Archive for the ‘Dianne's Blog’ Category

« Newer Entries
Older Entries »
h1

100 Christmas Garden Gift Ideas

December 17, 2013

eight days cmas_edited-1

Short on cash? Consider printing attractive certificates offering your services to: 

  1. Plant
  2. Weed
  3. Stake
  4. Rake and bag
  5. Spread mulch
  6. Prune and clean
  7. Clean greenhouse
  8. Repair raised bed
  9. Clean garden tools
  10. Sharpen garden tools
  11. Lay garden pathway
  12. Clean out the garage
  13. Paint the garden shed
  14. Scrub and sterilize pots
  15. Repair the compost bin
  16. Install a tool-hanging kit
  17. Repair sprinkler system
  18. One workday in the yard
  19. Build a new compost bin
  20. Reorganize the garden shed
  21. Pressure wash concrete walks
  22. Clean gutters and downspouts
  23. Take the debris pile to the landfill
  24. Properly dispose of old chemicals
  25. Winterize garden shed windows and door
  26. Make a garden apron out of fabric remnants
  27. Clean up the junk piled in a corner of the yard
  28. Build a garden bench out of repurposed wood
  29. Build a potting bench out of repurposed wood
  30. Repair or replace handles on rakes, shovels, etc.
  31. Finish a garden project he or she hasn’t had time to do
  32. If you have photos of the gardener’s yard, put a small memory album together or turn the photos into greeting cards

Tip:  Your time and services is especially helpful to older adults and working parents. Doing a service is a fun and rewarding project for the whole family. Children and teenagers, especially, will learn the value of giving of themselves by helping others. If you’re a young couple, this is a great way to say thanks to your parents for their many contributions (like babysitting) throughout the year. When wording the certificate, be respectful so your offer won’t insult the receivers. Humor is always good. Keep your promise to do the service, within 30 days.

Garden Attire:

  1. Sunglasses
  2. Back brace
  3. Rubber boots
  4. Garden apron
  5. Garden tool belt
  6. Large-brimmed straw hat
  7. Rubber clogs (Closed-toe)
  8.  Gardening gloves (Select good ones that you know will fit.)

Hand tool gifts to give:

  1. Hoe
  2. Rake
  3. Shovel
  4. Pitch fork
  5. Weed eater
  6. Hedge clippers
  7. Pruning shears
  8. Set of gardening tools

Tip:  When buying for women, remember that most prefer lightweight, small-scale tools.

 Large items:

  1. Tiller
  2. Shredder
  3. Chainsaw
  4. Composter
  5. Wheelbarrow
  6. Outdoor sink
  7. Green house
  8. Storage shed
  9. Pressure washer
  10. Outdoor drinking fountain

 Items to put in a garden gift basket:

  1. Tool belt
  2. Plant ties
  3. Leaf bags
  4. Bulb planter
  5. Rooting vase
  6. Hand cleaner
  7. Garden twine
  8. Garden apron
  9. Garden journal
  10. Insect repellant
  11. Watering wand
  12. Germinating mix
  13. Nursery gift card
  14. Bath soaking salts
  15. Outdoor thermometer
  16. Gardener’s hand soap
  17. Windowsill herb garden
  18. Canvas gardening tote bag
  19. 2014 Old Farmer’s Almanac
  20. Hand cream made for gardeners
  21. Gardening magazine subscription
  22. Bag of potting soil (All gardeners can use this.)
  23. Kneeling pad (Give a thick one that will actually keep the knees padded.)
  24. Seasonal vegetable planting guide (available at local Master Gardeners’ office or website)
  25. Book on plants suited to the gardener’s zone (Check with your local Master Gardeners’ office)

Tip:  Before making a purchase, think about the gardener. What type of tools does he or she use? What type of plants? What kind of gardening, i.e. vegetable, perennial, cut flowers, houseplants? Too often gardeners get “cute” items of poor quality that create clutter or don’t last. Select something that you know he or she will use and enjoy. Unless you know of a specific plant or tree that the person wants, it’s best to give a gift card.

Miscellaneous Items:

  1. Plant caddy
  2. Plant stand
  3. Solar lights
  4. Tool caddy
  5. Flower frog
  6. Soaker hose
  7. Trail camera
  8. Garden hose
  9. Outdoor shower
  10. Citronella candles
  11. Stackable storage containers
  12. Automatic plant watering device
  13. Folding garden kneeler and seat
  14. Memorial stake or sign for loved one
  15. Pet memorial garden stake or stone
  16. Tomato cage (The collapsible type are great space savers)
  17. Ticket to holiday home tour (These are held before Christmas so you’ll have to give this in advance.)

Online shopping links (Be sure to ask if there’s still time to receive delivery before Christmas):  

http://www.findgift.com/Services/FindGift-Deals/

http://www.fisherblacksmithing.com/  (This company has some unique items that you won’t see anywhere else.)

http://www.originalsheds.com/categories/garden-sheds.aspx

http://www.cleanairgardening.com/largarcenced.html  (This company has eco-friendly products)

http://www.gardeners.com/Gifts-for-Gardeners/20679,default,sc.html

http://www.gifts.com/categories/gardening-gift-ideas/e93M6W

Happy shopping!

