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Penny Carnathan
Penny’s a Nurture And Hold (NAH): Nah, I won’t pull that out yet, it’s still got a green shoot. She likes dragonflies, lady bugs and new stuff only after weeding, pruning and fertilizing.
Kim Franke-Folstad
Kim’s a Want It Now (WIN): Everything pretty, everything now. She will resort to full-spectrum insecticides in desperate situations, and believes it’s her duty and right to buy new plants every weekend.
Both advocate Plant Choice (SOMEthing besides crotons. Please!), lots of color and low maintenance. We don’t agree on everything, but we’re smart enough to learn from each other - and from you.
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Time for happy thoughts! Our fav Christmas garden gifts (updated!)
Posted Jan 4, 2010 by Loren Omoto
Updated Jan 5, 2010 at 01:26 PM
No more obsessing about the cold and what we’re gonna be left with next week. Worrying accomplishes nothing.
We’ve done what we can, and it’s now out of our control, right? The good gardener realizes there comes a time to start over, if necessary. It’s all part of the, um, fun.
So to move our minds to more constructive thoughts, let’s open presents!
Since I posted this yesterday, I’ve gotten a new one in from Susan Gillespie who proves, yet again, that it pays to be a hair stylist (except for that whole working Saturdays thing.)
She got two Christmas cactuses and this breathtaking orchid from customers. (The orchid gifter has an orchid greenhouse in her back yard.)
(Come to think of it, I got a couple plants, too. Chip Fulp gave me two pots with good-sized nasturtiums when I visited just before Christmas. I think they may have been a pity gift, since I can’t seem to get the world’s easiest plant to sprout for me. But I’m not above accepting pity.)
Next up is the garden swing Janice Vogt’s husband built to replace the rotting thing that threatened to land her on her butt amongst the doodle-bugs.
I was already jealous of Janice for her handy, garden-helpful hubby, John “Grumpy” Vogt. This seals it.
Janice also got garden author Monica Brandies’ book, “The Newcomer’s Survival Manual.” (OK, I know it’s great Janice, but you’ve lived here all your life! I want to know if there’s something in this book that you didn’t know.)
Plus, hand tools (I LOVE new pruners!) and gloves that got an immediate workout—as you can see.
If you’re ever lucky enough to visit Janna Begole’s garden (perhaps the first Dirty Dirty Garden Tour?) you’ll see how absolutely perfect these candle holders are. Visiting Janna’s is like making a mini-getaway to Key West—she’s all about the vibrant, eye-poppy color, and she makes it work.
Apparently, she got that from her mom, whose gift totally works for Janna’s garden.
Janna is also probably the most adventurous FOD when it comes to seeds. I’ve never seen anyone who has as much fun watching seeds sprout and seeing what they’ll become. One to organize her seeds, though? Hmmm, doubtful. The thought was good, but I’d love to hear back on whether she actually uses this one.
And me? I got a heavy-duty, lifetime warranty, hose spray nozzle from my son. (No picture. It’s a spray hose nozzle.) I really am pretty thrilled. I go through a lot of spray hose nozzles, which apparently do not like being dropped on concrete.
I already showed you the cool little birds bird-feeder Kim Folstad gave me. My other biggie was from my sister, who arranged to draw my name in my family’s super-secret adult-name-draw-for-Christmas program. (When she tells me she wants my name, I’m always a ready accomplice for cheating. She gives good presents, and I see no harm in a little sleight of Santa.)
I got a Smithsonian Institute Seed Catalogs calendar, slate plant markers from Vermont and more markers from the Thomas Jefferson Historic Garden Center at Monticello.
Love the “Weeds”!
This is a good time to let you know, neither hot glue nor Krazy Glue works for the Scrabble tile plant markers I made and posted pre-Christmas. Darn. I was so proud! Most of the tiles fell off, even though I had the plants (with their markers) under the eaves. I am now on the lookout for the thinset stuff Susan Gillespie recommends.
