O:9:"MagpieRSS":23:{s:6:"parser";i:0;s:12:"current_item";a:0:{}s:5:"items";a:25:{i:0;a:12:{s:4:"info";s:583:"<id >tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-2417391731068400690</id><published >2011-02-25T21:25:00.000-08:00</published><updated >2011-02-25T21:29:06.350-08:00</updated><app:edited xmlns:app="http://www.w3.org/2007/app">2011-02-25T21:29:06.350-08:00<app:edited /><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="citrus"></category><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="Fertilize"></category><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="lemon blossoms"></category><category scheme="http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#" term="lemon tree"></category>";s:5:"title";s:49:"California Home Gardener Tries a Drawf Lemon Tree";s:12:"atom_content";s:4639:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KHJ7UD8b0Og/TWiMRQlUbLI/AAAAAAAACdA/Hl7N_ROqzWg/s1600/HPIM4004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KHJ7UD8b0Og/TWiMRQlUbLI/AAAAAAAACdA/Hl7N_ROqzWg/s320/HPIM4004.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evidence of fruit drop</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--HEuCJnaMPs/TWiMX6PGv0I/AAAAAAAACdE/ib5iTLQLqMg/s1600/HPIM4006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--HEuCJnaMPs/TWiMX6PGv0I/AAAAAAAACdE/ib5iTLQLqMg/s320/HPIM4006.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lemon </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Aao--w00SWI/TWiMcxk5LYI/AAAAAAAACdI/vJ30zSKNRlY/s1600/HPIM4020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Aao--w00SWI/TWiMcxk5LYI/AAAAAAAACdI/vJ30zSKNRlY/s320/HPIM4020.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New lemon blossoms </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tia_-Xji0ck/TWiMg-BWBMI/AAAAAAAACdM/3y37NKLNBBM/s1600/HPIM4022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-tia_-Xji0ck/TWiMg-BWBMI/AAAAAAAACdM/3y37NKLNBBM/s320/HPIM4022.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Lemon against Stormy February Sky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>One of the perks of living in an area such as Florida or Southern California is the ability to grow your own citrus.&nbsp; With this in mind, I decided to add a citrus plant to the family garden.&nbsp; I couldn't resist when I saw the small lemons already on the plant.&nbsp; I decided to grow my lemon in a container and hooked it up to the irrigation system with a drip supply line and a soaker line circling the root ball.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFihGNFGchM/TWiOufOwpdI/AAAAAAAACdQ/Ts_ywxeLFwM/s1600/HPIM4002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HFihGNFGchM/TWiOufOwpdI/AAAAAAAACdQ/Ts_ywxeLFwM/s400/HPIM4002.JPG" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaker Hose will provide irrigation to the lemon plant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>February is a good time to apply the first of three seasonal fertilizing.&nbsp; I choose an organic fertilizer recommended by the nursery.&nbsp; If you are going to grow your own citrus, it's worth the effort to go organic.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-2417391731068400690?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ty0WOqV5ZD87_IheYtY02A01ZZ4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/Ty0WOqV5ZD87_IheYtY02A01ZZ4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/WebPVSfSDC4" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/2417391731068400690/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=2417391731068400690&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2417391731068400690?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2417391731068400690?v=2";s:4:"link";s:102:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/WebPVSfSDC4/california-home-gardener-tries-drawf.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:83:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/california-home-gardener-tries-drawf.html";}}i:1;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-5207375776808789162";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-25T10:41:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-26T01:49:56.065-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-26T01:49:56.065-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:24:"Stormy Weather In SoCal!";s:12:"atom_content";s:1705:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8glTbS5Qc/TWf0pgUTKGI/AAAAAAAACc4/IVmao5J2omU/s1600/HPIM4025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sK8glTbS5Qc/TWf0pgUTKGI/AAAAAAAACc4/IVmao5J2omU/s320/HPIM4025.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kbJ800UpV0/TWf4CTL6bRI/AAAAAAAACc8/u_QUVh5lm3E/s1600/HPIM4023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6kbJ800UpV0/TWf4CTL6bRI/AAAAAAAACc8/u_QUVh5lm3E/s320/HPIM4023.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>Big weather is expected for his weekend.&nbsp; Predictions of snow in San Francisco!&nbsp; Yikes.&nbsp; We just have dark clouds rolling through, at the present time.<br />
<br />
Update:&nbsp; Saturday, February 26 2 a.m--rain.&nbsp; So far the good kind.&nbsp; Steady but light. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-5207375776808789162?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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I decided to spend a few minutes today deleting any old posts which I never published.  When I came to this post, I could not remember where I had taken this photo, but it is such a lovely border, I decided to post it to my blog anyway.  <br />
<br />
