Gardenin' with Gertie - Fall is for Planting

Goo’day all, Gertie Geoduck here!  My Snooterville Junction neighbors seem to think I know a thing or two about gardening and have asked me to share the ‘wealth’, or at least some of my tips and techniques. So, I’ve finally agreed to contribute to the Snooter-doin’s blog somewhat regularly, just in case you’re interested too.

Fall has fallen, and winter is not too far away. This is a great time to plant trees and shrubs – almost better than spring! Why, you ask? Plant roots grow anytime soil temperatures are 40 degrees or above. In the fall, our soils here in the PNW are still warm enough from the heat (however so briefly) of the summer, AND, we have the benefit of our infamous PNW rain, which provides natural (and free) irrigation.

During the winter months, the root systems of fall-planted material develop and become established. Then, when spring does return (sometimes later than never), those well-developed root-systems can support and take advantage of a full surge of spring growth. Plants with well developed root systems are better able to manage the stresses of summer heat and drought. There is also potentially less stress caused by insect and disease pest issues during the fall and into the cooler winter months.

The best time to plant in the fall is roughly six weeks before the first hard frost, which does not always correlate here in Snooterville Junction with the autumnal equinox of late September. It is also important to buy healthy plants. Get to know your local, independent garden center or nursery. You’ll most often get better service from their professional and knowledgeable (and often certified) staff while the prices are still quite competitive. Another benefit to fall planting is that you can get some Snooter-dooper deals at those local nurseries and garden centers as they are rotating inventory and making way for holiday displays.

There’s so much to share, I’m just planting the seed. I’ll be back with some more ideas and tips – if you have any questions, please post a comment here. And, I highly recommend that you attend the Northwest Flower & Garden Show in Seattle next February to see the Snooter-abulous display gardens, partake in the informative seminars, and to shop at the inspiring marketplace booths (we’ll be there!).

Happy Snooter-gardenin’!

BRUCE'S BOOKS Club ~ Vol II

NOT-SO-BIG KIDS DEPARTMENT


submitted by: Mary Mc

If I Could Keep You Little…..
Written and Illustrated by Marianne Richmond

We love this book by author Marianne Richmond but quite honestly we love all of her books! ‘If I Could Keep You Little’ celebrates the wonderment of a child growing up and how exciting it is for parents to watch the exciting changes a child makes coming into their own.

My five year old little guy, Jack, enjoys drawing parallels to things he can now do that he couldn’t do even a couple of months ago while reading this book! It’s a fun read and a great way to help the child communicate things that are successes to them.

With the weather cooling down and school back in session, why not add this book to your list of winter reads? Marianne’s books inspire both child and parent which is something we could all use a bit more of in our lives!

submitted by: Mama Snooter

Jake O’Shawnasey, Wheedle on the Needle, and all the whole Serendipity Press series
Written by Stephen Cosgrove, Illustrated by Robin James

I have endeavored to collect, and save, this entire collection for the day when there are Grand-Snooters running around Snooterville Junction. There must be nearly 40 stories at this point, but my favorite of them all is ‘Jake O’Shawnasy’ – the story of a ‘strange looking green Irish seagull’ who didn’t believe he could fly. Once he learns ‘The Secret of the Cliffs of County Cort’, Jake takes off to change his life and learn some important life lessons.

Each of the stories in this series comes with a moral or lesson that is as valuable today as they were in the 1970’s when I started reading them to my daughter. The illustrations are bright and vibrant, and as paper-bound editions, they are reasonably priced, and a quick, fun read. I saw a news story recently that these books are being re-released for a whole new generation to enjoy.

Other titles include: ‘Flutterby’, ‘The Gnome from Nome’, ‘Leo the Lop’, and so many more. Some days I pull one off the shelf and read it to myself, just for the whimsy and the uplifting, encouraging message. We can all use some whimsy and encouragement in our lives these days!

WHEN to travel with your Snooter-doot

Timing is everything, or so they say. When you’re in the right place, at the right time, wondrous things can happen.

Traveling is like that. You may witness a stunning sunset, or happen upon a wild animal  watching you from the woods, or see breathtaking grandeur that will reside in your memory banks forever. Adventures are even better when shared with your Snooter-doot BFF!

So, WHEN should you travel with your Snooter-doot?

SPRING: It is so refreshing to get out after a ‘long winter’s nap’ to witness the renewal of spring. Everything is waking up, dusting off and embarking on a new year of growth and promise. Snooter-doots love flowers, and gardens, and forests, especially when they are blooming!

SUMMER: School is out; families are on the road again. Camping, picnicking, site-seeing, there are so many options. Sometimes it’s nice to just slow down for a moment and catch a few rays at the beach. (Snooter-doots don’t get sunburns.)

AUTUMN: The last hooray, harvest time, when the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall. There is something comforting about fall colors and collecting the fruits of our labor – from giant pumpkins to all our vegetable garden fare. Snooter-doots really appreciate the richness of our land, and its amber waves of grain.

WINTER: Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Wool keeps you warm, even when wet (although, it can smell a bit like a wet dog)! Snooter-doots are handcrafted from felted wool, so inclement weather does not faze them. And, they LOVE a good snowball fight!

So, no matter what time of year it is, when you’re on the road again, remember to bring your Snooter-doot. And, please share some of your photos with us!

Happy Snooterin’!