Hi Boys and Girls!
As many of you know, I have lived near Gruene, Texas for 16 years. Gruene is a quaint little town famous for it's wonderful gift shops and the oldest dance hall in Texas. There are many restaurants and lots of tourists. http://www.gruenetexas.com/ This is where we take anyone from out of town to shop, eat and dance. There are lots of antiques shops, a wine tasting room and a world-famous fish and tackle shop. If one needs a special gift on a short notice, Gruene is the place to find it.
Well, this evening Gruene really disappointed me. I, along with another quilt guild member, was hosting our out of town guest presenter and went to Gruene River Grill for dinner. http://www.gruenerivergrill.com/ This restaurant overlooks the river. It has a massive floor to ceiling fireplace (husband of a friend of mine built the fireplace), nice bar, impressive menu and on and on. It is a very popular restaurant. We started off with drinks and appetizer in the bar area around 4:40 pm.We told the "waiter" we intended to have dinner in a little while.I have quotes around the word "waiter" because he acted like he could not "wait" for us to leave.
The drinks were delivered without napkins. The chips and picante sauce came with no spoon. No limes for the margaritas. It was at least 30 minutes later when we saw our "waiter" again. After another 30 minutes, one guest got up and looked for him in the bar area to request a dinner menu. We had not been given menus and were getting hungry. Then we found out dinner is not served in the bar area on weekends!We clearly told the young man that we intended to order dinner there.
By this time, the restaurant is packed with lots of people waiting for tables. We had been there almost 2 hours already. We explained our situation to the hostess and told her the "waiter" in the bar area never told us we could not be served dinner there. The hostess apologized and put us next on the seating list.
Finally, we got a table and a very nice waiter. We did not need to read the menu again...we knew what we wanted. You see, the "waiter" in the bar gave us a dinner menu. So, why didn't it register with him that we were going to order dinner?
We had a good meal but the impression left with our out of town guest was not good. We live here. We are not tourists. We are not eating and leaving Gruene not to return for a year or two. The Gruene River Grill has insulted local citizens. This is a big mistake.
The Gruene River Grill needs to train wait staff personnel. The kid that "waited" on us in the bar could not have cared less about our needs. That is unacceptable. After speaking with the manager, I may consider making another visit in a couple of months.
For now, I highly recommend The Gruene Onion. http://www.thegrueneonion.com/ I have never had a bad meal there and more important, have never been ignored.
Until next time, plant your basil and other herbs and trim your roses (if they are still alive)!
What's on My Food?
Friday, February 19, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Valentine's Day Special Treat
Hi Boys and Girls!
I hope you all are surviving the cold, snow, sleet and all around winter weather. Here in Central Texas, we have had it all...9" of snow in Weatherford, more than 5" of rain here in Comal County and freezing temps for over two weeks! Mother Nature...give our plants a break!
A special dinner was enjoyed at Cool Mint Cafe in San Marcos, Texas. http://www.coolmintcafe.com/
Our meal started with a glass of bubbly champagne. 
All the foods are prepared
It was mucho delicioso!
Roberto had 3 different roasted beets and raspberries with orange vinaigrette.
Then came the second course. I chose Wild Rice Pancakes stuffed with Butternut Squash & Green Chiles
Tres chiles rojos . It was really a crepe. Oh my gosh...this was so good. It gave me the idea to make this as a dinner but using flour tortillas. The butternut squash was chopped into tiny pieces and the green chiles did not over power the squash. Of course, I gave Roberto a bite. He liked it too.
We each chose a different entree so we could try each one. Roberto's choice:
Vegetable Wellington--Flavorful three layer terrine with mushroom pate, anise carrots & Peruvian potatoes with aji chile wrapped in crusty golden puff pastry. With mole verde & fresh fruit salsa.
This seemed rather bland to me but Roberto said it had a "kick" to it. The crust could have been baked longer. I thought my small bite was a bit mushy. Roberto ate the whole thing!
On the other hand, I chose:
Duck with Mushroom Risotto
Duck breast dusted with juniper & pink peppercorns and cranberry demiglace.
Served over rich wild & exotic mushroom risotto. Oh my gosh...this was flavorful! Juicy and succulent and the risotto was perfect...ok maybe a little mushy, but that is the way risotto is supposed to be cooked. True Italian style. Look at this beautiful dish.
Now, is that beautiful, or what?
Chocolate Dipped Oatmeal Cookie Taco Filled with fruit & mascarpone.
Roberto was a real peach and gave me a bite of the chocolate cone. I am a sucker for figs so I had the Figs Stuffed with Marzipan Drizzled with Honey & Mint.
Personally, I think my dessert should have been drizzled HEAVILY in chocolate but I had to make do with the honey and mint. Our wine selections went perfectly with our foods. The atmosphere is very homey. In fact, the room we were in was exactly like our first home. Stone fireplace with glass bookshelves on both sides. Come to think of it, my childhood home in San Diego, CA was the same as this room. So, it must be a pretty old house. If you are in the area, give this restaurant a try. If you like fresh, organic foods, you will like the Cool Mint Cafe. Oh, be sure you like hearing the same song being played over and over again...Seems someone must have hit the "repeat" button on the CD player. Other than that, we had a great time.
I hope you all are surviving the cold, snow, sleet and all around winter weather. Here in Central Texas, we have had it all...9" of snow in Weatherford, more than 5" of rain here in Comal County and freezing temps for over two weeks! Mother Nature...give our plants a break!
A special dinner was enjoyed at Cool Mint Cafe in San Marcos, Texas. http://www.coolmintcafe.com/
Our meal started with a glass of bubbly champagne. 
All the foods are preparedwith organic ingredients and are very fresh. It was a 4-Course meal. After the champagne came our appetizer. Roberto ordered scallops and I ordered Tower of Tejas! This was grapefruit, oranges, jicama, varied greens, avacado and red onion vinaigrette.
It was mucho delicioso!
Roberto had 3 different roasted beets and raspberries with orange vinaigrette.
Then came the second course. I chose Wild Rice Pancakes stuffed with Butternut Squash & Green Chiles
Tres chiles rojos . It was really a crepe. Oh my gosh...this was so good. It gave me the idea to make this as a dinner but using flour tortillas. The butternut squash was chopped into tiny pieces and the green chiles did not over power the squash. Of course, I gave Roberto a bite. He liked it too.
