Fall & Winter Garden To Do List

Even though it looked like winter here a few days ago the weather has warmed up again and we can do our winter preparations.  I thought this list might come in handy for all gardeners wondering where to begin when it comes to winterizing a yard.

1. Most importantly, your yard needs a good drink before it gets too cold.  Tree roots especially need plenty of water.
2. This is a perfect time to plant those spring blooming bulbs.  Shop around for bulbs that do well in your area.
3. Buy & plant shrubs.  This is a great time of year to buy shrubs that are on sale and cheap.
4. Lower the height on your lawn mower.  A low cut lawn will flourish in spring.  This also keeps rodents and pests from burrowing in your roots.
5. Divide and cut back perennials. Perfect time to share perennials that need to be divided with a neighbor or friend. 
6. Rake and mulch fallen leaves. They may suffocate your lawn if left in piles. 
7. Feed your lawn with a winterizing fertilizer. It needs nutrients to get it through long and cold months.
8. Bring all your tender plants indoors or move them to your shed or garage. 
9. Clean out your vegetable garden.  Pests love to make the debris their winter home.
10. Dig up annuals that are no longer needed. 
11. Make sure you empty all water out of hoses, sprinkling systems, fountains, and drip systems. 
12. And just for fun- feed the birds. Their food supply will be limited in the upcoming harsher months.

A PLANTER BOX- ONE MORE PALLET PROJECT

So let's face it....... there's not much gardening to do this time of year.  I always feel like redecorating in the fall because I know I have totally neglected the inside of my house all summer.  I found another pretty easy pallet project. 

When we cut the end of the pallet off this time, we left two boards on the back and one board on the front.  Then pull another board from the pallet and nail it to the bottom so you could actually use it as a planter.  Again, I scuffed, spray painted and scuffed again to make it look distressed.   

I added a few decorations and it's finished.

My sister also made her a pallet planter.  She rubbed on some white paint and then distressed hers.  I love the natural look of it!

Home*made granola bars

Best No-Bake granola bars ever.  You have to try this recipe.

First- Melt 1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup brown sugar
in a small saucepan until sugar is melted

Second- Mix together
2 cups of old fashion oats
1 cup of rice crispy cereal
dash of cinnamon

Third- poor sugar mixture in the bowl of oats & cereal,
mix together, smash into small cake pan, press mini chocolate chips on top.  Let cool in fridge for 10 minutes or so and enjoy!!!

Pallet Table Runner

I am always intrigued at the things people can make out of pallets.  I've seen shelves, planters, tables, & even kids' beds.  I have always wanted to try my creativity with a pallet and I finally found a fairly easy project.  You simply cut the end of the pallet off, spray paint it, scuff it, and there you have a simple table runner. I wanted an old, scruffy look, so I found a crusty old pallet and after I painted it I scuffed it with sand paper.  So easy!

For a Halloween decoration I simply placed vinyl letters on a mason jar.  I filled it with spiced potpourri and added a candle. 

Grape Vines

I was so happy to see I had grapes hidden under my vine.  For years I have planted grape vines but never had any bunches of grapes.  I believe the secret to getting grapes is all in the pruning.  I never prune my vine because the deer do it for me!  

I found this website that seems to have a lot of information if you are interested in planting a grape vine. Have a wonderful day!http://www.almanac.com/plant/grapes

Chrysanthemums

 Chrysanthemums are a beautiful reminder that fall is near.  These daisy-like perennials were first cultivated in China as an herb as early as the 15th century BC.  Thousand of years later the flower was introduced to Japan. They celebrate the mums at "The Festival of Happiness".

Over 200 species are hardy in the northern hemisphere.

Chrysanthemums can add lovely color to flower beds or pots.

Yellow or white mums are used to make tea in some parts of Asia.  Rice wine flavored with these flowers is made in Korea. 

Mums also have an insect repellent effect. They are harmful to fish but less toxic to mammals and birds.  Who knew?

And the most interesting fact I found- Chrysanthemums have been shown to reduce indoor air pollution by NASA!

I hope you can find "Happiness" in chrysanthemums this season!

Tomatillo Lime Dressing

While at my local farmer's market I bought tomatillos. I have been wanting to make this dressing and I finally found fresh tomatillos.  I really had no idea what they were used for.  Tomatillos originated in Mexico.  They are used for making green sauces because of their high pectin content.  After peeling the inedible 'husk' and cutting into a tomatillo it really just looks like a green tomato.   

I had a coffee creamer container so I peeled the label off and used it for the dressing.
For this amazing dressing you will need-
1 cup mayo
1 cup milk
1/2 cup cilantro
2 or 3 jalapeños
1 packet ranch dressing mix
2 large tomatillos
Put all ingredients into blender.

You'll never want plain ranch dressing again!