The Night Before Christmas (a gardener's point of view)

Here's another cute Christmas poem for gardeners, reprinted in full with permission of the author, Marianne Binetti  

The night before Christmas (a gardener's point of view)

’Twas the week before Christmas,
and all through the yard,
not a gift had been given,
not even a card.

The tools were all hung,
in the carport with care,
with hopes that St. Nicholas
soon would repair.

The shovel with blade
all rusty and cracked,
the pitchfork still shiny,
but handle it lacked.

When out on my lawn,
(it’s brown and abused)
I could see poor old Santa,
looking confused.

No list had been left
for Santa to see,
no gardening gifts
were under the tree.

But wait there’s still time,
it’s not Christmas yet,
and gardening gifts
are the quickest to get.

You can forget the silk tie,
the fluffy new sweater,
give something to make
the garden grow better.

If she wants a gift shiny,
then don’t be a fool,
it’s not a dumb diamond,
but a sparkling new tool.

If fragrance is listed
you can forget French perfume,
it’s a pile of manure
that’ll make gardeners swoon.

Give night crawlers, not nightgowns,
the type of hose that gives water.
(Anything for the kitchen
is not worth the bother.)

Give a great gift
that digs in the dirt,
it’s better than any
designer-brand shirt.

Now look quick at Santa,
this guy’s not so dumb,
Under his glove,
he hides a green thumb.

His knees are so dirty,
his back how it aches,
his boots stomp on slugs,
(he gives them no breaks).

Santa only works winter,
you can surely see why,
The rest of the year
it’s a gardening high.

Elves plant in the spring,
pull weeds merrily all summer,
in fall they all harvest,
but winter’s a bummer

And so Christmas gives Santa
a part-time employment,
till spring when the blooms
are his real life enjoyment.

So ask the big guy
for garden gifts this year,
Seeds, plants and tools,
Santa holds them all dear.

You see malls may be crowded,
vendors hawking their ware,
but visit a nursery,
stress-free shopping is there.

Now Santa’s flown off,
to the nursery he goes,
and his voice fills the night
with loud Hoe! Hoe! Hoes!**

Merry Christmas from Marianne Binetti

** And speaking of hoe, hoe, hoes. Don't forget that they make great eco-friendly gardening gifts by allowing gardeners an environmentally safe way to remove weeds from the garden.

Eco-Santa’s Favorite Garden Gift? A hoe, hoe, hoe

Weeds, of course, are a challenge for any gardener. For eco-minded gardeners, who try to abstain from using chemicals, the challenges are even greater.

It is important to try to eliminate chemicals when possible, however, to help cut down on non-point source pollution which is a leading cause of pollution for local water supplies. Sure, you can take the path of least resistence and choose to see the weeds as welcome wildflowers. Or you can spot treat weeds with eco-friendly products or pull them by hand. But if you would like a quicker way to control what gets to stay and what has to go in your garden, then a hoe, hoe, hoe is the perfect solution.

 Controlling weeds with a hoe is a lot quicker and easier than hand pulling. Hoes allow you to get the entire root, without the disruption to nearby plants that a rotary tiller would cause. Long handled hoes allow you to do the dirty work from a standing position, causing less strain on your knees and back. Since they dig down into the dirt, hoes can allow you to remove the weeds before they even reach the surface.

 Hoes are also useful for loosening soil and creating troughs to plant seeds. The Virginia Cooperative Extension Service, in their document Weeds in the Home Vegetable Garden, says this about the benefits of hoes:

There are several ways to rid the garden of most problem plants. Since mature weeds extract large quantities of moisture and nutrients from the soil, removing the weeds when they are young is beneficial. Hand-pulling suffices for small gardens and raised beds, but a hoe is critical for larger gardens. Manual-powered rotary cultivators do a good job on long rows and pathways, provided the soil is not too wet or dry and the weeds are small. In large gardens with widely spaced rows, a rotary tiller of appropriate size makes the work easy and fast. Manual and powered rotary cultivators are usually unable to turn under weeds close to vegetable plants without damaging the vegetables. Hand-pulling or hoeing are best for removing weeds near vegetable plants. Deep cultivation with any instrument is likely to damage roots or stems of crop plants.