TGIF!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-2127285555007017490?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/K5JFYU0_YBv4iELWllj19VGkCX4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/K5JFYU0_YBv4iELWllj19VGkCX4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/FREe2Nz482g" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/2127285555007017490/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=2127285555007017490&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2127285555007017490?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2127285555007017490?v=2";s:4:"link";s:91:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/FREe2Nz482g/cleaning-house-on-my-blog.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:72:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/cleaning-house-on-my-blog.html";}}i:3;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-2625537548995360829";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-24T19:27:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-24T19:27:30.525-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-24T19:27:30.525-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:21:"Peek-a-Boo Nastrutium";s:12:"atom_content";s:1956:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXVNX6HZx0Y/TWcgOkdXj5I/AAAAAAAACco/G3dkBK_QCJ0/s1600/IMG_3980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wXVNX6HZx0Y/TWcgOkdXj5I/AAAAAAAACco/G3dkBK_QCJ0/s320/IMG_3980.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eo_pbs0pH8/TWcgTx3D4bI/AAAAAAAACcs/PKDHdFzx6g4/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1eo_pbs0pH8/TWcgTx3D4bI/AAAAAAAACcs/PKDHdFzx6g4/s320/IMG_3981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>On a sunny day last week, I found a group of nasturtiums which had taken residence on a gravel plot of ground along the sidewalk.&nbsp; I loved the mounding effect they had.&nbsp; But the blossoms seemed to be playing a game with me. They peeked out from behind the round leaves of this plant, suggesting something worth seeing was hiding behind the green lushness.&nbsp; Indeed it was.&nbsp; Under the top layer of leaves, the blossoms bloomed with brio.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-2625537548995360829?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/BLA8pI-4VXEvAZM_uElatxj2O5E/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/BLA8pI-4VXEvAZM_uElatxj2O5E/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/0LRFFe4VAqQ" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/2625537548995360829/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=2625537548995360829&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2625537548995360829?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/2625537548995360829?v=2";s:4:"link";s:85:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/0LRFFe4VAqQ/peek-boo-nastrutium.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:66:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/peek-boo-nastrutium.html";}}i:4;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-3304134959844715001";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-23T10:14:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-23T10:14:34.783-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-23T10:14:34.783-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:32:"Broccoli  and Cauliflower Update";s:12:"atom_content";s:2044:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8D9F-Lpmy4c/TWVJj_daR1I/AAAAAAAACcY/6u2y_tUhIGo/s1600/HPIM3997.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8D9F-Lpmy4c/TWVJj_daR1I/AAAAAAAACcY/6u2y_tUhIGo/s320/HPIM3997.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdQ8bPOj8m4/TWVJoTMJcAI/AAAAAAAACcc/7H991CXoYM0/s1600/HPIM4001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KdQ8bPOj8m4/TWVJoTMJcAI/AAAAAAAACcc/7H991CXoYM0/s320/HPIM4001.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>We've had lovely rains and sunny days which has encouraged everything in the garden to wake up.&nbsp; The broccoli plants are still small, but a small flower head has appeared.&nbsp; I will be interested to see if this plant will thrive and produce a large central flower head.<br />
<br />
The cauliflower plant is also small but the flower head has appeared.&nbsp; Only time will tell the what type of harvest these plants will produce.&nbsp; <br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-3304134959844715001?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HSnGG9Y-k9DxOrVvCIR6xuAUt5w/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/HSnGG9Y-k9DxOrVvCIR6xuAUt5w/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/i-zJqPwwkeA" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/3304134959844715001/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=3304134959844715001&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3304134959844715001?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3304134959844715001?v=2";s:4:"link";s:97:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/i-zJqPwwkeA/broccoli-and-cauliflower-update.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:78:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/broccoli-and-cauliflower-update.html";}}i:5;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-1641987138488435370";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-22T10:18:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-25T17:00:29.964-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-25T17:00:29.964-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:31:"Strawberry Season in California";s:12:"atom_content";s:3065:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykCKmd-NB2k/TWf0Mgv5ILI/AAAAAAAACcw/2cl4_mJzeuk/s1600/HPIM4019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ykCKmd-NB2k/TWf0Mgv5ILI/AAAAAAAACcw/2cl4_mJzeuk/s320/HPIM4019.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfw2nxf1qqg/TWP8yXrKuqI/AAAAAAAACcQ/ayePoJBZOac/s1600/IMG_3962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mfw2nxf1qqg/TWP8yXrKuqI/AAAAAAAACcQ/ayePoJBZOac/s320/IMG_3962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stkrtF6V5oc/TWP8iHVhO2I/AAAAAAAACcM/BKwGMzl2_DA/s1600/HPIM3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-stkrtF6V5oc/TWP8iHVhO2I/AAAAAAAACcM/BKwGMzl2_DA/s320/HPIM3990.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3fxMh-0-F4/TWf0ZoCJ5mI/AAAAAAAACc0/mb2UGiKszvU/s1600/HPIM4017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n3fxMh-0-F4/TWf0ZoCJ5mI/AAAAAAAACc0/mb2UGiKszvU/s320/HPIM4017.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Subtle:&nbsp; As the strawberry matures, the blush of red deepens.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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Strawberry season has started in California.&nbsp; Oh, are they delicious.&nbsp; I purchased some yesterday at the store and enjoyed them as an evening snack.<br />