We each chose a different entree so we could try each one. Roberto's choice:
Vegetable Wellington--Flavorful three layer terrine with mushroom pate, anise carrots & Peruvian potatoes with aji chile wrapped in crusty golden puff pastry. With mole verde & fresh fruit salsa.
This seemed rather bland to me but Roberto said it had a "kick" to it. The crust could have been baked longer. I thought my small bite was a bit mushy. Roberto ate the whole thing!
On the other hand, I chose:
Duck with Mushroom Risotto
Duck breast dusted with juniper & pink peppercorns and cranberry demiglace.
Served over rich wild & exotic mushroom risotto. Oh my gosh...this was flavorful! Juicy and succulent and the risotto was perfect...ok maybe a little mushy, but that is the way risotto is supposed to be cooked. True Italian style. Look at this beautiful dish.
Now, is that beautiful, or what? We both did not think we had room for dessert but Valentine's Day is only once a year. So, we forced ourselveves!
Roberto's all-time favorite cookie is oatmeal chocolate chip. So he chose for dessert the Chocolate Dipped Oatmeal Cookie Taco Filled with fruit & mascarpone.
Roberto was a real peach and gave me a bite of the chocolate cone. I am a sucker for figs so I had the Figs Stuffed with Marzipan Drizzled with Honey & Mint.
Personally, I think my dessert should have been drizzled HEAVILY in chocolate but I had to make do with the honey and mint. Our wine selections went perfectly with our foods. The atmosphere is very homey. In fact, the room we were in was exactly like our first home. Stone fireplace with glass bookshelves on both sides. Come to think of it, my childhood home in San Diego, CA was the same as this room. So, it must be a pretty old house. If you are in the area, give this restaurant a try. If you like fresh, organic foods, you will like the Cool Mint Cafe. Oh, be sure you like hearing the same song being played over and over again...Seems someone must have hit the "repeat" button on the CD player. Other than that, we had a great time.Until next time, cook a meal together, eat some fresh veggies, play a game after dinner and don't forget to say "I love you!" Oh, and call your mother!
Friday, January 15, 2010
BOM or Blocks of the Month and/or First Saturday Blocks
Hi Boys and Girls!
BOM...what in the heck is that? Well, in the quilting world it means Block of the Month. Sometimes, we don't want to fool with choosing our own fabric or we do not want to buy more than we need. Personally, I do not know one quilter who is AFRAID to buy more fabric than he or she needs! Anyway, there could possibly be one of you out there! So, a BOM is for you. Every month you receive or pick up from your LQS (local quilt shop) your block that has all the instructions and all the fabric needed for that block. The object is to finish that block before the next one arrives!! It can happen...
Another neat way to get a quilt is First Saturday Blocks. On the first Saturday of the month you pay for your first block. That too comes with instructions and fabric. It is usually $5. Also at that time, the shop may have you purchase the pattern or the finishing kit. The block is due the next month on the first Saturday at a specific time...usually in the morning. When you show that you have completed the block, you will be given the next block. If you do not miss a Saturday, you can get a quilt finished for $5 and/or the price of the pattern or finishing kit. When you turn in your block there is usually a short demo or the shop owner will have samples of things that are new to the shop. Also, there is a drawing. I won a free pass that can be used any month I am going to be late turning in my block. That is cool.
The First Saturday quilt I am working on now is Pieceful Nights: A Sampler Quilt by From My Heart to Your Hands. It is designed by Lori Smith. Today I finished another block which will be turned in the first Saturday in February.
This quilt will finish at 63 1/2" x 63 1/2" Rhonda at Oak Leaf Quilts has some blocks still available. She is at http://www.oakleafquilts.com/
Any successful block you make starts with precise piecing. It is crucial that you have 1/4" seams throughout your entire quilt. If you start a quilt on one machine, a Feather Weight, for instance, do all the blocks on that machine. I have two FWs that I take to retreats or workshops. I have one in WA state where I visit a lot and one at home. They only weigh 10 pounds. Want to know more about FWs? See http://www.featherweightfanatics.com/
Back to precise piecing. If you do not consistently have 1/4" seams, when you put all the blocks together and the top is finished, it will be wobbly. Your machine may come with a quarter foot attachment. If not, you may have a seam guide on your throat plate. Or you can do this test to learn how to sew an accurate 1/4" seam. http://quilting.about.com/od/machinepiecingyourquilts/ss/seam_allowance.htm
Another sure method to accurate piecing is pinning. I have been called the "Queen of Pinning." Fabric moves. To insure that it does not move, pin. This may seem over-kill to you. However, if you are making a scrappy quilt like this with lots of little pieces, pinning will save you a lot of headache in the long run. Pinning at each seam will help your seams to match. Of course, we do not have "Quilt Police" checking to make sure all our seams match, but you will feel so much better when it all comes together and is so very neat.
After cutting all your pieces, lay them out and check if your placement matches the picture. Check again...check one more time. In fact, I check the directions and picture each time I stitch a few pieces together. I like ironing each set as I go along. The iron is down the hall. That forces me to get up from the machine and get some exercise! I also like to iron the seams open. The general rule is to "iron seams towards dark fabric," but ironing seams open creates a nice smooth block with less bulk. You or your quilter will appreciate this when it comes time for quilting.
Another rule of thumb is to cut off the "dog ears" (sorry all you doggie-lovers out there) before stitching. This also helps reduce bulk.
So, here is the finished block. As you can see (oh I hope so!!) it is a perfect block with all seams that match. It will make a lovely quilt.
BOM...what in the heck is that? Well, in the quilting world it means Block of the Month. Sometimes, we don't want to fool with choosing our own fabric or we do not want to buy more than we need. Personally, I do not know one quilter who is AFRAID to buy more fabric than he or she needs! Anyway, there could possibly be one of you out there! So, a BOM is for you. Every month you receive or pick up from your LQS (local quilt shop) your block that has all the instructions and all the fabric needed for that block. The object is to finish that block before the next one arrives!! It can happen...
