Cocktails?

I found a compost cocktail list in Urban Farm Magazine today & wanted to share the link.
The pic above was taken in Dallas this fall at a school yard garden.

I know some of you are just getting in to the composting "habit", and this list is a great way to start. It might be a good idea to laminate the list to hang in your compost area.

http://media.animalnetwork.com/channelmedia/urbanfarmonline/compost-materials.pdf

Now is a good time to get started with composting since the garden is sleeping!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

iPad.

Test.

For the Birds

OK, it's snowing in Augusta and the birds are peering at me as if they are ready for a treat!

I just filled 4 feeders outside the kitchen window, and hung 3 fatty suet cakes in the crab apple tree. Before Christmas, I shared some leftover rose hips from last week's arrangements by tying the hips with Christmas ribbon and placed in the "suet tree".

Your perennials that have gone to seed are another natural food source. Although not very attractive, your swamp sunflowers and coneflowers provide snacks for the energy-burning birds outside. Unfortunately, the yard guys thought they were helping and cut all my "gone to seed" plants back...

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Are you done?

OK. So there are 11 days til Cmas. Are you done?

Here are some last minute thoughts from cousin Nancy
to keep us on task...

• Check your lists, what do you have left?, what can wait?, is it important or not?
• No list? MAKE ONE!--be realistic and prioritize. Break everything down into manageable tasks--you can get things done without going crazy.
• Make time for your family and yourself!

Wow. This year has flown. Thanks, cousin Nancy.

The only thing I add to the above is keep your list with you and mark off as you go. This gives me a sense of accomplishment. By the end of the day, my list is all rumpled up and marked on, and shows I've done something!

Sam shot a video of "Wreath Embellishment", but has not completed the editing process. I'll put this on his list for posting this week!

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Wreath Wrap Up...

Whew!

That's all I can say today... 7 of 8 Workshops done with the final tomorrow.

I cannot believe I've not posted anything in 10 days...Need to write some posts for busy times like this!

Here are a few pics...Tomorrow, find out how to add fruit to your Christmas wreath!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Watchful Eyes

Not sure if I've mentioned this already, but something has happened to my two teens.

I tried to get away with minimal home decorating at Thanksgiving since we host Tday at the farm. About a week before Thanksgiving, Marianna said, "When are you going to start decorating?". As if the pumpkins in the yard, on the fence and in the urns was not enough!

So now they are trying to decide on an all white outdoor "theme" (Let it Snow) or a colorful garish Griswold decor...We are going with the all white and "more than just the front door way"...Griswold's next year.




I am content knowing that all these years I've toiled to go a bit over the top with my decorating has paid off. I am almost certain they will pass these traditions on to their families making each
occasion very special.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Wreath Workshop Day 1, 2010

What a sight!
Nine of us in the shed with a church like quietness that made me wonder how serious these girls were!

They loosened up and we all had a marvelous time. Each wreath unique and beautiful, there will be no other like your hand made wreath...

Pictures say it all.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Counting Down to Christmas!

Less than 4 weeks til Christmas is what Cousin Nancy from ATL
is telling me...LISTS! Here is what she has to say...


Time to get serious about planning for Christmas. Having a strategy
will take the pressure off and minimize stress!

• Guests coming? What needs to be done to get ready?


• Christmas away? Get the gift list together & shop, Cyber-shopping today!


• Gifts to be mailed? Do so before rates go up!


• List: To do & To buy & Miscellaneous for odds & ends to remember

Here are a few more items to remember, break into small chunks of time(try www.e.ggtimer.com)

• Focus on decorating- your kids will remember this & ask "when are we putting the decorations up?"


• Cleaning- Get real about this...what can you hide or slide?


• Wrapping/labeling


• Christmas Cards- a few at a time, keep on Word/Excel file and save to "Christmas Jump Drive"...


• Meal planning...try shopping & cooking one day a week, don't forget the Crock Pot!


• Have "Emergency" items handy- toothbrushes, toiletries, guest room tidied, Stain kit, First Aid kit, extra small gifts for those you might have let slip!

