Blog Archives

How to use herbs from your garden - a summary of our September event (with recipes)

9/27/2024

Using herbs in recipes can elevate flavors and add freshness to your dishes.

Black Forest Garden Club's September event was so inspiring! Gardeners agree that we grow a lot of herbs, but don't always utilize them in cooking.

The Garden Club's own Julie Luna (Treasurer) gave a two hour information-packed live cooking demonstration all about herbs, and showed us her go to recipes for using herbs in cooking.

This is a list of herbs that are considered perennials in Colorado and will winter over and come back year after year:

Thyme – A hardy herb that grows well in Colorado, thyme is drought-tolerant and thrives in well-drained soil. It’s great for adding flavor to meats and vegetables.
Oregano – Another drought-tolerant herb, oregano can handle Colorado’s climate and adds a strong, savory flavor to dishes, especially Mediterranean recipes.
Mint – Mint is a vigorous grower and can tolerate Colorado winters. It’s best grown in containers to prevent it from spreading too much. Use it in teas, salads, and desserts.
Sage – Hardy and drought-resistant, sage is well-suited to Colorado’s dry conditions. Its earthy flavor is perfect for roasted meats and vegetables.
Chives – Chives are cold-hardy and come back year after year in Colorado. They add a mild onion flavor to salads, soups, and dips.
Lavender – Although technically a herb, lavender thrives in Colorado's dry climate. It’s known for its aromatic flowers and can be used in teas, desserts, or as an ornamental plant.
Bee Balm (Monarda) - also known as bergamot, is drought tolerant, deer-resistant, and wonderful in tea (tastes very similar to Earl Gray).
Lovage - resembles parsley, but with a lighter color. It emits afresh, celery-like scent, which explains why the herb earned the nickname "false celery." The seeds of the lovage plant are known as celery seed.

Any herbs not on the list above will need to be brought inside and grown in pots (or harvested) before first hard frost.

By using herbs thoughtfully, you can enhance the complexity of flavors in your cooking and make even simple dishes more exciting and aromatic.

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Here are some of Julie's tips for effectively incorporating herbs into your cooking:

Fresh vs. Dried: Fresh herbs have a more vibrant flavor, while dried herbs are more concentrated. If substituting dried herbs for fresh, use about one-third of the amount (1 teaspoon of dried = 1 tablespoon of fresh).
Drying herbs is easy, especially where we live! Pull the leaves off the stems and place on a dish or in a bowl and let the dry air go to work. You'll have dried herbs in no time (anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days). You can also cut the herb stems and wrap them with twine and hang in a cool dark space. Or if you wish, place the herbs on a clean tray in the oven and bake at 100 degrees F. until dried.
If using fresh and not dried, be sure to rinse in water and allow to dry completely before using.
Freezing Herbs - this is an easy and convenient way to keep your herbs around for a long time. When you're cooking, simply pop out an 'herb cube' from your freezer tray and pop into your recipe! Here's our Guide to Freezing Herbs.
When to Add: Add hardy herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves early in cooking, as they benefit from longer cooking times and release their flavors slowly. Delicate herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley should be added at the end to preserve their fresh taste and aroma.
Chopping Techniques: To release essential oils and enhance flavor, finely chop herbs just before using them. Avoid over-chopping as it can bruise the leaves, leading to a bitter taste. If using a food processor, you don't need to chop.
Pairing Herbs with Dishes: Match herbs with the right ingredients for balanced flavors. For example, rosemary works well with roasted meats, basil is great in tomato-based dishes, and cilantro pairs nicely with citrus or spicy dishes. In general however, use whatever herbs you want - you really can't go wrong when using herbs!
Make Herb-Infused Oils, Butters, and Vinegars: Create herb-infused oils, vinegars, or compound butters by blending chopped herbs with EVOO olive oil, butter, or vinegar. This is a great way to add flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, or bread.

