O:9:"MagpieRSS":23:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:10:{i:0;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:22:"Conducting a soil test";s:4:"link";s:76:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/conducting-a-soil-test/";s:8:"comments";s:85:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/conducting-a-soil-test/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 24 Feb 2011 07:00:09 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:19:"How-tosNC soil test";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=705";s:11:"description";s:361:"Someone once asked me, ?Do you really conduct a soil test each year?? Yep, I said, it?s quick and easy to do, and gives me what I need know about what?s going down there. And, in North Carolina, it?s free. &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/conducting-a-soil-test/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:16282:"<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9704" title="IMG_0396" src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_0396-300x225.jpg" alt="IMG_0396" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Someone once asked me, ?Do you really conduct a soil test each year?? Yep, I said, it?s quick and easy to do, and gives me what I need know about what?s going down there. And, in North Carolina, it?s free.</p>
<p>A simple soil test will determining the relative acidity of the soil (pH) and the level of several essential nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and zinc. So what, you say? Here?s why, taken from   <a href="http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm">Plant Nutrients</a>:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Phosphorus (P)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Like nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis.</li>
<li>Involved in the formation of all oils, sugars, starches, etc.</li>
<li>Helps with the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy; proper plant maturation; withstanding stress.</li>
<li>Effects rapid growth.</li>
<li>Encourages blooming and root growth.</li>
<li>Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal, and superphosphate.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Potassium (K)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and, in some cases, calcium.</li>
<li>Helps in the building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases.</li>
<li>Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and fertilizer.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Calcium (Ca)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Calcium, an essential part of plant cell wall structure, provides for normal transport and retention of other elements as well as strength in the plant. It is also thought to counteract the effect of alkali salts and organic acids within a plant.</li>
<li>Sources of calcium are dolomitic lime, gypsum, and superphosphate.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Magnesium (Mg)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth.</li>
<li>Soil minerals, organic material, fertilizers, and dolomitic limestone are sources of magnesium for plants.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Sulfur (S)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Essential plant food for production of protein.</li>
<li>Promotes activity and development of enzymes and vitamins.</li>
<li>Helps in chlorophyll formation.</li>
<li>Improves root growth and seed production.</li>
<li>Helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold.</li>
<li>Sulfur may be supplied to the soil from rainwater. It is also added in some fertilizers as an impurity, especially the lower grade fertilizers. The use of gypsum also increases soil sulfur levels.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Manganese (Mn) </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Functions with enzyme systems involved in breakdown of carbohydrates, and nitrogen metabolism.</li>
<li>Soil is a source of manganese.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Copper (Cu)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Important for reproductive growth.</li>
<li>Aids in root metabolism and helps in the utilization of proteins.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Also, a soil test is the only reliable method to determine a soil?s pH. North Carolina tends to have acidic soil. Soil pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion activity and is on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14. Values below 7 are acidic; values above 7 are basic. 7 is considered neutral.</p>
<p>Knowing your soil?s pH will help you make decisions as to what to plant, or areas to amend, and fertilizer. Certain plants require certain pH levels for optimum growth. Most plants in North Carolina like a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Blueberries, dogwood, azaleas, require a acid soil, with a pH 5.0 to 5.5.</p>
<p><a href=" http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/soiltest.htm">Check here</a> for easy, step by step instructions, to conduct a soil test.</p>
<p>There is no reason to guess what your soil needs. A simple soil test will assess your soil&#8217;s health, fertility and mineral content.</p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In North Carolina, soil samples are analyzed at no cost to you. </span></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Sample kits can be pick up at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services building located at 4300 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh.</span></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For more information, go visit <a href=" http://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/">NCDA</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> .</span></span></p>
<p>Check with your <a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=countycenters">county extension office<a/> to see how easy it is.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:81:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/conducting-a-soil-test/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"0";}s:7:"summary";s:361:"Someone once asked me, ?Do you really conduct a soil test each year?? Yep, I said, it?s quick and easy to do, and gives me what I need know about what?s going down there. And, in North Carolina, it?s free. &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/24/conducting-a-soil-test/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:16282:"<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-9704" title="IMG_0396" src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/IMG_0396-300x225.jpg" alt="IMG_0396" width="300" height="225" /></p>
<p>Someone once asked me, ?Do you really conduct a soil test each year?? Yep, I said, it?s quick and easy to do, and gives me what I need know about what?s going down there. And, in North Carolina, it?s free.</p>
<p>A simple soil test will determining the relative acidity of the soil (pH) and the level of several essential nutrients, including phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, manganese, copper, and zinc. So what, you say? Here?s why, taken from   <a href="http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/nutrient.htm">Plant Nutrients</a>:</p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Phosphorus (P)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Like nitrogen, phosphorus (P) is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis.</li>
<li>Involved in the formation of all oils, sugars, starches, etc.</li>
<li>Helps with the transformation of solar energy into chemical energy; proper plant maturation; withstanding stress.</li>
<li>Effects rapid growth.</li>
<li>Encourages blooming and root growth.</li>
<li>Phosphorus often comes from fertilizer, bone meal, and superphosphate.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Potassium (K)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and, in some cases, calcium.</li>
<li>Helps in the building of protein, photosynthesis, fruit quality and reduction of diseases.</li>
<li>Potassium is supplied to plants by soil minerals, organic materials, and fertilizer.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Calcium (Ca)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Calcium, an essential part of plant cell wall structure, provides for normal transport and retention of other elements as well as strength in the plant. It is also thought to counteract the effect of alkali salts and organic acids within a plant.</li>
<li>Sources of calcium are dolomitic lime, gypsum, and superphosphate.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Magnesium (Mg)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Magnesium is part of the chlorophyll in all green plants and essential for photosynthesis. It also helps activate many plant enzymes needed for growth.</li>
<li>Soil minerals, organic material, fertilizers, and dolomitic limestone are sources of magnesium for plants.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Sulfur (S)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Essential plant food for production of protein.</li>
<li>Promotes activity and development of enzymes and vitamins.</li>
<li>Helps in chlorophyll formation.</li>
<li>Improves root growth and seed production.</li>
<li>Helps with vigorous plant growth and resistance to cold.</li>
<li>Sulfur may be supplied to the soil from rainwater. It is also added in some fertilizers as an impurity, especially the lower grade fertilizers. The use of gypsum also increases soil sulfur levels.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Manganese (Mn) </strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Functions with enzyme systems involved in breakdown of carbohydrates, and nitrogen metabolism.</li>
<li>Soil is a source of manganese.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top"><strong>Copper (Cu)</strong></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top">
<ul>
<li>Important for reproductive growth.</li>
<li>Aids in root metabolism and helps in the utilization of proteins.</li>
</ul>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>Also, a soil test is the only reliable method to determine a soil?s pH. North Carolina tends to have acidic soil. Soil pH is a measure of the hydrogen ion activity and is on a logarithmic scale of 1 to 14. Values below 7 are acidic; values above 7 are basic. 7 is considered neutral.</p>
