Ruth's Gardening Forum: Pretty Poppy Yarn Art

I have always loved the whimsical nature of poppies, and have dreams of running through a field filled with poppies in some foreign land.  Leslie over at L & B Yarn Co. has designed a great way to turn poppies into fun art using yarn and Mod Podge.  (Gotta love the Mod Podge!)

She has created a fantastic tutorial on creating this light-hearted piece of art here.  I plan on making one with my girls in pinks and purples to go in their bedroom. Thanks for the inspiration, Leslie!

Ruth's Gardening Forum: "Growing Vegetable Soup" by Lois Ehlert

I can't believe I've been a mother for over 12 years and haven't read this little gem to my children.  If you have kids or grandkids that love watching a plant grow (like mine do), then reading this to them is a must.  With great illustrations, early readers can identify words and will want to read this over and over.  My favorite part is the recipe at the end--perfect for including your little ones in making this delicious soup!




I'd love to find other children's books about plants and gardening.  Any recommendations out there?

Ruth's Gardening Forum: I'm Having a Petunia Party!

When I was younger I disliked petunias-a lot!  I don't know if you can actually hate a certain flower, but I saw them everywhere and said, "Why does everyone put those ugly flowers all over the place?"

Now that I have my own garden, I have gained a love and even respect for this hearty and beautiful bloom.  For an aspiring green thumb like me, they are the perfect match! So I invited some of my favorite petunias (Patty, Penelope, Priscilla, Pam Percy, and their second cousins) to come over and stay for the summer in my garden this year.  I hope they enjoy their accommodations!


I realize now why I love these plants so much--Petunias are like the faithful friends in our lives!

• They come in many shapes and sizes
• They have every shade of color
• They can weather wind, cold, hot sun, and the storms of life!
• They flourish when they hang out with other petunias ;o)
• The effort you put into the relationship is the reward that comes back to you in abundance!

I am so grateful for the fabulous, faithful friends in my life.  You have been there for me in so many different seasons, ups and downs, good times and bad.  You are like these beautiful blossoms, adding light and beauty to my world!  Thank you, thank you, thank you! 

 Have any of you planted petunias in 

your flower beds?

Ruth's Gardening Forum: The Pansies say "Thank You!"

Dear Friends,
Last week we learned how to preserve and dry my precious pansies in only 2 minutes.  What you all don't know, is that I got on a major card-making-kick as soon as I saw those lovely pansies lying there.  I am not crafty by nature, but somehow their little faces just begged to cheer up a neighbor by saying "Thank You" in the form of a card. 

Who knew that you could pick the flowers, press and dry them, make a card, and deliver it all in under an hour?  Don't believe me?  Here's how I did it....


           

              Take some of these....

...And some of this....

                       


                     Now do this....

.....And this....

...And you've got it!!

Ruth's Gardening Forum: Today I Microwaved a Pansy!

Dear Friends,
As predicted, some of my sweet little pansies are already drooping.  I needed an easy way to preserve them, so decided that pressing them would be best.  The traditional way to press is under a stack of books (which I have an abundance of) then return a few weeks later to pull out the finished product.  Knowing myself, I would forget and find them 10 years later!

For all of us in a fast-paced world, microwave pressing method is another option to consider (as I learned on Ehow.com)  It is very simple to do, and you only need a few household items. I especially loved how the pansies kept their bright colors, even throughout the drying process!

You will need:  
Paper towels

4 pieces corrugated cardboard

4 large rubber bands

Pansies

Step 1:  Make a sandwich starting with 2 pieces of cardboard on bottom, next place one paper towel, lay pansies face down on it, place another paper towel on top of them, followed by 2 more pieces of cardboard.

Step 2:Wrap rubber bands around the entire package and place in microwave.

 

Step 3: Cook on low-medium power for 1 minute, then turn over and cook for another 30 seconds.   Allow the "sandwich" to cool, open it carefully and peel pansies off of the paper towel.  Store in a box in a cool, dry area.

Preserved and ready for that special touch to your next card or scrapbook page!

Ruth's Gardening Forum: Little Purple Pansies

The pansies in my garden have become one of my most faithful flower friends.  Their sweet faces are the first to say hello to me from under the last of the melting snow, and when their blooms begin to wilt and fade, they always promise to be back next year (with a few friends)!  A pansy (despite its name) is a hardy, colorful flower that is soon to reach its 200th birthday of being introduced to Mother Earth.  I'll bet you didn't know that!

Also known as "Hearts-ease" the colors of its petals--purple, yellow, and white--symbolize memories, loving thoughts, and souvenirs.  So from my garden to you, here is a bouquet of loving thoughts and happy memories.  Look into their little faces and have a Happy Day!

p.s. Next week we'll be discussing how to preserve these little cuties!

Ruth's Gardening Forum: Memories of Lilacs

One of my favorite memories from childhood is the scent of lilacs blooming in the spring.  I would sit for hours, playing in the grass next to our lilac bush, breathing in the lovely scent, knowing that summer was on its way!  Now that I have a garden of my own, I appreciate low-maintenence plants and flowers, and lilacs are at the top of the list!  With only a small amount of knowledge and care, you can have a lush, colorful addition to your landscape.

To care for your lilacs remember these points:
(courtesy of www.rabbitrunnursery.com)

The things that are important for good growth and abundant flowers are:

1. Sunshine: Best in full sun.

2. Fertilizing: An all-purpose fertilizer in spring.

3. Well-drained neutral soil: The ph should be 6 to 7.

4. Proper Pruning: Prune soon after the flowers have faded.

These steps should give you years of enjoyment from your lilacs ... Happy Gardening !!!