Country Rose Soap - December 2002 Newsletter

News & Updates for December 2002

Welcome to our monthly "Newsletter". This is where we announce the most recent additions to our website along with "what's happening in our gardens", helpful hints, herbal tips, etc. Please check back often, as we will be updating regularly.

We now offer Xpress Post to ensure your gifts will be received before Christmas. Regular Surface Mail is still available.

To view our new Christmas Gift Ideas please visit the following link: http://www.countryrosesoap.com/storefront.htm

December "To Do" List:

-mulch winter vegetables such as beets, leeks, rutabagas & carrots.
-mulch tender perennials and rose bushes.
-prune woody plants when dormant.
-move outdoor pots close to house for winter protection.
-plant up a winter display basket.
-finish planting spring bulbs before ground freezes.
-clean leaves from gutters and down pipes.
-drain irrigation systems.
-plant bare root roses before ground freezes.
-destroy old rose leaves to prevent spread of black spot.
-put out bird feeders.
-regularly wash and fill birdbaths.
-remove slow growing cool weather annual weeds that can take over flowerbeds during the winter.
-harvest winter vegetables as needed.

Harvesting Leeks:
-mulch them in the fall and dig up as required.
-dig the leeks by gently lifting with garden fork - avoid yanking them out as stems may snap off.
-cut the top portion off about 1 - 2" above white blanched stem - cut off roots.
-remove tough outer leaves.
-slice in half lengthwise and run cold water through to remove hidden soil.
-will keep in fridge for several weeks.
Delicious as a stir-fry or added to soups and stews. Or try the famous potato and leek soup.

Greenhouse Gardening for December: (for a cool greenhouse kept at 40 - 45F (5 - 7C)
-plants in bloom - pelargonium, bouganvillea, gerbera, oleander, hibiscus, jasmine, plumbago, Xmas cactus, French lavender, bouvardia.
-clean benches and remove any debris.
-ventilate if day is warm and sunny as the greenhouse tends to get too humid this time of year causing mold and mildew. Remove infected leaves immediately and destroy.
-deadhead spent blooms.
-keep pots barely moist.
-diligently check plants for aphids and whiteflies.

Indoor Sunroom or Conservatory:
Houseplants normally slow down at this time of year with the shorter day lengths. If there is no sign of new growth they are likely resting. Ease back on watering and fertilizing. Many orchids now put on their winter display of gorgeous blooms. I have 2 incredibly beautiful Oncidium Orchids presently in bloom. ("Dancing Lady" orchid). They are bright yellow with black polka dots and are shaped like a lady's dress hence the name "dancing lady".

A list of plants presently blooming in our sunroom:
-Dendrobium Orchids
-Phalaenopsis Orchids
-Paphiopedilum Orchid
-Odontoglossum Orchid
-Oncidium Orchid
-Cattleya Orchid
-Cymbidium Orchid
-Oxalis
-Myrtle
-Gardenia
-Hibiscus
-Oleander
-Christmas Cactus

Herbal Hints:
-mulch tender herbs for winter protection.
-rake up debris and compost.
-save severe pruning for spring.

Christmas Potpourri
1 cup fragrant dried red roses
1 cup balsam tips
1 cup hemlock cones
1 cup red & white strawflowers
1/2 cup whole allspice
1 cup bay leaves
1 cup broken cinnamon sticks
1/4 cup wholes cloves
2 tsp orris root powder
1/8 oz balsam essential oil

Combine orris root and balsam essential oil. Set aside. Mix rest of ingredients in large glass or stainless steel bowl. Add orris root and balsam oil. Toss until thoroughly mixed. Store in airtight containers shaking daily.
To Use: Set out in decorative bowls during the Xmas season.

Christmas Arrangement
Gather evergreen, pine and/or fir cones, berries, etc. From our garden I gather cedar branches, holly, fir and pinecones, acorns, eucalyptus branches, blueberry stems, variegated ivy and various unusual seed heads and twiggy stems.

Using a large basket or suitable container fill with pinecones. Tuck in holly, cedar branch tips, ivy, blueberry stems, eucalyptus, etc. Add candles for atmosphere. You could also set 2 candles on the table at either end of the basket. Sprinkle with acorns, holly berries, walnuts, etc.

Place arrangement on table. Encircle entire basket with holly for a finishing touch. Sprinkle a few drops of cedarwood essential oil onto basket contents for a lovely aroma. Favourite decorative Xmas ornaments can also be used for colour.

Natural Herbal Cleaning Products
To set the holiday mood and disinfect the air at the same time try using the following blend in diffuser:
1 part cinnamon bark essential oil
1 part clove bud essential oil
2 parts orange sweet essential oil

Health and Wellness
Mulled Apple Punch
2 quarts apple juice
2 quarts cranberry cocktail
2 quarts orange juice
1 cinnamon stick whole
6 whole cloves
slices of orange and/or lemon for garnish
Put all ingredients in large saucepan and bring to a slow simmer. Serve hot with a slice of orange or lemon and cinnamon stick for stirrer.

Some highlights for next month's newsletter!
Winter tree & shrub care
Forcing blooms

We would like to extend to you and your family a very "Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year! Thank-you for your patronage this past year. We are blessed with so many wonderful customers and truly wish to give you all a wholehearted Thank-you!!!

Thanks for visiting!
Susan

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