Leeza
is a name people speak well of
rowr
Recognized Member

Leeza likes Guns n' Roses, but much like with SammieBabe—I have come to tolerate our differences.

These things happen to everyone on ocassion, Sam.

I understood it, Leeza.. I just had no snappy response to say after it...

Wow, James! That was some wicked cutting and pasting - which I'm sure will come in very handy if/when I ever have a garden.

Sam Babe, that had some good info in, even a quote from T.S. Eliot!

Manson likes cats. I used to have his cat in my sig, but everyone complained that it scared them.

A kitten in your sig and avatar, and Maralyn Manson in your profile? You're nuts. And cool.

I actually enjoyed it.

I can't follow that..

Easter Flowers
Floral Arrangements for Special Occaisions
Isn't it wonderful how spring flowers start popping up just when so many special occaisions call for them? Easter, Mother's Day and wedding showers are call for something floral and special. About's Guide to Interior Decorating, Coral Nafie, is always marvelous about coming up with just the right centerpiece for every celebration. Take a walk through the many slideshows and ideas she shares in Dress Up Your Table With Fresh Spring Flowers.


More from your Guide
When It's OK to Come Home Dirty
Gardening with Kids
You won’t find too many kids whose hobby is gardening, but gardening is a wonderful and fun teaching tool. According to the American Horticulture Society, kids don’t just learn that lettuce doesn’t come from a factory before it is packaged in plastic, they also pick up everything from social interaction skills to a sense of responsibility to more finely honed creativity to the concept of patience. OK maybe not patience, but delayed gratification.

Although most of the payoff in gardening occurs long after the average youngster has lost interest, there is still quite a bit of wonder to be found in the garden. So whether your kid learns that the flowers he planted are greatly dependent on him for survival or that he is dependent on the vegetables in the garden, it’s still amazing to be a part of the cycle. Who knew your little darling could grow such incredible tomatoes!

So while you’re planning your garden this spring, here are some tips to get the kids interested in gardening.

Courtesy of Chrissi Nerantzi at stock.xchng


What To Do in the Garden in April
A Regional Gardening Guide
If April is the cruelest month, it’s either because there is so much to do all at once or because the weather won’t cooperate and let you do it. But that doesn’t mean the garden chores will go away. What we do in the next few weeks can make or break our gardens - pruning, amending, dividing and planting in the northern hemisphere and getting plants prepared to make it through winter in the southern hemisphere, whether that means cold or dry conditions or both. Take a minute to look over this ‘To Do’ and get yourself organized to tackle at least a few crucial garden tasks.


Spring Training for Gardeners
This is no April Fool's joke. We all know what great exercise gardening can be and the toll is takes on our backs and knees. But most of us would never think of warming up before we go out to tackle the weeding. Even if you don't see yourself stretching out like a marathoner, there are some simple tips on good form that could help keep you out enjoying the garden longer.



Crack 'R' Jack Garden Tools for Some Old Gardening Challenges
What could be worse than weeding? How about removing sod. A Florida gardener with some ingenuity developed a clever line of gardening tools to make weeding in tough spaces and the dreaded removal of sod a bit easier.

The Heart Hoe, Crack 'R' Jack and Ripper, reviewed here, were born of necessity when Bill Chrysler couldn’t find the tools he needed. See if Bill's tools might be the answer to some of your gardening quandaries. Or maybe even your gift giving dilemmas. Would Mom be delighted to receive a Heart Hoe for Mother's Day? Or is Dad the gift giving problem? Trust me, no man can resist the Crack 'R' Jack.


The Rainy Season is Coming and with it - Mosquitos
Gardeners tend to view spring through rose colored glasses. Unfortunately April showers don't just bring May flowers. They also lure insects back into our yards. Some insects are good for gardens, some are dreaded foes and some are just a nuisance. What purpose do mosquitoes serve? If you'd rather not be swatting them off you all summer, read up on some Natural Mosquito Repellants from David Beaulieu, About's Landscaping Guide. He claims there really is such a thing as a mosquitofish!


Why Test Your Soil
I received an email the other day from a gardener who wanted to know what's the best way to test soil and for what does it really need to be tested.

It's a good idea to test your soil pH every couple of years, more often if you are trying to correct it. The reason everyone harps on pH is that if the soil pH is too alkaline or acidic, your plants won't be able to access any of the nutrients in the soil, no matter how rich your soil is or how much you feed them. Most plants prefer a neutral pH of around 6.3 to 7.0, but some plants actually prefer the extremes (like blueberries), so check on the pH for what you are growing.

You can buy a pH kit from most garden centers or you can have Cooperative Extension test it for you, usually for a nominal fee. Some garden centers also provide this service.

You could also have your soil tested for assorted other essential nutrients. You usually need to send a soil sample out to a lab for this. Again, Cooperative Extension provides this service. They will send you back results and recommendations for the phosphorous, potassium, magnesium, etc. in your soil. This is good information, but not essential unless you are having problems or growing commercially. If you've been adding organic matter to your soil, it is probably fine.

Out of curiosity, how many of you do test your soil? Poll: Do You Have Your Soil Tested?

* Yes, for the vegetable garden
* Yes, for the flower beds
* Yes, for the lawn
* Every once in awhile
* Every year
* Never
* Just for pH
* View Results


Gardening Quote of the Month - April 2006
April is the cruelest month, breeding lilacs out of the dead land, mixing memory and desire, stirring dull roots with spring rain. "The Waste Land", by T.S. Eliot


How Much Amendment Do You Add?
Work in 4 inches of organic matter. Top dress with 2-3 inches of manure. OK how many bags or pounds will it take to cover my garden in 2-3 inches of manure? It's not higher math and it's not beyond you. Here are some cheat sheets to help you figure out How Much Mulch or Soil Amendment You'll Need for Your Garden.


Primula - A Bold Welcome to Spring
Primroses are unusually vivid spring blooming perennial flowers. Unlike the subtle pastels associated with spring, primroses shout out in bold yellows, reds, pinks and blues, making them ideal for brightening the spring garden. These easy care perennials are profiled here.

Leeza is queen of the kitties! Kind of like Cleopatra! =D

For your sake, I hope so too, Liam.

Yes, actually, now that you mention it. That advertising thing will add a more televsion type feel to EoFF. Unfortunatley, I had nothing to do with it and was quite surprised to see it when I logged in today.