<p>Knowing your soil?s pH will help you make decisions as to what to plant, or areas to amend, and fertilizer. Certain plants require certain pH levels for optimum growth. Most plants in North Carolina like a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Blueberries, dogwood, azaleas, require a acid soil, with a pH 5.0 to 5.5.</p>
<p><a href=" http://www.ncagr.gov/cyber/kidswrld/plant/soiltest.htm">Check here</a> for easy, step by step instructions, to conduct a soil test.</p>
<p>There is no reason to guess what your soil needs. A simple soil test will assess your soil&#8217;s health, fertility and mineral content.</p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In North Carolina, soil samples are analyzed at no cost to you. </span></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Sample kits can be pick up at the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services building located at 4300 Reedy Creek Road in Raleigh.</span></p>
<p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">For more information, go visit <a href=" http://www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/">NCDA</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', 'Bitstream Charter', Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"> .</span></span></p>
<p>Check with your <a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/index.php?page=countycenters">county extension office<a/> to see how easy it is.</p>
<p><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><br />
</span></span></p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1298530809;}i:1;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:17:"What?s in a name?";s:4:"link";s:69:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/17/whats-in-a-name/";s:8:"comments";s:78:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/17/whats-in-a-name/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 17 Feb 2011 07:00:14 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:36:"How-tosBotanical Latinplant taxonomy";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=698";s:11:"description";s:405:"The plant markers at the JC Raulston Arboretum help the visitor understand more about the plant in front of them, listing the Family, Genus, Species, Special Epithet, Cultivar, Common Name, and Plant Origin.  In the example, the JCRA breaks down the meaning of each. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/17/whats-in-a-name/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:12362:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/s-in-a-name.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-699" title="s in a name" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/s-in-a-name-1024x814.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="508" /></a>Not all garden paths are straight forward. While there is usually a beginning and an end, there are also curves and intersections to enter and leave, and also leading us left or right. But we always move on. We each make different choices as we go down our chosen garden path.</p>
<p>Sometimes we make decisions about our direction based on the path of least resistance. When it came to understanding <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Gardening/diggin-it/2011/0215/Do-botanical-names-really-matter-in-gardening">botanical Latin</a><a></a>, I chose the path of least resistance. Moving on now, I have embraced botanical Latin and found this sign at the JC Raulston Arboretum that I thought was a good lesson in botanical Latin 101.</p>
<p>The plant markers at the JC Raulston Arboretum help the visitor understand more about the plant in front of them, listing the Family, Genus, Species, Special Epithet, Cultivar, Common Name, and Plant Origin. In the example, the JCRA breaks down the meaning of each.</p>
<p>Family &#8211; A group of plants in related genera that share common reproductive characteristics. The example in the photo uses an Oakleaf Hydrangea. As such, the Family in the example is Hydrangeaceae.</p>
<p>Genus &#8211; A group of species that share common characteristics. Example Genus is <em>Hydrangea.</em></p>
<p>Species &#8211; A group of plants that share a common gene pool and can freely interbreed. Always binomial (two words): genus name + specific epithet. Species is <em>Hydrangea quercifolia.</em></p>
<p>Special Epithet &#8211; Word combined with a genus name, to define a species. Specific Epithet is <em>quercifolia</em>.</p>
<p>Cultivar &#8211; A cultivated selection of a species or hybrid. Cultivar is ?Alison?.</p>
<p>Common Name &#8211; Local name given to a plant. Many plants have more than one common name or none. Common Name is oakleafhydrangea.</p>
<p>Plant Origin &#8211; Native range of the species. <em>Garden Origin </em>means the plant originated through selection or hybridization by man. Plant Origin is native to GA to TN, FL and LA.</p>
<p><strong>My equivalent animal taxonomy would be:</strong></p>
<p>Family &#8211; Hominidae</p>
<p>Genus -<em> Homo</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>Species &#8211; <em>Homo sapiens </em></p>
<p>Special Epithet &#8211; <em>sapiens</em></p>
<p>Cultivar ?Helen Yoest?</p>
<p>Common Name &#8211; Tall Girl</p>
<p>Origin &#8211; Virginia</p>
<p>What would your common name be?</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:74:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/17/whats-in-a-name/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"2";}s:7:"summary";s:405:"The plant markers at the JC Raulston Arboretum help the visitor understand more about the plant in front of them, listing the Family, Genus, Species, Special Epithet, Cultivar, Common Name, and Plant Origin.  In the example, the JCRA breaks down the meaning of each. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/17/whats-in-a-name/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:12362:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/s-in-a-name.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-large wp-image-699" title="s in a name" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/s-in-a-name-1024x814.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="508" /></a>Not all garden paths are straight forward. While there is usually a beginning and an end, there are also curves and intersections to enter and leave, and also leading us left or right. But we always move on. We each make different choices as we go down our chosen garden path.</p>
<p>Sometimes we make decisions about our direction based on the path of least resistance. When it came to understanding <a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Gardening/diggin-it/2011/0215/Do-botanical-names-really-matter-in-gardening">botanical Latin</a><a></a>, I chose the path of least resistance. Moving on now, I have embraced botanical Latin and found this sign at the JC Raulston Arboretum that I thought was a good lesson in botanical Latin 101.</p>
<p>The plant markers at the JC Raulston Arboretum help the visitor understand more about the plant in front of them, listing the Family, Genus, Species, Special Epithet, Cultivar, Common Name, and Plant Origin. In the example, the JCRA breaks down the meaning of each.</p>
<p>Family &#8211; A group of plants in related genera that share common reproductive characteristics. The example in the photo uses an Oakleaf Hydrangea. As such, the Family in the example is Hydrangeaceae.</p>
<p>Genus &#8211; A group of species that share common characteristics. Example Genus is <em>Hydrangea.</em></p>
<p>Species &#8211; A group of plants that share a common gene pool and can freely interbreed. Always binomial (two words): genus name + specific epithet. Species is <em>Hydrangea quercifolia.</em></p>
<p>Special Epithet &#8211; Word combined with a genus name, to define a species. Specific Epithet is <em>quercifolia</em>.</p>
<p>Cultivar &#8211; A cultivated selection of a species or hybrid. Cultivar is ?Alison?.</p>
<p>Common Name &#8211; Local name given to a plant. Many plants have more than one common name or none. Common Name is oakleafhydrangea.</p>
<p>Plant Origin &#8211; Native range of the species. <em>Garden Origin </em>means the plant originated through selection or hybridization by man. Plant Origin is native to GA to TN, FL and LA.</p>
<p><strong>My equivalent animal taxonomy would be:</strong></p>
<p>Family &#8211; Hominidae</p>
<p>Genus -<em> Homo</em></p>
<p><em> </em></p>
<p>Species &#8211; <em>Homo sapiens </em></p>
<p>Special Epithet &#8211; <em>sapiens</em></p>
<p>Cultivar ?Helen Yoest?</p>
<p>Common Name &#8211; Tall Girl</p>
<p>Origin &#8211; Virginia</p>
<p>What would your common name be?</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1297926014;}i:2;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:19:"Amaryllis blooms on";s:4:"link";s:57:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/708/";s:8:"comments";s:66:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/708/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 10 Feb 2011 07:59:49 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:14:"BulbsAmaryllis";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=708";s:11:"description";s:413:"Outside, my shadow lies on the ground, long and low, leading the way, as I brace the winter's cold,  bringing in groceries for tonight's dinner.  I can see the shadow of the amaryllis bulb, precariously sitting on top of the bag, as if it may fall to the sidewalk if I loose my balance. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/708/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:12309:"<div>
<p><a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/January-21-2009-SNOW-DAY-048.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13573" title="January 21, 2009 SNOW DAY 048" src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/January-21-2009-SNOW-DAY-048-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Outside, my shadow lies on the ground, long and low, leading the way, as I brace the winter&#8217;s cold, bringing in groceries for tonight&#8217;s dinner. I can see the shadow of the amaryllis bulb, precariously sitting on top of the bag, as if it may fall to the sidewalk if I loose my balance.</p>
<p>Inside, I set the grocery bag on the kitchen counter with my myopic mind set on showing the kids the amaryllis bulb I bought just for them &#8211; to plant and nurture, helping us all wait for spring.</p>
