tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29128870667297563992024-03-27T16:53:00.647-07:00SproutsandstuffSproutsandstuff-A blog about my gardening experiences and techniques with some fun DIY thrown in. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-50153573535457338942016-01-07T18:31:00.003-08:002016-01-09T20:41:57.602-08:00Create Cement Lace Using Doilies and other Crochet Items<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Skip the starch the next time you want to make something with doilies or any of those crocheted items you have laying around. Instead, how about using a cement slurry to stiffen them up permanently? You can create beautiful items for your home re-purposing doilies or other crocheted items (even knit hats!) into bowls, planters, Christmas ornaments, candle holder, wall hangings or anything else your heart desires. I have to buy my doilies at estate sales, thrift stores and sometimes yard sales but if you are lucky to know how to crochet or know someone who does the possibilities are nearly endless for design ideas!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTMuogli1KVo4kIOqONsbzagaxXKhPIJ-MRY_LwETr1y80K-T6oGAQLrYgStrLYcqxtbCDzLrP7SNnrBcSFmLKzZq0Wfqt1zpKu_xusSNcmtlyac-OxkhxyCP7CZSEDWrGQKOflrJiuo/s1600/DSCN9127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Cement lace bowl made with a doily" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqTMuogli1KVo4kIOqONsbzagaxXKhPIJ-MRY_LwETr1y80K-T6oGAQLrYgStrLYcqxtbCDzLrP7SNnrBcSFmLKzZq0Wfqt1zpKu_xusSNcmtlyac-OxkhxyCP7CZSEDWrGQKOflrJiuo/s400/DSCN9127.JPG" title="Cement lace bowl" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement lace bowl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Cement lace doily made from a doily" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-jE3LhWhDwIQMu3MlSlivsVky62LXDaAk2FhBc8bY4zFHE-uGSq2FxvUECR5_li-E_DIdw_qxLLhF-uX2la1bHdMhGSj_1TpZLAuVEQXme1F8IKR4S6Om7bY5biPiKFf77TeOIrZuJU/s400/DSCF3018.JPG" title="cement lace bowl" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement lace bowl</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K930KA6C0xR1QpQESPYZqdmGlfELOwiNwf3JYaGqZzLFgFnDuLX61vs8MQ7EMb6ub8Ys5B1hFmqR9yQJ4NUwLVdJ9OUtNZnO9BqZ9WyJfKTx9M0uk6GONujqk9GwADgLbXOPQ2Oj7v4/s1600/DSCF3017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Planter made with a crochet hat" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7K930KA6C0xR1QpQESPYZqdmGlfELOwiNwf3JYaGqZzLFgFnDuLX61vs8MQ7EMb6ub8Ys5B1hFmqR9yQJ4NUwLVdJ9OUtNZnO9BqZ9WyJfKTx9M0uk6GONujqk9GwADgLbXOPQ2Oj7v4/s400/DSCF3017.JPG" title="Planter " width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Planter made with cement slurry and a crochet hat</td></tr>
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If you are ready then let's get to work making some cement lace:-)) The ingredients for your cement lace:<br />
1. Doilies made from cotton or other absorbent material. Items made from yarn, such as granny squares also work well. Another tip is to use doilies made with thicker "string" or thread for a firmer and stronger result. Note: doilies made from plastic, paper or other non-absorbent material will not work for this.<br />
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Make sure your doilies are clean and free from starch or other stiffeners. Wash and allow to dry completely before you start this project. You want the doilies to absorb as much of the cement as possible. Here are just a few of the doilies I have used:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf5O-anH1XlOtlaZVshRh08u9Gz4n_LGTliM-jMKaLMN5XNGEYIxq3dlk7J8btgCkz_AQMsBysHHIkToAXwdmPUO6rvKn__7HbfMo1mu0JyKmiaYBBErUmCaW3NkT3o2ATfkJ4K2wqjg/s1600/DSCN8744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Crochet doily" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf5O-anH1XlOtlaZVshRh08u9Gz4n_LGTliM-jMKaLMN5XNGEYIxq3dlk7J8btgCkz_AQMsBysHHIkToAXwdmPUO6rvKn__7HbfMo1mu0JyKmiaYBBErUmCaW3NkT3o2ATfkJ4K2wqjg/s400/DSCN8744.JPG" title="Crochet doily" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj22azZjJZrRg_ND70Kdu8GWHdixuf_o_LzBJP1jinhIm1-JAB0XhL-TZxtxZ0Lw5thzSMX9AG6HtkZeBS55ZTXCmGDPdoKPwC4dIib6HI_LeC_WRUqIEoyusK3lsMezmowGD6mi-8qw/s1600/DSCN8745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaj22azZjJZrRg_ND70Kdu8GWHdixuf_o_LzBJP1jinhIm1-JAB0XhL-TZxtxZ0Lw5thzSMX9AG6HtkZeBS55ZTXCmGDPdoKPwC4dIib6HI_LeC_WRUqIEoyusK3lsMezmowGD6mi-8qw/s400/DSCN8745.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz0aVOaiOD8KmQNQk8KnL0kT6l2rwGquStPDJMQ1BqtMlW0G1wMbXnJ0s2RS-WBeqLEGtzZYVCfqTLyRQgnm519j_5TATJhpGQ8_4bU3HWBlnMUhagmESHYL-rguefigjcmfQhd5c8jlM/s400/DSCN8746.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doily</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvyKoBp39GEiDIlaSzvgLJG4SaJiFO1UUHUKT-jWBrWHPeDZsWfWztQG2LrdTc2DyewfSpOTKyRV7upH5qZEM9r3ru-DokCxkszXd0L9A5Hk2PT27IQ0x38IqYeUmxoJeMLG1spD0bpg/s1600/DSCN9087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvyKoBp39GEiDIlaSzvgLJG4SaJiFO1UUHUKT-jWBrWHPeDZsWfWztQG2LrdTc2DyewfSpOTKyRV7upH5qZEM9r3ru-DokCxkszXd0L9A5Hk2PT27IQ0x38IqYeUmxoJeMLG1spD0bpg/s400/DSCN9087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doilies</td></tr>
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2. Concrete bonding additive-this is sold by most of your home improvement and hardware stores usually by the concrete and cement products. This is an important ingredient.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP6LHFac6tw87GS8psehe6RfpbQIm-ugCHVqysbrV-NMouNUJGPaou68NB6-ogd6s9BgPMS4iMNXncyt4WcQKQTuNe5enOYWaVmwVM-0PNjSMcUSdOGrh7LtFakEN746LC008rUNayYY/s1600/DSCN8759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Concrete bonding additive" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKP6LHFac6tw87GS8psehe6RfpbQIm-ugCHVqysbrV-NMouNUJGPaou68NB6-ogd6s9BgPMS4iMNXncyt4WcQKQTuNe5enOYWaVmwVM-0PNjSMcUSdOGrh7LtFakEN746LC008rUNayYY/s400/DSCN8759.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete bonding additive</td></tr>
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2. Portland cement-not concrete mix or mortar mix-just plain portland cement.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNxl0leshcOuPt5wnXlSN_4R1ldkQQoFsUpJzxT9XkjGiXzi9keAcNPKobqZOhmGIoD_hzM8YqpH-1Y8UPBiNfkQFQ7hU8SZSZDGrT2Gkq810DaAsisWwAJmgKD29I08OtnnF1B8oFkQ/s1600/DSCN8765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Portland cement" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNxl0leshcOuPt5wnXlSN_4R1ldkQQoFsUpJzxT9XkjGiXzi9keAcNPKobqZOhmGIoD_hzM8YqpH-1Y8UPBiNfkQFQ7hU8SZSZDGrT2Gkq810DaAsisWwAJmgKD29I08OtnnF1B8oFkQ/s400/DSCN8765.JPG" title="" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Portland cement</td></tr>
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3. Water (the amount varies on certain conditions such as humidity, etc.)<br />
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Other items you will need:<br />
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1. Dust mask (Always wear your dust mask when using cement products!)<br />
2. Fine sieve<br />
3. Measuring tool-I used a small plastic container<br />
4. Long gloves (This mixture is strong and will burn your arms if splashed on them-trust me!)<br />
5. Cooking spray or some other mold release<br />
6. Safety glasses (Always wear your safety glasses!)<br />
7. A sheet of plastic<br />
8. A paint brush<br />
9. Molds-plastic is my mold of choice since it is the easiest to work with. Wood works well. Glass and metal are just too difficult (sometimes impossible) to remove your cement piece from.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFqy6w8W19LVN3Vvl3Yvf98ea90IK87rhf-J_lRIWkzAA8BpE1Al6PG_5zsFbXOX4gYZot-BKrXLJOsrDJPJTxsJKNNYzy5Vwjo8t_EDKirYrhjbIgbOnEcJT7EWJAACu602-t7ft2Fg/s1600/DSCN8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzFqy6w8W19LVN3Vvl3Yvf98ea90IK87rhf-J_lRIWkzAA8BpE1Al6PG_5zsFbXOX4gYZot-BKrXLJOsrDJPJTxsJKNNYzy5Vwjo8t_EDKirYrhjbIgbOnEcJT7EWJAACu602-t7ft2Fg/s400/DSCN8757.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies needed for making cement lace</td></tr>
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The recipe for creating cement lace is:<br />
5 parts sifted portland cement.<br />
1 part concrete bonding additive.<br />
enough water to make a pudding consistency.<br />
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Make sure that the area where you are working in is above 50 degrees but below 90 for both mixing and curing times.<br />
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The first step for creating your cement lace is to pick and prepare your containers (I prefer plastic and wood) Note: if you are concerned about the cement releasing then cover your molds with some type of plastic like shopping bags or saran wrap.<br />
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You can make any shape you want like bowls, or you can lay them flat to make ornaments or you can make planter shapes. It is all up to you:-)) Lay them out on a sheet of plastic like this (it can get messy):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwnV1B0d3nYOevHoZ_twH3vl1yF5jA6OLnaYZiIQ9-Pnv3qDfvjDrNgKBLzXsT6v-JEcL6orL57HTHseOzI2xVKGfvAQ95eLZz6xOJeXNtcWoZXkg0cMlZLz_VuPwIVZKwqpquqPrcZM/s1600/DSCN8756.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwnV1B0d3nYOevHoZ_twH3vl1yF5jA6OLnaYZiIQ9-Pnv3qDfvjDrNgKBLzXsT6v-JEcL6orL57HTHseOzI2xVKGfvAQ95eLZz6xOJeXNtcWoZXkg0cMlZLz_VuPwIVZKwqpquqPrcZM/s400/DSCN8756.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doilies</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn42jkp5uJShlm2JWz_cnvNdFMeCtjj1TOO6pkqvhlqjIgKYsKrJfG7AoZpRidRG-4n-CzS35u9TTholC-CAdSFfQ_doNQ3rbY7nTiY6roqXv0Bxx5HO7ysAb_BHV7gv3MeXB_GBZgno/s1600/DSCN8511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWn42jkp5uJShlm2JWz_cnvNdFMeCtjj1TOO6pkqvhlqjIgKYsKrJfG7AoZpRidRG-4n-CzS35u9TTholC-CAdSFfQ_doNQ3rbY7nTiY6roqXv0Bxx5HO7ysAb_BHV7gv3MeXB_GBZgno/s400/DSCN8511.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet hat</td></tr>
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When you have the shapes you want then spray your containers with mold release then wipe off the excess. I like to use cooking spray:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVHHspAIzAKTfsvld9hpav86w70Wrcb08aHWiugCNuZtOv3Pd-5cljO3QlLzc48duVfGEkSu5H8JxLM4kkqFR8qfiiIAwQHky1g7cyYqFPsweT6QgZVow-kTbzytlYnNk0gVMeeun_o/s1600/DSCN8776.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtqVHHspAIzAKTfsvld9hpav86w70Wrcb08aHWiugCNuZtOv3Pd-5cljO3QlLzc48duVfGEkSu5H8JxLM4kkqFR8qfiiIAwQHky1g7cyYqFPsweT6QgZVow-kTbzytlYnNk0gVMeeun_o/s400/DSCN8776.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mold release for cement projects</td></tr>
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The second step is to grab your measuring container and sift your 5 parts portland cement into your mixing tub with your sieve-you don't want any lumps:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtl70v1qim3cnbXN1jzNTwHR3FJzFFHQp_W2Ae_NBIzAzVKjFXb8CS6kk0uHktdy0E2BjXK83GRAYjih71kVZmjoRzpiUk7oFZMJIZEibyku-aynvOb9LqIUKMf8ylyKEuAy4kp2E2W0/s1600/DSCN8767.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtl70v1qim3cnbXN1jzNTwHR3FJzFFHQp_W2Ae_NBIzAzVKjFXb8CS6kk0uHktdy0E2BjXK83GRAYjih71kVZmjoRzpiUk7oFZMJIZEibyku-aynvOb9LqIUKMf8ylyKEuAy4kp2E2W0/s400/DSCN8767.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sift portland cement</td></tr>
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Throw away any hard lumps in to the garbage:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1cIjJyC0B7hu-jkYu6FCuUKQwDnVa6Cbsx7FiKD8v7Y64dTa-EnJyJZzZGIRkk8tVAdjmQJGUOYXXd9Ma_7YteigjR_t48vYXIWPijm1Tqnoxhgqzu_AH9zdMK0ODP-_tjOWeu-t60w/s1600/DSCN8771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU1cIjJyC0B7hu-jkYu6FCuUKQwDnVa6Cbsx7FiKD8v7Y64dTa-EnJyJZzZGIRkk8tVAdjmQJGUOYXXd9Ma_7YteigjR_t48vYXIWPijm1Tqnoxhgqzu_AH9zdMK0ODP-_tjOWeu-t60w/s400/DSCN8771.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
You want a fine powder with no lumps:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSE4JQsfy7Sx5C7I4Wj4di_ojVlKupHfv-HJkKtrSF-fIo0nB7eAs5cgaJ-e1exmGuUhKFTmiAiWMTEibbYmgIpx4Cb4p_roNdIwxbfAJk2hMAjh7zHYR0O0KIay6QIMafddo6L_wNfs/s1600/DSCN8773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSE4JQsfy7Sx5C7I4Wj4di_ojVlKupHfv-HJkKtrSF-fIo0nB7eAs5cgaJ-e1exmGuUhKFTmiAiWMTEibbYmgIpx4Cb4p_roNdIwxbfAJk2hMAjh7zHYR0O0KIay6QIMafddo6L_wNfs/s400/DSCN8773.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOMII25HhtULrjQf4vDnHtCwH5U_8PrD_JEINepadfovMBueZ72RsVOPf3i8sbmimQsdxSDGfX1EoSse0Bs4Ew1qfslbp507h50Bfg87zIU6J3iFYUaUxX2QKu_tiLju5KRVIOPNRUl4/s1600/DSCN8774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOMII25HhtULrjQf4vDnHtCwH5U_8PrD_JEINepadfovMBueZ72RsVOPf3i8sbmimQsdxSDGfX1EoSse0Bs4Ew1qfslbp507h50Bfg87zIU6J3iFYUaUxX2QKu_tiLju5KRVIOPNRUl4/s400/DSCN8774.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Third, add your 1 part (1 measuring container) concrete bonding additive. You are creating a cement slurry:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8AGWLQ648kRMfmOJFEI-H36mi465MCBHf3vsF1iYELvxHnploDP-WgtMHTV-ckFpU7wMawo2fpMJX9rDCvKyCTWZm14KlcDrVrWRWnSUn05FKkmLKaeWWJL-HrQWBMbJhHMmIDtCcu4/s1600/DSCN8777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8AGWLQ648kRMfmOJFEI-H36mi465MCBHf3vsF1iYELvxHnploDP-WgtMHTV-ckFpU7wMawo2fpMJX9rDCvKyCTWZm14KlcDrVrWRWnSUn05FKkmLKaeWWJL-HrQWBMbJhHMmIDtCcu4/s400/DSCN8777.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add concrete additive to sifted portland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Mix-at this point it will be very dry:<br />
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Add some water-not very much-about a half a part to begin with and mix. If it is still dry add a little water at a time until you have the consistency of pudding.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXVHETM7faRdR2xCQlyLOdPWwov95t5YlYuyN_UziWeYs0rXhyphenhyphenQzDJiZXTCrfWl-u-bQM2pNBFZebsb-Gp1cHycUOQwd1eDH25UcwKkNwSCCjJqZHsn_mK1YVb1yniM-ZssHcufBpfEg/s1600/DSCN8782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXVHETM7faRdR2xCQlyLOdPWwov95t5YlYuyN_UziWeYs0rXhyphenhyphenQzDJiZXTCrfWl-u-bQM2pNBFZebsb-Gp1cHycUOQwd1eDH25UcwKkNwSCCjJqZHsn_mK1YVb1yniM-ZssHcufBpfEg/s400/DSCN8782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcF-bjBCrW_9GNunqgpjghpW3WFso-CsTKWZmVB3N4vk_V3W7qy7WyHXYSzEe3LBqH6-R25Cn5ZqrHH7hx4uF3YFzQHQ-a5TWtE_AS-hSg-Z-tSyunqAFjLMvHJ_8Uenwe1MrVP0AtgMg/s400/DSCN8783.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix cement slurry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Place your lace doily in the cement slurry:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHx3RxGqHVvmpu90aXcKiBvFRSRyllXonTQcOKgQ7kGVz7SWgvcr_7S0Thl5Qxd3HYbqlnljzvflECIbgGW7-ufdXnkZCNIPLYzqz6sLaFo3jxxevxzOrNiaGD7wJ_8DebgjUmsJAujM/s1600/DSCN8801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaHx3RxGqHVvmpu90aXcKiBvFRSRyllXonTQcOKgQ7kGVz7SWgvcr_7S0Thl5Qxd3HYbqlnljzvflECIbgGW7-ufdXnkZCNIPLYzqz6sLaFo3jxxevxzOrNiaGD7wJ_8DebgjUmsJAujM/s400/DSCN8801.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place crochet doily in cement slurry</td></tr>
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And coat it-push it in, flip it over, swish it around until it is completely soaked into the fabric:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpupRwqPQ6dR9iMFXN09bvJDT14HQaZzLbxN-MbHuuG0o7tNQi6dPflHowwbw9EBlpRromlBB_96g8_RnX9rQQbbQLZuF1JBeHvuidlVt19JdChbnewq4yWTsPuvYkv53sKaXFY6oYy0/s1600/DSCN8803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpupRwqPQ6dR9iMFXN09bvJDT14HQaZzLbxN-MbHuuG0o7tNQi6dPflHowwbw9EBlpRromlBB_96g8_RnX9rQQbbQLZuF1JBeHvuidlVt19JdChbnewq4yWTsPuvYkv53sKaXFY6oYy0/s400/DSCN8803.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crochet doily covered in cement slurry</td></tr>
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When it is completely soaked with the cement mixture pick it up and squeeze, wipe and shake off the excess. Here is a short video on how to do it: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj9lbjza3Is" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj9lbjza3Is</a><br />
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Lay it on the "mold". Adjust the doily until you have it in the position you want. Try to center it as much as possible then take an old paint brush and wipe off the excess cement if there is any:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZcdjGxNqnWzUx714iu_DSYrXjwuq-bITCCWz327-TLMiNauHLJcxamINSq4nyWpUK5J3eQr9-5iZtYrLvUKXBpwg1YYo2tC-S71j9BzwTlFHDZyAywcCHebNbDmYz4yxdC6N_rK2vO8/s1600/DSCN8807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZcdjGxNqnWzUx714iu_DSYrXjwuq-bITCCWz327-TLMiNauHLJcxamINSq4nyWpUK5J3eQr9-5iZtYrLvUKXBpwg1YYo2tC-S71j9BzwTlFHDZyAywcCHebNbDmYz4yxdC6N_rK2vO8/s400/DSCN8807.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smooth out cement coated crochet doily</td></tr>
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Repeat with any doilies you have. If the cement mixture begins to look and feel dry mix a splash or two of concrete bonding additive in to bring it back to pudding consistency.<br />
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When you are done with all of your doilies they are now ready to cure:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV7aA6owvowyfL6a0mBdvh11lvKLzsFu1tqN7emS5GtxIZUHaxCTy2jIkjfSIuDSGqLQdMZ0n018lNToDkTIqCDhtUsRk_Idt0R6pATxRQp5qHwAJE5vrn7P_D7FH12zLbTdSd0Y0NI8/s1600/DSCN8822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV7aA6owvowyfL6a0mBdvh11lvKLzsFu1tqN7emS5GtxIZUHaxCTy2jIkjfSIuDSGqLQdMZ0n018lNToDkTIqCDhtUsRk_Idt0R6pATxRQp5qHwAJE5vrn7P_D7FH12zLbTdSd0Y0NI8/s400/DSCN8822.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cement soaked crochet doilies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Let them sit until hardened. This usually only takes about 12 hours (sometimes less):<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgw9pUGApRK6N0xUnWbo2jKcqbsPccxdIrdngDy6HXycZKGyXBEsOcq0dF0FDYBoOvg9xMIdOy3Uo11PV_GSeRZ611W4x118i-bDduvrGtLkMHICa_hJbda2NRCfv3AbS_EOgJkGOHY8/s1600/DSCN8826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHgw9pUGApRK6N0xUnWbo2jKcqbsPccxdIrdngDy6HXycZKGyXBEsOcq0dF0FDYBoOvg9xMIdOy3Uo11PV_GSeRZ611W4x118i-bDduvrGtLkMHICa_hJbda2NRCfv3AbS_EOgJkGOHY8/s400/DSCN8826.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to the touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9LO5DfGeNvJ_vqVsp5X81PyCTxo3CIJiIQvPKRvolFmEQAmYkSPPbw7KpIKjc8R1Jj4a6oQaP_Ur3-bf6z8u5PTSttY2fMAHzJbQgxmQpfC2V9ViB2dI8I285qVbsQtu8VizoFzng7Y/s1600/DSCN8827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih9LO5DfGeNvJ_vqVsp5X81PyCTxo3CIJiIQvPKRvolFmEQAmYkSPPbw7KpIKjc8R1Jj4a6oQaP_Ur3-bf6z8u5PTSttY2fMAHzJbQgxmQpfC2V9ViB2dI8I285qVbsQtu8VizoFzng7Y/s400/DSCN8827.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hard to the touch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After they have hardened they need to be misted then covered with plastic bags or a sheet of plastic for a minimum of one week. Even though it is tempting-do not unmold them yet. They are not completely set and may crack if you unmold them too early. They need to cure and the cure is necessary to create strength and to ensure there is no cracking of the lace:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg843BVfwNEUXA4HmwaLnSkhITCG3ndvL3YYb-UlY3G1Vw3bBinxgzC6i4i5Ytpo4WsgAHqPkz4lYZYkWAJzpCkwFbH60kcqVxCb23C6IL5ZweK7RtZev3hYO8QVZDQVg2fgQsW3kyz2iU/s1600/DSCN8829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg843BVfwNEUXA4HmwaLnSkhITCG3ndvL3YYb-UlY3G1Vw3bBinxgzC6i4i5Ytpo4WsgAHqPkz4lYZYkWAJzpCkwFbH60kcqVxCb23C6IL5ZweK7RtZev3hYO8QVZDQVg2fgQsW3kyz2iU/s400/DSCN8829.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Make sure they stay damp under the plastic-mist daily if necessary to keep them damp.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkhRRWbGrStD46zLk0wIMbfGbPJZ6QFj_BFT0F3aA_bXcx6hgnJQxLkZ8td6qp45IJJvAv2qHn_WFXvh-Sjdb7y9mKjhmRKlzQ2BwSDuDQvSwx5bvfdO-Vl9-WVBvck6VcEkKtsfvgCM/s1600/DSCN8830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkhRRWbGrStD46zLk0wIMbfGbPJZ6QFj_BFT0F3aA_bXcx6hgnJQxLkZ8td6qp45IJJvAv2qHn_WFXvh-Sjdb7y9mKjhmRKlzQ2BwSDuDQvSwx5bvfdO-Vl9-WVBvck6VcEkKtsfvgCM/s400/DSCN8830.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After at least a week you can uncover them and unmold them. If you use plastic they should release fairly easily. Do not force it from the mold-just work it off gently or tap it gently. The more flexible the plastic the easier it is to release. <br />
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When they are unmolded allow the cement lace to "dry" for a couple more weeks. This will allow the moisture to evaporate so that the sealant or paint that is applied bonds to the cement. If the cement is not allowed to dry thoroughly the sealant and/or paint will not adhere and will peel off prematurely.<br />
<br />
If you have a few rough spots on your cement lace gently sand with a sanding block-do not sand too much or you will remove the cement.<br />
<br />
After a few weeks you can now paint your cement lace. A quality spray paint such as Rustoleum Universal or Rustoleum 2 in 1 with primer work great and they are what I use but there are concrete paints out there that will work. Quality craft paints will also work. Just remember to seal your cement lace after painting or if you wish to use your cement lace for food purposes make sure to seal with a food safe sealer.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q5ubYu_tr-bVE1Ywf6svuBAujh-newvXB1k7t4Xz8IBjRym7CDOniJcfcSW2EmdIxWzFs4jckPGVsiPzAF0MTCpFafq8OMkmuAT8qgBbVa4FafXhMOjq5mtrnSGfVTEgaM_xUsZUfB0/s400/DSCN9090.JPG" width="400" /></div>
Here are a few I have painted up:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGvjJig4Y8Lsq_mNCNyVWjxmFYPBtCCdJTJnXwyn_b06yVpfcIS3u9Td0T0j8Es2XJ2aqBwqeXlGZieN_IJctyJa84mBlbA0SQn1hhZYjC5r0Vd_O7P1Z0nvuGGKPUC3eileLolB32bI/s1600/DSCN9088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Painted Cement lace bowls" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdGvjJig4Y8Lsq_mNCNyVWjxmFYPBtCCdJTJnXwyn_b06yVpfcIS3u9Td0T0j8Es2XJ2aqBwqeXlGZieN_IJctyJa84mBlbA0SQn1hhZYjC5r0Vd_O7P1Z0nvuGGKPUC3eileLolB32bI/s400/DSCN9088.JPG" title="Painted cement lace bowls" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqD1gtHc5GVkuzv0BWmNCtHTOhcpW96latxzQO6ElHaCoBtuxhyXjM0Y8ME3lDAfEaNcwXVLtjWUcKSdMuLui6Thf8SM1Azwh3l3KZ11JDaUBzaWUplAn3sWnV0Jz5NaDnYmZ2rTCt5g/s1600/DSCN9092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Crochet hat planter" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqD1gtHc5GVkuzv0BWmNCtHTOhcpW96latxzQO6ElHaCoBtuxhyXjM0Y8ME3lDAfEaNcwXVLtjWUcKSdMuLui6Thf8SM1Azwh3l3KZ11JDaUBzaWUplAn3sWnV0Jz5NaDnYmZ2rTCt5g/s400/DSCN9092.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here they are put to use:<br />
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<img alt="Cement lace bowl made from a doily" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7tTmO58OVXlsLuhNZt-S5gmuUGY-YFPJpPqb74-DjMTEQ7N5zjlTOPvTtkuEwzK0g791cYLIlnKrwVzi4FOB53Od7B-BwazlXxvx6YZYZDqS38fVjUexdiv67nviRTzLyHKRPCE1uZs/s400/DSCF3013.JPG" title="" width="400" /></div>
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<img alt="Cement lace bowl made from a doily" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtYFWkMepk7ascOkYae3v5LBsK46x2M-POt4HomL9ydvlmD45k7mJ9DKGVAfJ7DUW-IXjazG5poeWP2PpLkYPLLL-wv_b2PdwCP0gSZC0HHpHZ_O-gr0YrmaBAUYoWlLfwjN7llQIZvaE/s400/DSCN9111.JPG" title="" width="400" /></div>
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I hope my post has inspired you to re-purpose those doilies into an original and beautiful piece of home decor that will last. Just remember that there are so many possibilities to what you can make using this idea so get out there and create something for yourself (or someone else)! I would love to see your work so feel free to post pics in the comment section or you can post them on my Facebook page at this link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sproutsandstuff/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/sproutsandstuff/</a> .<br />
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If you have any questions or comments please leave them below. I would love to hear from you!<br />
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Happy Gardening! Rhonda<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com75tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-28171811596556873902015-12-23T22:58:00.001-08:002016-01-09T18:18:56.833-08:00Christmas Wreath Ornament Made from a Plastic Lid<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas wreath ornament made from a plastic lid</td></tr>
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Wow! Two posts in two days-I am on a creative roll this week:-)) Here is another plastic lid upcycle for you that involves using the plastic lid as a wreath frame. This one is super easy just like my snowman ornament. If you missed that post you can check it out here: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2015/12/easy-snowman-ornament-from-plastic-lid.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2015/12/easy-snowman-ornament-from-plastic-lid.html</a><br />
If you are ready then let's get our supplies and get started!<br />
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What you need for this project:<br />
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1. A plastic lid<br />
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2. Scissors or a cutting tool like an XACTO knife<br />
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3. Ribbon, yarn or twine-I used 18 feet total for the two wreaths I made.<br />
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4. Hot glue gun or fast setting glue<br />
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5. Bows and/or beads for embellishment<br />
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1. Using the scissors or cutting tool remove the center of the plastic lid leaving an edge. The lids I used (Daisy sour cream) had an edge I followed:<br />
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2. Remove the middle of the lid and set aside-it could be another project at a later date:-))<br />
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3. Prepare your ribbon/yarn-if the roll doesn't fit through the hole remove it from the spool.<br />
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4. Take the end of the ribbon and attach it to the "inside" of the lid with a dab of glue and hold until it is set:<br />
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5. After the glue has set begin wrapping the ribbon/yarn around the lid:<br />
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6. Continue wrapping the ribbon around the lid until you have completely covered it:<br />
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7. When it is completely covered cut off the excess ribbon and then glue the end down on the back of the wreath:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF42eCuG6pV6fQJx7Ng0fmd6eoOI1VgVhl0WwXH7hhynAW3pIsWksaD2ytiyTEGfJ0oqvPmLWomAij_Ki0MaRDNcUEkRo-UW5OV1pdNfJcSOlXR-RlKbA6qesKjrM3GSRR-JcF-mxoao/s1600/DSCN9010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfF42eCuG6pV6fQJx7Ng0fmd6eoOI1VgVhl0WwXH7hhynAW3pIsWksaD2ytiyTEGfJ0oqvPmLWomAij_Ki0MaRDNcUEkRo-UW5OV1pdNfJcSOlXR-RlKbA6qesKjrM3GSRR-JcF-mxoao/s320/DSCN9010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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8. Add a ribbon:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7ConnNtfgLDQh7HREfYUZz3NWGYpw8JSncA-Wp9gyxwduCCoCt6vjwVi_D4xF3FCIwhYgZAftIxHT2LnLm6GyZefC0T9ZjgR0ljhx-oEM5UFnfkxetXUFGuxN_VVzWs-AKArVhTvZJY/s1600/DSCN9013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7ConnNtfgLDQh7HREfYUZz3NWGYpw8JSncA-Wp9gyxwduCCoCt6vjwVi_D4xF3FCIwhYgZAftIxHT2LnLm6GyZefC0T9ZjgR0ljhx-oEM5UFnfkxetXUFGuxN_VVzWs-AKArVhTvZJY/s320/DSCN9013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Add some beads or other decoration if you would like:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr34BQZoIen1cnL4s-54aALiApd4ujYAh60G59uDxpvOtEtiXKQj0ZR4pEUdw5E54KVaMLVsrai3plMBE8IdaQFbJOyWyRVU9V_pjrd0OA7HG84taRSptt2DWqhB46KJUUw6Y4MgnPBD4/s1600/DSCN9015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr34BQZoIen1cnL4s-54aALiApd4ujYAh60G59uDxpvOtEtiXKQj0ZR4pEUdw5E54KVaMLVsrai3plMBE8IdaQFbJOyWyRVU9V_pjrd0OA7HG84taRSptt2DWqhB46KJUUw6Y4MgnPBD4/s320/DSCN9015.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLjQoXX8mDUvY0XIjrEZ5r_-hNkoIJA36UGNDWdHBuCmsEdkWNAlJ6J7TcWNczsivFdPJMtdzuUX70jfbrJIgws0LZ-TkKVzNgFZ0dmqxv-yAaV-b9iFsCe5UwG6xJbnaoxmNISad5hQ/s1600/DSCN9016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLjQoXX8mDUvY0XIjrEZ5r_-hNkoIJA36UGNDWdHBuCmsEdkWNAlJ6J7TcWNczsivFdPJMtdzuUX70jfbrJIgws0LZ-TkKVzNgFZ0dmqxv-yAaV-b9iFsCe5UwG6xJbnaoxmNISad5hQ/s320/DSCN9016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here are mine-all ready to hang on the tree:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNoPQ9zaUPqDRTs4z4XdfJiRuKU8grgI3rHLmTbKvyHJhE5IeS3GuI8z8bWO0PzbDO8BAwN2b0aBYqxu15d9tavJARlmqTBf8uUB-bKWeUZEsFw40QJd4XnERheNgJbMUlYjvFwWkYDs/s1600/DSCN9042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNoPQ9zaUPqDRTs4z4XdfJiRuKU8grgI3rHLmTbKvyHJhE5IeS3GuI8z8bWO0PzbDO8BAwN2b0aBYqxu15d9tavJARlmqTBf8uUB-bKWeUZEsFw40QJd4XnERheNgJbMUlYjvFwWkYDs/s320/DSCN9042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas wreath ornaments made from plastic lids</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Hanging on the tree:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7pQLv5vUO6UdWHeGJrrwn7CT3qrscgv6NRDX0NdNjTwg0XscHQH7ARJMMUuvnkNysRtQ3wPN0vla1Km_Zmacjv9Tqd61ZSxoKeoPm8_zkCcj9bbsH-BH7pqYMPXa3wqc4pG5BawgMUk/s1600/DSCN9022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7pQLv5vUO6UdWHeGJrrwn7CT3qrscgv6NRDX0NdNjTwg0XscHQH7ARJMMUuvnkNysRtQ3wPN0vla1Km_Zmacjv9Tqd61ZSxoKeoPm8_zkCcj9bbsH-BH7pqYMPXa3wqc4pG5BawgMUk/s640/DSCN9022.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas wreath ornament made from a plastic lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOmVi63XhGnUP6xnUdxl9bqHWEZOKdXpz-YbaRD4XbKDyy9cJlQC2T0Ff67z7yMHVlli7hACkyOTJ0W25x4-DsVNZJutiPWhDJBQh8DbuYnYzAp2Kv5GYjE513QQ51mzValq6WaJjaqk/s1600/DSCN9033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaOmVi63XhGnUP6xnUdxl9bqHWEZOKdXpz-YbaRD4XbKDyy9cJlQC2T0Ff67z7yMHVlli7hACkyOTJ0W25x4-DsVNZJutiPWhDJBQh8DbuYnYzAp2Kv5GYjE513QQ51mzValq6WaJjaqk/s640/DSCN9033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas wreath ornament made from a plastic lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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That's it! I told you it would be easy! Give this easy project a try-it will be cute hanging on your tree or you could even give it as a last minute gift. Everyone loves a handmade gift:-)) <br />
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If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.<br />
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Happy Gardening! Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-88251337938034729082015-12-22T21:48:00.002-08:002016-01-09T20:58:17.627-08:00Easy Snowman Ornament from a Plastic Lid <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxcLfCGcuFphs3bGHDR1IIIchMnarUG0NL0DJsySUtPOrBo7XEQKQEt497CYxKOcjwZWKCIyope0KaremBD3Qz_g3JWGRDBe4X6DwPkh29knIGsDvO8d-7DTYJp3LyL-y3slYLNrnizk/s1600/DSCN8970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plastic lid snowman ornament" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKxcLfCGcuFphs3bGHDR1IIIchMnarUG0NL0DJsySUtPOrBo7XEQKQEt497CYxKOcjwZWKCIyope0KaremBD3Qz_g3JWGRDBe4X6DwPkh29knIGsDvO8d-7DTYJp3LyL-y3slYLNrnizk/s320/DSCN8970.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plastic lid snowman ornament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Plastic lids. Everybody has them laying around somewhere-either in a drawer, the garbage or the recycle bin. Sometimes the container itself is recyclable but the lid is not. That is where upcycling comes in to play. Those lids can be given a new life and can be kept out of the landfills! This project is really easy-like most of my other projects and it is also cheap. I <i>love </i>cheap:-)) Let's get started!<br />
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Supplies you need for this project:<br />
1. Plastic lids-I used lids from kitty litter jugs and a Pringle's can lid<br />
2. A few pipe cleaners (I used Christmas colors)<br />
3. Some pom poms (I used white)<br />
4. A glue gun or fast drying glue<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUqTMy78cqN8_K1Dznw6zZAUe9buPzn95HIfPyiU1fGFHU37zZ2U_4Gq2eomEcrpNW40R1-_6Is9t8ZZKYFUmZBNjLGKycnNGaVXRSIzAI5Cym9rGS4VFaVtxCYhsCe0YUA8cHsXH2Ss/s1600/DSCN8936.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLUqTMy78cqN8_K1Dznw6zZAUe9buPzn95HIfPyiU1fGFHU37zZ2U_4Gq2eomEcrpNW40R1-_6Is9t8ZZKYFUmZBNjLGKycnNGaVXRSIzAI5Cym9rGS4VFaVtxCYhsCe0YUA8cHsXH2Ss/s320/DSCN8936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
To make snowman ornament the lids need to be white, if they are not just spray paint them with a paint that will bond to plastic. These were actually an orange color so I painted them:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL7Vw3CqN_mvuSjD1AbBr9MrD9nSjJmKMuZtB1lug9gyByzC4KHhz02rusV1yEQab8dshYD_rddM1JcHM3Ehx3LW1KRLcEDkEHZJhpTqRniMFfhopVuyvhTgoOOfphvK2feVm-_PmmiM/s1600/DSCN8935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxL7Vw3CqN_mvuSjD1AbBr9MrD9nSjJmKMuZtB1lug9gyByzC4KHhz02rusV1yEQab8dshYD_rddM1JcHM3Ehx3LW1KRLcEDkEHZJhpTqRniMFfhopVuyvhTgoOOfphvK2feVm-_PmmiM/s320/DSCN8935.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitty litter jug lids for the ornaments</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Twist 2 pipe cleaners together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R7MNC0kC156MS0oLpkZtwIu2W0-JVTOanzbxVCunjE9lCSefpLne114vK2ChSefIyGvjNn1iaG8HSqnznjt6YmN6-s7ArIJNYMxk_LrvHRcGRnL6LFPwQCIhxRAANK9MiUli9aCSbxk/s1600/DSCN8944.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4R7MNC0kC156MS0oLpkZtwIu2W0-JVTOanzbxVCunjE9lCSefpLne114vK2ChSefIyGvjNn1iaG8HSqnznjt6YmN6-s7ArIJNYMxk_LrvHRcGRnL6LFPwQCIhxRAANK9MiUli9aCSbxk/s320/DSCN8944.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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it will look like this:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LpZ0bTRERnosx18U5UvMTqfjePUPs5i-oG4V2O0Eagi_CA01QnNUL8peqFrvkxRcGNourtvDOC72PEdnwaRGSZNZs-vvmx62mq9kQTeOKJcvtBiGriRY_lb5hEiZADifOOYdZ8KSoT0/s1600/DSCN8945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5LpZ0bTRERnosx18U5UvMTqfjePUPs5i-oG4V2O0Eagi_CA01QnNUL8peqFrvkxRcGNourtvDOC72PEdnwaRGSZNZs-vvmx62mq9kQTeOKJcvtBiGriRY_lb5hEiZADifOOYdZ8KSoT0/s320/DSCN8945.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipe cleaners twisted together</td></tr>
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Attach the twisted pipe cleaners to one side of the lid and hold until it is dry.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIcgnVnfFYKKhQ9kC-wqR4gpFCfD3MBgOHO0AXz5rJLYgkgZjSruRDXZ6vVERwi3zFJQZ_hx_bLYteT0IuKDGTcz99LDDLkqEIFrDS5kRthrs4s8gmMOwgCO-rVjwhqve5gPpo-8q1AI/s1600/DSCN8946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIcgnVnfFYKKhQ9kC-wqR4gpFCfD3MBgOHO0AXz5rJLYgkgZjSruRDXZ6vVERwi3zFJQZ_hx_bLYteT0IuKDGTcz99LDDLkqEIFrDS5kRthrs4s8gmMOwgCO-rVjwhqve5gPpo-8q1AI/s320/DSCN8946.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attach one side of the pipe cleaners</td></tr>
