The Garden Shedde

Since I have planted a garden for many years now, I go through many tools, outdoor décor and planters. Some are just out grown while others just fall apart over time. One of the best things I have ever invested in is wrought iron trellises. I have about seven of them now and they are all workhorses from the stand alone type to the wall mount type. Most of them are powder coated for further protection from the elements but even the ones that aren’t stand up to the elements great.

I also like them because they are very sturdy and can handle a lot of climbing vines and weight of produce. The last thing you need is a trellis falling over end pulling your plants out of the ground and ruining other plants falling on top of them. I have had several mishaps with plastic and vinyl trellises so I don’t use them for application in the garden anymore. The iron ones can even be used in conjunction with tomatoes that can really grow rather large and be heavy with fruit. I know if they can withstand what I put them through, they can withstand almost anything.

My wife and I love coffee as do many people we know and love. However, coffee doesn’t always love them. In fact we have several friends who have such a reaction to coffee, i.e. caffeine that a cup in the morning will keep them up late into the night. I have the exact opposite reaction to coffee, I drink it in the morning and could go right back to sleep as well as drink it late at night; sleep like a baby.

You might think I am just used to a lot of caffeine from colas or tea everyday but outside of coffee, all I drink is water. Now my wife can drink coffee in the morning okay but she cannot drink it in the evening or she will be up all night. Yet her knowing this does not stop her from time to time when she is in the mood for a cup of java. Even the decaffeinated coffees have enough caffeine in them that she will be awake. I find that crazy but people will do some crazy things all for the love of coffee!

It’s time to start thinking about a fall garden greenhouse to do two things; extending the current growing season and growing during the winter months. As most gardeners know, many fall gardens will be planted at some point in August and you have a couple of choices to extend the growing season; a greenhouse or a cold frame. Either one will work but you will need to plan differently for each.

A cold frame sits on top of a flowerbed or in your garden while you normally place plants that are in containers or raised beds in a greenhouse. If you don’t want to heat the greenhouse then they are perfect to use as season extenders. If you choose to heat it then you will be able to grow vegetables, herbs and flowers of your choice year round. You will also need access to water as well as making sure you circulate air and vent the grow house. When considering the placement of the green house make sure you have good drainage and a flat foundation for the best results.

I love this time of year as all the tomatoes are coming in and if you have never eaten a fresh vine ripened tomato, then you need to find one and have a taste. Don’t be picky about the kind as they are all wonderful right off the vine. We actually planted three different varieties that we have never planted before and are having a blast with all the color from them all in salsa’s and salads.

Hear are just a few of the ones that are my favorite. Cherokee Purple’s are one of the sweetest that we have in the garden and they are wonderful just eating them by themselves. I am also digging the Lemon Tomatoes (yes they are a bright yellow) and they are milder than some of the other tomatoes and that is good for a lot of people that can’t handle the acidity. I am looking forward to sampling the Aunt Green’s but they are not quiet ready yet and are just starting to turn. Don’t be afraid to plant and try these wonderful different kinds of tomatoes as they can really bring some color to your cooking; not to mention the flavor and the benefit to your health!

In 1997 I went through a tornado and realized that I was very lucky. You see, I didn’t know a tornado was coming my way because my power went out. It was a friend who happened to be watching their television at the time and saw it was headed my way that called me and warned me just in time to get the dogs and head to the basement. I then knew I needed to get a NOAA Weather Radio.

In short, this radio picks up a special frequency put out by the National Weather Service, which streams official Weather Service warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It also works in tandem with the Emergency Alert System making it your

single source for comprehensive weather and emergency information. In conjunction with Federal, State, and Local Emergency Managers and other public officials, NWR also broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards – including natural (such as earthquakes or avalanches), environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills), and public safety (such as AMBER alerts or 911 Telephone outages).

You can purchase a NOAA Radio at many retail outlets or online retailers.

I have walked into many a yard and garden that has all the elements you would think could turn an ordinary area into an extraordinary area yet they fall a bit short. One of the things I see that is lacking are those final finishing touches that make such a difference in décor whether it is inside or outside. A beautiful an inexpensive way to add certain touches is by using post caps & finials in traditional and unusual ways.