Here are Julie's recipes for herbs:

How to direct sow herb seeds.

Share your recipes using herbs with us! Email your recipes here and we'll share a selection of them with Garden Club members!

What is "rudeneja"?

9/27/2024

Rudeneja comes from the Lithuanian root ruduo, meaning autumn or Fall.

Rudeneja: the way nature and the weather begin to feel like autumn - the leaves change colors, starting their last great dance before falling away, and the sound of crisp crackling branches and leaves fills the air.

The verb form specifically describes the slow and gentle transition when the world begins to prepare for the colder months ahead.

A very special pop-up event on October 6!

9/26/2024

Instructor-led introduction to watercolors and wildflowers. All materials and supplies are provided.

When: Sunday, October 6, 2:00 - 4:30pm
Where: Pradera Fire Station, 6120 Bridle Path Lane, (just West of S. Parker Rd & Bayou Gulch Rd intersection)
What: Introduction to watercolors & wildflowers
Cost: $5 supply fee

Jacky Canton has developed this class for people who love flowers, to introduce them to basic watercolor techniques. So if you have no watercolor or painting experience, but would like to give it a try, this class is for you!

You will be painting die-cut flowers and putting them together in a little garden portrait of your own design. Jacky will provide all the materials and supplies, but if you have your own watercolor paints or brushes you are welcome to being them!

This is a great opportunity to visit with fellow garden club members while you learn a bit about watercolors and make your cri-cut garden painting.

This event will be limited to 12 people, so please RSVP to [email protected] as soon as possible if you’d like a spot! (Please note there is a $5 supply fee, and you should wear old clothes or an apron.)

How to grow Asters

9/24/2024

Asters are a great way to add vibrant, late-season color to your garden

Asters are a group of flowering perennials belonging to the Asteraceae family (they're not mums), known for their daisy-like blooms that appear in late summer and fall.

Their flowers come in a variety of colors, including shades of purple, pink, blue, and white, with yellow centers. Asters are native to temperate regions of North America and Europe and are often seen in gardens and wildflower meadows.

These plants are valued for their ability to provide late-season color, often blooming when many other plants have finished for the year. Asters range in height from low-growing ground covers to taller varieties that can reach up to four feet.

They are easy to grow and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, making them a favorite for both ornamental and wildlife gardens.

Asters thrive in full sun with well-draining soil and are known for their hardiness - they easily withstand cool temperatures and light frosts.

How to Grow Asters

Location & Light: Asters prefer full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a well-drained location to prevent root rot, as Colorado's soil can often be heavy with clay.
Soil Preparation: Amend your soil with organic matter like compost to improve drainage and nutrient content. Asters prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH, so test the soil if possible and adjust accordingly with organic fertilizers or soil amendments.
Planting Time: In Colorado, it's best to plant asters in spring or early summer, after the danger of frost has passed. This allows them to establish a strong root system before the winter.
Watering: Asters need consistent watering, especially in Colorado’s dry climate. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between watering to avoid overly wet conditions, which can cause root rot.
Mulching & Maintenance: Use mulch to help retain moisture and protect the roots from temperature fluctuations. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering and cut back plants in late fall to promote healthier growth in the following season.

A bounty of vegetables and fruits to keep fresh. Here's how.

9/24/2024

A cheat sheet for what fruits and vegetables to keep apart to keep them fresh for longer

Fruits like apples, bananas, and avocados produce ethylene gas, which can hasten ripening and spoilage in other produce.

Here's our list of ethylene-producing fruits and vegetables and those that are sensitive to them. Keep it on the frig door or in a drawer for an easy way to remember which fruits and vegetables to keep separated.

Drastically improve your plants' soil with worm castings

9/20/2024

Worm castings, often called vermicast, are an incredibly rich and natural form of fertilizer that can significantly improve soil health.

If you've noticed that your plants aren't performing as well as they used to (especially perennials), it's likely because the soil they are planted in has been depleted of good nutrients over time.

