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Angelonia

Angelonia
Angelonia

 

A free -flower plant that adds a sensational splash of color throughout the summer. It is a welcome addition to a flower bed when combined with other drought tolerant varieties. It is full sun, low maintenance and a dependable selection for your unique garden setting. Cheers

 

 

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Struttin’ with Barbecue

Summer is a time for back yard barbecues. Put a new spin on smoked pork shoulder or ribs by using vinegar rather than tomato as a base for your sauce.   Try this untraditional recipe for that special finishing touch.  Enjoy

 Vivacious Vinegar Sauce

2  cups of white vinegar or cider                                    1  teaspoon of cayenne pepper

1  teaspoon ground black pepper                                   2  teaspoons of salt

2  tablespoons of turbinado sugar or brown sugar

Makes 2 cups

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Serve at room temperature. Refrigerate after use.

Baby back ribs
Baby back ribs
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The Day the Sun Stands Still

Summer Garden
Summer Garden

Summer Solstice, the longest day in 2015 occurred June 21st ushering in the hottest season of the year. Perennial flowering plants are approaching their peak while annual flowers are creating an atmosphere of anticipation.  Sun drenched flowers like Rudbeckia and Sunflowers are exhibiting vivid colors throughout many garden landscapes. By planting drought resistant and heat tolerant plants you are sure to create beautiful green foliage that will allure year-round.  Cheers

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Take Cover

Sedum Sarmentosum
Sedum sarmentosum

A favorite ground cover for the hot and dry conditions of zone 4 is sedum sarmentosum. This brilliant addition to your landscape is luscious coverage with a purpose.  Sedum will assist in maintaining suitable soil conditions and help stop soil erosion.

 

 

 

Because it is a perennial, you will enjoy this plant all year and appreciate the slow but steady expansion of growth. Cheers

Sedum ground cover
Sedum ground cover
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Snap Dragon

Snap Dragon
Snap Dragon

Our flower of the month is snap dragon (Antirrhinum). With incandescent puffy large vibrantly colored petals, this is one of the most impressive flowers to grow. It is great for containers and mass planting. The snap dragon blooms in early summer.

 

 

 

 

Twinny yellow sanp dragon
Twinny Yellow Snap Dragon

 

To create a season – long stream of color throughout your garden sow seeds early in a cool sheltered area. Cheers

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The Dandelion

Dandelion
Dandelion

 

The Dandelion, friend or foe? In early spring soon after the last frost dandelions begin to appear. They can grow up to two feet high and sprout little yellow flowers so attractive that some consider them to be ornamental. The dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) has over a 100 different variations. This difficult opponent of lawns and gardens is categorized as a weed and sometimes a vegetable but is actually a medicinal herb.

 

Dandelion
Dandelion

A simple recipe for this “spring cleanser” starts with soaking fresh greens before they start to flower in water over night to remove the bitterness, than boil them like spinach.  Enjoy!

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The Robin

Robin Eggs
Robin Eggs

One of the most common birds found in North America is the American Robin. Stand out features include their distinctive black heads and red breast. They are thought to be among the most numerous bird species in the region.

 

 

 

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American Robin
American Robin

 

 

They nest in Alaska, Canada and the cooler climates in the lower 48. They originally inhabited forest and swamps, but have adapted to life in the city. Enjoy!

 

 

 

 

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The Open Road

Open Road
Open Road

One of the last great frontiers in the lower 48 is the state of Wyoming. This part of the mid west truly represents big sky country.

Fremont Canyon
Fremont Canyon

Once you’ve visited one of its numerous national parks, with its wide open ranges and lush rivers you will be eager to return. Cheers

Grey Reef
Grey Reef

 

 

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Growing Pains

Garden
Garden

Every successful grow season has its share of volatility, the ambiguous task of sowing seeds to bear fruit or flower is not without its issues. Seeds that initially showed promise wither by the way side leaving you to ponder your growing environment and seed selection.  It is an arduous process being a grower, you must know how to handle and learn from your losses. Cheers

 

Garden
Floral Garden

 

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Z is for Zinnia

Zinnia
Zinnia

One of my favorite flowers to grow is the zinnia. This versatile flower of the month comes in many forms, sizes and varieties. They are magnificent in any garden setting. This full sun drought tolerant flower is able to withstand the heat of a long summer day. Sow seeds after the first frost to create blooms that will attract necessary creatures to your garden throughout the summer. Cheers

 

Zinnia
Zinnia