How to grow a Holiday Cactus so it lives 100 Years
It’s December and I am thinking about my mother. Not because it is anywhere near her birthday (August) or the month she passed (April) or even Mother’s day (May.) I am thinking of her because a holiday cactus she gave me is in full bloom – again.
I get a lot of individual questions but have recently started thinking of running online classes to help gardeners grow. This is my mission because I truly believe I have something to share and want to share it with my followers. Is there something you really want to know more about that I could teach you in an online class? Starting seeds? Growing Vegetables? Let me know by replying to this email and I will keep a list and look at what classes will be most valuable to you, my faithful followers. Just reply to this email with your ideas.
Community Garden in Berlin... things to learn
It’s a drizzly day in November and we only have 3 days in Berlin. So of course I want to go to the Prinzessinnengarten (Princess Garden). Google says the garden is closed in winter but it is just a quick jaunt on the U-Bahn (train) from our hotel so it definitely seems like a risk worth taking. “Maybe we can just look through the chain-link fence” I argue as I discuss this very important side trip with HH (Helpful Husband) who is my partner and travel companion for my roots tour of Germany. Read more here.
Finally - My Videos are Organized & Uploaded
I get bored watching videos or listening to podcasts that are too long. So this summer I worked with Ian Robert Jones (Swag Design Factory) and we made 10 new videos for the Little Jobs in the Garden series. In this series we told stories in under two minutes. Okay- that is not long enough but we promised little jobs and that is what we delivered.
I also made a live video every week during my Facebook Live sessions ( #PM PST Mondays) and I copied those over to YouTube so that all the questions asked and answered are all there in once place. Both of these, combined with my older - but still great - How To videos are now tucked into my YouTube channel. Have a look at the videos, subscribe if you like what you see and let me know what you would like to see, I am thrilled to have it all in one place now, divided by categories and ready to view and enjoy but others.
Wreath Making
So it's not the first time I have made a wreath but it is the first time I have made a wreath with a form. Thanks to Evelyne at Ocean Breeze Garden + Goods Co. for inspiring this wreath including the dried garlic scapes... too much fun.
Comments from Last Month's Woodchip Article
Thanks to everyone who commented right on my web page. It is so fantastic to get your feedback and share it with the world. Here is an emailed comment:
"Hi Donna. Can u comment on using straw for mulching. On the prairies wood mulch is expensive, but straw is relatively cheap." Mel C.
Hi Mel- Good question- I have used both but find on permanent plants every new batch of straw adds barley and/or wheat seed that was missed in the harvest so the seed becomes a "weed" where straw is spread.
Overall I like the free chips - loose and coarse- available from arborists- who work everywhere so can usually supply them wherever you live. No weeds or seeds. Just coarse valuable chips for the taking even in rural areas because shelter belts need pruning too. DB
Big News- My Greenhouse is on Sale
I am so excited to have two BC Greenhouse brand greenhouses in my big back yard and I definitely don't need another one but if you need one there is a sale on right now... so to save money order it before the end of January for delivery any time you want it. Sorry this does sound a little pushy but seriously if you want a greenhouse that is guaranteed to last forever then you want one of these. They are based in BC but they sell around the world and they custom build each and every one of them in their shop.
Hint: the bigger the better when it comes to a greenhouse. Send me a note if you have questions or contact Angela directly at bcgreenhouse@gmail.com.
Last Month's Prize Winner!
And the winner of last month's prize is Alisa S. from Coombs, BC. If you haven't won yet what are you waiting for?
This Month's Giveaway!
This month I am giving away my own Garden Gratitude Journal! It is hard to believe a year ago it was delivered to the printer and in production. Enter to win this amazing journal now by replying to this email and putting "Win Gift" in the subject line. The draw will be made on December 13 so I have time to mail it to the winner! Chelsie and I have received so much fantastic feedback about this book including interviews on podcasts and other media. Meanwhile if you want to make sure you get the journal in time for Christmas you can order it online right here.
A Little Garden Creation
So what do you get when you combine microdot lights, lichen and a sale-priced glass bird feeder? I got a little jewel of an ornament that lights up at night. I quickly hung it on a tree outside and tomorrow? I am heading back to buy the other two bird feeders from the sale rack. Design rules dictate groups of three and this project was so easy I can't resist. Oh and lichen litters this dog-walkers forest trails so I find it wherever I go.
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