Spring 2006

<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="newsletter95_m.htm#plant_profile___viburnum" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Plant Profile: Viburnum</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95_m.htm#bulb_companions" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Bulb Companions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95_m.htm#house_hunting___for_the_birds" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>House Hunting...For the Birds</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95_m.htm#stunning_seedlings" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Stunning Seedlings</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="birdhouse.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="birdhouse.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="58f96c70.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="199" ALT="Birdhouse in the middle of a floral arrangement." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="birdhouse.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="birdhouse.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> Spring 2006</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> <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> Spring 2006</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="plant_profile___viburnum"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5d5ce370.gif" border=0 width="462" height="55" ALT="Plant Profile: Viburnum." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <IMG SRC="5d6a2c80.gif" border=0 width="162" height="200" ALT="Clipart of viburnum." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <div> This is one of the best shrubs to grow in Michigan. Viburnums are members of the honeysuckle family with lacy, often fragrant, white or pink flowers and lustrous fall foliage. The shrubs range from ground-hugging dwarfs to medium-size trees reaching 20 feet tall with a similar spread. The spring flowers come in two types: dome like clusters of florets or "flattop" flower heads similar to "lacecap" hydrangeas. Birds love the colorful fruits (berries) that appear in summer and fall. These fruits are found in a surprising array of colors: red, pink, blue, black, orange, and yellow.</div> <bR> <div> "Viburnum" in Latin means "wayfaring tree," referring to the shrubs that were once common along travel routes. Native Americans once used long, sturdy shoots of V. dentatum (Arrowwood) as arrow shafts, and old-time schoolmasters cut switches of V. nudum to discipline students. The Viburnum family consists of 150 to 200 species in North America. The most fragrant types are Burkwoods and the Snowballs which are renowned for their sweet, spicy, clove-like scent. Below, I have provided you with a list of MY top favorites.</div> <bR> <div> <B>My Favorite Cultivars </B></div> <bR> <div> 'Korean Spice' (V. carlesii) Sweet-scented pink/white star-shaped flowers appear mid-spring. Fruits are black and fall leaf color is purplish red. Grows to 8 feet high/wide.</div> <bR> <div> 'Mohawk' (V. x burkwoodii) One of the most fragrant of all viburnums, its clusters of white flowers have a sweet perfume that permeates an entire garden. Grows to 7 feet high/wide.</div> <bR> <div> 'Mariesii' (V. plicatum tomentosum) Showy is the word for this Doublefile, with its layers of white flowers on shrubs that are twice as wide as high. Bright red fruits appear in mid-summer. 'Pink Beauty'(V. plicatum tomentosum) The flowers of this one open white and turn a reddish pink with age and or cooler temperatures.</div> <bR> <div> 'Arrowwood'(V. dentatum) This variety grows 6 to 12 feet high and thrives in either dry or wet soils. Flowers are creamy against glossy, dark-green foliage, and the blue-black fruits are enhanced by red autumn foliage.</div> <bR> <div> 'Blue Muffin' (V. dentatum 'christom') A compact Arrowwood Viburnum at 3 to 5 feet high by 3 to 4 feet wide. Beautiful indigo-blue berry clusters in late summer and fall, after a late spring display of white flowers. Somewhat glossy oval serrated foliage is attractive all season, becoming a rich burgundy in autumn.</div> <bR> <div> 'Black Haw' (V. prunifolium) A classic for all seasons: Creamy-white flowers are followed by blue-black fruits and purple to deep red autumn foliage. Boldly textured bark creates winter interest. Gets 12 to 15 feet high/wide.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="bulb_companions"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5d7dd440.gif" border=0 width="477" height="68" ALT="Bulb Companions." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> After the beauty of spring bulbs has faded, what are you left with? Foliage that ever so SLOWLY turns brown. As a rule, we know that cutting it off too soon will cause problems for next year's show. The bulbs need nutrients from those dying leaves to rejuvenate. To deal with the dying foliage creatively, simply plant annuals and or perennials near them as a cover-up. Here are some suggestions:</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="0" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="600" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><div> Astilbe</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><div> Columbine</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><div> Hardy Geraniums</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><div> Creeping Phlox</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER WIDTH="200"><div> Lady's Mantle</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><div> Ferns</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><div> Lavender</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><div> Daylilies</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><div> Hostas</div> </tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="200"><div> Pansies</div> </tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP WIDTH="200"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="200" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP BGCOLOR=#FFFFFF><NOBR><div> Vinca minor (Creeping Myrtle)</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="house_hunting___for_the_birds"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5d8dec80.gif" border=0 width="222" height="200" ALT="Clipart of birdhouse." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <IMG SRC="5d98b5b0.gif" border=0 width="395" height="91" ALT="House Hunting...For the Birds." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Put up a birdhouse and the magic begins. A birdhouse will become a focal point in your landscape, attracting brightly colored songbirds to your yard. Birdhouses provide a fascinating view into avian family life. From the courting of the parents to the first hesitant fluttering of a baby bird. We'll cover just about everything you need to consider for inviting feathered friends into your gardens.