You don't want to have to pull out each plant to re-amend the soil, and you certainly don't want to start replacing plants altogether.

The solution? Amend the soil by surrounding the plant with a rich compost in the Fall, so that it slowly feeds the soil during the winter via winter rains and snows. One to try that is proven to greatly enhance soil health is worm castings.

Worm castings, often called vermicast, are an incredibly rich and natural form of fertilizer that can significantly improve soil health. Produced by earthworms as they digest organic matter, worm castings are packed with essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are vital for plant growth.

Worm castings contain beneficial microbes that help break down organic material, making nutrients more accessible to plants. These castings improve soil structure by enhancing its water retention and aeration capabilities, which is especially helpful in heavy clay or sandy soils.

When mixed into garden beds or used as a top dressing, worm castings can boost plant vitality and increase resistance to diseases and pests.

Unlike synthetic fertilizers, worm castings release nutrients slowly over time, preventing nutrient burn and ensuring steady plant growth. They also enhance root development, which leads to stronger, more resilient plants.

Worm castings are a popular product among organic growers, vineyard and cannabis growers, and home gardeners. They are an all-natural, long-lasting, and versatile superfood that doesn't have the damaging side effects of chemical fertilizers.

Apply worm castings to your soil by top dressing, which involves sprinkling a handful of castings directly on top of the soil where the roots go into the ground.

Best of all, worm castings are safe for all types of plants, from vegetables to flowers, making them an excellent addition to any organic gardening practice.

How and how much to apply
We recommend using sidedressing with worm castings, a technique that involves applying fertilizer around the bottom of the plant, where the stems meet the soil. Using one to two cups per plant (depending on size of the plant), create a ring of worm castings around the bottom of each plant near where the stems come out of the ground and then water well. For larger plants, sprinkle a 1-inch layer in and amongst the stems the best you can.

However many established plants you need to sidedress times 1 or 2 (cups) is how many cups of worm castings you'll need to purchase. A 4 quart bag of worm castings equals roughly 16 cups of worm castings, which is enough to apply to 16 typically sized plants.

Another process you can try is the mix 1 bag worm castings with 1 bag compost and 1 bag topsoil to revive your soil and sidedress with that. This is also great for your soil and will save you some money on purchasing 100% worm castings.

Where to buy
Worm castings are easy to find locally at The Big Tool Box, The Home Depot, Tractor Supply Co., Lowes, and your local garden nurseries. If you wait for Spring to apply worm castings (it's a good time in the Spring, too), we've heard Costco sells large bags for a great price.

Best lawn fertilizer to use in the Fall

9/20/2024

Getting the nitrogen and potassium right is important for cold hardiness and stronger, longer root systems

The best type of lawn fertilizer to use in the fall is one with a high ratio of potassium (K) and a moderate amount of nitrogen (N). These fertilizers are often labeled as "fall" or "winterizer" formulas.

Potassium strengthens the grass's root system and enhances its resistance to cold and stress, preparing it to survive the winter months.

Nitrogen promotes a final burst of growth, helping the grass green up and store energy for the next growing season. A typical N-P-K ratio for fall fertilizers is 10-0-20 or 12-4-24, where the potassium content is higher than the nitrogen.

Timing is crucial when applying fall fertilizer, usually between mid-September and early October where we live. Apply the fertilizer after the lawn's active growing season has slowed, but before the ground freezes.

Slow-release fertilizers are ideal for fall because they provide nutrients gradually over the winter, promoting steady root growth. Also look for fertilizers that contain organic matter or micronutrients, as these will improve soil structure and increase the lawn's resilience through winter.

Trivia: what do you call a throng of lady bugs?

9/19/2024

Besides a 'swarm' or 'colony'...

A swarm of ladybugs is commonly referred to as a "loveliness."

This charming term reflects the positive association people often have with ladybugs due to their role in controlling garden pests and their colorful appearance.

