All things green.

A Fresh Squeeze is a great site for environmentally friendly resources. Check them out and subscribe to their e-mail program.

Crocus, crocus who has seen the crocus.

I have, they started popping up two days ago. WOOHOO!!

Another Great Source

I’ve added another resource, “The Chicago Gardner”, see my blogroll for a permanent link.  It is authored by Master Gardner Beth Botts (Chicago Tribune Staff Writer) and it’s full of useful info for the novice as well as the pro. 

Started cleaning up my butterfly/hummingbird garden the other day when we had a brief (1 day) period of 70 degree weather.  I’ll be adding new plants again this year.  We had several trees taken down a couple of weeks ago and have tons or should I say yards of Oak chips which I intend to use as mulch.  I usually spread old newsprint on and around the areas that I want to protect against or at least inhibit the growth of weeds and spread the chips over the paper.  Its worked well so far.  I’ll keep you posted on the success.

Sign of Spring Part II

Saw my first Robin on Saturday so I know its time to start my early spring chores.  Here is a litte hint on how to get rid of weeds before they start.  Take two or three sheets of newspaper (I use the large format “Chicago Tribune” clear away any and all refuse, left over leaves, sticks and stones et.al. from your planting bed or area, place the paper over the area.  If you need to go around bushes or what have you simply cut a slit in the paper and arrange around the plant.  Cover the paper with compost, wood chips or whatever you will use as ground cover, and that’s it.  The paper inhibits the growth of weed by smothering them.  When you are ready to plant your flowers, herbs or veggies simply cut a hole in the paper, plant and watch them grow.