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My own little strawberry patch is hard at work creating strawberries.&nbsp; You can see hints of red starting to appear at the top of the berry of the second photo.&nbsp; This currently is my only berry.&nbsp; And luckily, no critters have discovered it yet!<br />
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/QUdhOKDVCovNO7j7ifFCCBMD9tg/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/QUdhOKDVCovNO7j7ifFCCBMD9tg/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/89u47RpBBDM" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/1641987138488435370/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=1641987138488435370&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/1641987138488435370?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/1641987138488435370?v=2";s:4:"link";s:97:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/89u47RpBBDM/strawberry-season-in-california.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:78:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/strawberry-season-in-california.html";}}i:6;a:16:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-6581407334917222124";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-15T09:27:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-15T09:42:05.336-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-15T09:42:05.336-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:57:"Monster Tomato and Pepper Sale at The Fullerton Arboretum";s:12:"atom_content";s:1840:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnpxrSmbuW4/TVq3LTnnXII/AAAAAAAACcA/1n6aQ4g9uPo/s1600/garden--September+2008+tomatoes+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnpxrSmbuW4/TVq3LTnnXII/AAAAAAAACcA/1n6aQ4g9uPo/s320/garden--September+2008+tomatoes+003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The Fullerton Arboretum is hosting a tomato and pepper plant sale in March.&nbsp; The event is open to the general public on March 18, 19 &amp; 20 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.<br />
<br />
The event's <a href="http://fullertonarboretum.org/home.php">web site</a> has plant lists (250 tomatoes and 100 varieties of hot and sweet peppers) which is an interesting list of tomato plants by color/size/seasonality/description/determinate/container.&nbsp; The peppers are listed by name/heat/description.<br />
<br />
Fullerton Arboretum is located at<b> 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton, CA 92831. </b><br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTcjQTnS4-I/TVl0QveiKJI/AAAAAAAACbk/-jqOmcOr2pc/s1600/IMG_3988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eTcjQTnS4-I/TVl0QveiKJI/AAAAAAAACbk/-jqOmcOr2pc/s320/IMG_3988.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9oW7-7uobI/TVl0XXCMPsI/AAAAAAAACbo/7xzzR_S_B-M/s1600/IMG_3990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9oW7-7uobI/TVl0XXCMPsI/AAAAAAAACbo/7xzzR_S_B-M/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Laguna Nursery on Pacific Coast Highway has quite a dramatic display for Valentine's Day.&nbsp; Mega-sized conversation hearts.&nbsp; All motorists driving the PCH have been enjoying this loving display for the past few weeks.&nbsp; </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-1198217258799434135?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17pXwawGFx4/TVgG0ko1o_I/AAAAAAAACbE/bEZrzRIHeBM/s1600/IMG_3958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-17pXwawGFx4/TVgG0ko1o_I/AAAAAAAACbE/bEZrzRIHeBM/s320/IMG_3958.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AG3OyE4dLWY/TVgG6pv85SI/AAAAAAAACbI/UsiaH8XNmbo/s1600/IMG_3961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AG3OyE4dLWY/TVgG6pv85SI/AAAAAAAACbI/UsiaH8XNmbo/s320/IMG_3961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I had a successful planting of beets in the fall.&nbsp; So successful, I decided to try to get another planting in.&nbsp; So my beets have been in the ground, diligently growing.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
This morning I deemed the largest one ready for roasting.&nbsp; Plucked from the ground, I broke off the leaves and heavy roots in the garden and popped them into the composter.&nbsp; Into the house to remover the residual roots and leaves, wash off any remaining dirt, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil and into the oven at 400 degrees for a roasting.&nbsp; (The skin is removed easily after roasting.)&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp; <br />
Imagine my surprise when my sharp knife cut through the flesh and revealed not a dark red beet, but a white beet with red markings.&nbsp; It reminded me of a posting on Sunset magazine's blog about <a href="http://freshdirt.sunset.com/2011/02/crop-disappointment-not-enough-red-in-my-watermelon-radish.html">radishes with inconsistent coloring.</a><br />
<br />
No one at Sunset had an answer.&nbsp; Here are the variables which I can think of which might have caused this problem.&nbsp;<br />
<ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Too cold</li>
<li>Too hot</li>
<li>Too rainy</li>
</ol>I'm choosing too cold.&nbsp; Some gardeners in zones which allow plants to live through the winter might be aware of cat-faced tomatoes.&nbsp; I think just as a tomato which sets and grows in too cold of temperatures distorts, the beet does a similar distortion by not having consistent coloring.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Any thoughts? <br />
Follow up photo of beet after roasting.  I am inclined to believe I have a different variety than the seed description.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UDo3dU-_74/TWVJe_B8eJI/AAAAAAAACcU/PT-slWgt1f0/s1600/HPIM3963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UDo3dU-_74/TWVJe_B8eJI/AAAAAAAACcU/PT-slWgt1f0/s320/HPIM3963.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-3453025804685977315?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TVA9pAv_lyI/AAAAAAAACa4/YLGYb9Ndits/s1600/spring+Garden+Show4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TVA9pAv_lyI/AAAAAAAACa4/YLGYb9Ndits/s1600/spring+Garden+Show4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Marking my Calendar for the<a href="http://www.springgardenshow.com/"> Spring Garden Show</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The show includes Speaker&nbsp;Series Seminars on irises, xeriscaping, roses, california natives; garden landscapes designed by leading landscape architects and designers; children's garden projects, crafts, and exotic animal&nbsp;shows; over 75 specialty garden vendors offering exotic plants, unique garden accessories, and&nbsp;more. </div><br />