Another neat way to get a quilt is First Saturday Blocks. On the first Saturday of the month you pay for your first block. That too comes with instructions and fabric. It is usually $5. Also at that time, the shop may have you purchase the pattern or the finishing kit. The block is due the next month on the first Saturday at a specific time...usually in the morning. When you show that you have completed the block, you will be given the next block. If you do not miss a Saturday, you can get a quilt finished for $5 and/or the price of the pattern or finishing kit. When you turn in your block there is usually a short demo or the shop owner will have samples of things that are new to the shop. Also, there is a drawing. I won a free pass that can be used any month I am going to be late turning in my block. That is cool.
The First Saturday quilt I am working on now is Pieceful Nights: A Sampler Quilt by From My Heart to Your Hands. It is designed by Lori Smith. Today I finished another block which will be turned in the first Saturday in February.
This quilt will finish at 63 1/2" x 63 1/2" Rhonda at Oak Leaf Quilts has some blocks still available. She is at http://www.oakleafquilts.com/Any successful block you make starts with precise piecing. It is crucial that you have 1/4" seams throughout your entire quilt. If you start a quilt on one machine, a Feather Weight, for instance, do all the blocks on that machine. I have two FWs that I take to retreats or workshops. I have one in WA state where I visit a lot and one at home. They only weigh 10 pounds. Want to know more about FWs? See http://www.featherweightfanatics.com/
Back to precise piecing. If you do not consistently have 1/4" seams, when you put all the blocks together and the top is finished, it will be wobbly. Your machine may come with a quarter foot attachment. If not, you may have a seam guide on your throat plate. Or you can do this test to learn how to sew an accurate 1/4" seam. http://quilting.about.com/od/machinepiecingyourquilts/ss/seam_allowance.htm
Another rule of thumb is to cut off the "dog ears" (sorry all you doggie-lovers out there) before stitching. This also helps reduce bulk.
So, here is the finished block. As you can see (oh I hope so!!) it is a perfect block with all seams that match. It will make a lovely quilt.Why don't you try a BOM or First Saturday Quilt? You will meet lots of nice quilters and a little stress will be relieved by having all the fabrics you need. Oh, and if you goof a little, like I have, and cut something a bit off, the shop owner has extra pieces so you can fix your mistake. Good luck and Happy Quilting!
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Cooking on a Budget...A Little Goes a Long Way
Hello Boys and Girls!
Young families and the "oldie but goodie" crowd have to watch their pennies. This economy is stretching our imagination to entertain our kids for less money and to eat good meals on a budget. We have to be creative. We use the library more, public parks and $1 movie night to save some money and still have fun. Sometimes the grocery stores help us save money too.
One good way to save some $$ is watching for discounts. I don't mean using coupons. More than not, coupons are for foods you do not normally eat or for fast-food. That may save some money at the moment but in the long run the foods are short on nutrition and long on calories.
I am talking about the foods that may be one day short of expiration. These mark downs are usually snatched up as soon as they are put on display. Meat may be due to expire in one day; veggies may have a few minor bruises but no expiration date. None-the-less, you can save money by being observant and not too picky. We are not talking about dumpster diving (which has lots of good surprises) but quality food savings.
For instance, take a look at these
vegetables. All of them cost .99 cents! These were in one clear plastic bag so I could inspect them. Also included were mushrooms in their original packaging.
When buying marked down foods, plan to use them the same day. I happened to be in the store just to buy veggies. But when I saw these veggies marked down, I decided to buy a small roast for the crock pot.
This roast was $7.00. It was a lesser cut of meat so it was perfect for slow cooking in the crock pot. I rubbed it with Mesquite Rub from Costco. http://www.costco.com/ It comes in several flavors. I decided to use Mesquite for, well...we are in Texas!
As you can see, the sliced roast will serve at least 3 meals...maybe sandwiches for lunch.
I passed up fruit that had been marked down. I really wanted the mangos but they do not taste good if too ripe.
So, here is a way to stretch your food dollar. Use common sense (as in the fruit) and be flexible in your meal planning. My total was less than $10.
Good luck and let me know what great meals you make with discounted foods!
Until next time...eat a meal with family; play a game after dinner; have fresh fruit for dessert....OK, that is going too far...sorry!
Young families and the "oldie but goodie" crowd have to watch their pennies. This economy is stretching our imagination to entertain our kids for less money and to eat good meals on a budget. We have to be creative. We use the library more, public parks and $1 movie night to save some money and still have fun. Sometimes the grocery stores help us save money too.
One good way to save some $$ is watching for discounts. I don't mean using coupons. More than not, coupons are for foods you do not normally eat or for fast-food. That may save some money at the moment but in the long run the foods are short on nutrition and long on calories.
I am talking about the foods that may be one day short of expiration. These mark downs are usually snatched up as soon as they are put on display. Meat may be due to expire in one day; veggies may have a few minor bruises but no expiration date. None-the-less, you can save money by being observant and not too picky. We are not talking about dumpster diving (which has lots of good surprises) but quality food savings.
For instance, take a look at theseWhen buying marked down foods, plan to use them the same day. I happened to be in the store just to buy veggies. But when I saw these veggies marked down, I decided to buy a small roast for the crock pot.
As you can see, the sliced roast will serve at least 3 meals...maybe sandwiches for lunch.
I passed up fruit that had been marked down. I really wanted the mangos but they do not taste good if too ripe.
So, here is a way to stretch your food dollar. Use common sense (as in the fruit) and be flexible in your meal planning. My total was less than $10.
Good luck and let me know what great meals you make with discounted foods!
Until next time...eat a meal with family; play a game after dinner; have fresh fruit for dessert....OK, that is going too far...sorry!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Have You Had Your Fish Today?
Hi Boys and Girls!
Now, don't stop reading just because you see fish in the heading! Keep going...have an open mind. I am not talking about something complicated like bouillabaisse http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bouillabaisse/ or something exotic like Machhi Ka Salan http://www.indianfoodforever.com/non-veg/fish/. How about good 'ole salmon?
It is cold here...really cold...So, I decided on a nice fish soup. I love clam chowder but wanted to try a dish Rev. Helen made one evening at church. http://www.cfpcnb.org/. This salmon chowder comes from the wonderful soup cookbook Soup Superb Ways with a Classic Dish, by Debra Mayahew. (There are 3 used available at http://www.amazon.com/). Note: As of Tuesday, no used copies. That is a good thing in that it tells me people are enjoying my blog and a bad thing that you missed out on a good price for this cookbook. My apologies.
