Green Valley Gleanings

New Green Valley Gleanings Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Please visit our new blog at http://gvgh.com/blog.

Spruce Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:36:00 +0000

We get asked many times “What are Spruce Tips and where do they come from and aren’t they taken irresponsibly?" We will address those questions:

Spruce tips are small spruce tree tops that are harvested in boggy areas of northern Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada during thinning operations. They are harvested with (paid) permits from the state or province and harvesting is monitored so areas have time to renew between cuttings. Cutters are only allowed to cut a percentage of the spruce in a given area and are also monitored in relation to maintaining the integrity of the bogs.

Why do people like spruce tips and what do they do with them? Spruce Tip pots make a delightful winter setting in front of your home or office. We live in (mostly) frigid conditions from November thru March and these spruce tip pots remind us that God has created life and beauty and hope around us. Spruce tips are the perfect touch for window boxes and planters throughout the winter months. Important tidbit: the BEST pots to use are cast iron, metal or strong plastic. Ceramic or clay pots tend to crack with wet soil in them during freezing temps.

Spruce tips are not ‘alive’ in that they don’t have roots and are not a growing plant any longer, so it is important to know how to care for them. Keeping the soil moist until it freezes is important, plus a spray with an anti-transpirant is helpful to retain needles. Warm drying winds can sap the needles of moisture, so monitor carefully under those conditions. When spring winds come and your spruce no longer look fresh, be sure to remove and recycle them. Save any decorations for next year. You’ll find that it’s probably time to insert already-growing pots of bulbs or pansies until annuals are ready.

If you make your own spruce tip pots from bundles, October and November are the perfect months to get them into the soil before it FREEZES. Most people start with their tallest spruce tip in the center of the pot, then position shorter tips around, creating a conical ‘tree’ shape. Ends can be snipped to finish the conical look OR you can design any way you like. Lights, pine cones, dogwood, assorted other greens, birch branches, silk flowers, and berries all can add to the festive look.

Christina’s Garden for Under $70

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:11:00 +0000

Christina has a bit of landscaping in her backyard so we stopped to snoop and see what she’s done with it this summer and found out just how thrifty she is! Over the years, she has planted a few perennials (hosta, ligularia, astilbe, heuchera, iris, chives, lysimachia) in this area which are maturing nicely. This spot gets a lot of sunshine when the sun is high during the summer, even though it’s on the north end of her home.

This year she added annuals to assure a color show all summer long. Here are the annuals in this area and what they looked like on August 26, 2009: 1 each--trailing petunia, oxalis and calibrachoa 6-packs and 10 PotStuffers (2 each: coleus, licorice, strawflower, diascia and blue torenia)--all added up to less than $70. Yes, those big chunks of petunia and calibrachoa on the edge came from 6-pack plugs! Nice job, Christina! We’re excited to check in next year to see new ideas.

Flowering Bulbs: A Labor of Love and Delight

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:32:00 +0000

October is a great time to plant spring blooming bulbs. Most spring flowering bulbs are perennials and chances are they will provide you with blooms year after year.

First, find a sunny location with well-drained soil, preparing (turning, digging) the top 6-12 inches of soil in the bed.

Improve the soil with compost or bonemeal.

Choose firm, heavy bulbs and plant with pointed end up, usually three times deeper than their diameter—in groups or clusters, remembering that the larger the cluster, the better the show.

Cover with soil and water well.

You may wish to plant bulbs between perennials like lilies and hosta.

By the time perennials are making their debut, you will have enjoyed a dazzling show of blooms which would otherwise have been wasted space. Be adventuresome! Some of the lesser-known varieties can make an exciting addition to the garden. Don’t fall for the ‘buy a zillion for $10 ads’; get high-quality product at a local garden center like Green Valley Garden Center and your efforts will have a better return.

Happy Gardening and Think Spring in the Fall!

Overwintering Foliage Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Time to identify and bring inside those plants you’d like to save for next year! When temps get down into the low 50s and even into the 40s –it’s time to get them into the warmth. Which plants do you plan to overwinter? Geraniums? How about those spectacular dracaenas or phormium from the center of mixed annuals? They are slow-growers and just imagine having that size next spring…at the start. Tropicals like hibiscus, mandevilla, jasmine? With a little patience and a bright window you’ll have success. Most can be cut back, especially the vining ones. Treat for potential pest problems, cut back on watering and fertilizer, and find your sunniest window.

