tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17196548531281722252024-03-13T10:14:33.515-05:00Gardening-4-LifeWhen Gardeners garden, it is not just plants that grow, but the gardeners themselves ~ Ken DruseAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-48938628763035870152013-05-29T17:48:00.000-05:002013-05-29T17:48:53.261-05:00A Fresh Start<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trial gardens at Dallas Arboretum</td></tr>
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Time sure flies! Its hard to believe that two years have passed since I last posted anything here. Life does what it usually does...move on. Its been a busy season in our family going from full time home schooling to having graduated our last child. What in the world will I do with myself now? --- Oh yes, gardening and blogging again!<div>
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I am really looking forward to start a new season of life when I examine all I have to work on that I never could before. I have plenty of projects to finish and lists to check off. Focusing on what has worked over the years and tweaking it to run more efficiently is the plan.</div>
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Last fall, my gardening friends and I took a trip to visit the Dallas Arboretum. Talk about inspiration to try new things! Since its local for us, I can take good information away from there about what plants will grow in my area. It saves both time and money when you consider this. Sometimes its not that you are a bad gardener, but you have chosen plants that are not suited for your climate. Even the arboretums have trial gardens for this very purpose. They test plants to see what will thrive and what will not. </div>
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I like to look at my own garden experience through that same lens. I run my own trials per say. Choosing the right plants under ideal conditions can vary from yard to yard. Micro-climates, pests, flooding, wind etc can make a difference. I will get into the details of my own experiences and changes here soon. Good times are ahead and I am looking forward to a "fresh start."</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-1407607187077388842011-06-23T11:12:00.000-05:002011-06-23T11:12:28.172-05:00Insight Into Being a Texas Master Gardener<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E98SmBJ3BoE/TgNkCv6TGpI/AAAAAAAABDI/nKuiahlU4hI/s1600/Texas+Master+Gardener.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E98SmBJ3BoE/TgNkCv6TGpI/AAAAAAAABDI/nKuiahlU4hI/s400/Texas+Master+Gardener.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3okso6hV6g/TgNkkzvfb-I/AAAAAAAABDM/F07jrkkp284/s1600/AgriLife+Extension.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3okso6hV6g/TgNkkzvfb-I/AAAAAAAABDM/F07jrkkp284/s320/AgriLife+Extension.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The <a href="http://txmg.org/">Texas Master Gardener program</a> in cooperation with <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/lawn_garden/">Texas A&M</a> and <a href="http://agrilifeextension.tamu.edu/">Texas AgriLife Extension</a> was designed to increase the availability of horticultural information to home gardeners. Being trained by experts in the university system on a variety of crucial topics such as:<br />
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<ul><li>Botany, Soils and Fertilization</li>
<li>Entomology (concerning pests, beneficial insects and how to recognize damage and advise treatment solutions and prevention measures)</li>
<li>Plant Diseases (turfgrass, trees & shrubs, vegetables & fruit, flowers etc)</li>
<li>Vegetable Gardening (regular and organic)</li>
<li>Environmental Landscaping</li>
<li>Plant Propagation</li>
<li><a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/">Earthkind©</a> Principles, Soils and Roses</li>
<li>Tree, shrub and plant selection and care</li>
<li>Water conservation - rainwater harvesting, drip irrigation, and more</li>
<li>Growing Fruits, Nuts & Berries</li>
<li>Turfgrass selection and management</li>
</ul>We are taken through an intense course over 11 weeks here and are required to pass an examination at the end and volunteer for 50 hours over the first year. ** Some counties require additional things/hours. After the first year is completed you then are a certified Texas Master Gardener. To keep your certification a certain amount of volunteer hours and training are required each year. Its very easy to find yourself with several hundred hours in a year with not a lot of effort. Time really flies with the variety of options that are available.<br />
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A few key items we are held closely to is:<br />
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<ul><li>Information given out HAS to be research based. No home remedy solutions, herbs medicinal qualities, some types of organic practices, moon phases effect on gardening etc.</li>
<li>We teach and advise. Oftentimes we get requests to come work on projects. The problem is there is just not enough time and we are not paid. We will be happy to pass along information to help.</li>
</ul>Some things we are not:<br />
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<ul><li>Experts on everything. We have Master Gardeners who take training to be Specialists. A few of them are:</li>
</ul><ol><li>Vegetable Specialist</li>
<li>Propagation Specialist</li>
<li>Rainwater Harvesting Specialist</li>
<li>Entomology Specialist</li>
<li>Junior Master Gardener Specialist</li>
<li>Composting Specialist</li>
<li>Oak Wilt Specialist</li>
<li>Greenhouse Specialist</li>
</ol>All of these trained people are called on for certain questions and also they provide training on a higher level to fellow Master Gardeners.<br />
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Outside of that, we have Master Gardeners who are better at some things than others. I immediately know who to go to if I have a question on herbs, for example. That person may not know much about perennials though. Its just how we all work together.<br />
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The Master Gardener program in our county (<a href="http://txmg.org/hunt/">HUNT</a>) is considered a smaller one compared to counties like Dallas. We still are able to donate around 5000 volunteer hours to our county per year. This is a HUGE savings to our community and state as a whole. We have volunteered by taking calls at our Extension office, made house calls to help diagnose problems and traveled to give presentations to groups. We also can be found teaching school children through <a href="http://www.jmgkids.us/">JMG</a> at several local schools, churches, and area groups. We also maintain a demonstration garden with plants that are recommended for our area. We are happy to answer questions to those who ask.<br />
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Its great fun and I am constantly learning something new from our group. We share plants and seeds among each other regularly which makes for a wide variety of plants for everyone. We do all of this as a not-for-profit organization that does all of their own fundraising to pay for many of the programs we offer.<br />
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I may not know everything about certain types of gardening, but I'm trained to know how to find it. If I don't know, then I pass along my questions to the experts who do. Gardening and everything that goes along with it a lifelong pursuit of learning. That's what keeps it interesting and keeps us growing!<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-75729456085245269022011-06-22T11:18:00.001-05:002011-06-22T11:21:56.095-05:00Missing My Morning Glories<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>I never thought those words would come out of my mouth. I've had Morning Glories as one of my most faithful flowering vines around here that produced an abundance of blue flowers that were show stopping. With reseeding easily from year to year I just knew I would have plenty this year. The joke is on me. I have a couple of struggling vines that came up really late this season and I'm not expecting a show from them by any means.<br />
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My favorite are<br />
<h1><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/31977/"><i>Ipomoea tricolor</i> 'Heavenly Blue' </a></span></h1><br />
*** BLOGGER is not allowing photo uploads today so I will just have to send you to my previous posts:<br />
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<a href="http://gardening4life.blogspot.com/2008/09/whats-bloomin.html">What's Bloomin' 2008</a><br />
<a href="http://gardening4life.blogspot.com/2008/07/morning-garden-buzz.html">Morning Garden Buzz - 2008</a><br />
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That's just the way it goes sometimes! I am going to make it a point to replant Morning Glories next year. I will be back in business then.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-41153695398105964252011-06-21T11:20:00.000-05:002011-06-21T11:20:19.477-05:00Hello Summer<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>It sure feels like summer has been here for awhile in N. Texas. It's a bit surprising to me for some reason that today is only the first day. The temperatures and dryness levels are the normal we usually see in July and August. But for today we get a reprieve. We're only suppose to get to a high on 91 degrees today and that will feel amazingly nice, especially with the 1/2 inch of rain we got early this morning. Hopefully the plants are refreshed and we will continue to see more rain through tomorrow night. Here's to hoping!<br />