Thanks Nancy!

Blessings from the Garden...

ML

How do you like it...

Short, long, squatty, chunky, skinny?

Sounds like a Waffle House order for your Christmas tree.

I had to post this because every year I struggle with choosing a Christmas tree.

For example, two years ago, I chose a tree that was very chunky and tall ...looked like

the perfect one to me!

Arrive home, unload from the pickup, drag to front door and it won't fit in the door!

I loaded it back up, and returned it to the tree lot. I've had many instances like this one,

and will share more with you this week.

Just knowing, though, that my 14 year old daughter is a good judge of tree "character"

is so comforting. She picked it out right away today. I was worried momentarily, but

when we finally shoved it in the door, it was perfect!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Going Teal (Green) for TDay...

Ok. I am a bit busy, so here is the link to last year's pre-Tday post!
We can all do better on this gluttonous holiday!

http://www.mlchgarden.com/2009/11/goingteal-for-tday.html

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

SuperFood:Swiss Chard

Sounds so fancy, doesn't it?

My father introduced me to this "better than spinach" veggie many years ago, before becoming such a popular ornamental(pretty) plant! 'Rainbow Chard' is pictured above. Yellow, red and green stems make up this variety. Another favorite of mine is 'Ruby Chard' with red stems.

I cook chard like spinach - a bit of chicken broth, some garlic, salt and pepper. Above, I placed chicken on bottom of dish, then mushrooms, broth and chard last on top. Covered with foil and finished the cooking chicken.

Chard has high percentages of vitamins A, K, and C. Like spinach, chard is easy to grow, and you can start it from seed in early spring.

So, put Swiss Chard on your list for spring planting, adding another SuperFood to your repertoire. You'll save a few bucks, too!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Less is More...

Doesn't the "less is more" phrase fit into many categories?
Fashion. Cosmetics. Decorating. Landscape.
It's true.

Yes, my taste for landscape is evolving, and I am not perfect in my choices by any means, but...
some of the re-landscaping that is happening now in the "Garden City" is a bit harsh on the eyes.


It seems that some are planting for planting's sake- instant gratification, filling the space. Why not leave a bit of space for the eye to rest on a specimen tree or a perfect perennial? Like a piece of artwork in your living room. I could grasp this concept a bit better if one were covering the lawn to say goodbye to weekly mowing (check out Eat Your Yard!), but that is not the case.

My plans for re-landscaping or updating my landscape include plants that I will enjoy bringing indoors such as camellias, grasses, and a host of perennials. This takes some thought, though, not just random planting.

Less is more.
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Notes from Nancy: Are you ready?

Cousin Nancy gives us a few tips to get ready for Tday and Christmas!













How are holiday preparations going? A few more tips:

• double check your lists and adjust accordingly


• Travelling? Double check rules for carry on's & weight limits...reservations?


• Car maintenance- oil change, tires balanced & rotated, new wipers, wiper fluid?


• Emergency road kit in car? jumper cables, first aid kit?


• Make the list for Tday dinner if not already


• Stain kit ready for spills...club soda for red wine!


• Next weekend start decorating for Christmas, begin wrapping gifts


• Buy Christmas cards & start addressing(put in bright bucket as above, with all supplies)


• Take pics & reminisce about loved ones and Christmases past!

Most importantly, enjoy time with family & friends!

Next note from Nancy: "4 Weeks til Christmas!"

Thanks Nancy!

Blessings from the Garden...

ML

Stuffed Pumps continued...

Pics of Pumps

"Stuffed Pumpkins"

Lemonade out of Lemons, right?

Well, what do you make with leftover(actually, secretly set aside!) pumpkins?

Stuffed Pumpkins

Here is one of my recipes for Stuffed Pumpkin Centerpiece:

One beautiful spunky pumpkin grown at Hagler Farm

3-5 stems of flowering cabbages(pink & white)

several stems of beautiful fall millet

5-7 yellow with red tinge roses

a few stems of seeded eucalyptus

3 baby artichokes

3 lady apples

A pinch of this & a pinch of that...

Pick Up is on Tuesday any time after 1pm.