Make sure to follow me on facebook.com/inandaroundthegarden

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments »

h1

Brrr it’s cold

December 12, 2013

The cold, frosty week has chilled me to the bone and got me thinking . . .

DSC00083_edited-2

. . . how monochromatic the earth remains beyond naked tree limbs

before the rains come and the field grasses grow;

DSC09786_edited-1

. . . how glad I don’t live in snow country

yet yearn to photograph the beauty it holds;

DSC09842_edited-1

. . . how shrubs and trees store sugar all winter long

for hues shiny and sweet come springtime;

DSC00040_edited-1

. . . how loud are icy grass blades when walked upon

or how musical are the drips of melting frost;

DSC00075_edited-1

. . . how quiet and secluded squirrels remain,

and unproductive laying hens reside,

DSC09795_edited-1

. . . how the effort to stay warm seems like combat;

DSC09818_edited-1

. . . and how all living breeds navigate cycles through

slumber and wake.

DSC09785_edited-1

Be sure to follow me on facebook.com/inandaroundthegarden

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

h1

Bounty Hunting for Plants with Bling

December 10, 2013

dogwoodWhen it comes to selecting new plants, a great fervor burns in me for color and texture, and for the uncommon species. The vibrancy of bright blooms and variegated foliage is what brings a garden or patio—and one’s emotions—to life.

Unlike commonplace shrubs, nurseries usually stock plants with bling in small quantities making them a quick sellout and the hunt challenging.

This year, during a pursuit I captured a variegated, red twig dogwood (Cornaceae). Spring through summer the leaves are bright green edged in cream. Come fall they turn variegated pink. The leaves have fallen now. This exposes the beautiful, smooth red twigs–a showstopper when the plant is larger.

While in its dormant state, I transplanted the dogwood from the black nursery pot to a larger, clay pot. Then I did a little pruning to keep the dogwood from becoming straggly.

First, I removed a few deadwood, cross or crowded branches. If my dogwood had suckers at the base I would have cut them off, but only if I did not want it to spread like a shrub.

DSC09937_edited-1

Next, I pruned branches growing beyond the dogwood’s natural shape. The trick is to not over prune. This reduces foliage and possibly the yellowish-white spring flowers.

DSC09941_edited-1

DSC09946_edited-2

Last, I went through the trimmings and chose those with a node near one end of the twigs and placed them in the same pot to propagate.

DSC09948_edited-1

With proper care, my dogwood will bring life to the back patio and evoke garden bling year round.

Here’s the rap sheet on variegated, red twig dogwood.

Zones vary by species

Deciduous

Blooms April

Full Sun/Partial Shade

Max Height:  6-8′

Max Width:  4-6′

Water well in any soil type

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

h1

Holiday Balance

December 5, 2013

Cmas 2013

The days have been hectic since the last post. I had several blogs in the works, and then all was put aside for the joyful preparations of Thanksgiving’s family gathering and a major deadline still in the works. And now arises the next holiday.

During the coming days, most of us will be, if you aren’t already, overcome with a list of Christmas tasks. New on my list this year is to send a ‘few’ greeting cards. It’s been years since I mailed Christmas cards. Family members will be shocked. Small as this task seems, I now wonder what inspired me to take on yet another project. Perhaps it was Vista Print’s irresistible special.

There are holiday events I’d like to attend. Scenes I’d like to capture. But sometimes we have to put our desires aside to bring balance and rest into our lives.

Today is one of those days when physical needs and holiday preparations push the normal everyday tasks (and my impending deadline) to the far left. I have a hunch your December days are the same or soon will be. So I share this amazing beauty outside my back door. I hope you feel the gift of joyful balance and rest in this photo or more importantly in something or someone near and dear to you.

Merry Christmas!

Dianne Marie Andre

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a Comment »

h1

Autumn’s Light Series: Photo 5

November 18, 2013
The perfect star to end this series! What delightful images the season’s rays brings to us. All we have to do is look for the magic.
 
DSC09290_edited-1
 
When life takes you on a gallop you despise,
your soul turns cranky and bitter,
and your spirit feels old and weary,
look up into the sky and let your heart
ride the clouds like an angel unafraid to fly.
 
As you glide through the organic firmament,
look down at your earthly home
and all the good in your life,
then laugh at your irrational qualms,
and feel the unpleasant weight subside.
 
Incline your mind, then, your body too,
in a life-walk that causes you to sing a song,
dance under a star, and spend no more time
bound in useless moods or doleful misgivings.
–©Dianne Marie Andre 013
 
Make sure to follow me on facebook.com/inandaroundthegarden

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

h1

Autumn’s Light Series: Photo 4

November 12, 2013

fence 3

This morning I watched the autumn light

and felt its warmth on my body like a hug and a kiss.

