April Showers Bring May Flowers

As April washes away and May begins to bloom, gardeners anticipate the beauty of their landscape. Lawns fill with beautiful flowers. sweet fruits, and nutritious vegetables. This transition is what many planters look forward to each May. Unfortunately I live in an apartment with a limited space for plants, however I try to keep a vase full of flowers in my kitchen.There is something about a bright set of spring flowers that makes any bad day better.

Spring Gardening Tips

1. Examine: Before you plant anything, take a look at your yard. Check for damages that need to be repaired as well as clean up tree branches and limbs cluttering the area.

2. Tools: Make sure you have all garden tools in advance so you are ready to use them when maintaining your lawn.

3. Prepare: Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.

4. Plant: Choose a cool cloudy day to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials

5. Fertilize:  Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.

Garden Veggie Pizza Squares

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package refrigerated crescent rolls
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dressing mix
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell peppers
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup fresh broccoli, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Roll out crescent rolls onto a large non-stick baking sheet. Stretch and flatten to form a single rectangular shape on the baking sheet. Bake 11 to 13 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Allow to cool.
3. Place cream cheese in a medium bowl. Mix cream cheese with 1/2 of the ranch dressing mix. Adjust the amount of dressing mix to taste. Spread the mixture over the cooled crust. Arrange carrots, red bell pepper, broccoli and green onions on top. Chill in the refrigerator approximately 1 hour. Cut into bite-size squares to serve.

Save the Earth!

US Senator, Gaylord Nelson, selected April 22 as a day to show our appreciation to the earth. He named it Earth Day and over 175 countries observe this holiday. From recycling to planting trees, people across the world make it a point to protect our planet. Let’s reduce pollution and create a healthy environment to raise our children in.

EASY WAYS TO HELP CONSERVE THE EARTH TODAY AND EVERYDAY

1. Recycle: Put a recycling bin beside your trash can and encourage your friends to do the same. Also take cloth or recyclable bags when going to the grocery store.
2. Plant: Plant a tree. This will clean pollution and  lock soil into place which reduces erosion.
3. Walk or Bike: Drive as little as possible in an effort to cut back on pollution given off by motor vehicles. This is also a great way to get a little exercise.
4. Use Environmentally Friendly Products: Make your own cleaning concoctions or search for “green” products when shopping.
5. Reduce Litter: NEVER litter!  Because not everyone cares about the Earth, if you see trash or recyclables on the ground, pick them up and dispose of them properly.

“There is a great need for the introduction of new values in our society, where bigger is not necessarily better, where slower can be faster, and where less can be more.”

— Gaylord Nelson

Homemade Laundry Detergent Recipes

Ingredients:

• Boiling water
• 2 cups grated bar soap
• 2 cups Borax
• 2 cups washing soda

Directions:

1. Add the grated bar soap to the boiling water, lower the heat, and stir until melted.
2. Pour the liquid soap into a large pail or bucket, and add the Borax and washing soda.
3. Add 2 gallons of water, and stir well.
4. Cover and store detergent. Use 1/4 cup per load. The mixture gels while sitting, so you have to stir it before each use.

Tip: This detergent does not have much of a smell. You can always add a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, lemon, mint, or eucalyptus, if you’d like a scent. You can buy essential oils in health stores and online.