<p>This time of year, amaryllis are deeply discounted since most folks buy these bulbs for the holidays. I buy them now to enjoy through the winter; spring can be slow in coming. Abodaciousflower, amaryllis makes the wait more bearable. But it&#8217;s more than that and I suspect too many gardeners aren&#8217;t aware. Amaryllis live on in the garden.</p>
<p>Amaryllis transition nicely from your winter display indoors to the garden for years of enjoyment outdoors.</p>
<p>Lucky for us, our zone 7 gardens suits this transition just fine.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s what we do:</p>
<ul>
<li>Keep the amaryllis alive inside until after the treat of the last frost date in spring.For Raleigh, that 90 percentile magical date is April 15.</li>
<li>Choose a location in the garden that receives full sun with afternoon shade for a little relief from our notably, hot afternoon summer sun.</li>
<li>The soil should be well-drained and fertile with some phosphorus added.Bone meal or phosphorus fertilizer work fine.</li>
<li>Remove the bulb from the pot and carefully, spread the roots.</li>
<li>Plant the bulb just below the neck of the plant.</li>
<li>Cover with 2 &#8211; 3 inches of mulch to aid in conserving water.</li>
<li>Water in well.</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep mulched through the winter to enjoy your amaryllis for years to come.</p>
<p>Most likely, your amaryllis will not bloom again this year.Still, there will be nice strappy leaves to enjoy.Lightly fertilize monthly through August.</p>
<p>Next year in the late spring, your amaryllis should bloom again.</p>
</div>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:62:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/708/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"1";}s:7:"summary";s:413:"Outside, my shadow lies on the ground, long and low, leading the way, as I brace the winter's cold,  bringing in groceries for tonight's dinner.  I can see the shadow of the amaryllis bulb, precariously sitting on top of the bag, as if it may fall to the sidewalk if I loose my balance. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/10/708/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:12309:"<div>
<p><a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/January-21-2009-SNOW-DAY-048.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-13573" title="January 21, 2009 SNOW DAY 048" src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/January-21-2009-SNOW-DAY-048-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Outside, my shadow lies on the ground, long and low, leading the way, as I brace the winter&#8217;s cold, bringing in groceries for tonight&#8217;s dinner. I can see the shadow of the amaryllis bulb, precariously sitting on top of the bag, as if it may fall to the sidewalk if I loose my balance.</p>
<p>Inside, I set the grocery bag on the kitchen counter with my myopic mind set on showing the kids the amaryllis bulb I bought just for them &#8211; to plant and nurture, helping us all wait for spring.</p>
<p>This time of year, amaryllis are deeply discounted since most folks buy these bulbs for the holidays. I buy them now to enjoy through the winter; spring can be slow in coming. Abodaciousflower, amaryllis makes the wait more bearable. But it&#8217;s more than that and I suspect too many gardeners aren&#8217;t aware. Amaryllis live on in the garden.</p>
<p>Amaryllis transition nicely from your winter display indoors to the garden for years of enjoyment outdoors.</p>
<p>Lucky for us, our zone 7 gardens suits this transition just fine.</p>
<p>Here&#8217;s what we do:</p>
<ul>
<li>Keep the amaryllis alive inside until after the treat of the last frost date in spring.For Raleigh, that 90 percentile magical date is April 15.</li>
<li>Choose a location in the garden that receives full sun with afternoon shade for a little relief from our notably, hot afternoon summer sun.</li>
<li>The soil should be well-drained and fertile with some phosphorus added.Bone meal or phosphorus fertilizer work fine.</li>
<li>Remove the bulb from the pot and carefully, spread the roots.</li>
<li>Plant the bulb just below the neck of the plant.</li>
<li>Cover with 2 &#8211; 3 inches of mulch to aid in conserving water.</li>
<li>Water in well.</li>
</ul>
<p>Keep mulched through the winter to enjoy your amaryllis for years to come.</p>
<p>Most likely, your amaryllis will not bloom again this year.Still, there will be nice strappy leaves to enjoy.Lightly fertilize monthly through August.</p>
<p>Next year in the late spring, your amaryllis should bloom again.</p>
</div>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1297324789;}i:3;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:30:"How to prune a Knock Out rose";s:4:"link";s:58:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/rose/";s:8:"comments";s:67:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/rose/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 03 Feb 2011 07:00:54 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:50:"How-tosShrubsgardeningpruning Knock Out rosesroses";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=686";s:11:"description";s:321:"As seen in many North Carolina gardens, the Knock Out rose, is one rose that looks good, blooms continuously during the growing season, and is virtually maintenance free. Not spraying required. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/rose/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:10472:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Knock-Out-Rose1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-689" title="Knock Out Rose" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Knock-Out-Rose1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Knock Out@ roses are desired by so many; and why not?  Indeed, the rose holds our attention, begging us to stop and stair.</p>
<p>As seen in many North Carolina gardens, the Knock Out rose, is one rose that looks good, blooms continuously during the growing season, and is virtually maintenance free.  Not spraying required.</p>
<p>When you read this, I hope you aren&#8217;t too disappointed to find out there is very little you need to know or do to prune your Knock Out roses.</p>
<p>Anytime during the year, dead wood can be pruned away from the shrub, but any major pruning to shape the shrub rose should be done during the dormant season in late winter/ early spring.</p>
<p>When planting your Knock Out roses, give them room to grow their full size, so then the only attention you need to give the shrub rose, is you admiration.  For an added bonus, Knock Out roses are self-cleaning meaning, so you don&#8217;t even need to deadhead; only if you want too.</p>
<p>It would seem the Knock Out rose is destined to be the perfect landscape shrub rose.</p>
<p><strong>How to prune Knock Out roses</strong></p>
<p>Using sharp by-pass pruning shears, begin by cutting off any deadwood.  Next removed any spindly canes growing from the base of the shrub rose.</p>
<p>Look for an outward facing bud and cut just above the bud at a 45-degree angle sloping towards the bush.</p>
<p>So you can see pruning Knock Out roses isn&#8217;t particularly tricky, and doesn&#8217;t actually need to be done at all.  But if desired, pruning while dormant and above a bud will reward you with  vigorous growth and continuous blooms during the growing season.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:63:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/rose/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"6";}s:7:"summary";s:321:"As seen in many North Carolina gardens, the Knock Out rose, is one rose that looks good, blooms continuously during the growing season, and is virtually maintenance free. Not spraying required. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/02/03/rose/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:10472:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Knock-Out-Rose1.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-689" title="Knock Out Rose" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Knock-Out-Rose1-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Knock Out@ roses are desired by so many; and why not?  Indeed, the rose holds our attention, begging us to stop and stair.</p>
<p>As seen in many North Carolina gardens, the Knock Out rose, is one rose that looks good, blooms continuously during the growing season, and is virtually maintenance free.  Not spraying required.</p>
<p>When you read this, I hope you aren&#8217;t too disappointed to find out there is very little you need to know or do to prune your Knock Out roses.</p>
<p>Anytime during the year, dead wood can be pruned away from the shrub, but any major pruning to shape the shrub rose should be done during the dormant season in late winter/ early spring.</p>
<p>When planting your Knock Out roses, give them room to grow their full size, so then the only attention you need to give the shrub rose, is you admiration.  For an added bonus, Knock Out roses are self-cleaning meaning, so you don&#8217;t even need to deadhead; only if you want too.</p>
<p>It would seem the Knock Out rose is destined to be the perfect landscape shrub rose.</p>
<p><strong>How to prune Knock Out roses</strong></p>
<p>Using sharp by-pass pruning shears, begin by cutting off any deadwood.  Next removed any spindly canes growing from the base of the shrub rose.</p>
<p>Look for an outward facing bud and cut just above the bud at a 45-degree angle sloping towards the bush.</p>
