Blog Archives

Delicate pink and white 'Martha Washington' petunia stole my heart

12/29/2012

'Martha Washington' Petunia from Burpee Seed

Every year I claim that I am going to start my own petunias from seed, but until this year, I've had to battle limited room and an inquisitive cat that likes to nibble on seedlings. With my new mini greenhouse - that comes with a plastic cover - I don't have an excuse anymore.

The 'Martha Washington' petunia is NEW for 2013 and can be purchased from Burpee Seed. It looks like just the petunia for the project. Although I've never been a fan of double petunias, I fell in love with the delicate pink and white of this petunia and think it will make an attractive addition to my container gardens.

For more information about this adorable double petunia , see my article 'Martha Washington: New petunia variety for 2013.

Until next time . . . HAPPY GARDENING!

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Making personalized fairy jars brightens winter days

12/28/2012

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angellea (glitterbug) via Flickr

Making a fairy jar with a picture of that special someone is a delightful way to add a touch of whimsy to your home while you wait for gardening season to begin. These make great gifts for any season and can be tailored to any theme. Think Easter bunnies and eggs, an assortment of hearts, seashells, or simply spring flowers.

Begin with a 2 to 4 inch picture of someone near and dear to your heart - or chose an image of fairy if you prefer. For an Easter jar, an image of a bunny works well.

Cut out the image with a pair of craft scissors and add a set of glittery wings to the back of the image to create the illusion of a fairy.

Add stones, grass, flowers, sticks or other decorative items - like seashells, bits of jewelry or other glittery objects - to the bottom of a mason jar. Keep your overall theme in mind as you gather items for your fairy jar.

Glue the items in place to prevent them from moving when the fairy jar is handled.

Tuck the photo among the items and secure in place with glue.

Seal the jar, add decorative touches to the lid and tie ribbons or decorative braids around the rim and allow them to flow down the side of the jar.

These adorable jars make the perfect gift for Grandmothers and relatives or that special little girl on your list.

For more ideas visit my fairy garden pages.

Until next time . . . HAPPY CREATING!

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Feeding birds during winter storms

12/27/2012

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In honor of the first big winter storm here in Maine, I took the time to add resources for bird feeding. If you are as thrilled to see brightly-colored birds at your feeder as I am, you might want to take a moment to browse through the video and article links for more information on bird feeding.

I wish I could say that the beautiful cardinal in the photo was from my garden - but it's not. Although others in my local area attract cardinals to their feeders, I have not been successful. But, I haven't given up hope. Perhaps this year will be the year when cardinals flock to my feeders.

In light of the winter storm raging outside my door, here are a few reminders for taking care of your birds during and after a big snow storm.

Before the storm:

Feed your birds well the day before the storm. You may notice a flurry of activity just before the storm hits. Your birds are storing energy for the storm.
Remove hanging feeders that may get damaged during high winds. Birds typically weather the storm in shrubs and trees and do not feed during the height of the storm
Remove loose parts or decorative items that may get lost in the snow.

After the storm:

Provide high energy food, such as black oil sunflower seeds and suet, as soon as the storm passes. Birds expend energy to keep warm during bad weather and need to replace their energy.
Clean off platform feeders and provide fresh food.
Check tube feeders for snow or ice blocking the feeder ports.

Until next time . . . HAPPY BIRD FEEDING!

Shop at duncraft.com for great gift ideas

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