tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89081266542173014632012-02-16T07:48:21.384-07:00<center>A PassAlong Plant is a growing gift from a garden friend, relative or mentor. <br>It is bad luck to thank the gardener giving the gift; it is a sin not to be thankful.</center>PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.comBlogger851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-85070059412945776512011-11-23T08:59:00.000-07:002011-11-23T08:59:25.780-07:00

Are you tired of those pesky fruit flies that buzz around your kitchen - or any other part of your house?  Have you tried smooshing them with your hand or, swatting them with a fly swatter with no success?  And, they just keep on coming back!  Ugghhh! - I hate it when that happens! I don't want to use any of those chemical pesticides - that should be labelled humanicides (I'm not sure if that's

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-5419705212417342402011-09-15T19:38:00.000-06:002011-09-15T19:38:18.729-06:00

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) publishes an annual shopper's guide detailing the fruits and vegetables that contain the most and least amounts of pesticides.  How sad is it that we even need a guide like this???  Anyway, they call it the Dirty Dozen and the Clean Fifteen.  The Dirty Dozen are the twelve most contaminated fruits and vegetables that you need to avoid if possible - buy

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-6035178455280307562011-09-05T18:15:00.000-06:002011-09-05T18:15:42.992-06:00

The ducks got a vacation in the back yard today! We got the ducks when they were a day old.  Some of the nice people I work with found them without a mother and pitched in for food while I built them a duck house for the winter.  I've heard contrasting viewpoints as to whether or not they will fly south for the winter - better safe than sorry! We put in a small pool and, as I said, built them a

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-65864159698715285112011-05-07T11:08:00.000-06:002011-05-07T11:08:35.868-06:00

The roots grew to a length that I thought was adequate so I planted the pineapple in a pot.  I maybe should have let the roots get a little longer, but I think as long as I keep it watered it will be ok.  I will follow up with future posts to let you know!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-35413646383906112882011-05-06T14:41:00.000-06:002011-05-06T14:41:33.903-06:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-42999612830812777332011-05-04T19:50:00.000-06:002011-05-04T19:50:35.569-06:00

New designs and shapes are really working well!  I especially like the long planter... I am experimenting with different textures and doing some carving on the next ones.  Stay tuned for more! Get your hands dirty!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-12073813421603676482011-04-20T17:50:00.000-06:002011-04-20T17:50:13.233-06:00

Years ago I read that you could grow a pineapple plant from the top of a pineapple you get at the grocery store.  I tried it and got a mushy, moldy mess.  Yuch! Last week my daughter was home from college and we had some family over.  We splurged and bought a pineapple - yummm!!!  I cut it up and we all enjoyed it very much.  Well, I decided to give it another go - and it's working! I cut the

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-25624708826801375032011-04-18T17:39:00.001-06:002011-04-18T17:41:07.552-06:00

I have noticed as of late that there is a debate ensuing on whether Peat Moss is earth friendly or not.  The Anti-Peat-Ites are promoting the use of coir in place of peat and say that the peat is a non-renewable resource.  The Pro-Peats are saying that it is a renewable resource and is just fine. I think coir is a great product - but unless you live in an area with a lot of coconut trees you

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-23839027531464301252011-04-16T19:07:00.000-06:002011-04-16T19:07:09.818-06:00

My mother-in-law had some old redwood planters that she was going to throw away and I asked if I could have them.  They were in pretty poor condition - but I hate to waste. So I took them and used some scrap lumber to give them a new life: Add a little stain, some plastic inside and this old planter has a new lease on life.  Now all I need is some potting soil and a few plants! Get your hands

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-88388490167965692162011-04-07T19:01:00.000-06:002011-04-07T19:01:23.009-06:00

Another beautiful snow storm - Yuchh.  Here is my Egyptian Onions covered with snow - they don't mind the snow - tough little onions!  Here are some of my garlic - they are also tough little guys!  Mmm mmm mmm - fresh garlic! And here are some of our Daffodils - poor little things.  No more snow please.  We want spring now!! Get your hands dirty!!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-74495044358282233302011-04-04T18:52:00.000-06:002011-04-04T18:52:53.469-06:00