Ths soup is really easy to make and very good for you. It does not have that "fishy taste" that we grew up hating. I made a few changes in the basic recipe but nothing major. The most important thing to me was purchasing fresh salmon. I don't mean any salmon...I mean Wild Salmon. There is a big difference. Wild salmon is just that...the salmon travel thousands of miles eating lots of good fishy stuff until they make it back to where they were born so they can mate. Farm-raised salmon, on the other hand, are not wild and are kept in a restricted area with hundreds of other salmon and are fed the same thing (usually chopped up fish) and can't help but eat each other's deposits. What goes in must come out. OK, enough of that. Wild salmon will cost you more money but is worth it. However, like I said...farm-raised salmon is better than no salmon at all. Omega 3's...that is the key word here. http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3
Salmon Chowder
Serves 4
1 1/2 TBLS butter
1 onion
1 leek, minced
1 small fennel bulb, minced
2 1/2 TBLS flour
1 3/4 quarts fish stock
2 potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 lb boneless, skinless salmon, cut into cubes
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 TBLS chopped fresh dill
salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Melt the butter and add the next 3 ingredients. Cook on medium for 5-8 minutes. Stir in the flour and lower the heat and cook another 3 minutes. Add the fish stock and potatoes. Bring to a boil and lower heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add the salmon and simmer 3-5 minutes. Stir in the milk, cream and dill. Cook until heated but do not boil.
Note: I added a bit of organic chicken stock and substituted fat-free half & half for the cream. The fish stock is about $1 more than organic chicken stock. I think it would still be good with chicken stock.
Be sure to wash the leeks thoroughly. I usually wash them first, chop them and then rinse again with a strainer.
Chop the fennel, onion and leek in the same size pieces. I used a little food processor but that is not necessary. They are so pretty.
Skinning the fish was difficult for me but only because I have never done it before. All you fishing people out there have done this a thousand times! I did know enough to sharpen my knife. I did find that I got better results holding down one end of the filet. Chop the salmon into bite-size pieces. It will fall apart in the soup anyway. Do give this soup a try. Let me know how you like it. It makes enough for two meals maybe even a third if I add a salad. We had sourdough bread and a nice red wine with our soup.
Not much went to waste...even Duke loved the salmon skin!
Don't forget to cover your plants tonight and bring your pets in. It will be freezing most evenings this week. Until next time...cook something...eat a meal with family...take a walk...brrrrrrrr!!!
Now, don't stop reading just because you see fish in the heading! Keep going...have an open mind. I am not talking about something complicated like bouillabaisse http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/bouillabaisse/ or something exotic like Machhi Ka Salan http://www.indianfoodforever.com/non-veg/fish/. How about good 'ole salmon?
It is cold here...really cold...So, I decided on a nice fish soup. I love clam chowder but wanted to try a dish Rev. Helen made one evening at church. http://www.cfpcnb.org/. This salmon chowder comes from the wonderful soup cookbook Soup Superb Ways with a Classic Dish, by Debra Mayahew. (There are 3 used available at http://www.amazon.com/). Note: As of Tuesday, no used copies. That is a good thing in that it tells me people are enjoying my blog and a bad thing that you missed out on a good price for this cookbook. My apologies.
Ths soup is really easy to make and very good for you. It does not have that "fishy taste" that we grew up hating. I made a few changes in the basic recipe but nothing major. The most important thing to me was purchasing fresh salmon. I don't mean any salmon...I mean Wild Salmon. There is a big difference. Wild salmon is just that...the salmon travel thousands of miles eating lots of good fishy stuff until they make it back to where they were born so they can mate. Farm-raised salmon, on the other hand, are not wild and are kept in a restricted area with hundreds of other salmon and are fed the same thing (usually chopped up fish) and can't help but eat each other's deposits. What goes in must come out. OK, enough of that. Wild salmon will cost you more money but is worth it. However, like I said...farm-raised salmon is better than no salmon at all. Omega 3's...that is the key word here. http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/good-fat-bad-fat-facts-about-omega-3
Salmon Chowder
Serves 4
1 1/2 TBLS butter
1 onion
1 leek, minced
1 small fennel bulb, minced
2 1/2 TBLS flour
1 3/4 quarts fish stock
2 potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 lb boneless, skinless salmon, cut into cubes
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup whipping cream
2 TBLS chopped fresh dill
salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Melt the butter and add the next 3 ingredients. Cook on medium for 5-8 minutes. Stir in the flour and lower the heat and cook another 3 minutes. Add the fish stock and potatoes. Bring to a boil and lower heat. Cover and simmer 20 minutes. Add the salmon and simmer 3-5 minutes. Stir in the milk, cream and dill. Cook until heated but do not boil.
Note: I added a bit of organic chicken stock and substituted fat-free half & half for the cream. The fish stock is about $1 more than organic chicken stock. I think it would still be good with chicken stock.
Chop the fennel, onion and leek in the same size pieces. I used a little food processor but that is not necessary. They are so pretty. 
Don't forget to cover your plants tonight and bring your pets in. It will be freezing most evenings this week. Until next time...cook something...eat a meal with family...take a walk...brrrrrrrr!!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Newsletter from Shades of Green in San Antonio, Texas
January, 2010
http://www.shadesofgreensa.com/
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
If you are looking for new year’s resolutions, we have a few suggestions that will improve
the environment in the decade to come and make our world a safer, healthier place to live.
Resolution No. 1: Discontinue use of all toxic products in your home and your landscape.
It is not that hard. Natural products for the landscape are readily available and work better
than chemicals. In your home, learn to use vinegar, baking soda, and orange oil as cleaners.
You will be amazed at how effective they are.
Resolution No. 2: Use less water. This is critical especially with the dry years we have been
having. In the landscape you can replace expansive turf areas with hardscape and beds filled
with low-water-use plants. Keep beds mulched and apply compost to the lawn twice a year. In
the home, be more conscious of the water you use and find ways to lower the amount. Also,
catch and use rainwater and condensate from your air conditioner.
Resolution No. 3: Garden more. Working in the garden is one of the healthiest forms of
exercise both mentally and physically. Gardens in general add beauty to the environment.
Resolution No. 4: Plant an organic vegetable garden. The produce you harvest will be safer
and more nutritious than any you purchase. Plus, vegetable gardening is very satisfying.
