DECORATE A TREE FOR THE BIRDS!

 

  For many of us, our feathered friends bring hours of enjoyment, watching them flitter about from tree to tree, nibbling on any little morsel they can find.  If you love bird watching, try decorating a tree just for them!  Here are some great recipes you can make at home:

PEANUT BUTTER SUET PINE CONES

6 yards of 18-gauge florist wire

12 pine cones

3 lbs. peanut butter

11/2 lbs. suet

10 lbs. bird seed

Twist an 18-inch length of florist wire around the big end of each pine cone, making a large hook at the end of the wire.  Mix peanut butter and suet.  Using small handfuls, spread peanut butter mixture on pine cones.  Roll pinecones in a large bowl of bird seed.  Yield:  12 pine cones.

NOTE:  Suet is available at supermarket meat departments.  Ask that it be ground fine for easier mixing.

PRETZEL GARLANDS

Unsalted miniature pretzels

1/4 inch wide red ribbon, cut to desired length of garland.

Weave ribbon through pretzels to make an edible garland for the birds.

SNOWY DOUGHNUTS

12 small powdered sugar coated doughnuts

4 yards 1/4 inch wide red ribbon

Cut ribbon into 12, 12-inch lengths.  Loop ribbon through doughnuts; tie in knot.  Yield:  12 ornaments.

BREAD STARS

1 loaf stale white sandwich bread

Christmas ornament hangers

Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut each slice of bread.  Attach an ornament hanger to each shape.

CRANBERRY HEARTS

6 yards of 22-gauge florist wire

2 lbs. fresh cranberries

Cut florist wire into 18 inch lengths.  Thread fresh cranberries onto wires; then bend each into a heart shape.  Yield:  12 ornaments.

ORANGE BASKETS

12 oranges

3 cups bird seed

3 cups suet (ground fine)

3 cups sunflower seeds

3 cups raisins

12 feet 1/2-inch-wide ribbon

Cut oranges into basket shapes and scoop out pulp.  Put birdseed, suet, sunflower seeds and raisins in individual bowls.  Fill the orange baskets with ingredients from the bowls.  

Loop ribbon through basket "handles."  

Yield:  12 ornaments.

AMARYLLIS BULBS

  

Of all the bulbs that will flower out of season indoors, one of the easiest is the Amaryllis.  They can provide bright flowers during the dark months of winter.  Amaryllis can be kept as a house plant for years with the right care.  Thriving best when the roots are crowded, they require a pot 2-4 inches wider than the bulb.  They bloom for 2-4 weeks, usually between December and April.

LIGHT  Indirect sun is needed when the bulb starts to flower.  Partial shade helps to bring out brilliant color of flowers.

TEMPERATURE:  A warm temperature is needed for forcing into flower; cool conditions make flowers last longer.

MOISTURE:  Water well after potting, then keep on the dry side until root growth is started.  Then keep moist while growing.

PROPAGATION:  Propagate from seed (three years to flowering) or divide bulbs at potting time (two years to flowering).

POTTING:  Use a well-drained potting mix, potting the bulbs into a five to seven inch pot.  Allow one inch of soil around the bulb.  The bulb is potted to leave the upper third exposed above the soil.

Water well and don’t water again  until it sprouts.  After it sprouts move it into the sun and begin watering.  Move to the shade when it’s ready to flower.

FERTILIZER:  Apply water-soluable house plant fertilizer once a month during growth season, or as long as leaves are green.

INSECTS:  Amaryllis is subject to spider mites and mealy bugs.  Treat with insecticide.

REMARKS:  After the bulb has flowered, place outdoors in a semi-shady location for summer growth.  In the fall when leaves die down, store in a cool, dry location until signs of growth appear in late fall or winter.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS

 

The unusual stems and timely blossoms of these commonly grown 

house plants are both delightful and fascinating.  Christmas cactus is an old favorite.  It has striking, bright green arched branches made up of flat, scalloped 11/2 inch long joints.  The branches droop, especially when in bloom.  It’s multi-trumpeted, 3-inch long, rosy red flowers, plus other colors, appear at Christmas time.

SCHLUMBERGERAS are native to the tropical forests of South America, where they grow on trees.  They require rich, porous soil.  Keep soil most but not soggy, and fertilize weekly when the plant is growing.  They do well in front of a cool, bright window.  During the summer you can move them outdoors into partial shade.  Budding is brought on by the short days of October and November or by a cold shock.  To promote flowering, place plants outdoors for a time during the fall.

LIGHT:  Place in a bright but indirectly lit south, east or west window.

WATER:  Keep very moist during growth and flowering.  At other times, allow to dry between waterings.

HUMIDITY:  Average indoor humidity levels.

TEMPERATURES :  40°F. to 45°F. at night; 60°F. to 65°F. during the day to set flower buds; 50°F. to 55°F. at night, 65°F. to 70°F. during the day at other times.

FERTILIZATION:  Fertilize only when plant is actively growing or flowering.  

PROPAGATION:  Take cuttings from recently matured stems or shoots when plant is not in flower.

GROOMING:  Prune after flowering if necessary. 

Re-potting:  Infrequent potting is best.

PROBLEMS:  Dry soil or high soluble salts may damage roots, causing dieback.