<p>So you can see pruning Knock Out roses isn&#8217;t particularly tricky, and doesn&#8217;t actually need to be done at all.  But if desired, pruning while dormant and above a bud will reward you with  vigorous growth and continuous blooms during the growing season.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1296716454;}i:4;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:8:"Mulching";s:4:"link";s:62:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/mulching/";s:8:"comments";s:71:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/mulching/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 27 Jan 2011 07:00:09 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:131:"How-tosSustainable Gardening Practicesdouble shredded mulchgreen mulchmulchmulchingpine bark nuggetspine strawtriple shredded mulch";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=649";s:11:"description";s:575:"As gardeners we want the best for our gardens. With a myriad of elements in the building a garden, we slowly learn the benefits of doing certain tasks at certain times of year.  Not often dose one task have multiple benefits.  It?s good to know adding mulch to the garden is one gardening task that has multiple benefits.  Adding organic mulch to your garden not only helps the garden perform at it?s best, it also makes it look it?s best too. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/mulching/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:18056:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-650" title="Mulch" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-300x203.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="203" /></a>As gardeners we want the best for our gardens. With a myriad of elements in the building a garden, we slowly learn the benefits of doing certain tasks at certain times of year.  Not often does one task have multiple benefits.  It?s good to know adding mulch to the garden is one gardening task that has multiple benefits.  Adding organic mulch to your garden not only helps the garden perform at it?s best, it also makes it look it?s best too.</p>
<p>Used generously, mulch breaks down to add nutrients to the soil, retain moisture by reducing evaporation and helping the soil absorb rainfall.  Organic mulch insulates and moderate soil temperature, and adds texture to the landscape while improving soil texture.  Adding organic mulch will also suppress weeds and makes the garden look great.  A warm blanket of organic covering will also decrease the freeze-and-thaw cycles at the soil?s surface in later winter, lessening root heaving.</p>
<p>It?s easy to apply mulch, but here is a reminder of<a href="http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/Home&amp;Garden/indexFS.cfm?storyid=2710">what to avoid</a>.</p>
<p>First, lets see some of the mulches we have to work with.</p>
<p>PINE STRAW<br />
Pine straw is easy to apply and widely available in North Carolina, the pine state.  Pine straw is a natural choice around your acid loving plants such as dogwoods, rhododendrons, and azaleas.  These plants are often companion plants with Pine trees for that reason, plus the light under a pine suits these plants well.</p>
<p>PINE BARK NUGGETS<br />
<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-layering.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-651" title="Mulch layering" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-layering-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Nuggets make great mulch in the rose garden; their size and color are the perfect to complement the rose bushes.  Also, when petals and foliage fall to the ground, they blend well with the nuggets keeping the rose garden looking tidy.   Mini nuggets also make a nice path, giving a visual direction when layered on top of another mulch.  Nuggets also come in large and medium sizes.  These are great ornamental ground covers particularly, in large areas and in woodland gardens.</p>
<p>SHREDDED PINE AND HARDWOOD<br />
Both shredded pine and hardwood come in a couple of forms: double and triple shredded mulch.  As the name would suggest, triple shredded mulch is further processed than double.  The shreds are a bit smaller than double shredded, with less large chunks.  Double doesn?t last quite as long as triple, but not by much.  Many also find the triple shredded mulches to be more aesthetically pleasing.</p>
<p>COMPOSTED LEAF MULCH <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Composted-leaf-mulch.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-654" title="Composted leaf mulch" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Composted-leaf-mulch-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><br />
As I was building my garden, I used composted leaf generously as a soil amender.  For many years, this has been my mulch of choice.   It should be noted thought, because it?s composted, it breaks down faster than other mulches. As such, it needs to be re-applied sooner than annually.  But as it breaks down, those nutrients are going right into the soil.  Be forewarned though, most sources of composted leaf mulch are from a city?s recycling effort, so they tend to have bits of trash in it.  As the fall leaves are sucked up by the city trucks, whatever else that was on the ground is sucked up as well.   As the mulch breaks down, bits of trash continually reveal themselves.</p>
<p>GREEN MULCHES<br />
These are most often available when tree work is done at home or in the neighborhood.  The felled tress are chipped and given to those who want them, and often, the homeowner will keep them for use in their garden.  Green mulches from freshly cut trees have their place, but understand that if you are chipping a tree and planning to use it right away in your garden, those fresh wood chips, may produce a short-term reduction in available nitrogen as the bulk of the available nitrogen in the soil will be needed to break down the green mulch.   If you do use green mulch in your garden bed, it is recommended to add about one half pound of high-nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 feet of 4-thick mulch.  Green mulches also make great paths and then, no added nitrogen is necessary.</p>
<p>HOW-TO APPLY MULCH<br />
With a wheel barrel and a pitch form, bulk mulch can be added to your garden beds, one load at a time.  The wheel barrel is also useful when hauling bagged mulch to the areas you want it applied.</p>
<p>Apply mulch to the root zone of plants or throughout a garden bed.  A 3 &#8211; 5 inch layer will settle to a depth of 2 &#8211; 4 inches.  Be careful not to put mulch directly against tree trunks.  It is recommended to keep a 6 inch space from the base of the tree to where the mulching begins.</p>
<p>Replenish when the mulch layer is 1 inch or less.</p>
<p>Various mulches break down at different rates.  There are many factors to determine the rate mulch breaks down such as, sun exposure, temperature, rainfall or irrigation frequency, and even length of growing season and the type of mulch used.  On average, mulch should be replenished once a year.  To do this, simply add another layer to existing mulch.</p>
<p>February is one of the best months to lay mulch. Also with the openness of the winter garden, mulching in the winter is also the easiest time to apply.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:67:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/mulching/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"4";}s:7:"summary";s:575:"As gardeners we want the best for our gardens. With a myriad of elements in the building a garden, we slowly learn the benefits of doing certain tasks at certain times of year.  Not often dose one task have multiple benefits.  It?s good to know adding mulch to the garden is one gardening task that has multiple benefits.  Adding organic mulch to your garden not only helps the garden perform at it?s best, it also makes it look it?s best too. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/27/mulching/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:18056:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-650" title="Mulch" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-300x203.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="203" /></a>As gardeners we want the best for our gardens. With a myriad of elements in the building a garden, we slowly learn the benefits of doing certain tasks at certain times of year.  Not often does one task have multiple benefits.  It?s good to know adding mulch to the garden is one gardening task that has multiple benefits.  Adding organic mulch to your garden not only helps the garden perform at it?s best, it also makes it look it?s best too.</p>
<p>Used generously, mulch breaks down to add nutrients to the soil, retain moisture by reducing evaporation and helping the soil absorb rainfall.  Organic mulch insulates and moderate soil temperature, and adds texture to the landscape while improving soil texture.  Adding organic mulch will also suppress weeds and makes the garden look great.  A warm blanket of organic covering will also decrease the freeze-and-thaw cycles at the soil?s surface in later winter, lessening root heaving.</p>
<p>It?s easy to apply mulch, but here is a reminder of<a href="http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/Home&amp;Garden/indexFS.cfm?storyid=2710">what to avoid</a>.</p>
<p>First, lets see some of the mulches we have to work with.</p>
<p>PINE STRAW<br />
Pine straw is easy to apply and widely available in North Carolina, the pine state.  Pine straw is a natural choice around your acid loving plants such as dogwoods, rhododendrons, and azaleas.  These plants are often companion plants with Pine trees for that reason, plus the light under a pine suits these plants well.</p>
<p>PINE BARK NUGGETS<br />
<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-layering.jpg"><img class="alignright size-thumbnail wp-image-651" title="Mulch layering" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Mulch-layering-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a>Nuggets make great mulch in the rose garden; their size and color are the perfect to complement the rose bushes.  Also, when petals and foliage fall to the ground, they blend well with the nuggets keeping the rose garden looking tidy.   Mini nuggets also make a nice path, giving a visual direction when layered on top of another mulch.  Nuggets also come in large and medium sizes.  These are great ornamental ground covers particularly, in large areas and in woodland gardens.</p>
<p>SHREDDED PINE AND HARDWOOD<br />
Both shredded pine and hardwood come in a couple of forms: double and triple shredded mulch.  As the name would suggest, triple shredded mulch is further processed than double.  The shreds are a bit smaller than double shredded, with less large chunks.  Double doesn?t last quite as long as triple, but not by much.  Many also find the triple shredded mulches to be more aesthetically pleasing.</p>
<p>COMPOSTED LEAF MULCH <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Composted-leaf-mulch.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-654" title="Composted leaf mulch" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Composted-leaf-mulch-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><br />
