slow-release fertilizer which will be beneficial to the plants.<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/AVvXsEivSqY6mYmpTNn3joDocal4weYxkjCr1JZu9PDkpv95iPZglxH2BgNgMAAmyHjXZGbxOyiOHdMInxUFqCj18y_-D6B0wxkgo2vx07ojNGAcj2c7rxlaFTK-zN91ZrF8KZu2_GPb9uzo1ss/s1600/Composted+manure,+Chicago+Botanic+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSqY6mYmpTNn3joDocal4weYxkjCr1JZu9PDkpv95iPZglxH2BgNgMAAmyHjXZGbxOyiOHdMInxUFqCj18y_-D6B0wxkgo2vx07ojNGAcj2c7rxlaFTK-zN91ZrF8KZu2_GPb9uzo1ss/s1600/Composted+manure,+Chicago+Botanic+Garden.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding composted manure to garden beds<br />during the fall can improve the soil for<br />plants and soil insects including earthworms.<br />Photo courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-83789238935258136562013-09-07T12:37:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.104-08:00The American Garden Award winners are...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">The <a href="http://www.americangardenaward.com/">2013 American Garden Award</a>, now in its fifth year, featured four new flower varieties chosen by their breeders for their excellent garden performance. Once these new varieties were planted and put on display at 31 participating gardens across the United States and in Quebec, the public was invited to vote for their favorite variety. The votes have been counted and the three winners are:<br /><br /><strong>Grand Prize Winner:</strong> <span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;">Verbena 'Lanai Candy Cane'</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqKND8hHNxDJtm0FFTxnmU3tw4vBP7Nr37rTv7TZfcVn9-wXAudeNcED0g23GHAAdh0uocngJp7nfRBwI39LXHQPVr62IuNzgkiyHWejBUwn8VHdSW83rZMj8_6BtsKLMdIJUrrAbXy8/s1600/Verbena+'Lanai+Candy+Cane',+2013+American+Garden+Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPqKND8hHNxDJtm0FFTxnmU3tw4vBP7Nr37rTv7TZfcVn9-wXAudeNcED0g23GHAAdh0uocngJp7nfRBwI39LXHQPVr62IuNzgkiyHWejBUwn8VHdSW83rZMj8_6BtsKLMdIJUrrAbXy8/s320/Verbena+'Lanai+Candy+Cane',+2013+American+Garden+Award.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Second Place Winner:</strong> Zinnia 'Zahara Cherry'</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUElE9-9oT_FfVsWn1WKBT1aJz9225tuHOO3DSVWtbYzdmyLHV2-4_yNzwZh8s9skT86ZHyGlSDiwj3W7mLjxQ-7yP4uRVdCOvFSonA22fcDdX0eRf9xDS38lEwKJ57FBc9Uz3PNlG6ZY/s1600/Zinnia+'Zahara+Cherry',+American+Garden+Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUElE9-9oT_FfVsWn1WKBT1aJz9225tuHOO3DSVWtbYzdmyLHV2-4_yNzwZh8s9skT86ZHyGlSDiwj3W7mLjxQ-7yP4uRVdCOvFSonA22fcDdX0eRf9xDS38lEwKJ57FBc9Uz3PNlG6ZY/s1600/Zinnia+'Zahara+Cherry',+American+Garden+Award.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong></strong></span></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><strong></strong> </div><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Third Place Winner:</strong> Impatiens 'SunPatiens</span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;">Compact Electric Orange'</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlbNC9v3y65gbLw7bUeoG7bOCjdx_nhA6KP6jO2f6Z5lG9gkNXIFkVSMIe7bytSpP9S4TuIegvpNq8F4qxZFZzsLBieQaVlsmLBwtsALiUOru86xhSbdhXh3O5veWNp-5H83O2fnYJzE/s1600/Impatiens+'SunPatiens+Compact+Eletric+Ortange',+American+Garden+Award.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVlbNC9v3y65gbLw7bUeoG7bOCjdx_nhA6KP6jO2f6Z5lG9gkNXIFkVSMIe7bytSpP9S4TuIegvpNq8F4qxZFZzsLBieQaVlsmLBwtsALiUOru86xhSbdhXh3O5veWNp-5H83O2fnYJzE/s1600/Impatiens+'SunPatiens+Compact+Eletric+Ortange',+American+Garden+Award.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </span></span><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span><br /><span style="color: #407e3c;"><span style="color: black;"></span></span> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-72383657985515747442013-09-07T12:18:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.111-08:00Sept. 7 is National Planting Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> The second annual <a href="http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=media_pressreleases_8_20_13&AddInterest=1368">National Planting Day</a>, sponsored by <a href="http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=index">Keep America Beautiful</a>, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7. The purpose of the event is to mobilize Americans to bolster local ecosystems by planting native species of trees, shrubs and plants. Through National Planting Day, Keep America Beautiful, its affiliates and partners are raising awareness about the importance of native species in restoring balance to local environments, while creating vibrant, more beautiful communities.<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/AVvXsEhEJ_fr8OSJ14YSaNW91f48eqAFX_Nrw1h9OYRG83fL4ZDs7nGp5BOP51jRXOtspHJURDJ9cHct_HSjncKYEF3nTGS5UUIj4yDMv53-DTgrecKTNh7kOCNlsj5hmGg509BJVIgYk2O4nwc/s1600/National+Planting+Day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJ_fr8OSJ14YSaNW91f48eqAFX_Nrw1h9OYRG83fL4ZDs7nGp5BOP51jRXOtspHJURDJ9cHct_HSjncKYEF3nTGS5UUIj4yDMv53-DTgrecKTNh7kOCNlsj5hmGg509BJVIgYk2O4nwc/s320/National+Planting+Day.