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Creating a Bird Friendly-Backyard</B></div> <bR> <div> Even small yards can be bird magnets if they feel safe, have food, water, and nesting places. Well-placed plant material is also an important factor when attracting birds. Here's a list of what to include:</div> <bR> <div> Trees and Shrubs: Needed for shelter, nesting sites, seed, nuts, nectar and fruits/berries.</div> <div> Flowering Plants and Vines: Provides shelter and food.</div> <div> Water: For drinking and bathing. Shallow birdbaths with clean water are best.</div> <div> Bird Feeders: Fill with seed, suet and nectar.</div> <div> Houses: Good as nesting sites and shelter.</div> <div> You can also give birds a helping hand by providing a stash of nesting materials. Place the items in suet cages so the birds can get to them easily. Here's what birds will use: twigs, hair (dog/cat or human) thin 6" strips of cloth, leaves or long dried grass, yarn, string, or raffia cut to 6" long, pieces of cotton or quilt batting, and pine needles.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Who's in the House?</B></div> <bR> <div> Not all birds use birdhouses. Even if you buy or build a fantastic one, only the birds that normally use tree holes or nooks of buildings will move in and raise their young there. Some Michigan birds that will use birdhouses are:</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Starlings</div> <div> Bluebirds</div> <div> Wood Ducks</div> <div> House Wrens</div> <div> Purple Martins</div> <div> Northern Flickers</div> <div> American Kestrels</div> <div> Sparrows & Finches</div> <div> Tufted & Plain Titmice</div> <div> Black-Capped Chickadees</div> <div> White-Breasted Nuthatches</div> <div> Common, Barn, & Barred Owls</div> <div> Eastern & Western Screech Owls</div> <div> Red-Headed, Pileated, & Downy Woodpeckers</div> <bR> <div> <B>House Specs</B></div> <bR> <div> There's an abundance of birdhouses you can buy or build, but dimensions are more important than shape. Consider the type and size of birds you wish to attract before you choose. Single-family birdhouses: These are designed for parents and their young. Most birds prefer to nest away from others, even those of the same species.</div> <div> Multi-family birdhouses: Purple Martins, Tree Swallows and House Sparrows are a few of the kinds of birds that don't mind living and raising their young together.</div> <bR> <div> Floor: There should be just enough space for a nest and a parent bird.</div> <div> Entrance Hole: It should be large enough for a parent bird to enter while keeping predators out (about 1" for most small birds). It should also be high enough from the floor of the house to keep baby birds from falling out, but low enough to allow parent birds to comfortably reach inside and feed them.</div> <div> Height: The height of the birdhouse from the ground is important since some species prefer nesting high up while others want to raise their young closer to the ground. Listed are some preferences of common birds: </div> <bR> <div> Bluebirds: 5 to 10 feet</div> <div> Chickadees: 6 to 15 feet</div> <div> Titmice: 6 to 15 feet</div> <div> Nuthatches: 12 to 20 feet</div> <div> Purple Martins: 10 to 15 feet</div> <div> Flickers: 6 to 20 feet </div> <div> Downy Woodpeckers: 6 to 20 feet</div> <bR> <div> Placement: Attach your birdhouse to a tree or a sturdy pole near a bush or tree. This enables new parents a place to sit and watch for danger as their young experience their first flight. Also, position it away from prevailing winds, and if a birdhouse has not been used after a year, consider moving it to a new location.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="stunning_seedlings"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="5dbbd4b0.gif" border=0 width="445" height="75" ALT="Stunning Seedlings." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="5dccf960.gif" border=0 width="207" height="150" ALT="Clipart of a seedling held in the palm of a hand." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <div> Rather than start seeds in paper cups or plastic pots, try something new. It's an easy project to get your kids involved with and a good way to spark early-spring excitement. Sow your seeds in pretty, (yet inexpensive) glass jars and dishes. If you've never grown vegetable or flower seedlings, this is a fun and small-scale way to start. They're real attention getters, and fun conversation pieces. If you entertain, they shine as centerpieces or decorative focal points. Your guests are sure to make comments because they're so unique.</div> <bR> <div> <B>What You'll Need:</B></div> <bR> <div> Glass Containers (preferably with lids)</div> <div> Choose stylish, inexpensive clear-glass containers. Dollar stores, garage/rummage sales or thrift stores are great place to shop for these. Look for candy dishes, large wine glasses, brandy snifters, apothecary jars or bowls. Avoid using crystal because water salts can etch the glass. </div> <bR> <div> Plants </div> <div> Pretty much any seed will work. If you're doing this with your kids, pick large seeds like sunflower, beans or corn, as they're easier for them to handle. They also sprout quickly, which is an encouragement for youngsters. Herbs are great too and can be used in your kitchen shortly after maturity. Here are a few more suggestions:</div> <bR> <div> Flowers: Zinnias, sunflower, sweet pea, bachelor button, cosmos & marigold.</div> <div> Vegetables: Tomato, beans, bell peppers & corn.</div> <bR> <div> Herbs: Basil (green or purple leaf), wheat grass, thyme, chives, cilantro, parsley (flat or curly leaf).</div> <bR> <div> <B>How To:</B></div> <bR> <div> Because there's no drainage holes, fill the bottom third of jar with decorative pebbles, stones, colorful marbles or glass beads. Even aquarium gravel can be used to help with drainage.</div> <bR> <div> Next, add a lightweight, potting soil mixture (preferably one without peat as those mixes encourage fungus gnats). Leave 3" of empty space at the top of the container so seedlings have "head room" to grow and so that a lid (if your container has one) will fit properly.</div> <bR> <div> Plant the seeds in the jar according to the directions on the package. Mist heavily to moisten the potting medium, but don't water to the point of sogginess. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap to increase humidity level, and move it to a warm place while waiting for seeds to sprout. After seedlings appear, remove the lid and move the container to a sunny window.</div> <bR> <div> Water carefully when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. You may occasionally fertilize with liquid fertilizer that has been diluted to quarter-strength. Transplant to the garden after about eight weeks, or as weather allows.</div> <bR> <div> Avoid leaving lids on for long periods of time, as it encourages fungal diseases. Lids should also be removed while planted containers are in direct sun.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2003</div> </td> </tr></table></body>