Lawn removal in parched California draws fine

Lawn removal in parched California draws fine http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=dON8FRQt (from @AP)

50,000 bees living in NYC ceiling

Un-bee-lievable: 50,000 bees living in NYC ceiling http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268744/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=pNDwbbxd (from @AP)

New go-to career for New England's young: Farming

New go-to career for New England's young: Farming http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268773/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=4IL6YQl7 (from @AP)

California drought: 17 communities could run out of water within 60 to 120 days, state says

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_25013388/california-drought-17-communities-could-run-out-water

Fall Planting Tips

Summer veggies were just the first round http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268802/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=L65iglCz (from @AP)

California cemeteries work to cope with drought

California cemeteries work to cope with drought http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=8U8CG7ln (from @AP)

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Figs

7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Figs - http://huff.to/1Bq6DOW

Garden Vegetable Pizza: From Garden to Table

There is nothing more satisfying than tasting the fruits of your labor...literally.  The garden is booming this year and this simple pizza recipe makes it easy to present a medley of your fruits and veggies. 

Garden Vegetable Pizza
Makes 1 pizza

Ingredients

• Pizza Dough (recipe follows)
• Garden Vegetables and Herbs on Hand (e.g., bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic cloves, parsley)
• Olive oil (for sauteing)
• 3/4 c. Pizza Sauce or Red Pasta Sauce
• 8 oz. Shredded Cheese Blend of your choice  
• Mozzarella (optional) 

Directions

1. Set rack to lowest position and heat oven to 500 degrees F.
2. Divide dough in half on lightly floured counter.  Place one half of dough under plastic wrap, and work the other half of dough into 8-inch disc.  Then continue to work and stretch the dough (flipping dough occasionally) until dough is 12 to 14 inches in diameter.  
3. Place dough on pizza stone or overturned rimmed baking sheet.  Place dough in preheated oven, and bake for 8 minutes.
4. In the meantime, slice garden vegetables into 1/4-inch thick slices, and chop herbs.  Heat oil in frying pan, and saute vegetables and herbs until vegetables are tender.
5. Pour sauce on the center of the cooked dough and use back of large spoon to spread sauce evenly around the pizza, leaving about 1/2-inch border free of sauce.  
6. Add shredded cheese and bits of mozzarella.  Spoon sauteed vegetables onto pizza. 
7. Return pizza to oven for 3 more minutes or until cheese has melted.  
8. Transfer pizza to cutting board.  Slice and serve immediately.  Repeat these steps for 2nd pizza or save the 2nd dough in refrigerator for tomorrow.

Pizza Dough Recipe
Makes dough for two 14-inch pizzas

Ingredients

• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 2 c. wheat flour (and extra flour for shaping dough)
• 2 1/4 tsp instant or rapid-rise yeast
• 1 1/2 tsp. salt
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 1/2 c. water, heated to 110 degrees

Directions

1. Pulse 4 c. flour, yeast, and salt together in food processor (fitted with dough blade) until combined, about 5 pulses.  With food processor running, slowly add oil, then water; Process until rough ball forms, 30 to 40 seconds.  Let dough rest for 2 minutes and then process for 30 seconds longer. 
2. Transfer dough to lightly floured counter and knead by hand into smooth round ball.  Place dough in a large, lightly greased bowl.  Cover bowl tightly with plastic wrap, ad let rise at room temperature until doubled in size (about 1 to 1 1/2 hours).

Lake Mead Water Impacts

A look at Lake Mead's water levels, impact http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268743/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=qVgNvHYN (from @AP)

Wildlife refuges phasing out GMO crops, pesticides

Wildlife refuges phasing out GMO crops, pesticides http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=FLy50TeL (from @AP)

National wildlife refuges around the country are phasing out genetically modified crops and a class of pesticides related to nicotine in programs meant to provide food for wildlife.

Q & A About Lake Erie Toxic Algae

Questions and answers about Lake Erie toxic algae http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=OzEtFk21 (from @AP)

Ohio Water Ban Lifted

Tainted Ohio water coming under increased scrutiny http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_268808/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=059JWJN9 (from @AP)

"Toledo's mayor lifted the water advisory Monday morning after dozens of tests over the weekend showed an algae-induced toxin contaminating Lake Erie had dropped to safe levels following intensive chemical treatments."

