JANUARY GARDEN CHECK LIST

No matter where you live there are a few things to tackle in the garden this month including ordering seeds and checking out the viability of those you have saved. My tips for the

Pacific Northwest are ready and waiting for you on Houzz. 

Live in a colder or warmer area? Got you covered too; 

Mid Atlantic, Rocky Mountain, Great Lakes, South East, California, Central Plains, North East, Texas & Desert South West

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JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS LEFT TO SIGN UP!! 

I love to share my passion for gardening and design with others so 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.  REGISTER TODAY!  You can also email Tami Mills in the horticulture department for more details.

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I am a warm weather gardener. I find it much easier to look a the weeds through the window than go out on a chilly day to pull them! Thankfully container gardens need only a few minutes to freshen them up.

1. Water them! Yes it's true - pots on porches or under the eaves will NOT get watered unless it rains sideways which even in Seattle is rare. A large can of water once a week is probably enough but pour it slowly so the water penetrates.
2. Remove the mushy stuff. Nasty leaves and pansy seed heads need to be removed once a week to keep the other plants healthy and to make sure you do have fresh flowers in spring
3. Watch for slugs. We have had such a mild winter that my garden primroses have been shredded while I have been busy eating my Christmas mince pies. These slithery nuisances can climb containers with ease. Add Sluggo or Sluggo Plus once a week
4. Mini makeover. Pansies may be sleeping now but they will bloom with abandon in spring. For a quick splash of color this month pick up a primrose or two from the nursery and gently tuck these among the other plants. The pots are easily hidden by leafy Heuchera and such. Just remember to water them!

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Almost ready to send to the printers!

Click here for a sneak peak and to pre-order

Now what? LOTS of seminars & book signing opportunities including both the Northwest Flower & Garden Show and San Francisco Flower & Garden Show! See my website events page for more details. Remember you can always schedule something for your own club or organization too.

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

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Love it? Check out the new Fine Foliage blog at www.fine-foliage.com to find out more! Photo credit; Ashley DeLatour

Just for all you leaf lovers - welcome to FINE FOLIAGE - THE BLOG!

This is an exciting companion to our new book where we will share bonus ideas for unique foliage combinations - and just like the book, we will tell you 'why it works'. Consider it an appetizer - none of these lip-smacking combinations will be in the book.

Head on over and be sure to sign up to receive these weekly beauties. We'll be hosting a free book giveaway next month too!

www.fine-foliage.com

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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 Winter's Blush. Click on the link to enjoy the images from my garden.

Sign up below to  receive the blog posts by email.

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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 and plants: 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. 

Want to find out more about Houzz? One of my recent blog posts will tell you all about it and how to get started.

May 2013 be a wonderful year for you all