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Pull the other side of the pipe cleaners over and trim it like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw_ff0FXCmJsBM94d7fofrq1l4pPJXRnK6n1yHz_EzceRTGpm4vFcYY3B7BJzzC6HlE_eZmt8uX8P396Zb0o4QbsM1rzWjKZjWZjuUjURr0XhfVI4UnT0DxcwTb2bvEW9bhs7HeJpSpE/s1600/DSCN8948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJw_ff0FXCmJsBM94d7fofrq1l4pPJXRnK6n1yHz_EzceRTGpm4vFcYY3B7BJzzC6HlE_eZmt8uX8P396Zb0o4QbsM1rzWjKZjWZjuUjURr0XhfVI4UnT0DxcwTb2bvEW9bhs7HeJpSpE/s320/DSCN8948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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After you have trimmed the pipe cleaners then you can attach it to the lid with the glue.<br />
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Now, attach the pom poms with hot glue over the end of the pipe cleaners:<br />
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You want to make sure to cover the bottom of the pipe cleaners:<br />
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Here are two of them ready for their faces. You can either paint them or use sharpie permanent markers to draw a face:<br />
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Now it is time for the clear lid:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjokGZng3ZryhO7wDTGxMN2JbjHYEsh5_Roht7_bPnqCK1FU3WIWtmt91xAcvI2mayGXzEcXw2u7YZHNA1DUUecLjTY4z3zIK7eC9otv2UYuVocSxHd3RcPx3WEAJCGyLWA8xWeQZ-Ro/s1600/DSCN8955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnjokGZng3ZryhO7wDTGxMN2JbjHYEsh5_Roht7_bPnqCK1FU3WIWtmt91xAcvI2mayGXzEcXw2u7YZHNA1DUUecLjTY4z3zIK7eC9otv2UYuVocSxHd3RcPx3WEAJCGyLWA8xWeQZ-Ro/s320/DSCN8955.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pringle's can lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cut a piece of white paper or thin cardboard so that it will fit inside the clear lid. After it is cut set it aside:<br />
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Attach one side of the pipe cleaners to the lid:<br />
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Measure, cut, and attach the other end of the pipe cleaner to the clear lid:<br />
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Don't forget to add the pom poms!<br />
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Take the piece of white paper you cut to fit inside the lid and<br />
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draw a cute face on it:-))<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFkw1Htb7aVSYClPlCRt0CPx_qUzsj4RiQ2Y7ehNMxiqrV8MUSz15Coct29pvm09zH-I1cC_pw5M61q_-MiIjJlphFVlf7tn67-AJWxRyEnqMjEsAoaSew_SvgrFkrA54GZfX0y3stkM/s1600/DSCN8961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQFkw1Htb7aVSYClPlCRt0CPx_qUzsj4RiQ2Y7ehNMxiqrV8MUSz15Coct29pvm09zH-I1cC_pw5M61q_-MiIjJlphFVlf7tn67-AJWxRyEnqMjEsAoaSew_SvgrFkrA54GZfX0y3stkM/s320/DSCN8961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Slip the paper into the lid:<br />
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All done:-)) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FYiDmjY_0oO5X7kWhiR4rGUkwTj__bSsj7kXhfZPJFiBeo29rdqUWq1ePzRQQ_uNQFVa3EIu7he3MlcXfHfRFlfeYqkU35EOQmjJaFOe01yJzarkL5RCdX7YGBgSHboLIv0fbxxbK3M/s1600/DSCN8964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snaowman ornament from a plastic lid" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FYiDmjY_0oO5X7kWhiR4rGUkwTj__bSsj7kXhfZPJFiBeo29rdqUWq1ePzRQQ_uNQFVa3EIu7he3MlcXfHfRFlfeYqkU35EOQmjJaFOe01yJzarkL5RCdX7YGBgSHboLIv0fbxxbK3M/s320/DSCN8964.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman ornament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here are the three I did: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySDgm6mqTW6WzGdoAgWkP3krtS8rD2hqLlhegurqaa-8U0e9ao9SwiSBFUE8zWW2Yz8Tr8G5Nrp8GVipnbcjdxoXZ0AKvpeX-kr4F3jLlsXama9uzTu2eum06WYdzEK_SZyNVlYMV-v0/s1600/DSCN8965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Christmas ornament from plastic lids" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiySDgm6mqTW6WzGdoAgWkP3krtS8rD2hqLlhegurqaa-8U0e9ao9SwiSBFUE8zWW2Yz8Tr8G5Nrp8GVipnbcjdxoXZ0AKvpeX-kr4F3jLlsXama9uzTu2eum06WYdzEK_SZyNVlYMV-v0/s320/DSCN8965.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas ornaments from plastic lids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zj4eGXgd3CHKd5pUD1q-Qbbq8MGhJGZlsD0fitR_wQ27tZU59dvgB8Vb9rqvMRG6AkkXI-_l-Vsj55qLCXDj29D5kkZBRMNf4tX-DcdFZ-7rIDNHAeKdDfbMRA_MN5c9UTFsC_EcFng/s1600/DSCN8985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snowman ornament from a Pringle's lid" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7zj4eGXgd3CHKd5pUD1q-Qbbq8MGhJGZlsD0fitR_wQ27tZU59dvgB8Vb9rqvMRG6AkkXI-_l-Vsj55qLCXDj29D5kkZBRMNf4tX-DcdFZ-7rIDNHAeKdDfbMRA_MN5c9UTFsC_EcFng/s320/DSCN8985.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman ornament from a Pringle's can lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjKo6_9AataBQmu3G9vib4QCG17jYuIX3HDRtr_vtAdf6IJhX8aIs-Q-kONTwEkk_ksx-1vNGvZFxfRgogjifoSIBKj3845bTfR01Otl-1i9MoRPy66D-1WgHqif1KbyVOtskGmrXKXQ/s1600/DSCN8986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snowman ornament from a plastic lid" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjKo6_9AataBQmu3G9vib4QCG17jYuIX3HDRtr_vtAdf6IJhX8aIs-Q-kONTwEkk_ksx-1vNGvZFxfRgogjifoSIBKj3845bTfR01Otl-1i9MoRPy66D-1WgHqif1KbyVOtskGmrXKXQ/s320/DSCN8986.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman ornament from a plastic lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSvE6vTEn2VDM0qAykJjevzTVNYf5hVQPEno-w2_dK1sNAEDB0rrCtGMocRmG8GnDCf4jat4PO9wfpN0CzD_aqVP4CcbqcUJgODYZvB0uRTEOymtUc4vhv0KveGeBKDH3SV7uBiGgnSg/s1600/DSCN8987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Snowman ornament from a plastic lid" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSSvE6vTEn2VDM0qAykJjevzTVNYf5hVQPEno-w2_dK1sNAEDB0rrCtGMocRmG8GnDCf4jat4PO9wfpN0CzD_aqVP4CcbqcUJgODYZvB0uRTEOymtUc4vhv0KveGeBKDH3SV7uBiGgnSg/s320/DSCN8987.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman ornament from a plastic lid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I think they turned out really cute but I wish I had more skills when it comes to drawing faces. I think they would be really cute painted as Santa or maybe Elves-which I tried but failed at drawing. I really need to practice! Use your imagination and make them yours! If you have older children they can make these if they know how to use a glue gun or fast drying glue. <br />
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I hope you enjoy this post and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. Thanks for stopping by!<br />
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Happy Gardening! Rhonda<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-34277490381397021172015-10-18T21:26:00.000-07:002016-01-09T20:48:03.476-08:00DIY Reversible Wooden Scarecrow/Snowman<br />
Do you ever walk in to a store to buy a particular item and end up getting distracted by something else? I do! It happens all too often. In fact, recently I went to my local Menards store to pick up some supplies for a few concrete projects and walked through the wood department. There sat a pile of cheap wood and I suddenly lost sight of my mission. At the bargain basement price of 1.69, I now had a new project in mind. I had been seeing some really neat ideas on Etsy and Pinterest for wooden scarecrow faces-but most didn't have instructions to make them and some were links to buy them-which irritates the heck out of me. So I grabbed a couple of pieces and headed to the checkout with an idea in my mind-I was going to make one and it will be easy and cheap! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNEMWu7usXuMvHMX6dTbfpnX_wX5fDBRL8Al1L4FAjHGn628ooht0nIZ0KKYiY3nBQyY6F-yhIzCjzXcSE3ceYDmeRedFtb1rFKtejZ_UHVszqoPEOUlGaV_oK05qOiFI0IIjiC4ZACo/s1600/DSCN8362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCNEMWu7usXuMvHMX6dTbfpnX_wX5fDBRL8Al1L4FAjHGn628ooht0nIZ0KKYiY3nBQyY6F-yhIzCjzXcSE3ceYDmeRedFtb1rFKtejZ_UHVszqoPEOUlGaV_oK05qOiFI0IIjiC4ZACo/s400/DSCN8362.JPG" width="400" /></a><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDqtCXs57PAJZTh3jC9ey-TEBEJhd9-zFY9GmCXjvMW1BIwCvNBzlc_TiQSXNxfV9yUNKBe1G9S9VIlJLA5dgIQeeq-Sll5tl4fy7qvmhBgnDkBftfe9jujR0F9KT8AkRYAXgeQBn2AY/s400/DSCN8363.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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Just like some of my other projects I didn't have to go out and spend a bunch of money and I didn't have to use any power tools. It is easy and most of the time making it was spent waiting for the paint to dry. Here are a couple pictures of the end project: <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u_gI41FQ9UVgOHmcCLOaJ-HRwbZ5lC3oe6yFXkFxtXfZnwNXGDgW8tOm0MzV5tfJ7nvlBExJwTZtXrDiJEMGAbIjLs5AIx8O-FSVQ8VMMrP3vM2U8s5eoeWjP0jnfwHQZkW3eJCGgLE/s1600/DSCN8454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY reversible decoration-scarecrow side" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-u_gI41FQ9UVgOHmcCLOaJ-HRwbZ5lC3oe6yFXkFxtXfZnwNXGDgW8tOm0MzV5tfJ7nvlBExJwTZtXrDiJEMGAbIjLs5AIx8O-FSVQ8VMMrP3vM2U8s5eoeWjP0jnfwHQZkW3eJCGgLE/s400/DSCN8454.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Reversible Fall/Winter Decoration-Scarecrow side</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAwX7FFbItj450F8PlAxoxfhdz6rHyzuq8Bzs9CU1neIUjKjhJTjjDBIY3gs4cPZyNClf-TQa33ua_iuOe7zUSHcgQ1KlrjV0dfxx71DyrMRHgRmQJHQI_PVTezZZ3ngbZ0msKjawXao/s1600/DSCN8456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY reversible decoration-snowman side" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxAwX7FFbItj450F8PlAxoxfhdz6rHyzuq8Bzs9CU1neIUjKjhJTjjDBIY3gs4cPZyNClf-TQa33ua_iuOe7zUSHcgQ1KlrjV0dfxx71DyrMRHgRmQJHQI_PVTezZZ3ngbZ0msKjawXao/s400/DSCN8456.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DIY Reversible Fall/Winter Decoration-Snowman side</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So here is the wood I used for this project (the 2 small pieces were scrap wood that I had laying around):<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX3diC6FTv6d1G4mdtJyNGe7eyWcyEkMS8nkwSLK_LNss4bN1aBTzhVJHDaHLlQ1VCfr4QqJx-iNaFmjT-68kHVULK5Jo_GiaN-QpjPmEEg9xF8Zi-UCiyNnnBO4CgYqNpLOSuCQEHLs/s1600/DSCN8323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGX3diC6FTv6d1G4mdtJyNGe7eyWcyEkMS8nkwSLK_LNss4bN1aBTzhVJHDaHLlQ1VCfr4QqJx-iNaFmjT-68kHVULK5Jo_GiaN-QpjPmEEg9xF8Zi-UCiyNnnBO4CgYqNpLOSuCQEHLs/s400/DSCN8323.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood pieces used for snowman/scarecrow project</td></tr>
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Here is a list of what I used:<br />
1. A 2x12 piece of wood<br />
2. 2 scrap pieces of 1 1/2 x 18 in<br />
3. some small nails<br />
4. A hammer and a staple gun (optional to attach flowers)<br />
5. some glue-I used Elmer's Glue All<br />
6. Spray paint-I used black, white, khaki and brown (you can use whatever colors that you want-it is your "art")<br />
7. a couple of fake flowers-I used 1 poinsettia and 1 sunflower for decoration<br />
8. paint and small brushes to make the faces<br />
9. 2 small screw eyes<br />
10. some twine<br />
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So here are the steps to create your reversible scarecrow/snowman:<br />
<br />
1. Lay your large piece of wood on a piece of cardboard (or plastic) on the ground and line up the smaller wood across the board so that it looks somewhat like a hat brim. Try to have the same amount of overhang on each side. I went about a third of the way down and tilted it like this:<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9NC5RTKjTdExd_yGvBOzq2BPev_cUt_ckPTHEUyV8YR1Ln3EuIswvqS7NuyEcAan0d3eMOf21ALVxMkHc7qnvX9kMn77dqeI_F6giBplPE0bnVmfZ6mtynkzuu5Du7YRFlBBKEsDI9g/s400/DSCN8324.JPG" width="400" /></div>
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2. When you have it in a position you like then draw a line-this will guide you when you attach it.<br />
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<img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjWbbe-thph3j8bbQSRdDZPoniEPStLWpM-xkhIlzU6Z4e4C2fSOq927FeFtcavGZcRCx7n9FsSq9wnAf6TPqtvrpPketUjokVSiAhR8cusgylfJfe9Qh7Sw5THkaPck4dx0mynp_0bEE/s400/DSCN8325.JPG" width="400" /></div>
3. Now take the glue and run some along the small board-if there is an "ugly" side glue that side:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwdqHHlO4BA_CWNBbhLNf9le4wobbsqOWpbE_oNVgWPTytiAdnaovhm8N6wGud5h6KBzGYjzYGZY2Q7ZafO_S2JefybZYnsES823FZBCWhT1oBdRuDONg_g8xaeCm4WEKJ6L19w5e27Q/s1600/DSCN8326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwdqHHlO4BA_CWNBbhLNf9le4wobbsqOWpbE_oNVgWPTytiAdnaovhm8N6wGud5h6KBzGYjzYGZY2Q7ZafO_S2JefybZYnsES823FZBCWhT1oBdRuDONg_g8xaeCm4WEKJ6L19w5e27Q/s400/DSCN8326.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Do not go to the edge-only glue where there will be contact with the large piece of wood:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5buA1XrnyIRpT0FuKx0m5BwwgZnJ9GtqV1rctTb_A0EQoMbB8a0bNKGSwFyTXK9NXnekcbp0GmnYziOdN_wsQzjmtz48_CLVG8Wi8Emi_QPtsyCBHTMaZEoeAHo-vVzBTYE1nETGs4_o/s1600/DSCN8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5buA1XrnyIRpT0FuKx0m5BwwgZnJ9GtqV1rctTb_A0EQoMbB8a0bNKGSwFyTXK9NXnekcbp0GmnYziOdN_wsQzjmtz48_CLVG8Wi8Emi_QPtsyCBHTMaZEoeAHo-vVzBTYE1nETGs4_o/s400/DSCN8328.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread glue evenly</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-CrWigJgepbSuNHP92UR-dCaBp9Hl8VPFs4IVzkSM_ywVmdocKNw03vUkGkZAOIm-xCk21f5hFvAu1_kNGrHC8I3nRoDiDlMvnCTi42FM6sg2bqpiQLPSJEx8r_GEbwXC4NachTKQhw/s1600/DSCN8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-CrWigJgepbSuNHP92UR-dCaBp9Hl8VPFs4IVzkSM_ywVmdocKNw03vUkGkZAOIm-xCk21f5hFvAu1_kNGrHC8I3nRoDiDlMvnCTi42FM6sg2bqpiQLPSJEx8r_GEbwXC4NachTKQhw/s400/DSCN8329.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread glue evenly</td></tr>
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4. Place the strip of wood in position (the line you drew earlier) and hammer a nail in place at each end:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHw9pmqG87UvZ7EQ07Vy-r32lK9mcNaceoO4vFHe0oAtnQvxN-69Dto0BWIdZNw34CEzQpVww9U5S2h5ScJ9oj3afnRQwoCpxAf-Enwa8ylZsNrl6pK3A5KmTdeskW83t7g_DpKqu45U/s1600/DSCN8330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGHw9pmqG87UvZ7EQ07Vy-r32lK9mcNaceoO4vFHe0oAtnQvxN-69Dto0BWIdZNw34CEzQpVww9U5S2h5ScJ9oj3afnRQwoCpxAf-Enwa8ylZsNrl6pK3A5KmTdeskW83t7g_DpKqu45U/s400/DSCN8330.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nail down the strips for the hat</td></tr>
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Make sure to hammer the nail down all the way:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0NcNBCeKnidBZ1Yq7IlzWid_kDBzNYwOxvlVUaG78BVxXf7UfgyBa-u3EHM31wsWFbOR4cHhzQDwstKXx7SMcoW15Rr2PSxseUurTbjoxur4TtF6mOvf1yh3F6Vm3Rk6fy8r4IomaJQ/s1600/DSCN8332.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0NcNBCeKnidBZ1Yq7IlzWid_kDBzNYwOxvlVUaG78BVxXf7UfgyBa-u3EHM31wsWFbOR4cHhzQDwstKXx7SMcoW15Rr2PSxseUurTbjoxur4TtF6mOvf1yh3F6Vm3Rk6fy8r4IomaJQ/s400/DSCN8332.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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5. Attach the other strip of wood in the same way-but be sure to line them up with each other so that they are exactly even:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXoTpe_j_0OP4fY-PSZ455dToTGKKFIxiq-jg_ztIeODSt_a-Rag_urMxh7AvaIC1a1qTQ8WiXceJC2JPMt3lI1stNB5ihvgzqIwJoXrWemXBkMWxcekc8ju-NV2dbvhtfPwVwqPTGRU/s1600/DSCN8333.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXoTpe_j_0OP4fY-PSZ455dToTGKKFIxiq-jg_ztIeODSt_a-Rag_urMxh7AvaIC1a1qTQ8WiXceJC2JPMt3lI1stNB5ihvgzqIwJoXrWemXBkMWxcekc8ju-NV2dbvhtfPwVwqPTGRU/s400/DSCN8333.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make sure both sides are even with each other</td></tr>
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6. Once you have attached the hat brim it is time to paint. I used spray paint which I already had on hand-but you can use whatever paint you prefer. Tape off the sections if you need to. I am messy so I always do:-))<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FjkdiSzeE1CIj-EghjbOka1IpkKJtByJ21QDW8QB-L3OKwtZm5NUhu5mIQpR2Gjbf3bdMGETZyyJ8gXpVyKJ6gzy-H68edODVa4CjVdE4aFlNNCQ-Z65tBenZ4EpSFVp2EspJXVEL8Y/s1600/DSCN8334.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FjkdiSzeE1CIj-EghjbOka1IpkKJtByJ21QDW8QB-L3OKwtZm5NUhu5mIQpR2Gjbf3bdMGETZyyJ8gXpVyKJ6gzy-H68edODVa4CjVdE4aFlNNCQ-Z65tBenZ4EpSFVp2EspJXVEL8Y/s400/DSCN8334.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray paint I used</td></tr>
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Paint one section at a time and let dry. I applied 3 coats of paint.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2z6xrAi3B7_BLN0vdofu-clZzXDxMJhnfBlx-NAB6-jYLBdSCnaya8Ocis73pUU5fzQ8TGdh6RZed0CLgCg87joGb-D18kVtZVkNYgBozZ6S-GUWdK5GynqmkcEnqWwiuC9TewsHm0Q/s1600/DSCN8337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI2z6xrAi3B7_BLN0vdofu-clZzXDxMJhnfBlx-NAB6-jYLBdSCnaya8Ocis73pUU5fzQ8TGdh6RZed0CLgCg87joGb-D18kVtZVkNYgBozZ6S-GUWdK5GynqmkcEnqWwiuC9TewsHm0Q/s400/DSCN8337.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowman side painted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT3rXd9APlrsNZylHM_JeiIWR9HW0NgRZiDxPwjQ0bXPZ4iT5PBqUc1QHt-G-zEPy28Lvu_x83wR6yct8Xi9De0FnOolEp7ogv9Cc4-yisO06E5izJrEjCXO-_WdC-yLeYlPoEecZ3K4/s1600/DSCN8339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOT3rXd9APlrsNZylHM_JeiIWR9HW0NgRZiDxPwjQ0bXPZ4iT5PBqUc1QHt-G-zEPy28Lvu_x83wR6yct8Xi9De0FnOolEp7ogv9Cc4-yisO06E5izJrEjCXO-_WdC-yLeYlPoEecZ3K4/s400/DSCN8339.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarecrow side painted</td></tr>
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7. When it is painted and the paint is dry you can add the flowers. I had bought some fake flowers from The Dollar Tree:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpKAxyWwrQtP0NT6Ooy0uVJ97iQgc51yJ8B5eHk9FrU11Tq2x7IBVFnuhRnJeyT_GsaiSJNsUJ2f5Wd_cottQQ4I4_dIbxMkcmfxrICqw5gUXf8GP6CmcdOnqPIRilFxbG2ckmJF-ibE/s1600/DSCN8351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkpKAxyWwrQtP0NT6Ooy0uVJ97iQgc51yJ8B5eHk9FrU11Tq2x7IBVFnuhRnJeyT_GsaiSJNsUJ2f5Wd_cottQQ4I4_dIbxMkcmfxrICqw5gUXf8GP6CmcdOnqPIRilFxbG2ckmJF-ibE/s400/DSCN8351.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheap fake flowers for decoration of the hats</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pull a flower off of the stem and snip the end off so it is flush:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbk2Lvih_1WE023F64bwNmQCRKZE0R-HSAjiwDF5MQt6_k0clwejAlXKpqRBRsk38eobum3mJstS5YtyHJ5zRgpIOuvoKdLdlFyZDUa6IXSB-ytuqQ3GAWLLa1JkjiB5Pij7S3VG8w_k/s1600/DSCN8352.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdbk2Lvih_1WE023F64bwNmQCRKZE0R-HSAjiwDF5MQt6_k0clwejAlXKpqRBRsk38eobum3mJstS5YtyHJ5zRgpIOuvoKdLdlFyZDUa6IXSB-ytuqQ3GAWLLa1JkjiB5Pij7S3VG8w_k/s400/DSCN8352.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trim off plastic tip from fake flower</td></tr>
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place the flower on the hat-I used a pointsettia for the snowman:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeLl8t0-aEHgc0Tke857a2HT219q1XPyByL0hcKXh7abYE_hp7ox76m_QOByexnSsPqkhpCaa2Fa15zHcy0qDsVDCp2n1hqwM5o3Td3ixzMJfa9M6qVTA7KRp3IMMsQS885IZwhE7gNY/s1600/DSCN8357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeLl8t0-aEHgc0Tke857a2HT219q1XPyByL0hcKXh7abYE_hp7ox76m_QOByexnSsPqkhpCaa2Fa15zHcy0qDsVDCp2n1hqwM5o3Td3ixzMJfa9M6qVTA7KRp3IMMsQS885IZwhE7gNY/s400/DSCN8357.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add fake flower</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Staple or nail it down-try to hide the nail or staple:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukljRT78d8TXa2vDnBHxo81nt5e-DgdvUZA2pKMlPnvs5tkeLyviPQwrJooXZNpBg14mZrONs2RmmDjlx57JSb3u3QFgm5tVqtwL5soi7yKRfTmjUPHgncyFWsmr3aXNUC4gFFPtgAiA/s1600/DSCN8358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukljRT78d8TXa2vDnBHxo81nt5e-DgdvUZA2pKMlPnvs5tkeLyviPQwrJooXZNpBg14mZrONs2RmmDjlx57JSb3u3QFgm5tVqtwL5soi7yKRfTmjUPHgncyFWsmr3aXNUC4gFFPtgAiA/s400/DSCN8358.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staple fake flower down</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Here I used a sunflower for the scarecrow:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDSEgcwPx5QKBbzfQaAE736bt4U-lPIwuQ7rSxWldYcWiCnrNiUKZitWWwRbltAyh3DM8WSKNm0dbh8IIzs4MjxC8ip72jR3rwnmhzgX0aucaz2QiBVqjsml_2Cfi_wJ5InEvb2IemNc/s1600/DSCN8359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsDSEgcwPx5QKBbzfQaAE736bt4U-lPIwuQ7rSxWldYcWiCnrNiUKZitWWwRbltAyh3DM8WSKNm0dbh8IIzs4MjxC8ip72jR3rwnmhzgX0aucaz2QiBVqjsml_2Cfi_wJ5InEvb2IemNc/s400/DSCN8359.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
8. Now is the time to draw on/paint a face-I am a terrible artist so this was the worst part for me. I am so terrible with using a paintbrush that I ended up using Sharpie markers because I was making a mess with the paints. Here is the scarecrow face side:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcRrJpeUdjBo49heKVBSVrzBmj1__SQ346mPjrYd1vjZR1BmG7QOyiCi0rFk3rUw6L-eqvTxO-Nf0HFksOUnZh8pfgfKMAoi-rVOVSxD15ykT6y_55O3Rp0RvbhiymClF1lJwqWUlQis/s1600/DSCN8447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcRrJpeUdjBo49heKVBSVrzBmj1__SQ346mPjrYd1vjZR1BmG7QOyiCi0rFk3rUw6L-eqvTxO-Nf0HFksOUnZh8pfgfKMAoi-rVOVSxD15ykT6y_55O3Rp0RvbhiymClF1lJwqWUlQis/s400/DSCN8447.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a face to the scarecrow side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is the snowman side: <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCu8lkTeB1GH9Q2CaMEbfGymYTGrMyKxxSQB9EvdkLB-yoln5ueo11Wmh4UVTHHd059cVJQUaAmMUu1vXhzJ0y0L90QC51ybZBsehxjaAe_hawJpMVFDELYkXLBw9nsI6spHPP7m4yyg/s1600/DSCN8448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCu8lkTeB1GH9Q2CaMEbfGymYTGrMyKxxSQB9EvdkLB-yoln5ueo11Wmh4UVTHHd059cVJQUaAmMUu1vXhzJ0y0L90QC51ybZBsehxjaAe_hawJpMVFDELYkXLBw9nsI6spHPP7m4yyg/s400/DSCN8448.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add a face to the snowman side</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. Add the screw eyes to the top:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8bMQ2Ehzkmqf6D9BAlz8eJxdVONsVw1z9pyQuwYu97R9ZnvCa6u2ebWfnPJvRNK5upzoAienFfwgHqvctaKkU3CqvuFU4nTgYNukRCyEDnHd09C7h_ZBdC9WdbFm96CoxxaTEtQseZ8/s1600/DSCN8449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Screw eyes" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI8bMQ2Ehzkmqf6D9BAlz8eJxdVONsVw1z9pyQuwYu97R9ZnvCa6u2ebWfnPJvRNK5upzoAienFfwgHqvctaKkU3CqvuFU4nTgYNukRCyEDnHd09C7h_ZBdC9WdbFm96CoxxaTEtQseZ8/s400/DSCN8449.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screw eyes to hang the wooden decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
twist them in good:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZU2clHhwDoYhU8DPMaOpuKhunehH1ufLVPj7tZXCUNdI2ShXtdQPBfJ19Mk3QUCa0BQEqXw3ZYTBiP8lbr8_IIttLk_9TUHiNDo2Lou9OdrE35E5ySoE1mrM7MZsd72XTniMkq_S2k/s1600/DSCN8450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4xZU2clHhwDoYhU8DPMaOpuKhunehH1ufLVPj7tZXCUNdI2ShXtdQPBfJ19Mk3QUCa0BQEqXw3ZYTBiP8lbr8_IIttLk_9TUHiNDo2Lou9OdrE35E5ySoE1mrM7MZsd72XTniMkq_S2k/s400/DSCN8450.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add eye screws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMemGZn4t1wNdDV-KG38H8irG1_nF12klH2CciP98l2p95FQbMjjJs1ZHOYVZ_w2feEa-waz1i1cuNU3P56NFwnHdYgbk3ktJ2lAeFAogEu8F6DwnNk01wMMQP9cm-nUYUhRtJSeqeRfI/s1600/DSCN8451.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMemGZn4t1wNdDV-KG38H8irG1_nF12klH2CciP98l2p95FQbMjjJs1ZHOYVZ_w2feEa-waz1i1cuNU3P56NFwnHdYgbk3ktJ2lAeFAogEu8F6DwnNk01wMMQP9cm-nUYUhRtJSeqeRfI/s400/DSCN8451.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eye screws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10. Run the twine through the screw eyes and knot it. I doubled up my twine to give it strength:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jcdasaBuAbPklbm27lWWnKWBQmy62JdNqZSRANUQ-qyJXsRgqPOLvghaW6FRqmgUtZhNodJdtVm_paIgCi-uSlvTF7CzXJIqyQQeNXdFLnweNOC5jApiOtDTJVoD9Zx-Nz9jVHyFNns/s1600/DSCN8453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Twine" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3jcdasaBuAbPklbm27lWWnKWBQmy62JdNqZSRANUQ-qyJXsRgqPOLvghaW6FRqmgUtZhNodJdtVm_paIgCi-uSlvTF7CzXJIqyQQeNXdFLnweNOC5jApiOtDTJVoD9Zx-Nz9jVHyFNns/s400/DSCN8453.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQdjkfWluQPWGFmQnw8qmY1YFVxNrGR9S6ZfgfaZCMpDAnBIa2Z57xukEobdwOuZPXLm2wBWhhcpaL7EEzjhBudAqcCqIsHsj-EDJ0RE2KQ9k25s-5R8ZZvvGEMu6owmgsBpgW6uS96U/s1600/DSCN8452.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbQdjkfWluQPWGFmQnw8qmY1YFVxNrGR9S6ZfgfaZCMpDAnBIa2Z57xukEobdwOuZPXLm2wBWhhcpaL7EEzjhBudAqcCqIsHsj-EDJ0RE2KQ9k25s-5R8ZZvvGEMu6owmgsBpgW6uS96U/s400/DSCN8452.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Run twine through eye screws</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
11. Ready to hang: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzso60jJak_EX22Kj0PkNl1kX6QTK6_IL8if4811OfnaNZnhZam-EnnDaerp3eiSRYc32BN_QO0-x8YplPQMPbjksrMZz-DUauq-2vcsa5sw-63RUP1L-Rgk-UY3P9DO2nbJfYQRweOPk/s1600/DSCN8461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY wooden reversible scarecrow/snowman" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzso60jJak_EX22Kj0PkNl1kX6QTK6_IL8if4811OfnaNZnhZam-EnnDaerp3eiSRYc32BN_QO0-x8YplPQMPbjksrMZz-DUauq-2vcsa5sw-63RUP1L-Rgk-UY3P9DO2nbJfYQRweOPk/s400/DSCN8461.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden reversible scarecrow/snowman hanging decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-odpLVrHHAKUABjsMKVOqii88i5t-2ArloJxyn6lwlFW-nhmD3_oSTF2Q7WvVXSKzyeS7J1MHj3PtVCjlu6aUYiX5d1L-E-tjat3elhCaMktE8OWhbQXORe3m7mdKwQmDbnapMYzInQ/s1600/DSCN8459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="DIY wooden reversible scarecrow/snowman decoration" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji-odpLVrHHAKUABjsMKVOqii88i5t-2ArloJxyn6lwlFW-nhmD3_oSTF2Q7WvVXSKzyeS7J1MHj3PtVCjlu6aUYiX5d1L-E-tjat3elhCaMktE8OWhbQXORe3m7mdKwQmDbnapMYzInQ/s400/DSCN8459.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooden reversible hanging scarecrow/snowman decoration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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See-I told you it was easy! No special tools or paint needed and you don't need any special artistic skills. You also don't need to go out and spend 20-30 dollars on a piece of fall decor especially when you can make it yourself. You can make any adjustments you need to make this work for you. It is only a guide and/or inspiration to create your own unique piece. So, give this project a try and make it your own! I hope you enjoy this post and watch for my next post for another fall/winter project that will also be easy and kinda cool:-)) <br />
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Until next time-Happy Gardening!<br />
<br />
Rhonda <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-16961753084256056802015-09-02T09:05:00.002-07:002016-01-09T18:36:34.618-08:00Saving Petunia Seeds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5hPc3sR2hqZwLQE6fAG3FRS_t4OFuWzVN7mhmBnR93X0Dn5U2s03hz0Qs_LZskSe9U-59d1iA8fskRvNvAm4JgD1PxOjWW3vgFtSfH0A7XR4c2ztwo6y1IDscNh91eAYgDPYdTlwOuI4/s400/DSCN7353.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wave" Petunias grown from seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you read my blog you will notice I have an affinity for seeds. I love collecting them, storing them, planting them and even trading them. There is no greater satisfaction for me as a gardener than growing seeds from my own plants. Another good reason to collect, save and grow your own is you control the chemicals your plants are exposed to. Buy Petunias from any Big Box store and you are probably buying plants treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals that are not good for you, your family or the environment.<br />
Saving seed from most plants is easy-they don't require any special treatment or handling. There are some that do, however. Here is a post I did on collecting and saving some of those "special" seeds: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/12/tips-on-saving-andor-buying-seed-for.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/12/tips-on-saving-andor-buying-seed-for.html</a>. You will notice that most of the plants in that post are native woodland plants or ephemerals. Those seeds do require special saving and handling but most of your common annuals, perennials and biennials don't require anything special. You just pull them off, dry, clean, and store them until ready to plant-usually the following Spring. This post will deal with Petunias-they are one of the easiest plants to collect seed from. One note on seed collecting and growing: unless your plant is non-hybrid it may or may not come true from seed. An example would be if you have "Purple Wave" Petunias. You collect seed from those plants and then grow them. You may or may not get purple. I myself, have gotten a rainbow of colors when growing this hybrid. If you are a stickler for color of your flowers then it is best to just buy the seed for the hybrid that you want. Me, I am not. I love all the colors and I just love surprises and that is what you get when you grow most plants from seed. If you are like me and do not care then here is how you collect and save them:<br />
1. Find yourself a container to hold the seed pods:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQtRdbFz-hMkwHKJMdQUyQfNAdYxeB2pjpWYmli72rUOjsSpHJYRJ6vsGMK62yWN9lERDYQCNyTF3eNAaV-FcPRWj4hEqG_MJnUsrCkiBNKKgzJvUh9V3V2Bdg65iC2y6WrVae1slMTE/s1600/DSCN7514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQtRdbFz-hMkwHKJMdQUyQfNAdYxeB2pjpWYmli72rUOjsSpHJYRJ6vsGMK62yWN9lERDYQCNyTF3eNAaV-FcPRWj4hEqG_MJnUsrCkiBNKKgzJvUh9V3V2Bdg65iC2y6WrVae1slMTE/s400/DSCN7514.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Container to hold seed pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. Find a Petunia you would like seeds from. Look for a plant that is pest and disease free to ensure healthy seeds. Also make sure there are spent flowers that indicate seed set:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxfhDHtokw78USVWS06yuDhZcH7DT1ty3Kam1RUhXGiej5cPURMeSV4lGnFsLzqZMffYNRcL9DpeECJJXEXa2cB5YM0bYMFqj-zKiuWMqloPKUwrKy52JHKPTuGQm22eKenEk3-GjNeI/s1600/DSCN7517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZxfhDHtokw78USVWS06yuDhZcH7DT1ty3Kam1RUhXGiej5cPURMeSV4lGnFsLzqZMffYNRcL9DpeECJJXEXa2cB5YM0bYMFqj-zKiuWMqloPKUwrKy52JHKPTuGQm22eKenEk3-GjNeI/s400/DSCN7517.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Wave" Petunias</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Locate the dried seed pod or capsule on the plant. Look for seed pods that are brown and starting to split open. For Petunias it looks like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzRLeWnE0PSQfzDVrwEW4z5333CSYXt79nPmugoJeKp9XLMvqvAu5oWaxEeadyR588hyphenhyphenFj0kZQWwMgaoRQ9PmvUgHp7XrPHJcueSzryyTx3974fQ3ebJMfFcx7D055Yb1nXfwMxraimA/s1600/DSCN7521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzRLeWnE0PSQfzDVrwEW4z5333CSYXt79nPmugoJeKp9XLMvqvAu5oWaxEeadyR588hyphenhyphenFj0kZQWwMgaoRQ9PmvUgHp7XrPHJcueSzryyTx3974fQ3ebJMfFcx7D055Yb1nXfwMxraimA/s400/DSCN7521.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RycY9oQeZ6ztAt-OKrl7EJCDlErVSzkXMrpDyCI8t1PYpX2gaCXZdXlp8YPdWiwpQYb7dybkn-sd1AAviJYuZ4qRqxpBLjnaickJB-OFEF-4YQWS2E-okX527lvMNowP09JgWG6Vuew/s1600/DSCN7518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RycY9oQeZ6ztAt-OKrl7EJCDlErVSzkXMrpDyCI8t1PYpX2gaCXZdXlp8YPdWiwpQYb7dybkn-sd1AAviJYuZ4qRqxpBLjnaickJB-OFEF-4YQWS2E-okX527lvMNowP09JgWG6Vuew/s400/DSCN7518.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Snip off the seed pod with your fingernail or a pair of scissors:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY9V6WTaNuxnLhP1n4JSCTZbUlFwkya4QXgXDjO1L2u6F8Fq_sTvO1Qwd7aMNsYRf9uR4Mh-L998dhnk1j0T_Ge7DOPRPSbigbuI2TXSYB3GKccC-YhCoXOI2lXDN2I8lmOss7QUjfXI/s1600/DSCN7522.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHY9V6WTaNuxnLhP1n4JSCTZbUlFwkya4QXgXDjO1L2u6F8Fq_sTvO1Qwd7aMNsYRf9uR4Mh-L998dhnk1j0T_Ge7DOPRPSbigbuI2TXSYB3GKccC-YhCoXOI2lXDN2I8lmOss7QUjfXI/s400/DSCN7522.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snip seed pod off with nail or scissors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5L-Q8GVsjrw99RBPqqckCl0uHf7IP2eyXK9JYw6Y45FxMVk7HU-W04_kwmvBlm9o-AkoPzxblxPAN6Vys1p-5LwNF__sOnHSsaFDMC7-03hPvqby5hGgMjuONAPG_Ap2EGCOsxvA_ck/s1600/DSCN7523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5L-Q8GVsjrw99RBPqqckCl0uHf7IP2eyXK9JYw6Y45FxMVk7HU-W04_kwmvBlm9o-AkoPzxblxPAN6Vys1p-5LwNF__sOnHSsaFDMC7-03hPvqby5hGgMjuONAPG_Ap2EGCOsxvA_ck/s400/DSCN7523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
5. If you want-pull off the green, sticky sepals (leaf like part attached to seed pod). It is unnecessary to do this-they will dry out eventually. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't:-))<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ov5Vc8ZeceegyAOzJ7mhHGHmd_9u8KLWeURMfca8XDTxxfSP0GcGc6JC6hUbzM0pZtoR3UT8XZYcdfVbXg54CpaFgdlZTveorCfsRxM4PklzuW8RVkkDwhoAR_D8MESYzIvWwok9K4/s1600/DSCN7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26ov5Vc8ZeceegyAOzJ7mhHGHmd_9u8KLWeURMfca8XDTxxfSP0GcGc6JC6hUbzM0pZtoR3UT8XZYcdfVbXg54CpaFgdlZTveorCfsRxM4PklzuW8RVkkDwhoAR_D8MESYzIvWwok9K4/s400/DSCN7524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCFlBYMaFcyHPI0-6WOfvZqWH7AfoGGCJs9o5JuqJceGkXxeGG30uV5kHYAAEIu1uyVGUBgdh_UqaDrBqWuznWhhFt49Rho3cazoRc3-f7GOaujI5tDjJzE6eqfMEUTVbw5HhlDIGfZQ/s1600/DSCN7525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCCFlBYMaFcyHPI0-6WOfvZqWH7AfoGGCJs9o5JuqJceGkXxeGG30uV5kHYAAEIu1uyVGUBgdh_UqaDrBqWuznWhhFt49Rho3cazoRc3-f7GOaujI5tDjJzE6eqfMEUTVbw5HhlDIGfZQ/s400/DSCN7525.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pod</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. Place in your container:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_94b0JzwlDlsxETxegdw6OK4kFQRN7mndQsBHiJCQrBvWgBqYuU_M6moNmEWpFwL7VemYWFPt0uvS2wf95lHJmWPBelbr3X8Zic0gGQ4vlfc3J8Vcwgu6FDRMImCxEYMAWMsbdt4mtPk/s1600/DSCN7532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_94b0JzwlDlsxETxegdw6OK4kFQRN7mndQsBHiJCQrBvWgBqYuU_M6moNmEWpFwL7VemYWFPt0uvS2wf95lHJmWPBelbr3X8Zic0gGQ4vlfc3J8Vcwgu6FDRMImCxEYMAWMsbdt4mtPk/s400/DSCN7532.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collected Petunia seed pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhf9YrWHy5I_O1sjmP_uAYzR38HDtSKyc55bHofv_waLgRYPdefEmw_-Ek6LilE-sHOdqosCd-CmQTyACkK4BIgnDsuHiq1jlHkYk2Cs1hrJzx8MxnaUYPhkfpqV8X9YP9R91ezxLa0g/s1600/DSCN7534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBhf9YrWHy5I_O1sjmP_uAYzR38HDtSKyc55bHofv_waLgRYPdefEmw_-Ek6LilE-sHOdqosCd-CmQTyACkK4BIgnDsuHiq1jlHkYk2Cs1hrJzx8MxnaUYPhkfpqV8X9YP9R91ezxLa0g/s400/DSCN7534.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collected Petunia seed pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. You can leave them in the container (uncovered) for a couple weeks to dry out completely or you can transfer them to a paper plate to dry. I think they dry faster on the plate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuIEkciBKyFSwNoUlCO_ZBDGX9NUfjbHgiTEeNkG1aLO87mJnc3kDvas-fq41VUFzP5gzxSXkx6II4JN6GIa9u54bwITya6cDqnxccnVwmqOOt5vZcT0GPjTvC-sA63Q22f9Plqraqzw/s1600/DSCN7535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWuIEkciBKyFSwNoUlCO_ZBDGX9NUfjbHgiTEeNkG1aLO87mJnc3kDvas-fq41VUFzP5gzxSXkx6II4JN6GIa9u54bwITya6cDqnxccnVwmqOOt5vZcT0GPjTvC-sA63Q22f9Plqraqzw/s400/DSCN7535.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petunia seed pods on paper plate to dry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
