Presidents’ Points March 2021

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

Suet Cakes

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

Winter Birds

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

Dormant Oils

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

February 2021 Newsletter

It’s February. It’s the depth of winter with cold and snow surrounding us but we’re safe and warm in our homes. Though it doesn’t seem like it, spring is creeping closer. February is the shortest month of the year, so we’ll soon be looking backwards on this winter. To get through this time of cold … Read more

Houseplants 101

Yes, it is winter. We gardeners especially are hungering for a touch of green. You can satisfy that hunger by adding a plant or two or three. Forget those faux plants made of plastic or fabric. Go for the real thing. Not only will you enjoy the living green of nature, houseplants are actually good … Read more