Fall 2004

<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="newsletter85_m.htm#the_approach_of_harvest" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>The Approach of Harvest</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85_m.htm#squirrel_trouble" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Squirrel Trouble</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85_m.htm#bumper_crop_of_basil" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Bumper Crop of Basil?</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85_m.htm#lunar_phase_gardening" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Lunar Phase Gardening</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85_m.htm#plant_profile___coneflower" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Plant Profile: Coneflower</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85_m.htm#carrot_cake" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Carrot Cake</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="doro_clematis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="doro_clematis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="46e96b60.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="182" ALT="Doro Clematis." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="doro_clematis.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="doro_clematis.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> Fall 2004</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> <A HREF="newsletter7f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Winter 2003</U></A></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> Fall 2004</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="the_approach_of_harvest"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="47ca7350.gif" border=0 width="423" height="53" ALT="The Approach of Harvest." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Can you believe that fall is here already?! My how time flies when you are having fun...or is that getting older? I'll go along with the FUN quote any day!</div> <bR> <div> While this season has indeed been FUN, we have however, it has been very unusual in terms of weather...too much rain (May), then not enough (June), hot (80's 90's) then cool (70's...day 50's...night). Yes, the plants are truly confused and some are showing the sings of that confusion.</div> <bR> <div> To keep with the "unusual" theme of the weather...we have an unusual mix of info this quarter. We're talking squirrels, basil, "lunar" gardening, (which is NOT to imply that gardeners are "loony"), coneflowers and finally, carrot cake!</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="squirrel_trouble"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="47d17410.gif" border=0 width="279" height="65" ALT="Squirrel Trouble. Who's garden is it, anyway?" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     <IMG SRC="46a3e4b0.gif" border=0 width="62" height="75" ALT="Clipart of squirrel." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Sound familiar? We planted LOTS of new tulips in the fall. All winter you waited. By early spring, you were expecting to see blooming buds. Instead you saw nothing. What gives? Quite possibly squirrels. These little pests absolutely delight in digging up bulbs and or "re-planting them in a different spot, eating blossoms, and raiding bird-feeders.</div> <bR> <div> Foiling them can also be a full-time job. Homespun tricks include spraying plantings with a hot pepper mix, protecting bulbs by planting garlic near them, or mixing physical deterrents such as ground oyster or eggshells into the soil around plants. Each gardener has his or her own favorite method. A number of commercially available products can also be sprayed on ornamental plantings to discourage browsing squirrels. (Ask your local nursery for suggestions.)</div> <bR> <div> As a last-ditch effort, consider giving up the battle. Put up a special squirrel feeder well away from your garden, and it's possible (but not a guarantee) they'll forgo sampling from your flower beds this year.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="bumper_crop_of_basil"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="4845ebf0.gif" border=0 width="94" height="191" ALT="Clipart of two bottles of olive oil." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="46064240.gif" border=0 width="356" height="36" ALT="Bumper Crop of Basil?" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The first frost is looming to the north, but you still have at least a bushel of basil in your garden. What to do? Prepare some basil oil and freeze it. Here's how to make 2 1/2 cups:</div> <div> 1. Pick 5 to 6 cups of basil leaves and rinse well.</div> <div> 2. Dip the leaves briefly in boiling water and then into cold water, to soften them and preserve their color.</div> <div> 3. Gently roll leaves in a clean towel to dry.</div> <div> 4. In a saucepan over low heat, warm 1 cup of canola or safflower oil and 1 1/2 cups of extra-virgin olive oil. When warm, add basil and continue to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Allow to cool.</div> <div> 5. Pour basil oil into a blender and process for about a minute, turning blender off and on in short pulses.</div> <div> 6. Let mixture sit in the refrigerator for 48 hours, then strain into 4-ounce plastic containers and freeze. Use within three months as a marinade, basting sauce, dressing, or to dip bread.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="lunar_phase_gardening"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="47f9d2d0.gif" border=0 width="413" height="45" ALT="Lunar Phase Gardening." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="4839d440.gif" border=0 width="413" height="68" ALT="Clipart of the phases of the moon." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <bR> <div> Gardening by the phases of the moon is one of the oldest practices out there. For those who thought this was just an old wives' tale, research is showing that at least some of it makes sense scientifically.</div> <bR> <div> Since the moon affects the tides and the atmosphere, therefore affecting the weather, it only makes sense that there is a certain rhythm to weather patterns. Gardeners are always looking for ways to use the weather to their advantage.