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Soup-er Bowl Soup Recipe<br />
2 tablespoons olive oil<br />
1 cup minced yellow onion<br />
1/4 cup minced celery<br />
1 clove minced garlic (more to taste)<br />
2 cans Swanson Vegetable Broth (beef broth if preferred)<br />
28 ounce diced no-salt added tomatoes (canned/fresh/frozen)<br />
1/2 cup carrots<br />
1/2 cup sugar snap peas diced into 1/2 inch pieces<br />
1/2 teaspoon pepper<br />
1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh approximately)<br />
1/4 teaspoon thyme (or 3/4 teaspoon fresh approximately)<br />
1 cup fresh baby spinach<br />
1/2 cup small shell pasta<br />
1/4 cup barley (select barley which cooks in 10 minutes)<br />
15 ounce canned red kidney beans <br />
Salt to taste when ready to serve<br />
<br />
Heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot.<br />
Saute onion, celery, garlic in the oil for five minutes until onion begin to turn translucent.<br />
Add broth to the pot, plus tomatoes, carrot, peas and spices.<br />
Bring soup to a boil, the reduce heat.&nbsp; Simmer about 20 minutes<br />
Add spinach, pasta, and barley.&nbsp; Cook around 12-15 minutes checking pasta/barley is soft but firm.<br />
Add kidney beans; heat through.<br />
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If desired, top with shavings from <i>Parmigiano</i>-<i>Reggiano</i><br />
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Pumpkin Walnut Cherry Bread<br />
<br />
2 slightly beaten eggs<br />
1 1/3 cup granulated sugar<br />
2/3 cup brown sugar<br />
1/4 cup melted butter<br />
1/4 cup vegetable oil<br />
1 cup pumpkin puree <a href="http://allrecipes.com//HowTo/baking-with-fresh-pumpkin/Detail.aspx">(from garden pumpkin</a>) or solid pack canned pumpkin<br />
2 1/4 cups flour<br />
1 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
1/2 cup chopped walnuts<br />
1/2 cup chopped dried cherries<br />
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds<br />
Combine first six ingredients; mix well.&nbsp; Combine flour, spices, baking soda, salt in a large bowl.&nbsp; Add pumpkin mixture.&nbsp; Stir until dry ingredients are moistened.&nbsp; Stir in cranberries and walnuts.&nbsp; Spoon into two greated and floured 8 x 3 3/4 x 2 1/2-inch aluminum pans.&nbsp; Sprinkle the top with pumpkin seeds and streusel topping.&nbsp; Bake in 350 degree oven 1 hour or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.<br />
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Yield: 2 loaves<br />
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Streusel Topping:<br />
Combine 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon in small bowl.&nbsp; Cut in 1 tablespoon butter or margarine until mixture is crumbly.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUs78ffZ-xI/AAAAAAAACZk/0-uDROCVu2E/s1600/IMG_3929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUs78ffZ-xI/AAAAAAAACZk/0-uDROCVu2E/s320/IMG_3929.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Delicious Pumpkin Walnut Cherry Bread with Pumpkin Seed <span id="search" style="visibility: visible;"><em>Streusel Topping</em></span></b></span></i> </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUs701Q8L1I/AAAAAAAACZc/4IaGsLXN9TI/s1600/IMG_3930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUs701Q8L1I/AAAAAAAACZc/4IaGsLXN9TI/s320/IMG_3930.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></i></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Roasted Pumpkin Puree</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TS3sLkCt77I/AAAAAAAACT4/Sc0pk9tW4Cc/s1600/IMG_3854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TS3sLkCt77I/AAAAAAAACT4/Sc0pk9tW4Cc/s400/IMG_3854.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Pumpkin Headed to the Oven to Roast/Puree/Bake into Quick Bread</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Volunteer from the Composter</span></i></td></tr>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">  twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Vita Sackville-West</span></span></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUmPxHM7lgI/AAAAAAAACXQ/uPh0LmKGXx8/s1600/Sunset+in+California.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUmPxHM7lgI/AAAAAAAACXQ/uPh0LmKGXx8/s320/Sunset+in+California.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">  </span></b>&nbsp;&nbsp; Vita Sackville-West who helped create the wonderful English garden at<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-sissinghurst-castle/w-sissinghurstcastlegarden-photo_gallery.htm"> Sissinghurst </a>is correct.&nbsp; Just this week, I noticed the outside lights I have on a timer are turning on before it is completely dark.&nbsp; I'll make an adjustment to the timer and smile at the prospect of spring. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: x-small;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-8066633833449364503?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2YdJ-tTffhiG7y40g1ik7SSNHsc/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/2YdJ-tTffhiG7y40g1ik7SSNHsc/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/1xGxwbriNWM" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/8066633833449364503/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=8066633833449364503&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/8066633833449364503?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/8066633833449364503?v=2";s:4:"link";s:101:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/1xGxwbriNWM/longer-dayscan-spring-be-far-behind.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:82:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/longer-dayscan-spring-be-far-behind.html";}}i:15;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-3632310709618528707";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-02T05:32:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-02T10:25:12.136-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-02T10:25:12.136-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:15:"Groundhog's Day";s:12:"atom_content";s:2100:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUlcyTHHmNI/AAAAAAAACXM/dHqBDCgQMpo/s1600/168737_1565201053155_1329261920_31231695_6529563_n-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUlcyTHHmNI/AAAAAAAACXM/dHqBDCgQMpo/s400/168737_1565201053155_1329261920_31231695_6529563_n-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}"><div class="actorName actorDescription"><a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1329261920" href="http://www.facebook.com/peggyleeday"><br />
