Critter Cages

 

 

As you saw in one of my garden updates, we were excited to grow what we thought would be a good crop of watermelons this year. However, soon after ten or twelve melons began producing on the vines something began eating large holes in the fruit shattering our hopes of a productive season.

After we lost around twenty five melons we tried a trap to no avail and never saw the critter that did the damage. Was it crows, squirrels, rabbits, or maybe field mice? We even considered a raccoon, but could not catch the critters who obviously came regularly for a sweet midnight snack.

After much discussion, Jerry and I put our heads together and came up with critter cages. Using materials we had available we made a simple cage from pieces of plastic fencing, sturdy string bamboo stakes and heavy wire.. The fencing was folded and the string secured the ends. The bamboo stakes were place in the cage for support then the wire was cut and one end shaped into a hook like make shift tent spikes. Next these wire spikes were placed in intervals around the bottom of the cage to keep the critters out. These cages let the sun, rain and needed bees in to do their jobs and hopefully solve the critter dilemma

.

But like any successful invention we still have kinks to work out of our cages. As you can see above these critters are just as determined as we are to enjoy the fruits of our watermelons. But often failure can make you smarter, so we'll upgrade next year and use a flexible wire instead of the plastic fencing.

Hope your garden hasn't had the critter problems we've experienced, so far this year.  Let me know if you have a better solution because three or more heads are better than two!

Until next time..........

Happy Gardening 2012!

Strawberries -- The Multipiler

Yesterday, Jerry and I worked in the garden. While Jerry did some tilling and hoeing, I worked on the strawberry plants, planted last April. Grass had taken over the plants and in between the walkways. But I found lots of new strawberry plants that had rooted from the original plant runners. These runners grow from an original plant, shoot out and amazingly, root then develop roots and leaves just like the mama and papa strawberry plants.

As seen above, a new plant grown from a runner, luckily kept in the row and didn't need to be transplanted. Most present day strawberries were first cultivated in Brittany, France by Amedee-Francois Frezier in 1714, as he used two plants,"Fragaria Virginiana", from Eastern North America and "Fragaria Chiloensis" from Chile to develop one of today's largest and sweetest strawberry varieties. 

The strawberry plants above are from the runners of six original strawberry plants we planted this past spring. I have already given twenty or so to my niece, and what's left should give us a full row when planted in the garden.

Strawberries should be planted in spring and late summer. In our climate, I think September is fine. This plant likes full sun or dappled sun and shade, also plant in loam, mixed with sandy soil. Although, strawberry plants multiply easily, removing runners will place energy into the fruit when bearing and may be needed, if you have a hard time bearing fruit. Don't forget to fertilize and water .

This fruit is cultivated all over the world and regardless of age is a favorite fruit that only has 45 calories per cup, plus an excellent source of vitamin C, flavonoids and is used in numerous drink, jellies, jams and dessert recipes, plus more.

I've never been great in math, but it appears strawberries have got me beat when it comes to multiplying.

Until next time......

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Herbs -- Good for What Ails You

Herbs are easy to grow and for centuries have been used not only for culinary purposes in recipes, but first used in medicinal remedies. Presently, herbs are found in many antibiotics, antiseptics, medicines, aromatic properties, like candles, room fresheners, and perfumes, plus insect repellents used in sprays and candles.  After, a week's vacation to the North Carolina mountains, I noticed our herb beds needed some tender loving care and during weeding and enjoying the aromas, I decided to investigate the favorite herbs, Deberah and I are growing in our beds.

No doubt, Deberah is the better cook. She has used the herbs in her recipes and I get to taste them because she and Jerry ask me over for great meals. Yes! So, I researched more on the history and medicinal uses of herbs.

Seen above is a large rosemary plant in one raised herb bed. Rosemary is a fragrant evergreen, perennial herb with needle-like leaves. It's flowers range in colors from blue, pink, purple and white. This herb is native to the Mediterranean region. Latin name for "dew" and "sea", or "dew of the sea", because it is known to survive in this area with only moisture from sea spray.

