Fall 2007

<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="newslettera3_m.htm#queen_anne_s_lace" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Queen Anne's Lace</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3_m.htm#creating_a_standaout_garden" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Creating a Standout Garden</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3_m.htm#punk_in_pick_ins" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Punk'in Pick'ins</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3_m.htm#pumpkin_dessert" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Pumpkin Dessert</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3_m.htm#cider_spice_rules" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Cider Spice Rules</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3_m.htm#failing_fall_color" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Failing Fall Color</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="phipps.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="phipps.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="6d796ca0.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="202" ALT="The Broderie Room at the Phipps Conservatory - Pittsburgh." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="phipps.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="phipps.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> Fall 2007</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> <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 2007</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="queen_anne_s_lace"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6df67750.gif" border=0 width="359" height="117" ALT="Wild and Wonderful Queen Anne's Lace (daucus carota)." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> This flower originated in Europe, and was very popular during the reign of Queen Anne but wasn't named after her. The attractive flower got its name for the lacey nature of its flower head. Each 2 to 4 inch "flower" is actually made up of many small flowers (compound inflorescence). Also known as Wild Carrot, it can be found growing wild in fields and along roadsides almost anywhere in the U.S.</div> <bR> <div> <B>How to Grow:</B></div> <div> To start your own Queen Anne's Lace, collect seeds in fall when the umbel (flower head) is brown and dried. Next, shake off the seeds in the area where you want them to grow. I'd suggest at the back of your garden, as it can reach 3 to 4 feet tall. Many people think of Queen Anne's Lace as a perennial because its such a prolific re-seeder that comes back year after year. To prevent it from spreading this way, deadhead at the end of the season. Queen Anne's Lace is however, actually a biennial. That means it requires two seasons to complete its life cycle. It grows as a leafy basal rosette the first season. The following season is when it produces flowers/seeds then dies. The bloom time is from July to October. The flowers are usually white; however, there's also a pink variety. Being related to the carrot, it has a carrot-like taproot that even smells like a carrot. Some say it's edible cooked, while others say NO, and I agree. The reason being is that Queen Anne's Lace can also easily be mistaken for Poison Hemlock; and we all know what happened to poor Socrates.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Good Company</B></div> <div> Queen Anne's Lace adds a lovely lightness to a border of blue and pink flowers such as Delphiniums and Phlox. It's also beautiful in a butterfly garden or naturalized area with Coreopsis, Gaillardias and Daisies.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Dried Arrangements</B></div> <div> For a lacy everlasting bouquet, cut long stems of the best flowers then hang them upside down to dry. They look beautiful combined with other dried garden favorites such as Statice, Lavender or Strawflower. Need to color coordinate your dry arrangement? Simply spray paint them any color you like (use colored floral spray available at JoAnn or Michael's). You could also use gold or silver spray glitter to add that special sparkle to fall or Christmas arrangements.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="creating_a_standaout_garden"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6cc3c4d0.gif" border=0 width="316" height="77" ALT="Creating a Standout Garden." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" >Great gardens rise up off the earth to intrigue the eye and tantalize the senses. Here are some tips to consider to make YOUR garden a </FONT><B>STANDOUT</B>!<IMG SRC="6cd34980.jpg" border=0 width="308" height="408" ALT="Picture of trellis covered with hops and hyacinth bean. Chicago Botanic Gardens." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <bR> <div> Add height with trellises or pergolas.</div> <bR> <div> Define garden with crisp cut edges.</div> <bR> <div> Break large areas into smaller compartments using hardscape or garden structures such as arbors. This will be the most costly portion of your budget, but if done correctly, worth every penny!</div> <bR> <div> Frame desirable views with short and/or open sections of walls or fences.</div> <bR> <div> Delineate areas with bold (in size and color) planters. Remember to choose those that are of the same style or color.