</a></div><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: small;">Groundhog's Day is here at last.<br />
It's come to say that winter's passed.<br />
And spring is on the way.<br />
Oh, it's Groundhog's Day today.</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}"><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: small;">&nbsp;</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}"><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: small;">Oh No!&nbsp; In Southern California, the sun shines and therefore our marmot friend, the groundhog, sees his shadow.&nbsp; Six more weeks of winter?&nbsp; We'll tough it out.</span></h6></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-3632310709618528707?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/TulbZxc0OvnYEiMYTO7naSda5NU/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/TulbZxc0OvnYEiMYTO7naSda5NU/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/OFj2YTJc3ac" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/3632310709618528707/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=3632310709618528707&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3632310709618528707?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3632310709618528707?v=2";s:4:"link";s:80:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/OFj2YTJc3ac/groundhogs-day.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:61:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/groundhogs-day.html";}}i:16;a:16:{s:2:"id";s:57:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-616339366512283097";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-01T09:39:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-01T09:44:21.010-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-01T09:44:21.010-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:37:"May Dreams Gardens: My Hoe Collection";s:12:"atom_content";s:1009:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">May Dreams Gardens has a great photo journal of the hard working hoe.<br />
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May Dreams Gardens: My Hoe Collection: "The Entire Hoe Collection! American Standard - An Old Standby  Pointed American Hoe ? Red, White and Blue  Plow Hoe, From Poland  The Winged..."</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-616339366512283097?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MnUR8_-VSfpyrpUlT5goQQUnt_Y/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/MnUR8_-VSfpyrpUlT5goQQUnt_Y/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/kng2cD65tgQ" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_related";s:65:"http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/p/my-hoe-collection.html?spref=bl";s:12:"link_replies";s:162:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/616339366512283097/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=616339366512283097&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:73:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/616339366512283097?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:73:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/616339366512283097?v=2";s:4:"link";s:102:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/kng2cD65tgQ/may-dreams-gardens-my-hoe-collection.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:83:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/may-dreams-gardens-my-hoe-collection.html";}}i:17;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-3952716414051004677";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-02-01T08:00:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-01T14:23:31.061-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-02-01T14:23:31.061-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:52:"Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for the Gardener You Love";s:12:"atom_content";s:4478:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for the Gardener<br />
<a href="http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_SPM74395479P?sid=IDx20101019x00001a&amp;ci_src=14110944&amp;ci_sku=SPM74395479">Red Watering Can</a><br />
This can is so expressive in bright red.&nbsp; I love that it includes a rose (attachment attached to spout) to allow for gentle watering!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXcgw43a2I/AAAAAAAACXA/F1kn3sLGRbk/s1600/red+watering+can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXcgw43a2I/AAAAAAAACXA/F1kn3sLGRbk/s200/red+watering+can.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mastergardening.com/gdw-8055.html">Red Boots</a>&nbsp;</div>These red Wellington boots are perfect for wet days in the garden. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXeWUl3OOI/AAAAAAAACXE/xhpMqqd0YEY/s1600/red+Wellington+boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXeWUl3OOI/AAAAAAAACXE/xhpMqqd0YEY/s200/red+Wellington+boots.jpg" width="111" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://www.reneesgarden.com/seasonal/valentine.htm">Renee's Gardens</a> is featuring a Valentine's Day Special on Seeds of Love: has a wonderful selection of seeds with very romantic names like Queen of Hearts and Falling in Love.  Renee's Gardens seeds are always top quality and the seed packet has lots of info <br />
<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUM61uLUuuI/AAAAAAAACUs/UteeN9Sk35w/s1600/renee%2527s%2Bgarden.php.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="60" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUM61uLUuuI/AAAAAAAACUs/UteeN9Sk35w/s400/renee%2527s%2Bgarden.php.gif" width="90" /></a></div><br />
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Garden Charms<br />