Resolution No. 5: Recycle all that you can. Take advantage of the opportunity to recycle
glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, and more through your municipal recycling program. If you
do not already have a compost pile, create one and turn yard and kitchen waste into a valuable
resource to improve your garden.
Warm your evenings and winter celebrations with Aspen Mulling Spice. Mix it with wine,
tea, cider, or use it in your baking. This tasty treat will exceed your expectations!
GOT EMPTY SPACES?
For most of us, the hard freezes in December took out most warm weather annuals and
perennials, leaving empty places and in some cases, entire beds without color. Winter without
color IS NOT FUN!
You can easily remedy this situation by planting an abundance of annuals that will perform
well in the cold, providing you with new and exciting sources of color. In sunny areas, plant
pansies with wild abandon and in the shade go crazy with cyclamen and primrose. These
plants will bloom through the winter, and everytime you see them you will smile and be glad
that you filled your beds with happiness!
We wish all of our wonderful customers and greatfriends a healthy and happy New Year filled withfruitful gardening adventures!
ENRICH YOUR HOME
Few additions to your home can create the warmth and beauty provided by plants. Yes, there
are fabulous fabrics, gorgeous furnishings, and amazing art, but plants are unique because they
add life to your surroundings.
On a scientific level plants filter toxins making the air you breathe more healthful, but on a
more mindful level, plants make you feel better––more relaxed and serene.
There are houseplants that will enhance any decor, but to be successful it is important to match
the light you have available with the light requirements of the plants. (We have new SunSticks to
measure your indoor light.) Properly placed, houseplants require little maintenance. When you
come in we would love to help you select just the right plants to complement your indoor decor.
We also have an extensive selection of containers to accentuate your plants.
Note: To keep your houseplants healthy and vigorous, feed monthly with Natural Solutions
Liquid Fertilizer.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WEEDS
Many people are very aware of weeds this winter. They are prominent for several reasons.
The past couple of years have been so dry that many lawns have thinned considerably, and weeds
have filled the empty spaces. Good rains after a long dry spell enable many different weeds to
sprout at the same time. Finally, we have had enough cold weather to turn lots of grass brown,
making the bright green weeds more obvious.
The presence of weeds does not mean you need to run for the herbicide. Actually weeds are
beneficial. Some help prevent loss of soil, others build the soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in
nodules on their roots. Most all weeds tell you something about the condition of your soil. Grassy
weeds with little root systems indicate that your soil is very deficient in nutrients and fertilizer is
needed. Clover and oxalis only occur in soils that are badly compacted indicating that compost,
compost tea, molasses, and Medina Plus would be helpful.
In all cases, take steps to improve your existing turf. Feed regularly, apply a thin layer of compost
twice a year, mow to keep weeds from producing seed for next year’s crop, and avoid toxic
herbicides. In most cases, healthy grass will effectively choke out the weeds in the spring.
BEWARE OF THE INTERNET
The internet is a truly incredible tool and an important part of life for most people. For
gardeners it is both a blessing and a curse. It can be a blessing because it allows one to research
new plants and products. It is a curse if you assume everything you read is factual, practical,
and beneficial in our area. The simple fact is that gardening is regional, and plants that grow
in one area may not grow in another. People posting information on the internet may or may
not be knowledgeable. Products and practices may not perform the same in all areas. For
example, milky spore fungus may be a great way to control Midwest grubworms but is a waste
of time in our area––it simply does not work on the type of
grubs that damage our lawns. ‘De-thatching’ may revitalize
a northern lawn but will absolutely ruin a southern one. The
list goes on. Even East Texas products such as bark mulch
are not useful in our area.
Enjoy the internet, but remember that local information
such as that found in The Garden Gazette and from the staff
of Shades of Green is your most reliable source of gardening
information for our area.
Start 2010 out right, switch yourvGarden Gazette
to the e-mail format. Tell us next time you are in, call
us, or e-mail us at gardengazette@sbcglobal.net (this
address is only available for subscription purposes).
Please include the address where you are currently
receiving your newsletter so we can match the names
correctly.
It Is
Market Month
We will be going toseveral gift markets insearch of unique giftsand accessories for yourhome and garden. We
will give you a morecomplete report nextmonth, but the new
merchandise will beginarriving by the end ofJanuary.
HELP FOR
THE BIRDS
Winter is a time of year
when the weather creates stress
for many creatures, especially
birds. Food and water may be
scarce, and they need protection
from the elements.
You can help by providing
nutritious food in the form of
seeds, suet, nuts, and peanut
butter. Offering a variety will
attract the greatest diversity of
birds. Provide protection from
predators and the weather by
putting up birdhouses and
planting dense shrubs in the
landscape.
The Very Best
Pruners
Fiskars pruners are our
first choice for quality tools
for many reasons.
n They have received many
awards for their exceptional
designs including the ‘Ease-
of-Use Commendation’ by
the Arthritis Foundation. Ergonomics
are considered in
the design process leading to
products that are comfortable
and require less muscle power
to use. They are designed to
reduce effort, increase power,
and minimize weight.
•
The reinforced fiberglass
composite handles are lightweight
and durable, and the
corrosion resistant, non-stick
blades reduce friction and stay
sharp.
•
Fiskars’ Project Orange
Thumb reaches out to
communities by supporting
neighborhood gardens with
donations of plants, tools, and
materials.
Basically Fiskars is a great
JANUARY
Gardening Calendar
aSet out lots of colorful annuals to brighten your
landscape
aApply beneficial nematodes to control thrips and
ticks
aPlant woody trees and shrubs
aPrepare soil for your spring vegetable garden
aApply compost to turf areas
aScatter rye seed for a green winter lawn and to
reduce mud and erosion in grassless areas
aContinue feeding houseplants and all plants that
have been brought indoors for the winter
aCreate an herb garden
aLiven up indoor spaces with lush, green
houseplants
a Mulch tender tropicals and perennials, particularly
those that have frozen and been cut back
aKeep fresh water and food out for songbirds
aPlant wildflower seed
aRelocate any woody trees and shrubs (including
roses)
a Plant onions and snow peas
aResolve to help make our world a kinder, gentler
place to live.