While "swarm" can also be used, "loveliness" is a more specific and whimsical collective noun for these beneficial insects.

How to grow cold hardy exotic beauty Rose Mallow

9/19/2024

The hardy rose mallow, also known as perennial hibiscus, is a striking, cold-hardy plant that thrives in many garden settings.

Hardy Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a plant you want to try! It features large, showy blooms, often in shades of pink, red, white, or bi-color, with a delicate crepe-like texture.

This member of the hibiscus family is native to wetlands and coastal regions of North America, making it well-suited to damp soils, though it can also adapt to standard garden conditions. The plant is a prolific bloomer from mid-summer through Fall, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies.

What makes hardy rose mallow particularly desirable is its resilience. Despite its tropical-looking flowers, it can withstand colder temperatures down to USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9 (for zone 4 be sure to plant it in a sunny sheltered spot - it loves heat and doesn't like wind).

The plant can grow 4 to 7 feet tall, forming a dense shrub-like appearance with heart-shaped leaves. It's perfect for adding color and drama to perennial borders, water features, or wildlife gardens.

In addition to its ornamental value, the rose mallow is relatively low-maintenance once established, requiring minimal pruning and care.

The blooms of Rose Mallow are regularly dinner plate sized, and once it begins to bloom, it will continue flowering until the first frost, and then repeat the performance the following Spring.

Rose Mallow can be planted in Spring or Fall, and likes moist soil. If growing in a pot, water up to twice a day on hot days and on very cold days (below 20 degrees F), bring into a garage or unheated interior space if not planted in the ground.

Nearly a billion birds die each year while trying to migrate.

9/19/2024

This fascinating TV segment explains why, and what some technology companies are doing about it.

According to the televised segment on CBS Sunday Morning, the birds are just trying to migrate, but they get distracted by lights or reflections, and are unaware of the hazards posed by glass.

Migration is a risky and exhausting time in a bird’s life. Birds migrate hundreds to thousands of miles – sometimes burning half their body mass along the way.

Some architects are using new bird-friendly glass in their construction, while public-awareness campaigns are having a dramatic effect on creating safer environments for migrating birds.

See the televised program here.

Do your part!

A CSU study found that it is easy for all of us to help the birds - simply turn off outdoor lights at night. “If we turned off all lights tonight, there would be no birds colliding because of lights tonight,” says the study. “The impact is immediate and positive for birds."

An entire flat of pansies for only $20

9/19/2024

Final week - sale ends September 22. All annuals and perennials are $20 per flat, including Fall pansies and mums.

Plum Creek Garden Market is having their season-end sale, and its a good one! Started in Castle Rock, Colorado in 2013 to fill a community demand desiring access to locally grown, high-quality flowers and plants, they've grown to a total of five Front Range seasonal garden markets, furthering their goal to provide communities access to the highest quality perennials, annuals and vegetables.

Plum Creek Garden Market's final day is Sunday, September 22, so pay them a visit while you still can! Once they close on Sunday at 5pm, you won't see them again until 2025.

Where: Greenwood Village at Aspen Academy (University and Orchard)
2342 E. Orchard Rd
Greenwood Village, CO 80121
(303) 945-9308

9am - 6pm: Monday-Saturday
10am - 5pm: Sunday

If the weather is bad, please call or check Facebook or Instagram first.

20 unique recipes that use the delightful cucumber

9/12/2024

Tired of pickling your cukes? Try these unique and interesting recipes with cucumbers as the star ingredient.

Cucumbers are grown in many regions around the world. They thrive in warm weather and require plenty of sunlight, water, and well-drained soil to grow successfully.

Cucumbers are composed mostly of water (about 95%), making them an excellent hydrating food, and they also provide small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium.

They are categorized into two main types: slicing cucumbers, which are larger and typically eaten fresh, and pickling cucumbers, which are smaller and used for making pickles. Either can be used in the recipes link below.