8. When dry separate the seed from the seed pod. I usually go through and crush the seed pods with my fingers to release the rest of the seeds:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdxMjlipAExli_2A4rULba6a7hkA693MHPresNRnWqNLnjrA50mdbPzz0kb8or9BAxXXg3c5VC53Ni01IKHvQo58hk74WR-mTuTjY34Otst4s59rlUSC9LDgvscTPSLJhGA0yXwso-v8/s1600/DSCN7744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdxMjlipAExli_2A4rULba6a7hkA693MHPresNRnWqNLnjrA50mdbPzz0kb8or9BAxXXg3c5VC53Ni01IKHvQo58hk74WR-mTuTjY34Otst4s59rlUSC9LDgvscTPSLJhGA0yXwso-v8/s400/DSCN7744.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crush Petunia seed heads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDBY3jlAsZTqg_wg3o4r58aGlnoUdXO5Db9qUqxZj4FUpSPQIJtI5s4fqISlDXjOHdFTWnc6og4NYbuB9itSoBHpJMXldHHIpCOAgRv7c6PGd9YuDxxQJgKVH6tneV0-fiWhyphenhyphenwj8_yUo/s1600/DSCN7746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDBY3jlAsZTqg_wg3o4r58aGlnoUdXO5Db9qUqxZj4FUpSPQIJtI5s4fqISlDXjOHdFTWnc6og4NYbuB9itSoBHpJMXldHHIpCOAgRv7c6PGd9YuDxxQJgKVH6tneV0-fiWhyphenhyphenwj8_yUo/s400/DSCN7746.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crushed Petunia seed head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAaRYKLCOjjS_rMwxfPNPaBd1a-dmmZDr9egnmKV8_rG5RwcCbPHu2jmYNm-4b9EPGUXjL90LBf4n1WSdbVwUyxB2TKrHBHJElDg0bSXT2Lj2Lh6Df_hmklP0Qvu8gEl7xr00B8oRldM/s1600/DSCN7747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFAaRYKLCOjjS_rMwxfPNPaBd1a-dmmZDr9egnmKV8_rG5RwcCbPHu2jmYNm-4b9EPGUXjL90LBf4n1WSdbVwUyxB2TKrHBHJElDg0bSXT2Lj2Lh6Df_hmklP0Qvu8gEl7xr00B8oRldM/s400/DSCN7747.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crushed Petunia seed pods</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. After you have crushed all the seed pods you can either pick out all of the "chaffe" (debris) or get a fine sieve and pour the seeds through it onto another plate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVsKC51ShbQOc2moYtYYDQTVCo3DTyEdNozQMKgY8nMumlAIAg3i2aOcHR6hetGb_uvP9B0dsQzxMsSleqeBPQXoUQj7f3bgYuE1tKcCMfv8wqf66wO1ItjhmPrWWcNob8Pvkjk5a9iw/s1600/DSCN7748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMVsKC51ShbQOc2moYtYYDQTVCo3DTyEdNozQMKgY8nMumlAIAg3i2aOcHR6hetGb_uvP9B0dsQzxMsSleqeBPQXoUQj7f3bgYuE1tKcCMfv8wqf66wO1ItjhmPrWWcNob8Pvkjk5a9iw/s400/DSCN7748.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean seed with a fine mesh sieve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzbIvddZD0PWJ1yLczT10lH3NJUgRJ4-BMdHgBUIzLcDxc3XBvMNqd4dkcfksK3RssNnTiiKkWB3R7bJeEkI3S6zMVLHbwtkKpbvOBK5tuGrHXlXlfFZG-v5skAkG9upETISLe4CGNF8/s1600/DSCN7749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEzbIvddZD0PWJ1yLczT10lH3NJUgRJ4-BMdHgBUIzLcDxc3XBvMNqd4dkcfksK3RssNnTiiKkWB3R7bJeEkI3S6zMVLHbwtkKpbvOBK5tuGrHXlXlfFZG-v5skAkG9upETISLe4CGNF8/s400/DSCN7749.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean seed with a fine mesh sieve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr_fQNH8mqeEGzWb9Pql6ISATtPRcPaONdxB324Z3cJaPGNp-kP9SqAatWt-7rmiKdZb9oiIQ9hJRovek8DT9YlrtYCwfUYFrTZec_MsjB_uFXdkMxU7IPhNjj1l06ES9IOxB6_ffF9s/s1600/DSCN7750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnr_fQNH8mqeEGzWb9Pql6ISATtPRcPaONdxB324Z3cJaPGNp-kP9SqAatWt-7rmiKdZb9oiIQ9hJRovek8DT9YlrtYCwfUYFrTZec_MsjB_uFXdkMxU7IPhNjj1l06ES9IOxB6_ffF9s/s400/DSCN7750.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean seed with a fine mesh sieve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50dMCr8aVZGZwtF4i3pqlcJ_2ZBNbckbocnwJ8LfqaH1XK0DKHO7q0k1Nr8psaVpORw6GamyT8cKAifjn2puqO9oczXMGe7CUHCBYbqD9dPWLxi6st9HIQ0s5JPwCv9jhXbtyOyqm5o/s1600/DSCN7751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA50dMCr8aVZGZwtF4i3pqlcJ_2ZBNbckbocnwJ8LfqaH1XK0DKHO7q0k1Nr8psaVpORw6GamyT8cKAifjn2puqO9oczXMGe7CUHCBYbqD9dPWLxi6st9HIQ0s5JPwCv9jhXbtyOyqm5o/s400/DSCN7751.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned Petunia seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10. Prepare a seed baggie (either plastic or paper) with the name of the plant and the year and pour the seeds into it and seal it. Keep in a cool, dry, dark place until you are ready to use them (they do not need to be in the refrigerator!) All done! Now you have enough seeds for a thousand plants next year:-)) <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEnQwW_UHmOVG2dgtYMN0gtWFADaUOafo12087dz0LlEKnDJZfw_tF1Cn5RY6VtN7f2dU23KAc2GsfjNwrQ1XIk11XPFVX-UHjxe1EYJJpVpgJYWZ1ZvBmg_NK0pTB3ZTJOBuNJWRai8/s1600/DSCN7752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEnQwW_UHmOVG2dgtYMN0gtWFADaUOafo12087dz0LlEKnDJZfw_tF1Cn5RY6VtN7f2dU23KAc2GsfjNwrQ1XIk11XPFVX-UHjxe1EYJJpVpgJYWZ1ZvBmg_NK0pTB3ZTJOBuNJWRai8/s400/DSCN7752.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaned Petunia seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ew8wdj12rMMMc5IgE81olthqAQXQFYIysMUKVo9SYNndBpqX5wvqvFfuN23R81KWxChTND5cMm-9ufjeAgYtEZR9R8n2oTFLbB4Y_RULOr-w-pne11YNWd-nxWGwNAGMkaUxWKPgPBc/s1600/DSCN7753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Ew8wdj12rMMMc5IgE81olthqAQXQFYIysMUKVo9SYNndBpqX5wvqvFfuN23R81KWxChTND5cMm-9ufjeAgYtEZR9R8n2oTFLbB4Y_RULOr-w-pne11YNWd-nxWGwNAGMkaUxWKPgPBc/s400/DSCN7753.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saved Petunia seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So get out there and save some seeds! It is easy, free and fun:-)) You will get so much satisfaction growing plants from your own saved seed or sharing some of your seed with other gardeners. It is what gardening is all about.<br />
<br />
I leave you with one of my favorite quotes on seeds: <br />
"Though I do not believe that a plant
will spring up where no seed has
been, I have great faith in a seed. Convince me that you have a seed
there, and I am prepared to expect wonders."<br />
- Henry David Thoreau <br />
<br />
If you have any questions or comments about this post (or any post ) feel free to leave them. So, until next time-Happy Gardening! Rhonda <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-7859325596534123612015-07-10T11:34:00.001-07:002016-01-09T20:42:28.329-08:00Campanula americana-A Native Plant for Shady GardensIf you were to ask me what the most abundant native plant in my yard is my answer would be Campanula americana. Then maybe you would ask me why. Well, I have a few reasons I let this lovely plant grace so much of my backyard every year, and hopefully after you read my reasons for growing this beauty you will also find room in your garden to grow it too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7JsHNdATNUfyF8u6WWxdTd4mRmzSIGd6TBncOtZkX9ALLciTH9IM3Zyh1a3BUMS8GoftyRtzjrII2KI3tuv40kxJYqLPULGvkUPXJhA4BK664_lzvlXCfVi7YRYhKGMagoa_8cgkbHk/s1600/DSCN6521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7JsHNdATNUfyF8u6WWxdTd4mRmzSIGd6TBncOtZkX9ALLciTH9IM3Zyh1a3BUMS8GoftyRtzjrII2KI3tuv40kxJYqLPULGvkUPXJhA4BK664_lzvlXCfVi7YRYhKGMagoa_8cgkbHk/s320/DSCN6521.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campanula americana's unique and beautiful flower</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBDh94eGmNAsKEvvnWi89svbrps6FaZK4SXoViaSJ2usmi2DAN1mQAOkKZQ8l_x4zIJqoN50zsnLaBDG0lTg0hjSYbvO3m6JPIi-D6UfSaXfN-WPBgUvavFDeRWaYYbrLsgFnM597poI/s1600/DSCN6494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzBDh94eGmNAsKEvvnWi89svbrps6FaZK4SXoViaSJ2usmi2DAN1mQAOkKZQ8l_x4zIJqoN50zsnLaBDG0lTg0hjSYbvO3m6JPIi-D6UfSaXfN-WPBgUvavFDeRWaYYbrLsgFnM597poI/s320/DSCN6494.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A patch of Campanula americana growing in my garden</td></tr>
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So here are the main reasons that I grow this beauty in my garden:<br />
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1. It is a native plant (in my area).<br />
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2. It is a pollinator magnet.<br />
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3. It is easy care and simple to propagate. <br />
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4. It is beautiful.<br />
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Have I persuaded you yet? Maybe not. I guess I could elaborate more on my reasons-for the sake of argument:-)) So here ya go:<br />
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1. It is native to my area. Campanula americana is native to much of the Eastern half of the United States and parts of Canada. It is found growing in woodlands, forest edges, and thickets from moist to dry locations. It is an adaptable plant and grows well on disturbed sites. And, as everyone knows, adding natives to your garden is good for nature which leads to the next reason. <br />
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2. It is a pollinator magnet. If you are looking to attract pollinators to your yard and garden than this is the plant for you. Many species of native bees, flies, and wasps seek nectar and pollen from this plant. If you stand next to it when it is blooming you will see that it is swarmed by many varieties of bees from tiny to large. Hummingbirds also visit this plant. In my garden bumblebees spend an enormous amount of time on each individual flower for the nectar. It is quite a show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJcSplgVlpz6U-HidnllRArhxI7Bgr3q5lf0W5I-6LOedBUTtcBqkZcDEnagSx9wG0NxhxNlj45KiiZxat6jisBv989JC0OaT_6050H4onY7Nmk8wGcYZbluFNpTkIY6G_gSwYb5vtRI/s1600/DSCN6531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJcSplgVlpz6U-HidnllRArhxI7Bgr3q5lf0W5I-6LOedBUTtcBqkZcDEnagSx9wG0NxhxNlj45KiiZxat6jisBv989JC0OaT_6050H4onY7Nmk8wGcYZbluFNpTkIY6G_gSwYb5vtRI/s400/DSCN6531.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee on Campanula americana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7z0YYzO3Xzx2JCTqYsDlrn7H8PZPTrJr5LrPpk9yCd880cZqSx-22NLayBf_uP-XFdxzB8jL2-nSlWiEd46SDBZiyQeF8P2dK4RxeY-7AKy1ggNbQanODasLc858JLVOKAs70RUle8c/s1600/DSCN6529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij7z0YYzO3Xzx2JCTqYsDlrn7H8PZPTrJr5LrPpk9yCd880cZqSx-22NLayBf_uP-XFdxzB8jL2-nSlWiEd46SDBZiyQeF8P2dK4RxeY-7AKy1ggNbQanODasLc858JLVOKAs70RUle8c/s400/DSCN6529.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee on Campanula americana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7IkHmljJQgQBzxd3bXz8svODhlAcv6tVdOMf9REHS2M8yjsVH21JmQWEjK38TcmIkC_kj6qV1nwFOwo-Itr9_9vyCPgbGUfqtojmmz3t1ZPba6x5tCCGmY28nj7MLInlKJiZIpLDUYQ/s1600/DSCN6526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7IkHmljJQgQBzxd3bXz8svODhlAcv6tVdOMf9REHS2M8yjsVH21JmQWEjK38TcmIkC_kj6qV1nwFOwo-Itr9_9vyCPgbGUfqtojmmz3t1ZPba6x5tCCGmY28nj7MLInlKJiZIpLDUYQ/s400/DSCN6526.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee on Campanula americana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJ-ewEAYC_E1o71_8fDDXfNL5GbA5HE94H_RtvYVc0mkVJeOkOVS6aNPNgvVDBiF214Eu3pH3z-3_5iM5v1ansFxq5mB8vcw5-ka8p_QGvxgzoXRURnqSRqTVxs6YGkr7Fanglt9yGI/s1600/DSCN6369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcJ-ewEAYC_E1o71_8fDDXfNL5GbA5HE94H_RtvYVc0mkVJeOkOVS6aNPNgvVDBiF214Eu3pH3z-3_5iM5v1ansFxq5mB8vcw5-ka8p_QGvxgzoXRURnqSRqTVxs6YGkr7Fanglt9yGI/s400/DSCN6369.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bee on Campanula americana</td></tr>
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3. Campanula americana is a annual/biennial and is very easy care. It grows in both dry and moist spots in my shade garden. It will, however, be shorter in the dryer positions. I have some that are 5 feet tall where it stays moist and in some positions under my pine trees they only get 2-3 feet tall. Even when they reach a height of 5 feet they usually never need staking-they have a strong stem. Another bonus is that they do not lean for the light like some taller plants. They remain upright even at the edge of the shade. Campanula americana is also easy to propagate-this is usually done from seeds. You can just let them self sow or you can collect the seed and throw it down wherever you want them to grow. You can also sow them in pots for planting out later. I do a combination of all three-this allows me to have plenty growing in different areas rather than having them confined to one area. I threw these seeds down last fall and they will bloom next summer:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNPKvrK5VnmzHo3KHANpTEg_FW0m880VMKXfhoBlR5kKHVjUHcX7ed1-J_46riQv6Tl8rIwFHSziVE4Qe-pLjBpU1Rx0ARLhlOteLzKIPCAgoQdMgp9DIadwq1lQPgRcBhp6XhcX1Eco/s1600/DSCN6523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsNPKvrK5VnmzHo3KHANpTEg_FW0m880VMKXfhoBlR5kKHVjUHcX7ed1-J_46riQv6Tl8rIwFHSziVE4Qe-pLjBpU1Rx0ARLhlOteLzKIPCAgoQdMgp9DIadwq1lQPgRcBhp6XhcX1Eco/s400/DSCN6523.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seedling of Campanula americana-they will bloom next year</td></tr>
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These I let sow themselves in this position:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WEO3SSlkCpcSSbtVoGMgqwjLd1NsXMOBqGTycUaa7d3VPpg-eH6Nr-4tsSSHTsNdb1xxj3Zqn6xN6PW911dnH6Z5juDk0bvjE4gqWZbm84_GvWsXOmHUS1igDwCQszvvn_opcejxiDI/s1600/DSCN6508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3WEO3SSlkCpcSSbtVoGMgqwjLd1NsXMOBqGTycUaa7d3VPpg-eH6Nr-4tsSSHTsNdb1xxj3Zqn6xN6PW911dnH6Z5juDk0bvjE4gqWZbm84_GvWsXOmHUS1igDwCQszvvn_opcejxiDI/s400/DSCN6508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. It is beautiful. The flower and plant are unique and beautiful. It is also one of the few native woodland flowers to be blooming in the heat of July in my garden. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuFUD-4BKsvA0qzQDdkA37wbgUy76SBUQNOptzlyksJqKzj1fbS3PEPtMKlCVNxPae-ECTbubVpPfipI_EzLJjNvnHItmaCxxhSukHLHLTssl6egzyIlXQIyC1Sp_pV0tWH-U3B9Wnbk/s1600/DSCN6535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCuFUD-4BKsvA0qzQDdkA37wbgUy76SBUQNOptzlyksJqKzj1fbS3PEPtMKlCVNxPae-ECTbubVpPfipI_EzLJjNvnHItmaCxxhSukHLHLTssl6egzyIlXQIyC1Sp_pV0tWH-U3B9Wnbk/s640/DSCN6535.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campanula americana in my garden</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campanula americana</td></tr>
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So, what do you think? Have I talked you in to adding this plant to your garden? I sure hope so-it would be a wonderful addition to any shade or part shade garden. If you are interested you can find seeds for this native beauty at <a href="https://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/campanula-americana-tall-bellflower.html" target="_blank">https://www.prairiemoon.com/seeds/wildflowers-forbs/campanula-americana-tall-bellflower.html</a>.<br />
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I hope you enjoyed this post on one of my favorite native plants-Campanula american-if you have any questions or comment please feel free to leave them below.<br />
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So, until next time-Happy Gardening!<br />
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Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-90153977017196507062015-06-26T22:10:00.001-07:002015-06-26T22:10:19.670-07:006 Top Hosta Myths I love Hosta, There, I said it! I love buying them, planting them, and watching them get bigger and more beautiful every year. I also like the way they brighten up my gardens like no other plant can. They come in some gorgeous shades of green, white and yellow with leaves that range from small to large. I really like the pie crust edge ones right now-they add a little something to the Hosta. I am not a Hosta expert by any means, but I have a little experience and have done plenty of research on this wonderful species over the years and there are a few myths I hear constantly and it drive me nuts. So, here they are: <br />
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1. Hostas are shade plants-this is probably the biggest myth there is. I get so sick of people telling other people that Hostas can not tolerate any sun. Hostas are the opposite, meaning they are <i>shade tolerant </i>which means they tolerate lower levels of light. In Asia, where they are from, they grow in the sun. Now, those of you in the southern part of it's range, it is best to give them shade because the sun is stronger down there (it's all about latitude). But those of us up here in the north, well, we can grow some of them in the sun as long as we supply adequate moisture. The more sun and water they get the bigger they get. Also, some of the yellow and variegated cultivars will color up better with some sun and the solid green ones are pretty sun tolerant. The only ones I would avoid planting in the sun are the blue ones-they won't hold their color well (they will lose their waxy coating and look green). Here are a couple pics of some I have growing in some sun:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oguQSfC10ak2kU_JRRQQ1XuNCNilR0D7rB3PXMyV-5opYZYgna0QK6e-xQd1DtLs_omkHygYbJC5QWuzLMG5qIb-Wgf-URN32re_19gcwK00mEVC6Utb3uPS8aeXCoiI9JmD0IKiQpg/s1600/DSCN6042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-oguQSfC10ak2kU_JRRQQ1XuNCNilR0D7rB3PXMyV-5opYZYgna0QK6e-xQd1DtLs_omkHygYbJC5QWuzLMG5qIb-Wgf-URN32re_19gcwK00mEVC6Utb3uPS8aeXCoiI9JmD0IKiQpg/s320/DSCN6042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hostas "Brother Stefan" and "Elvis Lives" growing in the sun with Lamb's Ear </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kS-kfkJFYEvI-6q2nkaoBxzPJQBwtpOV2NqdQPd09MaVi5aptIC3-AEfkpL6arenqre6-N08Jqz_Z7A_Te6vsveyr27wHQa9TZ86AsctzuSmniyv5SH4jrnuORKeHhOM2y0Ew7d-hww/s1600/DSCN6040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kS-kfkJFYEvI-6q2nkaoBxzPJQBwtpOV2NqdQPd09MaVi5aptIC3-AEfkpL6arenqre6-N08Jqz_Z7A_Te6vsveyr27wHQa9TZ86AsctzuSmniyv5SH4jrnuORKeHhOM2y0Ew7d-hww/s320/DSCN6040.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "August Moon" can take quite a bit of sun</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdry0tR7UcgYrf9MBR8GBhkIbl4cT-L5XdhZpN8swrQgEsSuCEsqLCZYSmyO8Jt2utu8cr9Xw8qVUdSrzQyjTPuUAZW3cxDw9-hYBq06WyACSzILG9DqivJfIdqJmd54rQJw5cbI_5BE/s1600/DSCN6039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdry0tR7UcgYrf9MBR8GBhkIbl4cT-L5XdhZpN8swrQgEsSuCEsqLCZYSmyO8Jt2utu8cr9Xw8qVUdSrzQyjTPuUAZW3cxDw9-hYBq06WyACSzILG9DqivJfIdqJmd54rQJw5cbI_5BE/s320/DSCN6039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "Honeybells", like most fragrant Hosta, can take the sun</td></tr>
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2. Hostas are hard to kill. Another myth. While it might be almost impossible to kill the "old fashioned" Hostas it is possible to kill a plant you paid good money for. Some Hosta growers have also said that certain hostas like "Great Expectations" are very difficult. If you google difficult Hostas you will see some chatter on the internet on the subject. I haven't come across any that seemed difficult to me but I have lost Hosta "Sum of All" this past winter to vole damage. They ate the entire crown. Voles and rabbits are usually what take mine out, but I have lost a few to other issues related to the retailer I purchased them from, hence number 5 on my list.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63E7Ht5NpNtEn315zUEMNpm9rn7P_xhB0sCHoR2hzmLgsHs6_akexnWqgNRZ-Qxmgifu5KYkrm7p5LtUXxb4J1XIbT1jZUKT0lzIbP9EqIcKgTJkYHSJ99s6VQ8zJXKAG1Fu0sNKpU-M/s1600/DSCN6035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj63E7Ht5NpNtEn315zUEMNpm9rn7P_xhB0sCHoR2hzmLgsHs6_akexnWqgNRZ-Qxmgifu5KYkrm7p5LtUXxb4J1XIbT1jZUKT0lzIbP9EqIcKgTJkYHSJ99s6VQ8zJXKAG1Fu0sNKpU-M/s320/DSCN6035.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Old Fashioned" Hostas are hard to kill</td></tr>
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3. Hostas should be divided. This is soooo untrue! Sure, Hostas <i>can </i>be divided-but they don't need to be-at least not for many years. Why is it that some people never let their Hostas reach their size potential? I love big Hostas-I think that is when they look their best. Most of the time heavy corrugation or huge leaves won't show up in a Hosta until it gets some age. I didn't buy "Sum and Substance" or "Sagae" because I want a small Hosta with little leaves. I bought them because they get <i>huge </i>with gorgeous leaves! If you want a bunch of small Hostas then buy small Hostas-there are many out there. Don't buy An "Empress Wu" and then never let it get to the size that it should be. That is just silly! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittuAiu9QyqER7kapp0lZFl_FTg8QiGCywCv9N1yFvO-bgZ_PdcotLqH1qg8dk_zev1UhV_mxUqRf_6VAZifZiuXMI43fU1UUKBLk_tVF5Lv2itwFF1m4Sk7b3Pztg6ttQcoZlai6kGEM/s1600/DSCN6038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittuAiu9QyqER7kapp0lZFl_FTg8QiGCywCv9N1yFvO-bgZ_PdcotLqH1qg8dk_zev1UhV_mxUqRf_6VAZifZiuXMI43fU1UUKBLk_tVF5Lv2itwFF1m4Sk7b3Pztg6ttQcoZlai6kGEM/s320/DSCN6038.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "Sum and Substance" is young but already 3.5' wide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDEsTjVjUgDFvOmP4OUp0DiW09xeeJehaXvYCSJUfHsKp0N6AjOxuy91egkH2L1eeSZy2aRUX5QjTUio6Ivw60HF05WvOuykFk19oITnnl_sPFBTYBd_bI8n8nP213JYwkj-6HDaTEXg/s1600/DSCN6045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDEsTjVjUgDFvOmP4OUp0DiW09xeeJehaXvYCSJUfHsKp0N6AjOxuy91egkH2L1eeSZy2aRUX5QjTUio6Ivw60HF05WvOuykFk19oITnnl_sPFBTYBd_bI8n8nP213JYwkj-6HDaTEXg/s320/DSCN6045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "Christmas Tree" is 4.5' wide</td></tr>
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4. Damage to Hosta plants is caused mostly from slugs. This one drives me nuts! All over the internet people show pictures of an issue with their Hosta and everyone always tells them it is slugs and to put eggshells down. Slugs are not the only cause for holes or damage to Hosta plants. There are sooo many reasons a Hosta can look terrible or have holes. A few of these reasons are: falling objects, hail, cold damage, stepping on, cutworms, animals eating them, and anthracnose. My biggest problem is with cutworms and I did a post last year on them-here it is: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/06/holes-in-hosta-leaves-it-might-not-be.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/06/holes-in-hosta-leaves-it-might-not-be.html</a>. Here are some examples of some damage I have on my Hostas and what caused it:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydgcXsE-CoacXqQ7PsGwUxqioGBjGiuH3qpq2VTzc2tdxDZQj_P9huzwS8cQK3AWdetP29JTVjrZ-jbF3ml68tN6gRZdbeSAS7OCvlUUjEZ8Vyb82aP6KwlRZxh4YerzUtI2HY1Bpeks/s320/DSCN6043.JPG" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slug damage on Hosta</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLVbWNqE1YEdOcbdcRYgVJQpMC4q30mor6I8f4GbwZSqqTwtn-UhdC4YSP7e16hRNJG5c7mHontEiBE6MsUdAvuXMhOr0hXw4HwCU_V8SveLKH6YEIOcsBLfYQh9Tm8z1QsKvyim7JG0/s1600/DSCN6022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwLVbWNqE1YEdOcbdcRYgVJQpMC4q30mor6I8f4GbwZSqqTwtn-UhdC4YSP7e16hRNJG5c7mHontEiBE6MsUdAvuXMhOr0hXw4HwCU_V8SveLKH6YEIOcsBLfYQh9Tm8z1QsKvyim7JG0/s320/DSCN6022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutworm damage on Hosta</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYPzsBiPCIWrGoWQqTuBYFHpUHmr617XLCjwy-tYHyjV1W4SjDUPP61ovlFjD4fB0wwivrRAgN3kUbw5VoO2PD-wR_W0MGJPGtXxxq4L1BCwmE4GkrGjXy6EFgJUl_3WtN1CSC7qg7w8/s1600/DSCN6018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpYPzsBiPCIWrGoWQqTuBYFHpUHmr617XLCjwy-tYHyjV1W4SjDUPP61ovlFjD4fB0wwivrRAgN3kUbw5VoO2PD-wR_W0MGJPGtXxxq4L1BCwmE4GkrGjXy6EFgJUl_3WtN1CSC7qg7w8/s320/DSCN6018.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta damage from being stepped on in early Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsHQF4Ftl36OivAhsiimUsoI6zIanR7SDCV_pl9kGsi_osNSqhOt7APly6s4OZpxAM3F0omjJe3qlWidctjRO0aOigF9alSTcZtfNX7XmTfr1Id50mwp6uaZKKj8I8qe2CZrOy5F56f8/s1600/DSCN6051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsHQF4Ftl36OivAhsiimUsoI6zIanR7SDCV_pl9kGsi_osNSqhOt7APly6s4OZpxAM3F0omjJe3qlWidctjRO0aOigF9alSTcZtfNX7XmTfr1Id50mwp6uaZKKj8I8qe2CZrOy5F56f8/s320/DSCN6051.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Damage on a Hosta from falling debris<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIk9HgL3XdvN5Lddggv1uUlyw105gwz50LN8WzLqBE86_vCBsGPN5zyK7BaS7cS7ln8LI1vdMHjfwCjQBlFUlMhFD78rnix6-IHKYJ-KDDS6CEN5H_G6xyM7e1130QIDceG2lP5yq43s/s1600/DSCN6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIk9HgL3XdvN5Lddggv1uUlyw105gwz50LN8WzLqBE86_vCBsGPN5zyK7BaS7cS7ln8LI1vdMHjfwCjQBlFUlMhFD78rnix6-IHKYJ-KDDS6CEN5H_G6xyM7e1130QIDceG2lP5yq43s/s320/DSCN6050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Damage on Hosta from falling debris</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2pi9_D_PJSy5vXjNm2WsiKIStnEMLt8TzC6N5Eqn874j0HkCjFnAiBdI7KswygCrpmMLJECp-eAvxxSb5fNQInLvkHoSTMPdTvZ3P8yUKB8knQOI4QLrdKL9ShYbXtRlfEYLEzc2WRw/s1600/DSCN6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2pi9_D_PJSy5vXjNm2WsiKIStnEMLt8TzC6N5Eqn874j0HkCjFnAiBdI7KswygCrpmMLJECp-eAvxxSb5fNQInLvkHoSTMPdTvZ3P8yUKB8knQOI4QLrdKL9ShYbXtRlfEYLEzc2WRw/s320/DSCN6049.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit damage on Hosta</td></tr>
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5. It doesn't matter where you buy your Hosta plants. Another falsehood. I no longer buy my Hostas from a source that has no clue about the plant or who doesn't guarantee disease free stock. Your big box stores and some nurseries are clueless to any diseases or issues associated with Hostas and because of that they are spreading the problem. Heck, they have diseased stock sitting there on the salesfloor just waiting for an unwitting customer to buy up their infected plants. Ignorance is on their side. Personally, I opt to buy disease free stock from the most reputable sources. And guess what-they are not more expensive and they have better selections. You would not believe the varieties you can buy-not just the same old Hosta. Here are just a few of the issues that you might find with your Hosta if you buy from a unreliable source: HVX, Nematodes, Athracnose, Crown Rot (also called Petiole Rot), and Bacterial Soft Rot. My favorite Hosta retailers are: <a href="http://www.perennialnursery.com/" target="_blank">http://www.perennialnursery.com/</a> <a href="http://www.inthecountrygardenandgifts.com/" target="_blank">http://www.inthecountrygardenandgifts.com/</a> <a href="http://landofthegiantshostafarm.com/" target="_blank">http://landofthegiantshostafarm.com/</a> <a href="http://www.plantdelights.com/Hosta-for-sale/Plantain-Lily/Buy-Hostas/Hosta-Plants/Hosta-Nursery/?results_per_page=1000" target="_blank">http://www.plantdelights.com/Hosta-for-sale/Plantain-Lily/Buy-Hostas/Hosta-Plants/Hosta-Nursery/?results_per_page=1000</a><br />
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6. HVX is not a problem. Yes it is! One of the biggest problems with HVX is denial. I once saw a very reputable blogger's post on shade plants and what did she show a picture of? An HVX infected "Gold Standard" Hosta. Of course, she has since removed the photo (I think), but still did she not notice something wrong? It had classic ink bleed throughout the entire plant. I hope she didn't think she had something interesting there. If your Hosta is looking unhealthy, has ink bleed or tissue collapse you should have it tested for the disease. For more information on this issue see the Hosta Library: <a href="http://www.hostalibrary.org/firstlook/HVX.htm" target="_blank">http://www.hostalibrary.org/firstlook/HVX.htm</a><br />
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I hope I have given you some information on Hostas that you can use and refuted those pesky myths that seems to surround these beautiful plants. If you have any question or comments feel free to leave them below. <br />
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Happy Gardening! RhondaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-43495357553462956792015-06-16T12:46:00.001-07:002016-01-09T20:45:03.944-08:00Composting and/or Lasagna Gardening the Easy WayEvery gardener has their own way of doing things and this is true of composting. Some have an elaborate bin system and take the temperature, some people use pre-made compost tumblers, and some just pile it up. There are many ways to compost and they are all correct if it makes you happy and you get compost in the end. In this post I will explain a couple ways I compost and how I use kitchen scraps and yard waste to make a better garden.<br />
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I have been composting for many years now, even when I rented. I did this mostly to be "green" and reduce landfill waste my family created. That changed when we purchased our own home. That is when I not only composted to be "green" but also for the end product. The soil at my new home was hard and unworkable, especially in my backyard. I began using my compost to raise up (mound) my flower beds to make it easier to plant and to give the plants a fighting chance. When I began work on my backyard I began a form of composting similar to "lasagna" gardening. This method has made a huge difference in the condition of the soil in my backyard. Almost every flower bed is a product of lasagna gardening, even a few in my front yard. It has worked out very well for me and I think it would work well for anybody who has difficult soil. The addition of compost to any soil can only improve it. Here are a couple of pics of some of my lasagna beds that I have made: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_cuK13lpAMzk772qAZn4IXp1MKdoux5h8ihqYsbAVo8mlfdwUrnWd2gBRj8hT3occFCP9foxHVaGpd5UnQTjwiZplOE18r7alK5w94IdU88JBJKoAyDdCK2RHhmBg2UzkY1QVZyIFx8/s1600/DSCN0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Starting a Lasagna flower bed " border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_cuK13lpAMzk772qAZn4IXp1MKdoux5h8ihqYsbAVo8mlfdwUrnWd2gBRj8hT3occFCP9foxHVaGpd5UnQTjwiZplOE18r7alK5w94IdU88JBJKoAyDdCK2RHhmBg2UzkY1QVZyIFx8/s320/DSCN0488.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of a lasagna bed last fall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiNAnl_C9ng7hgbFZ2gCjqYXGZqyVlmjuME3UDdEnvU6S7FWWpHml6H6G5dxVkhKlIyuljmI-d1APp3K1n2b22q3oLESf-a0riMVIgiCBSbgIjksShBhPZ5iavL2OXfSJ2M3zpkpgtgA/s1600/DSCN5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lasagna flower bed" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTiNAnl_C9ng7hgbFZ2gCjqYXGZqyVlmjuME3UDdEnvU6S7FWWpHml6H6G5dxVkhKlIyuljmI-d1APp3K1n2b22q3oLESf-a0riMVIgiCBSbgIjksShBhPZ5iavL2OXfSJ2M3zpkpgtgA/s320/DSCN5251.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna bed this spring </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtFmc1mz4b0VjzSskwvZLL4PIsXBY9HXdZz3amFIShW63CoMA35cN0VWHjsWBlFwNtNTJAt2w9mStL_DEAEeR6aJVDQ6mnhigTGW6xh5w-qcf-IDLCCtpqK8buJHHTaavtBSaMIusWyc/s1600/DSCN5871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Completed lasagna flower bed" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtFmc1mz4b0VjzSskwvZLL4PIsXBY9HXdZz3amFIShW63CoMA35cN0VWHjsWBlFwNtNTJAt2w9mStL_DEAEeR6aJVDQ6mnhigTGW6xh5w-qcf-IDLCCtpqK8buJHHTaavtBSaMIusWyc/s320/DSCN5871.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed lasagna bed now connecting 2 other beds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ4V40_ok6lCOdEyx63Tf2DoWBLnMH3PyN_aC73oUXJbme6hvd7iBTnJAxEQOs9wWa_XWSyZMABNB3OzjE1fNlfkXAOFC7ACVsIcuUagwlq6njp19d9zCllpskbuYiRGOEFRM4t31vb4/s1600/100_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Lasagna flower bed in progress" border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinZ4V40_ok6lCOdEyx63Tf2DoWBLnMH3PyN_aC73oUXJbme6hvd7iBTnJAxEQOs9wWa_XWSyZMABNB3OzjE1fNlfkXAOFC7ACVsIcuUagwlq6njp19d9zCllpskbuYiRGOEFRM4t31vb4/s320/100_1593.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna bed in progress</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MB_uqEZqj-ExKU2Y_Ke9Kc80glmfgexGWj3RTyPB0ggtO39_oOOOhiCKigROPIC_mSp48J2KQ80_CEh6kFlE3e6j9wHM25NFVpWqE3_9XeyVIL3-QI7zOW6ONa_c7zyCiiYwqI6OaNY/s1600/100_1667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3MB_uqEZqj-ExKU2Y_Ke9Kc80glmfgexGWj3RTyPB0ggtO39_oOOOhiCKigROPIC_mSp48J2KQ80_CEh6kFlE3e6j9wHM25NFVpWqE3_9XeyVIL3-QI7zOW6ONa_c7zyCiiYwqI6OaNY/s320/100_1667.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna bed complete and planted</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ouhLAqGhL29Jt6u6k-TBXB8lZngadojUxqgKcdu5zVUVuoNJUiTq94gsndlthRRM4ScRdE5PMCm1nf9IbQ647kAGqokOHKYlJhZcLwcMkJc6vTI4J48Qojjj8Y9-ivLNQ-0nc17cB10/s1600/DSCN5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Finished lasagna flower bed" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ouhLAqGhL29Jt6u6k-TBXB8lZngadojUxqgKcdu5zVUVuoNJUiTq94gsndlthRRM4ScRdE5PMCm1nf9IbQ647kAGqokOHKYlJhZcLwcMkJc6vTI4J48Qojjj8Y9-ivLNQ-0nc17cB10/s320/DSCN5883.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna bed today</td></tr>
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I have 2 different ways I compost-the first is the lasagna garden i mentioned earlier and the second is just standard composting. My family and I produce enough waste to do them simultaneously, or if necessary I will go and find myself some material to compost. Neighbors leaves and grass are always a welcome addition as well as coffee grinds from a local coffee shop. Whatever I can get a hold of. So here are a few questions you might have:<br />