Known for it's culinary treasures in stuffing's and meat dishes, rosemary has anti toxic properties best used for problems with "the brain" like Alzheimer's, strokes and certain types of cancer. Often, it was thought to be a "cure-all" for many ailments in "Old World" life in Europe and the new "America."

Chives as seen in the picture above is the smallest of the edible onion. Also, it's one of my favorite herbs. This herb is a perennial that originated in Europe, Asia and North America. American Indians used the bulbs like chives and onions as a poultice on cuts and animal bites when infection from such injuries caused fever. Poultices were placed directly on injuries when infection became evident.

Today, chemical properties of chives and onions are used in insect repellent for gardens, but best known for culinary uses in recipes like potatoes, fish, soups and stews.

Parsley, seen above, originated in Mediterranean countries like Italy, Algeria and Tunisia. A herbaceous biennial in most climates, it grows in two major types, curly and flat. Curly is mainly used as a garnish and flat as an a culinary addition to rice, potato, meat and vegetable stews dishes.

This bright green herb has diuretic properties often used in teas, soups and herbal juices to aid in urinary tract infections through increasing output and eliminating toxins in that system.

Mainly, I think of sage as the herb my mother used at Thanksgiving in our dressing giving it that little kick. But the name in Latin was "Salvere," meaning "to feel well and healthy." Sage like other popular herbs is a member of the mint family which has 700 to 900 species.

I think a quote by Winston Churchill, described sage best, "We are happier in many ages when we are old, than when we are young. The young sow wild oats, the old grow sage!" Obviously, he believed sage to be a wonderful and amazing herb with many benefits to the body like depression, bad breath, fever, antiseptic, sleep problems, flu and varicose veins. It's no wonder in Latin some translations mean "to save."

Medicinal uses include tea, rubbing across the teeth, baths, chewing leaves, compresses and using with other aromatic herbs to make a potpourri.

Mint is a perennial herb that can be invasive in a bed due to the root system that grows horizontal under or above ground depending on the variety. Blooms range from purple to white and include other aromatic cousins, such as, basil, rosemary, sage, oregano and catnip. All are members of the Lamiaceae family known as mint. Peppermint and spearmint are two of the most known varieties of common mint but many more flavors are available.

Because of mint's widespread cultivation in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and North America it's hard to pinpoint the exact origin. However like most popular herbs it was know to Greek mythology as the "herb of hospitality." One of the first known uses was as room deodorizer by stepping on the plant, the scent could be spread throughout a room.

Culinary and other uses include teas, beverages, jellies, syrups, candies, ice cream and alcoholic liqueurs like a southern favorite, the mint julep. Also menthol or mint oil a major component of this plant is used today in breath fresheners, mouthwashes, toothpaste, chewing gum, desserts and fragrant shampoos. And lets don't forget presently the use of menthol in insecticides as an environmentally friendly ingredient that kills wasps, hornets, ants and cockroaches.

Mint was used by more recent ancestors as a medicinal herb to treat stomachache, chest pains and as a mild decongestant associated with the common cold.

Above you see a sweet basil plant in our bed. Basil originated in India where it was cultivated for 5,000 years. The Greek word for basil was "king," where it was thought of as "the king of herbs."

Basil is a popular herb used in present day recipes like pesto made with other ingredients of olive oil, garlic and pine nuts, pureed into a paste or sauce. Regardless, it is best used by adding fresh at the last minute, as over cooking destroys the strong flavor. Chefs (as seen in popular TV cooking shows) use basil in Italian, as well as, other cuisine.

This herb has antitoxin, antiviral and antimicrobial properties, especially used in India to treat cancer, asthma, diabetes, stress and even pimples. We planted basil between plants such as tomatoes in our garden and I think it helped to repel unwanted insects, plus the flowers attracted beneficial insects like honey bees, bumble bees and butterflies.

The oregano herb in our bed, seen above is also a perennial best grown in a hot, dry climate and a native to Eurasia and the Mediterranean regions. Unlike most popular herbs it has more flavor when dried rather than fresh.

