Category Archives: Gardening: General

Feb 12 2012

Yard Work, Yard Work and More Yard Work

The house we bought had been neglected by the former owners. Paul said we saved it, as it was on the brink of very serious problems. My mom and I spent several full days just cleaning the interior so we could move in.  We are settled in now, and Paul spends the weekends working on the yard.

We are very lucky to have a large lot, about one third of an acre. This allows the house to be back away from the street and still have a good sized backyard. Much like the interior, the yard was neglected. Ivy was growing on everything. It covered fences, grew up oak trees and even started up the siding of the house.

Here are some photos to give you an idea of what we’re working with. It’s a great yard with lots of potential – it just needs A LOT of work!

Before, that big thing sticking up is the camellia. Note the ivy growing over the fence!

After, from a slightly different angle. The camellia is liberated and the ivy removed.

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Oct 6 2011

Hummingbird Food

It’s a lot of fun to feed the hummingbirds.  They are so cute and cheerful flitting about. I received a beautiful feeder as a gift a few years ago.  It’s a little difficult to fill, but it looks lovely in the yard.

There are many sizes and shapes of feeders available.  Mine looks like this, only with more “patina” from being outside for many years!

What I like about this one is that it is made of mostly metal and glass.  It’s been very durable, out in the sun for many years, with summer temperatures over 100°F many days.

I’ve never had any trouble with the birds liking it.  Once they find it, I have to fill it about once a week.  It holds 32 fl oz, so there is plenty to feed hungry hummers.

The only complaint I have is that it is difficult to clean the inside.  When I found this on Amazon today, I noticed a reviewer had an answer to that: Put about 3 TBSP. of white vinegar mixed with two cups of water in the feeder. Add about 1/2 cup of white uncooked rice. (I use a funnel) and shake. The friction from the rice will clean even the dark mold off of the inside. Rinse well before filling.

Making hummingbird food is easy.

  • Mix 4 cups of water with 1 cup of sugar
  • Bring to a boil
  • Add a few drops of red food coloring. It doesn’t need to be bright red – pink will do.
  • Boil for a minute or two
  • Remove from the stove and let cool.

 

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Jun 12 2011

Share Your Garden Bounty with Neighbors in Need

Cherry Tomatoes

Cherry Tomatoes

Do you find that you have too many tomatoes, zucchini or corn when your garden comes into season?  You can only make so many loaves of zucchini bread and jars of tomato sauce before it goes bad.

If you feel terrible about the excess food going to waste, check out AmpleHarvest.org. You can search for a food pantry in your area to drop off your garden’s overabundance.  They will take all types of fresh fruit and vegetables.  Help give a family in need some fresh, healthy food.  They will be grateful for your donation.

Ample Harvest has over 3,800 food pantries registered already. There are an estimated 33,000 food pantries in the United States.  If you would like to donate but don’t see one listed near you contact your regional food bank (the larger food distributor who services food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters etc.) to find out.  Then ask the local pantry to visit ampleharvest.org or take them a brochure from the site.

I believe that this is such a worth-while cause that I’ve added their banner to the sidebar of my site.  Help out if you can by donating food from your garden, letting other gardeners know about this program, and sharing it with others on Facebook.

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