A weekly publication for Backyard Gardeners by

Ohio State University Extension

Issue # 6

Date 10 February 2012

Timely Tips for Backyard Gardeners  (pdf)

Valentine Trivia- Connie Smith, Program Assistant, Fairfield County

Red Roses are definitely a symbol of love.  Valentine’s Day would hardly exist without this bold and dramatic bloom. The ultimate symbol of romantic love and enduring passion, the red rose also conveys respect and the creative spirit of love. Representing true love stronger than thorns, the red rose is known universally as the lover’s rose.

White Roses represent humility, purity and innocence, the white rose - often referred to as the bridal rose - is associated with young love. In Scotland, when the white rose bloomed in autumn, it was seen as a token of early marriage. Also symbolizing truth and reverence, it sends a message of loyalty and says "I am worthy of you."

While in Victorian times, the yellow rose symbolized jealousy, today it represents friendship, joy and caring. A bouquet of these sun-filled blossoms conveys warmth, gladness and affection.

Pink symbolizing gentility, femininity, elegance and refinement, the pink rose also carries additional meanings depending on its hue. A deep pink conveys gratitude and appreciation, while pale shades connote grace and gentleness, admiration and happiness.

And just in case you are wondering one rose says “love at first sight”,  six roses signals infatuation and a full dozen roses simply says “Be Mine” .

Source: Tele flora

Don’t Forget the Gift of Flowers and Plants For Your Favorite Valentine- Connie Smith, Program Assistant, Fairfield County

Whatever flower you choose, whether it is roses, carnations, mums, or some other type of flower you want them to last.  Listed below are a few tips to ensure your success: 

·         Start with buying young flowers. Young rose buds have just their outer petals open, show no browning and on red roses there is no noticeable ‘blue blush’ showing through the red.  The flower head stands straight up--the stem just below the flower has not become limp so that the flower head leans to the side.

·         The best carnations are not fully expanded and show no browning or wilting. Spike flowers like snapdragons and gladiola should have the top third of the spike with the flowers still in bud. Daisy-like flowers should have the center look like a smooth flat-to-roundish button with a slight green color rather than a fuzzy-looking yellowish button.

·         Whether the flowers are cut or potted, always check the age.  Check for browning and other aging/injury problems and check for wilting. Old flowers, diseased flowers, and wilted flowers have a short life expectancy.

·         Make sure that the wrapping or sleeve folds over to cover this opening before leaving the store to go to your car. Also consider how cold the car is inside and how long it will take you to get home. The paper used to protect your plants is only a short-term protection. If the cut flowers or potted plant remain in the cold too long, the flowers will not last. Do not leave the flowers/plants in a cold car. Take them home right away. Unwrap the flowers immediately once you have them home or the trapped air may cause problems and shorten the flowers blooming time.  Since heat rises, an opening at the top of wrapped cut flowers or sleeved potted plants lets the heat out and the cold in.

·         Cut flowers need to be placed in water as soon as possible to reduce the chance of wilting. Those receiving cut flowers should cut about one-to-two inches of the stems under water and, if possible, put the flowers into a vase while still under water. This prevents air bubbles from interfering with the uptake of water. Change the water frequently--at least once a day. If a preservative is used, do not use all the preservative on the first day. If no preservative is available, it becomes more important to change the water daily.  Changing the water frequently reduces decay and its foul odor. Potted plants should be moist but not wet. Keep them cool and in lots of bright light but not direct sun.

Source: University of Illinois

Winter Reading- Sharon Rebmann, OSU Master Gardener Volunteer, Knox County

As much as we enjoy looking through the seed catalogs and planning next season’s projects, and although the calendar may say that a majority of the winter is in the rearview mirror there is still time to devote to a good book.

Check “Farms & Foods of Ohio” by Marilou Suszko out of the library and curl up for a good read.  After a brief introduction touting the many benefits of buying and eating local foods, the author takes us on a trip around Ohio.  Do you know where to go to find farmstead cheeses, heritage turkeys and Persian Star garlic? 

Visit over 40 farms in Ohio and learn about their niche crops – every thing from apples to pawpaws.  Along with a description of the farm and its location, there are recipes featuring the foods grown on these farms.  So when you are finished reading, you can head to the kitchen and stir up a raspberry tart in nut crust or a pot of onion and cider soup.  Or if it is a nice day, you might want to take a drive and visit these farms to buy some local Ohio grown foods.

Enjoy!

Make Half Your Grains Whole- Get Fit . . Don’t Quit Newsletter – OSU Extension

The average American intake of whole grains is less than one serving per day (versus 2-3 recommended by USDA). There are many health benefits of eating whole grain foods including helping with weight control and reducing the risk of several chronic diseases.

There are three things to look for when purchasing whole grains.

1.       Look for the WHOLE GRAIN logo in large letters on packages.

2.       Look for whole grains as the first ingredient on food labels. Don’t be fooled by wheat or multigrain breads that contain primarily refined white flour. Their “brown” color may come from other ingredients like molasses or caramel coloring.

3.       Look for whole grain health claims on food packages.

My Pyramid tells us to “make half our grains whole.” That means we should try to eat two to three servings of whole grains each day. Here are some easy ways to add whole grains to your diet:

1.       Use whole grain bread or tortillas for sandwiches and wraps.

2.       For breakfast, enjoy whole grain toast, cereals, English muffins, bagels or pancakes.

3.       Use brown rice in place of white.

4.       For snacks, have popcorn, whole grain crackers, baked corn tortilla chips, or whole grain cereal.

5.       Add barley to your soup.

6.       If a recipe calls for 1 cup of flour, use a half-cup of enriched and a half-cup of whole wheat flour.

Because whole grains add bulk to your diet, be sure to increase the amount of fluids and/or water that you are drinking.

Source: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/noahnet/lp/wgrains/WholeGrains