Cindy Kerschner: Grammy K

Sample Newsletter

"Grammy K" is a combination of me, my Mother and my Grandmother. Coincidentally, we all had the same last initial "K" and were known as "Grammy K" to our respective generation. My Grandmother and Mother have passed, so now I am Grammy K to my two grandchildren, Cecilyn and Malcolm.

When I started "Garden with Grammy K" in 2000, I hoped to share the wisdom of the three of us by creating a down-at-home feel to my online newsletter.

To my surprise, the newsletter took off and I had over 2200 subscribers from all over the world at its peak in 2003. Putting out a free weekly newsletter of this size proved to be too time consuming and I had to cease publication in 2005.

Presently I am putting together The Best of Grammy K in book format for publication.

Below is a sample newsletter for your enjoyment.

In this Issue

* Neighbor News
* Points to Ponder
* Year round blooms
* Gardener to Gardener-
* Garden Recipe- Dressing up mashed potatoes

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hi Neighbor,
We had our first dusting of snow here in NE PA so winter is officially on its way. Today's article deals with enjoying the color of blooms year round.

What's that Cess, Pop Pop wants to know how to light the firecracker vine?

Gotta go!
Enjoy,
Grammy K
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Points to Ponder

Gardening is the art that uses flowers and plants as paint,
and the soil and sky as canvas.
- Elizabeth Murray
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Houseplants Can Offer Blooms Year-round

The weather outside is frightful, but the Firecracker vine is so
delightful. Firecracker vine? No, this is not a misprint, but one of many
year-round blooming houseplants you can enjoy even on the dullest days
of winter.
Flowering houseplants have a place in the gardening community. There are
special societies created to discuss, share pictures and techniques for
their favorite species. Here a few examples you can add to your interior
landscape.
*African Violet- Many color choices, prefers medium, filtered light,
warm temperatures and moist soil, water from the bottom.
*Begonia (wax)- Bronze, red and green foliage, red flowers.
Medium,filtered light, moist soil, but can withstand some dryness.
Keep warm, but can withstand cooler temperatures.
*Beloperone (shrimp plant) white or yellow blooms. Prefers a sunny window. Medium moist, let dry between watering.
*Cape Primrose- Colors range from white, red, pink, or blue. Medium to high light, evenly moist soil. Prefers cool temperatures 50 to 70 degree range.
*Crossandra- Orange flowers. Sunny location, moist soil.
*Episcia (peacock plant)- Red or white flowers Medium to high
light, moist soil.
*Firecracker vine- Red flowers, medium-high light, medium moist soil
and warm temperature.
*Hibiscus- Colors from white, salmon, pink to red. Prefers sunny
area, keep well-watered and warm.
*Lantana- Yellow,orange or lavender blooms. Sunny area, moist soil,
keep warm.
*Oxalis- White or pink flowers. Medium, filtered light, let dry out
between watering. Prefers warm days, cool nights.

Check with your County Extension Office, local plant clubs, nurseries, florists and garden centers for more suggestions. If you are interested in finding out more about interior plant societies, check out these associations.

African Violet Society of America, Inc.
P.O. Box 3609
Beaumont, TX 77704
(409) 839-4725

American Begonia Society
157 Monument Road
Rio Dell, CA 95562-1617
(707) 764-5407

American Ginger Society
P.O. Box 600
Archer, Fl 32618
(904) 495-9168

Drawer 321540
Cocoa Beach, Fl 32932-1540
(407) 783-2576

American Horticultural Society
7931 E. Boulevard Drive
Alexandria, VA 22308
(703) 768-5700

American Ivy Society
P.O. Box 520
West Carrollton, OH 45449-0520
(513) 434-7069

American Orchid Society
Membership Department
6000 S. Olive Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(407) 585-8666

American Plant Life Society
P.O. Box 985
National City, CA 92050
(619) 447-5333

Cactus & Succulent Society of America
PO. Box 3010
Santa Barbara, CA 93130

Hobby Greenhouse Assn.
8 Glen Terrace
Bedford, MA 01730-2048
(617) 275-0377

Home Orchard Society
P.O. Box 776
Clackamas, OR 97015
(503) 835-5040

Hydroponic Society of America

P.O. Box 6067
Concord, CA 94524
(415) 682-4193

Indoor Gardening Society of America
5305 S.W. Hamilton Street
Portland, OR 97221
(503) 292-9785

International Carnivorous Plant Society
c/o Fullerton Arboretum
California State University
Fullerton, CA 92634

National Gardening Association
180 Flynn Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
(802) 863-1308

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GARDENER TO GARDENER
Send me your gardening questions and solutions and I'll post them in upcoming issues!
Veggie Seeds
I planted a veggie garden (first time) and I have lots of packs of seeds
left over. Are they ok to use next spring?
Thank you,
Gail

Hi Gail,
Purchased seed usually comes with a date stamped on the envelope to use
for that year. The reason behind this is that seed loses the ability to germinate over time.
If you plant your saved seed next spring, you can expect to get about 75 percent germination or 3/4 of the plants from the same amount of seed. So when you sow your saved seed, go a "little heavy" when planting and thin out any extra seedlings.
Grammy K

Hi Grammy K,

Your article is the best article on trees I have ever come across. It's better information than the Nursery has given me. I have printed it out and it's in my Garden Folder. Now, when my grandson does the digging and planting for me..he will be "Tree Smart".

June L.

Thanks June!
Hi Grammy,
I heard worms are good in a garden. What do they do?
Kim
Hi Kim,
Earthworms help to loosen compacted soil and let oxygen and water get at the root system. There are microbes living around the roots that plants need to help them take up food. Worms also help decompose dying plant material. The waste product earthworms
produce called "castings" is rich in plant nutrients.
Grammy K
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GARDEN RECIPE

Mashed potatoes are a feature at many holiday meals. Potatoes are also a staple for winter meals. So here are a few suggestions for dressing up an old standby.

Roasted garlic adds a delicate flavor to potatoes. Prepare as usual, and mash in a 1/2 cup roasted garlic per 5 lbs of potatoes.

Try sour cream instead of butter for a different taste sensation.

Use canned soups (undiluted) instead of butter and milk. Try creamed soups such as cream of celery, cream of chicken, cheddar or cream of broccoli.

Cook your potatoes in chicken or vegetable stock. Potatoes are famous for absorbing flavors during the cooking process. Mash as usual.

Any cheese will lend a unique flavor to potatoes. Be sure to add grated
cheese and mix until melted.

Try combining vegetables for a different taste. Turnips, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower can be cooked along with the potatoes and mashed as usual.

Horse radish, bacon bits or mustard can spice up plain old mashed potatoes.

Word to the wise: Try these dishes out before preparing them for holiday celebrations. This way you can adjust the amount and strength of ingredients to appeal to your family and guests.

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NEIGHBOR NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Drying Gourds

Hi Grammy,
Noticed in today's newsletter a question about drying gourds. I dried one by mistake by leaving it on my radiator. I went on vacation and when I got home, the thing was dried and when I shook it the seeds rattled. Sometimes what you need to do is to do nothing.
Thanks for a great newsletter!
James

Let us know what's going on in your neck of the woods! Send me your climate report, what is blooming or even show off your best 2lb tomato!
Until next time
Happy Gardening,
Grammy K

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