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High fire risk alerts are all around us right now. The wind has been really strong and hot over the past week, causing everything to dry out at an alarming rate. I've been manning the water hose trying to keep everything alive around here. I'm not going to complain though because we are actually in better condition here than most of Texas. Ranchers are selling off cattle left and right because there isn't any grass growing for them to feed on. Lakes are way down in most of the state where many residents depend on for drinking water. So any rain that comes is way more than welcome here!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YefIDbO9gQQ/TgDAGcf_AWI/AAAAAAAABC4/4Jofdd_7AEk/s1600/TexasDrought.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YefIDbO9gQQ/TgDAGcf_AWI/AAAAAAAABC4/4Jofdd_7AEk/s1600/TexasDrought.gif" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sslarcims.tamu.edu/website/kbdi/viewer.htm">http://sslarcims.tamu.edu/website/kbdi/viewer.htm</a><br />
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</tbody></table>According to the Keetch-Byram Drought scale, we are in the green area which is hanging on by a thread to stay out of the drought conditions. One more step on the scale and we'll be there. Hopefully with a bit more rain we can keep ahead of it for a little while longer.<br />
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We moved onto this property the last year of the big drought in 2006. We were desperate and on water restrictions. The ground was like concrete and the cracks in the soil were big enough to break a dog's leg if it slid off into them. Moving into our home was interesting that summer. We had quite a challenge in installing our privacy fence in the back yard. We rented an auger to drill the fence posts and it wouldn't go down more than 3-4 inches into the soil. Even trying to soak the ground didn't help. We ended up hiring someone who dug holes for foundations. He had a tractor with a strong auger attachment. The ground was like concrete and dry as a bone 18 inches into the ground.<br />
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Since then we've had years with plenty of rain and we added a lot of foundation planting and trees. We're hoping that we can maintain everything through this drought. The soaker hoses will be our key to keeping everything alive and use the least amount of water we can. We haven't installed drip lines yet, but that will be in the mix soon as another project we need to do.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-37977074330366703522011-06-20T09:12:00.001-05:002011-06-20T09:15:04.736-05:00Keyhole Gardening<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>With world hunger and a need for local food production, teaching gardening skills to starving people is a must. I try to envision trying to garden with what I have around me only in the process. In the U.S. we have the luxury of garden centers, nurseries and basic clean running water.<br />
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Keyhole gardening offers plain smart design. Using a composting basket in the center allows for a constant feeding of nutrients and water to the garden. Grey water can be recycled from household daily use and poured straight into the center creating zero waste of drinking water. With the nutrient dense soil more food can be planted in a smaller space and not waste water and resources. The design seems simple enough that a garden could easily be constructed by most households and communities.<br />
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I would like to build one of these myself. This video is one being built in Uganda.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ykCXfjzfaco" width="400"></iframe><br />
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This design can be adapted to whatever area you live in. Rocks and boulders may be used instead of brick. Freecycled material may also be an option for those of us in the U.S. for material. It would be great not only to be able to use this to grow our own food, but learn the skills so that we may be able to help others no matter where they live.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-37259936125240543412011-06-17T09:02:00.000-05:002011-06-17T09:02:56.466-05:00To Glove or Not To GloveI was reminded the other day about a popular question among gardeners. Do you wear gloves? Many gardeners like to get their hands in the dirt and its part of the fun of it all. While others take pride in the type of glove that is their favorite and they wouldn't garden without them.<div><br />
</div><div>I personally am a glove wearer. I have a type for every application and I wear them until they fall apart. Here's my take on gloves:</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLC4INEpFt8/TftZdwuqC1I/AAAAAAAABCo/GX354Ol8ZgI/s1600/LeatherGloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BLC4INEpFt8/TftZdwuqC1I/AAAAAAAABCo/GX354Ol8ZgI/s1600/LeatherGloves.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00353DE0W/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000AYFSWQ&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1RSDJR8D0AXSM2SB7Q11">Leather Gloves</a></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Rose pruning, thorny branches and heavy work where a good grip is important. I keep a pair in my car to carry cinder blocks and building materials home. I never fail to have an occasion when they've been important to have around. My hands aren't always the strongest and the leather gloves give me that extra help I need with grip also. Oh, and I will take my chances dealing with a snake with these also.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Su-noNitKRk/TftabH6F_2I/AAAAAAAABCs/Qm2Mxz5ZBDE/s1600/Latex+Coated+Gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Su-noNitKRk/TftabH6F_2I/AAAAAAAABCs/Qm2Mxz5ZBDE/s1600/Latex+Coated+Gloves.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Memphis-C96731GM-Gardening-Coated-Medium/dp/B002FL50W0/ref=sr_1_10?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1308318157&sr=1-10">Latex Coated Gloves</a></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Pulling weeds is the main reason I love these gloves. Getting a more form fitting glove such as these helps with accuracy in getting the weeds next to plants without grabbing part of the desired plant with it. I feel like I have surgical precision when using this type of glove. The added rubber grip allows me to pull weeds with much less effort and keeps my hands from getting as tired.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzGTqiJIAMc/TftbS1sZ5WI/AAAAAAAABCw/dsH94_voFVY/s1600/Cotton+Garden+Gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OzGTqiJIAMc/TftbS1sZ5WI/AAAAAAAABCw/dsH94_voFVY/s1600/Cotton+Garden+Gloves.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Esschert-Design-USA-Teatowel-Flower/dp/B004O731GU/ref=sr_1_9?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1308318396&sr=1-9">Cotton Garden Glove</a></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Good for all purpose gardening applications. I plant flowers and pick vegetables using these. They provide the needed protection from insects I need. Organic gardening can leave you with spiders, wasps and bees hidden in garden beds. They are there to help and its hard to see them sometimes. Having on a pair of gloves helps me to reach in with a bit more confidence that I'm not going to get bitten or stung. They wash up easily and are extremely comfortable to wear.</div><div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZsdj8hIfIE/TftcGtCvEVI/AAAAAAAABC0/aiRgdeDpZdY/s1600/Jersey+Work+Gloves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TZsdj8hIfIE/TftcGtCvEVI/AAAAAAAABC0/aiRgdeDpZdY/s1600/Jersey+Work+Gloves.jpg" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-4323-01-8-Ounce-Jersey-12-Pair/dp/B000FJTWXW/ref=sr_1_1?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1308318634&sr=1-1">Jersey Work Gloves</a></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>I use these for a wide variety of applications. I carry buckets, pick up boards and deal with animals using these. I like the band that fits snug around my wrist with these. If I place my hand in something with fire ants in it, I stand a chance of knocking them off before they crawl inside my gloves to sting me. I buy these gloves in bulk because I go through at least one pair a day. I often have to change them out a couple of times in a day if I get them too muddy or nasty. They wash up beautifully and are ready for the next time I need them.</div><div><br />