There are many different types of hoes and long-time gardeners generally have their favorite. They come with flat heads, pointed heads, curved heads and even swivel heads. Whatever style is preferred, it is important to keep the hoe sharpened. Just surf on over to your favorite garden center website and do a quick search to see all of the different types of hoes available.

Here is a cute blog post that has photos of many different types.

 And for more information about environmentally friendly weed control, check out these guidelines from Montgomery County and Fairfax County. Pesticide Alternatives, Montgomery County Watershed A Corny Solution for Weeds (pdf file) about corn gluten Going Solar to Set Your Soil Straight (pdf file) Weed Control – Fairfax County

Eco-friendly gardening: It's a Wonderful Life

Taking care of the planet, by practicing eco-friendly gardening techniques, is a great way to help local birds, butterflies and other garden wildlife. It is also a way to create a WONDER-full life.

Every time you garden green, you are helping to protect and preserve habitat for local wildlife. The process is so magical and mystical that it reminds me of the classic line from one of my favorite Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life. At the end of this happily-ever-after movie, George Bailey and his friends and family are singing Christmas carols when a bell on their Christmas tree rings, reminding young daughter Zuzu that "every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings."

In widlife gardens, the surprises are just as magical. Eliminating chemicals, using native plants and conserving water are all great for the planet and for local wildlife.

So to give your family a gift that lasts a lifetime, make plans to start (or continue) an eco-friendly garden this spring. You will soon feel the same way that I do: that being a green gardener IS a Wonderful Life. And every time you garden green, a butterfly gets its wings. 

Four tips for an eco-friendly garden:

1) Eliminate chemicals - spot treat weeds or pull them by hand

2) Choose native plants - they adapt better to local conditions

3) Conserve water- waterwise landscapes are a great start

4) Garden for wildlife - turn everyday gardening into a WONDER-FULL way of life

I hope you will join us on the Metro DC Lawn and Garden blog as we learn to create environmentally friendly landscapes together. You can subscribe (at right) and follow us on Facebook to join in the conversation. Be sure to add any suggestions or questions you'd like to learn more about!

Think Twice before Choosing a Living Christmas Tree

I have a neighbor who has a couple of HUGE pine trees in his yard. They take up way too much of his yard and look completely out of place. But because of their size, it would be very costly to have them removed. They are the result of good intentions gone awry - living trees which were purchased for Christmas trees and then planted in his yard, without enough thought given to the size that the trees would some day reach.

Many gardeners like the idea of choosing a Christmas tree that can later be planted in their landscape. It seems so environmentally friendly and provides more bang for the buck by allowing you to enjoy the tree year after year rather than just tossing it away after the season.

But before you decide to choose a living tree, keep these things in mind:

1) Make sure you choose a tree which is appropriate for the area. Many living trees which are available through mail-order will not survive in northern climates. Virginia Pines, Eastern White Pines and several cypress and cedar species are suitable options for the Washington, DC metro area.

2) Decide where you will plant the tree. Virginia Pines and White pines can reach heights of up to 80'. Red Cedars can reach heights of 50'. This makes them impractical choices for many home landscapes. Another option would be to find a park or public area that would accept the tree as a donation after the season. If you know of any Arlington, Rockville, DC or other local organizations that would like a donated tree, please let us know by adding a comment at the end of this post.

3) Living trees are much heavier than cut trees. Whether they are in a pot or balled and burlapped, a living tree can weigh well over 100 pounds.

4) If you are going to plant the tree in your yard, you should dig the hole for the tree before the ground freezes. The hole should be 3 times the diameter of the root ball and as deep.

5) Living trees may be more likely to have bugs and other critters living in them. Check closely for insects and insect egg masses before bringing the tree indoors.

6) Ideally, trees should be slowly acclimated to the indoor climate. Gradually introduce your living tree from outside to inside over three or four days via the garage or enclosed porch. A tree that is dormant and exposed to immediate warmth will start to grow. Locate your tree in the coolest part of the room and away from heating ducts.

