Nov14

GROWING HERBS INDOORS

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O.K.. I was making a dish for one of the organizations I belong to and the recipe called for basil. No problem I think but unfortunately the cold snap we recently had-melted my plants down.   Time to start my indoor herb garden!  So off to the store to buy some~~~~$5.49 for a small (very small) container. 

Choose the ones you use most often in cooking-don’t waste time on the ones you will not use. My favorites are:

 BASIL- many varieties. It is a member of the mint family and can be used in salads, soups, sandwiches. Great with tomato, mozzarella .(And did you know that storing in refrigerator will produce a black leaf)?

ROSEMARY-one of my favorites but it is a hardy outdoors plant.

OREGANO-a Mediterranean herb with a strong flavor-a necessary ingredient in my spicy-spaghetti sauce and home made pizzas

PARSLEY-of course- to add freshness to all dishes

CILANTRO-essential ingredient in Mexican and Asian dishes

 If you can’t find plants in your local nurseries-try the grocery store (produce department).

Next time I will discuss containers and planting of the herbs

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Rosemary in my garden

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Nov1

FALL TREE PLANTING

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Now is the time to plant trees-and a red maple would be a good choice. When I lived in North Carolina, the mountains would be ablaze with reds and golds after a temperature drop. They will be a welcome spot in your landscape!

Also, consider a Japanese Maple. Below is a picture of my Threadleaf Japanese Maple off my back porch here in North Alabama. A beauty now, then bare branches in winter to a beautiful red tinged foliage in spring-a spectacular specimen!

Planting now has great benefits…you will not have to water and the roots establish quickly. Also, nurseries and garden shops are well supplied now. So go plant a tree and help save the environment.

“Never  put off til tomorrow what you can do today!” Thomas Jefferson

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Oct26

Hosta Bed

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This is when the hosta are blooming . They are healthy and full and a great use of the shade bed. Winter is coming, they will begin to die down in the mulch-but never fear “they will be back”!  Leaves will begin to break

Shade bed

Shade bed

in March and quickly start to multiply-this is when you can divide and plant elsewhere or give to friends . . .even enemies as there will be plenty.

I went to a demo on raising hosta from seed, FORGET ABOUT IT-unless you hane nothin better to do-or-the patience of Job.  I don’t  do anything~~~let nature do the work!

Oct20

Winterizing the Banana Tree

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Below are pictures of my banana tree and how I winterized it. Dig around the plant about a foot then ease out of pot or ground. Trim all the leaves off as it will make it easier to handle and store. I shook off loose dirt then put in a garbage bag with newspapers around it. Next April after the 15th I will plant, water, and wait for the leaves to unfurl.Image

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