Black Friday Savings!

Start your holiday shopping on the right track!  Visit Ashcombe for Black Friday savings!  The first 50 customers will receive a FREE muffin and coffee!

It's Poinsettia Time!

POINSETTIAS!

 

Hard to believe, but the holidays are fast approaching and it's time to sing our praises to this beautiful Christmas favorite!

This traditional holiday plant was brought to this country by the US Minister to Mexico, Joel Poinsett, in 1835.  He returned to South Carolina with cuttings of this pretty Mexican wildflower.  

It still bears his name.  Much plant breeding has produced the superior plants we grow today.

The POINSETTIA is a member of the family EUPHORBIACEA, which also includes many succulent plants such as the "Crown of Thorns."

The colored petals which we so often call the 'flower' are actually only bracts.  The true flower is the yellow part in the center of the bracts called the cyathia.  Poinsettias are not poisonous 

to people or animals.

CARE AND RE-BLOOMING OF THE POINSETTIA

LIGHT: Poinsettias prefer bright, filtered light, in a spot free from drafts and extreme heat.  The life of the plant can be extended if you leave  a small light burning at night, however, most of the new hybrids are colorful well into the winter.

WATERING:  Let the plant semi-dry between thorough waterings.  Drain off excess water.  

Be sure to remove water from foil wrappers when bringing them home.  Average home humidity levels are fine.  

FERTILIZING:  No feeding is necessary while plants are blooming. 

TEMPERATURE:  Ideal temperature is 65-70°F. during the day; 60°F. at night.  Normal home temperatures are generally adequate, provided the plant is not placed on top of a TV (the set is too hot when in use).

To grow your plant over summer and to bloom next holiday, keep it growing and cut back in May.  Each time the plant grows about 4 inches, cut half of the new growth off.  Water lightly and feed once a month.  You may place the plant outside in summer, keeping it pruned back, and re-potting only if necessary.  Cut back new shoots early in August, leaving 3-4 leaves per stem.  Bring plant inside in September before temperatures become chilly at night, and put in a bright sunny window.  From late September until the end of October (flower buds should be set), the plant MUST receive 14 hours total darkness at night.  Even a little bit of light during this crucial time will set the plant's flowering back.  Use a dark closet, or a dark unused room with curtains drawn closed to block out any street lights.  Then bring the poinsettia out and continue growing it as before.

Holiday Open House on Saturday!

Time flies!  It is time for our annual Holiday Open House this Saturday!  We have a wonderful line up of guests this year and vendors offering their crafts and hand made items for sale.  Join us on Saturday between 9 and 4 for these great vendors, events, trains, displays, food and more!


ADAMS COUNTY WINERYSamples available, wine and gift certificates for sale

THE NATIONAL RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY Share train history, trivia and information and  see a 14’x10’ historical model railroad.  9-4


THE STATION  10-4.  Share train history and information with members of this New Cumberland based organization.


Vegetable & Fruit  Garnishing  with caterer Ed Byrem.  9-4


Artistic Expressions In Photography by Joann  Black and white photographs of nature.


SHADOWBERRY FARM ALPACAS  Hand knit, crocheted
and handwoven items, felted hats & purses, hand dyed yarn.


JEWELRY BY JILL  9-4  Felted wool flowers, zipper flowers, watch part pins.


PAISLEY BY BRENDA  9-4  Crocheted apparel - mostly hats.


HART-SO-BIG ALPACA FARM WITH BARB  9-4  Alpaca clothing, hats, gloves, scarves, socks, hand made knitted items and dryer balls.


GOURD & WOOD WHIMSIES WITH JENNIFER  9-4
Gourd Christmas ornaments, gourd bowls and bird houses.  Wood carved Christmas ornaments.


CHILDREN’S CRAFT  Make a bird seed ornament.  FREE


GARDEN TO GOURMET WITH VEGGIECATION^® WITH MELISSA  “Cucumber Wreaths” with fresh veggies.


PLANET FITNESS  Will be here - stop by and learn about
their fitness programs.


UPCYCLED CRAFTS BY NATALIE  Hand crafted jewelry & artisan made home decor.

We will also have beautiful 'theme' displays.  Check these out for great decorating ideas!

And remember...our floral designer can make the perfect accents for your home!
Classic Christmas
Traditional red and green holiday charm featuring snowmen and Santa Claus.

Rustic WildernessThe look of the natural forest with rock garland, birch logs and burlap accents.


Frozen WoodsTeal and brown accents centered around lit birch trees and owls.


The Call Of The CardinalRed and white and all things cardinals!


Pop Of Pink
Not your traditional color palette for Christmas but stunning all the same.


Decorating
Decorating ideas for your front door, mail box, mantle and holiday table.

Visit us on Friday, November 14th for a Holiday Open House preview from 

5-8.  Hope to see you there!

There is still time to plant!

FALL PANSIES and

ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE 

AND KALE

Put some 'pizzazz' in your fall garden!

Pansies are hardy, or cold-tolerant annuals.  They can survive cold snaps, even snow, with little damage except to the open blossoms.  They can be planted in the fall and will winter over for excellent spring color.  

  

Ornamental Cabbage & Kale offer great fall color for the garden and really stand up to frost!