<a href="http://secure.jamesavery.com/">James Avery</a> carries a wonderful line of gold and silver charms.&nbsp; Here are some which have a garden reference and would be great on a necklace or bracelet:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTjKmwOzI/AAAAAAAACWo/Ba0p2Y-mFBA/s1600/Two+peas+in+a+pod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTjKmwOzI/AAAAAAAACWo/Ba0p2Y-mFBA/s1600/Two+peas+in+a+pod.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTjnXzolI/AAAAAAAACWs/7duxTXfkRSc/s1600/Watering+Can+Charm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTjnXzolI/AAAAAAAACWs/7duxTXfkRSc/s1600/Watering+Can+Charm.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTipKY3hI/AAAAAAAACWk/m_pKxolzShk/s1600/Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUXTipKY3hI/AAAAAAAACWk/m_pKxolzShk/s1600/Rose.jpg" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nJh7hQBZdNapWRdIBSn8B1oJDQM/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/nJh7hQBZdNapWRdIBSn8B1oJDQM/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/xc0t4ShUA3g" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/3952716414051004677/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=3952716414051004677&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3952716414051004677?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3952716414051004677?v=2";s:4:"link";s:104:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/xc0t4ShUA3g/valentines-day-gift-ideas-for-gardener.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:85:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/02/valentines-day-gift-ideas-for-gardener.html";}}i:18;a:16:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-8116341590674118443";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-29T22:03:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-30T09:03:18.816-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-30T09:03:18.816-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:51:"Road Trip to Flora Grubb Gardens, San Francisco, CA";s:12:"atom_content";s:1747:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUT960QdmsI/AAAAAAAACVM/YKVMY6pVFOY/s1600/Garden+2011+Flora+Grubb+Sink+with+Succulents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUT960QdmsI/AAAAAAAACVM/YKVMY6pVFOY/s320/Garden+2011+Flora+Grubb+Sink+with+Succulents.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Earlier this month, I was attending the<a href="http://www.specialtyfood.com/fancy-food-show/"> Fancy Food Show</a> in Northern California.&nbsp; While in the area, I was fortunate to have time to visit Flora Grubb Gardens.&nbsp; The store in San Francisco is an oasis of green in an urban area.&nbsp; Eclectic would be the best word to describe the store.&nbsp; Plants sprawl around the area and as you walk about you enjoy one whimsical planting after another.&nbsp; Great use of exotic plants in this reclaimed retro sink.<br />
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GLdvKrydjkmK0Y-8pHza8Lp99ss/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/GLdvKrydjkmK0Y-8pHza8Lp99ss/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/fp7peArXc8k" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_related";s:39:"http://www.floragrubb.com/idx/index.php";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/8116341590674118443/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=8116341590674118443&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/8116341590674118443?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/8116341590674118443?v=2";s:4:"link";s:102:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/fp7peArXc8k/road-trip-to-flora-grubb-gardens-san.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:83:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/road-trip-to-flora-grubb-gardens-san.html";}}i:19;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-4354651159459160148";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-29T16:52:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-29T16:53:05.608-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-29T16:53:05.608-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:35:"Weekend Harvest of Lettuce and Peas";s:12:"atom_content";s:1590:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUS1xtM3-MI/AAAAAAAACU8/AK7Y3goljoo/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUS1xtM3-MI/AAAAAAAACU8/AK7Y3goljoo/s400/IMG_3908.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUS15hoIm1I/AAAAAAAACVE/jDPP8QfieUA/s1600/IMG_3909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUS15hoIm1I/AAAAAAAACVE/jDPP8QfieUA/s400/IMG_3909.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>These snap peas are going to be used in a stir fry and we'll have a lovely salad as well.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-4354651159459160148?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/COcm3MrHw8reAVxPXLXDsCBmly0/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/COcm3MrHw8reAVxPXLXDsCBmly0/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/YA8ENpyLAe0" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/4354651159459160148/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=4354651159459160148&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4354651159459160148?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4354651159459160148?v=2";s:4:"link";s:101:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/YA8ENpyLAe0/weekend-harvest-of-lettuce-and-peas.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:82:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/weekend-harvest-of-lettuce-and-peas.html";}}i:20;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-4244027079803979438";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-29T03:02:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-29T11:05:06.674-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-29T11:05:06.674-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:21:"Cheddar (Cauliflower)";s:12:"atom_content";s:1513:"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUPyvbJlu2I/AAAAAAAACU0/uarEmlTuoaM/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUPyvbJlu2I/AAAAAAAACU0/uarEmlTuoaM/s400/IMG_3889.jpg" /></a></div><br />
A few weeks ago I purchased a new variety of cauliflower--cheddar.  The cheddar name clearly refers to the color of the cauliflower flower.  (That's right--the part of the cauliflower we eat is its flower!) <br />