$35.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Punkin Chunkin

Hey.

Sam diffused some testosterone this week with some healthy, unreserved "Punkin Chunkin"!

Have you seen the show? I was engaged and amazed at the catapults, air cannons, and centrifugicals(?) shooting pumps yards away!

Once you've chunked or simply cut open your pumpkin this year, here is a great recipe sent from a regular reader...originally from Martha!

Pumpkin seeds are high in fiber, protien, zinc and essential amino acids...so know that you are eating something healthy...

Sweet & Spicy Pumpkin Seeds

1 medium pumpkin

5 Tablespoons sugar

1/4 t ground cumin

1/4 t ground cinnamon

1/4 t ground ginger

Pinch of cayenne pepper, to taste

1 1/2 Tablespoons peanut oil

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Remove pumpkin seeds from pumpkin, rinse seeds. Spread seeds evenly on to parchment paper, and bake until dry, stirring occasionally- about an hour. Let cool.

In a medium bowl combine 3 Tablespoons sugar, and the salt, cumin, cinnamon, ginger, & cayenne. Heat peanut oil in a large nonstick skillet over high heat. Add seeds and remaining 2 Tablespoons sugar. Cook until sugar melts and seeds begin to carmelize...about 45 to 60 seconds. Transfer to bowl with spice mixtureand stir to coat. Let cool. Store in airtight container for about up to one week...ENJOY!

And the Winner is...

MAGNIFICENT MARIA!

Maria took the win this month with almost 50% of the votes with Beckoning Brown and Sassy Sasser fetching a number of votes too!

Maria has friends, relatives and acquaintances from all over the world. The past few weeks have sent my "sitemeter" reeling!

She will recieve an MLCHgarden hand made Christmas wreath the week of December 6th! We'll post a follow up on Maria's Christmas decor!

Visit Maria's cozy website below:

www.ladolcevitathesweetlifewiththreesons.blogspot.com

Blessings from the Garden...
ML

PS. Tomorrow- Punkin Chunkin & pumpkin seed recipes!
PPS. Catch up on Notes from Nancy: Holiday prep on Wednesday...

Straight Up: Lavender Linen Spray

This week I took my Herbs for the Holidays presentation to 2 local prestigious garden clubs. I shared several ways to incorporate home-grown herbs in thier holiday cooking, gift giving and decorating...

As I was about to describe how to make "Lavender Linen Spray", one young woman (also ML) exclaimed that she "loves to iron" and enjoys using linen sprays while ironing her sheets! Now that is some kind of woman --ironing her sheets...Do you? Not me. I've sent them to be pressed a couple of times!

A great "home made" Christmas gift is "Lavender Linen Spray" , particularly when given to those of us with a 4 legged sleeping companion! Lavender is an indulgence that helps some feel a bit tired, thus bringing on restful sleep!

Here is the recipe and some ideas for containers:

Lavender Linen Spray

• 
  
  1 tsp. lavender essential oil


• 
  
  1/4 cup unflavored vodka


• 
  
  3 1/2 cups filtered/distilled water

Pour the distilled water into a fine mist spray bottle. Add drops of essential oil, then vodka, shake well. You're probably wondering why the vodka? It helps to disperse the oil and water together & speeds up the drying process on your sheets so they aren't stained or sour!

The Container Store sells all sorts of BPA free plastic containers and fine mist sprayers. I would suggest going with a 8oz. or 16 oz. bottle.

I've ordered some containers, and will report...

Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Porches on Parade...final days!

There are 3 days left in the Porches on Parade Contest. It's been close and the porch in 3rd place is gaining on the other two!

Like watching the Wimbledon...on the edge of my seat!



I'll announce the winner on Saturday morning here at MLCHgarden.com. The winning porch designer will recieve an MLCHgarden Christmas wreath for her front door or special indoor spot.



Here is the link, so VOTE!
Poll is on right side bar of website...


Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Top 10 Video Topics

Hey.

My creative team and I are working on a series of videos related to gardening.

What would you spend 3-5 minutes watching?