‘BUY LOCAL’
This is a phrase you are probably hearing more and more as
we move toward buying things that are made or grown close
to home. Buying local is good for the environment because
items are not shipped as far, using less energy and creating
less pollution. When buying plants, it is good for you because
plants spend less time in cold (or hot), dark trucks and are
already adapted to our local soils, water, and climate. Buying
local is good for our community because your money stays
closer to home supporting our economy, creating jobs and
supporting the local government and charitable causes.
At Shades of Green, more than 60% of our plants are
grown within 30 miles of San Antonio and over 75% within
150 miles. All of our fertilizers, compost, mulches, and soil
mixes are made in Texas. Many of our gift items are manufactured
locally––windchimes (Austin), Celtic crosses (Kerrville),
wonderful skincare products (Elmendorf and Fredericksburg),
and CD’s by George Gaytan (San Antonio).
We believe in ‘buying local’ and are constantly searching
for additional sources that are close to home.
company which manufactures
comfortable, long lasting tools
that make your gardening jobs
easier.
We value your opinion. Next time you are in the store,
please ask to fill out one of our evaluation forms and
let us know honestly how we are doing.
Presort StandardU. S. PostagePaidSan Antonio, Texas 78209Permit No. 548
Address Service Requested
Business Hours
334 West Sunset Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-824-3772
www.shadesofgreensa.com
Mon. - Sat. 9:00 to 5:00
Sun. 10:00 to 4:00
SaturdaySeminarswillbestartingupagaininFebruary.
Watchyournextnewsletterforthescheduleofthesefunandinformativeevents.
BE PROACTIVE WITH TICKS AND THRIPS
We usually recommend applying beneficial nematodes when you have problems––an outbreak
of fleas, an invasion of grubs or chinch bugs, or the appearance of fireants or termites. At this time
of year, however, we recommend an application to help prevent problems, specifically ticks and
thrips. This is the only time of year that ticks are actually down in the soil where the nematodes
can parasitize and kill them. It is also the time when the thrips insect is in its larval stage in the
soil. Applying beneficial nematodes now can diminish problems later in spring and summer when
control is much more difficult.
JANUARY IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
Even though this is typically our coldest month of the year, there are still things to do in the
garden. You can set out onion plants both for green onions and for bulbs that will mature next
summer. Snow peas, either bush or vining varieties, and leafy greens can be planted at this time.
Be sure to inoculate the pea seed if you are planting them in an area for the first time. (Unused
tomato cages make great trellises for peas.) Also, you can prepare the soil for your spring garden
by putting down organic fertilizer and a thick layer of compost wherever you are going to plant.
By allowing these products to remain on the soil for the next few weeks or months, you will see a
marked improvement in soil texture and increased production.
ADD PLANTS TO YOUR LANDSCAPE
The fall and winter months are ideal times to plant new trees, shrubs, roses, groundcovers, and
other woody plants. In South Texas plants do not go fully dormant, so although there may be no
foliage production, roots will be actively growing. By summer the plants will be well established
and better able to tolerate hot, dry weather.
When setting out new plants, avoid planting too deeply, add generous amounts of compost to
the soil, water plants in with Super Thrive, and apply 2” to 3” of mulch around the root zones.
This is a great time to upgrade your landscape and to replace those plants that did not survive
the heat and drought of last summer. Note: When selecting new plants consider natives and other
well-adapted varieties over exotic selections. copyright Shades of Green, 2009
http://www.shadesofgreensa.com/
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE NEW YEAR
If you are looking for new year’s resolutions, we have a few suggestions that will improve
the environment in the decade to come and make our world a safer, healthier place to live.
Resolution No. 1: Discontinue use of all toxic products in your home and your landscape.
It is not that hard. Natural products for the landscape are readily available and work better
than chemicals. In your home, learn to use vinegar, baking soda, and orange oil as cleaners.
You will be amazed at how effective they are.
Resolution No. 2: Use less water. This is critical especially with the dry years we have been
having. In the landscape you can replace expansive turf areas with hardscape and beds filled
with low-water-use plants. Keep beds mulched and apply compost to the lawn twice a year. In
the home, be more conscious of the water you use and find ways to lower the amount. Also,
catch and use rainwater and condensate from your air conditioner.
Resolution No. 3: Garden more. Working in the garden is one of the healthiest forms of
exercise both mentally and physically. Gardens in general add beauty to the environment.
Resolution No. 4: Plant an organic vegetable garden. The produce you harvest will be safer
and more nutritious than any you purchase. Plus, vegetable gardening is very satisfying.
Resolution No. 5: Recycle all that you can. Take advantage of the opportunity to recycle
glass, paper, plastic, aluminum, and more through your municipal recycling program. If you
do not already have a compost pile, create one and turn yard and kitchen waste into a valuable
resource to improve your garden.
Warm your evenings and winter celebrations with Aspen Mulling Spice. Mix it with wine,
tea, cider, or use it in your baking. This tasty treat will exceed your expectations!
GOT EMPTY SPACES?
For most of us, the hard freezes in December took out most warm weather annuals and
perennials, leaving empty places and in some cases, entire beds without color. Winter without
color IS NOT FUN!
You can easily remedy this situation by planting an abundance of annuals that will perform
well in the cold, providing you with new and exciting sources of color. In sunny areas, plant
pansies with wild abandon and in the shade go crazy with cyclamen and primrose. These
plants will bloom through the winter, and everytime you see them you will smile and be glad
that you filled your beds with happiness!
We wish all of our wonderful customers and greatfriends a healthy and happy New Year filled withfruitful gardening adventures!
ENRICH YOUR HOME
Few additions to your home can create the warmth and beauty provided by plants. Yes, there
are fabulous fabrics, gorgeous furnishings, and amazing art, but plants are unique because they
add life to your surroundings.
On a scientific level plants filter toxins making the air you breathe more healthful, but on a
more mindful level, plants make you feel better––more relaxed and serene.
There are houseplants that will enhance any decor, but to be successful it is important to match
the light you have available with the light requirements of the plants. (We have new SunSticks to
measure your indoor light.) Properly placed, houseplants require little maintenance. When you
come in we would love to help you select just the right plants to complement your indoor decor.
We also have an extensive selection of containers to accentuate your plants.
Note: To keep your houseplants healthy and vigorous, feed monthly with Natural Solutions
Liquid Fertilizer.
THE TRUTH ABOUT WEEDS
Many people are very aware of weeds this winter. They are prominent for several reasons.