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1. So what do I compost? Just about anything that is plant based. This includes small sticks or branches (cut up), paper, vegetable waste, leaves, pine needles, grass, weeds that haven't set seed, yard waste (non diseased), sod, dirt, cotton clothing, tea bags, coffee grinds, old coffee, old juices, fruit, old mulch, fish water, gunk from my pond when I clean it, the list can be endless. What I do not put in my compost is dog or cat waste (most other animal waste is fine), meats, dairy, fats, bread or pasta-some of these attract unwanted animals or nasty bugs.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80sxtTh7UGuuzMcDQCob6A_ZXw6AwVlXe98xu2JDYYkydunEbr-m3tTnGAw5NDkcVPFeQTysWkWhwcaeuaKSkZOgFdbBXq1lxL0kVBM2pAednZxg6ugVw6B4ra6YpMMNisfdF6zHftNM/s1600/DSCN5887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80sxtTh7UGuuzMcDQCob6A_ZXw6AwVlXe98xu2JDYYkydunEbr-m3tTnGAw5NDkcVPFeQTysWkWhwcaeuaKSkZOgFdbBXq1lxL0kVBM2pAednZxg6ugVw6B4ra6YpMMNisfdF6zHftNM/s320/DSCN5887.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grass clippings to compost</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMy2LgsW2Ux6K_WPqA63AOn7vFN5tVtFC_lYnoiGwpHZ_DJTW5VF9MKtnUvI_GtVfdZt4OPUzowFEBc9DzAznEzeU6WnlxLtwmQxm_q8l2dsQu6bGCM01Mxfd-fW1zt8LG10ONug3-Fo/s1600/DSCN5890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDMy2LgsW2Ux6K_WPqA63AOn7vFN5tVtFC_lYnoiGwpHZ_DJTW5VF9MKtnUvI_GtVfdZt4OPUzowFEBc9DzAznEzeU6WnlxLtwmQxm_q8l2dsQu6bGCM01Mxfd-fW1zt8LG10ONug3-Fo/s320/DSCN5890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sticks to compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQMbZahTozia_NioHeUUVHQDUWCqk2i_YQM-U5JAENuKNJJDmAs1VIHNRjAbZVkmx9UHQPlpuYG4T_N83uNzLzaWR8DfYAHLXj3e-Cmk2gznAgY6nBwnSNqy0gmlWZhMjFpFBR0rNpRg/s1600/DSCN5891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQMbZahTozia_NioHeUUVHQDUWCqk2i_YQM-U5JAENuKNJJDmAs1VIHNRjAbZVkmx9UHQPlpuYG4T_N83uNzLzaWR8DfYAHLXj3e-Cmk2gznAgY6nBwnSNqy0gmlWZhMjFpFBR0rNpRg/s320/DSCN5891.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paper to compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iTdVne9nwc3VnhakmquPuCgAesSAx7uJdu9WgV3NiXkRLEoa2Blg8Sy2co0SQgwTol59euWaZTgdf2pmbWiXx9BNVReOcEbrJe5iFskounQn5nxEJcUcIH91A4NC3dbm_3-sZkYI34A/s1600/DSCN5892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iTdVne9nwc3VnhakmquPuCgAesSAx7uJdu9WgV3NiXkRLEoa2Blg8Sy2co0SQgwTol59euWaZTgdf2pmbWiXx9BNVReOcEbrJe5iFskounQn5nxEJcUcIH91A4NC3dbm_3-sZkYI34A/s320/DSCN5892.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vegetables for compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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2. What do I use to collect my compost in the house? I use an ice cream bucket. No need for anything fancy-the ice cream bucket seals well enough to keep odors in and if it gets too nasty I can throw it in the recycle bin and use a new one. You can decorate it if you feel the need, but I leave it. I usually have a few on hand-I can fill a bucket up fast so I have backups ready.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptt4oZUqDjw28Lpm4-oMN43ERj3662SgNnji1NR0qeOIXcSfqBvQ73rZohIbsqYEX4ZaDaoq2KwhkrvcLpyIT7H01cwVRc4P-mkz9ClrIq5I3HY1_-jHtOHZJ9nR4ZIOJA-5CAz4M7iY/s1600/DSCN5896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptt4oZUqDjw28Lpm4-oMN43ERj3662SgNnji1NR0qeOIXcSfqBvQ73rZohIbsqYEX4ZaDaoq2KwhkrvcLpyIT7H01cwVRc4P-mkz9ClrIq5I3HY1_-jHtOHZJ9nR4ZIOJA-5CAz4M7iY/s320/DSCN5896.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cream bucket to collect compost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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3. Where do I put my compost pile? Wherever I want a new flower bed or for my other pile I put it where I can find the space. These are usually in the backyard-compost piles are not attractive so I avoid anywhere in the front yard. Since they are in the back that means they are in shade or part shade. If you want to hot compost (which will kill seeds and diseases) it will need to be in full sun. I cold compost-which takes longer so my location does not matter.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKerUW3XijQAyJsiwuYpn6qpgEXn2-9sQHfP6J9GxTh9YmsLTfBU8rN1JaL1fUGB2ik_EDD8L0J4p_eeqIeB1wLKN1TIgtED2qaff8hMcDZiJXc9IC5ByIuCMpVSxmm4UAv7J48krHQM/s1600/DSCN5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKerUW3XijQAyJsiwuYpn6qpgEXn2-9sQHfP6J9GxTh9YmsLTfBU8rN1JaL1fUGB2ik_EDD8L0J4p_eeqIeB1wLKN1TIgtED2qaff8hMcDZiJXc9IC5ByIuCMpVSxmm4UAv7J48krHQM/s320/DSCN5884.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My compost area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbLk0gL43CnsiUeOkhxwGg-pKFhpt2k6OhyCOV9aa4c1UzWZ-aIncidAelTzpmwxqy8jXHVG4KZpoMe2Bh6nPEKeDa4MKrYsp-rfalTatyY3OzDXKPHUhyphenhyphen6COPe6RprD8GxWMZTeGBh8/s1600/DSCN5897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdbLk0gL43CnsiUeOkhxwGg-pKFhpt2k6OhyCOV9aa4c1UzWZ-aIncidAelTzpmwxqy8jXHVG4KZpoMe2Bh6nPEKeDa4MKrYsp-rfalTatyY3OzDXKPHUhyphenhyphen6COPe6RprD8GxWMZTeGBh8/s320/DSCN5897.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna garden I am working on-was a low area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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4. Do I need to turn my compost pile? If you want to. It will make it "work" faster. I do not. I just lay it in a pile, cover it, then let nature and the worms do their job.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiMXQb5clgwhICKTdYl-E8phWoE21fEDrmSG4mPXRWAJ4O-jk4jf7S794EbzRAz12Q2h0Z-Gq-m0VRhw6-h8l8_i3ocyCELGfLvKZ3Ci3b0DBZ74RfTFQzSIssuPXhAk22HYEJ0tzI4A/s1600/DSCN5894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiMXQb5clgwhICKTdYl-E8phWoE21fEDrmSG4mPXRWAJ4O-jk4jf7S794EbzRAz12Q2h0Z-Gq-m0VRhw6-h8l8_i3ocyCELGfLvKZ3Ci3b0DBZ74RfTFQzSIssuPXhAk22HYEJ0tzI4A/s320/DSCN5894.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worms galore in my compost pile</td></tr>
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5. Do I worry about browns and greens? Nope. I just add what I have. I do, however, cover any new addition to the pile with either soil, leaves or grass. This helps keep animals out and also keeps it from smelling.<br />
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6. Do I get bugs in my compost? Sure do-all kinds. Does it "bug" me? Nope-bugs, like worms, are an essential part of the composting process.<br />
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7. How do you lasagna garden? My lasagna gardening technique is almost the same as everyone else except I do not lay down cardboard and I do not double dig. I just find a spot for the garden and start my pile. I usually begin this in fall when I have an abundance of leaves and pine needles and this is also when I have plenty of yard debris from my gardens.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oHzAjHLL7Wi4SHRCB0Nd0p55DywJmpicT9ptnFhEJsi7ZqWGCPNsk3JAg-1NwqnjGG0H1lj6TqtwjdcpEwRJpjBQ9CclauLvZHwi8Kb2b1JGxp5cTpknJyp_oSDZ5a-F-2bkCoQyQHU/s1600/DSCN4413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7oHzAjHLL7Wi4SHRCB0Nd0p55DywJmpicT9ptnFhEJsi7ZqWGCPNsk3JAg-1NwqnjGG0H1lj6TqtwjdcpEwRJpjBQ9CclauLvZHwi8Kb2b1JGxp5cTpknJyp_oSDZ5a-F-2bkCoQyQHU/s320/DSCN4413.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The start of a lasagna garden</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA66gF6r60jrlyqr2PbCtGNAGyXQLXQU2Vy_TTbXtgqBma98Gdq6DFNSx7JK5rWoE78cRaK2z_OvepdE3ztx1ivUNkFukRr01pLO4UNpPNYIM6_AIo6PKTeZ4edVAyiQktQrUonsoC1LA/s1600/DSCN4414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA66gF6r60jrlyqr2PbCtGNAGyXQLXQU2Vy_TTbXtgqBma98Gdq6DFNSx7JK5rWoE78cRaK2z_OvepdE3ztx1ivUNkFukRr01pLO4UNpPNYIM6_AIo6PKTeZ4edVAyiQktQrUonsoC1LA/s320/DSCN4414.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding scraps to new lasagna garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU6VvqIsjEs6dJHvQdb4CVNITs1yfWbxLyQe7VJekA9JHCHTy8Gw6_mQ8sGeNjfI28JdtDecGP1wBk3ONufKvKzCpY3H6kuV77dMC2RDgpzikyXYYP9PSgL4OFELXGYKwh-vwW2EPW-U/s1600/DSCN5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggU6VvqIsjEs6dJHvQdb4CVNITs1yfWbxLyQe7VJekA9JHCHTy8Gw6_mQ8sGeNjfI28JdtDecGP1wBk3ONufKvKzCpY3H6kuV77dMC2RDgpzikyXYYP9PSgL4OFELXGYKwh-vwW2EPW-U/s320/DSCN5253.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just keep adding material to the lasagna garden until it fills in</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4hTQvL0jb0yu7jed8WSIEdUBwUdF0P0zVSLKGYkv0XroU32Ot1jq296MUq4GqNYFTlA5vAuxOmo4w5AmDYlPGE3VyNsKbQHRLSZcp_UqGb1jxqWy1bHbVAapqUNM1fR98ddWG0wjYRA/s1600/DSCN5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4hTQvL0jb0yu7jed8WSIEdUBwUdF0P0zVSLKGYkv0XroU32Ot1jq296MUq4GqNYFTlA5vAuxOmo4w5AmDYlPGE3VyNsKbQHRLSZcp_UqGb1jxqWy1bHbVAapqUNM1fR98ddWG0wjYRA/s320/DSCN5258.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lasagna garden almost ready</td></tr>
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8. How long does it take to have a finished lasagna garden? Depends on the size of garden you want and how much material you have. It takes about 1-2 years for some of the gardens I have made, but if you went small you can pile and plant right away.<br />
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9. Does it really work? You bet! The soil in my backyard has improved 100 percent! Before I had nothing-not even weeds (wish I had a before picture) and now I can grow just about anything. <br />
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10. What else do you use your compost for? I usually add it to my flower beds when I expand them or fill in holes I create. I also use some of the compost from my actual compost pile for the lasagna beds to cover up the additions of scraps I make. Let's just say I use a lot of it!<br />
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Composting and lasagna gardening are wonderful ways to add nutrients to your soil and to also help the environment. Why send all of that great garbage to the dump when you can use it at home and reap the benefits? If you want to read up on another easy method for composting check out my friend The Garden Frog's technique at this link: <a href="http://thegardenfrog.me/2015/06/16/composting-is-as-easy-as-digging-a-hole/#more-3500" target="_blank">http://thegardenfrog.me/2015/06/16/composting-is-as-easy-as-digging-a-hole/#more-3500</a>. I hope I have motivated you to do some composting or lasagna gardening and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.<br />
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As always-Happy Gardening! Rhonda<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-53035398722872431362015-06-03T17:45:00.000-07:002016-01-09T20:52:39.199-08:00Easy Plant Propagation Using a 2 Liter BottleI love growing plants from seed but sometimes it isn't feasible to do this. Some plants won't come true from seed while others might be sterile and not set seed at all. Another reason is also time. In some cases it takes time to grow out a plant from a seed. This is where propagating from cuttings of the plant works out beautifully. Some people shy away from propagation of plants by cuttings because they think it is difficult or it might take a long time. Well, it doesn't. In some cases you can get a plant cutting to begin rooting in as little as a few days. One example of an easy to root plant is Mint and another would be Lemon Balm, but almost anything can propagated from a cutting. I have used my method on just about anything including herbs, houseplants, perennials and shrubs (softwood cuttings).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJvB_IZ2RJ9d8GDpw1HkrPNfyyUQnEvP38Cp4Th9hO8G8Hqb0ZYmzBO6IXrYL0UL1o2wT_0rzuf-h6e_yO8g7EWmLgUfjDYR0fvxR8BIjwySWohGxpUXgOoKGCUEub56ORSClE0Mya00/s1600/DSCN5706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Plant propagation using a 2 liter bottle" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMJvB_IZ2RJ9d8GDpw1HkrPNfyyUQnEvP38Cp4Th9hO8G8Hqb0ZYmzBO6IXrYL0UL1o2wT_0rzuf-h6e_yO8g7EWmLgUfjDYR0fvxR8BIjwySWohGxpUXgOoKGCUEub56ORSClE0Mya00/s400/DSCN5706.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cuttings grown in 2 liter bottles</td></tr>
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The method of propagation I use involves the use of a 2 liter bottle and cuttings. For a cutting to take root humidity/moisture levels must be maintained and the 2 liter bottle keeps the cutting all warm and moist until it sends out new roots. You can do it inside anytime or outside (in the shade) when it is warm out-Spring and Summer are the perfect time to expand you plant collection. Just follow my steps and you will have success at propagating your plants from cuttings too!<br />
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Here is what you will need:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfb6OdqtmMfrbuYsKCWPVLYnNm1fzQmAH8_S1XJb5S3te8DCOKsf9k_5YrfqBNmhSSIV3usFnt2vSeFJie6RUda5OxgwQq-U2XpEWQIzvl9aXchfV6kNxgucCXfDY-3VI2rvS6IfODHI/s1600/DSCN5524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipfb6OdqtmMfrbuYsKCWPVLYnNm1fzQmAH8_S1XJb5S3te8DCOKsf9k_5YrfqBNmhSSIV3usFnt2vSeFJie6RUda5OxgwQq-U2XpEWQIzvl9aXchfV6kNxgucCXfDY-3VI2rvS6IfODHI/s400/DSCN5524.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies to propagate plants easily</td></tr>
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1. 2 liter bottles<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN2B_EY6w51iW2mJwfN1TiuE0wh7Djf4AhMfI_QA1kIZ5fMqnrPP7RP4LVF89F3u7JcOV61btZLfbFZErQxZJmaayc0nRIA76VuvSWI0tLxi0Y1PO8jUjduiGppRnJbjceBlVKOVuM-A/s1600/DSCN5523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicN2B_EY6w51iW2mJwfN1TiuE0wh7Djf4AhMfI_QA1kIZ5fMqnrPP7RP4LVF89F3u7JcOV61btZLfbFZErQxZJmaayc0nRIA76VuvSWI0tLxi0Y1PO8jUjduiGppRnJbjceBlVKOVuM-A/s400/DSCN5523.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. Sterile rooting medium-I use Pro-Mix All Purpose Growing Mix but you can use perlite, course sand or your favorite seed starting mix<br />
3. Clean scissors and something to poke holes in the bottom of the 2 liter<br />
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4. Water<br />
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Here are the steps to propagate your own plants:<br />
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1. Clean the 2 liter bottle (make sure to put the cap back on) and remove the label.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjAzO7p_c0OFSPMhUqPP28u1aOXnFenilt6pFics45aEVuE3R_M4yRn4GIA1vB4F0IhoYNkmngCnRNilk5UiTL7nhMHg7mTosUG0abLWLZtSP4Hy9uvIJfeiF93e3HWmTPYL7SOTiAoU/s1600/DSCN5534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjAzO7p_c0OFSPMhUqPP28u1aOXnFenilt6pFics45aEVuE3R_M4yRn4GIA1vB4F0IhoYNkmngCnRNilk5UiTL7nhMHg7mTosUG0abLWLZtSP4Hy9uvIJfeiF93e3HWmTPYL7SOTiAoU/s400/DSCN5534.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. With a screwdriver, ice pick or scissors poke holes in the bottom of your bottle.<br />
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3. Using the scissors, cut the 2 liter bottle in half.<br />
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4. Cut 3 or 4 slits in the top half of the 2 liter like this:<br />
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It should fit over the bottom like this:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-irpe4MEUrwQ3YU-vvtz8Ye6JRqHXqTg8dAmTgO-Doz3dtT9Bni7Ud-rbupM2oiESVVjIF_5P-hH67c2QyS0ZoVvDcLYMJEu4Ql1WDgg7qRZuUX-hsbMOGY8qT133FT2ythWW5xrdl0/s1600/DSCN5542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-irpe4MEUrwQ3YU-vvtz8Ye6JRqHXqTg8dAmTgO-Doz3dtT9Bni7Ud-rbupM2oiESVVjIF_5P-hH67c2QyS0ZoVvDcLYMJEu4Ql1WDgg7qRZuUX-hsbMOGY8qT133FT2ythWW5xrdl0/s400/DSCN5542.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 liter propagator</td></tr>
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5. Fill the bottom half of the 2 liter with sterile medium.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPSiy2_JxlGGQFgwd9TAMkKA2lcmwlJC0Zwpq8CJWSs4VfHsRIwUctN_9mBhM8VM0sQy7kD2KfFA392FFzE2KU8SiaG3ZWAM6f4kSFmeiubi5nqYyYE3RM2mq0PAngvgsTTNk62qGEWg/s1600/DSCN5545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKPSiy2_JxlGGQFgwd9TAMkKA2lcmwlJC0Zwpq8CJWSs4VfHsRIwUctN_9mBhM8VM0sQy7kD2KfFA392FFzE2KU8SiaG3ZWAM6f4kSFmeiubi5nqYyYE3RM2mq0PAngvgsTTNk62qGEWg/s400/DSCN5545.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 liter propagators ready for cuttings</td></tr>
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6. Wet the rooting medium thoroughly and let drain. Do not use any fertilizer.<br />
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7. When the rooting medium in the bottom half of the 2 liter has drained set it to the side. Clean your scissors.<br />
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8. Find a candidate for propagation. If you are new to this start with something easy like Mint, Basil, Coleus, or Lamium.<br />
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9. Cut a piece off that has at least 3 sets of leaves. Cut off below a set of leaf nodes if possible or if propagating Heuchera you need a piece of the crown.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoaVsVUHmMPqTQEzdzaV4jMBT0Y41OgoAvCcrbeXXu_Jd-DLKXJSREYGih5WqHERZWL6gGV2iAddaApNEUkgDFMegfTDx_eYOsZg8Q_59qWuJZh3vHQxtmjVLdgI7KkUrJ6liXJWJZ8g/s1600/DSCN5546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinoaVsVUHmMPqTQEzdzaV4jMBT0Y41OgoAvCcrbeXXu_Jd-DLKXJSREYGih5WqHERZWL6gGV2iAddaApNEUkgDFMegfTDx_eYOsZg8Q_59qWuJZh3vHQxtmjVLdgI7KkUrJ6liXJWJZ8g/s400/DSCN5546.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a cutting from Chocolate Mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwAuRhOnkBu7UAYeHkhYcyTXxNcBtMRnzfC9vRpUv72ItTR1dfwm3tXG_UHyrWc0XIbn_zsaya7wzDeW4suOxA6gL9Kg4vZw9HWnP6sXbFbryxnMPmzSxZpROtmx2W_KdhN08hy7ug5g/s1600/DSCN5547.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwAuRhOnkBu7UAYeHkhYcyTXxNcBtMRnzfC9vRpUv72ItTR1dfwm3tXG_UHyrWc0XIbn_zsaya7wzDeW4suOxA6gL9Kg4vZw9HWnP6sXbFbryxnMPmzSxZpROtmx2W_KdhN08hy7ug5g/s400/DSCN5547.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Mint cutting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHgNb9Ql4DzNqM6P8dFLy5Sp0tg-J922ZTDRsGVU2kdoEdXVmgr8occ69xVbKyOa-5VER4lw-tAydsr4nhqtGqpfpVHA2HcfTIpZK_7Kpm-p4ffxyG1hbkMkbf8wRHIr2scC6NYlQllw/s1600/DSCN5554.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVHgNb9Ql4DzNqM6P8dFLy5Sp0tg-J922ZTDRsGVU2kdoEdXVmgr8occ69xVbKyOa-5VER4lw-tAydsr4nhqtGqpfpVHA2HcfTIpZK_7Kpm-p4ffxyG1hbkMkbf8wRHIr2scC6NYlQllw/s400/DSCN5554.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera cutting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEFISoFhbKpCAer5h9wnviYY6WKmJ2E_nZvh3Q4c_UMTsQthm9K9LMAgyq17baTaPRNsoAv2BO-HQlRcwCgAkGHqIoosgjXbls-9kA5zqY7pXq0219wOjIIEcBLW4vubpgOjnxcz4Ves/s1600/DSCN5548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEFISoFhbKpCAer5h9wnviYY6WKmJ2E_nZvh3Q4c_UMTsQthm9K9LMAgyq17baTaPRNsoAv2BO-HQlRcwCgAkGHqIoosgjXbls-9kA5zqY7pXq0219wOjIIEcBLW4vubpgOjnxcz4Ves/s400/DSCN5548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tradescantia pallida cutting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7LzJ9zijHDgTh0pbEvJRVUF10RPUhUKYlFS8tlMWYGbo-LpROBXGfdGo1s7kuu0h_9p6qUpBXlOiwgih2a2sE4xnGb5OyTgaea7F1uSyjugnfXXiLoyk6ZNUhiNIFmfaFa0JfHd7n3Y/s1600/DSCN5563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI7LzJ9zijHDgTh0pbEvJRVUF10RPUhUKYlFS8tlMWYGbo-LpROBXGfdGo1s7kuu0h_9p6qUpBXlOiwgih2a2sE4xnGb5OyTgaea7F1uSyjugnfXXiLoyk6ZNUhiNIFmfaFa0JfHd7n3Y/s400/DSCN5563.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple Mint</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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10. Rinse the cutting off. I like to spray mine down first with a solution of water mixed with Dawn and epsom salts in a spray bottle to ensure no critters are hiding on the leaves. After I spray with the solution I then rinse off really well.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I_sNu2MBPiDnon1YeHauLHuc4aq8oCkSOsRCYDhMqh3JRvxpfqsfzEHf7v_MZp4y6LF7ruG5eCyVlC1nQomNNTaYMGmcg5GbXmpQKH1_z4r2FBzLcaAKD-ml-cgDeiGDIP6-93_5rOY/s1600/DSCN5558.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1I_sNu2MBPiDnon1YeHauLHuc4aq8oCkSOsRCYDhMqh3JRvxpfqsfzEHf7v_MZp4y6LF7ruG5eCyVlC1nQomNNTaYMGmcg5GbXmpQKH1_z4r2FBzLcaAKD-ml-cgDeiGDIP6-93_5rOY/s400/DSCN5558.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use a spray bottle filled with water, squirt of DAWN, and a pinch of Epsom salts to "clean" plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ00Koijvf-YWoUz7ePJmYUIRxels0wrvjjR4Uem6gzUjqGfb20uUWynddJGcnJg9RowkCY6sYkQ-lHPtuxF-rFdK3u5WUPnQNinHUDsCP2HTqabuk60OQV1KFO7Qmc3i42eNe72v-M/s1600/DSCN5559.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzZ00Koijvf-YWoUz7ePJmYUIRxels0wrvjjR4Uem6gzUjqGfb20uUWynddJGcnJg9RowkCY6sYkQ-lHPtuxF-rFdK3u5WUPnQNinHUDsCP2HTqabuk60OQV1KFO7Qmc3i42eNe72v-M/s400/DSCN5559.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rinse cuttings off with water</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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11. Trim off the bottom leaves or excess stem.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5agldasauUF7Hc-zftsKUo-nahIrNRQce3R4_HxMNW9pQMPNDPgeKn0VfXIaDfr5uVMwkjY2sZ1QJLYMLm9eVZYzTdO2F8Fi-_qiBKceNVbOAALcO6yznupZ8mvvv6q9uFfH1bJbGUT4/s1600/DSCN5564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5agldasauUF7Hc-zftsKUo-nahIrNRQce3R4_HxMNW9pQMPNDPgeKn0VfXIaDfr5uVMwkjY2sZ1QJLYMLm9eVZYzTdO2F8Fi-_qiBKceNVbOAALcO6yznupZ8mvvv6q9uFfH1bJbGUT4/s400/DSCN5564.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pineapple mint cutting trimmed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6vmcPCFc40_zOp-fppQMm-pJtTepPtzAkCbA_3fhT7F4yYHwyC9ctxTlEpEsT2icSbeEd1f29jJSKXYnytHsdvUxq8iytwsD_B04ZJDGFjhyphenhyphen0GvbyTVF2cf5CnV0KFHjM1HePyyEw-E/s1600/DSCN5555.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6vmcPCFc40_zOp-fppQMm-pJtTepPtzAkCbA_3fhT7F4yYHwyC9ctxTlEpEsT2icSbeEd1f29jJSKXYnytHsdvUxq8iytwsD_B04ZJDGFjhyphenhyphen0GvbyTVF2cf5CnV0KFHjM1HePyyEw-E/s400/DSCN5555.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate mint cutting trimmed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ-6bKguOfCpe5i19jf9mEcaPTjMpDLUyG-Nppdx7mamsnx_QxXOLFAJGH3xQ17EfPGVWGcPUqxw6OzkYTcBGFSRl-_BOCT84IVkNFi5wIV9UE-rbDT4izdaHX7WgIJD8pfca9v3wZsk/s1600/DSCN5560.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ-6bKguOfCpe5i19jf9mEcaPTjMpDLUyG-Nppdx7mamsnx_QxXOLFAJGH3xQ17EfPGVWGcPUqxw6OzkYTcBGFSRl-_BOCT84IVkNFi5wIV9UE-rbDT4izdaHX7WgIJD8pfca9v3wZsk/s400/DSCN5560.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera cutting trimmed up with a piece of crown attached</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
12. Stick the cutting in the rooting medium and press the soil to make sure there is contact with the cutting.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GU2fXDdgYOE9jCjNl2eio7CJfBELFYOKjBvpKKHjkrxCXTIAKR1c56se3fhOfb1L_Cc1-2oI3-14bXY6I7fBeSgzIohdcR9PIFh4RBskQIz7duE6lqpIsywN6xA9JPE_l9qWrqfYGbI/s1600/DSCN5557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GU2fXDdgYOE9jCjNl2eio7CJfBELFYOKjBvpKKHjkrxCXTIAKR1c56se3fhOfb1L_Cc1-2oI3-14bXY6I7fBeSgzIohdcR9PIFh4RBskQIz7duE6lqpIsywN6xA9JPE_l9qWrqfYGbI/s400/DSCN5557.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place Chocolate Mint cutting into rooting medium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWns2x2xJ8Tle3KyOThIkxlFrfJc7fferY_LSiGYONO95_PcF4mEDnL5vsmN2HP1jkgjyJuZs04F9UMssX1n-mPWdr66BdrW292-OAGFg8cWmusQpe82cOau4uZCEqVZKQNmWemyF_61A/s1600/DSCN5561.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWns2x2xJ8Tle3KyOThIkxlFrfJc7fferY_LSiGYONO95_PcF4mEDnL5vsmN2HP1jkgjyJuZs04F9UMssX1n-mPWdr66BdrW292-OAGFg8cWmusQpe82cOau4uZCEqVZKQNmWemyF_61A/s400/DSCN5561.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place Heuchera in rooting medium</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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13. Place the top of the 2 liter over the bottom and place either in a shady spot outside or in a sunny window inside. I also do this under my seed starting setup which uses flourescent lights.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-Ig1MudbDBSIsPg-d5GUQp8PJL-KQEsYx-KJj7wmEwHCMUbRgGmNbz2E8bwX28OR1me8WIk4TDd9a0cdgvYX3Mm26LVeI1deWUWP33iOzitMNCAnG1R0dAWQlbPy4HJnszMCRnQCvoM/s1600/DSCN5565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="2 liter propagators" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-Ig1MudbDBSIsPg-d5GUQp8PJL-KQEsYx-KJj7wmEwHCMUbRgGmNbz2E8bwX28OR1me8WIk4TDd9a0cdgvYX3Mm26LVeI1deWUWP33iOzitMNCAnG1R0dAWQlbPy4HJnszMCRnQCvoM/s400/DSCN5565.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 liter propagators</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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14. Monitor the 2 liter bottle and make sure it stays moist. I usually will set it in a tray of water if it isn't "foggy" or humid in the bottle. Remember you need the cuttings to stay moist.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX6qwrUI_nN_u1o3THfJyeXrVf7aslu0C1SZnznuwm78Uqy-f9ylCLeAEME917AEXobKxaDnzVST5jwe2Bgt8gH1849gXKZVy9FdMlSkQrTjfvr2qpXZl_TOw_7re1iS_FErAE-aRVQM/s1600/DSCN5703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="2 liter propagators" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgX6qwrUI_nN_u1o3THfJyeXrVf7aslu0C1SZnznuwm78Uqy-f9ylCLeAEME917AEXobKxaDnzVST5jwe2Bgt8gH1849gXKZVy9FdMlSkQrTjfvr2qpXZl_TOw_7re1iS_FErAE-aRVQM/s400/DSCN5703.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></div>
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15. After about a week check the bottom of the bottle. Sometimes you can start to see roots form in the bottom especially with the easy to root plants. If you don't see any roots don't worry. As long as the cutting isn't wilting it is still alive and doing okay. Sometimes if you give it a little tug you will notice it is resistant to coming out. Just be patient. Most plants will start to send out roots within 2-3 weeks.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMJWfO5B913Sp7iLGGBP_bdWRnvoUP23nG1zzI6u7BpUXT5cYfnkR9N6uIcRWtVFpRkUGUajo0ndNUaaLyutP5lol1cBaP4WVA3fVDDTQJn5SU9gXSlAbK437vazi6RMia0of03wa8s4/s1600/DSCN5567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Roots of propagated plant can be seen through the 2 liter bottle" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTMJWfO5B913Sp7iLGGBP_bdWRnvoUP23nG1zzI6u7BpUXT5cYfnkR9N6uIcRWtVFpRkUGUajo0ndNUaaLyutP5lol1cBaP4WVA3fVDDTQJn5SU9gXSlAbK437vazi6RMia0of03wa8s4/s400/DSCN5567.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots of propagated plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyeDIoKsMhfJnyHbei-dKJ6f0Ro6JzQ5EPjOUDGVp66LyH90qRvv5sCuS9uZnNKO8cDss6K3Cen4r5QVnk2EiZ7E0s5_JtTI_W_9TUYVSCqOgCOZZmZF4XMHzzyHbKvYPGofZhiTUJMQ/s1600/DSCN5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVyeDIoKsMhfJnyHbei-dKJ6f0Ro6JzQ5EPjOUDGVp66LyH90qRvv5sCuS9uZnNKO8cDss6K3Cen4r5QVnk2EiZ7E0s5_JtTI_W_9TUYVSCqOgCOZZmZF4XMHzzyHbKvYPGofZhiTUJMQ/s400/DSCN5568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roots of propagated planted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
16. When you can see roots in the bottom of the bottle it is time to acclimate the plant to the outside air. It will have to adjust to the change in humidity levels so remove the top for a couple of hours at a time for a few days until it gets used to drier air. This is also true for the sun. You will have to "harden off" the plant before you plant it back in full sun. During this whole process do not let the soil dry out-keep well watered.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbA6_pYQns1V_adBh-cYWw-tjeA0a671LNIxF8k7kVyBX_dW0PDo8Yj5MctlZF-wEFrAI7T5vKdae2ybKyqSJ106EjyDn_DTEm14G7z2Xb3ZD_p27o4BsGv0dSlesZpGBczpE4sxutwE/s1600/DSCN5569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Chocolate mint roots" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMbA6_pYQns1V_adBh-cYWw-tjeA0a671LNIxF8k7kVyBX_dW0PDo8Yj5MctlZF-wEFrAI7T5vKdae2ybKyqSJ106EjyDn_DTEm14G7z2Xb3ZD_p27o4BsGv0dSlesZpGBczpE4sxutwE/s400/DSCN5569.JPG" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate Mint roots after 1 week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvdUMagvQr5_t71GwDKSGC6Qw38Bafgjrc7k8wUTSK5SHwC-qjP4RWTvpwxjryh_V3qyEOOZ4wm7iJker0laMl-2NUGRvKr4F_auqLvBrCSfxuhb9yjkCFub-mPGWvPGTXVGrXu0MfDM/s1600/DSCN5572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvdUMagvQr5_t71GwDKSGC6Qw38Bafgjrc7k8wUTSK5SHwC-qjP4RWTvpwxjryh_V3qyEOOZ4wm7iJker0laMl-2NUGRvKr4F_auqLvBrCSfxuhb9yjkCFub-mPGWvPGTXVGrXu0MfDM/s400/DSCN5572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon Thyme roots after 1 week</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5jvlrG0s5q4d9YPjkTxjgOvty5swCu904JTErh_h6J8pU2jm_1X7-GvjXL9MdBjlJXSvuhyphenhyphenZrM3f9c7vOo8-ixwBZe7TEX5BknSZa5FURxL5cAtwUl24bs1Eh5Ke9pBy_AxJgfiCt2M/s1600/DSCN5707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh5jvlrG0s5q4d9YPjkTxjgOvty5swCu904JTErh_h6J8pU2jm_1X7-GvjXL9MdBjlJXSvuhyphenhyphenZrM3f9c7vOo8-ixwBZe7TEX5BknSZa5FURxL5cAtwUl24bs1Eh5Ke9pBy_AxJgfiCt2M/s400/DSCN5707.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heuchera roots after 2 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
17. After the plant is adjusted to the outside air and sun you can now plant it or pot it up. The following plants were rooted and ready in 2 weeks: Pineapple Mint, Chocolate Mint and Tradescantia pallida. The Lemon Thyme and Heuchera will take more time to develop enough roots to survive-at least another 2 weeks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh418J1N5YhYejBq4Ec8dxQQZX8ScK6TY7SCX9VQ8IiP-rZLBAc3KHvQltTlspqp3jF7bdVL4yshclRyGCea8_QeMGi7Uxfh3drNz17aieVLltPHYhyphenhyphencehjd3wYps1ezLdcYrtVkgt6ywU/s1600/DSCN5574.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh418J1N5YhYejBq4Ec8dxQQZX8ScK6TY7SCX9VQ8IiP-rZLBAc3KHvQltTlspqp3jF7bdVL4yshclRyGCea8_QeMGi7Uxfh3drNz17aieVLltPHYhyphenhyphencehjd3wYps1ezLdcYrtVkgt6ywU/s400/DSCN5574.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Propagated plants potted up after less than 3 weeks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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18. Just remember that not all plants will root quickly-be patient. Even if it takes a month to root you will still have a more substantial plant than if you had started the plant from seed.<br />
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I hope I have persuaded you to go out and take some cuttings and give this method a try. Nothing is more rewarding than propagating your own plants, and using a 2 liter bottle is the cheapest and easiest way to do it. Heck, 2 liter bottles are an essential tool for us gardeners-I also use them for seed starting. So, next time you have a 2 liter bottle use it to make more plants! If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.<br />
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Until next time-Happy Gardening!<br />
<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-91711416703121280772015-05-19T09:35:00.003-07:002015-05-19T09:35:51.316-07:00Something eating your Aquilegia (Columbine)? It Might be the Columbine SawflyI had another post in mind for today until I was out in the garden the other day and found that some of my Aquilegia (Columbine) looked like this:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar46rZYOGGeeuTtbb4U5DV1reWoPXIGzsYAO3kTVFBAaP1Vqznpxq7MJuEvC0pXg-AdPABr5AmxUuT-1bEVcsT7_kah4g7ITYXFHyZpU1REhzio7iF2ii-tn3JWdi2YdNLtZOwsn7Qks/s1600/DSCN5377.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgar46rZYOGGeeuTtbb4U5DV1reWoPXIGzsYAO3kTVFBAaP1Vqznpxq7MJuEvC0pXg-AdPABr5AmxUuT-1bEVcsT7_kah4g7ITYXFHyZpU1REhzio7iF2ii-tn3JWdi2YdNLtZOwsn7Qks/s320/DSCN5377.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defoliated Aquilegia (Columbine)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiexoQZ4f78rHuWjPnCe6l8y-k4iIxJwHCuxFWfV0ExIGXq9uUQl69j05KZ-Pp9_-6Y4wwf6OKF4_9W9BRfk0lxl52el00y6I74T8931LG-64F68vei4byo0XG36A2wrwWojqjCmYIkw/s1600/DSCN5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKiexoQZ4f78rHuWjPnCe6l8y-k4iIxJwHCuxFWfV0ExIGXq9uUQl69j05KZ-Pp9_-6Y4wwf6OKF4_9W9BRfk0lxl52el00y6I74T8931LG-64F68vei4byo0XG36A2wrwWojqjCmYIkw/s320/DSCN5378.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defoliated Aquilegia (Columbine)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of my Aquilegia (Columbine) have been defoliated by a culprit and they were stripping the leaves clean. At first thought you might be thinking rabbit or deer-but this is not the case. Upon closer inspection I found the hungry little devils. Here they are:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4INJK5aYqGV9WIhcY_K3K9hgGlVbIcxwHeIDP9NsjYU0EhP9EzknjgwsNsUhE2RVPw1QDVIq2rvQrricG2tRPzQ2Iui8Cr67JGkPQt-zZ5rzxcvCjkjTCYGmEF4Urh2a01P4IcAXRuw4/s1600/DSCN5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4INJK5aYqGV9WIhcY_K3K9hgGlVbIcxwHeIDP9NsjYU0EhP9EzknjgwsNsUhE2RVPw1QDVIq2rvQrricG2tRPzQ2Iui8Cr67JGkPQt-zZ5rzxcvCjkjTCYGmEF4Urh2a01P4IcAXRuw4/s320/DSCN5380.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine Sawfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvkyIQdF4kpo6UJHORxkjCfnuSmvnwh9F0vCEy7-xa9zRmFwsHT6LTVt2LR2FFgL0qpAEGDF2agIb6YnpcLjhLT3erCIm6SoSF5RcAqdSqzAT4KT7wTaP3q3fKdO2BiOpGd-lcihix3s/s1600/DSCN5381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvkyIQdF4kpo6UJHORxkjCfnuSmvnwh9F0vCEy7-xa9zRmFwsHT6LTVt2LR2FFgL0qpAEGDF2agIb6YnpcLjhLT3erCIm6SoSF5RcAqdSqzAT4KT7wTaP3q3fKdO2BiOpGd-lcihix3s/s320/DSCN5381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine Sawfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2slgSZlMdz9irUZAWCVHJ9y1G_xvLwAfPMgYri_wDMQYisxx-jQM13yFUgMFa9yUD_sogOAY-RrA4gSuaLl_3tQvQ7puC5SIWpxsV2ypurnzgkquhnXoyOiVCmoj9VQP1Z_8fJj1UkKE/s1600/DSCN5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2slgSZlMdz9irUZAWCVHJ9y1G_xvLwAfPMgYri_wDMQYisxx-jQM13yFUgMFa9yUD_sogOAY-RrA4gSuaLl_3tQvQ7puC5SIWpxsV2ypurnzgkquhnXoyOiVCmoj9VQP1Z_8fJj1UkKE/s320/DSCN5386.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine Sawfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND6SedIn9hfDKN97BWZ2xDfITCaldKO4_AR7FZMFLv2OP_4vRSysWixqovHSWMZehV6Cw1U7S4CztIDALy9ocJnd4q3v60YElAAPE_Y0fp6Cza6YX8hwgVPH4k0AdG_yfjEpC67nKtJ4/s1600/DSCN5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND6SedIn9hfDKN97BWZ2xDfITCaldKO4_AR7FZMFLv2OP_4vRSysWixqovHSWMZehV6Cw1U7S4CztIDALy9ocJnd4q3v60YElAAPE_Y0fp6Cza6YX8hwgVPH4k0AdG_yfjEpC67nKtJ4/s320/DSCN5383.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine Sawfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These little guys are active in May when the Aquilegia (Columbine) are growing and blooming so keep an eye out for them. If you find them what is a gardener to do? You can leave them-but they will completely defoliate your plants and then multiply probably causing even more next year. You can spray them with an insecticide and kill them which might also cause death of beneficial insects. An organic pesticide solution is Spinosad, but my solution is hand-picking and squishing or hand-pick and throw in a bucket of soapy water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOM8z0OhUPGfDWUf-JW06z-d2A16ko_oLj0f7O8a7wBiC5efUpUAJ_6zjlTxNpyJ8AA0vzuZ5_k8OjH1fU4AGQbXs34w_X8uPGljP-JRS-VyYf0d0Pn8VdkXY9hK4B-M2kpWtdMQlPg/s1600/DSCN5408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfOM8z0OhUPGfDWUf-JW06z-d2A16ko_oLj0f7O8a7wBiC5efUpUAJ_6zjlTxNpyJ8AA0vzuZ5_k8OjH1fU4AGQbXs34w_X8uPGljP-JRS-VyYf0d0Pn8VdkXY9hK4B-M2kpWtdMQlPg/s320/DSCN5408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pail of soapy water </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another way to eliminate them that I will use is to spray them down with a spray bottle filled with a squirt of Dawn, a pinch of Epsom salts and water.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4cnEt9sP6bc5r3X-AzzWrRzuZnEqG4kikUGIkW9In-jJKfLTJZR1-P7uHmEhegu-vl7zqwqupPZdMKLikGfyyV0ixJNbHw0q83zNCaY7xueWlC9kk02SqRVv6ZVclk8FTqa41oUHrmw/s1600/DSCN5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH4cnEt9sP6bc5r3X-AzzWrRzuZnEqG4kikUGIkW9In-jJKfLTJZR1-P7uHmEhegu-vl7zqwqupPZdMKLikGfyyV0ixJNbHw0q83zNCaY7xueWlC9kk02SqRVv6ZVclk8FTqa41oUHrmw/s320/DSCN5405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade insecticidal soap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />When they fall off the plant step on them and squish them (just to make sure they are goners). If you have only a few plants this task will be an easy one but if you have quite a few this will take you a while. It took me a few hours to check and remove the sawflies off of my plants. I will also be checking them almost daily to make sure I didn't leave any behind.<br />
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<br />
Now don't let the Sawfly infestation freak you out-just remember that there isn't a plant out there that is totally pest and disease free. I believe even with these bumps in the road Aquilegia (Columbine) is worth having in the garden. It is a beautiful easy plant that will grow practically anywhere. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA23f6zMPSwNHRAjlVZiyoDsRNsnKqcSz2mVXJxWg4ufbCIqWY1JhSVezjQpKNpOIMIH-pDRjXqNGn-iSN21JxaWGSmJVX_dihexsQZbl1malnFxyVG__JB9sUbr3D06T6NvvlPTYcdkE/s1600/DSCN5482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA23f6zMPSwNHRAjlVZiyoDsRNsnKqcSz2mVXJxWg4ufbCIqWY1JhSVezjQpKNpOIMIH-pDRjXqNGn-iSN21JxaWGSmJVX_dihexsQZbl1malnFxyVG__JB9sUbr3D06T6NvvlPTYcdkE/s320/DSCN5482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia (Columbine)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzwWtmKujyu2_DZj4oVNq2HgD5v4PCdLpw2IgpAPXkGPMeQlFL3VmD6NlceUHOl5p8IOOUXFCnnMD23HKETYJoE9Ot2QEoW-SRH8fGgL_zwi1xeWdnwU7Ja7k6yU_HjcvPwwn6GE2LDc/s1600/DSCN5484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzwWtmKujyu2_DZj4oVNq2HgD5v4PCdLpw2IgpAPXkGPMeQlFL3VmD6NlceUHOl5p8IOOUXFCnnMD23HKETYJoE9Ot2QEoW-SRH8fGgL_zwi1xeWdnwU7Ja7k6yU_HjcvPwwn6GE2LDc/s320/DSCN5484.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia (Columbine) in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Until next time-Happy Gardening!<br />
<br />
