"The color of springtime is in the flowers, the color of winter is in the imagination." ~Ward Elliot Hour

"Nature has undoubtedly mastered the art of winter gardening and even the most experienced gardener can learn from the unrestrained beauty around them."

~Vincent A. Simeone

The Gardeners Battle Cry..."More Garden, Less Grass"

Turning a grassy area in the fall into a new garden bed for the spring, without breaking your back!

The backyard gets lots of light both in the morning and the afternoon.

Hostas burning up in the sun, on either side of the shed.

First, I moved the Hostas from the backyard, to the  more shaded front yard. 

Cut the grass down as low as possible or...

I opted to remove the grass with a Hula or stirrup hoe.

I divided and transplant some sun loving daisies to the area. 

Next, add about 2" of top soil mixed with manure to the area,

and spread out evenly.

Repeat on the left side.  

Cover with several layers of newspaper to block out light and suppress grass and weeds.    

Cover the newspaper with additional top soil/manure.  Add compost and organic materials you have on hand (chopped leaves, kitchen scraps, grass clippings etc.).  Water well.

I opted to cover the areas with landscape fabric (because of the dogs), but straw, compost, wood chips, or even cardboard will work.

Come spring, I plan to turn this area into a herb garden!

THIS IS MY SHOVEL ON DIRT!

QUICK and EASY TOMATO SOUP!

This is such a quick and easy way to make fresh TOMATO SOUP.  

Don't bother with peeling the tomatoes.  

That is what makes it so easy!

Today's pick!

Time to make some soup.

Hard to believe it is 10/29/13.

These tomato plants sit up against the house in a protective nook.  They receive southern exposure all day and are still going strong.

Supplies:  TOMATOES, tomato paste, vegetable stock, carrots, celery, red onions, pepper, garlic, sugar, olive oil, basil, salt and pepper.

Saute carrots, celery, pepper, onion and garlic in olive oil.

Add vegetable stock, TOMATOES, tomato past, basil, sugar, salt and pepper.  Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer for about 45+  minutes.   

Place in a blender and puree. 

Lunch is served!

Seeing Spots

This little one should loose his/her spots by the end of October.  Fawns are born between late April and July. A Doe will have either a single fawn, twins or triplets. (Last year we had a Doe with triplets.  This year we have spotted two sets of twins and this single fawn.)  The baby's are spotted for about 3 to 4 months, and weaned from their mother by the time their spots disappear. However, some fawns may nurse for a month or two longer if the Doe allows it. (I had the pleasure of watching this one nurse yesterday evening.)  Baby deer weigh between 4-8 pounds at birth and grow to 75-85 pounds by November.  The bucks (fawn) face will become darker as he grows, and little nubs will protrude on his head between his eyes and ear area.  This mother and baby are very skittish, so it is difficult to get close enough to see if the fawn is a girl or boy.

Today's Pick...of Peppers....

Q.  "If peter piper picked a peck of pickled peppers how many pickled peppers did peter piper pick?"

A.  "Peter Piper did not pick any pickled peppers. You have to pick the peppers, then pickle them."  Answers.com 

"Trim and Edge While Standing"

Fiskars

Long Handle Grass Shears

 My husband picked these up for me as a gift!

"The innovative design of our grass shears makes trimming your ornamental grasses easier than ever. A long shaft completely eliminates kneeling and bending, so you can get the job done without sore knees or an aching back. The blades swivel for convenience, and a smooth-cutting mechanism makes every snip virtually effortless. The fully hardened, precision-ground steel blades stay sharp and hold the grass up for clean cuts, the ergonomically designed handle offers comfortable use, and the lightweight aluminum shaft provides lasting durability."

Features

• Ideal for edging and trimming decorative grasses around flower beds, trees and sidewalks
• Long shaft eliminates sore knees from kneeling and back ache from bending
• Blades swivel 360 degrees for easy trimming at any angle
• Smooth-cutting mechanism makes each snip easy
• Fully hardened, precision-ground steel blades stay sharp, even through heavy use
• 4-1/2" blades hold grass up for clean cuts and cut all the way to the tip
• Ergonomically designed handle provides a comfortable grip
• Aluminum construction provides superior strength and reduced weight 
• Easy-open lock protects the blades during transport and storage
• Length: 36"
• Lifetime warranty

http://www2.fiskars.com/Gardening-and-Yard-Care/Products/Hedge-and-Grass-Shears/Long-handle-Swivel-Grass-Shears-36#.Ul2w91CsiM4