The past couple of years have been so dry that many lawns have thinned considerably, and weeds
have filled the empty spaces. Good rains after a long dry spell enable many different weeds to
sprout at the same time. Finally, we have had enough cold weather to turn lots of grass brown,
making the bright green weeds more obvious.
The presence of weeds does not mean you need to run for the herbicide. Actually weeds are
beneficial. Some help prevent loss of soil, others build the soil with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in
nodules on their roots. Most all weeds tell you something about the condition of your soil. Grassy
weeds with little root systems indicate that your soil is very deficient in nutrients and fertilizer is
needed. Clover and oxalis only occur in soils that are badly compacted indicating that compost,
compost tea, molasses, and Medina Plus would be helpful.
In all cases, take steps to improve your existing turf. Feed regularly, apply a thin layer of compost
twice a year, mow to keep weeds from producing seed for next year’s crop, and avoid toxic
herbicides. In most cases, healthy grass will effectively choke out the weeds in the spring.
BEWARE OF THE INTERNET
The internet is a truly incredible tool and an important part of life for most people. For
gardeners it is both a blessing and a curse. It can be a blessing because it allows one to research
new plants and products. It is a curse if you assume everything you read is factual, practical,
and beneficial in our area. The simple fact is that gardening is regional, and plants that grow
in one area may not grow in another. People posting information on the internet may or may
not be knowledgeable. Products and practices may not perform the same in all areas. For
example, milky spore fungus may be a great way to control Midwest grubworms but is a waste
of time in our area––it simply does not work on the type of
grubs that damage our lawns. ‘De-thatching’ may revitalize
a northern lawn but will absolutely ruin a southern one. The
list goes on. Even East Texas products such as bark mulch
are not useful in our area.
Enjoy the internet, but remember that local information
such as that found in The Garden Gazette and from the staff
of Shades of Green is your most reliable source of gardening
information for our area.
Start 2010 out right, switch yourvGarden Gazette
to the e-mail format. Tell us next time you are in, call
us, or e-mail us at gardengazette@sbcglobal.net (this
address is only available for subscription purposes).
Please include the address where you are currently
receiving your newsletter so we can match the names
correctly.
It Is
Market Month
We will be going toseveral gift markets insearch of unique giftsand accessories for yourhome and garden. We
will give you a morecomplete report nextmonth, but the new
merchandise will beginarriving by the end ofJanuary.
HELP FOR
THE BIRDS
Winter is a time of year
when the weather creates stress
for many creatures, especially
birds. Food and water may be
scarce, and they need protection
from the elements.
You can help by providing
nutritious food in the form of
seeds, suet, nuts, and peanut
butter. Offering a variety will
attract the greatest diversity of
birds. Provide protection from
predators and the weather by
putting up birdhouses and
planting dense shrubs in the
landscape.
The Very Best
Pruners
Fiskars pruners are our
first choice for quality tools
for many reasons.
n They have received many
awards for their exceptional
designs including the ‘Ease-
of-Use Commendation’ by
the Arthritis Foundation. Ergonomics
are considered in
the design process leading to
products that are comfortable
and require less muscle power
to use. They are designed to
reduce effort, increase power,
and minimize weight.
•
The reinforced fiberglass
composite handles are lightweight
and durable, and the
corrosion resistant, non-stick
blades reduce friction and stay
sharp.
•
Fiskars’ Project Orange
Thumb reaches out to
communities by supporting
neighborhood gardens with
donations of plants, tools, and
materials.
Basically Fiskars is a great
JANUARY
Gardening Calendar
aSet out lots of colorful annuals to brighten your
landscape
aApply beneficial nematodes to control thrips and
ticks
aPlant woody trees and shrubs
aPrepare soil for your spring vegetable garden
aApply compost to turf areas
aScatter rye seed for a green winter lawn and to
reduce mud and erosion in grassless areas
aContinue feeding houseplants and all plants that
have been brought indoors for the winter
aCreate an herb garden
aLiven up indoor spaces with lush, green
houseplants
a Mulch tender tropicals and perennials, particularly
those that have frozen and been cut back
aKeep fresh water and food out for songbirds
aPlant wildflower seed
aRelocate any woody trees and shrubs (including
roses)
a Plant onions and snow peas
aResolve to help make our world a kinder, gentler
place to live.
‘BUY LOCAL’
This is a phrase you are probably hearing more and more as
we move toward buying things that are made or grown close
to home. Buying local is good for the environment because
items are not shipped as far, using less energy and creating
less pollution. When buying plants, it is good for you because
plants spend less time in cold (or hot), dark trucks and are
already adapted to our local soils, water, and climate. Buying
local is good for our community because your money stays
closer to home supporting our economy, creating jobs and
supporting the local government and charitable causes.
At Shades of Green, more than 60% of our plants are
grown within 30 miles of San Antonio and over 75% within
150 miles. All of our fertilizers, compost, mulches, and soil
mixes are made in Texas. Many of our gift items are manufactured
locally––windchimes (Austin), Celtic crosses (Kerrville),
wonderful skincare products (Elmendorf and Fredericksburg),
and CD’s by George Gaytan (San Antonio).
We believe in ‘buying local’ and are constantly searching
for additional sources that are close to home.
company which manufactures
comfortable, long lasting tools
that make your gardening jobs
easier.
We value your opinion. Next time you are in the store,
please ask to fill out one of our evaluation forms and
let us know honestly how we are doing.
Presort StandardU. S. PostagePaidSan Antonio, Texas 78209Permit No. 548
Address Service Requested
Business Hours
334 West Sunset Road
San Antonio, Texas 78209
210-824-3772
www.shadesofgreensa.com
Mon. - Sat. 9:00 to 5:00
Sun. 10:00 to 4:00
SaturdaySeminarswillbestartingupagaininFebruary.
Watchyournextnewsletterforthescheduleofthesefunandinformativeevents.
BE PROACTIVE WITH TICKS AND THRIPS
We usually recommend applying beneficial nematodes when you have problems––an outbreak
of fleas, an invasion of grubs or chinch bugs, or the appearance of fireants or termites. At this time
of year, however, we recommend an application to help prevent problems, specifically ticks and
thrips. This is the only time of year that ticks are actually down in the soil where the nematodes
can parasitize and kill them. It is also the time when the thrips insect is in its larval stage in the
soil. Applying beneficial nematodes now can diminish problems later in spring and summer when
control is much more difficult.
