Class Openings

Yummm. I currently have one opening for baking class next Sat., Jan 8 from 9-4.
I also have 3 openings for dessert class on Feb., 19th. Click on the baking blog at right for more details. Would consider another baking class Feb. 5th if there is enough interest.

Encyclopedia Grand Prize

Actually...it's the only prize. This year at my 'gardening' classes, I am going to draw the name of one lucky student at the last class for this 'must have' gardening book;

the AHS (American Horticulture Society) A-Z Garden Plants, edited by Christopher Brickell.

This is one of 3 must have books I always recommend at my classes. I will be teaching a variety of garden classes this year. The drawing will be for the classes at the St. Peter Community Center ONLY. I will be having classes on vegetable gardening, flowers, landscaping, small fruits & herbs. Something for everyone. Each time you attend a class, you can register. The book is brand new, and a $80 value, and weighs about 12#, no kidding!!! Click on my right hand link on this blog for more class info. It may be a week or so before you can register w/the Community Center.

My other 2 'must haves?'

Encyclopedia of Gardening (not A-Z) also AHS by Christopher Brickell, this has chapters on everything from, roses to veggies to patios to herbs - to landscape design - pruning etc. Great photos, very informative. About $50-60

Dirr's Woody Landscape Plants is my pick for the tree/shrub lover. If you are not into woody plants, this book is NOT for you. No photos, only line drawings, but a huge reference book packed w/info on any tree or shrub. Only once could I not find a type I was looking up. About $60-80

Warm Sunshine

Almost felt like early March today! Got out and shoveled some of the snow off the decks. Since my roof lines are all a 12/12 pitch, I'll stay off of them.

My upcoming garden classes should b coming out soon in the St. Peter Community Center brochure. I will post them here as well, but you must register with them. With the high amount of snowfall, those out-of-reach tree limbs might now be within reach of rabbits. You can wrap them anytime, now - if you haven't! We still have potentially 3 months of snowfall yet to come!
I always feel so 'pressurized' this time of year, like there is never enough time to get ready for the next season, but in the end it all happens. Last year I was planting 4" tomato transplants in the hoophouse, in the ground on March 23. The soil temp was a perfect 72 degrees, and the air temp was 110. Thinking of renting out chaise loungers for sunbathing early March, want to make a reservation? Cheaper than Mexico!