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</div><div>I have a bag that I keep my gloves in ready to go. I like this because if I wear one glove out I can easily pair it with another and not miss a beat. Each type of glove has its place in my daily gardening chores. I'm also thankful when my husband compliments my hands and can't tell that I work outside each day with them. No calluses here and I can thank my gloves for that.<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-10586503616870511132011-06-16T00:05:00.001-05:002011-06-16T00:05:00.846-05:00Freezing Berries<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw21p-lsdoo/TflhxLsBohI/AAAAAAAABCg/BP8FOa8cr8M/s1600/BlackberriesinBasket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tw21p-lsdoo/TflhxLsBohI/AAAAAAAABCg/BP8FOa8cr8M/s400/BlackberriesinBasket.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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Blackberries have been coming in a little each day over the past week or so. Its not been enough to make jelly or a pie yet. An easy way to preserve berries is by a term called <b><u>flash freezing</u></b>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1QlDgvm-E/TfliNJtVsMI/AAAAAAAABCk/BYXC9Z3QZOU/s1600/BlackberriesFlashFreeze.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1QlDgvm-E/TfliNJtVsMI/AAAAAAAABCk/BYXC9Z3QZOU/s400/BlackberriesFlashFreeze.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><br />
By spreading the berries out in a single layer on a cookie sheet or baking pan and then freezing I can then transfer them to a freezer container until I have enough to make what I want. Flash freezing also keeps the berries from crushing each other and end up being a solid block of juice and berries. Since they are individually frozen the berries will pour out of the freezer container easily.<br />
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I personally like to save some of my jelly making and pie baking for cooler weather. Its just way too hot outside to heat up the kitchen right now. By flash freezing the harvest now, I can put off that job until both the weather and my schedule are more suitable for inside chores such as this.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-9382613825019801682011-06-15T08:54:00.000-05:002011-06-15T08:54:13.529-05:00Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day - June 2011<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>Another month has come and gone and its again another much anticipated "Garden Bloggers' Bloom Day". A day that is hosted by <a href="http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/">May Dreams Gardens</a> each 15th of the month. Everyone posts what is blooming in their yard at that time. June is another exciting month of blooming.<br />
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Here is what is blooming in my yard:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJj6yHFRjWc/TfgO6EZH7UI/AAAAAAAABCE/3PYJN2Pvv48/s1600/Gardenia+Blooming.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XJj6yHFRjWc/TfgO6EZH7UI/AAAAAAAABCE/3PYJN2Pvv48/s400/Gardenia+Blooming.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardenia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZRlbiHAmCY/TfgR6Q6_qCI/AAAAAAAABCI/aPxAnEIDdP4/s1600/Hardy+Hibiscus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JZRlbiHAmCY/TfgR6Q6_qCI/AAAAAAAABCI/aPxAnEIDdP4/s400/Hardy+Hibiscus.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hardy Hibiscus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77aQbg70eL0/TfgTDR346rI/AAAAAAAABCM/3rjnAugvRmQ/s1600/Lousianna+Iris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77aQbg70eL0/TfgTDR346rI/AAAAAAAABCM/3rjnAugvRmQ/s400/Lousianna+Iris.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Louisiana Iris</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQnJMyA-AYs/TfgT0G6JxKI/AAAAAAAABCU/zWK19RTZGAo/s1600/MexicanPetunia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQnJMyA-AYs/TfgT0G6JxKI/AAAAAAAABCU/zWK19RTZGAo/s400/MexicanPetunia.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mexican Petunia</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQuRuhIZPA/TfgTX6xX5oI/AAAAAAAABCQ/bA7V41BTKCo/s1600/Double+Lily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0VQuRuhIZPA/TfgTX6xX5oI/AAAAAAAABCQ/bA7V41BTKCo/s400/Double+Lily.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Double Lily</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi6o-KShY-M/TfgUKair_pI/AAAAAAAABCY/K93bQXRyuP8/s1600/Pink+Gladiola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vi6o-KShY-M/TfgUKair_pI/AAAAAAAABCY/K93bQXRyuP8/s400/Pink+Gladiola.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Gladiola</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eVPdMQGBEA/TfgUmECxFWI/AAAAAAAABCc/hadSoxMKbwI/s1600/Shasta+Daisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0eVPdMQGBEA/TfgUmECxFWI/AAAAAAAABCc/hadSoxMKbwI/s400/Shasta+Daisies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shasta Daisy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>If you see chewed on leaves and petals...well, its grasshopper damage. This is going to be a bad year for them and I'm not sure how many the birds can eat to keep up. With pastureland all around us, we have to take this as part of it living here.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-24398461073304959122011-06-14T10:56:00.000-05:002011-06-14T10:56:36.315-05:00Gardening in North Texas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6cUJD7ByXs/SIqCfT585pI/AAAAAAAAAAM/1DhhlDs2O5E/s1600/100_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G6cUJD7ByXs/SIqCfT585pI/AAAAAAAAAAM/1DhhlDs2O5E/s400/100_0595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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Having come from farm country in Illinois to the wilds of Texas was quite an adjustment to my thinking of how to garden. Thinking of vegetable gardens as a huge spring planting event followed by a slow growing season that extends through a big portion of the summer. It was and still is where my mind automatically wants to go in planning. Its been hard to get used to for me so I thought I would pass on some tips to non-native Texans wanting to garden here. I can only give an account for North Texas, so if you live in other parts of the state you will have to contact your local county Extension office for planting dates.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hl9fVq5P3Ug/Tfd4a7OiKtI/AAAAAAAABB8/bvf5SmGS8UE/s1600/Tomatoes+%2526+Squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hl9fVq5P3Ug/Tfd4a7OiKtI/AAAAAAAABB8/bvf5SmGS8UE/s400/Tomatoes+%2526+Squash.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div>Vegetable Gardening:</div><div><br />
</div><div><ul><li>There are two short gardening seasons. One is spring, the other in fall</li>
<li><a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/easygardening/E-279_cole_crops.pdf">Cole crop vegetables</a> like broccoli tend to bolt faster if planted in the spring garden because our soil heats up so fast. </li>
<li>Spring planting starts as early as late-January to early-February which includes onions then potatoes, broccoli, lettuces, peas. Warm season plants like tomatoes and peppers are best planted at the end of March.</li>
<li>Varieties of vegetables chosen need to be suited for shorter growing seasons. </li>
<li><a href="http://gardening-4-life.com/">Tomatoes</a> can be a challenge to grow here. Temperature changes seem to be the culprit to tomato production. If our temperature here doesn't stay mid-range long enough we miss bloom set time. If it gets too hot too fast the plants nearly shut down as far as growth. Tomatoes don't like it too hot. With the late spring freezes we've had over the past few years, special care needs to be taken to protect plants that are prone to freezing.</li>
<li>Fall planting starts as early as June and that's only to direct sow tomato seeds. Most of the warm season vegetables aren't planted until late July into August. The rest follows all the way to October for cool season vegetables.</li>
<li>Watering gardens is required. The rain nearly shuts off in June and doesn't really pick back up until September. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are some of the best methods because there is less evaporation and it wastes the least amount of water. Overhead watering will do, but it makes plants more prone to diseases.</li>
<li>People here report that fall vegetable gardening is preferred because of insect issues being reduced. </li>
<li>Guide for growing vegetables here <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/lawn_garden/veg.html">Aggie Horticulture Home Vegetable Gardening</a> and a nice printable <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/publications/guides/E-502_home_vegetable_guide.pdf">vegetable guide</a>.</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYz8UnK6RlU/Tfd43uUe-tI/AAAAAAAABCA/jqsTlGGYOgA/s1600/Butternut+Squash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TYz8UnK6RlU/Tfd43uUe-tI/AAAAAAAABCA/jqsTlGGYOgA/s400/Butternut+Squash.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>Having a bit of foreknowledge of what to expect helps to better prepare for each season. Each region has its unique challenges and it doesn't hurt to get familiar with some seasoned gardeners or your local master gardening program for more information. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What are your gardening challenges for your area?</span></i></u></div><div><u><i><br />