JANUARY IN THE VEGETABLE GARDEN
Even though this is typically our coldest month of the year, there are still things to do in the
garden. You can set out onion plants both for green onions and for bulbs that will mature next
summer. Snow peas, either bush or vining varieties, and leafy greens can be planted at this time.
Be sure to inoculate the pea seed if you are planting them in an area for the first time. (Unused
tomato cages make great trellises for peas.) Also, you can prepare the soil for your spring garden
by putting down organic fertilizer and a thick layer of compost wherever you are going to plant.
By allowing these products to remain on the soil for the next few weeks or months, you will see a
marked improvement in soil texture and increased production.
ADD PLANTS TO YOUR LANDSCAPE
The fall and winter months are ideal times to plant new trees, shrubs, roses, groundcovers, and
other woody plants. In South Texas plants do not go fully dormant, so although there may be no
foliage production, roots will be actively growing. By summer the plants will be well established
and better able to tolerate hot, dry weather.
When setting out new plants, avoid planting too deeply, add generous amounts of compost to
the soil, water plants in with Super Thrive, and apply 2” to 3” of mulch around the root zones.
This is a great time to upgrade your landscape and to replace those plants that did not survive
the heat and drought of last summer. Note: When selecting new plants consider natives and other
well-adapted varieties over exotic selections. copyright Shades of Green, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Winter Landscape and Beauty
Hi Boys and Girls!
Well, the day after Christmas and back to reality. I tackled a job that should have been done in November. This is only one of many that should have been done prior to our first freeze.
Our blueberry trees are still in large pots. For our area, the Tifblue works well. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/fruit/blueberry/blueberries.html Last week I found full-size wine barrels at a crafts show and the vender cut them in half and delivered them. What a deal! They are about 50 gallon size. So, today sweet hubby Roberto drilled a drainage hole on the side of each barrel.
Why isn't he using an electric drill? Well, one reason is that it is broken; another reason is that we like using my dad's old drill. It works.
We have had this "nicho" for many years. A nich is a decorative recess for holding a statue. They are usually associated with Greek or Roman architecture. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/414014/niche
Another major requirement is water. I don't want my bird baths to crack when we have a freeze so I keep this large shell full of water. It belonged to my mother but makes a wonderful little water source for the birds and whatever else comes around when I am not looking. I still have my hummingbird feeder up and keep it full with fresh sugar water (4 cups water to 1 cup sugar. Boil. Cool.) We have a hummer visit it daily.
I know these birdhouses are whimsical but they really do offer protection from cold and snakes. Roberto made these many year's ago but they are in constant use. We do have to clean them out every now and then.
So, I just gave you a small glimpse of our wildscape. You can create a variation of this even on a patio if you live in an apartment. Your brush pile could be a hanging plant in which a bird can seek refuge or build a nest. If the plant dies even better. A fern is really great because when it dies and turns brown it still retains stiff fronds in which birds can build a nest. I speak from experience!
Well, the day after Christmas and back to reality. I tackled a job that should have been done in November. This is only one of many that should have been done prior to our first freeze.
Our blueberry trees are still in large pots. For our area, the Tifblue works well. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/fruit/blueberry/blueberries.html Last week I found full-size wine barrels at a crafts show and the vender cut them in half and delivered them. What a deal! They are about 50 gallon size. So, today sweet hubby Roberto drilled a drainage hole on the side of each barrel.
Why isn't he using an electric drill? Well, one reason is that it is broken; another reason is that we like using my dad's old drill. It works.
We then found a sunny location not too far from the hose bib. We put 3 bricks under the barrel to facillitate air circulation. We placed the existing pot into the barrel. We know at some time we will transplate the tree into the barrel with more soil but that will be when all danger of frost is over. Our soil is not acidic enough for blueberries. So we used soil preparation recommended by Texas A&M. http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/
We planted the blueberries 3:1 peat moss and horticultural perlight. http://www.homeharvest.com/soilamendmentsperlitevermiculite.htm
We topped each plant with pine needles and always put our coffee grounds in the plant each time we water. We had quite a bit of berries before the birds got them last summer! So, here they are in the wine barrels. I plan on purchasing another variety that works well here so pollination will ensure nice big fat berries.
I know sometimes a winter garden can be depressing. After a freeze, everything looks so sad. There are some items that still bring a smile to my face even though the majority of the yard is in "down time."
We have had this "nicho" for many years. A nich is a decorative recess for holding a statue. They are usually associated with Greek or Roman architecture. http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/414014/nicheWe are in Texas. We decorate rustic so this Niche or Nicho is made of old barn wood and the roof is tin. It fits, don't you think?
Another thing about a winter yard is the wildlife that seek shelter. If you are interested in having a habitat for birds and other small critters, you might consider creating a wildscape. That is what we have. There are certain requirements that are very easy to fulfill. Check out this site to see how easy it is to make your yard into a wildscape.
It is easy for us to have a brush pile in which birds can nest and hide. It is way back in the yard so it does not look so ugly. Actually, when I took this picture, there were about 25 birds in there doing their thing. They are so cute!
Another major requirement is water. I don't want my bird baths to crack when we have a freeze so I keep this large shell full of water. It belonged to my mother but makes a wonderful little water source for the birds and whatever else comes around when I am not looking. I still have my hummingbird feeder up and keep it full with fresh sugar water (4 cups water to 1 cup sugar. Boil. Cool.) We have a hummer visit it daily.
I know these birdhouses are whimsical but they really do offer protection from cold and snakes. Roberto made these many year's ago but they are in constant use. We do have to clean them out every now and then. 
So, I just gave you a small glimpse of our wildscape. You can create a variation of this even on a patio if you live in an apartment. Your brush pile could be a hanging plant in which a bird can seek refuge or build a nest. If the plant dies even better. A fern is really great because when it dies and turns brown it still retains stiff fronds in which birds can build a nest. I speak from experience! A small birdbath or tray of water fits easily on a patio. An outdoor minerature potted tree will attract birds. So, check out the wildlife site and find some joy that will carry you through the dark days of winter.
Play outside, turn the soil, watch birds puttering around, search the sky for migrating geese. Have fun!
Let me know what you find interesting in your winter garden.
Now, I better get my block cut out for Pieceful Journey.
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