As I was building my garden, I used composted leaf generously as a soil amender.  For many years, this has been my mulch of choice.   It should be noted thought, because it?s composted, it breaks down faster than other mulches. As such, it needs to be re-applied sooner than annually.  But as it breaks down, those nutrients are going right into the soil.  Be forewarned though, most sources of composted leaf mulch are from a city?s recycling effort, so they tend to have bits of trash in it.  As the fall leaves are sucked up by the city trucks, whatever else that was on the ground is sucked up as well.   As the mulch breaks down, bits of trash continually reveal themselves.</p>
<p>GREEN MULCHES<br />
These are most often available when tree work is done at home or in the neighborhood.  The felled tress are chipped and given to those who want them, and often, the homeowner will keep them for use in their garden.  Green mulches from freshly cut trees have their place, but understand that if you are chipping a tree and planning to use it right away in your garden, those fresh wood chips, may produce a short-term reduction in available nitrogen as the bulk of the available nitrogen in the soil will be needed to break down the green mulch.   If you do use green mulch in your garden bed, it is recommended to add about one half pound of high-nitrogen fertilizer per 1,000 feet of 4-thick mulch.  Green mulches also make great paths and then, no added nitrogen is necessary.</p>
<p>HOW-TO APPLY MULCH<br />
With a wheel barrel and a pitch form, bulk mulch can be added to your garden beds, one load at a time.  The wheel barrel is also useful when hauling bagged mulch to the areas you want it applied.</p>
<p>Apply mulch to the root zone of plants or throughout a garden bed.  A 3 &#8211; 5 inch layer will settle to a depth of 2 &#8211; 4 inches.  Be careful not to put mulch directly against tree trunks.  It is recommended to keep a 6 inch space from the base of the tree to where the mulching begins.</p>
<p>Replenish when the mulch layer is 1 inch or less.</p>
<p>Various mulches break down at different rates.  There are many factors to determine the rate mulch breaks down such as, sun exposure, temperature, rainfall or irrigation frequency, and even length of growing season and the type of mulch used.  On average, mulch should be replenished once a year.  To do this, simply add another layer to existing mulch.</p>
<p>February is one of the best months to lay mulch. Also with the openness of the winter garden, mulching in the winter is also the easiest time to apply.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1296111609;}i:5;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:14:"How-to compost";s:4:"link";s:68:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/how-to-compost/";s:8:"comments";s:77:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/how-to-compost/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 20 Jan 2011 07:00:45 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:75:"How-tosSustainable Gardening Practicesgardeninghow-to compostNorth Carolina";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=631";s:11:"description";s:470:" Waste not, want not; right?  But it happens.  When it does, where does your kitchen waste go?  When you?re making a salad, finishing an apple, peeling an onion, or trimming vegetables, where does the waste end up?  If you answered the compost pile, you are part of a growing number of home gardeners composting their kitchen waste. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/how-to-compost/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:15302:"<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Montrose-Compost.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-632" title="Montrose Compost" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Montrose-Compost-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" /></a> Waste not, want not; right?  But it happens.  When it does, where does your kitchen waste go?  When you?re making a salad, finishing an apple, peeling an onion, or trimming vegetables, where does the waste end up?  If you answered the compost pile, you are part of a growing number of home gardeners composting their kitchen waste.</p>
<p>Composting is simple and easy to do. There a few approaches to building a compost pile. Choose whatever type suits your garden ? a three-bay heap for a large property, a classic upside-down-bin style to place in an average garden, a tumble-type bin that neatly sits on a paved area or a covered pail to keep in the kitchen. Or simply a place where you can pile leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen waste in a secluded corner of the property.</p>
<p>Compost systems can be either hot or cold. Hot requires a regular turning maintenance. You don?t have to turn a cold compost pile, but takes longer to break down.  However, if you have the room, it is the easiest way to compost. In cold composting, kitchen waste only needs to be piled. After it reaches a certain height, start another. When the second one is full, go back to the first. Chances are, it will be ready to use when you are.</p>
<p>Mature compost ends up as a delightful humus to use as a soil conditioner, mulch, and fertilizer in your garden.  It feeds the soil microorganisms for healthier plants, adds nutrients to the soil, and amends clay soil for better drainage and sandy soil to retain water.</p>
<p>When visitors come to my garden, I?m often asked why I don?t compost.  ?I do,? I tell them, ?Why do you ask??  Their answers are always the same, they don?t see or smell it.</p>
<p>Compost piles don?t have to smell, nor do they need to be seen.  Locate your compost pile in a handy spot to easily take your waste, but tucked away so not to be seen.  A sunny location is ideal, but some shade is fine too.</p>
<p>There are two basic elements to make up a compost pile:  green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon).</p>
<p>The green ingredients include green leaves, coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings, corn husks, apple cores, and the like.</p>
<p>The brown ingredients include wood ash, newspaper, paper towels, cardboard egg cartons, and such.</p>
<p>The amount of each is not an exact science and, in fact, Chris McLaughlin?s states in her<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/books.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-637" title="books" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/books.jpeg" alt="" width="65" height="80" /></a> book, <a href=" http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Composting/dp/1615640088  ">The Complete Idiot?s Guide to Composting</a><a></a> Chris says, ?Skip the math.  As easy rule of thumb is to put half carbon and half nitrogen into your compost pile to begin with.  Then let the pile tell you what to toss in next.  Whatever you do, don?t stress over it; compost happens.?</p>
<p>Compost also needs water to help the waste breakdown.  In the absence of rain, water your compost pile.  Too little water, slows down decomposition; to much water can cause the temperature of the pile to rise.  The pile should be like a rung-out sponge.  But again, if this is not monitored, eventually compost happens.</p>
<p>Turning the pile will hastens the decomposition by increasing airflow.  To speed up decomposition, a weekly turning is recommended.</p>
<p>A hot compost system will be finished in about 2 months; in a cold system, about 6 &#8211; 12 months, depending on it?s size.  In each case, you will know when your compost is finished when you can no longer identify any of the original materials.</p>
<p>It?s best not to put any animal products in the compost pile since they will attract unwanted critters.  You can also refer to this <a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/garden-how-tos/the-book-of-six--gardening-tips-six-items-not-to-compost/">list of six items not to compost</a><a></a>.</p>
<p>Once you begin the habit of composting, it becomes just another level of the gardening experience &#8211;  as natural as gardening itself.  When your compost is finished, add to the garden beds and containers to enrich your soil and know you are helping your garden, one bit of waste at a time.<br />
By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:73:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/how-to-compost/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"2";}s:7:"summary";s:470:" Waste not, want not; right?  But it happens.  When it does, where does your kitchen waste go?  When you?re making a salad, finishing an apple, peeling an onion, or trimming vegetables, where does the waste end up?  If you answered the compost pile, you are part of a growing number of home gardeners composting their kitchen waste. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/20/how-to-compost/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:15302:"<p><strong> </strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Montrose-Compost.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-632" title="Montrose Compost" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Montrose-Compost-199x300.jpg" alt="" width="199" height="300" /></a> Waste not, want not; right?  But it happens.  When it does, where does your kitchen waste go?  When you?re making a salad, finishing an apple, peeling an onion, or trimming vegetables, where does the waste end up?  If you answered the compost pile, you are part of a growing number of home gardeners composting their kitchen waste.</p>
<p>Composting is simple and easy to do. There a few approaches to building a compost pile. Choose whatever type suits your garden ? a three-bay heap for a large property, a classic upside-down-bin style to place in an average garden, a tumble-type bin that neatly sits on a paved area or a covered pail to keep in the kitchen. Or simply a place where you can pile leaves, grass clippings, and kitchen waste in a secluded corner of the property.</p>
<p>Compost systems can be either hot or cold. Hot requires a regular turning maintenance. You don?t have to turn a cold compost pile, but takes longer to break down.  However, if you have the room, it is the easiest way to compost. In cold composting, kitchen waste only needs to be piled. After it reaches a certain height, start another. When the second one is full, go back to the first. Chances are, it will be ready to use when you are.</p>
