Show Date: 30 Nov 09

There’s nothing like a real Christmas tree but you need to do a little planning before bringing your tree in the house.

First make sure it fits! You don’t want to start sawing IN the house. Keep your tree away from heat sources, not only for fire hazard issues but your tree will dry out much faster too.

Keep the water level up in the dish. If your tree is deprived of water it will start to seal up and then can’t take up water. You would have to cut the bottom to allow water take-up.

For all the info you need:  National Christmas Tree Association

Show Date: 27 Nov 09
Now that we’re fueled up, we’re ready for shopping!  Might I suggest a few things for gardeners…

Books are one of my favorite things to buy for lots of folks but these are a great tool for gardeners:  “Vegetable Gardening in the Midwest” by C.E. Voigt and J. S. Vandemark and “Insects of the North Woods” written by our own University of Minnesota entomologist Jeffrey Hahn.

And another favorite:

"Tough Plants for Northern Gardening" by Felder Rushing

Show Date: 26 Nov 09

Norman Rockwell's Thanksgiving

As your mouth waters to get a taste of that fabulous bounty at the table, think about what dishes you may be able to create from your own garden next year!

I love herbs and have always had a supply of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme. Seriously!

Enjoy this day and every moment you have with the people you love.

Show Date: 25 Nov 09
Oftentimes a scent is what helps us retain memories. I think that’s why we try to recapture that pine scent of Christmas trees with candles, sprays and car air-fresheners!

Balsam Fir

For great scent try a Balsam or Fraser Fir. Needle retention can be important if you put your tree up early. White Pine and Norway Pine, Minnesota’s state tree, are both good at holding their needles. Meaning they don’t dry out as quickly. For more information about the different types of fresh trees and which may work best for you check out this site:

Christmas trees and more [University of Illinois]

Show Date: 24 Nov 09 
With all the fabulous aromas of cooking going on, it’s hard not to overindulge!  This is the week most of us start putting on that “extra layer” to “keep us warm” on the cold Minnesota nights! 

Turns out the Farmers Almanac is predicting a “bitterly cold winter” for the Great Lakes area.  Oh joy!  Oh well, guess we really will have to add that extra layer…

Show Date: 23 Nov 09 
Many flowers fade in the moonlight but not white!  White flowers tend to glow in the moonlight so they make the perfect back drop for evening entertaining AND most white flowers smell fabulous.

Lily 'Casa Blanca'

The above lily picture is out of Breck’s online catalog.  This flower smells wonderful too! 

Check out the ones I mentioned on my radio show and that you can hear on the podcast but consider adding these:

Cosmos, Daisies, Candytuft, Foxglove and Clematis!  Lilacs are a wonderful addition as are hydrangeas.

Show Date: 20 Nov 09
It’s coming, winter and that means salt on the sidewalks AND on your shrubs.

MN Dot salt truck

Okay, maybe not THAT much salt will be dumped on your shrubs, HOWEVER, you might want to consider an alternative like sand, magnesium chloride or calcium acetate.

You can GENTLY pile snow on top of your shrubs for more protection being careful not to break delicate branches.

Try planting some of these salt tolerant varieties:

• Rugosa Rose
• Alpine Currant
• Staghorn Sumac
• Snowberry

Show Date: 19 Nov 09
We often marvel at the exotic birds from other countries but our aggressive, mouthy Blue Jay is more than just a brash bird. 

The Blue Jays calls warn smaller birds of predators and they are the best at seeding Oak saplings. 

And, let’s face it, they’re beautiful!   

Blue Jay

 Learn more at:    All About Birds

Show Date: 18 Nov 09

Mushroom growing out of a live tree

This mushroom is growing from my Cottonwood tree.  It looks enchanting but it’s also an indication of heart rot.

This type of fungi moves very slowly but does structural damage which could be a problem around people or property.

If you decide to have an Arborist take a look at your tree and assess damage check out this link before you call:              Trees Are Good

Show Date: 17 Nov 09
Gray water is the waste water from your shower, tub, bathroom sinks and washing machine.  This water can be reused to water your landscape.
 
Be sure you contact your local water utility company and find out any plumbing codes in your area before you start re-plumbing fixtures!

For more information:  Graywater Information Central