'Gluten-free' labeling standards kick in

'Gluten-free' labeling standards kick in http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_289563/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=702DB4Nd (from @AP)

Tree of 40 Fruit

The Gift Of Graft: New York Artist's Tree To Grow 40 Kinds Of Fruit http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/08/03/337164041/the-gift-of-graft-new-york-artists-tree-to-grow-40-kinds-of-fruit?sc=18&f=

Ohio Water Ban Due to Toxins from Algae Blooms

Ohio water ban enters 3rd day http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_289563/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=b5bC4mee (from @AP)

"Water plant operators along western Lake Erie have long been worried about this very scenario as a growing number of algae blooms have turned the water into a pea soup color in recent summers, leaving behind toxins that can sicken people and kill pets.

In fact, the problems on the shallowest of the five Great Lakes brought on by farm runoff and sludge from sewage treatment plants have been building for more than a decade."

Free Bleeding Hearts Plant from Michigan Bulb

You can get a free bleeding hearts plant from Michigan Bulb: http://www.michiganbulb.com/ if you claim it by Sunday.  You only have to pay for shipping.  You can estimate shipping before checkout.  For my zip code, shipping was estimated at $8.75.  If you sign-up for their emails, you can also get a $20 instant coupon.

DIY Red Glittery Shoes

Photo 1: DIY Glittery Red Pumps

Transform an old pair of heels into glittery heels for $6 in one day!

Photo 2: Chew marks on heel.

Photo 3: Old Pumps

I am glad I never got around to throwing away one of my favorite pumps that my dog decided to use as a chew toy.  I wanted candy red glittery shoes to match my Halloween costume this year, and I didn't find the ones in the store  all that comfortable.

Not only are these shoes comfortable, but they look just as great as the ones I have seen in the store and cost a fraction of the price to make.  The key is too use extra fine glitter to give it a higher-end look.  Then using an acrylic red glitter glaze to seal in the glitter so that the glitter stays on your shoe.

Materials: 

• Sandpaper (optional)
• Shallow tray (optional)
• Old pair of high heels
• Old newspaper
• 2 oz bottle of Glamour Dust (Ultra Fine Glitter Paint in "Sizzling Red") by Decor Art
• 2 oz jar of Ruby Extra Fine Glitter by Art Minds
• 1" wide paint brush

Directions:

1. Optional: I omitted this step but if you have shiny, smooth shoes, I would recommend taking a piece of sand paper and slightly scuffing up the surface so that the paint and glitter has a better surface to adhere to.
2. Lay out newspaper over your work area or work over a tray.
3. Clean your shoes, and allow it to dry completely.  Then stuff crumpled newspaper or tissue in the pumps.  See Photo 4.
4. Glitter-fying Your Heels.  Do the following two steps in sections to minimize messiness. I divided the each shoe into three sections: right half of the pump, left half of the pump, and then heel.
1. Apply a thin layer of paint on the first section of each shoe.
2. Generously sprinkle fine glitter over the paint.  Then tap the side of the shoe so that the excess sprinkles fall off.  See Photo 6.
3. Repeat steps 1 & 2 until shoes are covered with a layer of glitter.  Then I did the process again so that there were ultimately two coats of glitter/paint on the shoes.  
4. Allow shoes to dry for about an hour.  Rinse your brush and allow it to air dry.
5. Seal in the Glitter.  Use the paint to seal in the glitter on your shoe.  I squeezed paint on to the shoe and then used the brush in a gentle tapping motion until the surface was covered with a thin layer of paint. I worked in sections again to reduce messiness. See Photo 7.
6. Allow shoes to cure for 24 hours before wearing them.

Photo 4: Newspaper stuffed into pumps

Photo 5: Paint drizzled on to pump.

Photo 6: Glitter sprinkled on shoe

Photo 7: Paint to seal in glitter.  Appears red when applying, but dries clear.

Photo 8: Finished product

Iris Growing in a Vase

I started an iris in a vase after seeing one in a plant catalog.  I've been growing it for a couple of months now, and so far things are going well.  The plant actually grew a new leaf!  I have only topped off the vase a couple of times.  I chose to top it off with water from my betta fish tank because fish waste water is a natural fertilizer for plants.