I saw this fence and had to take a picture of it.  They had built it with reilroad ties, two layers of wire mesh - one smaller than the other, and filled it with rocks.  What a great idea - and I'm sure it will last for a long time! Get your hands dirty!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-56672631669615915272011-04-03T16:35:00.001-06:002011-04-03T16:36:10.327-06:00

I built and planted a strawberry tower this weekend. I drilled 2" holes with a hole saw and staggered them along all four sides.  I buried it about a foot deep.   I took a 3/4" pipe and drilled small holes in it and placed it down the center of the post to use for watering (the cap comes off to get to the pipe).  I added soil from the garden and as I came to each hole I transplanted a wandering

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-50745614958778864862011-03-27T15:41:00.000-06:002011-03-27T15:41:50.682-06:00

I made my first gourd planter this weekend. Last year I sold almost all of the gourds I grew to other people to make into fun, interesting crafts.  This year I will still sell a lot of my gourds but decided to try my hand at making a planter. I coated the inside with wax so it will last longer.  I think it looks great with one of my semps in it! Get your hands dirty!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-87952667907877576762011-03-26T18:10:00.000-06:002011-03-26T18:10:13.742-06:00

My wife and I have been raising chickens for about eight years now and have really enjoyed it.  We've lost a few chickens over the years to disease, neighborhood dogs, etc. and have found ourselves down to only three chickens this year.  Wendy, our oldest chicken, is actually eight years old; she was one of our very first chickens.  She is an Aracauna - the ones that lay the Easter Eggs.  She

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-66158906674804446832011-03-24T06:42:00.000-06:002011-03-24T06:42:43.456-06:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-56585914847275787462011-03-21T16:51:00.000-06:002011-03-21T16:51:33.697-06:00

I know it's been a while since I posted - life can tend to get in the way... Happy Spring!!  A day late, I know, but happy spring anyway. Here are a couple pictures of my latest Hypertufa.  I am getting the hang of it - I think.  The month of waiting is the worst part - I am not a patient person. The last one is not hypertufa - I made it out of a scrap post cover made by TAMKO - it goes

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-24376025658305468982011-02-16T07:19:00.002-07:002011-02-18T05:49:10.976-07:00

Southern Meadows awared me the Stylish Blogger Award.  I am honored that she would think of my blog as deserving of an award.  Southern Meadows has been one of my favorite blogs, with beautiful photos. The Stylish Blogger Award is an award given by fellow bloggers to blogs that they feel offer a little something more...  Here is how it works: You post a link back to the person who gave you the

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-69950084103305134102011-02-04T01:00:00.002-07:002011-02-18T05:49:19.161-07:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-382077894741899232011-01-30T16:47:00.002-07:002011-02-18T05:50:25.736-07:00

My mother's favorite thing was shoes. She was a sweet, kind woman who never complained and really never asked for anything. But when she had the opportunity - she loved new shoes. My father on the other hand did not really care for shoes all that much, but was a die-hard gardener. Put them together and you get a wonderfully whimsical shoe planter! Garden Walk Garden Talk had a fun photo of a

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-55426165805955729022011-01-28T07:56:00.000-07:002011-02-18T05:51:11.355-07:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-86140474801228805682011-01-25T16:12:00.002-07:002011-03-29T05:54:46.526-06:00

The overcast and snowy days of winter can cause many people to suffer from the doldrums.  Even depression can set in when you go days, weeks - even months without the sun.  There is a solution... Many of our favorite spring and summer nurseries are still up and running in the middle of the winter and have gone the extra mile to become a botanical getaway...  You can feel the dew dancing in

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-5071856927984347822011-01-18T07:09:00.001-07:002011-02-18T05:52:11.231-07:00

Any of you who have worked with willows (Salix) before know that they root very easily.  In fact many people who have Globe Willows in their yard got them from friends who handed them a stick and told them to stick it in a bucket of water.  There is a reason that they root so easily - they contain a natural chemical called indolebutyric acid (IBA).  IBA is a natural growth regulator. The

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-83101426197911847322011-01-16T09:29:00.000-07:002011-01-22T06:13:35.916-07:00

I've been practicing different recipes, forms and color additives and trying to get the technique down.  It is harder than I thought it would be - but I am really enjoying it! I tried some smaller ones and added some different textures. I used a wire brush on this one. Tried to give a "broken pottery" type look. Tried to make this one look more like stone - more rustic. This is the

