Why Choose Native Plants? There are so many beautiful plants available in the nursery trade, why would a person choose native plants? There are many reasons to plant natives, but today we’ll focus on our lovely backyard friends, the birds and butterflies. As we develop land for necessary urban, suburban, and agricultural use, we lose … Read more
Now is the time to plan ahead for your seed starting. Starting plants from seed is a relatively easy project if you plan ahead. Here are basic items you will need before you begin.Choose your area to work and hold your pots; then assemble your equipment: Seeds – Seed catalogues give you a large selection. Local … Read more
Spring. March 20th. That seems hard to believe doesn’t it? But here it comes and it’s time to get ready! Although it’s too soon to start most seeds, there are a few exceptions. One of my early starts is caladiums. They take so long to get going because they like warm soil, so that’s what … Read more
HOMEMADE SUET CAKE Homemade suet cakes that fit standard suet feeders can be made with molds—sandwich-size plastic freezer containers (Dollar Store). Save the store-bought plastic suet cake holders and reuse them as your molds. Be sure to coat each mold with a non-stick spray before putting in the suet mix. Recipe #1 uses empty orange … Read more
For Streusel Topping: 6 tablespoons cool salted butter, plus more for pan ¾ cup all-purpose flour ¼ cup rolled oats ½ cup granulated sugar pinch of salt For The Cake: 1 stick salted butter at room temp ½ cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 2 large eggs 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour 1 … Read more
Ingredients: 2 TBS butter 2 TBS olive oil 2 Cups onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed 2 Tsp kosher salt 2 TBS flour 28 oz can tomatoes (including juice) 2 Cups chicken or vegetable broth 2 basil sprigs (1 tsp dried basil) Directions: Heat 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons olive oil in … Read more
Winter is also hard on our feathered friends. This month they are struggling to find resources to stay alive after February’s bitter cold and snow. Birds do have a variety of coping methods for survival. Some grow additional feathers for warmth. Others fluff up their feathers to create air pockets for insulation. Some are like … Read more
To protect our precious plants and our environment we look for safe and natural ways to garden. Oil-based pesticides are an effective and ecologically friendly way to handle many insect pests and even some diseases. Various oils have been used for centuries. They remain an important tool to manage certain pest problems (e.g. scales, aphids, … Read more
March 20th. That seems hard to believe doesn’t it? But here it comes and it’s time to get ready! Although it’s too soon to start most seeds, there are a few exceptions. One of my early starts is caladiums. They take so long to get going because they like warm soil, so that’s what I … Read more
Feeling light within, I walk. Navaho Night Chant “When this is over…when life returns to normal…when we can get together again…” Merriam Webster says to chant is to recite in a monotonous, repetitive tone. Haven’t we all been chanting? While it has been a dark, uncertain year, we have moved through it with quiet … Read more