Materials:

• Vase
• Aquarium gravel
• Iris rhizome or bulb* 
• Water
• Moss

Directions:

1. Fill up the vase half way with gravel.
2. Perch iris rhizome or bulbs on top of the gravel.  
3. Pour water into the vase so that the water level falls just under the gravel.  The iris rhizome or bulb should not be in standing water (unless it is the type of iris that can be submerged in water).
4. Place moss on top of and around iris.  The moss will absorb the water and keep the iris bulb or rhizome moist but not soggy.
5. Place the vase in a sunny location, and enjoy!

*The rhizome I had already had roots and a leafy top.  I filled the vase 1/3 the way, placed the rhizome on top of the gravel and then poured gravel around the roots until the rhizome rested on the gravel.

Woolly Aphids Attacking Apple Tree

Photo: Woolly Aphids on Apple Tree

Photo: Crushed Woolly Aphids on a Napkin

I noticed something that initially appeared to be white fungus on my apple tree.  However, upon closer inspection, I discovered the white fungus was actually woolly aphids!  

Woolly aphids are aphids that feed on the sap of a plant and secrete a substance that resembles white cotton or wool.  Symptoms of feeding may include twisted and curled leaves, yellowed foliage, poor plant growth, low plant vigor, and branch dieback.

I pruned back what I could to slow down the aphid growth, and I will try out a recipe for homemade insecticidal soap on the remaining aphids.  If it ends up being effective, I will share the recipe in a later post.   

Note: To determine whether you have woolly aphids on your tree, all you have to do is rub the white substance.  If a purple stain appears, then you have a woolly aphid problem on your hands; not fungus.  

Free Split Leaf Philodendron by Mail

Photo: Split Leaf Philodendron, Free Plant of the Month by freeplantsbymail.org

Free Plants By Mail (freeplantsbymail.org) was started by local growers as a way to use the surplus plants from nurseries and also as a way to support The Nature Conservancy.  Free Plants By Mail offers a new free plant each month.  This month they are offering a Split Leaf Philodendron.  

Although the plant itself is free, you do have to pay a small shipping and handling fee of $6.95.

This organization also has over 100 plants available for sale on their site.  100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to The Nature Conservancy.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

1800Flowers $15 for $30 Towards Flowers and Gifts

Birthday Flower Cake Pastel
($39.99)

Cactus Dish Garden
($29.99 to $39.99)

For a limited time, you can pay $15 for $30 towards flowers and gifts at 1800Flowers.com.

Google Offer Details:

Limit 1 offer per person. Limit 1 offer per order at 1800Flowers.com. Valid online or at 1800Flowers stores only. Offer must be redeemed within 32 days. Offer value may be used toward shipping or service charges. Shipping rates and delivery times vary. Shipping for direct-shipped gifts starts at $4.99 and flowers arrive in a box. Service charges for florist gifts starts at $12.99 and flowers arrive in a vase. Sunday delivery available with select local florists only. No Sunday shipping available. Items may vary and are subject to delivery rules and times. This offer is for a unique promo voucher good until 10/31/12 (11:59pm ET) for $30 at 1800Flowers.com. After the redemption period ends on 10/31/12 (11:59pm ET), the promo voucher loses its promotional value and buyers who have not redeemed the promo voucher will automatically receive a refund for the value they paid ($15), credited to the credit or debit card used to purchase the promo voucher, within 2 weeks of the close of the redemption period. See the rules that apply to all offers »

Check Your Voter Registration Status Here

Not sure you are registered to vote?  You can use double check your voter registration status, and find your polling location by visiting this link: http://canivote.org/

If you won’t be able to vote on Tuesday, November 6th, you can also register to be an absentee voter. In that case, you would receive an absentee ballot about three weeks prior to the election to return to your local board of elections by Election Day. 

To learn about the candidates, you can visit: http://votesmart.org/officials#.UFykQo0ia0c

Making Way for Cool Annuals

Summer annuals need to come out of garden to make way for cool season annuals

By Tony Tomeo

Silicon Valley Community Newspapers

Posted:   09/17/2012 07:37:42 PM PDT

Here in the mild climates on the West Coast, the difficulty of getting new cool- season annuals into the garden to bloom through autumn and winter is not selecting, procuring and installing the new annuals; it is the removal of the warm-season annuals while they are still blooming and looking so good. Knowing that planting new annuals sooner than later will get them an earlier start is not always much consolation....

To read the full article, click here.

Reduce Your Water Bill By Using This Watering Schedule

According to this website, most landscapes are over-watered by as much as 50%.  You may be able to reduce your water bill by following this watering schedule: http://www.contracosta.watersavingplants.com/WateringTips/HTML/index.html.