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-54777589937796170382011-01-12T06:28:00.001-07:002011-01-22T06:15:16.557-07:00

It is that time again - time to get seeds for this year's garden!  My wife and I decided that we are going to use more heirloom / open-pollinated seeds this year.  We always start all of our garden from seed anyway and thought that we would enjoy some new varieties and save some money along the way. (See Tomato Seed Saving)  There are a number of quality vendors who sell heirloom seeds, but we

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-72685726733844998372011-01-08T09:14:00.000-07:002011-02-18T05:52:34.153-07:00

This is a planter I made from scrap pieces of composite decking (TAMKO Evergrain - to be specific).  Composite decking makes great planters because it lasts forever.  The only down-side is the cost - it is quite expensive. If anyone in your neighborhood builds a new deck, stop over and tell them you would like their scraps when they are done.  After they look at you like you're crazy they

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-16266746766344443312011-01-04T14:08:00.000-07:002011-02-18T05:52:46.476-07:00

Well, pretty much permanent... Here is a way to mark your plants that won't cost you anything and will last for a loooonnnnggg time. Save your lids off your canned food.  Most gardeners can something. Pick up an inexpensive stamp set. Here is one at Amazon.com. Now you just need a hammer. I punch the name of the plant on the lid and punch a hole in the top with a nail.  Now you just

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-32441595388198545252011-01-02T01:34:00.003-07:002011-01-22T06:14:03.758-07:00

My second attempt worked out sooo much better than the first.  It came right off the mold and didn't stick to anything!  I took it off after 24 hours and roughed up the edges a little, and ran a wire brush over it.  Much easier.  Using plastic bags around the form and underneath - perfect. A few more details - try to make it look as much like stone as possible.  Now, just wait a month for it

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-81501660314823523962011-01-01T08:42:00.002-07:002011-02-18T05:52:59.395-07:00

As I pondered my plans, goals, resolutions and new words (see Espy - Adventures of Tufa Girl) I gave some thought to the question, "Why do I blog?"  And I had an epiphany - a flash!  I enjoy the interaction I get to have with other bloggers who have similar interests to mine.  (earth shattering - I know...)  I enjoy sharing pictures that inspire, make me laugh, or just provide a peek into the

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-71437111856816983932010-12-29T07:27:00.001-07:002011-01-22T06:14:03.760-07:00

Well, I finally got my first hypertufa project going.  After following a few misleading guides online and making a few of my own mistakes here is the first project I tried: The biggest mistake I made was not using enough, or the correct, release agent.  When I went to take my new creations out of their molds my square one was a block of wood and hypertufa that would not come apart.  I took

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-61213938602648919512010-12-18T09:47:00.000-07:002011-02-18T05:53:11.942-07:00

There is a wonderful blog called Along Life's Highway that you have got to go see.  For any of you out there who have even the slightest sense of humor and are looking for some good old fashioned fun - here it is! It started as a driving game.  Enjoying the scenery as drive down rural country roads you keep your eyes peeled for yards offering eclectic yard art.  You might see a goose wearing

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-72184465049690076662010-12-16T04:57:00.001-07:002010-12-16T05:00:16.616-07:00

I made my first attempt at Hypertufa this last Sunday.  I built a custom form for one project and used a margarine container to do a simple bowl form for the other. I think I made a mistake by not using enough release agent on either of the forms.  I am waiting for them to cure right now.  I check them daily - I'm not the most patient person.  As soon as they are ready to take off the forms I

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-17141177155730807692010-12-13T17:30:00.032-07:002011-02-18T05:53:33.673-07:00

I have been a huge proponent of raised bed gardening for most of my life.  My father gardened in raised beds and taught me all of the benefits you get from gardening that way. Recently I have listened to several podcasts and read a few blog posts from people advocating building raised beds.  Great!  The one thing I was less than happy to hear / read was when they finished building their beds. 

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-38485078457533331982010-12-11T15:36:00.000-07:002010-12-11T15:36:25.643-07:00

Meredith at Great Stems wrote a post on Plantable Ornaments.  And what a fun post!  You really need to go pay her a visit and see the wonderful ornaments she has made with recycled paper and seeds. Thanks Meredith for a fun and inspirational idea! Merry Christmas!