Rhonda Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-35337257753864626342015-05-08T15:28:00.001-07:002016-01-09T20:56:01.566-08:00DIY Hypertufa and Wood MushroomsShame on me-it has been way too long since I posted. I think it is the typing part, I am not the best typist so it seems like it takes me forever to type up one of my posts. I need a secretary:-)) Anyways, I am finally just now typing up one of my projects that I have had finished for a while now. They are garden mushrooms I made using a combination of wood and hypertufa. I think they are cute as can be-but I may be biased. Here is a picture of the finished project:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzljV-zxAtMu_wUh-McC0_93P4uh7V74T7i9gB3osHddj3BB6r_h5n5uBFsba5QnQkLQ3sfbP5bmDw4bCYO_c6mfa1p8dvheIXM8x8uc1JcW-F2nU2-Yn49x3bSYN8vp6GpmWQ2FMWdts/s1600/DSCN5151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hypertufa and wood garden mushrooms" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzljV-zxAtMu_wUh-McC0_93P4uh7V74T7i9gB3osHddj3BB6r_h5n5uBFsba5QnQkLQ3sfbP5bmDw4bCYO_c6mfa1p8dvheIXM8x8uc1JcW-F2nU2-Yn49x3bSYN8vp6GpmWQ2FMWdts/s320/DSCN5151.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa and wood garden mushrooms</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They are super easy and fun to make and they don't require a ton of money or DIY skills to complete just like my hypertufa garden orbs post: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/09/recycle-flat-basketball-to-create.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/09/recycle-flat-basketball-to-create.html</a>. Just find yourself some branches or small logs and a few plastic bowls or containers. You might have to go buy the portland cement and perlite-but think of the other cool projects you can make with the rest of the bags! So let's get started!<br />
<br />
For this project you will need the following:<br />
<br />
1. Some branches or logs that are cut-the size depends on what size mushrooms you want. I used a few different ones.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTSn-EjkoVPCCmMqHhoShnoPi-bGpuK1ymMD4NyveDT4s6-e7EZWqnN7ql7a45qii9lqEVgPBM0rqlrbq5in_ZD5Bsz5EmFPYBofnhYHJZpMHdadZroT4NQO81mXLUhkv3Ekef2lhxjQ/s1600/DSCN5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="cut logs for Hypertufa mushrooms" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmTSn-EjkoVPCCmMqHhoShnoPi-bGpuK1ymMD4NyveDT4s6-e7EZWqnN7ql7a45qii9lqEVgPBM0rqlrbq5in_ZD5Bsz5EmFPYBofnhYHJZpMHdadZroT4NQO81mXLUhkv3Ekef2lhxjQ/s320/DSCN5088.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cut logs and branches for stem</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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2. Find some plastic bowls and containers to match your stump (stem) size wise (if that makes any sense). You need an outer (top) and an inner mold for this. I chose these:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg3NT3_6joeX3teoiE9P8w4fJvHyHKNrVF9dvmlgXLSSMM_WzMGJnV_VtCh3S63KDyhtBnekn5GxoJMQ5XYUGZYtLlVTmm1MONtpY8qISpis_WkzPeoOMB3DPCMeqLnLpkGC0Lgd-Qq4/s1600/DSCN5089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="molds for hypertufa mushrooms" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisg3NT3_6joeX3teoiE9P8w4fJvHyHKNrVF9dvmlgXLSSMM_WzMGJnV_VtCh3S63KDyhtBnekn5GxoJMQ5XYUGZYtLlVTmm1MONtpY8qISpis_WkzPeoOMB3DPCMeqLnLpkGC0Lgd-Qq4/s320/DSCN5089.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molds for mushrooms</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Make sure the interior mold (container) fits over the stump like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu8sxHw1cL6AznH3rtbKi9PiywGj6awDUj_2nxNMbUuQekOGFsl7rmGC7sMRMlLewW1EEpTdZ9ylSFGwFIzrkNYDb8nZo-Gsr81-5C8Xm_gIDmUfKuATv00t_5kCBHhHqGnOvkzeGKGo/s1600/DSCN5090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZu8sxHw1cL6AznH3rtbKi9PiywGj6awDUj_2nxNMbUuQekOGFsl7rmGC7sMRMlLewW1EEpTdZ9ylSFGwFIzrkNYDb8nZo-Gsr81-5C8Xm_gIDmUfKuATv00t_5kCBHhHqGnOvkzeGKGo/s320/DSCN5090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9P1R85b-IUKzo68FRBa5TnA6uYeZysNsvHh3gFpi2WCHn2GYq89Bjtgp_1RJdgMJwJyVYarjZTMsoDm7ERyrr3go_mwtwQMVXQsIfaDv8B7KVsG5A4znx9Ls03dHPRxr7oqIzFvsz7o/s1600/DSCN5091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN9P1R85b-IUKzo68FRBa5TnA6uYeZysNsvHh3gFpi2WCHn2GYq89Bjtgp_1RJdgMJwJyVYarjZTMsoDm7ERyrr3go_mwtwQMVXQsIfaDv8B7KVsG5A4znx9Ls03dHPRxr7oqIzFvsz7o/s320/DSCN5091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zvuLrmt9hWwFuSFGpCYHYz2-vkomIxRtLlck90R3Un8B9XisqOh3I3r7GHzotDJC5-Cildo_XsnksWKNuy3Mnv1QV70l9lwiY2dmROMfWMxRv6vjn8qfGw3wXYgvhyphenhyphenxMCxUeaezp2y0/s1600/DSCN5094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zvuLrmt9hWwFuSFGpCYHYz2-vkomIxRtLlck90R3Un8B9XisqOh3I3r7GHzotDJC5-Cildo_XsnksWKNuy3Mnv1QV70l9lwiY2dmROMfWMxRv6vjn8qfGw3wXYgvhyphenhyphenxMCxUeaezp2y0/s320/DSCN5094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr-2oMNN17WkeZY4G62MR4zmy_sQIn3nIOgiY4hIEwgM6mzzWn_IGp6AGPa4CC9oCP63pLZw_tqO0apBsOUwQNLRZZlFo5h1VIVSzsCOTBiLpxZ-iQ-S4PmAPtC6vIQ7Ruyx1mvSu6ig/s1600/DSCN5095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXr-2oMNN17WkeZY4G62MR4zmy_sQIn3nIOgiY4hIEwgM6mzzWn_IGp6AGPa4CC9oCP63pLZw_tqO0apBsOUwQNLRZZlFo5h1VIVSzsCOTBiLpxZ-iQ-S4PmAPtC6vIQ7Ruyx1mvSu6ig/s320/DSCN5095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Now match the top (bowl) and middle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoEdwegp1eqMhzmNWIKs4RKciHP25f49fwv4j44DiC5F12MJmH-zvY5oX293rjH_1yWispqJadYXIxDEZc4lknvfhdU6kMdxSQaepu8F_O5flKH4tXiwVZx3CQRjUQojri-bas3ChywQ/s1600/DSCN5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguoEdwegp1eqMhzmNWIKs4RKciHP25f49fwv4j44DiC5F12MJmH-zvY5oX293rjH_1yWispqJadYXIxDEZc4lknvfhdU6kMdxSQaepu8F_O5flKH4tXiwVZx3CQRjUQojri-bas3ChywQ/s320/DSCN5096.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Molds for hypertufa mushroom tops</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
3. Portland cement<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtxNtXvj-iFX_gGZRzo3peYTmCeL2SmY5ScWzYAgRztovgF6mz7nXUReP9HQpEvT8LHB-omtpoajcFEl-OwNMcr-hXz3I8Sr9V4g32ILPqxWE2WseQFmVzSygbNY3jQOojJcB7cZJFKw/s1600/DSCN5099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hypertufa ingredients" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtxNtXvj-iFX_gGZRzo3peYTmCeL2SmY5ScWzYAgRztovgF6mz7nXUReP9HQpEvT8LHB-omtpoajcFEl-OwNMcr-hXz3I8Sr9V4g32ILPqxWE2WseQFmVzSygbNY3jQOojJcB7cZJFKw/s320/DSCN5099.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa ingredients</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
4. Perlite<br />
<br />
5. Peat moss-I use Pro-Mix All Purpose Growing Mix <br />
<br />
6. Fiberglass fibers if you can get them. I purchase them from my local concrete manufacturer.<br />
<br />
7. Water<br />
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8. Some rubber gloves, dust mask and a good hypertufa recipe-mine is below<br />
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9. Cooking spray or mold release spray<br />
<br />
Now that we have our supplies we can start creating!<br />
<br />
1. Spray your molds with cooking spray and then wipe off. (Do not leave too much on but be sure to cover well).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4aGWlg3OMybg8GCYsbRo1UyOOO-GZT2v_GEbejBWCumncEFZaaVfW3IejkqFpmjryNo1Tr8PuY6_OKSmQ-lwIyaAPnYH7ol_HOhXV07HVfgL2YQZ0phcY_XZ5OqL7mes-xgSA9ycKuA/s1600/DSCN5105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4aGWlg3OMybg8GCYsbRo1UyOOO-GZT2v_GEbejBWCumncEFZaaVfW3IejkqFpmjryNo1Tr8PuY6_OKSmQ-lwIyaAPnYH7ol_HOhXV07HVfgL2YQZ0phcY_XZ5OqL7mes-xgSA9ycKuA/s320/DSCN5105.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spray molds before filling with hypertufa</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
2. Mix up your hypertufa in a tub or container.<br />
<br />
My recipe using Pro-Mix is as follows (I use a cottage cheese container as a measure):<br />
<br />
2 parts Pro-Mix<br />
1 part perlite<br />
1 part portland cement<br />
a pinch or two of fiberglass fibers<br />
water as needed<br />
<br />
Another recipe for hypertufa:<br />
1 1/2 peat moss<br />
1 1/2 perlite<br />
1 part portland cement<br />
water as needed<br />
<br />
I mix the perlite, peat moss (or Pro-Mix) and fibers first before I add the portland.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17lVFPRnSqCH0TL19etaReNleunwzP6PPpH5NEP2P573n-33VnPn0y9EClz70te6inaPjs8kf8tqNCyq_Ki9TXx38rOq1tIVYzlzLonKxSJ3APwOCaKBHbKYwmtKauj9lJHIjXM9jOEI/s1600/DSCN5097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh17lVFPRnSqCH0TL19etaReNleunwzP6PPpH5NEP2P573n-33VnPn0y9EClz70te6inaPjs8kf8tqNCyq_Ki9TXx38rOq1tIVYzlzLonKxSJ3APwOCaKBHbKYwmtKauj9lJHIjXM9jOEI/s320/DSCN5097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGzLuzFeH84ZzOI2bjBtm-JRmip3Uwsfv0qXTAznEQYOGUt0Q-zs7eRjnEYuIizSRmm1zaRrTCNnzqW1JG663iJiWQBQne8lkCi0kEuIQPeqznv4nttE_CNcw7oOipdDK9K2Hb096Nk8/s1600/DSCN5101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGzLuzFeH84ZzOI2bjBtm-JRmip3Uwsfv0qXTAznEQYOGUt0Q-zs7eRjnEYuIizSRmm1zaRrTCNnzqW1JG663iJiWQBQne8lkCi0kEuIQPeqznv4nttE_CNcw7oOipdDK9K2Hb096Nk8/s320/DSCN5101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Slowly add the water and mix. Do not add too much water-just enough to make it almost like cookie dough. Squeeze some in your hand and if only a few drops of water come out it is done. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXtFh2xoqN-nuRL8lqGpiQBdXf3orzysg3IjpJge-O0EN_sJzgFOZqDV4zgpHYEA_j6u4xuWmWMC2IuBfnQSmXHwtXDAiPrpHQ5P7I3ifmrUMXLaKBp5hxM1TE35aEDH9yzafwFl-UL0/s1600/DSCN5102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXtFh2xoqN-nuRL8lqGpiQBdXf3orzysg3IjpJge-O0EN_sJzgFOZqDV4zgpHYEA_j6u4xuWmWMC2IuBfnQSmXHwtXDAiPrpHQ5P7I3ifmrUMXLaKBp5hxM1TE35aEDH9yzafwFl-UL0/s320/DSCN5102.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I like to ball it up and make sure it stays together when I bounce it on my hand:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRBSOgTmOpLSYvqNVkrv5-ODvWqnO5iEl8p1KxwtnOY5zcRif7YdkWoZuz0_02-08-LQRjbxm_diWy9nfPV_6bWkhJRN2f6UkFNsA0G40ixj7mKxiKA2zHds-UDUS3F4GqHwPsao0ETI/s1600/DSCN5103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRBSOgTmOpLSYvqNVkrv5-ODvWqnO5iEl8p1KxwtnOY5zcRif7YdkWoZuz0_02-08-LQRjbxm_diWy9nfPV_6bWkhJRN2f6UkFNsA0G40ixj7mKxiKA2zHds-UDUS3F4GqHwPsao0ETI/s320/DSCN5103.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
When you have reached the needed consistency let the mixture rest (hydrate) for 10 minutes.<br />
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3. After the 10 minutes is up you can begin filling your molds. Weigh down the middle with some rocks or sand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg5P4U2JoevaFLLQD9AQHI1RptaA-v5goy2h0hBtNK0WthrSqCrnspHeRLGrUVBw3_RlwcQoEB3x6IFPQHiE790phVBGUJQ3h4kpdIYlZiuyRAhXdt3YSrnO2RJIgrTKBtkBVhZCYYHg/s1600/DSCN5108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTg5P4U2JoevaFLLQD9AQHI1RptaA-v5goy2h0hBtNK0WthrSqCrnspHeRLGrUVBw3_RlwcQoEB3x6IFPQHiE790phVBGUJQ3h4kpdIYlZiuyRAhXdt3YSrnO2RJIgrTKBtkBVhZCYYHg/s320/DSCN5108.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
4. Cover with a plastic sheet and let set for at least 24 hours.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBndbVcQGLTCE6OEO7FCdMBeAajhO_5XiLjQsa1-KpnRoISL21F2WGyXZu-7kWUK5sXFoYEs9ngYBHXgr4sHl_l8v36Z1MiV79k9cEeQYYfGLrnp8h_8HicjMoOWONWO6Irls9wJn9Gws/s1600/DSCN5111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBndbVcQGLTCE6OEO7FCdMBeAajhO_5XiLjQsa1-KpnRoISL21F2WGyXZu-7kWUK5sXFoYEs9ngYBHXgr4sHl_l8v36Z1MiV79k9cEeQYYfGLrnp8h_8HicjMoOWONWO6Irls9wJn9Gws/s320/DSCN5111.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cover hypertufa with plastic</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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5. After 24 hours check to see if it has set-press on it and see if it is hard. If it is then you can unmold. If not leave set for another 12-24 hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5h9nL2CDcIf1U9kdeWmCcAkI7esooNA-CprnnMV6tM_XjBFWGMv39bfqzq44_0Qnit18H_pFI51IrbfA5Yjl-5U7FnulTt1siDJ2IGV8FbEvAOisoRvbfN8HwWldaTu7xSJ2ydznR_M/s1600/DSCN5115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5h9nL2CDcIf1U9kdeWmCcAkI7esooNA-CprnnMV6tM_XjBFWGMv39bfqzq44_0Qnit18H_pFI51IrbfA5Yjl-5U7FnulTt1siDJ2IGV8FbEvAOisoRvbfN8HwWldaTu7xSJ2ydznR_M/s320/DSCN5115.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unmold hypertufa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
6. If you want a rustic look use a wire brush and scrub the hypertufa so it will have an aged look.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu7WQT1-RpnlJ73SY1UuGZhcv4X5dhDcZv-_Dh41eEqRdC376Rc6G6SZHTcXGfmXe8PjEorfFf8EEOfNpDNwj1Q0O2s7G4mkQH9GA9yx_tPbkn0iUwTGQiWxeSyjOmhs-dhBDS-h2Kwc/s1600/DSCN5120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLu7WQT1-RpnlJ73SY1UuGZhcv4X5dhDcZv-_Dh41eEqRdC376Rc6G6SZHTcXGfmXe8PjEorfFf8EEOfNpDNwj1Q0O2s7G4mkQH9GA9yx_tPbkn0iUwTGQiWxeSyjOmhs-dhBDS-h2Kwc/s320/DSCN5120.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brush hypertufa to age</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9sqJ7NvClAUkN3NhpVFT8YWq9KAO4D-8zHP1JEzJhK78K7K3aBYVMT-CFelGC-Du6XTlqwxuxzi-Rrfd9z1Onz9Bu3k5Ccbpu2yaOGljexTF4ijcSORFWuZr83IZFnfo0UFGU225N0Y/s1600/DSCN5121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9sqJ7NvClAUkN3NhpVFT8YWq9KAO4D-8zHP1JEzJhK78K7K3aBYVMT-CFelGC-Du6XTlqwxuxzi-Rrfd9z1Onz9Bu3k5Ccbpu2yaOGljexTF4ijcSORFWuZr83IZFnfo0UFGU225N0Y/s320/DSCN5121.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa mushroom top</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
7. Now check the "fit" and look.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eU50Rg3lXcqg31tIb5yR7VFtttkPqLPJzdV18EkZhipBYRZKTB4En2TjxVn7DGRnelbilVgSNvzqN_kHFsBt8YWS99xZdJdhT4MEnosD75pNHb9Z1EHRo4X-8UCGKN3c2-rerL_VUJM/s1600/DSCN5123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hypertufa mushrooms" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9eU50Rg3lXcqg31tIb5yR7VFtttkPqLPJzdV18EkZhipBYRZKTB4En2TjxVn7DGRnelbilVgSNvzqN_kHFsBt8YWS99xZdJdhT4MEnosD75pNHb9Z1EHRo4X-8UCGKN3c2-rerL_VUJM/s320/DSCN5123.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa mushroom</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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8. If everything looks good then it is time for the cure. The cure is how the hypertufa gets it's strength and is going to take at least 7 days. The hypertufa needs to be wet during the cure so either wrap the item in plastic, place in shade and mist a couple times a day to keep it wet or do what I do and that is a water bath. You do this by soaking the hypertufa in water for the cure. Just find a big plastic tote and fill it with water and set the hypertufa in it. Change the water every couple days.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm8cIbj09VGpCjMLTopt9QwrFLBcZjf4HdozPbDKLvdWc3KTHMqFJkqk9U8VwmkGN3e10PBoG8BfsP3_LhcCbYX20MflbPCyXvoqVfGfMuZsb1AJnv7JTPbsAykImJu5Kd8_y-PSXw2o/s1600/DSCN5125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water bath for hypertufa" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWm8cIbj09VGpCjMLTopt9QwrFLBcZjf4HdozPbDKLvdWc3KTHMqFJkqk9U8VwmkGN3e10PBoG8BfsP3_LhcCbYX20MflbPCyXvoqVfGfMuZsb1AJnv7JTPbsAykImJu5Kd8_y-PSXw2o/s320/DSCN5125.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete or hypertufa water bath</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
9. While you wait for your hypertufa you need to seal your wood so it won't rot on you. Read the directions on the package. I just use Thompson's Water Seal for mine:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5QkYP_S7seQL0ohZmsqEgY95H-xo2JzUX960r_TA-a3u43exPFj0S1ykTFD3SCkR8FYRnKzp5BTJudJJTwlYglYNhPXCdQLuRoCMSNxCawDZ-zODpJlv21qkHjiVp0SMJ_qRgRkccCg/s1600/DSCN5148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5QkYP_S7seQL0ohZmsqEgY95H-xo2JzUX960r_TA-a3u43exPFj0S1ykTFD3SCkR8FYRnKzp5BTJudJJTwlYglYNhPXCdQLuRoCMSNxCawDZ-zODpJlv21qkHjiVp0SMJ_qRgRkccCg/s320/DSCN5148.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seal mushroom stem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
10. After 7 days you can pull your hypertufa out of the water or the plastic and wash it off. Let it dry and then assemble you new hypertufa mushrooms.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv0lsylxlTVXbfvXEgHXQnfZtdpSFBZm1y9lrdKcB9cWdmj6iyul-hD4emjTUIhGSxC6ZA1u_GWWchzWaH8uLhbvkhaTPzSlNz_6lfhdin5_RvO5K-PEDKRMmofuCVBig_d-uljweXKA/s1600/DSCN5153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hypertufa and wood mushrooms in the garden" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAv0lsylxlTVXbfvXEgHXQnfZtdpSFBZm1y9lrdKcB9cWdmj6iyul-hD4emjTUIhGSxC6ZA1u_GWWchzWaH8uLhbvkhaTPzSlNz_6lfhdin5_RvO5K-PEDKRMmofuCVBig_d-uljweXKA/s320/DSCN5153.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa and wood mushrooms in the garden</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Wd1MqFkf5B6Cqnrfa50ngS8N9lxHtyiYSkI58__PHPqqh2tIK5xZFm7GIy8myuxU5qN3xwW15lcb_LANqy5XXaTyHVY6oxh46pN9sa6KO0YbmCxF_0vySmRNtwHJHLXqppbeUYISph0/s1600/DSCN5152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Hypertufa and wood mushroom for the garden" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Wd1MqFkf5B6Cqnrfa50ngS8N9lxHtyiYSkI58__PHPqqh2tIK5xZFm7GIy8myuxU5qN3xwW15lcb_LANqy5XXaTyHVY6oxh46pN9sa6KO0YbmCxF_0vySmRNtwHJHLXqppbeUYISph0/s320/DSCN5152.JPG" title="" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hypertufa and wood mushroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aren't they just so cute! A wonderful addition to any garden. Just a note-if you have squirrels and other crazy animals you can glue the top to the bottom so they aren't always knocking them off. I learned that the hard way:-)) I hope you give this project or one of my other projects a try. They are all fun and easy to do-just the way I like them. So, until net time-Happy Gardening!<br />
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Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-31616107023003890812015-03-08T20:39:00.001-07:002016-01-09T18:31:23.431-08:00Tips for Planting and Growing a Garden in Dry ShadeWhen my husband and I first purchased our home in 2004 I was super excited. Not only because it was our first home but because it had some mature trees and shrubs to provide me the shade I needed for my very own woodland gardens. What little did I know. Those mature trees are moisture and nutrient robbing thugs that rule my backyard. The first few years I was beaten into submission by them and put my backyard on the back burner and concentrated most of my efforts on the front yard. But eventually I had to tackle the backyard and boy it turned out to be quite a feat. My entire backyard was a mass of tree roots and hard packed dirt. Weeds wouldn't even grow. <br />
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I tried to do some research to find out what would grow there. I read and asked other gardeners for ideas what to plant and how to approach the area. I got varied responses on everything I asked from "roots aren't the problem" to "shade gardens are the easiest gardens to take care of". They were so wrong. My first issue is that all the tree canopies prevent most of the rain from coming down and watering the plants and what does make it through is sucked up by the tree roots. My second issue is that my problems don't come from a couple of trees it comes from 2 Silver Maple, 7 White Pine trees 2 Native Black Cherries, 1 Spruce and 1 Green Ash. That makes 13 big trees in a small area (maybe 60 ft x50 ft) fighting for every drop of water and every bit of nutrients available. Tree roots are the worst abomination any gardener can deal with. There-I said it. Here are pics of my backyard and the trees:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmELiSKe1D70PTIJGlLbqm0EWqvP3ke6Q8F89o_FiQbg7F1yuN8igNSbobMrH7szSZ9ZAedaPDNvWSR_esPloqGQH_-stFhNfjbsGw1XT7PeFNwNhM7br6pNFrxqtUyCZfFFUoH10YjTQ/s1600/DSCN0736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmELiSKe1D70PTIJGlLbqm0EWqvP3ke6Q8F89o_FiQbg7F1yuN8igNSbobMrH7szSZ9ZAedaPDNvWSR_esPloqGQH_-stFhNfjbsGw1XT7PeFNwNhM7br6pNFrxqtUyCZfFFUoH10YjTQ/s400/DSCN0736.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My backyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3STLXbsCsp5hnB_EG4akxT5jJSWyW05bNC6RH-LO1jGGdfIHzjq-TBf6xcUIrCpbLJRvWpsaUMIUmjNfkhEO6e6YS1Pssc1s-k2KFt-ARTRvBaJxFP4mcREfNEfoVUvqquQ7Oa6bP6ec/s1600/DSCN0739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3STLXbsCsp5hnB_EG4akxT5jJSWyW05bNC6RH-LO1jGGdfIHzjq-TBf6xcUIrCpbLJRvWpsaUMIUmjNfkhEO6e6YS1Pssc1s-k2KFt-ARTRvBaJxFP4mcREfNEfoVUvqquQ7Oa6bP6ec/s400/DSCN0739.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My backyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_agtceESVQhY-5VCZz9U-G0zyr3sIpzxGajZM4N2Rpevr9KF-69nT3Ed70JTFQO3k1YQ6FMPRL-VWP69d9AfzS5otSMtWwzGlf0-IoztgwCkDg_sPDGgUzFKf08xzW9W1la6TS9BO_M/s1600/DSCN0742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG_agtceESVQhY-5VCZz9U-G0zyr3sIpzxGajZM4N2Rpevr9KF-69nT3Ed70JTFQO3k1YQ6FMPRL-VWP69d9AfzS5otSMtWwzGlf0-IoztgwCkDg_sPDGgUzFKf08xzW9W1la6TS9BO_M/s400/DSCN0742.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Maple surround by Hostas</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZjG8jSNFepUvcus-AfrpvN1OzH3wVfGbFdVqwYGr4spREKf5mknT5sAor_nhAg9C9wSo7PFAjdXx7nyqeQjiotk6NcPA-D0A3xv9_51IojcQwDtaL-LNtvnrk71MIJtVDKcS9awThqI/s1600/DSCN0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZjG8jSNFepUvcus-AfrpvN1OzH3wVfGbFdVqwYGr4spREKf5mknT5sAor_nhAg9C9wSo7PFAjdXx7nyqeQjiotk6NcPA-D0A3xv9_51IojcQwDtaL-LNtvnrk71MIJtVDKcS9awThqI/s400/DSCN0797.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Row of White pines in my backyard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
The first year or two I would plant something and watch it slowly shrink or struggle to survive. I would water and fertilize the poor things without any positive results. Then I would go to dig the poor thing up and move it only to find the roots of the plant being strangled by tree roots. This would happen even though I had cleared the roots to plant. Those darn roots had come back full force to replace those I had removed. What is a gardener to do? <br />
<br />
I ended up taking my own approach to this battle. These things listed below I have done and they have made a world of difference in the survival of my plants. <br />
<br />
1. Do not fertilize individual plants. This causes the tree roots to grow heavily in the area that is fertilized to absorb the nutrients for itself. You might think you are fertilizing the plant but you are actually fertilizing the tree. The tree will win. If you must fertilize I suggest you fertilize the entire area so that the tree doesn't concentrate root growth in one particular area. <br />
<br />
2. Do not water individual plants. This has the same effect as fertilizing individually. The tree roots will grow heavily in that concentrated area. Water the overall area not just the plant.<br />
<br />
3. Try to bareroot the plants you are planting. By this I mean remove all the soil from around it's roots before you plant. I have found that the planting medium that the plants are sold in are tree root magnets. This might be due to the fertilizer or the ability of the medium to hold water. <br />
<br />
4. Mulch to retain moisture. Enough said:-))<br />
<br />
5. Plant in containers. You can do this either above the ground or even in the ground. Some Hosta enthusiasts do this to keep the tree roots from overtaking the Hosta. There is also a product sold called <b>Spin Out Bags </b>that help prevent root intrusion. I have never used them but have heard other gardeners swear by them.<br />
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6. Don't be impatient. If you plant your garden it make take a little longer for the plants to take hold than in other garden areas. Don't give up too easily. They just need more time to get established. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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7. Choose appropriate plants. Native plants are a wonderful choice and some are suited to just this situation. There are also some great non-native plants that will work too. I had some great suggestions from some
wonderful gardeners and other sources. Some were good, others not so
good. Some that were suggested to me and I planted but failed to thrive
because they had a difficult time dealing with the extreme dryness are: Alchemilla mollis, Pulmonaria, Brunnera, Bergenia, Tiarella and certain Astilbe. Here are some pics of a few that have done well for me:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpee6Zidi1CVvkNC3BqL35wV56jbrxPrw7ALSWZ609Mv_IV-q2ydfrJfvVBbcemQYm20X7vqIPlwVLPWdKtzE1oXcM51FER6ylZp5sW69EIlBGwlPVa7lbm14BxAMRBqgMHgGbn4ZJps/s1600/DSCN3044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpee6Zidi1CVvkNC3BqL35wV56jbrxPrw7ALSWZ609Mv_IV-q2ydfrJfvVBbcemQYm20X7vqIPlwVLPWdKtzE1oXcM51FER6ylZp5sW69EIlBGwlPVa7lbm14BxAMRBqgMHgGbn4ZJps/s400/DSCN3044.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campanulastrum americanum</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RcuxZ3YX_Om8UmJHIu72sJnA7uxSLrVBxHCMDF3Q6j1vjza4ag80ZjSu4lYr3jeInjJ9IFT7kDywlIJPOEd5XFRPuMlUpiPWq5AFGdFdBCe8QwnPm9jsoizxLGDZMHId3yLxxNZe0Bo/s1600/DSCN2259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5RcuxZ3YX_Om8UmJHIu72sJnA7uxSLrVBxHCMDF3Q6j1vjza4ag80ZjSu4lYr3jeInjJ9IFT7kDywlIJPOEd5XFRPuMlUpiPWq5AFGdFdBCe8QwnPm9jsoizxLGDZMHId3yLxxNZe0Bo/s400/DSCN2259.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most varieties of Aquilegia will grow in dry shade<br />
well in dry shade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m5lYPspaPvB8-S-3JLs4rIqKffbiRU2ZHWH_whfOxMQZJ5CBgxz44eAOQffdr2zt42W2dl5W9Z8RPpExhnDXA6czwsAV4sOScQpdTpyan0pFvfuadcCFq2QpZEumH9iGNrdTe8s4yqM/s1600/DSCN2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5m5lYPspaPvB8-S-3JLs4rIqKffbiRU2ZHWH_whfOxMQZJ5CBgxz44eAOQffdr2zt42W2dl5W9Z8RPpExhnDXA6czwsAV4sOScQpdTpyan0pFvfuadcCFq2QpZEumH9iGNrdTe8s4yqM/s400/DSCN2275.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium maculatum handles dry shade well</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6waUzZQNCWUPBfNRY95hqyyNPFnpWMeuWF3_RLfzhug7kKNsUAqoHphG1iVGyaa1ZUHtZSoG1yI0CqLSXaU6WhO7B8sKS-fsijcu0v0fqEvXAFGe4AH0k6DBQNSSH2BFiUZoqIcgFpHU/s1600/DSCN2433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6waUzZQNCWUPBfNRY95hqyyNPFnpWMeuWF3_RLfzhug7kKNsUAqoHphG1iVGyaa1ZUHtZSoG1yI0CqLSXaU6WhO7B8sKS-fsijcu0v0fqEvXAFGe4AH0k6DBQNSSH2BFiUZoqIcgFpHU/s400/DSCN2433.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digitalis grandiflora can handle dry shade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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8. Avoid invasives! I know the temptation to fill in the area is overwhelming but DO NOT go out and buy plants deemed invasive. You will be sorry. I know many a gardener who thought that they could control these evil plants but in the long run you can not. Just say no to Ivy, Vinca, Lily of the Valley, Wintercreeper, Lamium Yellow Archangel, Pachysandra (non native) and the rest of those nasty invasives. There are not worth the damage to the environment or the work it will take you to remove them. Oh-and they really aren't that attractive anyways. I have seen lovelier plants in my time. Here are some pics of some of those plants taken in my neighbor's yard:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ywFH62AIE6ZiFr4Djku6REi914qKIRTBFx26a5d5lSPi1YmwS3_XvdrZb9XmEUcLXG1pPwSveuRVgabUZIAvFBBCUdT4ZUWDT6cCr8qtUGNW-gPe6CdgoUtYwQ6ofStmVgdmP-3Pc-c/s1600/DSCN3998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ywFH62AIE6ZiFr4Djku6REi914qKIRTBFx26a5d5lSPi1YmwS3_XvdrZb9XmEUcLXG1pPwSveuRVgabUZIAvFBBCUdT4ZUWDT6cCr8qtUGNW-gPe6CdgoUtYwQ6ofStmVgdmP-3Pc-c/s400/DSCN3998.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invasives Ivy and Variegated Euonymous </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj51-HXLVKMTO17gtcHbOoNixifGIsC2wu_cTKWXGntKRo3C_81N3801AVz6eo_58ItSYyOIU8lr0x9xMwWKZhyphenhyphenSDbdHlL1xZMYdgddWl-dvTnS5frHiTj-WAxy0Aomh44DSYWYObugg/s1600/DSCN3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj51-HXLVKMTO17gtcHbOoNixifGIsC2wu_cTKWXGntKRo3C_81N3801AVz6eo_58ItSYyOIU8lr0x9xMwWKZhyphenhyphenSDbdHlL1xZMYdgddWl-dvTnS5frHiTj-WAxy0Aomh44DSYWYObugg/s400/DSCN3997.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invasive Ivy Vinca and Lily of the Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePk4wU_c6PSn87X0uhbo26y0_5zolhEt17Oex22zctuPFU7z01o1QCMsfqXJPnKW8t1I5Z4sEHyF0OQwkmRrpcIKCl6ERSeT4nZkt15yo6ij3aiq7OHpl9dIVN1g4W6Tw47TpEOPaCY/s1600/DSCN3999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ePk4wU_c6PSn87X0uhbo26y0_5zolhEt17Oex22zctuPFU7z01o1QCMsfqXJPnKW8t1I5Z4sEHyF0OQwkmRrpcIKCl6ERSeT4nZkt15yo6ij3aiq7OHpl9dIVN1g4W6Tw47TpEOPaCY/s400/DSCN3999.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invasives spreading into the lawn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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There is still a lot of work and growing to be done but I think in time I will eventually have the lush shade garden I have always wanted in my backyard. If you have any questions or comments fell free to leave them below and as always-Happy Gardening!<br />
<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-27835265495667704092015-02-18T11:50:00.002-08:002016-01-09T18:32:43.747-08:0010 Common Mistakes Made When Starting Seeds IndoorsRight now it is February and indoor seed starting has begun for some of us. I am a huge fan of seeds and seed starting and find great satisfaction in growing my own plants from seed. I originally started my seed starting journey many years ago trying to start seeds inside with absolutely no luck so I focused my attention on wintersowing. But then a couple of years ago I decided I didn't want to buy my annuals or herbs from the store any longer so I started indoor seed starting again. With some trial and error and a lot of research I finally had success. I now actually use my seed starting set up year round because it works so well for me. Here is a post I did last year on Tips for Successful Seed Starting: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/04/tips-for-successful-indooor-seed.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/04/tips-for-successful-indooor-seed.html</a> With that success has also come mistakes and I am sharing them in this post and hope you can benefit from what I have learned along the way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMzU0MkKBn6jK-mDdhck5VpgKs1XOCqGVbv2yWajPFuxPBgz5sFPFLQZ7jZ88tsSm8aeVPZOCCiyTVjobqStEZwP0zYrifwruT3dejWG6jsay6cPfotTnAKM_hmQY1XI5xnLz_jLNDVw/s1600/DSCN1689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMzU0MkKBn6jK-mDdhck5VpgKs1XOCqGVbv2yWajPFuxPBgz5sFPFLQZ7jZ88tsSm8aeVPZOCCiyTVjobqStEZwP0zYrifwruT3dejWG6jsay6cPfotTnAKM_hmQY1XI5xnLz_jLNDVw/s400/DSCN1689.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbs I started from seed indoors</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoET9B_I39vKAGhLuPuZooS-Qw2fGvKuO073lBQMUhWvL7R8oeYH2Z5P3fBMq37UNPd2AG2WLghCZlM_bajoQ9sY7husjMxI817M8shLQQ1HihRTaLC3l5B1eL6Vf84jDCIVMP__oNuw/s1600/DSCN1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoET9B_I39vKAGhLuPuZooS-Qw2fGvKuO073lBQMUhWvL7R8oeYH2Z5P3fBMq37UNPd2AG2WLghCZlM_bajoQ9sY7husjMxI817M8shLQQ1HihRTaLC3l5B1eL6Vf84jDCIVMP__oNuw/s400/DSCN1672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Herbs I started from seed indoors </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So here is the list of the mistakes I made when I first started growing seeds inside:<br />
<br />
1. Wrong soil-this is probably the TOP issue there is. Not any old soil will do for indoor seed starting. Some are too heavy, some are too light, and most aren't sterile. You <i>need </i>to use a sterile soil-less mix to be successful. Look at the seed starting mixes used by the growers-they are usually a peat or coir based mix without any added compost or soil. Read the "ingredients" when purchasing and avoid compost, soil, humus etc. in the mix. I prefer (and have had wonderful results) using Pro-Mix growing mix. Seed starting soils that are not sterile can harbor insects and disease which will be hard to control once they start.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHMRU3QAsXGIVtZ0pofXZm4r-FI1_t77rN5eoW623_G9edA-E_AzftJRLctT-7FlXf271GxLo964W2hMb-xVL18f_faw0Lwx7X2fDDZMrbiJMpEXJR44-EPQCr0WIb53xNBd_IYgJG_g/s1600/DSCN4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsHMRU3QAsXGIVtZ0pofXZm4r-FI1_t77rN5eoW623_G9edA-E_AzftJRLctT-7FlXf271GxLo964W2hMb-xVL18f_faw0Lwx7X2fDDZMrbiJMpEXJR44-EPQCr0WIb53xNBd_IYgJG_g/s640/DSCN4867.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My preferred seeds starting mix by Pro-Mix</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. An important issue that is easily overlooked is the issue of watering. ALWAYS bottom water-by this I mean place water in a shallow container and then set your pots or trays in the water and allow the water to be absorbed into the soil. When the soil becomes damp remove the pots or trays from the water and let drain so they do not sit in water. Bottom watering helps in controlling fungus/disease related issues like damping off and mold. Bottom watering also helps to control over-watering which also leads to disease issues.<br />
<br />
3. Using the wrong pots/containers or unsterilized pots/containers can cause serious issues for gardeners. These issues are disease related. Molds and fungus just love decaying material and when you use items like eggshells and paper that decompose you are inviting disease issues. If you want to recycle use plastic containers from yogurt etc. for seed starting just make sure to clean them well with a bleach solution. I personally just keep recycling my pots from previous years-washing them thoroughly before each use. Also-I have never had any luck with peat pots or peat pellets. They dry out too quickly and also can act as a "wick" pulling moisture from seedlings because of too much surface exposed to the air.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bIYnszaKKVeV6WfqnucxFRH6C9cPfQ6wZZSenV2R9xYnukvvCZWZGxASoO1zHzh95TXctCxQnOHmJwxXpQC7JTm5YeI1QxORROuT6T93jBt1_XgpXHgvLZc5ysxbKTxZldiamaI2Y20/s1600/DSCN4877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_bIYnszaKKVeV6WfqnucxFRH6C9cPfQ6wZZSenV2R9xYnukvvCZWZGxASoO1zHzh95TXctCxQnOHmJwxXpQC7JTm5YeI1QxORROuT6T93jBt1_XgpXHgvLZc5ysxbKTxZldiamaI2Y20/s400/DSCN4877.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dirty seed starter cell from last year that needs cleaned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTsLdMyK5Nl0C8H3WK_h-cTLVNnJUroy-dv3Mhk66MnCzozxZ6AdjTRozWL6xUm0bKk_a9re4l2s3_EwciYzRm66StZ73L0qxHvTqI9f2aJSzlNCGtKFnDCDUhbiAzEEeiPGhogK8GA8/s1600/DSCN4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNTsLdMyK5Nl0C8H3WK_h-cTLVNnJUroy-dv3Mhk66MnCzozxZ6AdjTRozWL6xUm0bKk_a9re4l2s3_EwciYzRm66StZ73L0qxHvTqI9f2aJSzlNCGtKFnDCDUhbiAzEEeiPGhogK8GA8/s400/DSCN4878.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning and sterilizing plastic pots from last year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH9gW1tDTQ1zuzHj8O2hpbLSbd4W_CmRQ89zCCbCENZ0b2HKxhMEZNUzRder_AnEncelIx6yeum11_AzQwq5QKgpq2VfH9St75iD7kerns6JABGNiZfIeLMxnq3B9Zfry2f-bR8RQOXc/s1600/DSCN4879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVH9gW1tDTQ1zuzHj8O2hpbLSbd4W_CmRQ89zCCbCENZ0b2HKxhMEZNUzRder_AnEncelIx6yeum11_AzQwq5QKgpq2VfH9St75iD7kerns6JABGNiZfIeLMxnq3B9Zfry2f-bR8RQOXc/s400/DSCN4879.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clean and sanitizing seed starting cell packs from last year</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
