While gardening yesterday, I noticed the temperature seemed to change drastically within 30 min. It went from being fine and comfortable walking through Linda’s garden, clipping back miscanthus grass and the rouge mint – to me being absolutely cold, and realizing it really was Winter. Here are some of my cold little babies on the deck…
Frosty Pansies
More Cold Rudbeckia
The turkey has been ravaged. The pumpkins are moldy on your door step. And the garden looks like the other word for manure – it’s December!
Instead of a cut tree, consider a living Christmas tree this year.
Pros -
1. They are environmentally friendly.
2. They will not kill you in a fire.
3. They can be less expensive and can be used in your garden after the holidayz.
Cons -
1. You will need to enlist strong blokes to move the tree inside, as most are very heavy.
2. They usually do not have the same fragrance as cut trees – since most trees are heavily scented once they have been killed pruned.
I found this cyclamen tuber amongst others in a box at HMB Nursery. She was already sprouted and bloomed – too impatient for Spring.
Umm, don’t take the free “compost” SF is giving away.
“Compost is the sine qua non of organic gardening and farming. But the material that San Francisco is giving away to homeowners, gardeners, and the general public is toxic sewage sludge masquerading as compost. This is why the Center for Food Safety (CFS) has petitioned the City to immediately stop its “compost giveaway events” that will spread toxic sludge to homeowners’ backyards, increasing the risk of health problems to children and the community. “I do not believe the Mayor and leadership of San Francisco can have been aware that the compost being given away is heavily contaminated with hazardous and toxic material. Now that they know I am sure they’ll stop this giveaway program,” said Laura Orlando, an adjunct professor of Environmental Health at the Boston University School of Public Health.”
I love these!!! How great… handmade from Fig & Fern via etsy.com
We did some propagation this morning… a big word that means break off a plant and stick it in the dirt. Here’s how:
Grab some free plastic gallon pots from your local nursery… you really don’t have to ask, just find the nearest dumpster and dive! Then get the best soil you can find. This is a picture of a mix of 50% compost and 50% topsoil and nitro-infused redwood shavings.
Find an over grown plant… like my sedum here. You can easily pull succulents apart in small clumps and replant them into your pots. Don’t worry about being too fussy and careful, they will reproduce quickly with a fresh pot of soil and light but consistent water.
Taaaa daaaa! All done!
With an average amount of sun, these succulents will root about 40% of the pot within two months. No fertilizing. No drip irrigation. We just leave them alone and let them do their thang!
I always knew fine couture would save the world one day!
Gucci isn’t just another fabulous source for expensive shoes, but they are actively trying to greenwash work on their company’s environmental impact. The bigwigs over at Gucci (who also own YSL, McQueen, McCartney, and Balenciaga) have announced that they are no longer using any paper products that come from the Indonesian rainforest. Indonesian actually supplies much of America’s paper products, and paper manufacturing represents about 15% of all annual greenhouse gas emissions.
“Standing rainforests are not a luxury, they’re a necessity if the world wants to stop climate change,” said Mimma Viglezio, executive VP for global communications at the Group. “Our actions are lowering our own carbon footprint, but we hope that they will also raise awareness inside the fashion industry that it’s possible for our industry to make a difference for rainforests and for the climate.”
1. Appliances
Many stores will recycle your old appliances when you purchase a new one… just ask! Also, Goodwill accepts working appliances. Or you can contact Steel Recycling Institute at www.recycle-steel.org
2. Athletic Shoes
One World Running will send still wearable shoes to athletes in need in Africa, Latin America, and Haiti. www.oneworldrunning.com Also, Nike’s reuse a show program turns old shoes into playground flooring www.nikereuseashoe.com
3. Batteries
4. Clothes
Wearable clothes can be easily donated to almost any thrift shop… and shelter’s take most clothes, especially jackets. Check out sites like Dress for Success www.dressforsuccess.org And if you have unwearable clothes or blankets you can usually donate them to pet shelters for bedding.
5. Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFL)
You can take them to IKEA stores for recycling or go to Sylvania RecyclePak www.sylvania.com/recycle/recyclepak
The plants on my deck are dwindling down into hibernation mode. A couple months ago I haphazardly planted sweet pea seeds in almost very pot. They just now have started to bloom, but don’t really have the characteristically spicy scent since it’s getting colder. The only things really blooming still are my salvias, sweet peas, heliotrope and a few scattered roses here and there. Most things are just leafing out and setting roots, tucking in for the upcoming rain.
Here’s an update to my caterpillar posts…
DGG is a sister company to Wildflower Farms, our organic landscape design company based out of Half Moon Bay, California.
For information and to get started on your next landscape project please contact Jennifer at Wildflower Farms or 650-726-5883
