DECEMBER GARDEN CHECK LIST

I believe in some serious armchair gardening in December so here are a few quick and easy gardening chores - then you can reward yourself with a hot mug of cider!  Read it all on Houzz.

(I have written the 

Pacific Northwest feature). 

For other regions check here  

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I am thrilled to have been asked to teach the Container Gardening course at Edmonds Community College (EDCC) this winter.

I have designed the curriculum to be FUN! As well as gaining a better understanding of products, plants and design there will be lots of opportunities for hands on work. I will also teach a unique class on starting your own container gardening business and marketing, something I am asked about every year.

Classes run every Tuesday morning from January 8th to March 19th. Email me for more class details or contact Tim Hohn to inquire about course fees and registration. 

Don't delay - this is always a popular class and  is limited to 18 participants

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Our book is now in 'layout'  - another step towards the publishing of FINE FOLIAGE!

Click here for a sneak peak and to pre-order

Now what? LOTS of seminars / book signing opportunities. See my website events page for more details.

Remember you can always schedule something for your own club or organization too.

new FINE FOLIAGE BLOG - coming soon

For those of you who can't get enough of luscious leaves Christina and I will post one of our favorite foliage combinations each week and explain to you why it works;  a great companion to our book. Watch out for the special announcement.

PS. These posts are unique to the blog and won't be featured in the book.

FINE FOLIAGE ON FACEBOOK

We also have a popular Facebook page so you can follow along with our Fine Foliage adventures. There are some fun 'insider' snippets, great photos and  a few funny stories sprinkled in. Click the buttons below to follow the updates;

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I love to talk plants and this year promises to give me lots of opportunities for doing just that. Two events I am particularly excited about are; 

Northwest Flower & Garden Show 2013 Feb 20-24th, Seattle, WA.

This is one of the largest in the country and features six acres of show gardens, container displays, a floral competition, marketplace and MUCH more! 

I'll be presenting two talks this year; 

• Focus on Foliage - container gardens that really work. Wed, Feb 20 at 11:15 am / DIY Stage
• Spotlight on Foliage - showstopping Ideas for Containers & Borders. Sun, Feb 24 at 10:45 am / Hood Room

Book signing to follow both.

Yard, Patio & Garden Show 2013, February 8-10th,  Portland, OR

Show gardens, seminars and more! I'm excited to have been invited to present;

• From Blah to Ta Da! - designing memorable gardens. Sun, Feb 10th at 11.30am

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It's the time of year again when we start trying to find that perfect gift. Here are some great ideas - and you can order everything online.

• Classic Hand Fork - my #1 tool.
• Garden bucket caddy - perfect for organizing and it still leaves the bucket
• Hori-hori knife - for wrangling stubborn plants out of pots!
• Guide to Pruning by Cass Turnbull. Stop poodling your plants and learn from the pruning guru. Book
• Why Grow That When You Can Grow This? by Andrew Keys. 255 alternatives to problem plants.Book
• e-Gift certificate from Le jardinet. Order by phone with your credit card and receive a printable coupon in minutes! 425 765 3574

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I realize this newsletter goes out to gardening friends in at least four countries - forgive me for focusing on Seattle briefly! Here are some of our Holiday Highlights;

Annual Festival of Poinsettias - Molbaks. Yummy kringle, a special Santa (my friend and rosarian John Harmeling), festive music and over 25 varieties of poinsettias. Did I say kringle??? Details

Garden D'Lights; The enormously popular Garden d'Lights festival features over ½ million lights which transform the Bellevue Botanical Garden into a blossoming winter wonderland. Details

Holiday in the Park -Volunteer Park Conservatory. Fabulous displays, Santa and cookies!. Details

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BLOG

Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors, is a lighthearted, information packed blog for all gardeners and garden lovers. Laugh while you learn, pick up new ideas and be inspired by others is the theme as I cover everything from container design to slug patrol.

The most popular post last month was Helleborus Gold Collection® - the best of the best . Click on the link to be inspired.

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FACEBOOK

Take a moment to sit back, enjoy photographs, see what has been happening in my own garden plus get links to the latest garden products: all in bite sized chunks. Always fresh - take a look!

PINTEREST

Enjoy garden photographs on my virtual pin boards - visit Pinterest! You don't need an account to enjoy the boards, just a cup of tea will do as you sit back and get new ideas for containers combinations and garden designs, pathways and art work.

HOUZZ

As the Pacific Northwest regional garden writer for this great website I'm helping you stay on track with monthly garden checklists. Being a total plantaholic I also love sharing one of  my favorite Great Design Plants with you each month while my recent article on Holiday Containers will give you 5 ideas for a fast makeover. 

Happy Holidays to you all