4. Seedlings need light-not a little but a LOT. Not enough light causes weak, lanky and leaning seedlings. Make sure you give your seedlings plenty of light whether it is artificial or natural. I prefer to use artificial light in the form of fluorescent shop lights-no need to spend money for fancy grow lights unless that is what you want to do. I also reflect as much of the light back on to the plants as possible. This also helps to prevent legginess and keeps the plants healthy and bushy. My lighting system works well enough and provides enough light and warmth to keep my Agave and Sempervivums looking good all winter long. I leave my lights on my plants between 12-15 hours a day to make sure they receive enough light to grow big and strong.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQK_sc9NdW790tqkRLwQZCQrDSru_v2c0To3ij-td8NJgET7VpKKQHWLECjJEQgk3aIsGQqEUkv-4w1qVcsotr5ki8gApf1_yseN1eia-vaW6H4IWOyySa6v-dg7k0eibIBMtInFoQ7s/s1600/DSCN4866.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQK_sc9NdW790tqkRLwQZCQrDSru_v2c0To3ij-td8NJgET7VpKKQHWLECjJEQgk3aIsGQqEUkv-4w1qVcsotr5ki8gApf1_yseN1eia-vaW6H4IWOyySa6v-dg7k0eibIBMtInFoQ7s/s400/DSCN4866.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the fluorescent light fixtures I use</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi762ZA4GrDMRSRO4zlukADoOgLoQblC-CRhnOmsJbOxqdWCI0hW35ZLXmCrjZQGKXWqlNoTl3yJCRtclax3vK2D8ZT-XOoK6LyLvoH8Qxq3HyIMur63pNEV8hEe_9AFnGg-jTuk9FL1Qw/s1600/DSCN4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi762ZA4GrDMRSRO4zlukADoOgLoQblC-CRhnOmsJbOxqdWCI0hW35ZLXmCrjZQGKXWqlNoTl3yJCRtclax3vK2D8ZT-XOoK6LyLvoH8Qxq3HyIMur63pNEV8hEe_9AFnGg-jTuk9FL1Qw/s400/DSCN4864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For plants use 1 warm and 1 cool fluorescent lights</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi-40PafTmNlZL80C1FEeca1sEwl6UB_bcIyn36_FqGHqFFVF2jK7jPiRhFPwzo6AtkTeeszqrxOpza19AlSkC4nfTG5iHj91NfEKhyphenhyphen9OXtK7vn03Q9QZEQGtM9UiGEf6rd7EehEBv0A/s1600/DSCN4865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhi-40PafTmNlZL80C1FEeca1sEwl6UB_bcIyn36_FqGHqFFVF2jK7jPiRhFPwzo6AtkTeeszqrxOpza19AlSkC4nfTG5iHj91NfEKhyphenhyphen9OXtK7vn03Q9QZEQGtM9UiGEf6rd7EehEBv0A/s400/DSCN4865.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For plants use 1 warm and 1 cool fluorescent lights</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0jy1EJyJ0sZbJjnw3wAyU0NfKXW6ENJxTw5dSHBhMkEHYB-2xKSUqapdDRs1BJltIeoFL42JdWdBRLOp45AthndD3dn2Jpelg1nfM55qv3i5ntCfsMT80CbgqGjdRQd4T69f9F9ioCQ/s1600/DSCN1714.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw0jy1EJyJ0sZbJjnw3wAyU0NfKXW6ENJxTw5dSHBhMkEHYB-2xKSUqapdDRs1BJltIeoFL42JdWdBRLOp45AthndD3dn2Jpelg1nfM55qv3i5ntCfsMT80CbgqGjdRQd4T69f9F9ioCQ/s400/DSCN1714.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reflecting the light helps keep plants bushy and prevents leaning</td></tr>
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<br />
5. Fertilizing. Yes that can be an issue. You do not need a seed starting mix with fertilizer-seedlings do not need fertilizer until they have their second set of true leaves-not before. You don't feed your children if they aren't hungry so don't feed your seedlings until they need it. Over fertilizing can build up in the soil, burn the seedlings or even cause too much growth. More is not better! Too little fertilizer can cause a host of problems such as discoloring of leaves, leaf curl, spotting etc. depending on the deficiency. My recommendation is to apply a balanced, water soluble fertilizer at half the recommended strength every third watering.<br />
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6. Planting depth. Planting your seeds too deep or not planting them deep enough can cause issues. Some very small seeds need light to germinate while others might need dark. Issues related to planting depth can be: lack of germination, root development issues, and seed coat not falling off when seedling emerges. When in doubt plant your seeds no deeper than their diameter.<br />
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7. Not providing air circulation. Another big issue. Lack of air circulation can lead to disease issues, fungus gnats, and weak seedlings. Run a fan on your seedlings for at least a few hours a day to help prevent these issues.<br />
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8. Starting your seeds too early can also be an issue. Sometimes we get so excited at the thought of Spring that we start our seeds too early. If you have the space to take care of them as they get large then by all means start them whenever but if you have limited space and resources then don't start them too early. The general rule is to start most seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for your area. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ddh5whuf1erb5C6kga8wyfpna7TRi2a_jjyuldqN40v3Y0qY1ElVqg9K_R3nvKay1V8aByIAAu4HIb7jk4RtrGYzvWsK9mUMXtn1UYv-9SX-hnPVY5svFAP_wi7D2gvnPJLswLlxkEA/s1600/DSCN1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ddh5whuf1erb5C6kga8wyfpna7TRi2a_jjyuldqN40v3Y0qY1ElVqg9K_R3nvKay1V8aByIAAu4HIb7jk4RtrGYzvWsK9mUMXtn1UYv-9SX-hnPVY5svFAP_wi7D2gvnPJLswLlxkEA/s400/DSCN1713.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basil started too early-had to harvest because it got too big</td></tr>
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<br />
9. Sowing too much (more than you need). Boy does this happen. Sure that entire package of Tomato seeds doesn't look like a lot but when they start growing look out! If 50 seeds are in the pack and you plant them all and you have 50 percent germination you will have 25 tomato plants. Unless you are a farmer you don't need that many. Plus, they will take up a lot of room in your house. All I am saying is take it easy and only plant as many as you need and save or trade the rest of the seeds.<br />
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10. Not paying attention. You can't plant seeds and walk away. They are like children and need constant supervision in order to thrive. Preventing pest and disease issues requires constant monitoring. Once you see one plant keel over or one fungus gnat flying around you need to act quickly and the only way to do that is if you monitor. Keep an eye on things so you know when they need watered, fed or isolated. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMXTXOizwwA73MFOeQMBHw74gM6gC3SonzY3n3xkRf-kq85C15Ia3qTTj3h0OqF9AwrXSSSt3VMGlvylYufDcdnev8c4YG933Qm7ZrWluXAKPRdfj2RjYfyFsTy002Z3UIlXx8NJLsc/s1600/DSCN1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhstMXTXOizwwA73MFOeQMBHw74gM6gC3SonzY3n3xkRf-kq85C15Ia3qTTj3h0OqF9AwrXSSSt3VMGlvylYufDcdnev8c4YG933Qm7ZrWluXAKPRdfj2RjYfyFsTy002Z3UIlXx8NJLsc/s400/DSCN1597.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seedlings under lights</td></tr>
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If you want to be successful at indoor seed starting remember to avoid making these mistakes that I have learned along the way. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below.<br />
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Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-67710599744236525412015-02-17T17:57:00.000-08:002015-02-17T17:57:46.556-08:00Use Scrap Wood to Make a Native Bee HouseHoneybees get all of the attention, but the truth is we should be thinking more about our native pollinators-especially our native bees. To do this we need to do a few things. First, stop using chemicals in our yards and gardens. Second, landscape with plants that attract and feed them. Third, provide areas for shelter and nesting. All of these things are pretty easy to achieve-even providing areas for shelter or nesting. One way you can do this is by taking a log and drilling random holes in it and placing it somewhere in your landscape:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPRAkDGNLjTK64z8_EISzV2_TB8Ejp8cPqdsNVC-eI7-LbY1A-lEOo8vgM2An06BUZeVaZNvwTzp4sPCIs5K-13-L-0R8Y4R2W9uex4FMJQWLa4WA4NNkgOb__VMlvzRS27D2eoj_6jw/s1600/DSCN4974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsPRAkDGNLjTK64z8_EISzV2_TB8Ejp8cPqdsNVC-eI7-LbY1A-lEOo8vgM2An06BUZeVaZNvwTzp4sPCIs5K-13-L-0R8Y4R2W9uex4FMJQWLa4WA4NNkgOb__VMlvzRS27D2eoj_6jw/s1600/DSCN4974.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One way of building a native bee nest-holes in a log</td></tr>
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Another way is by building them a home. With a few scraps of <i>untreated </i>wood you can build a house for the native bees to nest in. This is quick and easy and doesn't really require much skill (otherwise I would have never been able to do it).<br />
For this project you will need a few things:<br />
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1. Scrap wood-I used an untreated piece of 4x4 I had laying around but a 4x6 would be better-it should also be at least 6 in long and can be as long as you would like. I have seen them 3 feet long. You will also need a piece of wood for the roof-I used cedar shake.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-fhrlgfLE3qx4eQCDoexy29TfckL6XnMtvyFzTghRZTYSUckp6PKJ_-Jv4SqJ2HG7oD2PtREkqRQDBYW98W8OteFCJonRWYVamGXGoRDA9SZeJpk-0DT2ppwK8RdcSvb2p2tE-PdBY/s1600/DSCN4945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm-fhrlgfLE3qx4eQCDoexy29TfckL6XnMtvyFzTghRZTYSUckp6PKJ_-Jv4SqJ2HG7oD2PtREkqRQDBYW98W8OteFCJonRWYVamGXGoRDA9SZeJpk-0DT2ppwK8RdcSvb2p2tE-PdBY/s1600/DSCN4945.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scrap wood</td></tr>
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2. A couple nails and a couple screws.<br />
3. A saw<br />
4. A drill and drill bits (drill bit size 1/4 to 5/16 in)<br />
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To begin building your house you need to first cut your 4x4 or 4x6 so that the top will have an angel (so water will run off). I had a piece of wood that was bigger so I just cut it in half at an angle:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwlWj9pbCNeknIPoyuckswGx00SJhyq7zdbeWLm-SxxVMrm7hIFpQl0Pvnlj_2CFFRSd-xaPFetdSPznlZsmez17Tzctg6Ne2I7CrzUP_qPbzQEggis6bnK9AePVHp0UafgSQDM_Rqrs/s1600/DSCN4947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcwlWj9pbCNeknIPoyuckswGx00SJhyq7zdbeWLm-SxxVMrm7hIFpQl0Pvnlj_2CFFRSd-xaPFetdSPznlZsmez17Tzctg6Ne2I7CrzUP_qPbzQEggis6bnK9AePVHp0UafgSQDM_Rqrs/s1600/DSCN4947.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make the cut at an angle</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnn4aIfPGLBPq5hti7rIG2-MTgLvuTfGEmQJU5I0ZGMjPdKqIShyphenhyphenLa5-juQ4yPExdM5uKCGxavu9U_fsvVuZl1H5-YvxXwLGH7dIESHPvqXfZkQvcOFqh1QqjFzkHDobBcrtAVbWAxIM/s1600/DSCN4948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWnn4aIfPGLBPq5hti7rIG2-MTgLvuTfGEmQJU5I0ZGMjPdKqIShyphenhyphenLa5-juQ4yPExdM5uKCGxavu9U_fsvVuZl1H5-YvxXwLGH7dIESHPvqXfZkQvcOFqh1QqjFzkHDobBcrtAVbWAxIM/s1600/DSCN4948.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Next you need to begin drilling holes in the wood. These should be at least 3 1/2 inches deep (5 1/2 would be better if your wood is thicker)-just be sure not to drill all the way through the wood. I used 5/16 in drill bit for my holes. You can make a random pattern of holes or you can use a template. I used a pegboard as my template (copied it on to paper with pencil).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7cNdUAznyePacDKd6NTcEGaTe2FFHtglk5Nan7LY6hxcUz1ReI_rkV2DFUbgdvYMn-pfbtXWQm8_zXeb4wO_kevb5vf_eHHNpr3cVt_FHMp6gpyYHQSjINLsRERPHhx0cNNzbuRyHs/s1600/DSCN4952.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAf7cNdUAznyePacDKd6NTcEGaTe2FFHtglk5Nan7LY6hxcUz1ReI_rkV2DFUbgdvYMn-pfbtXWQm8_zXeb4wO_kevb5vf_eHHNpr3cVt_FHMp6gpyYHQSjINLsRERPHhx0cNNzbuRyHs/s1600/DSCN4952.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peg board</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMc54ZU6jEsKL7lJxGEZEUeghSdIHnYn9ReVlu5tYTxnqIDaV6oHROVeGJRJKYLTyB9xhHNFrRCPmH71hgdW3u6FeYL23-Jf_oAN70E7yFryLAUFIOf9CfaJyhytl8pzfZjwKSTaRAgE/s1600/DSCN4953.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMc54ZU6jEsKL7lJxGEZEUeghSdIHnYn9ReVlu5tYTxnqIDaV6oHROVeGJRJKYLTyB9xhHNFrRCPmH71hgdW3u6FeYL23-Jf_oAN70E7yFryLAUFIOf9CfaJyhytl8pzfZjwKSTaRAgE/s1600/DSCN4953.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using pencil to transfer hole spacing on pegboard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DvZWF9pew3haBEaYtdR6n3I1bfezzIvGFdRfsJdQJzqBFteRQGY1oD-DT10PFDXIfda64k4jd3moTXUujUmiUAB4PI-UbhLVXukAGR-QQNyhi2xX9Ifzph4Pa-amOrIGW2nXmRwtPD0/s1600/DSCN4958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DvZWF9pew3haBEaYtdR6n3I1bfezzIvGFdRfsJdQJzqBFteRQGY1oD-DT10PFDXIfda64k4jd3moTXUujUmiUAB4PI-UbhLVXukAGR-QQNyhi2xX9Ifzph4Pa-amOrIGW2nXmRwtPD0/s1600/DSCN4958.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place paper over wood to use as a guide</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFASKXzAKi5OxeUMpeGzG_NU4er50fNvS7x2SybyW142Z9FtHFGIKG2XYc-NiWmgvOMCnvERkfYsO97nbCBsltcHbzXZBHAbUEND7NWu9eHmLkqdbVcCGxShPF2f6tMN4r6ahP5kjyJ0/s1600/DSCN4959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFASKXzAKi5OxeUMpeGzG_NU4er50fNvS7x2SybyW142Z9FtHFGIKG2XYc-NiWmgvOMCnvERkfYsO97nbCBsltcHbzXZBHAbUEND7NWu9eHmLkqdbVcCGxShPF2f6tMN4r6ahP5kjyJ0/s1600/DSCN4959.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Use the paper as a template for holes</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drilled holes in bee house</td></tr>
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After you have drilled the holes you need to measure and cut the wood for the roof. Have it overhang a little to give some protection from the rain.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measure roof so it has an overhang</td></tr>
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Attach the roof to the block using nails or screws.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attach roof</td></tr>
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After you have the roof attached you need to securely attach the hanger. I used a soda can tab (works great) and screws.<br />
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Now it should be ready to take outside and hang. A South or Southeast facing position is best.<br />
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I put it out now because the native bees will be out and nesting before you know it and I want to be prepared for them. So try to get this or any other bee house out before March.<br />
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This is a cheap and easy project that you can do in minutes. I think it looks pretty good considering my woodworking abilities. Not only does this project reuse some of the wood leftover from other projects it also helps out my native bee population. I hope you try this out and let me know how it works for you.<br />
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Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-69264244434609398962015-01-31T14:24:00.001-08:002015-01-31T14:33:13.271-08:00Aquilegia (Columbine) is an Easy and Beautiful Perennial for the GardenWhen someone asks me "what plant or flower do you have the most of in your garden" I always reply Aquilegia or what is commonly called Columbine. To tell you the truth-I don't even know how many I have or even which ones I have. I have been letting them self-seed and I also randomly throw down seeds and have been doing it for years now. Since Aquilegia is probably the most adaptable and easiest to grow plant in my garden I encourage them to grow everywhere.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Patch of different Aquilegia growing in my garden</td></tr>
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When I say easy and adaptable I mean it. It will grow in dry shade under my pine trees or or in Full sun (zone 5) next to Lavender. If you have a difficult area I suggest growing Aquilegia there. Aquilegia has a taproot which makes it a beautiful drought tolerant plant and is often used in rock and alpine gardens. It is perfectly hardy in zones 4-8.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYleo43Tt6uF2_GyRTC6mscyv-sXPI7BpTso67pmNsfWcIZnYWUsh57ReNRAdWxiCZZHpJRNplrmI2oDndgAvz-vjCMjxLwQn4WmGMXyy91j24SZIPa0lEhOKmLHF2vZoQatC-lfflrg/s1600/DSCN0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYleo43Tt6uF2_GyRTC6mscyv-sXPI7BpTso67pmNsfWcIZnYWUsh57ReNRAdWxiCZZHpJRNplrmI2oDndgAvz-vjCMjxLwQn4WmGMXyy91j24SZIPa0lEhOKmLHF2vZoQatC-lfflrg/s1600/DSCN0627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Aquilegia growing under pine trees</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia growing in full sun</td></tr>
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There are some beautiful varieties out there-just about any color you can imagine! White, yellow, pink, red, purple, black, bi colors, solid colors-you name it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZgMix3GXglb3f21fX9J3cWcpwrtC2KHbi09VOBYiI5iyWfa15wKXNnQFMaVfo98AKMWIGjqlEyF52ormxVAvuoa_L7H8LzPghMpWiI0kka5oR5XS5LzkGa-WX1HoPxsVDA8Qq7g0LsM/s1600/DSCN0641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ZgMix3GXglb3f21fX9J3cWcpwrtC2KHbi09VOBYiI5iyWfa15wKXNnQFMaVfo98AKMWIGjqlEyF52ormxVAvuoa_L7H8LzPghMpWiI0kka5oR5XS5LzkGa-WX1HoPxsVDA8Qq7g0LsM/s1600/DSCN0641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple and pink Aquilegia</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pale pink Aquilegia</td></tr>
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They also have a variety of flower forms-singles, doubles, short spurs, long spurs, without spurs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia chrysantha with long spurs</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Aquilegia (no id) without spurs</td></tr>
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They are super easy from seed-in fact all of mine have come from seed. Don't waste your money buying a plant because Aquilegias are a short-lived perennial. Instead grow them from seed-you can buy seed packets from various retailers or just ask another gardener to share. I have received many seeds from other gardeners. One note though-Aquilegia hybridize readily so they may or may not look like the mother plant. I personally enjoy the surprise I get growing them from seed but if you want true "named" varieties buy the seed packets from the store. Sow seeds or allow them to self-sow every year to ensure you always have the plant around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia vulgaris "Black Barlow" </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia "Winky Series"</td></tr>
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One bonus I truly appreciate in this plant is deer and rabbit resistant. I have a serious rabbit problem and this is one of my plants they avoid nibbling. Squirrels and deer stay away from it too! If you have any of these animal problems this is a must for your garden!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniDLjy1GrK9g8Q-x1I6yq_6uUa797Dt5MwaSu6zztm9mku_Q2IubeVZKzqr_HwgFOwrHxx2YJRmbWQ28JLCGR2gHGqslIzbPLogMNsSjakDCVCe6Al7wmES4ShamPkxSepAWiX_bYU4/s1600/DSCN0624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuniDLjy1GrK9g8Q-x1I6yq_6uUa797Dt5MwaSu6zztm9mku_Q2IubeVZKzqr_HwgFOwrHxx2YJRmbWQ28JLCGR2gHGqslIzbPLogMNsSjakDCVCe6Al7wmES4ShamPkxSepAWiX_bYU4/s1600/DSCN0624.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you are looking to plant for pollinators Aquilegia is a must. It attracts bees as well as Hummingbirds to it's flowers. In my garden the hummingbird favorite seems to be my native Aquilegia canadensis but they do visit the others throughout my gardens and the bees don't seem to have a favorite. The go from on to another without regards to color or style.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64gDRbmTj7q3XaAFlFSHfs_hLwyGzeaRASf8mvkuO7oA1f9XWQ1OqOF3WEW5uPPcCNzi4tOKPq0sogNuPs9xBDEhVCmg6zqck9DGGQVyb9g2v-WxYZDjrzXFPMfi6RW8S0sBccCC8MIg/s1600/DSCN0630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh64gDRbmTj7q3XaAFlFSHfs_hLwyGzeaRASf8mvkuO7oA1f9XWQ1OqOF3WEW5uPPcCNzi4tOKPq0sogNuPs9xBDEhVCmg6zqck9DGGQVyb9g2v-WxYZDjrzXFPMfi6RW8S0sBccCC8MIg/s1600/DSCN0630.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aquilegia canadensis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Aquilegia bloom throughout much of the month of May-but my Aquilegia "Tequila Sunrise" has an extremely long bloom time for the species blooming from May well into the month of June.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9vwLXpOc3jH4UNT7aUVlaaDJthYHd2i6XQkphYtzL3UnyyFb47sofJKaN8vLYZxl48wb41Hgnoh-z25DA8NzvCMuSi2s6iw7S5M8Yi52Xa-pcRhLA-T2Y8e4OlMPMhQsL2mujisO4Dk/s1600/DSCN2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9vwLXpOc3jH4UNT7aUVlaaDJthYHd2i6XQkphYtzL3UnyyFb47sofJKaN8vLYZxl48wb41Hgnoh-z25DA8NzvCMuSi2s6iw7S5M8Yi52Xa-pcRhLA-T2Y8e4OlMPMhQsL2mujisO4Dk/s1600/DSCN2256.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My longest blooming variety-Aquilegia "Tequila Sunrise"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have to admit that this plant is not without it's problems. Leaf miners usually attack my plants every year. It does not harm the plant-it just cause the leaves to look funny. Aphids and spider mites can also be a problem. They also will usually not kill the plant but may cause leaves or flowers to become distorted. Mildew will surface on it's leaves from time to time-but this also will not kill the plant. My solution to all of these problems is not chemicals but to just cut the entire plant down to the crown and throw away (do not compost it). The plant will send up a new flush of leaves in no time and will look good as new. <br />
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Aquilegia do not need any help in the form of fertilizer. I do not fertilize the plants in my garden and they bloom beautifully so save that Miracle Grow for your other plants. The only nutrients my plants receive are those provided by my mulch layer breaking down or a rabbit pooping in the area. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwPywevNQW2bPbxboIC6Mrr4wA9B4-VTiAbNLP9_jChs9NEPt4NMP102Jx2_Xm1rLpxUEnfTJQ0lQj9OjCX4UUxOe9bkgyMx4wtYc63Flrcj2ydkbEnw3XSUXJimgnhV-8d_8RTbVGyQ/s1600/DSCN2254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWwPywevNQW2bPbxboIC6Mrr4wA9B4-VTiAbNLP9_jChs9NEPt4NMP102Jx2_Xm1rLpxUEnfTJQ0lQj9OjCX4UUxOe9bkgyMx4wtYc63Flrcj2ydkbEnw3XSUXJimgnhV-8d_8RTbVGyQ/s1600/DSCN2254.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope this post has given you some incentive to grow this very beautiful and useful plant in your gardens. They are an easy and wonderful addition to your garden and you will not be disappointed! Here are some more varieties to encourage you:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrdpPRSFCDIvXlyNDRkKILCLTPWvjMCfwx7QVZ0GaMYEy4EmDYXKBOE3_H4w14otiJ_fZ0NJ1mb4iupx0bm55OmvYLscNtCsWLLe-igTRNS2iNWg7ThKiqglqrY7j4gX5SUtk2aa_uqM/s1600/DSCN0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrdpPRSFCDIvXlyNDRkKILCLTPWvjMCfwx7QVZ0GaMYEy4EmDYXKBOE3_H4w14otiJ_fZ0NJ1mb4iupx0bm55OmvYLscNtCsWLLe-igTRNS2iNWg7ThKiqglqrY7j4gX5SUtk2aa_uqM/s1600/DSCN0628.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple/Blue Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8gl9AIJ6TMc5uxQwIb6bwnr79S5dUZvOywXdbmZW71JhXeoBi98QqAKTwwGYhLrq9Dd1Fl29Xq_t3pTGigDPAHwpu4QHn0WyYEOpV4gQqbeKNGl4sYsj7oAjkQSKPE8AIpvohjINuCY/s1600/DSCN0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj8gl9AIJ6TMc5uxQwIb6bwnr79S5dUZvOywXdbmZW71JhXeoBi98QqAKTwwGYhLrq9Dd1Fl29Xq_t3pTGigDPAHwpu4QHn0WyYEOpV4gQqbeKNGl4sYsj7oAjkQSKPE8AIpvohjINuCY/s1600/DSCN0629.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrvoiU2Ia32ROGPBsNKFJFbIGC0WUqE5SOYbnIp2Q3s0QIuMMXL6odIedRXFC7zgrQSdJfRHVvg2kxUADD5x2KSTpTenGet5CcmXHoRv2IOvUyWl_aCUdvDEBkE1-4rhor8HQPtJ-v6g/s1600/DSCN0635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYrvoiU2Ia32ROGPBsNKFJFbIGC0WUqE5SOYbnIp2Q3s0QIuMMXL6odIedRXFC7zgrQSdJfRHVvg2kxUADD5x2KSTpTenGet5CcmXHoRv2IOvUyWl_aCUdvDEBkE1-4rhor8HQPtJ-v6g/s1600/DSCN0635.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8g70pahoM88Q-0S5u_8nmxMFShxRZJNSRzvL6jUTGZ1Wri1o2TBdIBo8WwDbaQtssvqeqMZK2tI7Y1iP1SA9tHSgJjcNOnUtZn9qZHzvo2Nswsd3Z6Ty8izfcq1RWQin29X-OHcePWk/s1600/DSCN0638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8g70pahoM88Q-0S5u_8nmxMFShxRZJNSRzvL6jUTGZ1Wri1o2TBdIBo8WwDbaQtssvqeqMZK2tI7Y1iP1SA9tHSgJjcNOnUtZn9qZHzvo2Nswsd3Z6Ty8izfcq1RWQin29X-OHcePWk/s1600/DSCN0638.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrOfTGOV8IqdREXwWPutmET-f1EAI0r7VsRjC8a_C3WwKIJl4ThpUhLLs2P12zQPtMTaMBST1Vg9Q3IQkI4GVCPmI4IxxO7msAC2WbISz4m5rElF5YCDY13dpugW3nnwv4kva5bB-pOw/s1600/DSCN0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrOfTGOV8IqdREXwWPutmET-f1EAI0r7VsRjC8a_C3WwKIJl4ThpUhLLs2P12zQPtMTaMBST1Vg9Q3IQkI4GVCPmI4IxxO7msAC2WbISz4m5rElF5YCDY13dpugW3nnwv4kva5bB-pOw/s1600/DSCN0636.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQHGvBNp1XoEhKnZ7cuMDp-HRP-IEQu7q4Z9lYsKu7_JpIgPRwYcUZhFY0NICRIvizzuONqkNRIy_8g2pMdr12AJVaf_W6j5iTPKznw7RC2OVTnI5p4BPkzkjV9oRhFniWo6jp3sHStg/s1600/DSCN2263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCQHGvBNp1XoEhKnZ7cuMDp-HRP-IEQu7q4Z9lYsKu7_JpIgPRwYcUZhFY0NICRIvizzuONqkNRIy_8g2pMdr12AJVaf_W6j5iTPKznw7RC2OVTnI5p4BPkzkjV9oRhFniWo6jp3sHStg/s1600/DSCN2263.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple Aquilegia</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. As always:<br />
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Happy planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-40473685083671974782015-01-15T20:09:00.000-08:002015-01-15T20:09:28.477-08:00Tips for Feeding Wild BirdsFeeding birds has always been a hobby of mine-I have been doing it for years now and nothing entertains me more than watching the birds feeding. I get rewarded with their antics and their activities and even when I am crabby they make me smile. And nothing tops a visit from a bird that is uncommon in my area. Bird feeding is a rewarding hobby and if you follow these tips it will be rewarding for your feathered friends. <br />
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1. Place feeders in different areas of your yard and garden-this will give all the birds an opportunity to eat not just the "bully" birds like Jays and Starlings.<br />
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2. Provide water year round. I even provide water in winter with this heated birdbath. The birds share it with the other animals that use it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzsLiwNwIwZUtQ3aIzHqTdI2vM9okbgpmyL-JfkJ8Ey_Sc1IJQ_0wjWfDGY9GnitnAoLnIiSIQ2KKMllF1SYtIsd8rLbKccKWo8I-Px0kk2Et_pPFaLIUQrLbudgRCX1YWPQNci69poA/s1600/DSCN4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirzsLiwNwIwZUtQ3aIzHqTdI2vM9okbgpmyL-JfkJ8Ey_Sc1IJQ_0wjWfDGY9GnitnAoLnIiSIQ2KKMllF1SYtIsd8rLbKccKWo8I-Px0kk2Et_pPFaLIUQrLbudgRCX1YWPQNci69poA/s1600/DSCN4660.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heated birdbath</td></tr>
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3. Be consistent if you wish to keep having them return. Don't let your feeders remain empty for a long time between fillings <br />
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4. Have a variety of feeder types available. I have very hungry squirrels in my yard so I have feeders that are "squirrel proof". There are many types available including hanging, platform, tube, suet, and "sock" feeders. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LpYHwTUrtixuhC8L038SCtFV0v-qG6crFJE7Q6X2JdoHYfJJRabIQT0CyQm6luKsdtF7EeJrXwDGurTXj6aQKUmsFjkMUdnJq94waCJ-hlbpf8VOoxGbPAs-o0gJGU40XXm4ld6q4Y/s1600/DSCN4658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1LpYHwTUrtixuhC8L038SCtFV0v-qG6crFJE7Q6X2JdoHYfJJRabIQT0CyQm6luKsdtF7EeJrXwDGurTXj6aQKUmsFjkMUdnJq94waCJ-hlbpf8VOoxGbPAs-o0gJGU40XXm4ld6q4Y/s1600/DSCN4658.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging squirrel resistant feeders</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMSMcLbqyk5YpUx0Y1ps96D5ZlXTWX7K_VKfxTLgLuZ7jQ8BxHFwHMNFC667IG-68RStEfwgx2WNPB8B_nbWibT54ugbNhZsRTLU_wa5Umu9IpN5-hYD32b30NPYY9sWcCTIz08d048s/s1600/DSCN4656.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMSMcLbqyk5YpUx0Y1ps96D5ZlXTWX7K_VKfxTLgLuZ7jQ8BxHFwHMNFC667IG-68RStEfwgx2WNPB8B_nbWibT54ugbNhZsRTLU_wa5Umu9IpN5-hYD32b30NPYY9sWcCTIz08d048s/s1600/DSCN4656.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Squirrel resistant feeder on a pole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOqySoIo3zAuvQpGm7qP_Ap63tJR2WXwID2LROA1kzdBtZPDtGURU1dV1yb1H_pLO5xUglfRO5SyG-RQcYyjeNSdkz62rALSWS5EE7z82xHw69siT0zR1lHlqiFnhVWwayFY0A9Pnku4/s1600/DSCN4468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOqySoIo3zAuvQpGm7qP_Ap63tJR2WXwID2LROA1kzdBtZPDtGURU1dV1yb1H_pLO5xUglfRO5SyG-RQcYyjeNSdkz62rALSWS5EE7z82xHw69siT0zR1lHlqiFnhVWwayFY0A9Pnku4/s1600/DSCN4468.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Platform feeder slightly off of the ground</td></tr>
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5. Don't forget the ground feeders! Birds like Juncos and Turtle Doves prefer to feed on the ground-I usually just throw some down for them under the feeder. I also do this to keep the squirrels from trying to get at the other feeders. It usually helps:-))<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrnI6kOnA48RSOkoiUfgVVcpteBkglzCPVU_FtijATdC72Z9IWkXsWv6ySy35GubOCeUXvAkbR8Tt5o5I3Re8_gK1K6us7aIo_B5V2E-P6yyIE0yUN5kda5Zn8ZFKZGKCeuzPrdfWCsc/s1600/DSCN4655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrnI6kOnA48RSOkoiUfgVVcpteBkglzCPVU_FtijATdC72Z9IWkXsWv6ySy35GubOCeUXvAkbR8Tt5o5I3Re8_gK1K6us7aIo_B5V2E-P6yyIE0yUN5kda5Zn8ZFKZGKCeuzPrdfWCsc/s1600/DSCN4655.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdseed for ground feeders</td></tr>
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6. When choosing a birdseed or a mix don't waste your money on "cheap" birdseed or birdseed that contains a lot of fillers especially <i>Milo and wheat</i>. Very few birds will eat it unless they are starving and it will end up growing under your feeder. Look at the ingredients on the bag: <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNSgQGr4qOOlO_X_v2QP1bfrSIDU_ityuQvg1dP3r9vyvL-ERJXXlpD3upBcsLtrkqFXg8h2GEaUKERUDN3nV8gWlUL2wg3cAwCb2-fOWfJ8y3BszOmvSAJwoa6JL-ExVq7bLMAZMvDQ/s1600/DSCN4464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNSgQGr4qOOlO_X_v2QP1bfrSIDU_ityuQvg1dP3r9vyvL-ERJXXlpD3upBcsLtrkqFXg8h2GEaUKERUDN3nV8gWlUL2wg3cAwCb2-fOWfJ8y3BszOmvSAJwoa6JL-ExVq7bLMAZMvDQ/s1600/DSCN4464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Milo should not be the first ingredient in birdseed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H8z_MZEtASmTqyiX-3oM6NPF5v5h91Uj6nX7Cm9n1U6MP0eRDq1bfm4MFsi1GjPQyHyQ7mwZjKTwnfpTieIjWe3vcw0myTPPHX8xQdNfOunigY2ym-LTamy8h6IOZE6meLDA6E50Cqs/s1600/DSCN4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4H8z_MZEtASmTqyiX-3oM6NPF5v5h91Uj6nX7Cm9n1U6MP0eRDq1bfm4MFsi1GjPQyHyQ7mwZjKTwnfpTieIjWe3vcw0myTPPHX8xQdNfOunigY2ym-LTamy8h6IOZE6meLDA6E50Cqs/s1600/DSCN4466.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This birdseed has a good mix of ingredients-notice no milo</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jz3swTrRwiIkL0SHMe982G9OJw7K2Ci0RDqpcMcxZTLu1Rilco5mJNQpeumTXHzUnii1RLIjUnphIVfROIVGtTy4FHCxn8KgSJSSmqptRznLR9M0fjDdWGvo475kDIxFSWIzupoGBYk/s1600/DSCN4467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jz3swTrRwiIkL0SHMe982G9OJw7K2Ci0RDqpcMcxZTLu1Rilco5mJNQpeumTXHzUnii1RLIjUnphIVfROIVGtTy4FHCxn8KgSJSSmqptRznLR9M0fjDdWGvo475kDIxFSWIzupoGBYk/s1600/DSCN4467.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This birdseed mix is good for Finches-notice no milo</td></tr>
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<b>Don't </b>buy "flavored" birdseed-it is usually artificial and is unnecessary to attract the birds. I have accidentally purchased the "berry" flavored and it made no difference. I really don't think they care.<br />
Another waste of money is safflower-it is expensive and I have never had any of my birds prefer it. If you have an issue with squirrels your best bet is with a squirrel proof feeder. If you want the best all-around bird seed choose black oil sunflower. It appeals to the widest variety of birds including Woodpeckers, Finches, Cardinals, Titmice and Chickadees. You can usually find it on sale and it can be cheaper than most of the mixes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvc7jqVSehkhiqWAgLICJyg3EsXhM27qx5WqrYPa3ZVxwkhQE4ziJ79BB4XF4-dT6VYw5KB7bV0GJ9Cq6k9ZV98wIH6fZdQMlatt-2Xtpyr_0Y2dFpd3iCWJM-2aWmfrRJkPoyqHv2OQ/s1600/DSCN4478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZvc7jqVSehkhiqWAgLICJyg3EsXhM27qx5WqrYPa3ZVxwkhQE4ziJ79BB4XF4-dT6VYw5KB7bV0GJ9Cq6k9ZV98wIH6fZdQMlatt-2Xtpyr_0Y2dFpd3iCWJM-2aWmfrRJkPoyqHv2OQ/s1600/DSCN4478.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50 lb bag of Black Oil sunflower seeds</td></tr>
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Other foods you can provide: suet, mealy worms or bugs, peanuts (unsalted), peanut butter and whole corn. <b>Do not</b> feed your birds processed foods such as white bread, cakes, donuts, etc. These contain additives and chemicals that aren't good for us let alone wildlife. It will also attract unwanted pests like rats and mice and also less desirable birds such as crows and starlings to your yard.<br />
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7. Provide cover for them to fly into to escape potential predators. Shrubs and trees will provide the safety they need to feel better.<br />
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8. Leave seed heads of some of your plants and flowers standing in the Fall and Winter. Plants like Agastache, Rudbeckia, and Echinacea provide another food option for the birds. You can also plant shrubs and trees that provide nuts and berries to provide food for them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGkCxGeNnjxj5WK1QeY_Q9vlXIPwLJsfggXzb7ToosyZkkrT1T7JoyNlcNdmlLS8VO9ekqKto2-uzzuNPcUnUWiBspqURz1XfRWYEKe4o43FejA2DM0dOM-ccMl-sClSXLWe57xZhBVU/s1600/DSCN4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiGkCxGeNnjxj5WK1QeY_Q9vlXIPwLJsfggXzb7ToosyZkkrT1T7JoyNlcNdmlLS8VO9ekqKto2-uzzuNPcUnUWiBspqURz1XfRWYEKe4o43FejA2DM0dOM-ccMl-sClSXLWe57xZhBVU/s1600/DSCN4666.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Keep it clean! Keep your feeders and birdbaths clean to help prevent the spread of diseases that might potentially make the birds sick. Also throw away any seed that has gotten moldy from being wet. Do not leave it in the feeder. Clean up around the bottom of your feeders to remove the hulls from the seed and occasionally move your feeders to keep the area below clean for the ground feeders. Here are a few pics of my visitors:<br />
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10. Enjoy them! I hang a few feeders outside my windows so I can watch them feed especially in the morning when I am drinking my coffee. It is better than TV.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdx5MeTs1bQqlNKAlfnrTp8Kqr1ssnewG2-IPv7-s1Og0piQVrxRzKm854h5Rm4ff84ZaQSAYm1mekjwT-BMyR3A-_dNYJijqqXE-rdD9ciMNd_-r1r5in5axoS3E_OJsKHRLCgUiNt4/s1600/DSCN4487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdx5MeTs1bQqlNKAlfnrTp8Kqr1ssnewG2-IPv7-s1Og0piQVrxRzKm854h5Rm4ff84ZaQSAYm1mekjwT-BMyR3A-_dNYJijqqXE-rdD9ciMNd_-r1r5in5axoS3E_OJsKHRLCgUiNt4/s1600/DSCN4487.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Cardinal at feeder</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_vpyxZy1HCdFTPFBE82CZEZ0bHK_n8F0-y7tgRcslchbjDJsk5MrpUgNkMECDyS4GCmE3UvfUB2SB71r1rmhOmWtorq_38Q43UqYD2nHGyyK7peVSBtTGJQo-_ejas4nq02NWTjXjgg/s1600/DSCN4676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_vpyxZy1HCdFTPFBE82CZEZ0bHK_n8F0-y7tgRcslchbjDJsk5MrpUgNkMECDyS4GCmE3UvfUB2SB71r1rmhOmWtorq_38Q43UqYD2nHGyyK7peVSBtTGJQo-_ejas4nq02NWTjXjgg/s1600/DSCN4676.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle Dove</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWxRwyu1SUq_IUTc7aH7eo6B8yKkwpeMwxylliMbzYGY_Mo6_yMpxRTRf8JNRLhB3NnFs3vckvOogIR5L9QFL9A_vAMYfVjDCv-EWJKg8jQcKKo-79WprANYZUyi2KiRhso-hMV3rrZw/s1600/DSCN4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyWxRwyu1SUq_IUTc7aH7eo6B8yKkwpeMwxylliMbzYGY_Mo6_yMpxRTRf8JNRLhB3NnFs3vckvOogIR5L9QFL9A_vAMYfVjDCv-EWJKg8jQcKKo-79WprANYZUyi2KiRhso-hMV3rrZw/s1600/DSCN4673.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtle Dove junco and Sparrow</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInb0TST4nWD-h5cwX-0MiFyz0C4ps7oSbR7RBs-Z187prCBs8uvVz3oiOPm_BV9sU6pWplRqnb3ZqmYqdNXMyVVsJaiYApnKS5FiJ47XVMbTDf2IQ-A53azw2BbOVJWvah0ktgaNc468/s1600/DSCN4485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInb0TST4nWD-h5cwX-0MiFyz0C4ps7oSbR7RBs-Z187prCBs8uvVz3oiOPm_BV9sU6pWplRqnb3ZqmYqdNXMyVVsJaiYApnKS5FiJ47XVMbTDf2IQ-A53azw2BbOVJWvah0ktgaNc468/s1600/DSCN4485.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue Jay</td></tr>