Here are 20 different recipes that make cucumber the star.

Credit: Real Simple Magazine

Get acquainted with the western bumblebee

9/12/2024

The western bumblebee may soon be added to the federal endangered species list. Here's why that is so important.

According to an article in High Country News, the western bumblebee has been experiencing a rapid decline since the 1990s. "Without the bumbles like westerns, whole ecosystems might falter: they're among the most important pollinators on Earth," stated the article, which was just published.

Insects rarely receive federal protections because of several factors related to their vast numbers, ecological roles, and public perception.

First, insects are incredibly diverse, with millions of species, many of which are not well-studied, making it difficult to assess their conservation status. Additionally, insects play essential but often misunderstood roles in ecosystems, such as pollination, decomposition, and serving as food sources for other animals, which complicates efforts to prioritize specific species for protection.

Another challenge is the public's general perception of insects. Unlike charismatic animals like pandas or bald eagles, insects are often viewed negatively, as pests or nuisances, leading to less public and political support for their conservation.

Existing federal protections, like the Endangered Species Act, tend to focus on larger, more visible species, and the processes required to protect insects under such laws are complex and resource-intensive, leading to fewer efforts to protect them despite their ecological importance.

But the western bumblebee could become a 'spokesbee' for other insects too. There are so many interesting aspects to this bumble - read the full article here complete with beautiful illustrations of this important species. 5 minute read.

When and how to grow mums/chrysanthemums in the ground

9/12/2024

Don't throw your store bought Mums away. Plant them instead!

Planting and growing chrysanthemums (mums) is relatively easy, and with the right care, they can thrive and produce beautiful blooms year after year. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you plant and grow mums:

Choose the right variety by reading the plant tag in the pot

Perennial Mums: These can survive cold winters and return year after year, which is ideal for most gardens.
Annual Mums: They are typically grown for one season and are not winter-hardy.

What to know

Mums need 6 hours of sunlight each day for the best bloom production.
Soil: They prefer well-draining soil. If your soil retains water, amend it with organic matter such as a rich compost.

Plant in early spring for best results, although you can also plant in the fall about a month before first freeze to let their roots get established.
Space mums 18-24 inches apart, depending on the variety, to allow for good air circulation and prevent disease.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide. Place the plant at the same depth it was in the pot, and cover with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets.

Mums prefer moist, well-drained soil. Water them deeply once a week, ensuring the soil doesn't dry out, but also not allowing them to sit in waterlogged soil.

Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) when planting. Avoid fertilizing after mid-summer to prevent encouraging late-season growth, which could weaken the plant for winter.

Pinch off blooms at the tips of stems to encourage bushy growth and more blooms next year.

Add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, keep roots cool, and prevent weeds. Use organic mulches like straw, bark, or leaves.

Remove spent blooms regularly to promote more flowers and keep the plant looking neat.

Winter Care

After the first frost, cut back the plant to about 6 inches above the ground. It is important to cover with a thick layer of mulch or straw to protect the roots during the winter.
Dividing Mums - every 2-3 years, divide your mums in early spring to keep them healthy and productive. Dig up the entire plant, split the root ball into several sections, and replant the divisions.

Common Problems:

Powdery Mildew: Caused by overcrowding and poor air circulation. Avoid watering from above.
Aphids or Spider Mites: Check for pests regularly and use insecticidal soap if necessary.

Perennials to cut back in Fall

9/12/2024

Cutting back perennials can help maintain garden health and appearance, but you might choose to leave certain plants untouched to enhance winter interest and provide habitat for wildlife.

Cutting back perennials in the fall can be beneficial, but whether or not to do so depends on the type of plant and your preferences for garden aesthetics and plant health. Here are the key considerations:

Benefits of Cutting Back Perennials in Fall

Disease Prevention: Cutting back dead or dying foliage can prevent the spread of diseases or pests that might overwinter in the plant debris. This is especially important for plants prone to fungal infections, like peonies or irises.
Tidier Garden: Removing spent flowers and foliage in the fall keeps the garden looking clean and well-maintained through the winter months.
Encourages Healthy Growth: Pruning perennials helps channel the plant’s energy toward root development over the winter, promoting stronger growth in the spring.