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-53600043192913701922010-12-10T01:00:00.013-07:002010-12-16T04:59:44.867-07:00

To see more of my photos stop by Dodgey Lux - my blog just for photos.

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-18825066801228290662010-12-04T01:00:00.000-07:002010-12-04T01:00:04.790-07:00

Often in the spring when cold weather threatens, loving gardeners will put Christmas lights on fruit trees to protect the wee flowers from getting frostbite.  How nice... But, this time of year when people are stringing lights on any stationary object (don't leave your grand-dad sitting alone for too long!) those little lights can actually cause damage.  Yes, damage! Plants are really smart -

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-70605059132482686462010-12-03T01:00:00.000-07:002010-12-03T15:54:08.799-07:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-63582605325913417472010-12-01T05:35:00.004-07:002010-12-01T05:53:04.423-07:00

This may seem an odd subject to talk about among gardeners, but as I thought about it I realized that all of us need to have sustainable, healthy food.  Many, if not all of us grow some type of food in our own backyards.  But how many of us are completely self-sustaining?  I would venture to guess that it would be a very, very small percentage.  So, where is our food coming from?  Many of our

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-16093261592129959262010-11-26T01:00:00.017-07:002010-11-26T01:00:05.125-07:00

Snow on Sedum  I know how you feel... Black-Eyed Susan Empty Bird Feeder = Full Birds

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-56244575742557509062010-11-25T01:00:00.002-07:002010-11-25T18:03:00.480-07:00

As I have been learning Hypertufa there have been some blogs and websites that have been very valueable and helpful along the way. I will try to make it easier for you - here is a list of sites that will really give you a head start: Tufa Things - Tufa Girl is one of my favorite online bloggers - she has some great blogs with inspirational pictures, and tons of experience with Hypertufa. Make

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-56890891052998973942010-11-23T01:00:00.012-07:002010-12-16T04:31:15.488-07:00

I am not a fan of pesticides - I think they generally do more harm than good.  They kill all of the bugs - the good, the bad and the ugly!  It takes a lot longer for the beneficials (the good ~ and sometimes ugly ~ bugs) to come back; while the bad bugs literally take over. So, I am always looking for ways to control bugs the natural or organic way. Here is a method of controlling ants -

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-48037806462206992202010-11-20T23:58:00.001-07:002010-11-21T00:05:24.195-07:00

I am enamoured with the UK.  My ancestors all came from there and someday I want to go back there - at least to visit.  So, when I get a chance to see some beautiful pictures or hear some interesting stories from that part of the world I eat it up! Here are 10 garden blogs that I thoroughly enjoy and thought you might like too.  (Not in any particular order - I love them all!)  I did not put any

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-76851794285170406902010-11-20T21:43:00.002-07:002010-11-21T00:12:59.799-07:00

This is kind of self-serving...  As I have grown in garden blogging, one thing (amongst many) that I have noticed was that people like photos - duh.  But I didn't want to completely change my format and original idea for PassAlong Plants so I decided to start another blog - just for photos. It is called Dodgey Lux.  Stop on over and take a peek; let me know what you think. And those of you who

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-507156294011130332010-11-19T02:00:00.009-07:002010-11-19T06:25:14.910-07:00

 Hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-66864947729589266182010-11-16T01:00:00.003-07:002011-03-21T16:58:58.405-06:00

It may seem early to be talking about starting seeds, but depending on how many plants you are starting it can take a little time to make all of the pots! As you know, if you've been following my blog, I am poor.  So, I am always looking for ways to save money.  This is one of those ways: Making pots from newspaper is very simple.  You can make almost any size.  I use soda pop cans to wrap

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-67133853172100207082010-11-12T07:00:00.003-07:002010-11-19T05:56:39.290-07:00

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-42399019679928134412010-11-11T18:19:00.000-07:002010-11-11T18:19:20.220-07:00

I did the final mowing for the season.  Actually, my daughter did the final mowing - isn't she sweet. We mow our grass high all year to give it the best chance to compete with weeds.  But the last mow of the year we mow it quite a bit shorter.  We always catch the grass on the last mow so we don't have any thatch or mildew problems in the spring. We rake up all of the leaves and any debris left

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-1508476901300467462010-11-08T19:10:00.000-07:002010-11-08T19:10:36.060-07:00

At this time of year there are few, if any, plants that can rival the colors and textures of Kale in the garden. Being a cold weather crop Kale actually does better after the first frost. It comes in a wide array of shapes and colors. It can be planted alone, or in a group. Get your hands dirty!

