Spring 2008

<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="newslettera7_m.htm#fantastic_fernleaf_peony" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Fantastic Fernleaf Peony</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7_m.htm#all_about_chives" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>All About Chives</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7_m.htm#mulch_works" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Mulch Works!</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7_m.htm#herbed_egg_salad_sandwiches" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Herbed Egg Salad Sandwiches</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="cushion_spurge.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="cushion_spurge.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="73d96960.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="150" ALT="Photo of Cushion Spurge." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="cushion_spurge.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="cushion_spurge.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> Spring 2008</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> <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 2008</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="fantastic_fernleaf_peony"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="74c61700.gif" border=0 width="353" height="112" ALT="Fantastic Fernleaf Peony." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="327" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 278 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=E450" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plant"><U><IMG SRC="73a40f00.jpg" border=0 width="320" height="240" ALT="Photo of Fernleaf Peony courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=E450" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plant"><U>Courtesy Missouri Botanical</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=E450" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plant"><U>Garden PlantFinder</U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <div> The Fernleaf peony, <I>Paeonia</I><I> tenuifolia</I>, is an awesome & worthy perennial to add to your garden. They are however, more expensive than most peony species or varieties ($40.00 & up) because they're difficult to propagate. Your best bet to get one is to order online or through catalogs, as they're rarely sold in garden centers.</div> <bR> <div> Fernleaf peonies look quite different from the familiar "old fashioned" peonies. As its common name implies, their foliage is delicate, feathery & well, "ferny". It's also much shorter, growing only 15 to 20 inches tall. They also bloom a week or so earlier, & are available in one color... <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0000" FACE="Verdana" ><B>dark red</B></FONT>. The flowers of 'Rubra Plena' are double while 'Plena' (pictured) is the only cultivar that sports single flowers.</div> <bR> <div> They're somewhat rare & seem exotic, but don't require any additional attention than "old fashioned" varieties. They're quite easy to grow, hardy in zones 3 to 8 & like all peonies, require well-drained soil in a space that receives at least six hours of sun each day.</div> <bR> <div> Fernleaf peonies can be planted in early summer or fall. When planting peonies, it's very important to have the top of the roots only 1 1/2 to 2 inches beneath the soil surface because they won't bloom if planted too deep. Plant the crown division with the pink buds or "eyes" pointing up.</div> <bR> <div> Remove spent blooms on peony plants and keep the soil moderately moist throughout the summer. Do not cut back peony foliage until after the first fall frost.</div> <bR> <div> Peonies are considered a symbol of remembrance. Fernleaf peonies bloom aptly around Mother's Day at the same time as many spring-flowering perennials, trees and shrubs. Use fernleaf peonies as specimen plants or in the front of a garden border. After the flowers fade, the light, airy foliage adds textural contrast to the garden.</div> <bR> <div> Although peonies are propagated by division, they do not like to be divided. Unless crowded by other plants or encroached by shade, peonies are perfectly happy when left alone.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="all_about_chives"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="74f665a0.gif" border=0 width="358" height="90" ALT="All About Chives." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Every garden should include chives, one of the easiest, and prettiest herbs you can grow. Young plants quickly develop into large clumps of grassy foliage topped by round pinkish/lavender flowers in late spring. Both the flowers & leaves have a delicate onion flavor. In addition to common chive (<I>Allium schoenoprasum</I>), there's also other varieties that feature special culinary or ornamental qualities. One in particular is 'Profusion'. It's popular because it produces long lasting edible flowers. The reason they stay that way longer is because its flower doesn't produce seeds.</div> <bR> <div> <B>GROWING CHIVES<IMG SRC="73bbcbc0.gif" border=0 width="188" height="188" ALT="Clipart of some chives." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></B></div> <div> Chives grow and flower best in full sun, but will also produce plenty of tasty leaves in part shade. Start with young plants available at garden centers or by mail. (Chives started from seeds usually won't be large enough to harvest, until the second year.) Plants grow to about 1' foot tall & wide.</div> <bR> <div> For continuous cutting, keep plants well watered and give them a light application of compost or other fertilizer in spring and again midsummer. Divide large clumps every 3 or 4 years, in early spring.</div> <bR> <div> Cold temperatures can cause chives to go dormant. To extend your harvest, grow a clump in a pot that you can bring inside during the winter. Indoors, keep plants in a cool but bright south-facing window.</div> <bR> <div> <B>HARVESTING CHIVES</B></div> <div> Use sharp scissors to cut chives about 2" inches above the soil, harvesting from the outside edges of the clumps. This can be done before the plants flower in spring. After plants flower, cut back the entire plant to remove the spent flower stalks.</div> <bR> <div> <B>IN THE KITCHEN</B></div> <div> The mild flavor of chives can be used just as you would onions-in salads, omelets, soups, or on baked potatoes. The French combine chives with parsley, tarragon & chervil to make a seasoning they call 'fines herbes'. The herbs are diced so finely, they're almost smelled rather than tasted. They're then added at the very end of the cooking process, because they'll lose potency if heated.</div> <bR> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="mulch_works"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="73794380.gif" border=0 width="404" height="56" ALT="Mulch Works!" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Mulch really is a good investment. No, it's not a one-time deal...but the long-term benefits are well worth it. Better soil texture, happier plants and less weeds! April (weather permitting) is the best time to freshen up landscape beds with a new layer of mulch. For most, a light 1" layer or what's referred to as "top dressing" is all that's needed. That amount may vary however, depending on how much the mulch has broken down. Some areas may need more to bring the level back to the 3" depth range. Here's a few more ways your investment "works" for you:</div> <bR> <div> <B>• Weed Away.</B> Putting down a thick mulch layer along with a bit of Preen® helps control those pesky invaders. Even when weeds poke their way through the mulch, they're much easier to find and eliminate.</div> <bR> <div> <B>• Moisture Maintenance.</B> Mulch decreases evaporation from garden soil, thereby reducing the need to over-water during hot spells.</div> <bR> <div> <B>• Splash Control.</B> Mulch helps protect plants from soil-borne diseases, such as bacterial spot, which are generally transmitted through soil splashed on leaves during rain or watering. An effective barrier between the soil and plant leaves does help prevent infection from those types of diseases.</div> <bR> <div> <B>• Beauty Factor.</B> Layers of double grind hardwood & organic mulch give gardens a neater, more attractive appearance than just bare soil.</div> <bR> <div> <B>• </B><B>K</B><B>eeping Cool.</B> The sun can heat garden soil significantly during the summer, which can be hazardous to the roots of some plants, such as Clematis. Properly spread mulch helps the soil, and plant roots stay nice and cool.</div> <bR> <div> <B>• Breaking Down.</B> During the season, organic mulches decompose, which improves soil texture, by increasing organic matter. The finer the mulch (double or triple grind hardwood), the quicker it decomposes. Before spreading the "top dressing", it may be best to add compost & Milorganite® (an organic, slow release nitrogen) near the plant bases. BOTH compost & Milorganite helps to replenish nutrients that will get used by the plants themselves & by the mulch during decomposition.</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div>  <A NAME="herbed_egg_salad_sandwiches"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A><IMG SRC="74e73570.gif" border=0 width="371" height="87" ALT="Herbed Egg Salad Sandwiches." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> When Easter is over, whatcha gonna do with all those leftover eggs? Here's a simple recipe using BOTH CHIVES & EGGS! ENJOY!! Recipe serves 4.</div> <bR> <div> 4 hard-boiled large eggs, (peeled & chopped)<IMG SRC="75282960.gif" border=0 width="130" height="150" ALT="Clipart of an Easter Egg." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <div> 2 tablespoons mayonnaise</div> <div> 2 tablespoons sour cream</div> <div> 2 tablespoons minced fresh herbs such as parsley, chives, or tarragon</div> <div> 1 scallion, minced</div> <div> 2 teaspoons (or to taste) lemon juice</div> <div> 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard</div> <div> A pinch freshly grated lemon zest</div> <div> 8 slices whole-grain bread</div> <bR> <div> In a bowl stir together all ingredients except bread until combined well. Salt and pepper to taste. Make 4 sandwiches, pressing bread slices together gently.</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2008</div> </td> </tr></table></body>