Please Note: This irrigation guide is tailored to clay and loam soil, and weather conditions in Contra Costa County, California.

Reduce Your Water Bill by Using These Drought Tolerant Plants

The Contra Costa Water District has compiled a list (and photos) of drought tolerant plants that are tailored to Contra Costa County conditions.  They also identify drought tolerant plants with additional characteristics.  For example, some drought tolerant plants attract hummingbirds or butterflies.  Some plants are good for screening, and other plants are deer-resistant, etc.

To view the drought tolerant plant web resource, click here: http://www.contracosta.watersavingplants.com/

To view a guide on how to use this web resource, click here: http://www.screencast.com/t/Ljllta3uB7t

West Nile Virus: Control Mosquito Population with Rosy Minnows

The first West Vile victim of the year in Contra Costa County was confirmed last week.  Thankfully she is reported only mildly ill, and is expected to make a full recovery.  To read the full article, click here.

Photo: Rosy Minnows

To help combat the spread of this disease, please eliminate potential breeding sites for mosquitos.  Mosquitos only need a few tablespoons of water to complete a life cycle.  For those of you who have ponds, consider purchasing mosquito-eating fish.  

I purchased rosy minnows at our local pet shop for our two small ponds.  They only cost 10 cents each, and I purchased $2 worth of fish for our two ponds!  I have had them for about a year, and I have not seen any mosquito larvae since introducing them to the ponds.  I do not have to feed them because they get plenty of food from the pond, and I also do not have to do anything extra to treat the water.  I definitely prefer keeping these pretty little fish over chemically treating the water for mosquito larvae.    

Free Mosquitofish.  Contra Costa County's Mosquito and Vector Control District is also offering free mosquitofish to its residents.  If you do not live in Contra Costa County, try checking your local Mosquito & Vector Control District or go to your local pet shop and purchase rosy minnows as a substitute.

Report Neglected Pools.  Neglected pools, spas and ornamental ponds are a big problem with the rising foreclosure rates.  Contra Costa Residents can report neglected pools here.  

More Information on West Vile Nirus.  For more information about the West Vile Virus and how to protect yourself, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm.

Free Composting Workshop Tomorrow (Sep 13)

You can attend a Free 2-hour Composting Workshop tomorrow in Antioch.  Just reserve your spot by calling Julie Haas-Wajdowicz at (925) 779-7097 or email her at Jhaaswajdowicz@ci.antioch.ca.us.

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	RESERVE SEAT BY CALLING
September 13	7 - 9 pm	Antioch	925-779-7097

$25+ Free Shipping & 15% Off Michigan Bulb

You can get Free Shipping on your Michigan Bulb orders of $25 and over, plus an additional 15% off when you use Key Code 0825870.  Code expires in 10 days.

75 Daffodil Bulbs for Under $30

Example: These daffodil bulbs will cost $0.33 each after you take in consideration 15% discount and free shipping.*

*Note: Calculations do not include state tax.  Some states have to pay sales tax.

Basket of Tulip Bulbs (80 bulbs for under $26)

 

Pink Passion Tulip Border (15 bulbs for under $10)

Royal Tulip Blend (15 bulbs for under $9)

 

Propagating African Violets

African Violet: Leaf Cutting Started 6/28/2012

A friend of mine started an African Violet plant for me by using a healthy leaf cutting from her existing plant.

She snipped off a healthy leaf with a stem of about 1 to 1-1/2 inches long.  Then she stuck the stem in some potting soil in a small container.  She watered the plant, and then set the pot inside another clear plastic container.  She then placed a plastic baggy over the clear container to create a tent.  Because the water was trapped in this environment I only had to water it once in the last two and a half months!  I am happy to report new leaves sprouting near the leaf stem!

For first-time African Violet propagators, check out Christian Tamez's video on starting African Violet Plants:  

"Starting African Violets" by Christian Tamez

Whiten Tile Grout The Cheap and Easy Way

Before

After

Give your place a facelift by whitening your tile grout.  Sick of the years of dirt and grime on our tile grout, I decided to try a very inexpensive, but very effective solution.  All I used was an old toothbrush, baking soda and bleach.