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After a fruitful summer there is always a bounty of beautiful veggies and herbs.  But what to do with them? Soup! Soup is one of the comfort foods that awards nostalgia, indulgence and physical comfort.  (Chicken Soup is served as an elixir for countless ailments)  But many of us would like to add convenience to the list of benefits we glean from soup. Here are the ABC's for making a delectable,

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 Thanksgiving Point   West Jordan Water Conservatory   I really liked the form of this tree - behind a Taco Bell in Salt Lake City.   A walk in the woods in Logan, Utah.   Egyptian Onions in my back yard.   Another walk in the woods. 

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Let's call the whole thing Hens and Chicks! Sempervivum (translated Live Forever) is a remarkable little succulent plant.  There are literally hundreds of cultivars due to it's ease of seeding and the way it cross pollinates with others of it's own specie. It is often referred to as Hens and Chicks because of the way it usually has one center Hen surrounded by many smaller Chicks.  But don't be

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, A Clean Bird Feeder is a Happy Bird Feeder! The experts say we should clean our feeders monthly ~ most of us clean them once a year, if that.  If you are a once a year kind of person - now is the time! Dirty feeders can harbor disease in the form of molds and bacterias.  Clean feeders are safer for our little friends and will actually attract more of them to our backyards!  We don't like

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Although it may seem early to be talking about Christmas Trees ~ and trust me, I am just as disgusted as you that the stores had Christmas merchandise up before Halloween ~ Now is the time to prepare if you are going to have a live tree. It has become increasingly popular to have a live tree at Christmas over the last several years.  I don't know if it is because of the Green Movement, or what..

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I harvested most of my carrots this week. Bumper crop! HOORAY!  Now, what to do with them? Carrots need love too! Here are some of the ways we store our carrots: We make smoothies with carrots, apples, etc.  But it's difficult in the winter when you don't have any fresh fruit or veg.  So, we juice some of our carrots and make ice cubes with the juice.  We take them out of the trays and put them

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By: Guest Blogger Virginia "Ginny" Taylor As we approach All Hallow's Eve many of you may have already completed the traditional task of carving the pumpkin – genus Cucurbita. We have. As always the adults claim to be there to 'just watch' as the kids tackle this fun tradition. But, as always, they end up in slimy goo up to their elbows -- enjoying every minute of it. So where did this tradition

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What do you want in a garden blog?  Beautiful pictures?  Articles about recent events or new products?  "How-To" information?  Or, just a good old fashioned friendly conversation?  There are as many reasons to read a blog as there are blogs.  I started my blog to help gardeners find useful information about gardening, to show off some of my photos, and maybe learn something myself along the way

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 Hyper-What?  HyperTufa!!  (Pronounced  hi-per-two-fuh) What is Hypertufa?  It's an artificial stone made of various materials - usually a mixture containing one or more of Portland Cement, Perlite, Vermiculite and Peat Moss.  Hypertufa was invented to take the place of Tufa which was used to make garden planters, troughs, garden art, etc...  It has the appearance of stone, without the weight.

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Commonly called BT, bacillus thuringiensis is a naturally occuring bacterial disease that only effects specific insects. The main problem with most (if not all) insecticides is that they kill all insects - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.  When the good (or beneficial) bugs are killed it takes longer for them to regroup and often you see outbreaks in the bad populations.  The good bugs are gone

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Before the industrialization of agriculture the mom-and-pop farms grew a seemingly endless variety of veggies, flowers, and trees.  Everyone had their favorite plants - many of which had been handed down from one generation to the next.  Neighbors talked over the back fence and shared cuttings, seeds and even whole plants with one another.  These PassAlong Plants were very successful because they

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Every gardener is excited and full of vim and vigor in the spring, but it is only the true garden stalwarts who are still planting in the fall. Fall can be very picturesque with it's transformation from the humble green to rich, lively yellows, brazen oranges and raucous reds.  But, often these colors are missing from our own yards leaving our landscape feeling a little blasé and mundane. I know