</div> <bR> <div> Add focal points to select garden spaces with benches, birdbaths, containers, folk or found object art, boulders, & sculpture.</div> <bR> <div> Generate a sense of movement with a dry creek bed, especially in those wet/dry trouble areas</div> <bR> <div> Select plants with presence, especially those with bold, well-defined shapes. Evergreens are extremely important, as they will define your garden during the winter months.</div> <bR> <div> Unify the garden by repeating the same color in different areas.</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="77" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 75 ><NOBR><div>  <SCRIPT charset="utf-8" type="text/javascript" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822/US/earthenjflowe-20/8001/0a743eaf-af19-4412-8251-495bd8646a16"> </SCRIPT> <NOSCRIPT><A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fearthenjflowe-20%2F8001%2F0a743eaf-af19-4412-8251-495bd8646a16&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A></NOSCRIPT>  </div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <div> Construct appealing paths and beds with pockets, bends, swells, and undulations.</div> <bR> <div> Stagger & layer plantings rather than arranging them in a straight line.</div> <bR> <div> Create privacy screens using large evergreens or mixed-shrub hedges.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="punk_in_pick_ins"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6c7a8690.gif" border=0 width="168" height="105" ALT="Clipart of people with pumpkins." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="6cea0690.gif" border=0 width="160" height="105" ALT="Punk'in Pick'ins." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> The most popular use of pumpkins is for decoration. Enter the jack-o-lantern. However, nourishment/food is also popular. When selecting a pumpkin for cooking, the best selection is a "pie pumpkin" or "sweet pumpkin." These are smaller than large jack-o-lantern pumpkins with the flesh being sweeter and less watery. Bear in mind that the large jack-o-lantern variety is 90% water. It can however be substituted with fairly good results. Both varieties are nutritious and contain potassium and vitamin A.</div> <bR> <div> When purchasing a pumpkin look for one with 1 to 2 inches of stem left. If stem is cut down too short it will decay quicker or may be decaying at the time of purchase. Avoid pumpkins with blemishes and soft spots. It should feel heavy. Since you're cooking with it, shape is unimportant.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="pumpkin_dessert"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6c148400.gif" border=0 width="328" height="64" ALT="Pumpkin Dessert." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> 1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin pie filling<IMG SRC="6c891960.gif" border=0 width="145" height="150" ALT="Clipart of a pumpkin." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> 1 can sweet condensed milk</div> <div> 2 eggs (beaten)</div> <div> 1 t cinnamon</div> <div> 1/2 t ginger</div> <div> 1/2 t nutmeg</div> <div> 2 T brown sugar</div> <bR> <div> Mix all the above ingredients together till well blended.</div> <div> Pour in a greased 9 x 13 pan.</div> <bR> <div> Topping Mix</div> <div> 3/4 c chopped pecans or walnuts</div> <div> 2 T crystallized ginger</div> <div> 1/2 cup melted butter</div> <div> 1 dry yellow cake batter mix</div> <bR> <div> Bake at 350 F for approximately 40 minutes. Serve with whip cream or Cool Whip.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="cider_spice_rules"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6c2ec6f0.gif" border=0 width="236" height="111" ALT="Cider Spice Rules." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"><IMG SRC="6c958700.gif" border=0 width="88" height="112" ALT="Clipart of a steaming cup of cider." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <bR> <div> A mug of warm cider kicks up a chilly day. Add an extra zip of flavor by stirring in some these:</div> <div> <B>CHILI POWDER</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > for heat</FONT></div> <div> <B>CARAMEL SAUCE</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > for creamy comfort</FONT></div> <div> <B>APPLE PIE SPICE</B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#006600" FACE="Verdana" > for pie-in-a-mug</FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="failing_fall_color"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="6e4f97c0.gif" border=0 width="249" height="124" ALT="Failing Fall Color." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <div> Why doesn't it look as good as last year? This is a tree/shrub question that I'm often asked. Our strange Michigan weather certainly has a lot to do with it.<IMG SRC="6e391960.gif" border=0 width="145" height="150" ALT="Clipart of a tree in autumn." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"> The intensity of leaf color varies from year to year, and while the science of fall color is complicated, I'll sum up some of the factors I know of that are responsible. Temperature, the number of sunny days, and moisture all play a role in the trees/shrubs showiness. Typically, cool nights and sunny days increase fall color; while drought, an early freeze, or especially warm temperatures can keep the color from reaching its peak.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2007</div> </td> </tr></table></body>