One bit of interesting trivia about oregano is that it became popular in the United States after World War II when soldiers serving in southern Italy brought it home to America and it soon became a favorite known as the "pizza herb," and quickly became an ingredient in other Italian American cuisine. But we have to give the credit to the Italians as it had been used there for hundreds, probably thousand of years where oregano was roasted, fried and grilled in vegetable, meat and fish dishes.

Since then evidence shows it is high in antitoxin properties due to phenolic acid and flavornoids. Hippocrates wrote about it's use for stomach and respiratory ailments and it is still used today in certain forms for sore throat.

Growing herbs is easy, especially in our subtropical climate in Georgia and you can plant a small windowsill or patio herb garden for around twenty dollars. Even though due to technology and scientific research we have dispelled our recent ancestors homeopathic remedies to common ailments doesn't mean we can't enjoy the flavors in our culinary endeavors while benefit from the healthy use of these amazing plants.

I've been on vacation for a week and missed some posts last week. I hope to share some of my adventures with you on the next couple of blogs.

Until next time............

Happy Gardening 2012!

Posted by Wilma Smith

Time to Plan a Fall Garden

Believe it or not...it's time to plan and prepare your garden space for fall planting. I always look for signs in the summer garden like sunflowers blooming and their seeds maturing to know it's time to plan and prepare for planting a fall crop. This summer, we had one of the hottest and driest that occurred in years, and regardless of the care given to our summer gardens, we are ready for the fall.

Although, Deberah, Jerry and I prefer the no till method in our garden, we had to resort to tilling a section of the fall garden when the nut grass took over some of the early plants like lettuce, kale and turnips.

As a rule, we don't remove any crop that's producing like this okra that's blooming unless it is shows signs of disease.

We are looking forward to the sweet potato crop still growing. We won't harvest them until later in the season. The vines will wither and die when the time is right, but it's a good idea to check the fruit depending on when they were planted.

This summer we watered vegetables that needed the most water like tomatoes, peppers and green beans first. Even with all the care, it was hard to maintain every variety, but this Roma type, seen above, is still going strong.

Deberah is planting seeds for fall just like she planted, tomatoes (seen above), peppers, onions, leeks, basil and other herbs in the spring. She is planting cabbage, collards, onions, and broccoli for our fall crops in flats. We also plan to plant winter squash, pumpkins, gourds, turnip greens, beets and carrots into the ground for fall and early winter.

"Mexican Hats," can take the heat. I trimmed this wildflower early spring. It will continue to grow and bloom throughout the fall season.

Tia and Todd are looking forwarded to fall weather even though they are both a little miffed at me because I haven't been using them lately on my blog. Tia will tell me, but Todd just ignores me!

Planning and planting a fall garden seems way to soon with the hot...hot...weather, but it's true...the clock is ticking. It's only thirty days till September. Since we've had some of the hottest weather in years, spring and fall is two of the southeast's best growing seasons. Winter hasn't been too bad either the last few years.

Even if you don"t plant your fall garden until late August or early September.........it's always a good time to plan your next garden..........

Until next time............

Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Down on the Organic Farm

This past Saturday the Crossroads Garden Club visited "Country Gardens Farm" located off  Highway 154 on our third field trip this year. We had several showers during our visit, most members were prepared with umbrellas, but those that weren't just enjoyed visiting the farm and the light shower on their faces..

Owner and Master Gardener, Mike Cunningham, started our tour by explaining his "no till" method of gardening and the farms' "CSA" or "Community Supported Agriculture" business. Presently he has fifty members that receive fresh vegetables every week throughout the year. Although the farm is not certified, yet, as an organic grower, he, his wife and sons only use organic methods not only for vegetables but includes honey, eggs, milk, grass fed beef, chicken and flowers, as well as, worm castings you can buy for your garden and yard. Of course one of the most valuable staples free of charge is Mike's experience and knowledge shared with anyone who visits.

Their "no till" method to grow organic veggies begins by digging the dirt between rows and making approximately, two foot raised beds in the middle. Azomite (an organic ferilizer) is then added to the raised row and covered with newspaper or some type of landscape fabric. A thick layer of straw is applied over the row prior to planting. Above you can appreciate the cucumber vines and work needed to grow such a large crop.