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If you enjoy reading garden blogs and seeing the phenomenal pictures that get posted - you have got to stop over at Blotanical.com.  It is a website devoted to gathering in one place all of the best garden blogs and bloggers in the world! There is soooo much to see there - you may want to pack a lunch!  Sign up to become a member and vote for your favorite blogs and pick your favorite posts

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Are you already dreading the doldrums of winter? Most home gardeners mourn the impending winter. Recalling last winter’s long stretch of cold, miserable days spent glaring out the window at a bleak, snow covered garden. Burying your head in garden magazines and catalogs will be as close as you get to nature. It is the end of a growing season. Or, is it… Why not bring some nature inside with

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I ran across a term the other day that I had not heard of before and was interested to see what it meant. Simply put, it is a nice way of saying "human poo" collected and used as fertilizer. (I could say “excrement”, but I’m not that up-town) As I have told you, I am always looking for ways to save money in my garden. However, I think I have found the place that I draw the line. This is not

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This plant would be very comfortable in Dr. Seuss’ garden, it is quite a conversation piece.  It goes by many names: Egyptian Onions, Tree Onions, Walking Onions, Egyptian Tree Onions, Multiplying Onions, Top-Set Onions… I’ve even heard it called a Medusa Onion.  It’s botanical name is Allium x Proliferum. It has come by it’s various names from it's growth habits.  Where you would find the

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Many people I know have struggled growing garlic for one simple reason: They plant at the wrong time of year!  Having caught a terrible case of Cabin Fever over the winter; we as gardeners are always revved up and ready to grow in the spring.  But, to be successful with garlic you have to plant in the Fall. Garlic is one of those plants that needs a bit of cold weather to help it break out of

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I found this blog today that has some great pictures of butterfly blooms.  Check it out! http://thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/2010/09/wordless-wednesday-butterfly-blooms-in.html

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I am a frugal gardener - I'm cheap.  I have a hard time paying good money for plants that are short-lived.  While geraniums are perennials, they are tender perennials and will  not live through the winter in my climate (Zone 5).  I am also a lazy gardener - a plant has to be a fighter to stay in my yard.  If they are wimpy little things that can't somewhat fend for themselves they will not last,

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-26459045107236523252010-09-26T12:38:00.004-06:002010-11-01T16:04:29.394-06:00

Well, the potato plants are dead.  That means the potatoes are done and ready to dig!  So, dig in! Actually it is not critical that you dig the potatoes immediately, you can leave them for a week or two and they will be just fine.  However, if you are getting a lot of rain you probably don't want to wait.  If the ground is very wet those potatoes you've worked so hard to grow this summer will

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The Harvest Moon comes most often in September bringing with it brilliantly colored leaves, shorter days, and a chill in the air sometimes accompanied - for a brief visit - by Jack Frost himself.  It marks the first view of your own breath on the air.  A time when you start your day with a sweater and end your day in a sweat.  It is a time for reflection on your accomplishments in the garden. 

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Well, the leaves are starting to change.  Here are a few pictures I took today while on my travels to Cache Valley, Utah. This was taken between Mantua and Logan. Next week it will be even more colorful!  I will make sure and take some more so you can enjoy them too! Have a great weekend - and get your hands dirty!!

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Now is the time to save seeds from your Heirloom tomatoes.  Haven't done it before?  No worries - it's easy!! Choose a ripe, perfect tomato – maybe even a little over-ripe. Cut it in half. Squeeze the seeds, gel, and juice out into a small bowl or jar. Fill the container with two to three inches of water. Label your container so you know which variety of tomato you saved seeds from. (You

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Here is the Oregano we cut to dry on the dehydrator.  The dehydrating can be done in an oven or even a microwave, but if you can afford it this is definitely the way to go! Here it is after it has been dried.  We dry it stem and all and then pull the leaves off to store it.  I used to crush it all now and put it in the container, but I read that if you wait to crush it until you need it

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The superstitious say, "Never say 'Thank You' for a plant that someone gives you or it will die."  I don't know if that is true or not, but why take a chance.  I think that the best things in life are free. This statement is usually made by someone with little to no money (and I am proof).  However, in the garden it is a very true statement. A PassAlong plant is a plant that someone shares with