</div> <bR> <div> Hardworking New England farmers in the 17th century gave the title of "Harvest" moon to September's huge full moon that hangs close to the Earth's surface and thanked God for providing them extra light while harvesting their crops. Likewise, gardeners through the years appreciated the extra light, as they worked later into the evening bringing in their tomatoes and other vegetables.</div> <bR> <div> There are hundreds of rules to follow in gardening by the moon and some of them seem to contradict each other. But here are a few general principles to get you started. Everyone seems to agree that the best time to plant vegetables and flowers that bear their fruit or flowers above ground is when the moon is waxing-the time between a new and a full moon. And the best time to plant bulbs and crops that are harvested below ground is when the moon is waning-the time between a full moon and a new moon. Normally, the moon rises 50 minutes later each night, but the full moon on September 28, the one nearest the autumnal equinox, first day of autumn (this year September 22) will rise at sunset as normal, but then for several nights, it will appear just 30 minutes or so later. This is caused by the tilt of the Earth at this time of year.</div> <bR> <div> The lunar cycle can be divided into quarters, with the first two quarters occurring when the moon is waxing and the last two when it's waning. Some folks narrow down the principle we just explained even further: The third quarter is the time to plant bulbs and below ground crops, and the fourth quarter is a time to rest or to do non-planting work, such as building fences or weeding.</div> <bR> <div> Whether or not you choose to believe that the moon influences the way your garden grows, organizing your chores into a schedule is a good idea. After all, who can disagree with a plan that even builds in time for rest?</div> <bR> <div> For a more detailed explanation of lunar gardening, check out Louise Piotte's book "Planetary Planting."</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="plant_profile___coneflower"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="48093300.gif" border=0 width="403" height="48" ALT="Plant Profile: Coneflower." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="46dbcbf0.gif" border=0 width="188" height="191" ALT="Clipart of coneflowers." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0">The North American native purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) are members of the daisy family, one of the plant world's largest groups, with 21,000 species. The genus Echinacea has only nine species, but about 50 cultivated hybrids. The name Echinacea is derived from 'echinos', the Greek word for hedgehog, a reference to the plant's prickly seed heads.</div> <bR> <div> Coneflowers are vigorous perennial plants with rough, handsome, deep green foliage, and striking flowers. The color is usually purple, but there are also varieties of pink, red, white, yellow and orange. The swept-back petals of some species and varieties give the flowers the appearance of a shuttlecock. In many gardens in autumn, the borders begin to look tired and empty, but add any of the hardy perennial varieties mentioned here, and it will keep the show going longer.</div> <bR> <div> Growing Coneflowers</div> <div> Coneflowers are easy to grow and trouble-free. Where conditions are ideal, full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil, coneflowers flourish with little care and bloom for weeks through late summer and early fall. They tolerate hot, dry summers and can withstand winter temperatures as cold as 30 degrees below zero.</div> <bR> <div> Propagation. Coneflowers can be grown from seed, cuttings or by dividing plants in early spring or early fall. Varieties grown from seed should bloom their first year in the garden.</div> <bR> <div> Fertilizer isn't essential. If you do fertilize, apply a balanced fertilizer lightly in spring; over fertilization causes weak, spindly growth.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Coneflower Cultivar Varieties:</B></div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="291" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> 'Primadonna Deep Rose'</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Alba'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'Kim's Knee High'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Nana'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'Kim's Mop Head'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Magnus'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'Robert Bloom'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Bravado'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'White Luster'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Purpurea'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'Razzmatazz'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Ruby Star'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><div> 'White Swan'</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><div> 'Ruby Giant'</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="165"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="165" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="115"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="115" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="carrot_cake"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="468b25c0.gif" border=0 width="434" height="92" ALT="Carrot Cake. This one is the BEST! With clipart of carrots." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> I'm not a big fan of carrot cake but this one made me change my mind! Thank you J & F in Canton for sharing it with us!</div> <bR> <div> 2 cups sugar</div> <div> 2 cups flour</div> <div> 3 cups finely grated carrots</div> <div> 1 1/2 cups salad oil</div> <div> 4 eggs</div> <div> 2 teaspoons baking powder</div> <div> 2 teaspoons baking soda</div> <div> 2 teaspoons cinnamon</div> <div> 1 teaspoon salt</div> <div> 1 cup chopped nuts</div> <bR> <div> Blend together flour, baking soda, baking powder and sugar. Add salt and oil, then cinnamon, carrots and eggs. Beat after each item is added. Add nuts. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes in either two 9" inch cake pans or 1, 9 x 13" inch pan.</div> <bR> <div> <B>ICING</B></div> <div> 1- 8 oz. package cream cheese</div> <div> 1 lb. powdered sugar</div> <div> 1 teaspoon vanilla</div> <div> 1/2 stick butter</div> <div> 2 tablespoons milk</div> <bR> <div> Beat until smooth with electric mixer. If too thick, add more milk.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2004</div> </td> </tr></table></body>