Most plants which are brought indoors will lose some leaves at the outset, but they should eventually stop. Reminder: overwintering works for TROPICALS but most ANNUALS –no. Exceptions: ‘soft’ varieties like COLEUS can be rooted from cuttings if you have the space and like to putter in the soil. PORCH ferns can come inside, but if they are BOSTON FERNS you should expect them to drop fronds as they adjust to drier conditions. Grandma knew what she was doing when she put the room humidifier directly under a hanging fern!

Lunch in the Garden - Brownies Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:20:00 +0000

Here is the great recipe for the Zucchini Brownies that we had at the August 20th Lunch in the Garden event.

Vicky DeMars' Zucchini Brownies from the Cafe Corner by Pat Nelson
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
2 Cups shredded zucchini
3/4 Cup Vegetable Oil
2 tsp Vanilla
Mix the above ingredients and Add
2 Cups Flour
1/3 Cup Cocoa
1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
1 tsp Salt
1/2 Cup Walnuts (chopped)
Mix and put in 9 x 15 pan and bake 350 degrees for 35 min.

Frosting
1/4 Cup Marg.
1 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Milk
Bring to a boil and boil slow for 1 min, take off stove and add
1/2 Cup Small Marshmallows
1/2 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
1 tsp Vanilla
Beat until smooth and put on brownies.

Ramsey Vegetable Garden Update

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:36:00 +0000

Remember the vegetable gardens that we blogged about on June 1st? Here they are again, two months later. Let's see how they are doing.

Jenni has an abundant supply of lettuce, onions, and green beans.
Her tomatoes are doing well, although she hasn't had any turn red yet. She's been picking raspberries and harvesting broccoli too.
The fence has been working great to keep the deer and other animals away so far.

Wayne's pole beans are doing great! It sure beats bending over to pick them when they grow tall on the fence.

Wayne's raspberries have been bearing bucketfuls of red, black, and yellow berries.

Jeff's garden is a delight to see. The hay has kept the weeds at bay and given him plenty of time to play. :) Pole beans are on the left and tomatoes are on the right.
Squash is taking up lots of room and starting to flower.
Broccoli, peppers, carrots, and onions come next.

Jeff's raised asparagus bed looks great now. The test will come over the next couple of years after winter does it work. We hope that these asparagus survive and thrive!
The sweet corn is over seven feet tall and will be ready before too long. Congratulations to these Ramsey gardeners for their beautiful and productive gardens!

Anoka, MN Raised Vegetable Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 19:03:00 +0000

You can get some ideas from this raised vegetable garden in Anoka. Your back says, "Thank you, Thank you" when you work in this garden, making it a pleasure to plant, weed, and harvest it.

Enjoy the pictures!

Container Vegetable Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Samantha sent some pictures to us of her vegetable garden in Anoka on the deck of her townhouse. What a great idea!

Emerald Ash Borer

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:38:00 +0000

To Prevent or Not to Prevent?

Cute isn't he? What you see is commonly known as the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) and the damage they do is not cute! He’s an exotic beetle from Asia, smaller than a penny. His larvae feed in the tree trunk between the bark and the wood, producing tunnels that eventually girdle and kill branches and entire trees.

Things to look for :
1. Crown Decline- Dieback that occurs at the top of the tree progressing down the tree.
2. Epicormic Sprouts- New shoots produced lower on the trees. Usually there will also be a decline in growth on top of trees.
3. D-Shaped Exit Holes- These D-shaped holes can be anywhere on the tree not always easily visible. Holes are small. Remember the bug itself is smaller than a penny.
4. Woodpecker Holes- Woodpeckers are attracted to EAB larvae.
5. Symptoms on Multiple Ash Trees - However this little green menace does not like "Showy Mountain Ash" Sorbus decora is not a true ash.

Experts say you should not apply any remedy solutions unless there is a diagnosed case in your area. However, if you suspect EAB in your neighborhood, or see any symptoms, you might want to try Bonide Annual Tree and Shrub Systemic. Call the MN Dept. of Agriculture with questions or concerns.

Ever heard of these statements? "Don't move Firewood" or "Use local wood to help stop invasive pest"? The Emerald Ash Borer is often transported in firewood, along with other invasive pests.

Best EAB website http://www.emeraldashborer.info/

This page shows a map and information for MN.
http://www.emeraldashborer.info/map.cfm

Arrest the Pest Hotline
651-201-6684
1-888-545-6684
Arrest.The.Pest@state.mn.us

Water Garden Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:20:00 +0000

http://www.MWGS.org

Ramsey Vegetable Gardens

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 18:44:00 +0000

Do you have your garden planted? There are many different ways to grow vegetables, but here are three local backyard gardens with some various ideas in place. Check back here over the summer to watch how they grow.