Traditionally, post caps are used to top off and protect the fence or deck posts and come in an assortment of styles and made of multiple materials. Finials normally sit atop the cap and are more ornate in nature. They too are made of many different materials and come in assorted shapes and sizes. I have also seen post caps and finials used as candle holders, centerpieces and stand alone decorative pieces as they bring architectural elements into an area in a very understated way. I suggest you look and see if this would be a way to finish off an area that is just lacking a little polish.

Flowers. Girls love to get them from their guys, we send them to Mom for her birthday, and send them to friends who are sick, along with many other reasons. Who am I kidding, I buy them for myself. A simple arrangement of three to five stems of sunflowers, tulips, or gladiolas just makes my day. Receiving flowers, as well as plants, makes us happier. But believe it or not, it also makes us healthier.

Indoor air quality is said to be more than three times more toxic in the house than it is outdoors. How can this be? With smog and cars, and who knows what else outside, how can our indoor air be worse? Well, cleaners, paints, and surprising even the granite countertop in the kitchen contribute. There are many toxins and VOCs in the air indoors. Our finishes such as paint and the granite countertop can off gas for many years after their original installation.

Plants do the same for us indoors as they do for us outdoors. They take in chemicals such as carbon dioxide and replenish the air with oxygen. They are better than any filter you can buy. Next time your dining table needs a bright splash of color and a light spring scent to give your room a breath of fresh air…go ahead…breathe it in.

Everyone is talking about Green. Green this, green that. But what does it mean? And, what is sustainability? Is there a difference? How are they alike and how are they different?

First off, green is more about products. It seems that there are more and more green options for previous non-planet-friendly products. Several companies are coming up with green cleaners for bathrooms, windows, and carpets, as well as the products that you would use them on. Some carpets are now being made from corn husks, there are energy-rated windows and appliances, wood rated by the Forest Stewardship Council is harvested responsibly and trees are replanted. It seems like green is “in.”

Sustainability takes it a step farther. Green products are not that green if their lifespan is not increased, or if they wind up in the landfill, or if the cleaners required for care are toxic. Also, sustainability takes into account what energy was used to bring the product to market. Did that green product add to your carbon footprint? Sustainability looks at a products life cycle. That bamboo floor may be green, but what about the energy it took to be shipped from China? Is the battery in your new hybrid car recyclable? Think green beyond the label.

Hopefully, you have had the spring to get that yard in shape and it’s now time to enjoy the reward of your labors. Get that grill fired up, the dogs and burgers ready to go and invite the neighbors over for a rocking Fourth of July! There is nothing like a holiday to show off your new digs and gardens!

You can all gather round as the fireworks go off in the distance or, if you are in a places that allows, shoot some off at your party! If nothing else, load up the cars and take the party to the fireworks as most cities have a fireworks show that will go on rain or shine. Just have a good time with your fellow Americans today and remember this land and all the good people in it.

We just painted our bedroom, living room, and kitchen, and I have to say it made a huge difference in the way the house feels, and how we feel in the house. But how will we continue to “feel” in the house? Did you know that indoor air is three times more polluted than the air outside? According to the EPA, indoor air quality, or more correctly the lack of quality, is considered one of the top five hazards to human health. Paints and finishes, even for years after application, release low levels of toxins into the air, making them among the leading causes of poor air quality. These toxins, called VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, used to be necessary in the performance of the paint coverage and wearability.

Luckily though, there is enough demand for low and no-VOC paints and finishes that more companies are offering these product lines which are durable and cost-effective. Costs are not only decreased because of the paint themselves, but also because of reduced health issues and costs incurred for doctor visits and medications due to migraines, allergies, and other maladies. Being green and sustainable is about more than just energy costs. It’s about health, and life cycle costs – costs not only affecting our pocket books, but costs to our health and our planet. These low or no-VOC offerings also help to reduce landfill, groundwater, and ozone contaminants. Lastly, they are not deemed hazardous waste, so cleanup and disposal are greatly simplified. Once the can is empty, it can be rinsed out and recycled with other recyclables.