Winter 2003

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=150 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04050961dkfecn.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U><IMG SRC="05ed9490.png" border=0 width="473" height="73" ALT="Earthenjoy Home" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U>Home</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gardening Services"><U>Gardening Services</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Quarterly Newsletter</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="showcase.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Garden Showcase"><U>Garden Showcase</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Earthenjoy"><U>About Earthenjoy</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Earthenjoy"><U>Contact Earthenjoy</U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>In This Issue:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#let_it_snow____i_say_no_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Let It Snow....I Say NO! </U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#mistletoe_magic" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Mistletoe Magic</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#hellebores_winter_standouts_" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Hellebores: Winter Standouts</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#winter_is_rough" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Winter is Rough</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#a_brownie_for_the_winter_blues" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>A Brownie For The Winter Blues</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#creamy_caramel_brownies" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Creamy Caramel Brownies</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f_m.htm#healthy_houseplant_hints" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Healthy Houseplant Hints</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pond_art.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="pond_art.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="3c7967d0.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="125" ALT="Turtle statuary beside a back yard pond." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pond_art.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="pond_art.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U>Click for larger picture.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Archive of past newsletters:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Current Newsletter</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Spring 2008</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2007"><U>Winter 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Fall 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2007"><U>Summer 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2007"><U>Spring 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2006"><U>Winter 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2006"><U>Fall 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2006"><U>Summer 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Spring 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Winter 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2005"><U>Fall 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2005"><U>Summer 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2005"><U>Spring 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2004"><U>Winter 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Fall 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2004"><U>Summer 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Spring 2004</U></A></div> <div> Winter 2003</div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2003"><U>Fall 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2003"><U>Summer 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Spring 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2002"><U>Winter 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2002"><U>Fall 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2002"><U>Summer 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2002"><U>Spring 2002</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=330 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Winter 2003</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="let_it_snow____i_say_no_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3ecb3320.gif" border=0 width="435" height="50" ALT="Let it snow...I say NO!" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <bR> <div> Winter...again...awww, do we have to??? Seems that's the way I look at winter, especially as I get older. Yes, I'm grateful for a rest but does it a have to be so cold...and what about that white stuff? I do however know that "to every time there is a purpose under heaven".</div> <bR> <div> Well, since we can't do anything to stop it might as well enjoy it! To help bring joy into your holiday & winter, this issue is loaded with helps & hints for the season.<IMG SRC="3b68c950.gif" border=0 width="140" height="149" ALT="Clipart of a colorful wreath." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> I also would like to thank each and every one of you for a WONDERFUL gardening season. It has been a tremendous blessing to me and I hope that I have blessed you as well. I look forward to an even more blessed year in 2004!</div> <bR> <div> <I>HAPPY HOLIDAYS!</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="mistletoe_magic"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3edef7d0.gif" border=0 width="239" height="125" ALT="Mistletoe Magic." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B><IMG SRC="3b7a4570.gif" border=0 width="164" height="87" ALT="Clipart of mistletoe." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Pucker up! The holidays would not be complete without a sprig of mistletoe hung in the doorway to invite Yuletide kisses. Hanging a sprig in the doorway goes back to the Druids, who called the herb 'all-heal" and considered it sacred. At the winter solstice, mistletoe (Viscum album) was cut from the sacred oak with a ritual knife and caught in a white cloth so that it did not touch the ground. Hung in a doorway, it protected the home from evil spirits during the darkest time of the year and created a sanctuary where a kiss of peace could be exchanged. In Victorian times, every kiss required the plucking of a white berry. When the berries were gone, lovers were out of luck.</div> <bR> <div> Medicinally, mistletoe has been used to treat convulsions, hysteria, neuralgia, and heart conditions. Recent research suggests that European mistletoe may also inhibit the growth of tumors, making it possibly useful in cancer treatment. (Scientists say that the berries are not poisonous, as once thought, but it is still not a good idea to eat them.)</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="hellebores_winter_standouts_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3d964640.gif" border=0 width="100" height="100" ALT="Clipart of Lenten Rose." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B><B><IMG SRC="3ee166a0.gif" border=0 width="278" height="106" ALT="Hellebores: Winter Standouts." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> The commonly known Lenten Rose, (Helleborus orientalis), is an outstanding four season perennial. It is also said to be hardier (Zones 4 to 9) and much easier to grow than its sister, H. niger, the Christmas rose. It has broader evergreen leaflets and saucer-shaped creamy-green flowers borne in large clusters that turn pinker with age. These blooms open in March and last in most cases until May. Some hybrids have blossoms gently spotted with tones of purple or maroon; others have larger flowers in shades of pink and red. Treasured for their beauty, Hellebores have again returned to the limelight after years of being overlooked. Even if they never flowered, their leathery, deeply lobed leaves would add interest to any garden. But flower they do, producing luscious, subtly hued blooms from winter to spring, a time when almost nothing else is in bloom. Hellebores are easy to grow, will re-seed themselves, or can be divided and transplanted.