Perennials to cut back in the Fall

Anything with powdery mildew or other obvious disease. Dispose of all diseased foliage and blooms by bagging and throwing in trash. Never compost diseased plant materials.
Blazing Star (Liatris) - looks tidier if cut back but wait till it naturally dies back before cutting
Catmint - cutting back removes an unkempt look. Prune back to about 4-6 inches above soil.
Daylilies - cut back after first frost to keep garden looking tidy. Cutting back too soon can interfere with this plant's photosynthesis and affect their overall health.
Garden Phlox - cut back to address powdery mildew. Do not put diseased foliage in the compost pile.
Hostas - slugs lay eggs in their foliage during Autumn - so cut this one back after they have died naturally.
Iris and other bulbs - cut dead leaves off just above the crown, and the green leaves 4-6 inches above the soil. Wait till after first Fall frost to give plants as much time as possible to store food.
Lavender - this plant produces leaves and blooms only on old wood, so cut plant just above the woody sections (never in to the woody section). Do this 6 weeks before first frost if possible to help lavender be less vulnerable in winter.
Peony - cut back to a few inches above ground.
Gaillardia daisy (Blanket flowers) - deadhead spent blooms and cut back the plants before winter to keep them healthy for next year.
Salvia - cutting back in the Fall means the possibility of two blooms next year instead of one, and keeps them from developing woody stems.

When to Wait Until Spring

Winter Interest: Some perennials, like ornamental grasses, sedums, and coneflowers, provide visual interest and structure to the winter garden. Their seed heads can also serve as food for birds.
Protection for Plants: Leaving the foliage on certain plants can provide a layer of insulation during the cold months.
Pollinators and Wildlife: Some insects, including pollinators, overwinter in plant stems, so leaving them intact can support local ecosystems.

How to Cut Back

For perennials that need cutting back, prune the stems down to a few inches above the ground after the first frost when the plants have naturally started to die back. Be sure to remove any diseased or damaged foliage and dispose of in trash.

Flower seeds to plant now for beautiful blooms next year

9/9/2024

It's not just bulbs that can be planted in the Fall. September is a great time to plant certain seeds too.

In Colorado, fall is an excellent time to plant certain seeds that can thrive in the cooler temperatures and establish roots before winter sets in. All of the seeds below can also be direct sown in Spring.

Bachelor Buttons (also alled cornflowers) - periwinkle blue, bloom Spring right through Fall. Hardy and thrives even in poor soils. Full sun.

Scabiosa (also called pincushion flowers) - butterflies love these; long bloom time with long stems perfect for cutting for bouquets.

Meadowfoam (also called poached egg plant due to its yellow center with white surround) - sow seeds indoors in Autumn and plant out in the Spring. These low-growing plants self-sow and naturalize in the garden, making them good for suppressing weeds. Adapted to poorly drained soils.

Nigella (also called love in a mist) - hardy annual that blooms in Spring when planted in September. Flower are surrounded by a lacy leaf structure, giving them an appearance of being surrounded by a mist. These have a short flowering time, so remember to succession plant.

Sea Holly - striking flower that bees and butterflies can't ignore. Stunning in bouquets and dried floral arrangements. Hardy, likes full sun in soil with good drainage. May not flower first year.

Black Eyed Susan (also called rudbekia) - blooms from June to August, often blanketing spaces with golden-yellow flowers with black centers. Full sun.

Wildflower mixes - mid- to late Fall is a good time to sow wildflower seed because subsequent winter cold and snow (moisture) will promote seed germination the following spring (a process called stratification). If sowing in spring or summer, check with the seed company if they have pre-treated (stratified) the perennial seeds.