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When in my garden this week, I glanced down and saw the plant was getting busy growing a nice cauliflower bud.  I think I will tie the leaves around the bud to make sure it does not discolor from the sun.  <br />
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Darling, no?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-4244027079803979438?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_a3viGtqGtnaIVNuMRBleE_gMZ4/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_a3viGtqGtnaIVNuMRBleE_gMZ4/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/11w1PuUk0Ds" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/4244027079803979438/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=4244027079803979438&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4244027079803979438?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4244027079803979438?v=2";s:4:"link";s:85:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/11w1PuUk0Ds/cheddar-cauliflower.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"1";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:66:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/cheddar-cauliflower.html";}}i:21;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-4885318568325769474";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-28T09:33:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-29T03:06:54.394-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-29T03:06:54.394-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:34:"New Strawberry Patch in the Garden";s:12:"atom_content";s:4407:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Meet my overachieving strawberry patch.&nbsp; This new garden addition is fragaria x ananassa 'Quinault'. The quinault promises to be everbearing (berries in spring and fall) with fruits appearing in four to five weeks.&nbsp; I've planted about 20 plants.&nbsp; Anticipating fresh strawberries and cereal for breakfast in just a few months!<br />
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Brush away dirt around the crown so when planted the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2brmSk7I/AAAAAAAACUY/_KANxL7pmPU/s1600/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2brmSk7I/AAAAAAAACUY/_KANxL7pmPU/s320/IMG_3872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Tease the roots gently before placing in soil.<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2fKyMSdI/AAAAAAAACUc/NLfY_CWzz3k/s1600/IMG_3876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2fKyMSdI/AAAAAAAACUc/NLfY_CWzz3k/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A flower!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2inHRzeI/AAAAAAAACUg/nPV4yM__sGw/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2inHRzeI/AAAAAAAACUg/nPV4yM__sGw/s320/IMG_3902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>One of the plants has sent out a runner.  This will develop into another strawberry producing plant.&nbsp; Conventional wisdom says to pinch off flowers and runners to encourage strong root growth of the newly planted strawberries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2VryVlmI/AAAAAAAACUU/2Dszh0-3sIU/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2VryVlmI/AAAAAAAACUU/2Dszh0-3sIU/s320/IMG_3871.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Clearly, I've selected a group of over achieving plants:  runners, blossoms and set fruit!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2lVY6aeI/AAAAAAAACUk/i_jial-EAYI/s1600/IMG_3903.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2lVY6aeI/AAAAAAAACUk/i_jial-EAYI/s320/IMG_3903.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Patch!  Waiting for a top mulching to help retain the moisture.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2vJbIReI/AAAAAAAACUo/9zlpglRnHkY/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TUL2vJbIReI/AAAAAAAACUo/9zlpglRnHkY/s320/IMG_3905.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div></div></div>Editor's note:  It was very difficult but I pinched off the buds and blooms in the garden as well as any knobby set fruit.  The one thing I was reluctant to pinch off was the runner.  This variety touts its ability to produce fruit on unrooted runners.  I thought this made the runner more desirable than a detriment to the plant.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-4885318568325769474?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3rmMIKQ_zRUETJZUK5jxAmPTIRw/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/3rmMIKQ_zRUETJZUK5jxAmPTIRw/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/U37ahVLbo1I" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/4885318568325769474/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=4885318568325769474&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4885318568325769474?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4885318568325769474?v=2";s:4:"link";s:96:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/U37ahVLbo1I/new-strawberry-patch-in-garden.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"2";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:77:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/new-strawberry-patch-in-garden.html";}}i:22;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-6492880440489415404";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-23T12:23:00.001-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-23T13:08:36.206-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-23T13:08:36.206-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:38:"The Cook's Garden--Planning for Summer";s:12:"atom_content";s:1970:"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TTyYxw7URKI/AAAAAAAACUM/yHSaNcT4FNw/s1600/garden+2008+seeds+emerge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TTyYxw7URKI/AAAAAAAACUM/yHSaNcT4FNw/s320/garden+2008+seeds+emerge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>What to do with a lazy Sunday in January? Shop the seed websites!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cooksgarden.com/">The Cook's Garden </a>has a very nicely organized site with descriptions that are making me wish it were summer planting season. The plant photography is eye candy for the home gardener.<br />