Materials

• old tooth brush (manual or electric)
• baking soda
• bleach
• hot water
• old container (to hold bleach and baking soda solution)
• gloves (to protect your hands from bleach)
• protective eyewear (to protect your eyes from bleach)
• mask 
• old clothes (that you do not mind accidentally getting bleached)

Directions

1. Put on your old clothes and protective gear.  Then open some windows for ventilation.  
2. Pour some bleach in the container and then slowly stir in baking soda until a liquidy-paste forms.    
3. Use the toothbrush to apply the bleach-baking soda mixture on the grout.  Allow the mixture to sit for a while.  I waited about an hour.
4. Fill the container with hot water, dip the toothbrush in the water, and then use the toothbrush to start scrubbing the grout.  The dirt and grime should come off effortlessly.  If not, you can repeat this process until it does.  I only had to do one treatment.

Note: I only used a manual toothbrush, but if you are taking on a large area you might want to consider getting a cheap electric toothbrush (i.e., the kind that costs less than $20).

Although I am sure most of you already know, do not get creative with bleach.  Mixing bleach with ammonia or other household cleaners is extremely dangerous.

Order Cheap Photos: 99 Prints for 99 Cents + Tax & Shipping

It's scrapbooking time!  This was too good of a deal not to pass on.  For a limited time only, you can get 99 prints for $0.01 each at Snapfish.com when you use the coupon code PRINTSFOR99 at checkout.  The promotion ends on 09/12/2012.  Make your purchase via ebates.com, and you will get an additional 10% cash back on your purchase.

I just paid $8.52 for 119 prints because I was also able to use the "20 Free Prints Credit" on my account in addition to the 99 prints for $0.99 coupon code.  That breaks down to about $0.07 per 4x6 photo not including any cash back reward.

Free Ficus Burgundy Plant by Mail

Photo: Ficus Burgundy, Free Plant of the Month by freeplantsbymail.org

Free Plants By Mail (freeplantsbymail.org) was started by local growers as a way to use the surplus plants from nurseries and also as a way to support The Nature Conservancy.  Free Plants By Mail offers a new free plant each month.  This month they are offering a Ficus Burgundy.  

Although the plant itself is free, you do have to pay a small shipping and handling fee of $6.95.

This organization also has over 100 plants available for sale on their site.  100% of the proceeds from the sale will go to The Nature Conservancy.

Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Homemade Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti

Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti

Organic Fennel Seeds Harvested from My Garden

I tried making biscotti for the first time.  I used a recipe featured in Better Homes & Garden, but used 1 Tbsp of fennel seeds instead of 2 Tbsp of aniseed, and I omitted the milk chocolate candy coating.  This recipe is a keeper.  I will definitely make it again, but next time I think I will lightly drizzle some chocolate over half the batch.  

Anise-Fennel Seed Biscotti Recipe

Makes 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 tsp. anise extract
• 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 1/2 c. sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 Tbsp fennel seeds, pulsed in food processor for 5 seconds (OR 2 Tbsp of aniseed)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.  Beat in eggs and extract.  Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well.  Stir in almonds and seeds.
2. Divide dough in half.  On a parchment paper-lined baking sheet (or lined with foil that is lightly sprayed with cooking oil), shape each portion into a 12-in. x 2-in. rectangle.  Bake at 325 degrees F for 25-30 minutes or until firm to the touch and the edges are golden brown.
3. Remove from oven and cool pans on wire racks.  When cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board and cut diagonally with serrated knife into ¾-in. slices.  Return to baking sheets, cut side down.
4. Bake for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Remove to wire racks to cool completely.  Store in airtight containers.

Free Composting Workshop, Sept 13

Contra Costa County is offering a free two-hour composting workshop to its residents.  All you have to do is call and reserve your spot.  Click here to view Contra Costa County's current schedule for free composting classes.

I have seen other cities/counties (e.g., Santa Clara, Solano, San Francisco, etc.),  offer similar free programs so perform a search for free composting classes in your county or check out your city's website and look under the recycling & waste department. You may even find that they offer free compost or free or discounted compost bins.

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	RESERVE SEAT BY CALLING
September 13	7 - 9 pm	Antioch	925-779-7097

Final Hours - $1 Shipping on Michigan Bulb Orders, No Minimum Purchase

Double Anenome
20 bulbs for $3.99 + $1 Shipping
Sale Tax (Only for Certain States)

To celebrate their anniversary, Michigan Bulb is offering $1 flat rate shipping with no minimum order!  Just enter Key Code 0827194 when you check out.  Offer expires tonight (08/22/2012)!


There are bulbs as low as $0.20!