Creating Winter Interest in the Garden

As gardeners, we have a tendency to concentrate our efforts on spring and summer while often neglecting the fall and winter. When choosing plants, keep in mind things like branching habits, color, unusual bark, persisting seeds and berries, or swaying seed heads of ornamental grasses. These features will keep your landscapes alive and interesting throughout the winter months. There is still time to add some plants to the garden that can reward you with a beautiful garden every day of …

Pumpkin Pancakes

Ginger, cinnamon and allspice give this pumpkin pancake recipe just a hint of sweetness, making it the perfect fall breakfast. Gonna make it for the family this weekend! Yummy! INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups milk 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 egg 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon salt DIRECTIONS: 1. …

Winterizing your Roses

A message from Larry “The Rose Guy” about winterizing your roses. It’s getting colder and the days are getting shorter, so it’s time to think about preparing your roses for winter. Don’t stop watering. This is very important as the die back you see on your roses in the spring is caused by cold winter winds which take out the moisture from the canes. Do not prune now because the die back will start from the point you made your …

Paradise Pumpkin Pie

This pumpkin pie is one of my favorites at Thanksgiving every year. Even my husband, who doesn’t really like pumpkin pie loves this one. There are two layers of paradise in this pumpkin pie. One of sweetened cream cheese and another of sugar, spices and pumpkin. Together, they’re heavenly. Ingredients: 9 inch pasty crust Cream Cheese layer: 8oz cream cheese (softened) 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 tsp vanilla 1 egg Pumpkin layer: 1-1/4 cup pumpkin 1/2 cup sugar 1 tsp cinnamon …

Put Your Fall Leaves To Work

The leaves of fall are one of nature’s most gorgeous gifts but I find that I appreciate them even more after they have fallen off the trees. Yes, I said after. While I don’t look forward to the work of cleaning up the leaves any more than you do, I have a very deep appreciation for what they will mean to my lawn and garden a few months from now.  Where most people see fallen leaves as hours of raking, …

Creamy Baked Chicken

Here’s a simple casserole recipe that gives you those delicious, comfort food flavors all in a single dish that’s just delicious! I believe this recipe originated with Mr. Food but I have altered it a bit over the years. This is one recipe that my husband served to all his friends back in his bachelor days and became known as Al’s Chicken. So quick and easy but tastes like you slaved over the stove! Enjoy! 8 pcs chicken breast – …

Guacamole Hummus

Here’s a recipe to use when you can’t decide between hummus and guacamole from marthastewart.com. Both delicious and good for you! Pair this awesome dip with black bean chips and salsa for an amazing snack. Ingredients: 1 can (15.5 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained 3 cups fresh cilantro leaves 1 garlic clove, chopped 1 ripe avocado, roughly chopped 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice Coarse salt and ground pepper Lemon wedges Tortilla chips Directions: In a food …

bouguet of flowers

Ridiculus Rancunculus

Instant impact! That’s what you get when you add ranunculus to your early spring garden. Each plant produces wave after wave of petal-packed, crepe-paper-like flowers in a bold array of colors. These flowers grow 12 to 18 inches tall and are so frost tolerant that they can survive occasional temperatures as low as 20 degrees F. Ranunculus is a perfect companion to other cool weather loving annuals and perennials. Pink and orange ranunculus flowers will pop against blue pansies. Yellow snapdragons would be amazing …

Caring for your Easter Lily

Easter lilies fill our homes with bright blooms and fragrant aromas. Here are some guidelines that may extend the life of your lily, as well as a few easy steps to follow if you choose to plant it outdoors. Caring for your Easter Lily Once you get your Easter Lily home, it is best to place it where it will get bright, indirect light. Lilies grow from bulbs and are planted in well-draining soil so they don’t rot. It’s critical …

Make Your Own Hummingbird Nectar!

A couple things to remember when making your own hummingbird nectar… Never use honey or artificial sweeteners! Honey ferments easily, and can cause sores in a hummers mouth. Artificial sweeteners have no food value. Do not use red food coloring in your solution, as this could be harmful to your hummers. Most feeders have red on them and that should be enough Hummingbird Nectar Recipe: Mix 4 parts water to 1 part white table sugar Bring water to a boil. …