7) You should limit the time that you have a living tree indoors. Although cut trees can be kept indoors for three weeks or more, the shorter the time a living tree is kept indoors the better. A maximum of 7 to 10 days is recommened. The survival of a living tree is dependent on its winter hardiness. Keeping it indoors for too long will make it less winter hardy.

8) It is important that you water the plant regularly to keep the soil moist. This will add even more weight to the tree.

9) Christmas tree lights may put out heat which will damage the needles of the tree.

10) Planting a tree in winter will require extra care for its survival. Make sure you are ready for that commitment before you purchase the tree.

For more information:
Choose a locally grown Christmas Tree
Selecting and Caring for a Live Christmas Tree (pdf) - MD Cooperative Extension
Marylanders Plant Trees - Recommened tree list and planting suggestions
Care for Living Trees - Virginia Christmas Tree Growers Association
Selection and Care of Christmas Trees - Virginia Cooperative Extension
How to Care for a Live Christmas Tree
Living Christmas Trees (Clemson University)

Recycle Garden Trimmings to Create Holiday Wreath

My husband, Tom, LOVES everything about Christmas.

But one of his favorite holiday activities is using some of the Christmas tree branches and whatever he can find in the yard and garden to create our holiday wreath.

He starts with a wire wreath frame which can be purchased online or at local craft stores. He then weaves in branches that were cut off of the bottom of our Christmas tree. If we need extra greenery, local Christmas tree lots are usually more than happy to let us have as many branches as we need.

After the wreath is full of greenery, he walks around the yard snipping berries, flowers and other items to add to the wreath. Sometimes he even snips a blossom from an indoor flower or two.

I was too busy baking holiday goodies to get photos of the whole process this year, but I've included a few shots to show you how much fun it is and how much nicer the result is than a store-bought wreath.

If you want to try creating one of your own, here is a blog post I found called How to Make a Fresh Wreath that helps illustrate the whole process.

Tips for helping chilly critters

Visiting birds and wildlife are a treat in the winter! Colorful cardinals and bright bluejays can add signs of life to an otherwise drab winter landscape. Chickadees, titmice, wrens and other small birds can provide plenty to see through the windows from the comfort of your own warm winter roost.

If you are one of the many gardeners who have discovered the joys of the birds and other wildlife that visits an eco-friendly yard, than you may be wondering if there are any special steps you can take in the winter for your birds and other garden visitors. I know its not really winter yet, but there is no doubt that baby, it's COLD outside.

Here are some tips to help our feathered and furred friends during the cold months ahead:

1) Provide fresh water: Wildlife may find their regular water supplies frozen. You can help by providing birdbaths and keeping the water ice-free.  

2.) Switch to high-protein foods: Suet and peanuts are great high-energy foods for winter bird feeding.

3) Keep their safety in mind: Although it is always important to provide shelter and keep pets away from visiting wildlife, it is more important in the winter when many species of birds and other wildlife are concentrating on surviving the cold and aren't as focused on evading predators.

4) Create Cozy Winter Roosts: In winter, some cavity dwelling birds will use nest boxes to stay warm.

5) Make your own feeders: Roll a pine-cone in peanut butter and then dip in birdseed for an attractive, inviting holiday feeder.

If you have not yet discovered the pleasures of gardening for wildlife, attracting these winter visitors can be as easy as hanging a suet feeder and putting out a birdbath.

Here are plenty of articles to help get you started:

Top 10 Foods for Winter Feeding, Birdwatcher's Digest
Top 10 Winter Feeder Mistakes to Avoid, Birdwatcher's Digest
Top 10 Things to Do in Winter, Birdwatcher's Digest
Backyard Wildlife Habitats, Virginia Cooperative Extension
Winter Bird Feeding, Wild Birds Unlimited
Maryland's Wild Acres Program
Virginia Habitat for Wildlife
Garden for Wildlife, National Wildlife Federation
Winter Ritual: Building the Brush Pile

Green gardening tips from Walmart?