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</tbody></table></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-83643254044365353332011-06-13T00:01:00.000-05:002011-06-13T00:01:01.053-05:00Local Harvesting Seasons<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IOhQK4o6-0/TfTpTt1xnUI/AAAAAAAABBo/-mkdGp-fYbg/s1600/apples-on-the-tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5IOhQK4o6-0/TfTpTt1xnUI/AAAAAAAABBo/-mkdGp-fYbg/s400/apples-on-the-tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10px;"><a href="http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=10418&picture=apples-on-the-tree">Apples On The Tree</a> by Jeanette ONeil<br />
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Looking out at my apple and pear trees this morning reminded me of trips to the orchards as a kid. Back then and still is, its normal to be attuned to what is in season. Talk spreads around the community about what orchards are ready and if someone has pecans or flats of strawberries for sale. Seasons of strawberries, peaches, blueberries, cherries, apples and all are well known. Plans are made around the different harvest times and about how the food is going to be preserved. Jams, jellies or freezing the fruit for pies and cobblers are all taken into consideration. Oftentimes much of it is shared with neighbors and family around there. Nothing goes to waste.<br />
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I've had the privilege of picking fruits and nuts in orchards and from neighbor's yards. Sometimes all it would take is a promise of cherry pie to an elderly neighbor for a chance to pick cherries from their tree. It was a good trade off for all of us. Beating the birds to the ripe cherries was always a challenge and made us work as faster and not take a day for granted. We worked quickly and picked every cherry we could possibly reach in that huge cherry tree. We were supplied for an entire year if the harvest was good.<br />
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Trips to the apple orchard were always interesting. With the different varieties of apples we needed to be taught which ones were ripe and which ones weren't. Green apples weren't always an indicator of it not being ripe, but you sure didn't want to pick one that wasn't ready. I remember learning how to watch were I stepped also because honeybees loved the overly ripe apples that had fallen from the trees. It made for quite a bit of excitement the day one of the bees got stuck in my hair. My poor uncle tried to get it out and the stinging commenced before it was over. The poor honeybee didn't survive the chaos.<br />
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Another fun trip was to a place called, "Blueberry Hill". We loved going there. Blueberries are some of the easiest fruit to pick there is. Mature bushes are within arms length for picking with zero thorns. With my whole family picking it wasn't long and we had plenty for the year. Taking them home and flash freezing them was our favorite.<br />
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Good memories and a love for eating whole fruits started because of all of this. Harvest time is something I still eagerly anticipate even though I've had to adjust to the change of moving to Texas and its different seasons. For here blueberry and blackberry season is upon us. My plans to go to a local blueberry farm are in the mix so hopefully I can have enough for the year. The freshness of the fruit and cost comparison to grocery stores make picking your own a winner all around.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkdSOfNpOiU/TfTn9GD6ZjI/AAAAAAAABBk/7VHit0pNrEE/s1600/HarvestScheduleTexas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zkdSOfNpOiU/TfTn9GD6ZjI/AAAAAAAABBk/7VHit0pNrEE/s400/HarvestScheduleTexas.JPG" width="332" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a chart for ALL of <b><u>Texas</u></b>!!<br />
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</tbody></table>If you are interested in finding out what is in season for your area and places you could possibly "Pick-Your-Own" go to <a href="http://localharvest.org/">LocalHarvest.org</a> or <a href="http://pickyourown.org/">PickYourOwn.org</a> for farms around you.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-67208778064278367872011-06-10T00:02:00.000-05:002011-06-10T00:02:11.907-05:00We've Come A Long WayOne thing about blogging about our happenings here is that you get to look back and see how far you've come. It seems like from a day to day basis that we are always in an uphill battle trying to undertake a huge project or fix something that's come up. I've been looking through some older pictures and here is what I found.<div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3e4FgwWDk/TfGWlLaukxI/AAAAAAAABBY/5nyK3DAY_Kg/s1600/AnimalEnclosure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uN3e4FgwWDk/TfGWlLaukxI/AAAAAAAABBY/5nyK3DAY_Kg/s400/AnimalEnclosure.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall 2008 </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ByJYyZSfXM/TfGiZQIt8KI/AAAAAAAABBg/ts_DqGSy9No/s1600/AnimalEnclosurePathway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ByJYyZSfXM/TfGiZQIt8KI/AAAAAAAABBg/ts_DqGSy9No/s400/AnimalEnclosurePathway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring 2011</td></tr>
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</div><div>Of course we are still working to finish out many of the areas, like in front of the shed, under the willow tree and also build an arbor for the wisteria to grow over. Its all time, money and materials. It does encourage me to see photos like this. The willow tree has really grown and our field of a backyard is feeling more cozy and useful. We are hoping to replace more of the lawn with raised beds as time goes.<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-26925278949003294812011-06-09T09:02:00.000-05:002011-06-09T09:02:39.531-05:00Smart Gardening<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>I love efficiency. With limited time and resources, smart planning helps to maximize what you can do and reduce waste. I study urban garden design because it forces people to be more creative with smaller spaces. When you can make a space efficient and pleasing to the eye then in my opinion you've succeeded. These urban practices can be applied anywhere, whether you live in the city or in the country.<br />
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Patti Moreno from <a href="http://www.gardengirltv.com/">Garden Girl TV</a> is one of my favorite designers of efficient gardening. She does a great job of presenting ideas that we all can apply somewhere in our own backyards or apartments. Today I'm sharing "Raised Beds In The City".<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/LBcQfxdpUaA" width="425"></iframe><br />
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You can adapt her design ideas to meet your needs. I like the chicken houses she's built to fit perfectly on top of the beds. I've seen this done for rabbits also. Its practical design that I think can be carried out into the later years of life when strength and mobility start to become challenging.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-14608146365239023902011-06-08T00:02:00.000-05:002011-06-08T00:03:47.214-05:00Gulf Fritillaries Are Back!<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>I have been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Fritillary">Gulf Fritillary <i>Agraulis vanillae incarnata</i> </a>aka as the Passion Butterfly this year. Although it is called a Fritillary, its not closely related to true fritillaries. The range of this butterfly extends from Argentina to the coast of San Francisco. Passion vine is their host plant to lay eggs on and then the caterpillars eat the leaves of the plant. Its a good thing that passion vine is vigorous because some years the Gulf Fritillary caterpillar has eaten in to the ground.</td><td><br />
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<tr><td><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ0wt6nLR7c/Te77kKwWoGI/AAAAAAAABAs/LLnkn7Qkzfc/s1600/GulfFritillary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IZ0wt6nLR7c/Te77kKwWoGI/AAAAAAAABAs/LLnkn7Qkzfc/s400/GulfFritillary.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caterpillar on Passion Vine</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLK_M2CPYiA/Te7-7Wq8L1I/AAAAAAAABAw/fkqWs8JVNss/s1600/Gulf_Fritillary_Butterfly_on_a_Lantana_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tLK_M2CPYiA/Te7-7Wq8L1I/AAAAAAAABAw/fkqWs8JVNss/s400/Gulf_Fritillary_Butterfly_on_a_Lantana_17.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons taken by Jonathan Zander</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As long as the food holds out here, we should see the Gulf Fritillary around for most of the summer here. There will be evidence its life cycle from eggs, caterpillars on passion vine, chrysalis up and down my wood fence to the butterflies flitting around everywhere. A true treat for summertime gardening here.<br />
