Gardens to Bed & Ideas for Next Year!

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Other than some herbs and one raised bed with carrots still waiting to be pulled for a stew, I am no longer eating from the garden. Hoping that your garden was beautiful and productive this year and I have some suggestions for 2024! As an Amazon affiliate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through the affiliate links I am sharing.

Having cleaned and stored tools after oiling and sharpening them, my “need vs wish” list for Black Friday deals on the 23rd is formulating. Are you looking for any specific products for Christmas gifts or next years’ garden? Email me at gardenwithnature@live.com or send a Facebook message and I’ll share the “best finds” before Black Friday!

My first BH’s CHOICE * selection for comfortable and attractive outdoor seating are Retro and lasting metal chairs and for anywhere you want to place a garden, bird feeder, or star-viewing bench these fit the bill.

Speaking of the birds that stay in your garden all year, they can cuddle-up to stay warm in this roosting box and, if you have Eastern Bluebirds, then get this guard for the lower (since warm air rises) entrance hole to keep Chickadees and House Sparrows out. Have squirrels? This sturdy, easy-to-fill bird feeder has tricked them through the years… their weight will not allow them to jump on it, but the birds will spill some for them to enjoy, too.

One more! Will be moving the composter closer to the backdoor and in more sunlight this weekend. Here is a easy-to-turn composter to make “black gold” a lot quicker!

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY DEALS:

FABULOUS LAMP FOR SEED STARTING

LIVE INDOOR PLANTS

RAISED WOOD PLANTER BOX

* BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and recommend.

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It’s Time for Bed & Goodbye to Hummingbirds

On By Barbara HobensIn FallLeave a comment

Putting your vegetable garden to bed is almost upon us. As an Amazon affiliate. I earn from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links and my BH’s CHOICE * for this necessary and enjoyable chore is this kneeler/seat for your comfort. No sense having wet knees, getting pebbles in your skin, or having trouble standing up after pulling spent vines or pulling weeds.

The hummingbird feeders have now been removed, cleaned, and are hanging on hooks in the garage but this trumpet vine (Campsis radicans) is still flowering in case some late migrators pass through.

My absolute favorite hummingbird feeder (and I have tried many different types) is now this easy-to-clean glass (not plastic) beauty. And, since learning about this anti-ant product two years ago, not one ant has ever crossed the thin circle of gel after squeezing out and spreading a thin circle of it around the feeder hook.

Now, there is a HUGE lesson to share with you that many people do not know. Never place your hummingbird feeder in full sun. The sugar water – – never use red dye! – – gets really hot! Hang your feeder up in the shade with the easiest, most secure hook I have ever used for feeders that sway in the wind.

* BH’s CHOICE is a product that I either have and love or one that I have thoroughly researched and can recommend.

In Bloom — Early October

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The hummingbirds and Monarch butterflies have not been seen in a few weeks but bees, wasps, yellow jackets, and more hawks have been seen.

Ideal time to pull any invasive weeds or vines out and cut up to dispose of in your garbage — not inside of your compost bin or slow pile.

Cornus Kousa dogwood fruit in full bloom.
Crocus sativus – the saffron crocus
Magnolia acuminata — cucumber magnolia

Seasonal Shifts

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On this last August day, I watched dozens of leaves drop to the shady woodland hillside. As I turned, heard and then watched a hawk circling high above, and then noticed asters in bloom.

I harvested some oregano a few days ago and let it dry on the kitchen island. Just mashed up hard boiled egg shells to “plant” in a raised vegetable bed later.

Summertime Beauty!

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Everything is in bloom it seems- from June through September there always is a “star” in the garden!

Get out your garden notebook to jot down what is in full glory today. Phlox – deep pink, light pink, and white are just so full and fragrant.

Butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, moths, and birds are very happy with all the choices.

Common Yellow Swallowtail on Phlox

All seeds in!

On By Barbara HobensIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

When night temps are at least 55 degrees!

Planting is a breeze once you read the seed packet for best depth, spacing, and knowing how large the plant will become.

In a few days you will remove the smallest to allow the strongest to keep growing! Thinning out seedlings is a necessary chore.