<p>Mature compost ends up as a delightful humus to use as a soil conditioner, mulch, and fertilizer in your garden.  It feeds the soil microorganisms for healthier plants, adds nutrients to the soil, and amends clay soil for better drainage and sandy soil to retain water.</p>
<p>When visitors come to my garden, I?m often asked why I don?t compost.  ?I do,? I tell them, ?Why do you ask??  Their answers are always the same, they don?t see or smell it.</p>
<p>Compost piles don?t have to smell, nor do they need to be seen.  Locate your compost pile in a handy spot to easily take your waste, but tucked away so not to be seen.  A sunny location is ideal, but some shade is fine too.</p>
<p>There are two basic elements to make up a compost pile:  green (nitrogen) and brown (carbon).</p>
<p>The green ingredients include green leaves, coffee grounds, vegetable trimmings, corn husks, apple cores, and the like.</p>
<p>The brown ingredients include wood ash, newspaper, paper towels, cardboard egg cartons, and such.</p>
<p>The amount of each is not an exact science and, in fact, Chris McLaughlin?s states in her<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/books.jpeg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-637" title="books" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/books.jpeg" alt="" width="65" height="80" /></a> book, <a href=" http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Idiots-Guide-Composting/dp/1615640088  ">The Complete Idiot?s Guide to Composting</a><a></a> Chris says, ?Skip the math.  As easy rule of thumb is to put half carbon and half nitrogen into your compost pile to begin with.  Then let the pile tell you what to toss in next.  Whatever you do, don?t stress over it; compost happens.?</p>
<p>Compost also needs water to help the waste breakdown.  In the absence of rain, water your compost pile.  Too little water, slows down decomposition; to much water can cause the temperature of the pile to rise.  The pile should be like a rung-out sponge.  But again, if this is not monitored, eventually compost happens.</p>
<p>Turning the pile will hastens the decomposition by increasing airflow.  To speed up decomposition, a weekly turning is recommended.</p>
<p>A hot compost system will be finished in about 2 months; in a cold system, about 6 &#8211; 12 months, depending on it?s size.  In each case, you will know when your compost is finished when you can no longer identify any of the original materials.</p>
<p>It?s best not to put any animal products in the compost pile since they will attract unwanted critters.  You can also refer to this <a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/garden-how-tos/the-book-of-six--gardening-tips-six-items-not-to-compost/">list of six items not to compost</a><a></a>.</p>
<p>Once you begin the habit of composting, it becomes just another level of the gardening experience &#8211;  as natural as gardening itself.  When your compost is finished, add to the garden beds and containers to enrich your soil and know you are helping your garden, one bit of waste at a time.<br />
By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1295506845;}i:6;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:27:"A Walk in the Winter Garden";s:4:"link";s:83:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/north-carolina-winter-gardens/";s:8:"comments";s:92:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/north-carolina-winter-gardens/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 13 Jan 2011 07:04:32 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:63:"Design IdeasVideoNorth Carolina Winter GardensTriangle Gardener";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=525";s:11:"description";s:430:"Reprinted from Triangle Gardener January/February issue&#8230;. Flowers, berries, evergreens and grasses will fill the winter garden with wildlife and give you reason to walk around. One of the best parts about living in North Carolina are winters worthy of gardening. &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/north-carolina-winter-gardens/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:12506:"<p>Reprinted from <a href="http://www.trianglegardener.com/main/archives/1869">Triangle Gardener January/February issue&#8230;.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JPG"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-615" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JPG-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Flowers, berries, evergreens and grasses will fill the winter garden with wildlife and give you reason to walk around.</p>
<p>One of the best parts about living in North Carolina are winters worthy of gardening. In winter, it is more about admiring the garden and the wildlife it brings, than worrying about weeds. While your winter flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom, the weeds sleep.</p>
<p>Designing a wildlife friendly garden by adding water, food, cover and a place to raise their young, will help entice your wildlife to stay in the garden year ?round.</p>
<p>Particularly in the winter, providing plants for a wide range of food sources and cover, will keep your wildlife coming back to feed and feel safe&#8230;..</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.trianglegardener.com/main/archives/1869"> for complete story&#8230;.</a><a></a></p>
<p><strong>UPCOMING LECTURE</strong></p>
<p>Join Helen Yoest at the JC Raulston Arboretum for the Winter Lecture and Tour, February 13, 2011. Helen?s talk on <em>Winter Wonders</em> <em>for the Garden that also Attract Wildlife</em>, begins at 1:00 AM followed by a winter garden tour.</p>
<p>The Arboretum is located at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information call the JC Raulston Arboretum at (919) 515-3132 or visit their<a href="http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/">website</a>.</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="640" height="385" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/paOiUYFGDao?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/paOiUYFGDao?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:88:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/north-carolina-winter-gardens/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"0";}s:7:"summary";s:430:"Reprinted from Triangle Gardener January/February issue&#8230;. Flowers, berries, evergreens and grasses will fill the winter garden with wildlife and give you reason to walk around. One of the best parts about living in North Carolina are winters worthy of gardening. &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/13/north-carolina-winter-gardens/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:12506:"<p>Reprinted from <a href="http://www.trianglegardener.com/main/archives/1869">Triangle Gardener January/February issue&#8230;.</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JPG"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-615" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/JPG-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Flowers, berries, evergreens and grasses will fill the winter garden with wildlife and give you reason to walk around.</p>
<p>One of the best parts about living in North Carolina are winters worthy of gardening. In winter, it is more about admiring the garden and the wildlife it brings, than worrying about weeds. While your winter flowering trees and shrubs are in bloom, the weeds sleep.</p>
<p>Designing a wildlife friendly garden by adding water, food, cover and a place to raise their young, will help entice your wildlife to stay in the garden year ?round.</p>
<p>Particularly in the winter, providing plants for a wide range of food sources and cover, will keep your wildlife coming back to feed and feel safe&#8230;..</p>
<p>Visit <a href="http://www.trianglegardener.com/main/archives/1869"> for complete story&#8230;.</a><a></a></p>
<p><strong>UPCOMING LECTURE</strong></p>
<p>Join Helen Yoest at the JC Raulston Arboretum for the Winter Lecture and Tour, February 13, 2011. Helen?s talk on <em>Winter Wonders</em> <em>for the Garden that also Attract Wildlife</em>, begins at 1:00 AM followed by a winter garden tour.</p>
<p>The Arboretum is located at 4415 Beryl Road in Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information call the JC Raulston Arboretum at (919) 515-3132 or visit their<a href="http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/">website</a>.</p>
<p><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" width="640" height="385" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/paOiUYFGDao?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="640" height="385" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/paOiUYFGDao?fs=1&amp;hl=en_US" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1294902272;}i:7;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:35:"Cercis chinensis ?Kay?s Early Hope?";s:4:"link";s:88:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/cercis-chinensis-kays-early-hope-2/";s:8:"comments";s:97:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/cercis-chinensis-kays-early-hope-2/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Thu, 06 Jan 2011 08:00:24 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:69:"TreesCercis chinensis 'Kay's Early Hope'gardeningNorth CarolinaRedbud";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=582";s:11:"description";s:505:"What better way to welcome spring than from redbuds; and now one redbud is saying welcome even sooner.  Cercis chinensis 'Kay's Early Hope' has hit the North Carolina landscape scene after being selected and trialed at the JC Raulston Arboretum. 'Kay's Early Hope' was named after the NC State's women's basketball coach, the incomparable Kay Yow. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/cercis-chinensis-kays-early-hope-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:13921:"<div id="attachment_583" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CTG066531.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-583" title="CTG06653" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CTG066531-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtsey of the JC Raulston Arboretum</p></div>
<p>Name:<em>Cercis chinensis</em> &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217;</p>
<p>Zones: Probably 6 &#8211; 9</p>
<p>Size: 15 feet tall and wide at the top of the vase-like shape</p>
<p>Conditions: Part sun to full sun</p>
<p>Spring is something we gardeners like to keep an eye on, and anything to bring spring here sooner, we tend to be interested in.</p>