I was poking around on the internet looking for "green gardening" tips and was surprised to find that Walmart.com has a post about the topic. I was even more surprised to find that the tips were really pretty good and that the article didn't appear to be trying to sell anything. Bottom line: I was kind of impressed.

They even mentioned some of the steps that I believe are the most important for an eco-friendly, "green" landscape: mowing responsibly and cutting back or eliminating chemicals.

For mowing responsbily, Walmart's article says:

* Keep your lawnmower and other equipment in efficient operating condition by performing regular maintenance according to the owner's manual. Purchase a nozzle that prevents fuel spills when refilling your lawnmower. Use manual tools when appropriate to save fuel and protect air quality.

* Raise the cutting height of your lawnmower during the hot summer months to keep grass roots shaded and cooler, reducing weed growth, browning and the need for watering. When you mow, "grasscycle" by leaving grass clippings on your lawn instead of bagging them or use a mulching mower. The clippings will return nutrients to the soil instead of taking up space in landfills.

And for cutting down on chemicals, they say.

* Use food scraps, yard trimmings and other organic waste to create a compost pile. Compost is a rich soil amendment that can help increase water retention, decrease erosion and replace chemical fertilizers.

* Don't over-fertilize. A slow-release organic fertilizer applied once in the fall is sufficient for most lawns. Consult your cooperative extension agent for other tips appropriate to your locality. 

* Many plants and insects can serve as non-toxic, natural deterrents to weeds and garden pests. Introduce ladybugs to eat aphids, plant marigolds to ward off beetles and look for quick-sprouting plants to block weed growth. 

* Reduce your use of fertilizers and pesticides by planting grass and other vegetation that is native to your area.

Other tips include using native plants, what to do with unwanted plants you are replacing, and easy steps to protect your plants from the cold.

It's a good article. Take a look!

Here is a link to the full post, entitled Green Gardening.

If you are looking for local information on these topics, look no further than the Metro DC Lawn and Garden blog. The search box at the right can help you find just what you need. And if you don't find it, let us know. We'll be happy to track down the info for you and pass it on.

"Trowels are the underwear of gardening gifts"

In my morning search to find info on gardening gift ideas, I came upon this wonderful post by Jim Hillibish on Wickedlocal.com.

The catchy, but accurate phrase "Trowels are the underwear of gardening gifts" drew me in. After all, as gardeners, anything that makes our work outdoors easier is a tried and true gift....the fallback gift. As Jim says "Despite a drawer full, you can always use another one."

Hillibish goes on to list some great examples of tools that will make most avid gardeners green with envy.

So if you've been thinking along the lines of sexy lingerie for your gardening gal, perhaps you should reconsider. Come on big guy. You know what she really wants.

Head on over to Jim's post to read his suggestions.

More fun reading: 20 Tips to help you decide if a gardening gift is appropriate

Is a gardening gift appropriate? 20 tips to help you decide

Gifts for Gardeners
Gift-giving time is right around the corner. If you are trying to decide if a gardening gift is appropriate for a friend, relative or colleague, here are a few tips to help you decide. (Note: some items gleaned from the popular, though anonymous, post  "You know you are addicted to gardening when.....")

You know a gardening gift is appropriate for someone if:

1. You have seen them working in their yard in their pajamas.
2. They have been known to grab other people's banana peels, coffee grounds, apple cores, etc. for their compost pile.
3. They are conversant in botanical names.
4. You have caught them fondling leaves, flowers and trunks of trees.
5. They think nothing of “rescuing” plants out of other people’s trash.
6. They would rather spend money on plants than groceries.
7. They carry a shovel, bottled water and a plastic bag in their trunk as emergency tools.
8. They spend more time chopping kitchen greens for the compost pile than for cooking.
9. They seem to like the smell of horse manure better than Estee Lauder.
10. They think rain is something to capture rather than repel.
11. They take pride in how bad their hands look.
12. They see your child's sandbox and think it’s a raised bed.
13. They have stuck their fingers in the soil of your potted plants to check for moisture.
14. They know exactly how many bags of fertilizer/potting soil/mulch their car will hold.
15. They have offered to rake your yard just so they could add the leaves to their compost pile.
16. Their bathroom reading material is seed catalogs.
17. They always have to return your calls because they were outside when the phone rang.
18. They use their good linens to cover their plants in the winter.
19. They seem almost despondent when the weather keeps them indoors.
20. They look at your weeds and think they are wildflowers.