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Also included are two items which I think sound great. The first is a spray on all-natural fertilzer called Sea Magic.&nbsp; It promises improved yields organically. The second is a clever pot maker for starting seeds. It is a hardwood mold you wrap newspaper around. Plant the newspaper once the seeds have germinated and it biodegrades into the soil. <br />
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Besides having a great selection of seeds, the site also has articles about organic gardening and recipes for some of their produce.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-6492880440489415404?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hKcIXk3_brH4bSeBrmij8xAJc6Q/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/hKcIXk3_brH4bSeBrmij8xAJc6Q/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/Ckmp-NkRVrk" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/6492880440489415404/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=6492880440489415404&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/6492880440489415404?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/6492880440489415404?v=2";s:4:"link";s:104:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/Ckmp-NkRVrk/what-to-do-with-lazy-sunday-in-january.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:85:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-to-do-with-lazy-sunday-in-january.html";}}i:23;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-4244811060134754194";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-14T08:02:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-14T08:02:56.481-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-14T08:02:56.481-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:54:"Sweet 16--Meet Casey the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel";s:12:"atom_content";s:1547:"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TTBy7HxFerI/AAAAAAAACUI/Tf3tHlTjwV0/s1600/IMG_3867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TTBy7HxFerI/AAAAAAAACUI/Tf3tHlTjwV0/s320/IMG_3867.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Miss Casey turns 16 this month.&nbsp; She still enjoys a stroll about the garden.&nbsp; Her first stop is back at St. Francis where she gets a little drink from the bowl at the bottom of the statue.&nbsp; She doesn't see very well anymore but she can find it everytime!&nbsp; I think her sniffer is working overtime.<br />
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Once she has had a drink, she might make her way to the middle of the grass and enjoy a sit down and bask in the sun.&nbsp; She's a sweet dog.&nbsp; We love her.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-4244811060134754194?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/84YEjzxgK433c5dDzoKgJTbPtWI/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/84YEjzxgK433c5dDzoKgJTbPtWI/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/Fjp-CJJo0lA" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/4244811060134754194/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=4244811060134754194&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4244811060134754194?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/4244811060134754194?v=2";s:4:"link";s:99:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/Fjp-CJJo0lA/sweet-16-meet-casey-cavalier-king.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"3";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:80:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/sweet-16-meet-casey-cavalier-king.html";}}i:24;a:15:{s:2:"id";s:58:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453.post-3470816027822700805";s:9:"published";s:29:"2011-01-13T15:23:00.000-08:00";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-01-13T15:23:53.840-08:00";s:3:"app";a:1:{s:6:"edited";s:29:"2011-01-13T15:23:53.840-08:00";}s:5:"title";s:22:"My Perennial Artichoke";s:12:"atom_content";s:1493:"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TS-Ia-_PLDI/AAAAAAAACUA/0eVszckKWJQ/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_K4rjb6fAQxg/TS-Ia-_PLDI/AAAAAAAACUA/0eVszckKWJQ/s400/IMG_3863.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For it's third appearance, presenting my artichoke.&nbsp; This artichoke was in my vegetable garden but was moved during some construction.&nbsp; I had no hopes that it would survive the transplanting.&nbsp; It has mocked me by not only surviving the first season, but by establishing itself in what seems to be a permanent basis.&nbsp; During the fall, the folliage died back to the ground and then with the heavy rains, popped back up.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6557453-3470816027822700805?l=earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>
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<a href="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_Yhy73J8HICfmi10gUsZ9FkmhqA/1/da"><img src="http://feedads.g.doubleclick.net/~a/_Yhy73J8HICfmi10gUsZ9FkmhqA/1/di" border="0" ismap="true"></img></a></p><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~4/aGFy8GVR9m4" height="1" width="1"/>";s:12:"link_replies";s:164:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/feeds/3470816027822700805/comments/defaulthttps://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6557453&postID=3470816027822700805&isPopup=true";s:9:"link_edit";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3470816027822700805?v=2";s:9:"link_self";s:74:"http://www.blogger.com/feeds/6557453/posts/default/3470816027822700805?v=2";s:4:"link";s:88:"http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/blogspot/oWtVN/~3/aGFy8GVR9m4/my-perennial-artichoke.html";s:11:"author_name";s:13:"earlysnowdrop";s:10:"author_uri";s:51:"http://www.blogger.com/profile/13652578607804291382";s:12:"author_email";s:19:"noreply@blogger.com";s:3:"thr";a:1:{s:5:"total";s:1:"0";}s:10:"feedburner";a:1:{s:8:"origlink";s:69:"http://earlysnowdrop.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-perennial-artichoke.html";}}}s:7:"channel";a:14:{s:2:"id";s:33:"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6557453";s:7:"updated";s:29:"2011-02-26T22:25:34.447-08:00";s:5:"title";s:31:"My California Garden in Zone 23";s:8:"subtitle";s:266:"Creating the California Lifestyle in Garden and Kitchen
<br>     
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