Jeff's Garden

Jeff has a 50' by 80' garden with a 5' high deer fence surrounding it. He has green beans, tomatoes, squash, melons, cauliflower, broccoli, onions, carrots, cucumbers, peppers, a raised asparagus bed, and sweet corn.

He has a great watering idea with an outdoor water faucet, pvc pipe and sprinkler heads attached to the top of posts.

Wayne's Garden

Wayne has a 50' by 90' garden with a deer fence around it. Inside the fence are potatoes, sweet corn, peas, onions, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and green beans. Outside the fence are red, yellow, and black raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, pumpkins, and goards.

He uses sprinklers and soaker hoses to do his watering and has left enough room between the rows of plants to use a rotor tiller for weed control.

Jenni's Garden

This garden is only 12' x 50' and it's intended to be low-maintenance affair. Stuffed into this small area are chives, rhubarb, strawberries, red raspberries, green beans, green peppers, broccoli, tomatoes, a cucumber, and a squash. A roll of paper was purchased from a local newspaper (the Anoka County Union) in Coon Rapids and put on the ground with straw put on top purchased from Berry Hill Farm in Nowthen. The goal is to minimize weeding although from experience she knows it doesn't work perfectly. The first beans are just starting to pop up through the ground. Yeah!

Here's a fun Gardening Rhyme

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:51:00 +0000

Heart Beet

Do you carrot at all for me?

My heart beets for you,
With your turnip nose
And your radish face.
You are a peach.
If we cantaloupe,
Lettuce marry.
Weed make a swell pear.

A Rocket in My Pocket: Rhymes and Chants of Young Americans

ZZ Mania

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:54:00 +0000

We’re excited about the ZZ plant! We won’t bore you with the more scientific Zamioculcus Zamiifolia, because this plant is so simple it deserves a simple name. Nothing to write home about in appearance, unless you like something small, durable, interestingly shiny-leafed, a real gem of an adaptable plant that doesn’t scream for lots of tender loving care. It can take low to medium light situations—don’t put it in full sun, just filtered light. The ZZ doesn’t need much water; think succulent or cactus type plant, even though it is more related to the spathiphyllum, philodendron and pothos than cactus. In other words, it thrives on neglect. ZZs are a slow grower, which make them great for those of us who like to purchase a plant and tell it to “sit!” No problem for the ZZ plant, which tend to grow around 3’ tall, but spread out to around that wide. ZZ look great when paired with an outstanding ceramic pot, whether you want a tall pot to make it go ‘up’ or sit ‘squat’ on the floor. These critters can be found hanging out in our garden center, but you have to ‘seek’ to find them!

Late winter turns our thoughts to gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Green Valley Greenhouse) — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 22:41:00 +0000

Oh, for a sun-ripened tomato instead of those plastic thing-ums we find at the grocer. What would we give for a juicy sweet thin-skinned cucumber instead of the hard-seeded thick waxy things they call cucumbers? How about cracking open a peapod and counting the peas to find TEN in one pod? If you are scanning the seed catalogs like we are, your lips are smacking and you can almost feel the sun on your back as you mentally prepare your soil, drop those little seeds or plants into the ground, mulch, water, weed….and finally harvest.

What is it about a garden?? Why does it get into our blood?? I believe there are lessons in the garden we can’t learn very many other places. Where else can we learn thrift, patience, waiting for God’s timing, vigilance, exercise, family togetherness, the ‘unfairness’ of life, God’s bounty to us, true fresh-picked goodness, how to truly nourish our bodies, among many others. A garden cannot be measured in our time, but in God’s timing and nature’s Providence. In a world that seems out of control, or hard to control, why not just let go and let God do what He does best, grow beautiful things?

At Green Valley Garden Center, we take gardening very seriously. We are preparing to meet all your gardening needs, starting with seeds all the way through to remedies when problems arise. Come in right now to find all the common and not-so-common vegetable seeds, many of which are HEIRLOOMS. You’ll find all the tools you’ll need for planting.

We have started our first tomato seeds, since we know you early-birds will be looking for those plants the end of April. We are planning many new varieties of tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables; we even have a LISTING of all our varieties. If you click on PRODUCTS, you will find lists of the vegetables we’re growing, most of which you can click on the variety and find a picture and description. This should make planning your vegetable garden a BREEZE! Make a wish list, bring it with you, and your garden shopping will be a snap! Come in during May and early June to find it all. (Of course varieties come and go, so make your list and shop early).