Click on COMMENTS below & let me know...

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Christmas Prep

Don't believe that I am organized just because I get a post out most every day!

I must say, though, that cousin Nancy's Sunday Post has challenged me to get a jump on Christmas.

I have nothing to do this season, just create dozens of Thanksgiving centerpieces, host 6 Wreath Workshops, and produce a number of custom wreaths! So prior to the holiday plunge, I am actually trying to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be the week before Christmas!

So far here is what I have done & need to do:

DONE

• house pressure washed


• started "Hagler Thanksgiving" group on FB


• ordered Christmas cards(now that is shocking!)


• decided on 2 things I can make & give as Christmas gifts


• emailed my kids for thier Christmas lists(gets better every year)


• scheduled Gizmo's hair appt (gotta look & smell good for holidays!)

TO-DO

• assign menu items for TDay at farm(you wouldn't believe the food fest!)


• make sure house at farm is clean before Tday


• double check w/those not on FB re:Tday.


• Make Advent Wreath and share with readers


• complete online Cmas shopping for most of gifts


• assemble supplies for home made gifts


• finish Cmas gift buying list

OK, this is not ALL there is to do, but you get the point. Next Sunday,I'll share the two things I'll be giving as home made "garden" gifts.

Get Busy.

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?

The answer is no, just older!

First, don't forget to vote for your favorite porch setup as posted on November 3rd

"Porches on Parade"

You may vote until November 12th, but why wait? All 3 styles reflect the unique personalities of the designers.

I was invited to speak to a group of 120 Third Graders at Lake Forest Hills elementary school this week. Though flattered, I was so nervous! They are studying herbs, so I gave an overview of gardening & herbs...

Sharing some of thier questions:

• What is your favorite flower? Nasturtium



• Your favorite tool? The Claw



• Do you use fertilizer? Yes, mostly organic and Llama poop (big laugh)!



• How much would you charge to make a garden? Hmmmm. depends on how big it is!

The teacher came by that afternoon bearing a gift certificate and 3 packs of nasturtium seeds! Great time with these kids, but I need more practice...my confidence level is much higher with adults...strange.

Well, to turn that around I am working on a Spring Garden Camp for Kids.

Not sure about details, but open to suggestions...

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Special Delivery

Amazing how flowers in a pretty pot can make you feel like a Queen.

Special delivery today for a guy who has never sent flowers to his wife. Three shades of pink roses, green hypericum berries and camellia leaves and buds.

She almost fell on the floor!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Long lasting color

What are your favorite plants that crank out long lasting color for a season, maybe two?

Annuals? Perennials? Shrub? Tree?

This would be my favorite perennial, Hellaborus Orientalis or Lenten Rose

blooms early spring.

COLOR!!

Click on the "comment" link below to give me some answers...

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Pumpkin Notes...

Whether you have a MLCHgarden grown pumpkin or a "store bought" one, just a couple of tips:

• Bring your pumpkin inside if temps go near freezing. Frozen pumps turn to mush!


• Save your pumps through Thanksgiving. Decorations keep the holidays festive.


• Rub a bit of olive oil on your pumps to keep them fresh looking.


• Use your pump as a container for flowers or greens for TDay!


• Save your seeds for baking/eating or for planting next year.

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Fall Porches on Parade Wrap Up...

Magnificent Maria














Sassy Sasser



Ok, this is where the fun starts.
The "winner" of the Fall Porches on Parade contest will receive a fresh custom made MLCHgarden full & fluffy Christmas Wreath for her front door/mantle.


Vote for your favorite decorator at the "poll" located on the right side bar of this website!!!













Beckoning Brown





Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Augusta Area Master Gardeners

A great time Monday with the Augusta Area Master Gardeners at the annual Brown Bag Meeting. I was asked to speak about the "Orange Bulldog" pumpkins as their lunch program.








Best laid plans?

• I put this great PowerPoint program together last week with so many colorful pics.
  

• Loaded up some pumps for "show & tell".


• Practiced so I'd be perfect!
  

Well, worked out for an hour Monday morning(meeting at noon!), took a long, hot bath & attempted to download program to "jump drive" and didn't work..

