From the National Home Gardening Club:

Once the holiday lights go out, give your Christmas tree new life with these five creative ways to extend its usefulness:
1. Winter birds will appreciate using the tree for shelter in your backyard. Secure the trunk to the ground with wire, twine, or stakes.
2. Entice even more backyard visitors by adding suet, molded seeds, or homemade treats such as pine cones smeared with peanut butter or strings of popcorn or cranberries.
3. Chop or grind smaller branches to make mulch for flowers, trees, and shrubs. Cut larger branches into small bundles that will offer winter protection when placed around newly planted perennials and small shrubs. Remove the branches in spring, when the plants begin to grow again.
4. If you have a fish pond, sink the tree to create a refuge and feeding area for fish.
5. Save the needles to create potpourri—a great gift idea for next holiday. Dry the branches, remove and crumble the needles, and mix with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves. Store in jars with lids.
If you have no use for your tree, put it to good use in your community!

It's that time of year again. The leaves are everywhere, blowing in the front door and being trailed in by little paws at the back door. Time to rake it in! Here's a few types to consider via the National Home Gardening Club, plus my personal favorite at the end.

There's a variety of rakes out there, each suited to a different type of leaf collection. Use our guide to finding one that's right for you:
No-clog rake

Description: Durable plastic with wave-shaped teeth.

Advantage: Gentle for use in flower beds.Disadvantage: Design doesn't totally eliminate clogging.

Cost: $15 to $30

Leaf scoops or claws

Description: Tined scoop that fits over hands.

Advantage: Great for large piles of leaves.

Disadvantage: Have to be taken off and on to adjust bags, etc.

Cost: $8 to $20

Adjustable rake

Description: All-purpose with a moveable brace (shown above).

Advantage: Use the same rake for the lawn and in tight spots.

Disadvantage: Flimsy for large jobs.

Cost: $10 to $30

Shrub rake

Description: Short with small, lightweight tines.

Advantage: Perfect for tight spots. Disadvantage: Not for large jobs.

Cost: $5 to $20

Ergonomic rake

Description: Handle puts less strain on your back and shoulders.

Advantage: Fewer aches and pains.

Disadvantage: May feel awkward, depending on your body build.

Cost: $20 to $50

OK, while these all seem capable of getting the job done, my personal favorite is the Garden Grabber featured on QVC. Pictured here the Garden Grabber rake removes leaves, garbage, hedge clippings, and other debris from your lawn or flower bed with ease. The durable yet lightweight tool is made from steel and all functions can be operated without bending, stooping, or touching the pile. Rake, grab and bag all at once.

I can assure you, after using this for at least the last five years, it works. We just bought two more at the QVC Outlet Store in Rehoboth Beach while on vacation this past summer. I don't know how I'd manage without it! For more info or to order visit http://www.qvc.com/scripts/detail.dll?item=M1233

With so many types of rakes to choose from, you'll enjoy raking more when you invest in the perfect rake for your yard, budget, and body. Check your home and garden center for ideas.

The frost is on the pumpkin, and it's time to make the last preparations for winter, or so says the National Home Gardening Club. Here a few things "to do" now for those of us who garden in the Northeast.


Divide herbs and place in pots for a windowsill garden.

Cover ponds with netting to prevent predatory birds and animals, such as egrets and raccoons, from stealing decorative fish.


Winterize your garden tools. Clean, sharpen, and lubricate metal parts; refinish wooden handles with mineral oil or varnish.

Drain fuel from engines.

Replace worn or cheap tools with top-quality products: They're an investment in health, safety, and enjoyment.

Plant containers of pansies for winter and spring color. They're incredibly hardy, and come back during warm spells.

Mark perennials you want to divide next spring.


Pull up annuals and put them in the compost pile. Turn and aerate the pile thoroughly, and sprinkle a handful of organic compost activator if necessary.

Deeply water evergreen trees and shrubs before the ground freezes. Water deciduous trees and shrubs until they've dropped their leaves.

And don't forget your feathered friends! Put up a bird feeder to help wild birds have a secure winter.



So add these to your check list this weekend and enjoy the time outside. Remember, it won't be too long before we're all stuck inside, dreaming of next year's glorious garden!

OK, so last night I got things square with the waterfall. Hopefully, it will hold for the rest of the week. Time to clean out all the leaves that have accumulated at the bottom before they clog up the works!

Anyway, since my gardening is slowing down for the season, I thought I'd share some regional gardening tips for our area from the National Home Gardening Club.

With shorter days and cooler temperatures, September is a transitional period in the garden. Many annuals are on their last legs, and perennials need some care before the thermometer drops.
*Add ornamental grasses to the fall perennial garden. They add texture, color, and sound to the landscape and provide winter shelter for wildlife.

*Fall is the perfect time to plant new perennials. The warm soil and cooler temperatures let them establish strong roots before winter and get a head start on spring growth.
*Stop fertilizing perennials, roses, and shrubs. It will stimulate delicate new growth that will be damaged by winter's cold. Wait until next spring.

*Buy spring bulbs early for planting in October. Garden centers and mailorder catalogs have the best selections now.
*Keep gardens tidy. When veggies have finished, remove the plants and other debris. Unkempt gardens are favorite winter hiding places for disease and pests.
*Watch the weather. Know your first frost date, but remember it's only an average. Mother Nature loves to surprise us. Harvest produce and protect tender plants before the first frost hits. Don't forget your houseplants this time of year; prepare them for returning indoors by gradually moving them into outdoor shade for a bit longer each day. Carefully inspect the foliage and soil for gnats, thrips, and spider mites before bringing plants in for the winter.

For more information or to join the National Home Gardening Club visit http://www.gardeningclub.com/Main/default.aspx