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</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ci40nN6TR3_mcKVq0PhliQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3ki9v59-2Qdg&feat=embedwebsite" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tID0q_HSQx8/S5-Pb-uZ8uI/AAAAAAAAApA/zoxnNpAPoUs/s1600/BlogSignature.png" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-91201479317509375872011-06-07T07:00:00.001-05:002011-06-07T07:00:01.657-05:00This Got My Attention!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3ErDKmfkXA/Te1oGfjabJI/AAAAAAAABAo/YYUxaOKXVQw/s1600/animated_gif_bees_06.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q3ErDKmfkXA/Te1oGfjabJI/AAAAAAAABAo/YYUxaOKXVQw/s1600/animated_gif_bees_06.gif" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><br />
</div><table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_A6j_AXVY/Te1dGKmK2cI/AAAAAAAABAc/yZ-LL63AhIg/s1600/SolitaryBees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FK_A6j_AXVY/Te1dGKmK2cI/AAAAAAAABAc/yZ-LL63AhIg/s400/SolitaryBees.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I was walking over to my car in the driveway the other day and spotted these mounded holes in the ground between my house and driveway. My heart nearly leaped out of my chest thinking about what they possibly could be. Everything from some sort of aggressive yellow jackets, giant termites to whatever else was big enough to call that hole a home. I stood there there for what seemed to be an eternity waiting to see what went in and out of any of the holes and if they were aggressive. I wondered also how I was going to get away if they didn't fancy me hovering over whatever these things were. All I know is I was a bit scared.<br />
<br />
After a bit a of waiting a larger bee flew into one of the holes. It looked like a cross between a bumble bee and a honeybee. It had fine stripes on its abdomen and was mostly built like one but much larger. It never even cared that I stood within a couple of feet of the entrance to its "home". I just needed to find out what these were and if they were harmful.<br />
<br />
After some research I found it is called a <a href="http://plantdiagnostics.umd.edu/level3.cfm?causeID=1029">Miner or Digger Bee</a>. Its a common name given to many varieties of solitary bees that burrow into the ground. Its a beneficial insect and should not harm us. Whew! The one pictured in the link above is the one that I found that looked the closest to the ones here. I couldn't get a good picture of the buggers, so I'm at a loss for that. It would nice to have a high speed camera for times such as this.<br />
<br />
Upon further reading I found out they really like "lean" areas of your yard where its fairly dry. They usually will only stick around for 6 weeks or so while they raise their young and then leave. I'm happy they are here to help because I can use all of the help I can get<br />
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ci40nN6TR3_mcKVq0PhliQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3ki9v59-2Qdg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tID0q_HSQx8/S5-Pb-uZ8uI/AAAAAAAAApA/zoxnNpAPoUs/s800/BlogSignature.png" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-13740385833670611692011-06-06T07:00:00.004-05:002011-06-06T08:48:19.347-05:00Veggie Garden UpdateSummer is moving along at quite a fast pace now. The 95+ degree temps we've had this week are a prelude to months ahead. Its warmer than it should be already, but it seems the garden is hanging in there with some hand watering and frequent visits by me. I am concerned now that this will be another difficult grasshopper year ahead. I've seen them start to pour out of my herb garden, especially the mint. (or maybe they just like nice breath, *wink*) I'm sure the purple martins will have plenty to eat around here this year. I'll have to keep monitoring the situation as the growing grasshoppers see what all they can eat in my garden.<div><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--91UKCYsY5o/TewtDzIJcjI/AAAAAAAABAQ/a2bgAZA9_Tk/s1600/CinderBlockGardenJune511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--91UKCYsY5o/TewtDzIJcjI/AAAAAAAABAQ/a2bgAZA9_Tk/s400/CinderBlockGardenJune511.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herb garden of left. Veggie garden on right.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgnz3Zk5O8A/Tewts_4H4wI/AAAAAAAABAU/OMJ8ih4nRD4/s1600/ButternutSquash11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bgnz3Zk5O8A/Tewts_4H4wI/AAAAAAAABAU/OMJ8ih4nRD4/s400/ButternutSquash11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butternut squash blossoms<br />
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If everything goes ok with the butternut squash, I better start looking for recipes for them. There are tons!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do0CceB8csU/TewujryIKSI/AAAAAAAABAY/jTtoD6bUWUM/s1600/ContainerGardening11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Do0CceB8csU/TewujryIKSI/AAAAAAAABAY/jTtoD6bUWUM/s400/ContainerGardening11.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gardening in a tub works great. Here is a grape tomato plant with contender green bean plants.<br />
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Companion planting green beans with tomatoes helps pump nitrogen into the soil that the tomato plant needs.<br />
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</tbody></table><div>Later in the week I will talk further about growing tomatoes. It seems to be a plant we've all had questions about from time to time.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-66495973220448755022011-06-03T07:00:00.001-05:002011-06-03T07:00:16.511-05:00Life's Too Short For Problem PlantsThis was a statement I heard a couple of years ago from a veteran master gardener. I was taken aback a bit when I heard it because I thought that's what we're suppose to be able to do. We are trained in how to deal with problems, but first and foremost we try to avoid them in the first place. That is the key. Many of us are plant collectors and we like to enjoy our plants, Collecting plants often times makes for large garden areas to care for so problems plants have to go.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>Its kind of like going into your closet and seeing a piece of clothing that doesn't fit right, causes problems or just makes you feel bad to look at it. It takes up space and doesn't add any spark to your wardrobe. You just need to say goodbye to it and pass it on. You then free up space for something that does work for you. Gardens are the same way.</div><div><br />
</div><div>This year I've had a draw the line on a particular plant. I would say the name of the plant, but it was a gift from one of my gardening friends and it just has been trouble in my yard. It may work for someone else, but here it seems to be severely prone to powdery mildew and it reseeds prolifically. It just doesn't make me smile anymore and it needs to go. I've been digging this plant up for days on end and I am so very much looking for a replacement for the area it occupied. </div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Today I'll highlight roses:</b><br />
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</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQIuxFV9eI8/TebvzNdIBnI/AAAAAAAAA_0/SOarhxqHHhs/s1600/Knock-Out11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xQIuxFV9eI8/TebvzNdIBnI/AAAAAAAAA_0/SOarhxqHHhs/s400/Knock-Out11.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><b><br />
</b></div><div><br />
</div><div>Roses seem to be a plant that people often feel like they can't get to grow right. They love them, but can't get past the <a href="http://umaine.edu/ipm/ipddl/publications/5097e/">black spot</a>, <a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/02902.html">powdery mildew</a>, yellow leaves and poor blooming. The problem is not the gardener is most cases, the problem is the variety of rose they've chosen. Unless you are a rosarian with knowledge on how to prevent these issues, you're best to go with proven cultivars for your area.</div><div><br />
</div><div>In Texas we use the <a href="http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/roses/cultivars/">Earth-kind™ Roses</a> list tested and proven by Aggie Horticulture and AgriLife Extension as trustworthy choices. </div><div><br />
</div><div>In the northern U.S., <a href="http://www.ag.iastate.edu/centers/cad/where.html">Buck Roses</a> are a line of roses tested over the years by Dr. Griffith Buck of Iowa State University. These would fit the bill for more cold hardy cultivars. A nice .pdf publication <a href="http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/rg309.pdf">here</a> on them.</div><div><br />
</div><div>A common rose that I like that grows many places is the <b><a href="http://www.conard-pyle.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/koplants.splash">Knock-Out Rose™</a>. </b></div><div><b><br />
</b></div><div><b><span id="goog_1744390284"></span><span id="goog_1744390285"></span></b></div><div><br />
