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Dirty Hands Garden Center!
December 2002

"May every living being, seen and unseen
Those dwelling far-off, those near-by
Those already born, those waiting to be born
May all attain inward peace."

...The Sutta Nipata

Although the first official day of winter has yet to arrive (Winter Solstice is December 21), any one of us would be hard-pressed to deny that it certainly seems as if the season is in fact, upon us. By now, hopefully, you have mulched your tender perennials, as well as new plantings. Don't forget the usefulness of newspapers (black and white, unslick, only) as an extra layer. The ink is soy-based, and the paper itself will decompose. The worms love it, too! Please reconsider the ritualistic burning of leaves, as well. That process wastes precious organics and lets clay-busting roughage go up in smoke!

"Everybody knows that holly and some mistletoe help to make the season bright". There are lots of other ways to deck the halls. As you begin to prepare for the upcoming round of festivities, try to think "outside the box". Traditions are lovely, but it never hurts to add a few along the way. Aside from the aforementioned, magnolia, boxwood, pine, and the occasional Frazer fur bough are commonly employed as tools.

Taxus, or yews, are often overlooked as a source of greenery. This is a shame, as the numerous varieties available to us do well in this area. They are relatively easy to grow, requiring a mostly shade situation, and decent drainage. They seem to adapt to our poor soil conditions. They are slow-growers, so it is best to plant a cluster or two, if you intend to harvest the soft, needled branches. They are seeped in folklore, and were considered sacred to the Druids, who are believed to have considered it as emblem of immortality. This is fitting, as the greenery lasts a long time, in arrangements.
Myrica cerifera, or Bayberry is one of many ways to add fragrance as well as soft texture to your bundles of greens. The shrub itself is evergreen, grows to a height of about 15 feet, and can be used as a hedge if kept bushy, or pruned much as a crape myrtle, with the lovely bark exposed to the uppermost branches. It survives in poor soils, though it prefers well-drained areas. It is reputedly hardy to zone 7, but we see it throughout the Eastern region of the U.S. American settlers made candles from the fragrant wax of bayberries.

Laurus nobilis, or Bay is a romantic herb, symbolizing glory and reward. It is extremely aromatic. While it is not reliably hardy in our immediate area, there are a few who have success with it outdoors, year-round. Here, it is best over- wintered indoors. As near as the Virginia Beach area, though, the evergreen shrubs easily reach about 10 feet in height. The branches dry beautifully, making them choice candidates for wreaths. Add a few leaves to everything you cook, including punches, and as garnish. Pass along jars of freshly dried bay leaves to friends, co-workers, and neighbors. It is surely a gift they will use for a long time.

This brings us to one of the best herbs year-round, but particularly the month of December. Rosemary officinalis is a hardy, evergreen herb that prefers full sun, and well drained soil. They can become marvelous topiaries, as well. Our favorite varieties are "arp" and "Hill Hardy". Once established, it becomes a woody shrub, providing years of pleasure, for culinary, medicinal, and spiritual purposes. Rosemary is the herb of remembrance, and it is a great way to show someone you are thinking of them. Slip a sprig or two into your holiday cards. Infuse your own oils and vinegars. It also adds an interesting flavor to an ordinary glass of wine. You can even "jazz" a box cake mix, by adding 2tsp. crushed dried rosemary (or 3tsp. fresh) to any angel food, sponge, pound, or white cake batter. Add the same amount to any kind of white frosting or whipped cream. Tint the frosting to suit the season. Or try these fun ways to add herbs to your holiday repertoires:

Rosemary Squares

2/3 C pecans
2 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
1 C flour
½ tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp crushed rosemary
1C candied fruit and/or raisins

Beat eggs. Add brown sugar, then vanilla and flour, along with other dry ingredients. Fold in nuts and fruit. Bake in greased and floured 8x8 pan for 30 min. at 350. Remove while still warm and cut into bars.

"There's Rosemary, that's for remembrance. Pray you, love, remember."

--------------- William Shakespeare, Hamlet, IV, 5

This is a wondrous time of the year for everyone, especially gardeners. It is a perfect time to remember those around you and let them know that you care about and appreciate them. This newsletter is produced with gratitude to each of its readers. Your continued, loyal support is invaluable; your friendship is cherished. Wishing one and all a joyous celebration of the season!

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).