Plan B ? Go to Daniel Village UPS/Copy store for 30 print outs of program! They gave me a "special" on color "flyers" ...flower budget busted.

The MG's had many questions about the process of growing a field of pumps:

1. What type of spray do you use for mildew?

None this year, that is what this variety was bred for.

2. How did you get involved in the field trial at UGA?

A connection of a local garden buddy(JIM). Jim put me in touch with the professor conducting the trials in 2006, and the seeds came my way!

3. What makes these pumpkins unique?

No two pumpkins are alike. They have deep ridges which makes them interesting to look at. Disease resistance. Beautiful for Thanksgiving. You can grow them in GA!

Tomorrow, 120 3rd Graders!
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Holiday Organizing continues...

(This is my mother who would kill me if she knew!)

Cousin Nancy sends in more ideas this week to help keep us "perfectionist procrastinators" on top of the upcoming holiday season...


Thanksgiving is less than 4 weeks away and Christmas less than 8! Look at your calendar of Holiday Timeline at least once a week. Tweak as needed & get some things done now instead of later. Guests coming over the holidays? Some thoughts:

• touch up painting, house pressure washed
• clean baseboards, ceiling fans
• thorough dusting...bookshelves, backs of doors
• re-arrange furniture for a fresh, cozy look/feel
• check light fixtures and lamps for sprucing up...new shade? light bulbs?

How about your shopping? Make a gift list now. Check out Mary Louise's garden gift list. Don't forget teachers, coaches, babysitters, etc... Christmas card list? Start addressing envelopes & create a rough draft of your "Holiday Letter". The Goal? Get it done before Thanksgiving. All these little things you can do now so you'll relax & enjoy the holidays...

Thanks cousin Nancy!
Blessings from the Garden.
ML

Christmas List for U

Baffled by what a gardener or gardener wanna be might want for Christmas?


Fine print:
This is not my wish list & I am not soliciting gifts from readers. However, comments from readers on website would be the best gift to me...

1. Chipper/Shredder for home garden/yard. (This really is on my Cmas list!)

2. Another pair of Mary Jane (Kadee) Crocs for gardening- great because they are washable, bacteriostatic and odor resistant!
http://www.crocs.com/womens-footwear/women-footwear,default,sc.html

3. Pair of Atlas gloves

4. Interesting bird feeder & the food to go with it.

5. Stainless Kitchen Scrap bucket from Gardener's Supply

6. Georgia Gardening magazine or whatever state (State by State Publishers)

7. Urban Farm magazine

8. Statue of St. Fiacre- the patron saint of gardens and healing

9. Bird bath

10. Aluminum Hand Cultivator

More detail in upcomng posts.

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Potting Prep

Tonite I am clearing out The Shed to make room for
8 motivated ladies to come over and pot the
colossal amaryllis bulbs for the Press On Fund
as described on Tuesday.

Team Tennis has a goal of 100 to meet, and believe me,
this group is fueled by a challenge like this!



















This is the result of last year's potting effort.
Could someone tell my dear hubby that I need more room...??!!



More tomorrow.
Blessings from the Garden.
PS...All entries for "Porches on Parade" will be voted on soon...

Press On: Potting for Patrick

This Friday, a half dozen or so of my tennis buddies will gather in The Shed to pot up Amaryllis bulbs for the Press On Fund to Cure Childhood Cancer. My friend Kris has received over 1000 orders for the aromatic paper whites and the colossal amaryllis which we pot and wrap in a festive Christmas cloak.

There are several "potting party hostesses" who invite "Press ON angels" to come pot for this movement. We've surpassed the order goal of 1000, so now it's time to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

More on Friday.Blessings from the Garden.
ML

SuperFood: Kale

(Kale:the green ruffly stuff cozied up with turnips and sweet potatoes)

I just read an article in Oxygen magazine compounded by a Facebook notice from Garden City Organics which sparked this post! Earlier this month, I described the 12 most common SuperFoods and their benefits.