</div><div>From a sustainability perspective, choosing plants that require less disease treatment, fertilization and resources are definitely a better choice. Plus, who doesn't like being a successful gardener? I know I do and a lot of the secret is in the plants you choose.<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-12385582952608448232011-06-02T07:00:00.001-05:002011-06-02T07:00:15.708-05:00Backyard MakeoverIn case you haven't learned this about me, I am not a fan of mowing a lot of grass. Some yes, but if its a problem area I say its time for it to leave. This is the entrance into my backyard. Its narrow and is basically a pass through to the bigger part of our backyard. With some sweat and a strong back I now have an entrance into my backyard that I am pleased to walk through. No more dragging the weed eater and push mower through here.<div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>BEFORE:</b></div><div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sasQtmUPiV0/SREMDBlVlYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/by1osGqovbQ/s1600/101_0172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sasQtmUPiV0/SREMDBlVlYI/AAAAAAAAAL0/by1osGqovbQ/s400/101_0172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is from an angle looking from upper deck straight at the entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>AFTER:</b></div><div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Lm_SGRZCc/TebnWRz0A_I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/nKf4WlwLWcQ/s1600/landscapemakeovergrills11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2Lm_SGRZCc/TebnWRz0A_I/AAAAAAAAA_Y/nKf4WlwLWcQ/s400/landscapemakeovergrills11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from lower deck toward grill area</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja1nVlKkF7M/TebnbZ5AVzI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oj_Laz4Ox3A/s1600/Landscapemakeoverpath11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja1nVlKkF7M/TebnbZ5AVzI/AAAAAAAAA_c/oj_Laz4Ox3A/s400/Landscapemakeoverpath11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards entrance</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div>Its been fun creating a garden pathway. I've been dividing perennials and filling in around the path. I can't wait to see it as it matures. I love cottage gardening.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ci40nN6TR3_mcKVq0PhliQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3ki9v59-2Qdg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tID0q_HSQx8/S5-Pb-uZ8uI/AAAAAAAAApA/zoxnNpAPoUs/s800/BlogSignature.png" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-8444941999477398852011-06-01T07:00:00.002-05:002011-06-01T07:00:03.704-05:00Blogathon's Over and My Plans<b>Blogathon 2011</b> has been a wonderful experience and I'm thankful to have made it 31 days in a row blogging!! I really was intimidated at the start and thought maybe I bit off more than I could chew. What in the world would I write about daily for 31 days straight? That was just crazy talk as far as I was concerned. <div><br />
</div><div>31 days later and here I am, finished and still with topics I want to blog about. I guess I should keep the ball rolling and keep going. <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">I will however post daily Monday-Friday</span></b>. <u>I will only add a weekend blog post if something comes up</u> for that day, like a trip to our '<i><b>Saturday Only Farmer's Market'</b></i> that's opening this weekend. Gotta blog about that ya' know.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Other news is that I'm moving my blog over to Wordpress within the next week and I hope the transition goes smoothly. I will leave my Blogger account up and available until everything is complete. I will keep you updated on the changes as they occur. </div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My URL will completely be <a href="http://gardening-4-life.com/">Gardening-4-Life.com</a> after the change.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> (without the blogspot added)</span> </div><div><br />
</div><div>You can already use that URL to reach this blog, so you can go ahead and change it now and be fine. The blogathon just made me realize some changes that I wanted and needed to make with my blog.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Until then, here is a picture of a wasp that I think has bitten off more than it could chew, well maybe. I made it over my big hurdle also.</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoFgbqsQ8Cc/TeWS8pjp38I/AAAAAAAAA_A/lmuWtZdJOAw/s1600/wasppullingspider11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LoFgbqsQ8Cc/TeWS8pjp38I/AAAAAAAAA_A/lmuWtZdJOAw/s400/wasppullingspider11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
I usually see <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_dauber">Mud Dauber Wasps</a> paralyze and pack their mud nest with tiny spiders. They do this and then lay their young in there so they will have food before hatching out. Gross I know, but it does bring about a sense of balance in nature. This particular wasp pulled this giant spider at least 20 feet. The spider was paralyzed and I'm curious if this was just a "big haul" like we would do for a deer or elk. I will not complain so much about wasps anymore, they play their part in keeping things in check around here. No free lunches here.<br />
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</tbody></table></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-27202148122477194592011-05-31T07:21:00.000-05:002011-05-31T07:21:05.928-05:00Great Tree To Attract Butterflies & Bees<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>We try to include plants and trees around our home that are both super easy to grow and also add some level of use for beneficial insects. One of our favorites we added three years ago was a Vitex tree.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/1188/">Vitex</a></b> <i>Vitex agnus-castus </i>also known by Chaste Tree, Lilac Chaste Tree and Monk's Pepper -Its hardy from Zone 6a-9b and can grow up to 20 ft tall. It likes full sun to partial shade and is grown for its nice foliage. If the tree is dead-headed it will encourage more blooms later in the season Its drought tolerant and suitable for xeriscaping. BUT, what sold us on it was the fact we saw how nicely it grew in the grassy median of the interstate not too far from us. If the tree could survive there, we knew it was the tree for us.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZpjPgDp8wo/TeRC7XdiMJI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Zg3kmzxPykY/s1600/VitexTree11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZpjPgDp8wo/TeRC7XdiMJI/AAAAAAAAA-s/Zg3kmzxPykY/s400/VitexTree11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vitex tree going into its 3rd summer here</td></tr>
</tbody></table><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UNOpXcjq04/TeRC35jTnQI/AAAAAAAAA-k/CGe8rovMrGY/s1600/ButterflySideVitex11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7UNOpXcjq04/TeRC35jTnQI/AAAAAAAAA-k/CGe8rovMrGY/s400/ButterflySideVitex11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">American Painted Lady Butterfly (Vanessa virginiensis)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Anc-l_zAFLQ/TeRC5jX6NyI/AAAAAAAAA-o/-4YubEcI_KQ/s1600/ButterflyVitex11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Anc-l_zAFLQ/TeRC5jX6NyI/AAAAAAAAA-o/-4YubEcI_KQ/s400/ButterflyVitex11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Better view of the amazing color of this "Painted Lady"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I took these pictures on a very windy day so it was hard to capture the honeybees that were buzzing around the tree.<br />
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<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ci40nN6TR3_mcKVq0PhliQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCP3ki9v59-2Qdg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_tID0q_HSQx8/S5-Pb-uZ8uI/AAAAAAAAApA/zoxnNpAPoUs/s800/BlogSignature.png" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-86081251615913325792011-05-30T08:04:00.000-05:002011-05-30T08:04:11.749-05:00Blogathon Theme Day #3 - Wordle<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>This was fun. Using wordle.net you can have your blog words uploaded and made into a picture! It pretty cool I think.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2vNdV0ZqAc/TeKSY85r_BI/AAAAAAAAA-M/zvLPN8lOf7A/s1600/Wordle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w2vNdV0ZqAc/TeKSY85r_BI/AAAAAAAAA-M/zvLPN8lOf7A/s400/Wordle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Happy Memorial Day! Remembering all of our loved ones who have passed on, those who lost their lives serving our country and those who protect it. We salute you!<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-90969646757420775472011-05-29T07:04:00.000-05:002011-05-29T07:04:57.890-05:00Sustainability At WorkSometimes I do things because it just makes sense to me at that time. When we moved out to the country the thing I wanted most was a clothes line. I resented the fact that living in town with restrictions against them really bothered me. I can understand it aesthetically, but with wood privacy fences galore, I couldn't reason out in my head about, "What's the big deal?". I LIKE hanging clothes outside. Its good for the environment, my clothes and my wallet. Running the A/C in 100 degree weather June-August here and Texas is necessary if you don't live in the woods. Add running a clothes dryer in the house and the poor A/C system struggles to keep up with the added heat. Thus, my rant.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div>When we installed the clothes line here, we used 4x4 wood post framework and strung 3 lines of vinyl coated wire in between. Our backyard is fenced in so the neighbors don't have to bear the view of unsightly laundry blowing in the wind. It has worked beautifully and actually dries faster than my indoor dryer.</div><div><br />