<p>What better way to welcome spring than with redbuds; and now one redbud is saying <em>welcome</em> even sooner. <em>Cercis chinensis </em>&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; has hit the North Carolina landscape scene after being selected and trialed at <a href="http://ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/photography/photograph_collection/photograph_collection_results.php?pageNum_photographcollectionrecordset=1&amp;image=&amp;date=&amp;photographer=&amp;personinshotnames=&amp;country=&amp;usstate=&amp;city=&amp;location=&amp;garden=&amp;building=&amp;event=&amp;keywords=&amp;othernotes=&amp;lecturetext=&amp;allplantnames=cercis%20chinensis%20'Kay's%20Early%20Hope'&amp;allcommonnames=&amp;allfamily=&amp;allplantnameserialnumbers=&amp;Submit=Submit"> the JC Raulston Arboretum.</a> &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; was named after the NC State&#8217;s women&#8217;s basketball coach, the incomparable <a href="http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/3051932/">Kay Yow</a><a></a>.</p>
<p>For more than a decade, &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; has had one of the showiest and earliest to bloom redbuds in the <a href="http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/publications/brochures/redbuds/redbuds.pdf">arboretum&#8217;s collection</a><a></a>; the timing coincides with NC basketball tournaments.  According toTed Bilderback, arboretum director, &#8220;&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope,&#8217; will bloom 10 days earlier than typical redbuds and stays in flower throughout most of spring.&#8221; This is good news for those of us eager for spring.</p>
<p>In nature, redbuds are understory trees, seen growing under hardwoods and pines and often competing for attention from the Eastern dogwoods. Redbuds make a great addition to the home landscape.</p>
<p>Redbuds perform best in partly sunny conditions; they will, however, also grow in full sun.</p>
<p>Check in with your local garden center to see about adding a <em>Cercis chinensis </em>&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; to your garden at home. And during the tournament breaks, you can sneak a peak at some early spring, and know there is hope for warmer days.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:93:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/cercis-chinensis-kays-early-hope-2/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"1";}s:7:"summary";s:505:"What better way to welcome spring than from redbuds; and now one redbud is saying welcome even sooner.  Cercis chinensis 'Kay's Early Hope' has hit the North Carolina landscape scene after being selected and trialed at the JC Raulston Arboretum. 'Kay's Early Hope' was named after the NC State's women's basketball coach, the incomparable Kay Yow. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2011/01/06/cercis-chinensis-kays-early-hope-2/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:13921:"<div id="attachment_583" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 160px"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CTG066531.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-583" title="CTG06653" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/CTG066531-150x150.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="150" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Photo courtsey of the JC Raulston Arboretum</p></div>
<p>Name:<em>Cercis chinensis</em> &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217;</p>
<p>Zones: Probably 6 &#8211; 9</p>
<p>Size: 15 feet tall and wide at the top of the vase-like shape</p>
<p>Conditions: Part sun to full sun</p>
<p>Spring is something we gardeners like to keep an eye on, and anything to bring spring here sooner, we tend to be interested in.</p>
<p>What better way to welcome spring than with redbuds; and now one redbud is saying <em>welcome</em> even sooner. <em>Cercis chinensis </em>&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; has hit the North Carolina landscape scene after being selected and trialed at <a href="http://ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/photography/photograph_collection/photograph_collection_results.php?pageNum_photographcollectionrecordset=1&amp;image=&amp;date=&amp;photographer=&amp;personinshotnames=&amp;country=&amp;usstate=&amp;city=&amp;location=&amp;garden=&amp;building=&amp;event=&amp;keywords=&amp;othernotes=&amp;lecturetext=&amp;allplantnames=cercis%20chinensis%20'Kay's%20Early%20Hope'&amp;allcommonnames=&amp;allfamily=&amp;allplantnameserialnumbers=&amp;Submit=Submit"> the JC Raulston Arboretum.</a> &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; was named after the NC State&#8217;s women&#8217;s basketball coach, the incomparable <a href="http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/3051932/">Kay Yow</a><a></a>.</p>
<p>For more than a decade, &#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; has had one of the showiest and earliest to bloom redbuds in the <a href="http://www.ncsu.edu/jcraulstonarboretum/publications/brochures/redbuds/redbuds.pdf">arboretum&#8217;s collection</a><a></a>; the timing coincides with NC basketball tournaments.  According toTed Bilderback, arboretum director, &#8220;&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope,&#8217; will bloom 10 days earlier than typical redbuds and stays in flower throughout most of spring.&#8221; This is good news for those of us eager for spring.</p>
<p>In nature, redbuds are understory trees, seen growing under hardwoods and pines and often competing for attention from the Eastern dogwoods. Redbuds make a great addition to the home landscape.</p>
<p>Redbuds perform best in partly sunny conditions; they will, however, also grow in full sun.</p>
<p>Check in with your local garden center to see about adding a <em>Cercis chinensis </em>&#8216;Kay&#8217;s Early Hope&#8217; to your garden at home. And during the tournament breaks, you can sneak a peak at some early spring, and know there is hope for warmer days.</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1294300824;}i:8;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:31:"New Year, New Plans, New Plants";s:4:"link";s:83:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/27/new-year-new-plans-new-plants/";s:8:"comments";s:92:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/27/new-year-new-plans-new-plants/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Mon, 27 Dec 2010 07:09:51 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:34:"Design Ideasgarden designgardening";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=531";s:11:"description";s:252:"After the last Auld Lang Syne is sung, pull out some paper and plan for new plants in the new year. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/27/new-year-new-plans-new-plants/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:10311:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/May.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-532" title="May" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/May-300x178.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="178" /></a>After the last Auld Lang Syne is sung, pull out some paper and plan for new plants in the new year.</p>
<p>If this is your first time <a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/garden-coaching/50-ways-to-love-your-garden-three-sketch-your-idea-over-a-photograph/">sketching out ideas</a><a></a>, don&#8217;t be intimidated.  Catch up on reading a stack of gardening magazines and books borrowed from a friend or the library.  Define yourself. Dog ear pages in a magazine that make you go WOW. A pattern will soon begin to form. Subtle curves, English linear, natural or cottage style, or formal feelings, you will not only notice a pattern in the kind of design you like, but you will also see a pattern in the color palette, texture, garden art and more. Seeing a lot of different looks will help define your own personal taste and style; you are the best person to know what you want&#8230;might as well be your own garden coach.</p>
<p>Once you have a clear understanding of the design style you desire, pick plants to meet that style. On-line resources, including Tarheel Gardening.com, will teach you about plants that will work well in our North Carolina gardens.</p>
<p>Plan to visit garden centers each month to see what is blooming when and learn about a plant&#8217;s particular feature during each season. You might be surprised to find the bark of a Crape Myrtle in the winter is just as exciting as the flowers in the summer. Picking plants during each of the seasons will ensure you didn&#8217;t miss any interesting plant opportunities, even in the dead of winter; especially in the dead of winter.</p>
<p>Visiting <a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/pgpages.html">public gardens</a><a></a> will also give you ideas and inspiration. Each season, the gardens change, flowers wax and wane, textures tease, and foliage turns. Each season gives you a reason to learn how you can add more to your home landscape.</p>
<p>If drawing out ideas for your own garden is just something you can&#8217;t seem to do,<a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/pgpages.html">hiring</a><a></a> a designer may be just a phone call away or even hiring<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/findapro.htm">a garden professional</a><a></a> to help get you started on the garden you desire.</p>
<p>With a flip of the calendar and a chill in the air, January is a great time of year to be your very own armchair gardening coach. Enjoy!</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:88:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/27/new-year-new-plans-new-plants/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:2:"10";}s:7:"summary";s:252:"After the last Auld Lang Syne is sung, pull out some paper and plan for new plants in the new year. <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/27/new-year-new-plans-new-plants/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:10311:"<p><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/May.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-532" title="May" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/May-300x178.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="178" /></a>After the last Auld Lang Syne is sung, pull out some paper and plan for new plants in the new year.</p>