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I harvested some Oregano this morning to dehydrate so we can have our Italian Seasoning this winter. I grow most of my herbs in the garden and in pots with my other ornamentals.  That way if something doesn't work in one place it will usually work in the other. I use Joyce Chen scissors that I found at a garden center a while back to do all of my basic pruning.  They are great - and they have a

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-70276549723694107912010-09-06T07:08:00.003-06:002010-11-01T16:08:39.595-06:00

Well, this morning there was frost on the grass and the thermometer in the garden read 27 degrees.  Very early for our area.  I had no warning and did not see this one coming.  There was frost on the cucumbers and they probably won't make it.  I didn't see anything else that looked too bad, but we will see. Anyone else out there get surprised by an early frost?  Let me know.

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A visit to a garden center should be more than just a place to purchase a plant. It should be an experience, an adventure. Where you can smell the flowers, and take in the colors and textures of nature. It should be a place where you can hear the sounds of water running over a stone waterfall; where birds can be heard singing their songs of merriment. It should be a place of peace and tranquility

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-63575507723207164042010-08-31T17:46:00.001-06:002010-11-01T16:09:24.892-06:00

I got a start of this plant from my father's yard before he passed away.  It is a very pretty flower, but holy smoke is it invasive - it drops seed everywhere and grows like a weed.  I don't know what it is.  If anyone out there knows the name I would be very interested to find out - please leave a comment below. Beautiful.

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In need of more compost?  Have lots of grass clippings but not a lot of brown material?  Here are some ideas for you frugal gardeners out there. The toilet paper and paper towel rolls that are left when the paper is gone (we called them "doot-de-dooers" when we were kids because you could play them like a trumpet) are great to add to the compost pile.  They break down quickly and they are free.

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First it just looks icky on the bottom of the tomato - like it has a water blister. Then it turns kind of brown -  like an apple that fell on the floor yesterday and has a big brown bruise.  Finally the bottom starts to become concave and turns almost black.  All things you do not want to see on your tasty tomatoes that you've been tenderly looking after since early spring.       "But what is

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In the UK (England) they are having a "Zero Waste Week" the week of September 6th, 2010.  Basically they are asking everyone to not waste food.  This year’s theme is ‘Cooking for Victory’.  An organization called WRAP did a survey in England and found that they throw away 8.3 million tons of food and drink every year. "Most of this is avoidable and could have been eaten if we had planned, stored

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I have read a myriad of articles about the evils of using Herbicides and in general I am in complete agreement that the less we can use these products the better.  In my garden I am 100% organic and will continue to be as long as I have anything to say about it. That being said, I told you I would give you several options to get rid of bindweed.  One of those options is Herbicides.  Specifically

PassAlongPlants.blogspot.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13023917090686170340noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908126654217301463.post-82772991568755317972010-08-24T17:20:00.003-06:002010-11-01T16:13:20.935-06:00

Get ready to work!  Be vigilant!  Watch for any signs of this rotten little weed and as soon as you see it pull it up or cut it off at soil level.   Don't worry about getting all of the root - you never will.  But, if you can keep up with it and pull it out every time you see any sign of it the bindweed won't be able to feed it's roots and eventually it will die.  You have to stay ahead of it -

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Are your plants pleading for help?  So am I! Bindweed (AKA Morning Glory, Convolvulus arvensis) is an evil little blighter that grows along the ground until it reaches a fence, pole or your favorite plant and then jumps and climbs like wild fire smothering everything in it's path.  It can reproduce from a piece of it's root, from rhizomes, stem fragments and seeds which can lie dormant in the

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Well, it's that time of year again, The Invasion of the Zucchinis!  When nefarious neighbors leave you a little gift on your front porch at midnight; when the front counter at the office suddenly has a box labelled "Free - Please Take Some".  There is no shortage of friends who want to give you some of their Zucchini. It kind of makes you wonder why people continue to grow it when it is so

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When you take the time to teach your children to garden they are learning more than gardening. They are learning patience, responsibility, cause and effect. They are learning respect for nature, the Cycle of Life. They are learning to nurture - something many of us could take a lesson in. There are so many places you can begin - obviously you want to help them grow something. Remember, children (

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