</div><div>When we started getting rabbits we realized me needed shade. It was then we built the animal enclosure which encompasses the end of the clothesline frame into its structure. Not long afterwards we added grape vines to grow over the animal enclosure. Its worked wonderfully also.</div><div><br />
</div><div>As I hung a load of jeans out to dry this morning, I looked at the grapes hanging from the clothesline and just smiled. I never thought I would see so many sustainability systems converge at our house.</div><div><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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bco_ewVK9E/TeE5D81B4sI/AAAAAAAAA9w/FtVLBiEG8zg/s1600/ClothesLineGrapes11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bco_ewVK9E/TeE5D81B4sI/AAAAAAAAA9w/FtVLBiEG8zg/s400/ClothesLineGrapes11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the rabbit hutches through the grape vines?</td></tr>
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</div><div>This has provided:</div><div><ul><li>solar clothes dryer - saves life of dryer</li>
<li>food to eat - both leaves and grapes</li>
<li>shade for the rabbits - much cooler and safe for them to eat</li>
<li>energy savings - fans for rabbit area reduced, not using dryer, and not adding to the heat level of our house in the summer</li>
<li>our clothes last longer because the dryer does damage them over time</li>
<li>needed exercise and a chance to soak up some much needed vitamin D for my health</li>
</ul><div>We keep our animals well taken care of so hygiene and odor issues are kept to a minimum. Because I like efficiency, this works for us very well and has for the 2 years that the grapes have flourished.</div></div><div><br />
</div><div><br />
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</tbody></table></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-69327806335216071462011-05-28T08:36:00.000-05:002011-05-28T08:36:27.558-05:00Update On The Baby ChicksAt the beginning of the blogathon, we also began to raise a new batch of chicks. It had been nearly 3 years since we'd taken on this challenge and we were ready. - Well, at least we were willing. You can read how we got started here: <a href="http://gardening4life.blogspot.com/2011/05/we-have-new-baby-chicks.html">New Baby Chicks</a><br />
<br />
Over the past 3 1/2 weeks we've advanced from the tiny cage with a heat lamp to moving them to a sort of nursery cage outside. We are waiting for them to grow larger and finish filling in their feathers before we introduce them to our older chickens.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbTt47UPPc/TeDttWJ5NiI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/5aJV9QXNldQ/s1600/Babychicks2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbTt47UPPc/TeDttWJ5NiI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/5aJV9QXNldQ/s400/Babychicks2011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 5, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Through these past few weeks its taken quite a bit of decision making on what our next steps should be with the chicks. Its been a season where snakes have been acting unusual and I've heard plenty of stories of them getting onto porches and garages when the storms come. The weather has wreaked havoc on their habitat and feeding grounds so its no wonder they want to come live with people. I've had two so far this year, one being in the chicken coop. It greeted me at the door by hanging from the ceiling near the door and a window. It ended up being a 4-5 ft black rat snake that I had to knock out of there and unfortunately end its life. A chicken had died 2 days before and I just wasn't taking any chances. I think if I want rodent control, a cat that's a good mouser will do me just fine.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B52VXNe1aoM/TeDu6wSQnpI/AAAAAAAAA9c/VaeJqKLbV4w/s1600/Rabbit+Hutch+Repair+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B52VXNe1aoM/TeDu6wSQnpI/AAAAAAAAA9c/VaeJqKLbV4w/s400/Rabbit+Hutch+Repair+11.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">May 24, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Thinking about placing the chicks outside really had me concerned that they would end up as snake food. Chicken wire has holes large enough for a snake to crawl through, even though its may not get out after eating one the chicks. It was because of that we decided that we could use an empty <a href="http://gardening4life.blogspot.com/2011/05/we-have-new-baby-chicks.html">rabbit hutch</a> we had open to hold the chicks for a few more weeks. I had to modify it a bit and make some much needed repairs that was a result from a bored rabbit who chewed through the wood around the door. I sealed up every nook and cranny around the ceiling that I thought a snake could crawl through before I could feel comfortable about leaving the chicks in there.<br />
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I was thankful that the chick's nursery cage fit right in the hutch. I thought if anything, the nursery cage would provide a place where they felt secure, like a coop would normally do. Surprisingly though, the within an hour the chicks were out and about, leaving the nursery cage behind. They even slept outside of it the first night.<br />
<br />
Its been 4 days so far and I must say I'm really satisfied with this arrangement. The chicks are safe and they are MUCH easier to care for now. No more kicking the bedding out on the floor, changing their water every couple of hours because they've filled it with bedding. I do miss their singing though. Did you know baby chicks sing? Yes, they do. Its a pleasant sound and often reminds me of my parakeet's songs. It is a far cry from the adult chickens voices that are deep and screaming at times.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgzk3E7bINo/TeDvfbA8QoI/AAAAAAAAA9g/VP66FRTj_Io/s1600/Baby+Chicks+Hutch+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lgzk3E7bINo/TeDvfbA8QoI/AAAAAAAAA9g/VP66FRTj_Io/s400/Baby+Chicks+Hutch+11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See how much they've grown? (click on photo to see it better)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Through all of this, I've come to realize that having a "hospital" type of cage outside is important. I needed a place for the baby chicks to be in isolation until they develop large enough. But it also will be great if I need to house an injured or sick chicken. They need to be kept separate from the flock anyway because a) they may be contagious or b) chickens can be cruel and pick on a weak or injured one. Either way, it allows me a level of control of how they are treated.<br />
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Phase 2 is now underway and I'm thankful. I must tell you that phase 3 will make me nervous when I introduce the chicks to flock. I may have a few sleepless nights and lots of visits to see how they are socializing. A new pecking order will have to be established and I'm not looking forward to witnessing it.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-54951537167577848582011-05-27T07:40:00.000-05:002011-05-27T07:40:32.639-05:00My Garden Gnome Eats Daisies<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>----Well, at least he is a suspect. The only daisies that have all of the petals eaten off are the ones by him.<br />
I know I've been slacking when it comes to giving or gnome aka 'Minion' attention, but I never thought it would come to this. Or possibly he's trying to work out the, "She loves me, she loves me not" question? All I know is that my daisies are suffering for it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SXXeOnPAUk/Td8Xg5OkIwI/AAAAAAAAA9I/txCCq3iqu4U/s1600/MinionNDaisies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0SXXeOnPAUk/Td8Xg5OkIwI/AAAAAAAAA9I/txCCq3iqu4U/s320/MinionNDaisies.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><br />
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Seriously, whatever is eating my daisies will have to be investigated. So far I've gathered its a chewer and I will have to look under the other flowers and examine surrounding plants to see if I can find out what it is. That will help me to determine what to do next.<br />
<br />
In my yard, you won't always find my plants pristine like the ones you see in magazine photos. I try but I sometimes have a round of this or that pest and I try to use the least harmful method first on them. In some cases just a good spray of water on plants knocks culprits off such as aphids. But depending on what it is I will have to deal with it accordingly. If I find its some sort of caterpillar, I may have to use Bt, and organic pesticide that is a protien that caterpillars can't digest. On the negative side though, I also must consider what is a wanted caterpillar, like for butterflies for example. They are not immune to Bt. Organic methods have their harms and drawbacks also.<br />