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=National_Planting_Day">National Planting Day</a> celebrates the value and power of native<br />species in restoring ecological balance to the environment while<br />creating greener, more beautiful communities.</td></tr></tbody></table> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-54308192763385678432013-08-31T09:00:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:39:17.612-08:00Panzanella or Italian Bread Salad<div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of my favorite recipes for end of summer tomatoes is Panzanella. It is so simple yet so good; the key is using only the highest quality ingredients. This is a dish that is both rustic and elegant, healthy yet a solid comfort food.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ingredients:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4-5 large heirloom tomatoes (cubed) or 1-2 pounds of cherry tomatoes (halved)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One cucumber, seeds removed and sliced thin<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One red or sweet onion, sliced thin<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fresh basil, cut in thin strips</span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Loaf of thick, rustic, crusty bread, slightly stale (cubed into crouton sized bites)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – I reduce to 1/8 of cup to reduce calories<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1/4 cup red wine vinegar – I reduce to 1/8 of cup to reduce calories<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chop all vegetables using the above directions and place in large bowl (preferably one that can be sealed). Liberally salt and pepper the contents to taste. Remember – the salt brings out the flavor of the tomatoes! Add the oil and vinegars and lightly toss to mix. (I fill a quarter cup halfway with olive oil and the rest of the way with red wine vinegar. Do add the whole tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.) <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><br /></div><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I normally wait until a couple minutes prior to serving to add the rustic bread. It is supposed to be soggy with oil and vinegar, the key is to not let it get too soggy. Use slightly stale, thick rustic bread made from hardier wheat flour. This will hold up better than a soft, white flour baguette. For a slightly crunchier texture, bread can be toasted in a toaster or under the broiler in the oven. Chop the bread in larger-sized croutons and toss salad again, making sure the oil and vinegars are evenly deposited on the bread. Salad will keep for up to three days – if it lasts that long!</span><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><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/AVvXsEgk8BgSJiv-eB15MkdDOTGOxLwZu7INVU02Vbn8kebDwNRSw5uS1GJzFgif4Y3gNMZlihajsFOs92bt6QVbvhSXopIk-zx1AeaHbEEL5RA7BsbLe-olUtCxuSI1l8E0t2zt8ralwONDFj9K/s1600/Panzanella.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk8BgSJiv-eB15MkdDOTGOxLwZu7INVU02Vbn8kebDwNRSw5uS1GJzFgif4Y3gNMZlihajsFOs92bt6QVbvhSXopIk-zx1AeaHbEEL5RA7BsbLe-olUtCxuSI1l8E0t2zt8ralwONDFj9K/s1600/Panzanella.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panzanella sans the bread</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-19749199348961887732013-08-29T15:10:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:39:17.620-08:00KNARLY SAGETORUS <br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had a plant in your garden that your wife hates and won’t die?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have one of those in my garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is what it looks like.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyl9CTYConhXxd4K-R_4l2YHkCAOPdRlwfLiRF1CcXUGVpICDmW1xlQS0FFaahIKzd-OVkRI6_eCJX2REi8P8iJI_nWUhD9l19aOCw3LVuXQPNNbMyS0WRJdmDUTKgsw1mliIqD1iLpE/s1600/DSCN0821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiyl9CTYConhXxd4K-R_4l2YHkCAOPdRlwfLiRF1CcXUGVpICDmW1xlQS0FFaahIKzd-OVkRI6_eCJX2REi8P8iJI_nWUhD9l19aOCw3LVuXQPNNbMyS0WRJdmDUTKgsw1mliIqD1iLpE/s400/DSCN0821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sweet Tomato hates it and has hinted strongly on multiple occasions that she would like to see that ugly excuse for a plant taken out and relegated to kindling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A strong hint in our house is just above an eye roll, but not as bad as the ‘glare’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If a ‘glare’ is held long enough it can burn a whole clean through you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My take on the Knarly Sagetorus is that it is kind of like a really old pair of boots or an old t-shirt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of them has been around a long time, they are useful, and I am comfortable with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sweet Tomato doesn’t like my old boots or t-shirts either. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">You are probably wondering at this point why I refer to this plant as a Knarly Sagetorus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I came across this old book at a garage sale many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It did not have a publishing date, but it looked older than me, and that is old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was something of a cross between a farmer’s almanac and a book of folk tales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It even had a very strange story about a briar patch, a rabbit and a tar baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t think the story would be much appreciated today, but I found it hilarious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also in this book was a description of the Knarly Sagetorus accompanied by a water color painting of the plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the artist had attempted to depict the plant truthfully, it was still ugly as a three tooth witch after falling off her broom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never thought much of it until the sage plant I have in my garden had reached an age of somewhere north of a score of years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was when I went looking for that old book again to check the description and painting against the sage in my garden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sure enough, the painting and description matched my sage to a T.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRVDvAPvOBQ84uFI43VQ6GkNWhfQLra6Z3Irmib17jRO6EUHzoQ358xPYHeeHFyhzezGBXm2Wfaq39YPCpRrY796imkOsozq5Wms119XnlaU5r6XdSiOSWBESvSe6it-HJUdoine2F-c/s1600/DSCN0814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRVDvAPvOBQ84uFI43VQ6GkNWhfQLra6Z3Irmib17jRO6EUHzoQ358xPYHeeHFyhzezGBXm2Wfaq39YPCpRrY796imkOsozq5Wms119XnlaU5r6XdSiOSWBESvSe6it-HJUdoine2F-c/s400/DSCN0814.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the bottom of the page was a written description of the Knarly Sagetorus <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and what looked like a warning or a curse if you believe in such things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It went like this:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">KNARLY SAGETORUS<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 1in;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rare specimen of the sage family of the genus Salvia L. of the species Salvia knarly, no variety or sub species.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not indigenous to any particular region, but able to survive long cold winters and hot dry summers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Identified by its signature ‘knarly’ trunk and bark.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also known and identified by extreme age and ugliness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legend says that anyone cutting down a Knarly Sagetorus will be inflicted with toenail fungus until the end of their days.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have been able to find references to the Knarly Sagetorus in the famous online resource Zippipedia, but they referred to it as ‘Gnarly Sagetorus’ and there was no mention of the legend about cutting it down.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not an unusually superstitious person, but ugly as it is and even if it is disliked by Sweet Tomato, I intend to leave it alone.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-89203607998938140162013-08-25T18:27:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.198-08:00Outdoor living continues to increase in popularity<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><em><a href="http://www.remodeling.hw.net/outdoor-rooms/more-outdoors-for-homeowners.aspx">Remodeling</a></em> magazine reports that an increasing number of homeowners want to break down the barriers to their backyard just as much as they want to tear down walls to create open interiors inside. One San Diego designer told the magazine that his clients have always been interested in outdoor living, but now many of them want an outdoor space that is seamlessly integrated and looks like it was part of the original house.<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/AVvXsEjQlDewLQ8hLXpLLyAh7mOunjhxPwvl05ljFRptdp2DWt4n2e9py7X4vIcyC3vOhkU4xnfxjWbNZ1mR3fM-slKU_19sk-MwbCaKRCk1uhhbj_g3Betwl5OLVa6fX11Bgd7mENUHgHPT2_I/s1600/Remodeling+magazine+outdoor+living+space.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlDewLQ8hLXpLLyAh7mOunjhxPwvl05ljFRptdp2DWt4n2e9py7X4vIcyC3vOhkU4xnfxjWbNZ1mR3fM-slKU_19sk-MwbCaKRCk1uhhbj_g3Betwl5OLVa6fX11Bgd7mENUHgHPT2_I/s320/Remodeling+magazine+outdoor+living+space.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homeowners should consider the impact that outdoor<br /> features will have on interiors.