Growing up Green - when the students become the teachers

I was at my favorite plant nursery one day when I noticed an elderly couple picking out plants to attract butterflies. They had learned about butterfly gardening from their grandchild, who had learned it in second grade.

The concern over Nature Deficit Disorder
There is big concern in our country about children and their lack of contact with nature. Certainly, with so many electronic gadgets tempting kids to stay indoors, it makes sense that nature deficit disorder could be a legitimate concern. As adults, we can do our part to help solve this problem by teaching kids about the pleasures of being outside exploring nature.

But with kids learning so much about protecting the environment in their classrooms, they may have just as much to teach us as we have to teach them.

I recently received an email message announcing the winners of a drawing contest for local students. Seven hundred and fifty-five students submitted illustrations for the first Washington Suburban Sanitary Council (WSSC) calendar contest. The theme for the calendar is “Our Part of the Chesapeake Bay: Let’s Keep Our Water Clean.”

The young 2nd - 5th grade artists ( six from Prince George’s County and six from Montgomery County) received a certificate and $100.

Most of the entries were about things that have an immediate affect on local waterways, such as not dumping oil and other pollutants, with pictures of happy fish and other water creatures expressing their gratitude.

But, as a gardener, I particularly like the picture submitted by 2nd Grader Yaakov Robinson, from Torah School of Greater Washington, Silver Spring. Yaakov's picture shows two hands, gently placing a new plant into the ground with the caption "A healthy Bay begins in your backyard."

What a wonderful reminder for all of us, as gardeners and property owners. "A healthy Bay begins in our own backyards."

As we near the end of our gardening season for the year, I look forward to all of the new things that we have to learn and teach each other in the coming months. Together, perhaps we can learn more ways to protect the bay from our own backyards, such as mowing responsibly, keeping chemicals out of the stormdrains, and not overwatering our lawns.

Many thanks to all of the students who contributed drawings to remind the rest of us of the importance of protecting our waterways.

To view the winning entries go to: http://www.wsscwater.com/home/jsp/content/artwork-for-the-12-winners.faces.

To order the calendar click on: WSSC ART CONTEST CALENDAR 2011

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the $20.95 calendar will go to the Water Fund that helps customers who are having a hard time paying their past due water and sewer bills.

The winners from Montgomery County are:
Yaakov Robinson, 2nd grade, Torah School of Greater Washington, Silver Spring;
Michelle Kien, 2rd grade, Stone Mill Elementary, North Potomac;
Adielle Tuchman, 3rd grade, Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, Rockville;
Gabie Gamboa, 4^thgrade, Applied Scholastics Academy of Maryland, Silver Spring;
Nicholas Kalargyros, 4^thGrade, Matsunaga Elementary School, Germantown;
Christian Oliverio, 5^th grade, St. Andrew the Apostle Elementary School, Silver Spring.

Prince George’s County winners are:
Nick Murray, 2nd Grade, St. Mary of the Mills School, Laurel;
Laurren Small, 2nd Grade, Reid Temple Christian Academy, Glenn Dale;
James Reid III, 3rd grade, Rehoboth Academy, Upper Marlboro;
Jordan Cupid, 4th grade, Reid Temple Christian Academy, Glenn Dale
Caitlyn Turner, 4thgrade, Baden Elementary School, Brandywine;
Noelle Morgan, 5th grade, Reid Temple Christian Academy, Glenn Dale;

“Restoring and maintaining the health of the Bay is the most important things we can do to ensure protection of the region’s waterways and ecosystem,” said WSSC General Manager Jerry N. Johnson. “We hope our new calendar with messages from young people will remind folks to not pollute the Bay.”