A green fern is a happy fern

Bringing in boston ferns for the winter can be messy business. They are not the most friendly houseplant but here are some tips for keeping them over the winter.

A bright window shielded by sheers or thin curtains in a cooler room is an ideal spot, but not near a heat vent.

Keep them moist but allow top of the soil to dry out between waterings. A good soaking with lukewarm water for about 30 minutes in a sink or bucket is important, then allow it to drain before returning it to its home. Keep a deep saucer under the pot to catch any drips. Carry a cloth to wipe up any water that might escape. :)

Humidity in the air is essential for ferns. Mist with a spray bottle daily or use a humidifier in the room.(this is good for us too!) Another idea is to place some moist spagnum moss around the base of the plant on top of the soil. It will help hold moisture in.

When repotting, a lighter soil mix is best. A good quality potting mix is ideal.

Fertilizing is not necessary during the winter months because the fern will not likely grow, but once spring approaches and new growth is spotted, some feeding can begin.

If the fronds begin to brown on the edges, it might be due to low humidity and too much warmth. So keep your fern happy by applying the above tips and if all goes well, it can be hung outside again once chance of frost is gone!

Pumpkin anyone?

Time to cook those pumpkins sitting on the porch! Here are some simple instructions.

Cut pumpkin in half, scoop out seeds and place open side down in baking dish with 1/2" water in the bottom. Bake for 45-60 minutes at 450 C or until you can pierce skin with fork. While still slightly warm, scoop flesh out of shell. Blend or puree until smooth then use fresh or measure and place in containers, freezing for future use. You can make pie, muffins, bread, soup, cookies, cheesecake and even fudge!

Christmas

Beginning next week, we'll be getting ready for the upcoming season. The shelves will be cleared and replaced with Christmas. The cedar garland is supposed to arrive November 5 and the following week, we'll have a variety of Christmas greens. The poinsettias are beginning to glow with vibrant colour and should be ready for mid to late November. Be sure to mark Nov.25-28 on your calender. This is our annual Christmas Candlelight Openhouse and we've extended it one more evening. See our website for details. http://www.huronridge.ca/

What's in those brownies?

Do you have lots of beets and aren't sure what to do with them? I found a recipe that sounds very interesting even though at first you might say "yum..yucky!". Dark Chocolate Beet Brownies Does this sound even a little appealing? Great way to get those veggies into your family (or yourself!)so if you're feeling adventurous, here's the recipe:

6 T unsalted butter, melted

1/2 c. all purpose flour

1?2 t. ground cinnamon

3/4 c. golden brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 c. bittersweet ch.chips, melted

1 t. pure vanilla extract

2/3 c. peeled and finely grated red beets (about 2 medium)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Butter and 8" square pan and line with parchment paper.

Stir flour and cinnamon together in a small bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, beat sugar with melted butter. Add eggs, one at a time, beating constantly, then add ch.chips and vanilla and beat just until blended. Add flour and cinnamon mixture and beat vigorously for 1 minute, until batter is smooth and glossy. Add beets and stir through until thoroughly blended. Spread batter evenly into pan. Bake on middle rack of oven for about 30 minutes or until a knife inserted in centre of pan comes out clean. Remove pan from oven and cool completely before turning out brownies and cutting them into squares. Serve and enjoy!

(This recipe taken from Canadian Gardening magazine Fall/Winter issue)

If you make these, let me know how they turn out!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We hope you have a terrific weekend, get to enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather we've received! And to the Moms and Grandmas "don't spend your whole day in the kitchen!"

$1.00?

If you're still thinking of filling a few holes in the flowerbeds that look a little empty, we're clearing out the remainder of our perennials for $1.00! There's one of this and two of that but if you poke around, there's some cool stuff.

If you'd rather put some colour in for the month of October, we have garden mums. Starting at $3.33- $11.99 in brilliant colours and with Thanksgiving weekend coming up, perhaps decorating for company is the plan! We have gourds, pumpkins, baskets and purple fountain grass. I'm even hoping to design some little table centres using pumpkins and mums. They always look so cute on a table.