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If you have any questions, comments or suggestions feel free to leave them below.<br />
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Until next time-Happy Planting!<br />
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Rhonda <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-33455443461516510392015-01-04T16:47:00.000-08:002015-01-04T16:47:15.447-08:00DIY Wax Melts Made by Recycling Old CandlesHave you noticed the price of wax melts? Some of them can be pricey and if you try to be cheap and buy the less expensive brands they don't seem to last as long or smell as wonderful. My solution? Make my own. I originally started this project to make my own using wax I had purchased but along the way I figured out I could do it even cheaper. I did this by using old candles I picked up at a garage sale a long time ago and wax from old candles I had sitting around. I especially loved the fact I found a use for what was left of the Glade candles I had saved for a year. The point: look around and use what you have first. This project is super easy and quick-it won't take any time at all to make them.<br />
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For this project you will need the following:<br />
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1. 8 oz of any kind of wax this was equal to 4 votive candles-use whatever you would like that is similar in scent or use unscented. Some scents just do not go together such as Pumpkin Spice and Lavender. Trust me on this:-))<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdki8X0a9Epvpo7xv5P4Y6GuKPni8TLNRJZq7g0ezJPu-guY01ra2fTrdhYw9fH_ntEWnvCYKNjZqZwwUXHZ8cwD4tFirY-njBaVfO5bawzNZaYudUKEbEkbKit3DxsnOkQ_LPJfLxG0s/s1600/DSCN4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdki8X0a9Epvpo7xv5P4Y6GuKPni8TLNRJZq7g0ezJPu-guY01ra2fTrdhYw9fH_ntEWnvCYKNjZqZwwUXHZ8cwD4tFirY-njBaVfO5bawzNZaYudUKEbEkbKit3DxsnOkQ_LPJfLxG0s/s1600/DSCN4641.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Molds-I use both an ice cube tray and the tray some wax melts came in.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RVTLuNIIg7u9XUaNxr_XDzQrdA722mrrHRarcQV_IgB-uXIzIQqpHXAmGyvr6qBRvrg74BgAOa-AbRQB-TNGBYH2HMjxwB1frvfOAdMruDO2Ijgpsbp4oou3ihO_ExAXp_iK6GR1bzA/s1600/DSCN4616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6RVTLuNIIg7u9XUaNxr_XDzQrdA722mrrHRarcQV_IgB-uXIzIQqpHXAmGyvr6qBRvrg74BgAOa-AbRQB-TNGBYH2HMjxwB1frvfOAdMruDO2Ijgpsbp4oou3ihO_ExAXp_iK6GR1bzA/s1600/DSCN4616.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supplies for making wax melts</td></tr>
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3. Essential oil(s)-between 25-40 drops (depending on the brand) <br />
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if your wax is not very fragrant. Try to make it a scent that works with the scent of the wax you are working with. Some candles did not need an addition of essential oil. These included Glade, Yankee and Colonial brands.<br />
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4. A double boiler system and a mixing tool. Here is what I used:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivgSdlLJn5F_IQOykBr8sq7f7VnDSMfSHxkWACepRFIKGNyLypRNz8z7Ulb5xNHMYAusvJGAN4H3kalHq-CmPHlAKNX43WwjnnfikuCRkmHCYeB18hTucpylN3HmPP7XRwgrz7d6BwwY/s1600/DSCN4592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivgSdlLJn5F_IQOykBr8sq7f7VnDSMfSHxkWACepRFIKGNyLypRNz8z7Ulb5xNHMYAusvJGAN4H3kalHq-CmPHlAKNX43WwjnnfikuCRkmHCYeB18hTucpylN3HmPP7XRwgrz7d6BwwY/s1600/DSCN4592.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melting wax using a double boiler system</td></tr>
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Here are the steps to make your own wax melts:<br />
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1. Remove the tag, wick and the metal collar from the candle and chop up your wax so that it melts easier and faster. Here is how I did votive candles:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRqRdNHUd4784l4YICvcyWtIZEdtH59dEEc87Y0lh2S7fDmo0qOrUkyGBbY6kWI44E55aZ7JQf088_c_I73Jc4i0EsK_hMUFy3eoVxBe4muXro2Szr6mqJTuVFJI3n19SjYhKA8UcqlY/s1600/DSCN4624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWRqRdNHUd4784l4YICvcyWtIZEdtH59dEEc87Y0lh2S7fDmo0qOrUkyGBbY6kWI44E55aZ7JQf088_c_I73Jc4i0EsK_hMUFy3eoVxBe4muXro2Szr6mqJTuVFJI3n19SjYhKA8UcqlY/s1600/DSCN4624.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove tag from votive</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT10uBI2B1Ccsa_MdRS3eiNNA5T_F9AiWBvmSvmRYiB-pUT7b8HEDFPrw26OYrYnegnpssNWz5IiOmLqdLbdybULI564lE628AM90xkPc2ry_WHBVDuuNMZB1fhSGpRYSQJKTyo1WmMKo/s1600/DSCN4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT10uBI2B1Ccsa_MdRS3eiNNA5T_F9AiWBvmSvmRYiB-pUT7b8HEDFPrw26OYrYnegnpssNWz5IiOmLqdLbdybULI564lE628AM90xkPc2ry_WHBVDuuNMZB1fhSGpRYSQJKTyo1WmMKo/s1600/DSCN4625.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ60-Hm3WkRIa2rOIrtGkJjLNIY7PuCTB1epdU5Mj_X4iMLu2NeMAAv3U40TF1RtW32ITddLunXtR3ozm46Gz1uebN3bdRtdcjJ-Hax3Ivj1ME5P0Qzpw0uBhmnSfr_p5hnmg9tJbaWo/s1600/DSCN4626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZ60-Hm3WkRIa2rOIrtGkJjLNIY7PuCTB1epdU5Mj_X4iMLu2NeMAAv3U40TF1RtW32ITddLunXtR3ozm46Gz1uebN3bdRtdcjJ-Hax3Ivj1ME5P0Qzpw0uBhmnSfr_p5hnmg9tJbaWo/s1600/DSCN4626.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remove wick from votive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqQeIeTBi3ZXnBHj4m8gbHTbiQKEcvdFx6YzgHukNdYLCJBn0-wYQhFhDjPqKLK7ibvhYNwOoPheyp7rXMJTl0fLl5AbJf1TZKPvGe4MVcP67cX9HUO2lJcql16Melz5OTTfLC-WK1VM/s1600/DSCN4627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHqQeIeTBi3ZXnBHj4m8gbHTbiQKEcvdFx6YzgHukNdYLCJBn0-wYQhFhDjPqKLK7ibvhYNwOoPheyp7rXMJTl0fLl5AbJf1TZKPvGe4MVcP67cX9HUO2lJcql16Melz5OTTfLC-WK1VM/s1600/DSCN4627.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chop votive </td></tr>
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Here I just cut the wax out of the glass holder (be sure to find the wick and collar and remove it) or you can set it in a pan with a small amount of boiling water for a few seconds to remove it.<br />
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2. Place in your melting container-I used glass:<br />
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3. Place over simmering water:<br />
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4. Melt slowly over simmering (NOT boiling) water:<br />
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5. When almost completely melted (just a few small pieces remaining) remove from the heat and stir until completely melted:<br />
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6. If it needs some scent add it now and gently stir it in. The green wax did not need any but the white votives did:<br />
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7. Pour into your molds:<br />
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8. Allow to cool:<br />
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9. When cool place in your warmer and enjoy!<br />
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If you do not want to use old candles or old wax for this project go ahead and use new wax. The steps are exactly the same. This project works with any kind of wax-soy, beeswax, paraffin etc. Just remember you are not limited. You can also create your own scents this way. I hope you like this money saving project and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them.<br />
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Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-82503814701017901202014-12-28T19:24:00.001-08:002014-12-29T12:05:38.956-08:00Tips on Saving and/or Buying Seed for Woodlanders and Ephemerals <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh1grDS91WPS-XQbUEEOTLEIhtzwv1xDNlqyYM4KUOetEV3j2VggWVUWHORhLImFjz1SBAmhAIhPfoTmWRxQDWJieYKNDu1apEBSWJqk0YbxsZSKRF7BpTl1uQVHzHqTYO0KGNQnKbL4/s1600/DSCN1956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQh1grDS91WPS-XQbUEEOTLEIhtzwv1xDNlqyYM4KUOetEV3j2VggWVUWHORhLImFjz1SBAmhAIhPfoTmWRxQDWJieYKNDu1apEBSWJqk0YbxsZSKRF7BpTl1uQVHzHqTYO0KGNQnKbL4/s1600/DSCN1956.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium sessile</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last week I wrote a post on growing native woodland plants and ephemerals from seed. The link for that post is here: <a href="http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-grow-native-woodland-plants-and.html" target="_blank">http://sproutsandstuff.blogspot.com/2014/12/how-to-grow-native-woodland-plants-and.html</a>. In that post I discussed some tips for success when growing those particular plants but I really did not elaborate on which plants tolerate dry storage and which don't. So this week I will give specifics on saving the seed of some certain plant species and how to keep them "fresh" for later sowing. This also applies to purchased seed-do not purchase seed from the "fresh" list if it is packed and stored dry. Chances are you will have delayed, minimum or no germination at all. I have waited years for many a seed to germinate only to give up and throw them in the compost. It wasn't until I started researching specific plant species that I realized it probably was not me. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGuZ0wn9RbPr3-EG-XpXzF-18m3s_ImkvgTmcpTlO34WN0C5bf7DYDw9N31EJsPtcQ02UzdXK90cC48hmFbpWPOnnF9cQ3V5hr11TfuEIDwVFb-4Mf-n9PcYFipG36G5vllKbYrXHxX8/s1600/DSCN2517.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGuZ0wn9RbPr3-EG-XpXzF-18m3s_ImkvgTmcpTlO34WN0C5bf7DYDw9N31EJsPtcQ02UzdXK90cC48hmFbpWPOnnF9cQ3V5hr11TfuEIDwVFb-4Mf-n9PcYFipG36G5vllKbYrXHxX8/s1600/DSCN2517.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arisaema dracontium</td></tr>
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Most ephemerals and quite a few woodland species are what botany experts call "hydrophilic" meaning they are intolerant of dry storage. So much of your success on growing these plants from seed is based on their storage. In the seed trade you will find some seed sellers list that their seeds are either stored "fresh", dry/cold storage or dry storage. For this reason it is important to know the species of the plant in order to know not only it's germination requirements but also it's seed storage requirements. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwj4KPWFAr4hmIyC6H2cTri97p-lZQ621NCwsFD-duiozxEkuSBGNt6nML1eSIX6JsP_yxtVewPnRmEE2q0a8UNmuu-ynKs5-YHQ3e6nOPCi08DIVYxPnZdcMldw1-Dn0GIWlJ2WVXP0/s1600/DSCN1951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwj4KPWFAr4hmIyC6H2cTri97p-lZQ621NCwsFD-duiozxEkuSBGNt6nML1eSIX6JsP_yxtVewPnRmEE2q0a8UNmuu-ynKs5-YHQ3e6nOPCi08DIVYxPnZdcMldw1-Dn0GIWlJ2WVXP0/s1600/DSCN1951.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mertensia virginica</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In order for seeds to be packed "fresh" they need to be cleaned then stored in moist medium (usually vermiculite or sand). Here is how to pack your seeds when they need to be stored "fresh":<br />
1. Place your seeds in a strainer and run them under water to clean them. If they are fleshy you will want to squish them between your fingers to remove the pulp. Rinse thoroughly and remove debris.<br />
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2. Remove them from strainer and place on damp paper towel.<br />
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3. Put some sand or vermiculite in a container and dampen it. It does not need to be soaking wet.<br />
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4. Add your seeds and mix them with your vermiculite or sand:<br />
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5. Label a plastic bag with the seed name:<br />
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6. Add your seeds and close up. I will usually store mine in the refrigerator until I trade or sow them unless the seeds require a warm-cold-warm treatment (if they do then I proceed with the warm treatment).<br />
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<br />
The following species should be sown when ripe or kept "fresh" for optimum germination (this is NOT a complete list-it is only a list of species I have dealt with):<br />
<br />
<br />
Amenopsis (not native)<br />
Anemone (some)<br />
Aralia (some)<br />
Asarum<br />
Caltha<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectO9Za2K3pvu8eRk30npX16zcOkADmEolwmuFfCEGGj1bekLDRsX1SW5KwoHPNLD25c8yD5T0uY7wbel3lTNuaETAuovaCPUIXvjk3tjK3ude268yJ8PSIRDjQl0yNpg97srM2iYZY8/s1600/DSCN1810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiectO9Za2K3pvu8eRk30npX16zcOkADmEolwmuFfCEGGj1bekLDRsX1SW5KwoHPNLD25c8yD5T0uY7wbel3lTNuaETAuovaCPUIXvjk3tjK3ude268yJ8PSIRDjQl0yNpg97srM2iYZY8/s1600/DSCN1810.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caltha palustris</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Caullophyllum<br />
Chrysogonum<br />
Claytonia <br />
Clintonia<br />
Cornus (some) <br />
Hydrastis (Goldenseal)<br />
Jeffersonia (Twinleaf)<br />
Helleborus (not native)<br />
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<br />
Hepatica<br />
Maianthemum<br />
Mertensia<br />
Pachysandra<br />
Panax<br />
Podophyllum<br />
Polygonatum<br />
Sanguinaria (Bloodroot)<br />
Smilicina<br />
Spigelia<br />
Streptopus <br />
Stylophorum<br />
Trillium<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYP1U3cfHh-ZVrdw7bug21FuokQfp2OwrM5TISBdwIlhqU3XtUFFu2mGoUd_w9F5AgWLumBC19XKOj_vFpwHUsDNnu8lSwIfAHZ6SH1oxEQw_y9IN0b5C75j-xGtNRop3f29QgSpTgbQ/s1600/DSCN1941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnYP1U3cfHh-ZVrdw7bug21FuokQfp2OwrM5TISBdwIlhqU3XtUFFu2mGoUd_w9F5AgWLumBC19XKOj_vFpwHUsDNnu8lSwIfAHZ6SH1oxEQw_y9IN0b5C75j-xGtNRop3f29QgSpTgbQ/s1600/DSCN1941.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trillium grandiflorum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Uvullaria<br />
<br />
<br />
Some species of seeds can be stored dry but their viability will drop off quickly if not sown within a reasonable amount of time. Some of them will have their viability drop off quickly. Below is a list of species that can tolerate dry or dry/cold storage but remember that they can lose viability after a period of time:<br />
<br />
Aconitum<br />
Actaea (I prefer to store mine "fresh" for better germination)<br />
Anemonella<br />
Anemone (some)<br />
Aquilegia <br />
Arisaema (I prefer to store mine "fresh" for better germination)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxnGW4VmeFhZrK-oqRrJXrCht6oNBnZsVbe2OEu6QZ3dgjI17VrtC2WdBU5EWVBSpeFleSzS8cP72g7GZPYi_c7BCe9sBTvx_KA-u7CQlr51NzakLXOqRx76U7odu2jN5n1iVVJM7tUo/s1600/DSCN1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxnGW4VmeFhZrK-oqRrJXrCht6oNBnZsVbe2OEu6QZ3dgjI17VrtC2WdBU5EWVBSpeFleSzS8cP72g7GZPYi_c7BCe9sBTvx_KA-u7CQlr51NzakLXOqRx76U7odu2jN5n1iVVJM7tUo/s1600/DSCN1937.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arisaema triphyllum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Calla <br />
Chamaelerium<br />
Cimifuga<br />
Clematis (some)<br />
Delphinium<br />
Dentaria<br />
Dicentra<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzCB1MHY5gOHqbVDCZwXKhQxj1LCMaLTmUuiDUqVDHLgbHqfVFvRbLFztuRNbvdp8rk6XzJk7jChwqP62OGd9fMxbfMpeuzQ_wUcA70WN-6Si6XcJif7TDfZ_6t0PwtCytYInY23GGI/s1600/DSCN1839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukzCB1MHY5gOHqbVDCZwXKhQxj1LCMaLTmUuiDUqVDHLgbHqfVFvRbLFztuRNbvdp8rk6XzJk7jChwqP62OGd9fMxbfMpeuzQ_wUcA70WN-6Si6XcJif7TDfZ_6t0PwtCytYInY23GGI/s1600/DSCN1839.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dicentra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Disporum<br />
Epigaea<br />
Erythronium <br />
Galax<br />
Geranium<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDbeBLIKl7kLwcPSW1G4eDrvZA0J-Fjfi80wFVZL9r51S5RgjEPjciUgV1e2lr_UTJWbOpXPaUvS-3EVdthWdrUsSQhSU2oHE9NclwewqGIbjVs06uDbwWp6W2DR2Y1K2-S1zRwdAR64/s1600/DSCN1940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDbeBLIKl7kLwcPSW1G4eDrvZA0J-Fjfi80wFVZL9r51S5RgjEPjciUgV1e2lr_UTJWbOpXPaUvS-3EVdthWdrUsSQhSU2oHE9NclwewqGIbjVs06uDbwWp6W2DR2Y1K2-S1zRwdAR64/s1600/DSCN1940.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium maculatum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Helonias<br />
Mitchella <br />
Polemonium<br />
Thalictrum<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstc8deVcrH8CnffXAe1TH4mGb2sAQw98qgofse2Sec6amCuXRZ8UERTLbDTYwcHVpD5TG9eygRn9G2yGyk3noyYZKo7KIhri_7bLGFWfrKhcVOnHm9FR8xv1DVk2-vQ4IbauKKT8J7XA/s1600/DSCN1840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgstc8deVcrH8CnffXAe1TH4mGb2sAQw98qgofse2Sec6amCuXRZ8UERTLbDTYwcHVpD5TG9eygRn9G2yGyk3noyYZKo7KIhri_7bLGFWfrKhcVOnHm9FR8xv1DVk2-vQ4IbauKKT8J7XA/s1600/DSCN1840.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thalictrum dioicum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Tiarella<br />
Tradescantia<br />
Veronicastrum<br />
Viola <br />
<br />
Just know that when dealing with with any seed saving or storing it is best to do research on the species to ensure you handle them appropriately. Research, research, research! Also, if you are dealing with any of these species or any other ephemerals they are best sown immediately after ripening if at all possible. Follow these tips and you can be successful storing and propagating them at a later date.<br />
<br />
I hope this post has been useful for you-if you have any questions or comments just leave them below.<br />
<br />
As always-Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-15562192954048195512014-12-20T19:18:00.002-08:002014-12-29T12:04:41.616-08:00Tips on Growing Native Woodland Plants and Ephemerals from Seed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzhDZrh5hOWKqPA6oy7Of7-uaIQuC4pZXaa9MCq96UVsVT4GnlK6UXm025FbNxNEOLghtlc7eRxWxoOKCsLKRAEWc0OKL1tKOkM_6Tc-cPFOsbejUrIq0Ogy76Xtr9SmpGAOXbZt01dU/s1600/DSCN2275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzhDZrh5hOWKqPA6oy7Of7-uaIQuC4pZXaa9MCq96UVsVT4GnlK6UXm025FbNxNEOLghtlc7eRxWxoOKCsLKRAEWc0OKL1tKOkM_6Tc-cPFOsbejUrIq0Ogy76Xtr9SmpGAOXbZt01dU/s1600/DSCN2275.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Geranium maculatum is easy from seed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Do you want to add native plants to your garden but find they can be a little pricey? Most native plant nurseries can charge an arm and a leg just for a small division of a plant and rightly so. Native plants-especially woodlanders and ephemerals-can take a long time to reach a size they can sell. This means that they have a lot of time and money invested in their plants. One solution to the high cost of acquiring these plants is through seed propagation. For less than the cost of 1 plant you can purchase a pack of seeds (usually around 20) and grow them yourself. Now I have to warn you-sometimes this requires patience. It isn't like growing a pack of Zinnias. You might not get germination a week after sowing but if you treat the native plant seed as required you will have success with seeds and will be greatly rewarded. <br />
<br />
Through seed propagation I have slowly increased my collection of plants including native plants over the last few years. I do this by either purchasing seed from a reliable source or from collecting my own seed. I have had both successes and failures with this-but at least I didn't have a huge amount of money invested in the failures. As I stated earlier-growing natives from seed is not for the impatient. While some native plants are easy and quick to germinate from seed such as Agastache or Rudbeckia others such as Lilium and Clintonia can take a very long time. The key to growing Ephemerals and woodlanders is <i>FRESH SEED or seed that is stored correctly. </i><br />
<i> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxtFcN4i0GB6n74Ls3nOBVfemXTAgQbpVnHZgsTOQsZTw2WuQyUcHT94-o9wZivZCu9qfgVXBSDLwlJvbJ7ENuStBH273-1Hggij8XQsZSK5hwY1flinLtdqwX6Wn4bqTLOcTtwS0iw0/s1600/DSCN0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxtFcN4i0GB6n74Ls3nOBVfemXTAgQbpVnHZgsTOQsZTw2WuQyUcHT94-o9wZivZCu9qfgVXBSDLwlJvbJ7ENuStBH273-1Hggij8XQsZSK5hwY1flinLtdqwX6Wn4bqTLOcTtwS0iw0/s1600/DSCN0461.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uvularia spp. should be kept "fresh" or sown immediately</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDfoGMQ-6CDhA-BC-UdPBxbES8xyiz3WqKAt8xoxJrsOTrujrs9MdL7hXncFC37MeVGHvdaXhxdfS1PlvDS2VqC93dJr7WXQH5kb8z5xCDCIHLDSxbGkfqGz8MOKGcCOrUKtLPZ0gYwg/s1600/DSCN1117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTDfoGMQ-6CDhA-BC-UdPBxbES8xyiz3WqKAt8xoxJrsOTrujrs9MdL7hXncFC37MeVGHvdaXhxdfS1PlvDS2VqC93dJr7WXQH5kb8z5xCDCIHLDSxbGkfqGz8MOKGcCOrUKtLPZ0gYwg/s1600/DSCN1117.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lilium superbum took 5 years to bloom from seed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCurcNxH2GJdMF5pStJwV12xZG431JLxUzfoBnNVfa2R7gmpMHzVHQLhKYU1oZ0cu9md7k5ZvAZU6L_bPhSvPtBMHuLifDYc74tWrNgyhx5Z9aULWBityzH0YPOn-FKmCf_RcI_L4wmYg/s1600/DSCN3374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCurcNxH2GJdMF5pStJwV12xZG431JLxUzfoBnNVfa2R7gmpMHzVHQLhKYU1oZ0cu9md7k5ZvAZU6L_bPhSvPtBMHuLifDYc74tWrNgyhx5Z9aULWBityzH0YPOn-FKmCf_RcI_L4wmYg/s1600/DSCN3374.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rudbeckia triloba is very easy to grow from seed</td></tr>
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One confession I do need to make-once in a while I will purchase a mature plant just for the possibility of getting seeds from the plant especially if my attempts at germination have failed. I have done this with Asarum canadense or Canada Ginger. I had tried a few times to have success growing Canada Ginger from seed with no luck. So a few years ago I purchased a couple of pots of it from my local Master Gardener's sale just so I had it finally. No worries though-they were cheap:-)) Now I can get seed from my own plants or let them slowly spread on their own. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtaImFmKgAB2lS5CmTnQi4qUr-WVGaVqrRdN9sIfvlLfABZ8UDsWp00owJ7CmSFWCxShTdOq0giEviNluKi3lMxb2Djlan25oLHwagOIk9bYc8HqaMRh2nnfEqnHYw4tX0jKQoQsDrCA/s1600/DSCN2279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtaImFmKgAB2lS5CmTnQi4qUr-WVGaVqrRdN9sIfvlLfABZ8UDsWp00owJ7CmSFWCxShTdOq0giEviNluKi3lMxb2Djlan25oLHwagOIk9bYc8HqaMRh2nnfEqnHYw4tX0jKQoQsDrCA/s1600/DSCN2279.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Asarum canadense flower </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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Once my native plants reach seed producing size I collect and save the seeds or plant them immediately depending on the species. I find that native woodlanders and ephemerals do best sown immediately or if you want to save them keep them "fresh". By this I mean that you clean them and then store them in damp vermiculite in the refrigerator until you plan on sowing them. Below are some pics of how to sow immediately (direct sow) for best germination rates:<br />
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1. Locate a plant with seeds that have ripened (different plant seeds ripen at different times).<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvc7_GAsRdAYY6PTi7bvaQEqcXNAc3CaI9YUcgSVDLzNp3UCQ2cSFJPYrMS33LcANT832D_LHJMT0ojPjUmcVypfABoVoMj1lXeT_1Naw6IS0lvl-1fCair4oMphWrWBF02FfdOMQFcc/s1600/DSCN3465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvc7_GAsRdAYY6PTi7bvaQEqcXNAc3CaI9YUcgSVDLzNp3UCQ2cSFJPYrMS33LcANT832D_LHJMT0ojPjUmcVypfABoVoMj1lXeT_1Naw6IS0lvl-1fCair4oMphWrWBF02FfdOMQFcc/s1600/DSCN3465.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maianthemum racemosum (False Solomon's Seal) with ripened seeds</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tHyYks-cc2HkunZsA2IjUAFtS1vD7xz5i_BkHLPNN5SY5o-sz0s7hUJJpH-V1An4hOhXbVmcPPZOzfeslkUej1AepzYQb0p3xoET-gyFLSP69iU287h9eiDGYlIi8FBNBVP6uWcZCdk/s1600/DSCN3464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tHyYks-cc2HkunZsA2IjUAFtS1vD7xz5i_BkHLPNN5SY5o-sz0s7hUJJpH-V1An4hOhXbVmcPPZOzfeslkUej1AepzYQb0p3xoET-gyFLSP69iU287h9eiDGYlIi8FBNBVP6uWcZCdk/s1600/DSCN3464.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arisaema tripyhllum (Jack in the Pulpit) with ripened seeds</td></tr>
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2. Pull seeds off of the plant (note: use gloves-some plants have seeds that can be toxic/irritating to the skin).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4wr1Xrho16_550loRtgwUpMjxHV6vkK9_wcJYjIgSBdo0_i5vD6FbSl-3TcsgWPh9JKUhJ6xd_1dw-Q4TCIBBqJK2ALx8CulW45aRKI-LgRuWUSjK1NX4H6K9O9cyCcTmxFtoFyBRis/s1600/DSCN3482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4wr1Xrho16_550loRtgwUpMjxHV6vkK9_wcJYjIgSBdo0_i5vD6FbSl-3TcsgWPh9JKUhJ6xd_1dw-Q4TCIBBqJK2ALx8CulW45aRKI-LgRuWUSjK1NX4H6K9O9cyCcTmxFtoFyBRis/s1600/DSCN3482.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
3. Squish seeds in your hands (with gloves on) to loosen the seed coat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksuvViKiRg3cNUKdI1wy4c4Aa0sq04nko5fTAsAS3ORjoLwkhUEr-LP8Kag2e1kp9FCnunt8EwMXVXYKARCc0PPriYkMfKlEH1HQpI5LIkSQWtVkKYN8aj6LvHfEH7e6N-d-u2JvDu2s/s1600/DSCN3484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhksuvViKiRg3cNUKdI1wy4c4Aa0sq04nko5fTAsAS3ORjoLwkhUEr-LP8Kag2e1kp9FCnunt8EwMXVXYKARCc0PPriYkMfKlEH1HQpI5LIkSQWtVkKYN8aj6LvHfEH7e6N-d-u2JvDu2s/s1600/DSCN3484.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Sow seeds in suitable location where you would like them to grow. Be sure to pull back any mulch.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGyTndQbSclA05TKrVn3AHaYcWBCaoLCoYYVUZJKAmiacjInEjDCMrJn2s20oOCY3yxQt4JtHSoQdXkL8jDA36ou7Gomwg3bq72QpNEZ7URu_SJWR-iA8Kv0rp_sSHpK96_Cm9THy8U0/s1600/DSCN3486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGyTndQbSclA05TKrVn3AHaYcWBCaoLCoYYVUZJKAmiacjInEjDCMrJn2s20oOCY3yxQt4JtHSoQdXkL8jDA36ou7Gomwg3bq72QpNEZ7URu_SJWR-iA8Kv0rp_sSHpK96_Cm9THy8U0/s1600/DSCN3486.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
5. Cover up with mulch and wait:-))<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYxRBVzAtOOKdvHBr2097keLAUgTlesn-a8u-yFfLPxFNYWlFONJvhItx94KfM9IzwK57tx2C1tNxGEDwSbblsHshaH4lSj625hEb2O0gX3i7EoL4sJCJxtYTYvNwJYQhoYb5shmBnYI/s1600/DSCN3487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYxRBVzAtOOKdvHBr2097keLAUgTlesn-a8u-yFfLPxFNYWlFONJvhItx94KfM9IzwK57tx2C1tNxGEDwSbblsHshaH4lSj625hEb2O0gX3i7EoL4sJCJxtYTYvNwJYQhoYb5shmBnYI/s1600/DSCN3487.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
6. You should have germination the following Spring or Summer.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BpQ-J80pEbn9zGc_6R0aqMmhxsWZDqgPJor_BYCvA5fT8wXKJ8AEuWrIZXwX185jiGBL0KAoU9g7XC4oXs9kPtC8SQ5K6JyLfh1Gv6D0FIXuVUST13xMZCPneOQO0ncQBCBeDh5qwG4/s1600/DSCN3488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0BpQ-J80pEbn9zGc_6R0aqMmhxsWZDqgPJor_BYCvA5fT8wXKJ8AEuWrIZXwX185jiGBL0KAoU9g7XC4oXs9kPtC8SQ5K6JyLfh1Gv6D0FIXuVUST13xMZCPneOQO0ncQBCBeDh5qwG4/s1600/DSCN3488.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">False Solomon's Seal from the previous Fall</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP0y6fT7vq0Kk35jNIKFw5JeFT0s6SqLz-fs4HT0K5NSwRPLc0ZETWP6u2kmEMwJbnpFN5MuJ00_qsmzBh694-yA_0Qu49A-xZr9vSMLyfI5s1is09VWxnFEQyW1o-33BCqt3kmk9aU4/s1600/DSCN0532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRP0y6fT7vq0Kk35jNIKFw5JeFT0s6SqLz-fs4HT0K5NSwRPLc0ZETWP6u2kmEMwJbnpFN5MuJ00_qsmzBh694-yA_0Qu49A-xZr9vSMLyfI5s1is09VWxnFEQyW1o-33BCqt3kmk9aU4/s1600/DSCN0532.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit) seedlings sown last Fall</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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If you have critters like squirrels you might want to protect the area until the plants are large enough to hold their own. I have lost many a plant from squirrels digging or rabbits tasting and nothing is worse.<br />
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If you purchase seeds you can handle them the same way. Just find a location, pull back the mulch, throw the seeds down and recover with the mulch. If the seeds are viable you should have germination (in some instances it can take a couple years). I have purchased Panax (Ginseng) seeds online and sowed them like this and had pretty decent germination.<br />
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Another way I have had success starting native plants is with wintersowing. Wintersowing is a process of sowing your seeds in a container and letting nature take it's course. It is very similar to Fall seeding except you use containers to give protection from animals and the elements. I have been using this process since 2007 and have had wonderful success with it. I will be doing a post on wintersowing in the future but if you want to know how to do it now here is a link to learn more: <a href="http://wintersown.org/" target="_blank">http://wintersown.org/</a>. You can also visit the Gardenweb Forum dedicated to wintersowing here: <a href="http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/wtrsow/" target="_blank">http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/wtrsow/</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVctK2AuSAbWqjtM7v683y-5rjjZ2e1sHjXZIMVncYlglaJUeLXM4UeaVTmpI8A04G1PlgFHrA-rWB7Flb6tU-UV_Ll-Qusf_VFiKiyTu1egv7yG2cKVtqYHueB1P5W4zPpAqUsrDlsAc/s1600/DSCN0749.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aralia nudicaulis seedlings that were wintersown</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cEp712BcuY0tgLWjCezFN86tKHEijZVq0Mcv1PpMHaDsBpF7zJl0WXSLYMm8FSf8u-wblaRs-kNayLc4326ylCqQUzzX2qnyJd1xxjijRIwwUhzxY4ldrBbHKEI65Zry40fMIT6YfpE/s1600/100_0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-cEp712BcuY0tgLWjCezFN86tKHEijZVq0Mcv1PpMHaDsBpF7zJl0WXSLYMm8FSf8u-wblaRs-kNayLc4326ylCqQUzzX2qnyJd1xxjijRIwwUhzxY4ldrBbHKEI65Zry40fMIT6YfpE/s1600/100_0487.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Variety of plants grown using the wintersown method</td></tr>
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Now, if you don't have seeds but want to purchase them I suggest you purchase from a reputable source. Most native woodlander and ephemeral seed is not treated correctly and when it is not your probability of germination drops dramatically. I have ordered and received seed from plants such as Trillium and Uvullaria that was stored dry. This seed had low if any germination at all. If the source of your seed does not state whether it is packed fresh then ask them how it is treated. Don't waste your money on seeds that aren't packed fresh-the dry/cold storage some seed sellers use is not enough to keep the seeds viable. If you are looking for a reliable source I suggest <a href="http://gardensnorth.com/site/" target="_blank">http://gardensnorth.com/site/</a>. All of her seed is of excellent quality, gives planting instructions and is properly packaged according to requirements. She also has an excellent variety of seeds that is totally <i>drool-worthy.</i> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwCvpCfDW5cyEnH9TkYYvEaDgMPh6I9eWC2FU7KW_y6nGrzYkTzxqMCMZCANq3P4eZY0pE5shFr4fPRtvIs94e5y9dt5fBsR1nCFkKGmkjbpcCJa0uafkwsc1W6EDl-58fkcjezlo2x4/s1600/100_1371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwCvpCfDW5cyEnH9TkYYvEaDgMPh6I9eWC2FU7KW_y6nGrzYkTzxqMCMZCANq3P4eZY0pE5shFr4fPRtvIs94e5y9dt5fBsR1nCFkKGmkjbpcCJa0uafkwsc1W6EDl-58fkcjezlo2x4/s1600/100_1371.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stylophorum diphyllum that was wintersown</td></tr>
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You might be asking yourself "How do I know how a certain plant species needs to be treated?" I say find yourself an informative source to use. My go-to book for this subject is <i>The New England Wild Flower Society Guide To Growing and Propagating Wildflowers of the United States and Canada. </i>It is a bit expensive but it has been an excellent source of information on almost all of the native plants I grow. I purchased it off of Amazon.com a few years ago. I also use an online source for information regarding all kinds of seed information. The link is:<a href="http://tomclothier.hort.net/" target="_blank">http://tomclothier.hort.net/</a>. You can also use Google to find information on germinating individual species. I find I get the correct information I need when using the Latin name of the plant when doing Google searches.<br />
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Another important thing to remember when trying to grow woodlanders and ephemerals is making sure they are sited correctly when planting them out. You don't want to take the time to grow one of these plants from seed to only have it perish from being planted in the wrong conditions. So make sure that when you do your research to find out how to grow the plant also get it's growing conditions. You won't have much luck growing Panax in full sun and sand or a cactus in damp shade so remember "Right Plant, Right Place". <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr5CfiU6B0w8VSdtzadI0hk-s5YRaS82kpSxRTAcdlxxudoqWTkElTCo5MvueH-KY_s3P1fEaTfoHZGuuYir7bDZr-QRdDT1kkKkmONHm4u3ufZaQocTc96zozJCcVSyiF_Fn4xjLOn4/s1600/100_1384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxr5CfiU6B0w8VSdtzadI0hk-s5YRaS82kpSxRTAcdlxxudoqWTkElTCo5MvueH-KY_s3P1fEaTfoHZGuuYir7bDZr-QRdDT1kkKkmONHm4u3ufZaQocTc96zozJCcVSyiF_Fn4xjLOn4/s1600/100_1384.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mertensia virginica growing in shade in rich well-drained soil</td></tr>
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So for success just remember these tips for seed propagation of woodlanders and ephemerals:<br />
1. Buy from a reputable source.<br />
2. Do your research. <br />
3. Find a method that works for you and for the seed.<br />
4. Be patient! <br />
5. Right plant, right place<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g9x6h7JmLcemY9ZiDGvHxMUU7-uHdgDoCzeo0WoXn81bpzk8lTgByL05sFWM0J6lS7VVR80Ig4uyIEGvOpOhi2De2XyWR4wmJx-OU4CGZht4STt0mjVL5JD8hxWljQ3do192v0UbJfI/s1600/100_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_g9x6h7JmLcemY9ZiDGvHxMUU7-uHdgDoCzeo0WoXn81bpzk8lTgByL05sFWM0J6lS7VVR80Ig4uyIEGvOpOhi2De2XyWR4wmJx-OU4CGZht4STt0mjVL5JD8hxWljQ3do192v0UbJfI/s1600/100_1406.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seedlings from various plants I have direct sowed in the Fall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I hope I have given you the information you need to be successful at growing your own woodland plants from seed. I know that if it wasn't for seed propagation I would not be able to afford to grow as many species of plants in my garden as I have now. This information is also useful to expand the amount of existing plants you have without having to dig them up and divide them. I find dividing my woodlanders a little bit too invasive for my taste and they can grow quite slowly so sometimes it is not an option. If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below. And as always-<br />
<br />
Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-2174781257595998062014-12-01T09:37:00.000-08:002014-12-01T09:37:06.675-08:00Reasons Why You Should Grow Thyme-It's Not Just For Herb GardensIf you had to choose one herb to grow in your garden what would it be? For me it would be Thyme. I love it and can't imagine not having it. There are many reasons why I love this plant-but the main reason is the fragrance. Heck-that is really the main reason I grow herbs in the first place. Thyme is highly aromatic that begs to be touched to release it's odor. I just love walking past it and giving it a rub so that I can get a whiff. I grow different varieties of Thyme in my garden-but my favorite is Common Thyme or Thymus vulgaris.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJeDDcRvKLf6tySZVzlXFxoe549m9eGSVuB1kbJjyAGtu2qAZx_VLx5Sl5kwOunLBix0HtHZ6c8Yu29HEc7Dr5HPOSYJIFK-Ui9eqoH3bGd35DpflCY2k8Zakz6udAX4-N-INs9pbmng/s1600/DSCN4424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBJeDDcRvKLf6tySZVzlXFxoe549m9eGSVuB1kbJjyAGtu2qAZx_VLx5Sl5kwOunLBix0HtHZ6c8Yu29HEc7Dr5HPOSYJIFK-Ui9eqoH3bGd35DpflCY2k8Zakz6udAX4-N-INs9pbmng/s1600/DSCN4424.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme growing indoors in a sunny window</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TWilwGgkCmWPit0jCTdcDqpx1Om9xChkAWPKgQdOgTeKYRV4JkU61dlOY0EnhDQvEDDAdqcYds6OscHM9tGCChOXjZQzZf2XG6_q148rQnWOEhBRdmY2H-_dgoLWNkLJN5ZJhUckQbw/s1600/DSCN4422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TWilwGgkCmWPit0jCTdcDqpx1Om9xChkAWPKgQdOgTeKYRV4JkU61dlOY0EnhDQvEDDAdqcYds6OscHM9tGCChOXjZQzZf2XG6_q148rQnWOEhBRdmY2H-_dgoLWNkLJN5ZJhUckQbw/s1600/DSCN4422.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme growing outside zone 5</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Here are some reasons to grow Thyme in your garden:<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is easy to propagate-</b>you can either start this plant from seed or from cuttings. I usually grow mine from seed and never had an issue with germination. I both wintersow and start them indoors under lights.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is easy to grow</b>-all it needs is well drained soil and plenty of sun. They do not necessarily need full sun-I have success growing Thyme in part shade in my gardens. It is also one of the easiest herbs to overwinter indoors.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is delicious</b>-it works in all kinds of recipes and soups and works well with other herbs. I especially like using it with garlic in recipes and in soups. Just trim off sprigs with a pair of scissors when you need it.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme has many varieties to choose from</b>-not only is there common Thyme but there are lemon scented, orange scented, caraway scented, variegated, wooly, the list goes on.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc24vd1bGRamWJik4ink9J_stj-N45OsISMFZiBYpgaEPWv8BxtK-Oe00wM3BNxxvv3S_9EvNO2S130IkywOoGn9757XrWqAOWunTe9nbe1gZOZQEAREnSU2TKvpslOCLFOQ6iAECJ20/s1600/DSCN1187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRc24vd1bGRamWJik4ink9J_stj-N45OsISMFZiBYpgaEPWv8BxtK-Oe00wM3BNxxvv3S_9EvNO2S130IkywOoGn9757XrWqAOWunTe9nbe1gZOZQEAREnSU2TKvpslOCLFOQ6iAECJ20/s1600/DSCN1187.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wooly Thyme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme is a hardy perennial</b>-grows in zones 4-9. It might need to be mulched heavily in the northern part of the growing zone.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwKFf9KSrFwA40DK1thFdYNBP9jQ9a6YosxWzbLxnSCiXMIvTJWUecO51z8IbYI-l5VwBXsB45lnN94CC-5f0riLmnZjwl72ozEcX6qTKwS8sbAMOP1Oe38nCUMePJ-BZUxdk0qrKDpU/s1600/DSCN4421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQwKFf9KSrFwA40DK1thFdYNBP9jQ9a6YosxWzbLxnSCiXMIvTJWUecO51z8IbYI-l5VwBXsB45lnN94CC-5f0riLmnZjwl72ozEcX6qTKwS8sbAMOP1Oe38nCUMePJ-BZUxdk0qrKDpU/s1600/DSCN4421.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Lemon Thyme in winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme works well with other plants</b>-not only do I grow it in a container, I have it growing in my flower beds with my perennials.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkWqP3V6EbBBVDTGEyTYobSG7kRVJdTYGl2UYeLmtOyrNb1YamhnqGfBkA55WYQ0Oym9DCISMZGgBw07LAh0wwT-QXpqYWGLnirmhJXVlk30I6CKnNAX4-2vdolTy2_QqOTZNFMTNrrtA/s1600/DSCN1209.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">White flowered variegated Thyme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme makes and excellent ground cover</b>-varieties such as Wooly Thyme, Creeping Thyme and Mother of Thyme are short and make excellent ground covers along walkways and edges. They are also a great addition to Fairy gardens and Rock gardens.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkBGj1oh0dUM8m319Afqdz2sZ1SIb-cv67H-maihVogCdBQX1JggWDhnYGuSs3rKAeOOy4r9UE68c45a1QBDRmujT1b3LmbeeyJpHeFviZ35tVPuqVljtFfyJ5vah-4wus7OAjLb8jlw/s1600/DSCN4416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEkBGj1oh0dUM8m319Afqdz2sZ1SIb-cv67H-maihVogCdBQX1JggWDhnYGuSs3rKAeOOy4r9UE68c45a1QBDRmujT1b3LmbeeyJpHeFviZ35tVPuqVljtFfyJ5vah-4wus7OAjLb8jlw/s1600/DSCN4416.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Twist of Lemon" Thyme makes a great aromatic ground cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme is deer and rabbit resistant</b>-because of it's pungent odor it is rarely ever bothered by critters in my garden.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHpUfK8XDUJ3GblcYrvV1mAOHT1IWNiiSOfRKnvAtGPu1XirnCER9Ur71zrxFiySpJT9qN34jvrzMd6jW7C2aIZIxUgFkyxNCbPL99Mupl9jYhc6dqLa8RMbl62Y5S3Yd4tDC_loISA/s1600/DSCN2857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhMHpUfK8XDUJ3GblcYrvV1mAOHT1IWNiiSOfRKnvAtGPu1XirnCER9Ur71zrxFiySpJT9qN34jvrzMd6jW7C2aIZIxUgFkyxNCbPL99Mupl9jYhc6dqLa8RMbl62Y5S3Yd4tDC_loISA/s1600/DSCN2857.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silver Thyme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme is insect and disease resistant</b>-I personally have never had an issue with either on my plants.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is attractive to pollinators</b>-especially bees.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is evergreen-</b>even in the northern zones. It provides winter interest in your garden and you can enjoy Thyme all year as long as it isn't covered in snow.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzyHmENmbgpJLDABtWfr7n1KCp_WqtrNFn6Qv327YOQsnrOUPe8VAm8GzN96IjoV3q2974sz5IWq3Rf9TgSR9F1w7x4vPVxotTtD6POkqAFrQtPktJoNeJ9jcQu6foASEDOJnOdXNTpw/s1600/DSCN4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrzyHmENmbgpJLDABtWfr7n1KCp_WqtrNFn6Qv327YOQsnrOUPe8VAm8GzN96IjoV3q2974sz5IWq3Rf9TgSR9F1w7x4vPVxotTtD6POkqAFrQtPktJoNeJ9jcQu6foASEDOJnOdXNTpw/s1600/DSCN4417.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thyme in winter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Thyme is easy to grow in a container</b>-I have a pot of it on my front steps all summer and then I haul it in when it gets cold. <br />
<br />
<b>Thyme is drought tolerant</b>-in fact the flavor intensifies with a little neglect.<br />
<br />
<b>Thyme has health benefits</b>-it has been touted as an anti-septic, anti-viral, anti-fungal, etc. and is used in aromatherapy.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAZ_QTwCkUwdb7r-fjZ3uoGsLnQ1jpDg3cpiAmEBdmwSBkt5HAJoiPgGj9oPUkGr9xhtQvgC7a8V5teBQ7CAmDWgvZDdPw7lM_xjC9iOd9gFN-jX_o84zaiQoqZRdJLKcZuRPaVbsFhs/s1600/DSCN4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoAZ_QTwCkUwdb7r-fjZ3uoGsLnQ1jpDg3cpiAmEBdmwSBkt5HAJoiPgGj9oPUkGr9xhtQvgC7a8V5teBQ7CAmDWgvZDdPw7lM_xjC9iOd9gFN-jX_o84zaiQoqZRdJLKcZuRPaVbsFhs/s1600/DSCN4420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Lemon Thyme</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
So, I hope I have given you enough reasons why Thyme would be a wonderful addition to your garden. There are so many wonderful varieties to choose from that you might have a difficult "thyme" picking just one! If you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them in the comment section:-)) Until next time-<br />
<br />
Happy Planting!<br />
RhondaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-75268314648276922052014-11-28T20:45:00.001-08:002014-11-28T20:45:53.271-08:00DIY Concrete Candle Holders from Pringle and Coffee Cans<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH_HwpRTEoSG7Gt0E6NB8Pij0sgqxHInWgBX9Ahei_erh4D7YPQmonPNiaeeaW8WeUAUFCLxCAGKNkahUsZi260zSNHqAUpl8OyAqqZj6Ce-hyjEiySZNL9j1tjCxsqDtz4P5gq2mIKU/s1600/DSCN4396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGH_HwpRTEoSG7Gt0E6NB8Pij0sgqxHInWgBX9Ahei_erh4D7YPQmonPNiaeeaW8WeUAUFCLxCAGKNkahUsZi260zSNHqAUpl8OyAqqZj6Ce-hyjEiySZNL9j1tjCxsqDtz4P5gq2mIKU/s1600/DSCN4396.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Concrete candle holders made from Pringles cans and a coffee can</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Concrete isn't just for sidewalks or garden decor-it is an extremely versatile medium that can be used for a ton of different projects. Even those for the inside of your house. Not only is concrete versatile it is extremely easy to work with once you get the hang of using it. I tell everyone it is a lot like Jello-you make it, put it in a mold, wait for it to firm up, then unmold it. It is that easy! I personally prefer to make my own concrete-but it is entirely OK to buy it in a bag or bucket. That's why they sell it:-)) One thing I have to mention is if you are making smaller projects make sure the product does not contain large gravel or rock. You can sift it out if you can not find any without.<br />
<br />
Molds for concrete projects are really easy to find. Many household containers can be used. I stay away from items that can not be easily cut away if the concrete gets stuck. Nothing is worse than struggling to release your piece. Plastic is usually my first choice-but I will give just about anything a try. With this project I chose some Pringles cans and coffee cans-which are not really cans at all. They are cardboard sides with a metal bottom. The metal bottom is important-it prevents the weight of the concrete from sagging and making an uneven bottom on the finished product. Here is a pic of what I mean:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklyiWuqtLevulhaL3rU4N38itR5kyxY1R_kCmCA81c2xvRak8Ksyxunn3jKB4ytT_vNmkzzRvtt-l3Z_Q3NOLrKBsHsMXHJhurTtMC1H9YDZ693vVzuCmai7itH0Tfrs1ZKpS09mxa5Q/s1600/DSCN4190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgklyiWuqtLevulhaL3rU4N38itR5kyxY1R_kCmCA81c2xvRak8Ksyxunn3jKB4ytT_vNmkzzRvtt-l3Z_Q3NOLrKBsHsMXHJhurTtMC1H9YDZ693vVzuCmai7itH0Tfrs1ZKpS09mxa5Q/s1600/DSCN4190.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of coffee can</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A bottom like this will not work for a stable bottom-it will sag when filled with concrete:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivPM_3f3-dQ4L21bpSyoaIB835OvXouM9swsTM7al0WMkeyIJ7upFan0H-ykmKDQFStnnEro7s1jLeM2sBFMcfrcNwY3Pqx9qI4raiPjr26QQ6oIgDfQSgvi4NKWdM_R-k6yHhLfSmTY/s1600/DSCN4191.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivPM_3f3-dQ4L21bpSyoaIB835OvXouM9swsTM7al0WMkeyIJ7upFan0H-ykmKDQFStnnEro7s1jLeM2sBFMcfrcNwY3Pqx9qI4raiPjr26QQ6oIgDfQSgvi4NKWdM_R-k6yHhLfSmTY/s1600/DSCN4191.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bottom of a bread crumb container</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
There are many different containers that you could use for this project-just raid your recycling bin. You will also need molds for the inside-something a little bit larger than the candle you want to use. I used small condiment containers and a lid from my cooking spray. Here are some containers and interior molds that could be used:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmSaf8aqpi4Nh8z_7n39JGptl7_h-GTMrnTDhwO5zVb7ou5Dj62aB6dAqpwTjIWUXvcLVmCYd1WJeUxxocwHZKJdH9EQxQSpgNxaVjN7DKIi_wwTlI6fDDckP0WDAlo-DSfCylrXkKoY/s1600/DSCN4193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjmSaf8aqpi4Nh8z_7n39JGptl7_h-GTMrnTDhwO5zVb7ou5Dj62aB6dAqpwTjIWUXvcLVmCYd1WJeUxxocwHZKJdH9EQxQSpgNxaVjN7DKIi_wwTlI6fDDckP0WDAlo-DSfCylrXkKoY/s1600/DSCN4193.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is what you will need for this project:<br />
1. A concrete mix or recipe (A good "recipe" for this project: 1 part portland cement/3 parts sand/<br />
1/2 part water-I use a cottage cheese container as measurement )<br />
2. Good quality mask<br />
3. Gloves <br />
4. Bucket or tub to mix in<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0C9n2oStsm8RZHRsPbGWKtcLqPt_ti0WJWv0vT66vnvPbMjkA2pkLHBpwgQVU9NRsCKgBFQkSNqM2T27LRSWOx_nW4X63PBYphHsZDLZvBQDRxAsYl4vrF5pIxCfVq6DfGjNJLAh-GI/s1600/DSCN4189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0C9n2oStsm8RZHRsPbGWKtcLqPt_ti0WJWv0vT66vnvPbMjkA2pkLHBpwgQVU9NRsCKgBFQkSNqM2T27LRSWOx_nW4X63PBYphHsZDLZvBQDRxAsYl4vrF5pIxCfVq6DfGjNJLAh-GI/s1600/DSCN4189.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
5. Empty Pringles cans and/or coffee cans<br />
6. Mold release spray-I use cooking spray. <br />
<br />
To start this project you need to spray the molds with the mold release and then wipe it off. You do not want a heavy coating of it-it will cause excess air holes if excess is not wiped out. <br />
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Next you need to mix your dry ingredients in your tub or bucket-if you are using a mix just pour it in (don't forget your mask and gloves!). After your dry ingredients are mixed start adding water. Start with half of the amount then add more slowly as you mix to get the consistency you want. It should be almost like peanut butter.<br />
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After you have it mixed it needs to sit for about 10 minutes to hydrate. Don't worry-you have plenty of time before it hardens:-))<br />
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After 10 minutes you can begin filling your molds-don't fill it all the way. <br />
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Tap the sides to release air bubbles:</div>
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I like to firmly tap it on the ground to make sure the concrete settles and to release even more air bubbles:<br />
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After you have tapped it fill the interior mold with some sand or rocks (for weight) then set it in the center and press it down into the concrete. Do not push it all the way-leave it sticking up a little so you have something to grab when you pull it out.<br />
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Here are the three I filled for this project:<br />
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Let them sit for at least 24 hours to set before you unmold them. Trust me on this:-)) <br />
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To clean up fill your tub or bucket with water and let it set until the sediment settles on the bottom. After it has settled you can pour the water off then scrape the sediment up and put it in a bag and dispose of it. Never dump concrete or the sediment down the drain. It will ruin your drains. <br />
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When the concrete is set pull the interior molds out (it is easier when the rocks or sand are dumped out). Here I used a pair of pliers:<br />
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Now take a pair of scissors and snip the top of the mold:<br />
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Then take your hands and start pulling the paper off:<br />
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For a smooth finish on top you need to sand it. I just use a sheet of snadpaper and rub it until it is smooth:<br />
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Rinse the concrete off-try to get rid of the sand from rubbing it with sandpaper. Your next step is an important one. It is the "cure". In order for concrete to cure properly it needs to stay wet and the temperature should stay above 55 degrees. I always try to water cure my items-it is the easiest and best way to accomplish a good cure for smaller items. This will take a week. I just fill a plastic tub with water and place the items in changing the water daily.<br />
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After a week pull them out of the water, rinse them off and let them dry. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When they are completely dry you can paint decorate them if you would like. I spray painted mine with gold spray paint. Here is what I did:<br />
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I then coated them with a concrete sealer and let them dry.<br />
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Here they are all done:-))<br />
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I really love the way they look-perfect for holiday decorating or for a nice handmade gift. You can paint or decorate them any color you would like. Here is a pic of three I made using brown dye in the mix:<br />
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If you are concerned about them scratching your furniture you can cut a piece of felt or cork and glue them to the bottom or you can use the lids from the cans. <br />
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I hope you give this project a try! As with all of my projects you can tailor them to suit your taste and style. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below. Until next time-<br />
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Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-84000519789845294362014-11-20T20:41:00.002-08:002014-11-20T20:41:17.833-08:00Propagating Succulents in Fall/WinterDid you know that succulents are the easiest plants to propagate? It is true! You can propagate them many ways but I mostly propagate them by either removing the "chicks" or by leaves that have fallen off. You let them dry for a week or so then place them in a well drained soil and voila! you have baby plants. It does take a little bit of time for them to reach a large size-especially from a leaf. But I believe that it is well worth the wait. Heck-if I can wait three years for seeds to germinate I can definitely handle waiting for a succulent to grow to a good size. Of the succulents the easiest to propagate is the famous hens and chicks or Sempervivums. You pop the babies off and plop them in soil and you have a good size plant in no time. When I propagate my hens and chicks I usually do it in the fall or winter when I have a little time on my hands. That means I have them inside-even the hardy Sempervivums (they will grow inside!) I collect little chicks off of plants that I have or someone gives me and I set them in a tray of sandy soil. I do this all summer and by the time it gets cold I have a few to bring inside with me to grow. Here are some I will propagate over the fall/winter:<br />
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My system is relatively easy-you only need a few things:<br />
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1. Pots or seed starting trays<br />
2. Some sandy/fast draining soil-make sure it is sterile (you do not want any bug or disease issues)<br />
3. Succulents<br />
4. Plenty of light-at least 6 hours (just a note-I do not have a lot of direct sun so I use shop lights with T8 bulbs and have excellent results. There is no need for fancy grow lights)<br />
5. Rooting hormone (not necessary but some people like to use it)<br />
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That is it. So here are the steps I take to root these babies:<br />
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1. Find your trays or pots (make sure they are clean) and fill them with the sandy/well draining potting soil (that is sterile).<br />
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2. Dip the bottom of your succulent in a little water (this helps it to make contact with the soil)<br />
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3. Just lay the chick onto the soil-mine has his "cord" so that is inserted into the soil.<br />
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4. If you have ones that have dead leaves around the base of the plant-pull them off:<br />
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All clean:-))<br />
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In his new home:<br />
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I even have a few that almost died-I remove all the dead parts and stick them in the soil too. As long as there is a green spot on it I try to save it:-))<br />
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Here is a tray that I have planted:<br />
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5. If you have any leaves that have broken or fallen off all you need to do is let the end dry up for a few days then when it is dried up just lay it on top of the soil. It will root and form a plant.<br />
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Here are my cuttings and leaves that I am rooting:<br />
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I will mist the soil when it gets dry-never soak the soil. It can cause the plants to rot instead of root. I will also run a fan a couple hours a day to keep the air circulating and to keep any issues of bugs or diseases at bay. The fluorescent lights are on for 15-16 hours a day-mostly because I have other plants under them. Succulents do need at least 6 hours of light in order to "survive" and grow. By spring most of them will be ready to pot up into a bigger container or out in the garden.<br />
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This is such an easy way to get more plants that I do it every year. Doing this in fall/winter works best for me because I have time in the fall/winter to take better care of them. In the summer I have a tendency to forget about the little things. Doing it when it is cold also gives me an excuse to "garden" inside. When I don't have any "dirt" to play in I get a little restless so this ends up helping me with that. It also keeps the "winter blahs" at bay.<br />
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Just remember-don't be afraid to propagate those succulents! You will find out like I did that they are the easiest plant to propagate from cuttings. They are also extremely hard to kill. All you need to remember is that water is the enemy-too much will kill them. If you are not sure when to water just remember to let them completely dry out. That is all there is to it. I hope you try growing your own and if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below. So-until next time<br />
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Happy Planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-44511829551476862014-11-16T15:00:00.001-08:002014-11-16T15:00:46.523-08:00DIY Outdoor Snowman using Plastic Nursery PotsHave I told you how much I love repurposing things? Well, I do. I feel that it is fun and interesting to come up with ways to reuse items that might normally be discarded. So last week I challenged myself to reuse some of those plastic nursery pots I have stored under my deck. Of course, I had to be "seasonal" so I created a snowman with them. You could make something besides a snowman-perhaps a Santa or a Christmas tree. Here is a picture of my completed project:<br />
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Just like most of my projects this one is super easy and cheap:-)) For this you will need:<br />
1. 3 nursery pots in different sizes<br />
2. Spray paint-white and black (I use Rustoleum 2 in 1 with primer)<br />
3. A good weather resistant glue (I used Gorilla Glue)<br />
4. Some tape-I used duct tape <br />
5. 2 sticks for arms<br />
6. A hat and scarf <br />
7. A few landscape staples<br />
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Begin by gluing your pots together upside down-start with the largest on the bottom, medium in the middle and smallest on top. Follow the manufacturer's directions for your glue. <br />
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Let the glue set for the recommended amount of time. I weighted mine down on top with a gallon filled with water to make sure there was a good seal. When the "tower" is dry cover the weep holes with tape. Try to make it smooth (mine wasn't). You can also cut off the extra glue if you want to.<br />
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When you are done taping up the holes you can begin painting it white. Be sure to do this in a well ventilated area.<br />
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Let the snowman dry. Give it a second coat of white paint if you can see the base color. After the snowman is totally dry take the black and paint on his face and coal buttons. I used spry paint by spraying it on cardboard first then dipping my brush in. You can use acrylics for this if you would like. <br />
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After his face is dry he you can add the hat and scarf and take him outside. I used the landscape staples I made from hangers to secure him to the ground-he is light. <br />
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If you want your snowman to have arms cut slits in the sides to shove sticks in.<br />
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After his arms are in he is all done. Here is mine sitting in my front flower bed. <br />
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This project is super easy and fun to boot. I hope you give this a try! If you have any questions about this project or anything else just leave them in the comment section. <u></u><br />
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Until Next time-Happy planting!<br />
Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-23156608504850492582014-11-01T10:21:00.001-07:002014-11-01T10:21:18.392-07:00Fall Cleanup of Hosta<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTfyV1S1VZxtTyYOMLQV4ux826cqVw0DR3yHH7RQSv-PzXWm-HQpWiaAPADWePtSlnc0DQeEXBDOBSoT3NQK7jQKAr_LySuFBgRtWaJIE126TvwpRKxBD077KPpAJ7wvOcFJU_8TR3Go/s1600/DSCN2236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfTfyV1S1VZxtTyYOMLQV4ux826cqVw0DR3yHH7RQSv-PzXWm-HQpWiaAPADWePtSlnc0DQeEXBDOBSoT3NQK7jQKAr_LySuFBgRtWaJIE126TvwpRKxBD077KPpAJ7wvOcFJU_8TR3Go/s1600/DSCN2236.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "Queen Josephine" in spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hosta "Queen Josephine" in fall</td></tr>
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Fall is a busy time for the gardener. We have leaves to rake, compost to turn, seeds to collect, flower beds to mulch and so on. So much that sometimes I don't get everything done in time for the first snow. One thing I do make sure to do is clean up my Hosta before I put my flower beds to rest. They are such an easy care perennial and don't need much attention but the one thing I try to do is remove all the dying foliage. I do it to reduce and/or prevent any future issues.<br />
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The first issues I try to prevent are slug and snail problems. Slug and snails can wreak havoc on my Hosta leaves in the spring and summer. I believe removing the leaves in the fall help to reduce their numbers come spring since they can lay their eggs in decaying matter. Removing the foliage makes them move somewhere else to lay their eggs.<br />
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Another reason to remove the foliage is foliar nematodes. Nematodes can overwinter in the dead foliage and find their way to your Hosta next spring. Nematodes cause damage to the leaves in the summer and they can spread if not controlled. <br />
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Disease control is another reason to remove the dead foliage. Some diseases can make their home in dead and decaying matter. Good housekeeping around your flower beds can help keep problems such as anthracnose and bacterial rot at bay along with a multitude of other disease that may or may not affect your Hosta but do affect your other plants in your garden.<br />
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How do I clean up my Hosta? I wait for them to be hit by a freeze and then I go out and pull the dead foliage away from the crown of the Hosta. It should pull right off. I am not a fan of using tools such as pruners for this since disease can be spread that way, and you don't really need them anyway. I also do not compost any of the leaves-my compost does not get hot enough to kill any pests or disease so I send them off with our city since they have a compost facility. <br />
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Here are some pics of how to remove the foliage easily:<br />
1. Find a Hosta <br />
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2. Grab the foliage with your hand<br />
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3. Pull the foliage-it should come off<br />
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4. Clean up your leaves and dispose of them<br />
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5. All cleaned up and ready for winter<br />
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Not all gardeners clean up their Hosta in the fall-some leave the foliage to decompose over the winter. I do not. I prefer to remove the debris and as I said-I really think it does help to reduce the issues that occur with Hosta. If you have pest and disease issues with your Hosta give this a try and maybe next spring you won't have an issue with slugs or with nematodes. You might be surprised at much it helps. I hope you find this post useful and if you have any questions or comments feel free to leave them below:-)) <br />
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As always-Happy Planting!<br />
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Rhonda<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16623963582491039162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912887066729756399.post-84025295835805531572014-10-31T14:31:00.004-07:002014-10-31T17:51:37.229-07:00DIY Pine Cone Wreath Using Chicken WireEvery Fall my pine trees gift me with a large amount of pine cones and every year I bag them up and take them to the city compost. Not this year. This year my goal was to use at least some of those pine cones. I did do a few other projects put it didn't put a dent in the piles I have so I decided to try and make a wreath. Of course, I had to do it on the cheap so I used chicken wire instead of a wire wreath form (which would have worked nicely for this). Here is a picture of the end project:<br />
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For this project you will need:<br />
1. A length of chicken wire-mine was 4 ft by 1 ft (you can also use a wire wreath frame for this)<br />
2. Pine cones (I used about two-thirds of what is in the plastic tub in the picture below)<br />
3. Nylon Ties (zip ties)<br />
4. Ribbon and any thing you want to decorate the wreath. I used a fake leaf garland I picked up at Dollar Tree.<br />
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I started this project by baking my pine cones in the oven at 250 degrees for 1 hour (to kill the bugs). I bake them on aluminum sheets I purchased from Dollar Tree for-that way I can keep reusing them.<br />
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After they are baked let them cool and then you need to re-wet them so they close back up. I threw them in a plastic tub and poured water on them-I then stirred them up then removed them. You don't want them to soak in the water. You just want them to get damp. They should close up by the time you get the next step done.<br />
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To begin making the wreath lay your chicken wire out flat (as best you can) then roll it up to make a long tube (you might want to wear gloves for this part-chicken wire can be sharp). Hold it in place then take your nylon ties and start securing it like this:<br />
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Secure it with a nylon tie every so often (as many as you think it needs to stay in place). It should look like this:<br />
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Now "squish" one end of the tube like this:<br />
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After you squish one end insert it into the other open end like this:<br />
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Secure it together with nylon ties:<br />
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It should look similar to this:<br />
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It doesn't look like much at this point-don't worry. Trust me:-)) At this point you need to go back and "fluff" up the chicken wire. To "fluff" it just pull it apart gently where it is smashed. You can also give it a more round shape by bending it a little.<br />
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We are ready to start adding the pine cones if they are closed up. When they are closed they look like this:<br />
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Begin sticking the pine cones in the holes in the chicken wire. You do not need to stick them in too far-just enough so that when they open back up the will be secure. Also remember it is not necessary to do the back of the wreath and also leave a spot to hang the ribbon. I used the area where I connected the two ends of chicken wire together. Here is a pic of a pine cone being inserted. This is about how far they need to go in:<br />
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Add as many pine cones as you need for it to be full. Remember the pine cones will expand when they dry and that you can also add pine cones later if you find a bare spot.<br />
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Remember to leave a spot empty for the ribbon:<br />
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And you don't need to fill the bottom. When the wreath is full of pine cones flip it up and press the chicken wire to flatten it up against the pine cones:<br />
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Here is a picture of the wreath with the pine cones in place:<br />
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At this point you can play with the wreath to kind of shape it. You can also check for bare spots. I added my fake leaf garland and just weaved it into the front of the wreath and then attached it with the nylon ties: <br />
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I then added a ribbon I made-I just attached it with a nylon tie. I am not a ribbon tying kind of girl and it took me a while to get it to look decent:-))<br />
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After I added the ribbon I let it dry for a day so that the pine cones would open up all the way. I then checked it for bare spots and added a few more pine cones. Here it is hanging on my wall:<br />
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The best part about this wreath is I can change it over to Christmas whenever I feel the urge. All I have to do is take off the bow and leaf garland and replace them. Easy! You can also spray the pine cones with a sealer if you would like-I did not. I like them just the way they are. Just remember to not get the wreath wet or the pine cones will close back up:-)) <br />
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I hope you give this project a try-it is easy and would be even easier if you use a metal wreath form.<br />
As with all my projects you can give it your own special touches-make it your own:-)) Have fun with it! Until next time-Happy Planting!<br />
<br />
Rhonda<br />
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