</div> <div>  </div> <bR> <div> <B>Care and Propagation</B></div> <div> Remove any tattered, discolored foliage in early spring as the plant begins to bloom; topdress with well rotted manure. In early spring or late autumn you can divide mature plants. Dig them up and hose off the soil. Use a clean, sharp knife and leave at least two buds on every division. Replant, but be patient, as they resent being disturbed and might not bloom the first year after surgery.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Planting Partners</B></div> <div> Hellebores are best planted with spring bulbs particularly early narcissus and tulips. Other well-matched perennials include wild flowers, ferns, primroses, pulmonarias, hostas and foamflowers.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="winter_is_rough"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3bd8ca80.gif" border=0 width="140" height="168" ALT="Clipart of a hand holding a white flag." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><B><IMG SRC="3ef9a5b0.gif" border=0 width="154" height="91" ALT="Winter is Rough." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> No doubt about it, winter is rough on our skin. Winds blow, hands chap, lips crack, but your hands don't have to surrender to the elements. If you're singing the wintertime dry-skin blues, ease the roughness with either of these wonderful winter hand soothers.</div> <bR> <div> <B><IMG SRC="3be78770.gif" border=0 width="120" height="119" ALT="Clipart of a hand." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#FF3380" FACE="Verdana" ><I>Skin Smoother</I></FONT></div> <div> In the top of a double boiler, heat 1/2 cup almond oil, 1 ounce beeswax, and 3 teaspoons cocoa butter. When the beeswax is melted, remove mixture from heat. Add 12 drops rose oil and 12 drops vitamin E oil. Mix thoroughly. Pour into small jars. Allow to cool and add lids. Keeps indefinitely.</div> <bR> <div> <I>Hand Mask</I><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" ><B><IMG SRC="3f282740.gif" border=0 width="130" height="116" ALT="Clipart of a mask." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></FONT></div> <div> To smooth and soften extra-dry skin, try this honey-avocado mix. Mix together 1/3 cup fresh avocado and 1 teaspoon pure honey until smooth and creamy. Massage mixture into your hands, Let sit for 20 minutes, then rinse well with warm water. Store any leftover mask in the refrigerator. Makes 3 1/2 ounces.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="a_brownie_for_the_winter_blues"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="3d748320.gif" border=0 width="584" height="50" ALT="A Brownie For The Winter Blues." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="3fa96680.gif" border=0 width="150" height="104" ALT="Clipart of a chocolate bar." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">If a chocolate chip cookie makes you feel good, a brownie may be better to help fight the winter blues, says food-mood researcher Adam Drewnowski. He is a Ph.D., at the University of Washington. "Chocolate is a perfect blend of ingredients that stimulates feel-good endorphins and boosts calming serotonin," he says.</div> <bR> <div> Chocolate also is filled with a brain chemical called phenylethylamine. It's the same chemical released when two people fall in love. Another bonus is that it contains theobromine and magnesium, which help increase brain function.</div> <bR> <div> As for the caffeine in chocolate, there is about 6 milligrams per ounce, which may also give you a mental boost. Please bear in mind that a little chocolate goes a long way. That being said, also understand that there's no replacement for a well balanced diet that includes lots of fresh vegetables and fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat products. It's also best to eat regularly throughout the day to maintain proper blood sugar levels. That is the ultimate mood regulator of all.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="creamy_caramel_brownies"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3c426640.gif" border=0 width="294" height="100" ALT="Creamy Carmel Brownies." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> 1 cup finely chopped pecans</div> <div> 1 pkg. (18 oz.) Nestle Toll House</div> <div> Refrigerated Brownie Bar Dough, broken into squares</div> <div> 12 Nestle Creamy Caramel Treasures, unwrapped</div> <div> 1/2 cup Nestle Toll House Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels</div> <bR> <div> PREHEAT oven to 325 F. Grease or paper line 12 muffin cups. Place nuts in medium bowl. Press brownies into nuts, coating well. Place into prepared cups. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until edges are set. Remove pan to wire rack; gently press one unwrapped Treasure into each brownie. Cool completely; remove from pan.</div> <bR> <div> MICROWAVE morsels in small, heavy-duty plastic bag on High (100%) power for 30 to 45 seconds; knead. Microwave at additional 10- to 20-second intervals, kneading until smooth. Cut tiny corner from bag; squeeze to drizzle over each brownie.</div> <bR> <div> (Makes about 12 brownies)<IMG SRC="3c378650.gif" border=0 width="120" height="101" ALT="Clipart of a brownie." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Variations:</div> <div> For German Chocolate Treasure Brownies: Use Nestle Toasted Coconut Treasures or For Peanut Butter Treasure Brownies: Use Nestle Peanut Butter Treasures.</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="healthy_houseplant_hints"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="3d2788a0.gif" border=0 width="120" height="138" ALT="Clipart of a fern." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="10" VSPACE="0"></B><B><IMG SRC="3d5d7320.gif" border=0 width="471" height="50" ALT="Healthy Houseplant Hints." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Houseplants are tougher than you think as long as you give them the right care. Try these tips to encourage your indoor plants to grow healthy and strong.</div> <bR> <div> 1. Put them in the right light.</div> <div> The majority of houseplants demand sun and more sun. If the tag the plant came with, or a houseplant resource guide, says "full sun," place them in a room with south facing windows where light flows in.</div> <bR> <div> 2. Turn, turn, and turn again.</div> <div> By simply giving your houseplants a half-turn every day, you'll encourage them to grow to an even height.</div> <bR> <div> 3. Don't freak them out.</div> <div> Houseplants don't handle sudden changes well. They'll drop leaves and buds, and become more susceptible to diseases and pests. Introduce changes gradually: Instead of moving them around every day, let them stay in one place and monitor their growth. If they look droopy and don't perk up after you water or fertilize them, you should try them in a new situation.</div> <bR> <div> 4. Repot whenever the container looks too small.</div> <div> Otherwise, the flowers and foliage may look nice, but the roots won't have room to grow.<IMG SRC="3f7957a0.gif" border=0 width="149" height="122" ALT="Clipart of a potted plant." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <bR> <div> 5. Soak the plant when soil is dried out.</div> <div> Place the plant's container in the sink or in a pail with the water slightly higher than the top of the container. Remove the container when bubbles no longer come to the surface. Then let the plant drain.</div> <bR> <div> 6. Fertilize regularly.</div> <div> The best time to fertilize is during the growing season, usually March through September.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2003</div> </td> </tr></table></body>