Photos in gallery above are in order of flowers as listed in the text.

Dahlias for days - special Garden Club pop-up event

9/6/2024

We're bringing you a special "pop-up" gathering in a local gardener's enchanting backyard oasis!

In addition to our regular monthly event, we're excited to announce a special "pop-up" gathering!

Date: Thursday, September 12
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: Paul Preister's Garden, 5818 Cantrell Ct., Parker (in the Pinery)

Join us for a delightful evening tour of local gardener Paul Preister's enchanting garden.

Paul has a passion for growing dahlias and cultivating beautiful roses and other blooms, creating what many describe as a fairy garden, backyard oasis, or storybook retreat.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and visit with fellow garden club members, sip some white wine, and explore the challenges and rewards of growing dahlias in our region.

Don't miss this chance to be inspired by Paul's green thumb and beautiful blooms!

How to preserve and use your herbs

9/6/2024

Black Forest Garden Club September Event: Preserving & Using Herbs

Join us for our September monthly event on Saturday September 21st where we’ll dive into the wonderful world of herbs!

Learn how to preserve and use fresh herbs with easy-to-follow recipes for teas, herb blends, salad dressings, vinegars and much more.

Highlights of the event

Step-by-step demos of various recipes
Tastings of a variety of herbs and prepared recipes
Practical tips for preserving herbs at home

Date & Time:
Saturday, September 21
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location:
At the home of Julie Luna
5326 Pinyon Jay Rd, Parker (The Timbers/Pinery)

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or new to the world of herbs, this event will offer something for everyone!

Hanataba flower arranging tool perfect for those on-trend spiralized/twisted flower bouquets

9/6/2024

The Hanataba tool achieves a spiral, balanced effect by positioning each flower precisely, eliminating the need for advanced techniques.

The Hanataba is an innovative flower-arranging tool designed to simplify the process of creating balanced, spiral-shaped bouquets. The term "Hanataba" comes from the Japanese word for "bouquet."

Unlike traditional flower arranging methods, the Hanataba tool uses a circular frame with slots that allow the stems to be inserted and held in place at varying angles, creating a natural-looking, spiral bouquet with minimal effort.

The spiral arrangement is a hallmark of professional floral design, as it ensures that the flowers are evenly distributed and that the bouquet has a balanced, visually appealing look from all angles.

The Hanataba tool is especially useful for those who enjoy flower arranging but may not have the skills of a professional florist. With this tool, anyone can easily create professional-looking arrangements.

The Hanataba is also versatile, allowing for experimentation with different flower types, greenery, and fillers to create unique and creative designs. Whether using fresh flowers or artificial ones, the Hanataba makes the process faster and more enjoyable for beginners and experienced arrangers alike.

How it works video.

Where to purchase.

Photo Credit: Hanataba Original

The beauty of seeing colors

9/5/2024

The full spectrum of color is a naturally occurring phenomenon, as any color, in all its shades and hues, is found in nature.

The beauty of seeing in color is an experience that enriches our perception of the world, filling it with vibrancy, depth, and emotion. Can you imagine seeing in only black and white (or shades of gray or only in one shade of any color)?

Seeing in color in nature holds profound significance for us as it enriches our understanding of the environment and deepens our emotional connection to the world around us.

Colors in nature serve as signals and symbols, communicating the rhythms of life, the changing of seasons, and the health of ecosystems. For example, the vibrant green of leaves signals growth and vitality, while the bright hues of flowers attract pollinators and bring a sense of joy and renewal.

The natural world, painted with a vast spectrum of colors, becomes a canvas that reflects life’s diversity and beauty, creating a sense of wonder and belonging.

On a more practical level, colors in nature help us navigate and survive. Historically, humans have relied on color to identify ripe fruits, distinguish between poisonous and edible plants, and track changing weather patterns.