I gawked at the season’s hues,

studied how one color offsets another,

then yearned to travel the world

so I could pocket God’s mysterious creations . . .

the simple and the complicated wonders of nature.

My pockets would be full, no doubt,

and my eagerness with little or no self-control,

for every day I would take out autumn’s light

and hold it in the palm of my hand,

not once, not twice, but more times than I could count.

I would hold spring’s brilliant blossoms,

unbelievable sunsets, weird and strange creatures,

only to marvel and repeat this question,

“How’d you do that God?

How’d you do that?”

–©Dianne Marie Andre 2013

Make sure to follow me on facebook.com/inandaroundthegarden

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments »

h1

Autumn’s Light Series: Photo 3

November 6, 2013

DSC09362_edited-2

Author Jon Katz recently blogged, “I think all photographers are obsessive, really, we focus on things and go back to them again and again, time and again.”

Katz words made me feel better about my obsession to stalk the autumn light and capture, digitally, what I see with my eyes. Unfortunately, I fail at seizing the full beauty more than I succeed. The photo here is far from being technically spot-on or professional. But the photo does show the playfulness of autumn’s rays sliding across the southeast pasture behind the tips of silver maple leaves.

When autumn light ebbs through foliage (or window panes) rays move quickly. A photographer has to be on alert, wait and watch. The perfect moment can pass within seconds. As an amateur photographer, sometimes I miss the perfect opportunity because I don’t know or I don’t have the camera settings correct for the situation. Other times, the angle from which I focused the lens, or distance, creates a bad image.

Photography is a lot like gardening. In order to harvest the perfect results, ensuing factors must come together at the right moments. And, so, “all photographers focus on things and go back to them again and again, time and again.”

Photographers (and gardeners) just can’t stop themselves!

Make sure to follow me on facebook.com/inandaroundthegarden

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

h1

Autumn’s Light Series: Photo 2

November 4, 2013

autumn sunlight_edited-1

Flowing beneath the oak branches, the sun’s rays magically turned Salvia ‘Maraschino’ gilt and deciduous appearing. But the foliage of this evergreen perennial was and still is green. What a treat, mid-morning, to view the highlighted foliage from my office window!

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

h1

Autumn Light

October 31, 2013

pumpkins 2

I am fortunate to love gardening and even more so to live in wide open space where the sun can emit beams on rolling hills along landscape foliage. Autumn, second to spring, is the most beautiful time of the year. Some people say autumn is the finale of things present and past, but for me autumn is about new beginnings when I can shed old and tired layers, make plans for rest, gather renewed strength, and reserve stories for coffee shop friends on wintry days and with family during holiday meals.

The autumn sun never fails to appease me as I comb the grounds for desirable light connecting with agreeable vegetation. There is something calming about autumn foliage made brighter by rays. I am fortunate to walk among this short-seasoned phase, to look for the autumn sunlight and to capture it, if I can. Sunlight is the most natural and pleasant thing in the world to receive.

(This is Photo 1 in what I hope a series of Autumn’s Light)

Happy Halloween!

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

h1

No-Fuss Shrub

October 26, 2013

heavenly bambooHeavenly bamboo reminds me of Simon Cowell’s unpopular comment made in past years to some of the hopeful American Idol contestants, “You’re just not memorable.”

Although heavenly bamboos are commonplace in commercial and residential landscapes, most people don’t give these shrubs a second glance. They are overlooked or quickly forgotten. Yet, they do have benefits, the greatest being a no-fuss shrub.

If planted where there is ample space there is no need to prune. Mature size is six-feet high and five-foot wide. Heavenly bamboos require little or no water once established, depending on the zone and soil. This multiple trunk shrub is evergreen. In full sun the foliage brings color and interest to landscapes with red leaves and orange berries which turn red in winter.

But, like all plants there is a downside to heavenly bamboo.

As a member of the barberry family (not bamboo), heavenly bamboo is host to wheat rust which can cause large-scale grain crops to fail. Most of us aren’t growing grain and neither are our neighbors. That being the case, this would not be a consideration when selecting heavenly bamboo. However, the berries are toxic to animals, but this can be solved. Usually, when planted alone  instead of grouped together, berries will not develop. Bud clusters can easily be cut off when they begin to develop. Heavenly bamboo is a host for powdery mildew which can spread to nearby plants, especially those prone to mildew.

My personal experience:  Knock-on-wood, mildew has not been a problem. I trim my heavenly bamboos once or twice yearly only because I want to maintain a certain height. I haven’t watered them in years and other than rain they do not receive moisture from nearby sprinklers. Now, that is drought-tolerate.

In addition to being extremely low maintenance and bringing beautiful hues to autumn and winter landscapes, when paired with commentary plants, as seen in the photo, heavenly bamboos are memorable year round. So next time, give them a second glance.

Note:  Cultivars include Harbor Dwarf (2-3 feet high) and Alba (6-feet high) with white berries.

Posted in Dianne's Blog | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

« Newer Entries
Older Entries »