Want Garden Greatness?
Start Composting
The best way to really get your plants in the mood to grow and blossom is to use some good compost. You can always buy it, but it's so much easier and cheaper to just make it! Composting is a great way to recycling your garden and kitchen waste. It reduces the amount of garbage you put into the waste stream, and gives you wonderful garden food. And it's not rocket science - although it does take a little common sense and know how. For all the dirt on making dirt, check out these composting guidelines and tips at Composting 101.
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Get A Gardening Treat for Mom -
or You!
We appreciate moms here at Celtic Chairde Creations. To thank all those mom's for being the great folks they are, we're offering a special gift. Just send us an email and we'll send you a half ounce container of Gardeners Salve and a packet of Calendula seeds. (Calendula is the main ingredient in our Gardeners Salve, plus they're darn pretty flowers!)
Put MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL in the subject line of the email, and make sure to include your mailing address! Emails MUST be received by May 1, 2009. We'll send out a goody pack to the first 50 people that respond. |
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Go Green With Trees -
Celebrate Arbor Day
I love trees. They are useful, beautiful, bountiful gifts of nature. Most people are focusing on Earth Day as the rallying point for becoming more environmentally responsible. But if you are truly looking to help Green the planet - you can do so by first looking at trees.
 National Arbor Day is April 24, although most states also have designated Arbor Days. It was founded by Sterling Morton, just 1 man, over 135 years ago. His simple idea of planting trees has become a world wide celebration that brings to light the importance trees have to our existence. Trees provide oxygen, prevent erosion, and are a renewable source of food, energy, shelter and beauty.
You can keep the green going and have your own Arbor Day festivities. Try one of these to help keep you in the Green zone:
- Plant a tree. It's a labor of love and a commitment to stewardship and the future.
- Go on a Tree Hunt. Grab a book which identifies different trees and see how many trees in your neighborhood you can pick out.
- Take a hike! Go to a local park and take a hike to discover the beauty around you.
You can also participate in local tree plantings. There are many resources where you can find the perfect opportunity to pitch in but you can start here.
I'm lucky enough to live in a Tree City USA. In fact - it's been one for 24 years! There are hundreds throughout the country. If your town isn't a Tree City, maybe you can encourage the local government or parks department to become one.
Trees are the true commitment to the future. When you plant a tree today, you are really planting it for the generations to come. |
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The Many Scents of Pelargonium
When I first started gardening, there were some flowers that I just didn't want. I don't know why, maybe I thought them too old fashioned or too "grandma". One of those was geraniums. They were hum drum in my opinion. One day I was browsing around my favorite herb farm, Well Sweep Herbs, and I came upon an entire section of Scented Geraniums. These certainly didn't look like my grandma's geraniums. There were large blossoms and small, variegated leaves and leaves with ruffles or tiny leaves. Nor did they smell like regular old geraniums. This grand assortment of colorful blossoms came in all sizes and - to my delight - so many scents.I learned that these really weren't geraniums at all, but Pelargoniums. Here in New Jersey, these garden dynamos are annuals and do best in pots that can be brought in over the winter. You can plant them, but you should still pull up the plants and pot them for the cold.The rose geranium is probably the best known. It has a wonderful strong rose scent that is reminiscent of rugosa roses. The oil is used in perfume and potpourris. When you purchase geranium essential oil, it's more than likely Rose Geranium Pelargonium. Not only is this an outstanding aromatic, but it can also be used to help with acne and eczema. The leaves can be used in tea for nausea and poor circulation.
A favorite of mine is the lemon scented geranium. P. crispum leaves are wonderfully fragrant and lighten your spirit. The leaves are also refreshing additions to tea and fruit punches, sauces and vinegars. Two other grand fragrances are Old Spice and Nutmeg, with subtly spicy scent. It is said that rubbing their leaves on legs and feet relieves aches and tiredness. I haven't tried that yet, but I'm sure I will. And I'm know the fragrance will help revive my spirits as well.
I've used scented geraniums in teas and vinegar infusions, as well as scented sugars. Look for some lovely new products with heavenly scented geraniums coming this summer (I have to get them growing first!)
Don't let a fear of hum drum keep you from exploring the amazing variety and beauty that Scented Geraniums (aka Pelargoniums) can provide to your garden. Check your local garden center or herb farm and see which of the vast array tickles your fancy. If you can't get to Well Sweep Farm or your local center doesn't have a large selection, you can find many choices online at Mountain Valley Growers.
For more information about the many uses and care of the aromatic Pelargonium, check out The Herb Society of America .
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Let the Fair Season Begin!
Where you can find
Celtic Chairde Creations
You can always find us at the Beachwood Boutique, 451 Atlantic City Blvd., Beachwood, NJ
Our First Event of the Season
Spring Festival Crafts Fair
The Emlen Physick Estate
1048 Washington
Street
Cape May
Rain or shine and free admission
10 am - 4 pm
Join us for our first craft fair of the season at the beautiful Emlen Physick Estate in the wonderful town of Cape May! This is our first time at the event, but we are looking forward to a great day in a great town!.
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