The red of a ripe apple, the golden glow of sunset, or the darkening skies before a storm offer cues that guide our actions and decisions. Our ability to interpret these colors has been crucial to our evolution, influencing how we hunt, gather, and live harmoniously with the environment.

Beyond survival, the experience of seeing color in nature enhances our mental and emotional well-being. Natural colors like the blues of the ocean and sky or the greens of forests have been shown to reduce stress and promote relaxation. These colors are often associated with peace, balance, and calmness, helping us reconnect with a sense of inner harmony.

Vibrant colors like the fiery reds of dahlia or the golden yellows of a sunflower can inspire energy, optimism, and creativity. In essence, seeing nature in full color not only helps us make sense of the world but also enriches our experiences, grounding us in the present moment with a sense of awe and appreciation.

Next time you are in your garden (or any natural space), take time to take in all the different colors you see around you. Be present with the luxury of seeing in color and the beauty of color in all its shades, hues, and tints.

The best time to plant grass seed

9/5/2024

Seasons like Spring and Fall, with moderate temps and more moisture, are ideal times to plant grass seed (and just about anything else).

For cool-season grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, or ryegrass), early fall is the best time to plant. The cooler temperatures and more frequent rainfall provide optimal conditions for seed germination, while the soil is still warm enough to promote root development. Planting in the fall also gives the grass time to establish strong roots before the winter frost, making it more resilient come spring.

Spring is the second-best option for cool-season grasses, especially if you missed the fall window. However, be mindful of summer heat approaching, which can stress newly planted grass. You’ll need to water frequently to help the seedlings establish.

For warm-season grasses (like Bermuda, Zoysia, or Bahia), late spring to early summer is ideal. These grasses thrive in warmer temperatures and need the heat to germinate properly. Planting in late spring allows the seeds to take advantage of the warm weather, giving them the best chance to grow and develop during the hot summer months.

In all cases, planting when the soil temperature is around 55°F-65°F for cool-season grasses or 65°F-70°F for warm-season grasses ensures the best germination and growth.

This article has some great tips on best practices for planting grass seed.

Using herbs in recipes can elevate flavors and add freshness to your dishes.

Rudeneja comes from the Lithuanian root ruduo, meaning autumn or Fall.

Instructor-led introduction to watercolors and wildflowers. All materials and supplies are provided.

Asters are a great way to add vibrant, late-season color to your garden

A cheat sheet for what fruits and vegetables to keep apart to keep them fresh for longer

Worm castings, often called vermicast, are an incredibly rich and natural form of fertilizer that can significantly improve soil health.

Getting the nitrogen and potassium right is important for cold hardiness and stronger, longer root systems

Besides a 'swarm' or 'colony'...

The hardy rose mallow, also known as perennial hibiscus, is a striking, cold-hardy plant that thrives in many garden settings.

This fascinating TV segment explains why, and what some technology companies are doing about it.

Final week - sale ends September 22. All annuals and perennials are $20 per flat, including Fall pansies and mums.

Tired of pickling your cukes? Try these unique and interesting recipes with cucumbers as the star ingredient.

The western bumblebee may soon be added to the federal endangered species list. Here's why that is so important.

Don't throw your store bought Mums away. Plant them instead!

Cutting back perennials can help maintain garden health and appearance, but you might choose to leave certain plants untouched to enhance winter interest and provide habitat for wildlife.

It's not just bulbs that can be planted in the Fall. September is a great time to plant certain seeds too.

We're bringing you a special "pop-up" gathering in a local gardener's enchanting backyard oasis!

Black Forest Garden Club September Event: Preserving & Using Herbs

The Hanataba tool achieves a spiral, balanced effect by positioning each flower precisely, eliminating the need for advanced techniques.

The full spectrum of color is a naturally occurring phenomenon, as any color, in all its shades and hues, is found in nature.

Seasons like Spring and Fall, with moderate temps and more moisture, are ideal times to plant grass seed (and just about anything else).

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