This month I am
going to focus on bulbs, trees and pumpkins!
DIG----DROP----DONE!!!
For those frustrated by gardens already too full,
flower bulbs are delectable treats to tuck easily amongst established shrubs
and perennials. Spring-flowering bulbs are planted in the fall because most
need a period of cold conditioning to activate the biochemical process that
induces them to flower. In general they are best planted when soil temperatures
have started to cool, and, optimally, at least six weeks before the first hard,
ground-freezing frosts. This translates
to anywhere from early October to November and even December in our climate. Whether
a garden bed is bursting at the seams or rather bare, there’s always room for
bulbs. And the process is as easy as…….DIG—DROP—DONE!! ENJOY!!!!
The Many Benefits of Planting Trees
• Trees are perfect
for planting as living memorials, to remind us of loved ones, or to commemorate
significant events in our lives.
• Even though you may
own the trees on your property, your neighborhood may benefit from them as
well. Through careful planning, trees can be an asset to your entire community.
• Tree lined streets
have a traffic calming effect, traffic moves more slowly and safely.
• Trees can be placed
to screen unwanted views or noise from busy highways.
• Trees improve our air
quality by filtering harmful dust and pollutants such as ozone, carbon
monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from the air we breathe.
• Trees give off
oxygen that we need to breathe.
• Trees reduce the
amount of storm water runoff, which reduces erosion and pollution in our
waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding.
• Many species of
wildlife depend on trees for habitat. Trees provide food, protection, and homes
for many birds and mammals.
• Evergreen trees on
the north side of your home and shrubs around the foundation of your home can
act as a windbreak to reduce the cooling effects of winter winds.
• The value of a well
landscaped home with mature healthy trees can be as much as 10% higher than a
similar home with no or little landscaping. (Topping trees will reduce their
value.)
Preserving and Firming Up a Pumpkin
There are ways to
help keep your pumpkin fresher and firmer.
Cut open the top of the pumpkin and clean out all the seeds. Fill a
washtub, sink or large bucket with cold water, and soak the pumpkin in the cold
water. If you have fine detail work to do, you may want to let your pumpkin
soak overnight. This will firm up the pumpkin flesh and allow you to do carving
that is more intricate. You can add a small amount of unscented Clorox bleach in
the water to prevent premature mold and bacteria growth.
Once you have
carved your pumpkin, you can add a thin amount of petroleum jelly on the
exposed cut edges. This will help seal moisture in the flesh of the pumpkin. If
the pumpkin dries out, it will shrivel. You can try to revive it by soaking it
in a bath of cold water for one to eight hours. Longer is better. Overnight
will not hurt.
You can prepare
your pumpkins ahead of time and keep them fresh for a future party or
gathering. Soak them first. Wrap them in plastic wrap to hold in the moisture
and store them in the refrigerator (not the freezer). They will stay fresh this
way for a very long time.
Once you remove a
wet pumpkin for display, you should immediately dry it off. This prevents mold
from having a chance to grow.
Now, enjoy all
that the month of October has to offer and I will…
See you in the garden.
See you in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