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-1130574047136729652013-08-24T19:42:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.285-08:00Provide support for top-heavy flowering plants<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Blooms on late-summer flowering plants can become top heavy and their stems may not be able to support them. Dahlias, sedums, cannas and rudbeckia are just a few of the plants whose flowers may flop over. <a href="http://msue.anr.msu.edu/news/for_best_appearances_stake_large_heavy_flowers">Michigan State University Extension</a> suggests using inexpensive supports such as plant stakes and garden fencing to help eliminate floppy flowers.<br /><br />Most annuals and perennials will stand up on their own. Over fertilization or lower light levels can cause plant stems to stretch. Plants that have been pinched regularly don't usually need staking because of increased branching.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkW_T2AdmjAelWTcSGkv7MhQdDOOVzBVbvzyjuVclqdZK-YRKoYl56snIjQTLru3CWXeOOre9P03EDW8ceLIm_oriKJRP00HqdpD2R-zV7cNVlPqa4SL6-Ho05wZTO7_cKxbO-1vAMJ4/s1600/Flower+staking,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Extension.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhkW_T2AdmjAelWTcSGkv7MhQdDOOVzBVbvzyjuVclqdZK-YRKoYl56snIjQTLru3CWXeOOre9P03EDW8ceLIm_oriKJRP00HqdpD2R-zV7cNVlPqa4SL6-Ho05wZTO7_cKxbO-1vAMJ4/s320/Flower+staking,+Mich.+St.+Univ.+Extension.png" width="313" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Individual stems or top-heavy flowers can be supported with<br />a single stake and twine.<br />Photo by Rebecca Finneran, Michigan State University Extension </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-16972367132925524842013-08-24T19:17:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.372-08:00Suntory Combo Designer app is free<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you aren't familiar with Suntory Flowers' Virtual Combo Designer website, now you can access this site by downloading a free app. Available for iPads and Android tablets, go to the <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/virtual-combo-designer/id542913384?mt=8">Apple</a> or <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.ComboDesigner&hl=en">Google Play</a> online stores and search for Combo Designer from Suntory Flowers. The app can be used to design mixed container plantings with Suntory varieties.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI78JV2TSgqfp8N0s014-HhsBs7tLztBH3BRMQrpiMjElvaJqFJlFA59RDrCCSweG5k0t5n7mmTTrYuwlyXkqCC35nVBWyI25piCApnPswhKYC0Xlw2cdwhanfZcRPwD55vk6g4uHUxvs/s1600/Suntory+Virtual+Combo+Designer+app.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI78JV2TSgqfp8N0s014-HhsBs7tLztBH3BRMQrpiMjElvaJqFJlFA59RDrCCSweG5k0t5n7mmTTrYuwlyXkqCC35nVBWyI25piCApnPswhKYC0Xlw2cdwhanfZcRPwD55vk6g4uHUxvs/s320/Suntory+Virtual+Combo+Designer+app.png" width="146" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> </div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5909289669224166853.post-50708525764316864962013-08-24T18:37:00.000-07:002014-01-20T06:34:51.459-08:00Add color to your late summer garden with containers<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">If your flower beds are starting to look a little past their prime, now is a good time to add some fresh color to your garden. Horticulturalist Neil Sperry said <a href="http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html">container gardens</a> are a great way to spruce up landscapes during late summer. He said most garden centers have large plants available that make an immediate impact wherever they are placed, including around the pool, patio, deck and front porch.<br /><br />In addition to the plants, Sperry said any type of container will do. Its only must-have is a drain hole to ensure that mineral salts are leached from the potting soil. He advises gardeners to use the best possible potting soil. He said many of the commercially available soils are too heavy and don’t drain well. A lightweight potting soil is best. A suitable potting mix should contain as much as 50-60% sphagnum peat, 20% finely ground pine bark mulch, 10% or 20% horticultural perlite and maybe 10% expanded shale.<br /><br />Sperry also recommends applying a water-soluble, high-nitrogen fertilizer at every second or third watering.<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/AVvXsEg60VekeptFmhIURlqsoKFZ58SoSQpLep4VRPCp0aOv2C11CRZayPYIN2juqvMOP7DWZAY8T-u_TzkK9TID21Vpc63TCB8WPrOkGbWQH51LuccBL4al4BfijwhoyIlf-etBa7j1X6Srx_U/s1600/Container+gardens+for+fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60VekeptFmhIURlqsoKFZ58SoSQpLep4VRPCp0aOv2C11CRZayPYIN2juqvMOP7DWZAY8T-u_TzkK9TID21Vpc63TCB8WPrOkGbWQH51LuccBL4al4BfijwhoyIlf-etBa7j1X6Srx_U/s1600/Container+gardens+for+fall.