I’m also psyched about the seeds in my garden gift bag from my sis. They’re all from Thomas Jefferson’s plants. I just love the idea of handing down plants, one generation to the next, so these really thrill me. (I may even share some with some of my seed-crazy FODs.)
See? We have lots to look forward to. No need to worry about a little cold!
If you got some great garden gifts, email me pictures at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), and we’ll all keep thinking happy thoughts.
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Reader Comments
Posted by (Chip) on January 05, 2010
What a lot of fun it has been for me to see everything you all got for your garden this Christmas. Grumpy you are my hero! good looking job on that swing. Thomas J. was a gardener before his time if you have never seen it you should see his garden layout it is impressive now back then it was a living work of art. Looking forward to the seed exchange and warmer weather…“Chip”
Posted by (Susan Gillespie) on January 05, 2010
John may be Grumpy but he sure is talented. I am drooling———-I swear.
I got some pretty cool gifts and none of them were for the garden except a new pair of gloves, which are always welcome. How odd now that I think about it. I did get some plants from customers. I’ll send pics to Penny. 2 Christmas cactuses and a stunning orchid.
Your gifts are all wonderful and fun to see. Thanks for sharing pics of your bounty.
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on January 05, 2010
Now if it would only warm up I could sit out there. Pumpkin
Posted by (shirlgirl) on January 05, 2010
I am with pumpkin about wanting it to warm up. I also liked the garden markers from Jeffersons Gardens and the seeds. I visited there years ago and remember that they said he was very experimental in his gardening for his time. What great ideas for gifts. Shirlgirl
Posted by (Chip) on January 06, 2010
Here is a happy thought. this cold has to kill off some bug’s there should be a bunch that will not cope with the cold at least that is a hope!....“Chip”
Posted by (shirlgirl) on January 06, 2010
You mentioned the Edison Museum and Gardens and that is very worth seeing. We visited last summer for the second time and bought a tree there that I am desperately trying to get through this cold spell. All of the leaves have fallen off or are brown but hopefully it will come back out this spring. I liked your outlook on the fact that once you have done all you can to save your plants then relax and go on.
Posted by (Janna) on January 06, 2010
Nice gifts, everyone! Thanks for sharing the photos. Janice, Grumpy is a talented guy. Your new swing will be perfect for those relaxing afternoons spent in your backyard paradise. (Yes, when it’s warmer.) Love the slate markers too, Penny.
I will be using the seed packet gift, as I plan to be more organized this year! (Although I may re-label the packets for flower seeds!) I will also try try some included recipes such as fried green tomatoes and spicy salsa…
Posted by (Iluvpumpkins) on January 06, 2010
Today my yard has joined in with you guys, garden death everywhere. So sad, good chance to try new plants in the Spring. Pumpkin
Posted by (Chip) on January 06, 2010
I am trying to maintain happy thoughts but tonight is supposed the coldest night yet and I isn’t due to warm up until Tuesday next week the local cat population has taken up in my tent city I have been feeding them maybe they will help keep my tomato’s warm its a hope all be it a thin one. I even got some catnip seed to start. If you have never seen cats get into cat nip what a hoot you need to keep it in pots so you can put it out of there reach to give the plants a rest or they will love it to death literally ....“Chip”
Posted by (Janna) on January 06, 2010
Hang in there, Chip. Hopefully all the hard work you’ve put into covering will pay off! (Sounds like your feline friends are appreciating the shelter, too!)
Unidentified seeds in your purse - eh, Penny? Welcome to my world. Guess you’ll have to let them grow, then post pics so our kind FODs can tell you what they are! (I’ll keep you posted on my resolution for better organization
)
Pumpkin, so sorry to hear that you have garden damage, too! I was afraid to look at my yard again this morning, so guess I’ll have to take a tour this evening. Kleenex in hand.
Posted by (Chip) on January 06, 2010
I am going to uncover tomorrow and have a good look at everything a few days are one thing but everything needs a little sun and fresh air after this long. I might give every one a shot of supperthrive it depends on what I see I am hopeing for the best and I know some will be gone we will see in the morning..“Chip”