Great Gardening Gifts » Jill’s Thoughts

First Day of Spring! Really?

JH — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 01:59:20 +0000

The calendar says it’s now Spring. But it doesn’t look like Spring, doesn’t feel like Spring, and doesn’t even smell like Spring!

Instead, we’ve had even more of this white stuff falling all day long. (I don’t even want to say the “s” word anymore! And I don’t mean Spring!)

But this is what March in the Midwest is all about. Yesterday, it was 62 degrees here in Kansas City and last night by 11:15 PM my deck was covered with you know what. Just take a look at my slide show …

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Forcing Hyacinth Bulbs Brings A Hint Of Spring To Indoor Gardens

JH — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:44:10 +0000

If your long range weather forecast is like ours, you better bundle up and plan on another 15-20″ of snow before spring arrives. Time to start forcing hyacinth bulbs and creating a beautiful spring-like garden indoors!

When you get hyacinths to bloom indoors before their normal bloom time it’s called “forcing” the bulbs to grow. They really are so easy and they make wonderful gifts.

You know how anxious people are to see the first jolt of spring color after a long, grey, cold winter! (Especially if Phil sees his shadow today!) You’re sure to see smiles when you give hyacinth bulbs and vases as hostess gifts, or birthday gifts, or even Valentine’s…

Go Back To Sleep Daffodils!

JH — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:45:18 +0000

Look what I found peeking out as the snow melted this week. Just a couple of warm days and these daffodils think it’s time to wake up! But single digit temps predicted this weekend may suddenly send them back to sleepy time!

It’s not uncommon for daffodils and even tulips to be tricked into showing themselves during warmer days in early or mid-March around here. And I usually don’t even worry about them because warmer Spring days are just around the corner by then.

But January is too early! We still have the whole month of February to get through! I guess the 24″ of…

Snow Blanketed Perennial Beds

JH — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:52:48 +0000

Finally! After surviving the holiday fun and frenzy, a sinus infection, and more than 20″ of snow, things are just now getting back to normal! It seems like forever since I’ve written anything. It’s good to be back.

Here in the Midwest it’s been very cold. Almost frigid, in fact. We didn’t break any records but I think some nights dipped as low as minus 9 or 10. Now that’s cold! Even Millie gets her business done in a hurry so she can get back inside where it’s warm!

We’ve had more snow already this year than we’ve had in the last 5-7…

Easy Secrets To Make A Bow For Beautiful Gift Wrapping

JH — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:22:48 +0000

Deciding what wrapping paper to use for the Christmas or birthday presents is a serious decision for some people I know. Maybe all the gifts will follow a theme this year or maybe all the wrapping paper will be solid colors. But don’t forget the final accessory … the bows! Knowing how to make a bow that perfectly fits the paper you’ve chosen turns those Christmas presents under the tree into elegant additions to your holiday decorations.

Don’t you love to give something that’s just perfect for your gift recipient? Just a little creativity helps you make the outside of the box…

Hilton Head Island Is Still In Bloom

JH — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 07:21:37 +0000

What a wonderful getaway I enjoyed last week during my short business trip to Hilton Head Island. My client is wonderful, the conference was great, and the Westin-Hilton Head Resort was gorgeous. Some of the flowers were still in bloom and the ocean waves were mesmerizing – a welcome sound for this flat lander!

Of course, I packed my camera so I could share a few flower and beach pictures with you. Here are a few of my favorites (hope you like the background music).

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Surprise! Look What’s Hidden In The Dirt!

JH — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:42:45 +0000

Remember this picture of my ornamental sweet potato vine gone wild this summer? This truly has become one of my favorite plants to add to a mixed container. I love the lime green color and the fast-growing, healthy vine that cascades down and around the container. However, I had no idea what was happening in the dirt in this pot!

This past Saturday I was deep into the normal fall chores of pulling my worn out annuals from all the deck containers. The previous frosts had already taken care of the beautiful green vines but when I began to pull out the roots…

Wordless Wednesday

JH — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:42:46 +0000

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My New Favorite Recipe For Butternut Squash

JH — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:50:16 +0000

Despite the cool temperatures, we had so much fun at a church party last Saturday afternoon hosted by our Sunday School teacher at his farm in the country. It was great to be out in the woods on a fall day and of course, everyone enjoyed the potluck dinner - especially Donna’s new recipe for butternut squash! It was soooo delicious!

Donna used the squash she grew in her own garden this year. Butternut squash grows on a vine and has a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin. Of course, all kinds of different squash and gourds are available during the fall harvest season…

Is It Time To Bring Your Garden Indoors?

JH — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 10:02:28 +0000

I don’t enjoy this part. Dropping temperatures are signaling it’s time to get plants ready to move indoors for the winter. I know it has to be done but this means the season is almost over. And I know the plants don’t like it anymore than I do! (However, my schefflera seems to adjust pretty well inside after its summer vacation in the backyard!)

Getting Ready To Move

It’s a good idea to start the process well before a surprise frost sneaks in. And besides, the plants aren’t real keen on change so they need time to adjust! They make a better transition to the different temperature…