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Container gardens are a great way to<br />spruce up landscapes during late summer. </td></tr></tbody></table> <br /><div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div><div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div><br /><div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div> <br /><br /><br /><div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-leIt starts with a pot (or 15 or 20). Any type of container will do, whether it’s terra cotta, concrete, plastic, wood, fiberglass or metal (or anything else I might have forgotten). The only must-have is a drain hole. You simply can’t garden without one. Oh, sure, you can avoid overwatering if you’re careful. But you won’t be able to avoid the accumulations of mineral salts that will inevitably build up if you can’t flood water through the soil and leach out the excesses. So start with the drain hole and choose your favorite pot around it. If you’re planning a grouping of container plants, set the empty pots alongside each other to be sure they’re well matched.Use the best possible potting soil. Most of the commercially bagged soils I see are too heavy. They don’t drain well, and plants end up struggling to survive. Take a lesson from professional greenhouse growers and nurserymen. Use a lightweight potting soil that’s as much as 50 or 60 percent sphagnum peat, 20 percent finely ground pine bark mulch, 10 or 20 percent horticultural perlite and maybe 10 percent expanded shale.And the final hard good that you’ll buy will be plant food. Again leaning on the experience of the pros, go with a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want to apply it every second or third time yoIt starts with a pot (or 15 or 20). Any type of container will do, whether it’s terra cotta, concrete, plastic, wood, fiberglass or metal (or anything else I might have forgotten). The only must-have is a drain hole. You simply can’t garden without one. Oh, sure, you can avoid overwatering if you’re careful. But you won’t be able to avoid the accumulations of mineral salts that will inevitably build up if you can’t flood water through the soil and leach out the excesses. So start with the drain hole and choose your favorite pot around it. If you’re planning a grouping of container plants, set the empty pots alongside each other to be sure they’re well matched.Use the best possible potting soil. Most of the commercially bagged soils I see are too heavy. They don’t drain well, and plants end up struggling to survive. Take a lesson from professional greenhouse growers and nurserymen. Use a lightweight potting soil that’s as much as 50 or 60 percent sphagnum peat, 20 percent finely ground pine bark mulch, 10 or 20 percent horticultural perlite and maybe 10 percent expanded shale.And the final hard good that you’ll buy will be plant food. Again leaning on the experience of the pros, go with a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want to apply it every second or third It starts with a pot (or 15 or 20). Any type of container will do, whether it’s terra cotta, concrete, plastic, wood, fiberglass or metal (or anything else I might have forgotten). The only must-have is a drain hole. You simply can’t garden without one. Oh, sure, you can avoid overwatering if you’re careful. But you won’t be able to avoid the accumulations of mineral salts that will inevitably build up if you can’t flood water through the soil and leach out the excesses. So start with the drain hole and choose your favorite pot around it. If you’re planning a grouping of container plants, set the empty pots alongside each other to be sure they’re well matched.Use the best possible potting soil. Most of the commercially bagged soils I see are too heavy. They don’t drain well, and plants end up struggling to survive. Take a lesson from professional greenhouse growers and nurserymen. Use a lightweight potting soil that’s as much as 50 or 60 percent sphagnum peat, 20 percent finely ground pine bark mulch, 10 or 20 percent horticultural perlite and maybe 10 percent expanded shale.And the final hard good that you’ll buy will be plant food. Again leaning on the experience of the pros, go with a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want ta water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want to apply it a water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want to apply it every secona water-soluble high-nitrogen fertilizer. You’ll want to apply it every second or third time you water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>d or third time you water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>every second or third time you water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>o apply it every second or third time you water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>time you water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>u water.<div style="color: black; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 10pt/normal sans-serif; height: 1px; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-transform: none; width: 1px;"><br />Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2013/08/23/5101124/the-garden-guru-let-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div>t-it-all-go.html#storylink=cpy</div></div>petanghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12287115734139831393noreply@blogger.com0