It's time to conjoin the food we grow and eat. Kale hits the spotlight today as it is one of the top SuperFoods. The term "superfood" is such because of its nutrients and health protecting qualities. According to the CDC, Kale was brought to the US in the 17th Century, ended up in the South as a "poor man's food" because it is so cheap and easy to grow. Hear that? EASY TO GROW!

With this in mind, I purchased several beautiful & healthy kale plants from Garden City Organics on Broad Street.

Blessings from the Garden

ML

Holiday Planning continues...

Once again, cousin Nancy with some great ideas for those of us "challenged" by the Holidays!

I hope you are making progress with your Holiday planning!

It is not too late to make a plan. Let's get started on Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving at your house:

• Decide on a menu. Are you cooking everything or is everyone bringing a dish?


• Buy your turkey or reserve a fresh one


• Don't forget the Butterball TalkLine and the website for questions! http://www.butterball.com/


• Is there a special drink you will serve? go ahead & buy ingredients, strike off the list...

Away for Thanksgiving:

• Offer to bring a dish/decoration/appetizer


• Make a list of travelling items needed


• Take along early Christmas gifts to save on mailing


• Check maintanence on your car- oil change, windshield wipers, etc...


• Flight reservations?

Fall is a season for many gatherings, so don't forget the following:

• Camera with charger & batteries, check "card" to make sure it's not full!


• Hair, nail, facial, pet grooming appointments- they book up fast during holidays

Most importantly, make time for your family & friends. Enjoy this time together during the busy holidays.

Thanks Nancy!

Blessings from the Garden.

ML

Porches on Parade contest...

Impressive entries in the "Porches on Parade" contest. So far porches have been so individual and creative! Here is another from Maria in Augusta.

Maria loves the simplicity of her porch. She recently re-finished the door a rich warm dark brown which complements the fall decor.

Great job, Maria and thanks for sharing.
Remember, one front door will be adorned with an MLCHgarden full & fluffy Christmas Wreath valued at $80 (with a bow!).

Blessings from the Garden
ML

Porches on Parade...continues...

Our Porches on Parade contest for the Winning Wreath continues.
Here is a submission from Deborah Sasser of Sasserfrass Hill Bee Farm
here in Augusta...

I accidentally posted this prematurely without Deborah's "take" on
her arrangement of pumps, flowers, and gourds... Here is what Deb
has to say about her whimsical arrangement.

"This arrangement is at the entrance to my bee yard. It is anchored
by a giant coleus and the Orange Bulldog pumpkins are surrounded by
asters, impatiens, pansies, traditional pumpkins and gourds. The watering
can is in the shape of an old fashioned bee hive called a "skep". We are all
enjoying the pumpkins and the cooler weather. "

If you are hesitant to send me a pic, do it any way. I need some of your scary
Halloween stuff too!! Send your pic to mlchgarden@comcast.net

Blessings from the Garden.
Mary Louise

What's going on...

I am dependent on lists. If I ran out of index cards, I'd be in deep!

Here is a list of what's going on with MLCHgarden for the upcoming holidays...

• All pumps at my house are now $4. Getting ready for Christmas, so come on!

• "Stuffed Pumpkins" for $35, delivered on Tuesday before Thanksgiving for a beautiful arrangement on your sideboard or dinner table for Tday...filled with fall flowers, berries and very fresh greenery.

• Orders are underway for Custom Christmas Wreaths. These are full, fluffy 36" diameter wreaths delivered to local clients. This is a magnificent gift for anyone, too! Bows available on request. Wreaths are $65 & packed with beautiful fresh mixed greens.

• WOW! MLCHgarden WreathWorkshops are filling. Email registration is required. $45. mlchgarden@comcast.net



• MLCHgarden Tools Newsletter has been a great way to keep us all straight on what to do each month in the garden. Subscibe on http://www.mlchgarden.com/ at right sidebar.

My little garden business is growing, and I love it. Working on a "Augusta Gardens!" guide for "transplants and natives'". There are many people who move here from out of town because of work, so I think a "how to "guide is in order.

Details on most of the above at website...

Blessings from the Garden.
ML