Warm, Wonderful Winter Weather  Greetings!
Wow, wow, and wow. Can you believe this so-called winter weather? I love a beautiful snowfall as much as anyone, but when given a 65-degree December afternoon, I'll take it. Heck, I haven't even finished up cutting down perennials in by backyard or mounded my roses. And I feel like I have another week or two to do it, too!
The downside, of course, is that those insects and diseases that overwintered last year during our exceptionally mild winter will be babied even more this winter. Still, a not bad price to pay for wonderful walks outdoors and (true fact!) a credit on my heating bill!
So I'm shopping for my tree without a heavy coat and making this nifty peace wreath for my front door without worrying about it being open and creating a nasty draft.
Happy Semi-Tropical Gardening!
Veronica Lorson Fowler |
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Decorating From the Garden
 During the year, I purposely plant a variety of evergreens in my garden so I'll have a nice selection with which to decorate my home for Christmas.
I'm a total plastic greenery snob-I always opt for fresh, even when it comes to a garland for my front door.
I snip short lengths from trees and shrubs to make a swag with ribbon for my back door and tuck in bits and pieces around the nutcrackers I put on my mantle. I also like to put a variety into a vase and add berries from the garden. The vase shown here has branches of crabapple fruits cut from my front yard
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Give the Gift of Iowa Gardening!
 I wrote this book several years ago with the Federated Garden Clubs of Iowa. It's printed by the University of Iowa Press. It can be a thoughtful gift for a new gardener, someone just moving to Iowa, or a long-time gardener who always likes new tips and tricks.
The book is broken down, month-by-month, with helpful articles on everything from starting seeds indoors in early spring to the best methods of composting in late autumn. A To make it extra special, if you like, I'll will even write the inscription of your choice in the book to the recipient, or hey--to you! $25.50 for priority shipping anywhere in the U.S. Gift wrapping available.
Click here for more information and to order in time for Christmas delivery!
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Yet More More Iowa Gift-Giving
 For a semi-homemade Iowa gardening gift that costs just a few dollars (ideal for the piano teacher, a favorite aunt, or a teacher) create our Iowa Garden Journal, using our printer-friendly color pages and cover. Just punch the holes and slip into a white plastic three-ring binder.
Here's a fun idea to personalize: Have your child draw a colorful garden picture and write "Garden Journal" at the top. Slip it into the binder's clear plastic sleeve instead of our cover to make it a thoughtful gift for a grandparent or other loved one.
I did this for my mom for Mother's Day. My daughter wrote "Grandma's Garden Journal" and then colored her version of Grandma's garden. An instant, practical keepsake.
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December To-Do
 Keep that live Christmas tree watered. It will need daily watering the first few days and every 3 or 4 days after that.
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Editor's Choice
Garden Events
Thursday, December 13
Floral Design Series
Reiman Gardens, Ames
2:00 p.m. - OR - 6:30 p.m. Learn the basics of floral design while creating beautiful arrangements to take home.
Learn the tips and skills used by professionals and create your own one-of-a-kind floral designs. Those who complete all twelve classes will receive a certificate of floral design from Reiman Gardens.
Click here to sign up for one, four, or all 12 of these classes.
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Garden Quote
"Climate is what we expect. Weather is what we get."
-- Mark Twain
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