Hort Shorts

Velcro® One-Wrap® Bundle Ties for Training Fruit Trees

This patented material comes on rolls (from Velcro USA Inc., 406 Brown Ave., Manchester, NH 03103, phone 800-225-0180 ext. 1737, web site www.velcro.com). "Easy to use - simply press one side of the strap to the other to secure the closure! No sharp tools are required for application or removal. Bundle Ties expand with new growth, reducing plant and vine damage. Available in perforated lengths with convenient dispensing options." Contact Velcro USA for a product brochure and free samples.

2001 ARS Handbook for Selecting Roses

The new edition of this authoritative guide rates more than 2,000 commercially available cultivars. $4 postpaid in the U. S. from the American Rose Society, P. O. Box 30,000, Shreveport, LA 71130.

University of Illinois Extension Garden Calendars

The new 2001 University of Illinois Extension Garden Calendars are now available. This new item has a full color seasonal picture for each month of the year printed on heavy, cover stock quality paper. There are seasonal gardening tips for each month, plenty of space to write important events and appointments, maps of Illinois hardiness zones and spring frost dates. Cost is $10 each + postage. Call our office if you wish to purchase one.

The Other Christmas Tree

Norfolk Island pine, a popular houseplant, can work well as a small, table-top Christmas tree. Keep it in a sunny window and allow the soil to dry a little between thorough waterings. Use tiny, lightweight decorations, including lights that don't give off much heat.

Holiday Plant Safety

Poinsettias have been scientifically proven nontoxic, but not all holiday plants are safe if eaten by a youngster or pet. Watch out particularly for mistletoe and holly berries that may break off and fall within easy reach of toddlers. As soon as they're old enough to understand, teach children never to put non-food plants in their mouths.

Fresh Flower Preservation

Fresh flowers make every holiday occasion more festive. To help them last longer, remove any foliage that will sit below the water. Recut their stems under water, then transfer them immediately to a clean vase filled with lukewarm water that has floral preservative dissolved in it. Once they're arranged, put them in a cool place, out of direct sunlight.

Greenline Holiday Gift Subscription

A great holiday gift for your gardening friends or family members would be a subscription to the Greenline. Simply send in their name, address, city & zip code along with a check for $8.00 payable to University of Illinois, and we will be happy to send them their first copy with a Christmas card from you.

 

Winter 2000
Christmas Tree Selection Time Again | Gifts for Gardeners | Holiday Season Pet Hazards | Prepare Your Garden For Winter | All America Vegetable Selections 2001 | Lawn Care Calendar | Bug Bites: Unwanted Visitors That Are Lurking In Your Firewood | Cybergarden Sites | Hort Tips | Hort Shorts | Garlic's Benefits Attract Researchers | Cranberries | Let the Buyer Beware | Roasting Chestnuts | Health and Household Tips | Did You Know?

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