Mike told me he was experimenting to grow two vine vegtables, beans and cucumbers to grow on each side of the fence. I like that landscape cover is used to keep grass and weeds out of the middle between rows.

The farm utilizes a lake to water like our garden. We don't use a portable pump or have  large CVC pipe like "Country Garden Farms" in our garden.

They use a tape bought on a roll to connect the water source and roll onto the rows before planting their crops connecting to the main water source.

I caught my mom taking a break during the tour under her umbrella.

I was amazed at the eggplants growing without any problems.

Sunflowers are grown to take to the markets. Mike told me they will be ready in two weeks. Besides subscribers to the "CSA," Mike and Judy sell their wares at three markets on week-ends. These sunflowers will be cut, when they flower, tied in two to three foot bunches and sold at Buckhead, Peachtree City and Newnan farmer's markets.

Garden members, Calvin, Mike and Cindy, pictured here with Master Gardener, Mike Cunningham, not only soaked up some of the rain, but a lot of good tips on successful gardening.

Just like Tia and Todd, mascots in Deberah and my garden, Mike and Judy have a mascot at their farm, as seen above.

"Country Garden Farms" are branching out this summer to grow new types of plants like tomatillos, pictured above grown as an ingredient added to salsa or other likewise recipes.

And these groundcherries pictured here have an unusual but tart taste, somewhere between a tomato and a cape gooseberry, often used to make preserves or jellies.

On the way in and out from the garden, I was impressed to see the herbs growing along the fence line planted in pots made of  cut flue pipes, used to line the interior of chimneys. What a great idea! They are cut (no bottom), filled with soil, plant herbs, flowers, anything you like, just water and fertilize as needed for any pot or container.
Hope you enjoyed the garden tour and until next time..................


Happy Gardening 2012!


Posted by Wilma Smith

Ken Gohring of Georgia Native Plant Society is tonight's speaker

Ken Gohring of the Georgia Native Plant Society will be our speaker tonight at our July 23rd meeting of the Crossroads Garden Club. He will be speaking about the Georgia Native Plant Rescue Program The meeting will begin promptly at 7:00 pm and everyone is welcome. The address is 3072 Highway 54, Newnan.

Decorate Your Favorite Garden Spot

As you can see above (magnets on the front of my refrigerator), I have a  little fetish about sun, moon and star collectables. This fetish is not new, but this year, I've been searching for items to decorate my favorite garden spot and/or quiet reflection places like my patio and breezeway.

On the last Crossroad Garden Club field trip, I purchased this handcrafted sun ornament at "Casa Montano" located at 81 Dodd Street, Fairburn, GA   30213. The owner Carlos Montano gave us a tour of his shop and explained the process of how he makes his cast stone garden art and gift items.
He not only takes special orders but carries a large amount of pre-made inventory to include pieces that would cater to anyone's fetish.

I've also been to thrift shops and yard sales looking for items to add to my collection. I found these sun plaques at a "Thift With A Twist" located in Newnan and paid two dollars each. Although, I intially planned to spray these terracotta, the silver would also blend with my rock walls.

I bought these mirror moons too for three dollars at the thrift shop.

I purchased this bird bath at "Casa Montano" to put at the back of my house. I can see it from a picture window where daylilies, lantana bushes and a butterfly bush is planted. The trip to Carlos' shop is well worth the time, but you can also visit online at www.casamontanogardenornaments.com.

Deberah bought this frog for the herb bed from "Casa Montano."

I bought this cast iron frog years ago, as an addition to my garden collection.

My mother and I made this large muscadine vine wreath years ago. At Christmas, I often add a festive bow for color.

Painted gourds and old birdhouses add interest to any favorite spot.

I like to mix old baskets and antique tools together on my breezeway.

Old signs also mix well with other mediums like terracotta, tin, basket weave, wood and wrought iron.

Regardless of the spot your decorating, a garden or a quiet reflection place don't be in such a hurry to put it all together at once. You will enjoy it more if you collect this and that over time adding to your collection and fetish. It will also be easier on your pocketbook! This is true whether you prefer rustic or more conventional decor.

So, until next time.............

Happy Gardening 2012!



Posted by Wilma Smith