<p>If this is your first time <a href="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/garden-coaching/50-ways-to-love-your-garden-three-sketch-your-idea-over-a-photograph/">sketching out ideas</a><a></a>, don&#8217;t be intimidated.  Catch up on reading a stack of gardening magazines and books borrowed from a friend or the library.  Define yourself. Dog ear pages in a magazine that make you go WOW. A pattern will soon begin to form. Subtle curves, English linear, natural or cottage style, or formal feelings, you will not only notice a pattern in the kind of design you like, but you will also see a pattern in the color palette, texture, garden art and more. Seeing a lot of different looks will help define your own personal taste and style; you are the best person to know what you want&#8230;might as well be your own garden coach.</p>
<p>Once you have a clear understanding of the design style you desire, pick plants to meet that style. On-line resources, including Tarheel Gardening.com, will teach you about plants that will work well in our North Carolina gardens.</p>
<p>Plan to visit garden centers each month to see what is blooming when and learn about a plant&#8217;s particular feature during each season. You might be surprised to find the bark of a Crape Myrtle in the winter is just as exciting as the flowers in the summer. Picking plants during each of the seasons will ensure you didn&#8217;t miss any interesting plant opportunities, even in the dead of winter; especially in the dead of winter.</p>
<p>Visiting <a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/pgpages.html">public gardens</a><a></a> will also give you ideas and inspiration. Each season, the gardens change, flowers wax and wane, textures tease, and foliage turns. Each season gives you a reason to learn how you can add more to your home landscape.</p>
<p>If drawing out ideas for your own garden is just something you can&#8217;t seem to do,<a href="http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/pgpages.html">hiring</a><a></a> a designer may be just a phone call away or even hiring<a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/findapro.htm">a garden professional</a><a></a> to help get you started on the garden you desire.</p>
<p>With a flip of the calendar and a chill in the air, January is a great time of year to be your very own armchair gardening coach. Enjoy!</p>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";s:14:"date_timestamp";i:1293433791;}i:9;a:14:{s:5:"title";s:24:"Christmas Tree Afterlife";s:4:"link";s:78:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/26/christmas-tree-afterlife/";s:8:"comments";s:87:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/26/christmas-tree-afterlife/#comments";s:7:"pubdate";s:31:"Sun, 26 Dec 2010 10:17:09 +0000";s:2:"dc";a:1:{s:7:"creator";s:21:"tarheel gardening.com";}s:8:"category";s:40:"How-tosWildliferecycling Christmas trees";s:4:"guid";s:48:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/?p=561";s:11:"description";s:394:"After Christmas, when your tree has served a charming tradition, it can have an afterlife as protection for the wildlife. HANGING TWEET TREATS At Helen&#8217;s Haven, we put our tree in the Mixed Border to go form hanging glitzy ornaments &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/26/christmas-tree-afterlife/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:7:"content";a:1:{s:7:"encoded";s:13095:"<div>
<div>After Christmas, when your tree has served a charming tradition, it can have an afterlife as protection for the wildlife.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>HANGING TWEET TREATS</strong></div>
<div>At Helen&#8217;s Haven, we put our tree in the Mixed Border to go form hanging glitzy ornaments inside to tweet treats outside.</div>
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<dt style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-27.jpg"><img title="For the Birds (27)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-27.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></dt>
<dd style="text-align: center;">Making Tweet Treats: Gather the kids, birdseed, cranberries, bagels, peanut butter and string. Spend a couple hours creating treats for your birds<img title="More..." src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /></dd>
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<div>
<dl id="attachment_8128">
<dt style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-291.jpg"><img title="For the Birds (29)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-291.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></dt>
<dd style="text-align: center;">Detail of Lily&#8217;s tweet treat</dd>
</dl>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/birdtreatsraleighyoest-3.jpg"><img title="BirdTreatsRaleighYoest (3)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/birdtreatsraleighyoest-3.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Other &#8220;ornaments&#8221; to hang include orange halves, popcorn garland, and suet balls.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>WILDLIFE COVER</strong></div>
<div>When the birds come to the tree for tweets, they will also find cover. Whether the tree is upright in the yard or lain on its side, the birds will enjoy a quick escape from prey and the elements. Christmas trees provide cover as a whole tree or with the side limbs snipped away and piled for a wildlife brush pile.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/img_00691.jpg"><img title="IMG_0069" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/img_00691.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /></a></div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>WINDBREAK</strong></div>
<div>A tree erected downwind of the prevailing wind can offer your bird friends some protection from the cold, desiccating winds.</div>
<div>Come spring when the foliage returns, winds settle down, and natural food sources abound, your tree can be chipped and turned into mulch for the garden or material to delineate paths.</div>
<div>A Christmas tree&#8217;s afterlife will be the birds winter delight!</div>
</div>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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";}s:3:"wfw";a:1:{s:10:"commentrss";s:83:"http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/26/christmas-tree-afterlife/feed/";}s:5:"slash";a:1:{s:8:"comments";s:1:"1";}s:7:"summary";s:394:"After Christmas, when your tree has served a charming tradition, it can have an afterlife as protection for the wildlife. HANGING TWEET TREATS At Helen&#8217;s Haven, we put our tree in the Mixed Border to go form hanging glitzy ornaments &#8230; <a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/2010/12/26/christmas-tree-afterlife/">Continue reading <span class="meta-nav">&#8594;</span></a>";s:12:"atom_content";s:13095:"<div>
<div>After Christmas, when your tree has served a charming tradition, it can have an afterlife as protection for the wildlife.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>HANGING TWEET TREATS</strong></div>
<div>At Helen&#8217;s Haven, we put our tree in the Mixed Border to go form hanging glitzy ornaments inside to tweet treats outside.</div>
<div>
<dl>
<dt style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-27.jpg"><img title="For the Birds (27)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-27.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></dt>
<dd style="text-align: center;">Making Tweet Treats: Gather the kids, birdseed, cranberries, bagels, peanut butter and string. Spend a couple hours creating treats for your birds<img title="More..." src="http://gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog/wp-includes/js/tinymce/plugins/wordpress/img/trans.gif" alt="" /></dd>
</dl>
</div>
<div>
<div>
<dl id="attachment_8128">
<dt style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-291.jpg"><img title="For the Birds (29)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/for-the-birds-291.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></dt>
<dd style="text-align: center;">Detail of Lily&#8217;s tweet treat</dd>
</dl>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/birdtreatsraleighyoest-3.jpg"><img title="BirdTreatsRaleighYoest (3)" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/birdtreatsraleighyoest-3.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Other &#8220;ornaments&#8221; to hang include orange halves, popcorn garland, and suet balls.</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>WILDLIFE COVER</strong></div>
<div>When the birds come to the tree for tweets, they will also find cover. Whether the tree is upright in the yard or lain on its side, the birds will enjoy a quick escape from prey and the elements. Christmas trees provide cover as a whole tree or with the side limbs snipped away and piled for a wildlife brush pile.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/img_00691.jpg"><img title="IMG_0069" src="http://gardensgardens.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/img_00691.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="360" /></a></div>
</div>
<div></div>
<div><strong>WINDBREAK</strong></div>
<div>A tree erected downwind of the prevailing wind can offer your bird friends some protection from the cold, desiccating winds.</div>
<div>Come spring when the foliage returns, winds settle down, and natural food sources abound, your tree can be chipped and turned into mulch for the garden or material to delineate paths.</div>
<div>A Christmas tree&#8217;s afterlife will be the birds winter delight!</div>
</div>
<p>By:<a href="http://www.gardeningwithconfidence.com/blog">Helen Yoest</a><a></a><br />
<span style="line-height: 24px; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5.jpg"><img title="TarheelGardening" src="http://www.tarheelgardening.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/TarheelGardening5-150x108.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="108" /></a>The TarHeelGardening blog is published and edited by Helen Yoest. For more information on Tarheel Gardening, please visit our website at<a href="http://www.TarHeelGardening.com ">Tarheel Gardening</a> <a></a>- your online resource for North Carolina gardening enthusiasts.</span></p>
<p>Sponsored by the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association</p>


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