<br />
Most pest control really is common sense. If your problem is with insects then:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Take time to investigate what insect is doing the damage -- <a href="http://insectidentification.org/">InsectIdentification.org</a> is one source or contact your local Extension office and take a specimen in for ID </li>
<li>Consider if the damage is harming the overall health of the plant (risk losing it or crop) If not, a few damaged leaves won't bother you.</li>
<li>If you find something that could spread to other plants, it needs to be addresses immediately. ie, <a href="http://woodypests.cas.psu.edu/factsheets/insectfactsheets/html/bagworm.html">bagworms</a>, <a href="http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1208.html">squash bugs</a>, <a href="http://www.colostate.edu/Dept/CoopExt/4dmg/Pests/tomato.htm">tomato hornworms</a>, <a href="http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/r108301011.html">cabbage loopers</a>, <a href="http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef103.asp">aphids</a> etc.</li>
<li>Try to look for a solution that will cause the least harm to the plant and environment (this can include manually picking off pests, water spray, making the environment better surrounding the plant ie. prone to slugs and so on)</li>
<li>If a pesticides or biological control is needed, research exactly what that is, how it works and how it harms. How do <a href="http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-ziram/pyrethrins-ext.html">pyrethrins</a> and <a href="http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/extoxnet/pyrethrins-ziram/rotenone-ext.html">rotenone</a> work? If I need to use a <a href="http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05569.html">horticultural oil</a> on soft bodied insects and what season to apply? And on and on until you know what exactly you need for that given situation and how to deal with it.</li>
</ul><div>One issue many of us have is that we just grab up something and use it. And we often think that more is better and that's not always the best solution. In fact it often works against us. It takes a bit of a gumshoe detective work and a bit of research, but its doable. Once you learn how to deal with that particular pest, the information will make you more confident if it arises in the future. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Gardening sometimes is like working on an old car that breaks down from time to time. You learn how to fix each thing as the problem comes along. That's why I love hanging out with people that have gardened for years. They just seems like wise old owls with a wealth of helpful information and the war stories to go along with it. </div><div><br />
</div><div>--- But we still need to find out if Minion is innocent of the crime against my daisies. He's a good gnome and dutifully guards his post by my front steps, so his character is rock solid as far as know.</div><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-47290219596042906682011-05-26T04:36:00.000-05:002011-05-26T04:36:56.465-05:00Growing RosemaryRosemary is an herb that is a royal treat to have in your garden. It appeals to all of senses from its evergreen quality to its unmistakable fragrance as you brush by its branches. A beautiful plant that has its place in every landscape. I love mine. And it started from a cutting I was given at our Master Gardener demonstration garden called, <a href="http://txmg.org/hunt/">Heritage Garden</a>.<br />
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Something you may not realize about rosemary is that it is fairly easy to start from a cutting. From just a few of these you can have more rosemary for your own garden, some to share with friends or give away as gifts.<br />
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I have the shrub-like variety known as <i><a href="http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ROOF">Rosmarinus officinalis</a></i> It grows to a height of up 48" with a width of nearly the same. It is hardy for zones 7a-10b. Like most herbs, it prefers a drier well-drained soil. Rosemary that grew the largest at my house is planted on the south facing side of the house, where it gets plenty of sun.<br />
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Rosemary can be started by both seeds and cuttings, but cuttings have a higher rate of success and grow much faster.<br />
<br />
Here is how to do it to propagate rosemary from cuttings:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uQ0shzM2iM/Td2srXS84-I/AAAAAAAAA8w/8jiqvUQdYms/s1600/Rosemarybranches11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8uQ0shzM2iM/Td2srXS84-I/AAAAAAAAA8w/8jiqvUQdYms/s400/Rosemarybranches11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1. Cut branches from rosemary that are either semi-hardwood or softwood. (See the brown and white stems of each?)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64iv1HWUf98/Td2s79h5v8I/AAAAAAAAA80/60sbEb4FclM/s1600/RosemaryCuttingsPrepped11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-64iv1HWUf98/Td2s79h5v8I/AAAAAAAAA80/60sbEb4FclM/s400/RosemaryCuttingsPrepped11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2. Cut pieces about 5 inches long, stripping leaves off bottom 2/3</td></tr>
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<tr><td><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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTlJIgOLg_8/Td2tlqq-xtI/AAAAAAAAA88/f5yI5DzapbU/s1600/rosemaryplants+potted11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CTlJIgOLg_8/Td2tlqq-xtI/AAAAAAAAA88/f5yI5DzapbU/s400/rosemaryplants+potted11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3. Plant cuttings in a seed starter mix. Moisten. Mist and water as needed after that. In 2-3 weeks you should be able to gently tug the plant to see if roots are developing. Allow to grow to a nice size in the pots before transplanting. </td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0b-xrqEN6s4/Td2xCe_L_KI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ym39hPfhRRw/s1600/RosemaryCuttingsWater11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0b-xrqEN6s4/Td2xCe_L_KI/AAAAAAAAA9E/ym39hPfhRRw/s400/RosemaryCuttingsWater11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosemary can even be started in water if placed in a sunny window. Watch for roots to develop and then transfer to small container with seed starting soil . Follow up as before.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSOM9j86X-g/Td2t1kIpWjI/AAAAAAAAA9A/LxbeezeSsAM/s1600/RosemaryBush11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSOM9j86X-g/Td2t1kIpWjI/AAAAAAAAA9A/LxbeezeSsAM/s400/RosemaryBush11.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my full grown rosemary plant. I planted it here in 2008 and trim it down periodically to keep it from getting leggy. I like to trim it up early in the Spring heavily, then a little through the season as needed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div>From all of the trimmings I either start new plants or dry them for later use. Its pretty easy to do. More information about growing rosemary can also be answered by<br />
Stephanie Suesan Smith over at <a href="http://stephaniesuesansmith.com/growing-rosemary/">Information Central, Gardening Questions Answered</a>.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1719654853128172225.post-84776244899484988032011-05-25T08:14:00.000-05:002011-05-25T08:14:04.099-05:00Using Baskets As Planters<table style="width: auto;"><tbody>
<tr><td>If you would like to add a tasteful looking planter to your patio this year, let me suggest using one of those baskets that you have way too many of hanging around. That's what I did. Its super easy and it didn't cost a thing really.<br />
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All you need to do is:<br />
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<ul><li>use a sturdy basket </li>
<li>line it with 3-4 layers of newspaper, trimming the edges so they won't stick out around the rim</li>
<li>Fill with potting soil - I like to use the "moisture control" kind so it doesn't dry out so fast</li>
<li>Fill with the plants of your choice</li>
</ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQjYH59h3Oo/TdwJdXYV81I/AAAAAAAAA8c/oFYmV5j_xNU/s1600/Basket+Flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aQjYH59h3Oo/TdwJdXYV81I/AAAAAAAAA8c/oFYmV5j_xNU/s400/Basket+Flowers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br />
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Garage sales and thrift stores always have a plethora of baskets for the picking. Its not necessary to paint the basket or anything. This one came painted and didn't fit in my decor anymore. This same concept could be applied to other containers that soil may leak through. Using black and white newspaper or even coffee filters for smaller containers is all you need. Its a great way to recycle and save tons of money on expensive planters.<br />
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</tbody></table>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02516007107983191206noreply@blogger.com0