Since this is the last newsletter of 2005, we ask your input: how did you like it? What would you like to see in future editions? Please complete the Customer Survey (see the link at the bottom of this article or on our web-site), & we’ll incorporate some of your ideas in 2006. While you’re at it, please also answer the questions about classes & services, & we’ll try to offer ways to meet your gardening needs in 2006. Submit your survey by December 31, 2005, & you’ll be entered in a drawing for a ticket to the Northwest Flower & Garden Show.

Let us know, via e-mail (dustymaria@donobi.net) or US Mail (P. O. Box 2416, Poulsbo, WA 98370) if you wish to change how you get this newsletter.

May your holiday plans include time in the garden,

-G. Maria Carlos, Certified Professional Horticulturist, Garden Consultant & Dusty Vonberg, RN, Partner, Bird- Watcher

To construct a wreath at home, you’ll need a base, florists’ wire (22 gauge or bigger), & garden materials. Construct a natural wreath base simply by twisting a few denuded branches of recently pruned weeping willow, cherry, or shrub dogwood into a circle. Alternatively, you can use store-bought metal bases, either with or without C-clamps.

Gather natural materials such as conifer branches, bare twigs, broadleaf evergreen leaves, herb branches, dried flowers, cones, seed pods, & grass flowers. Make small, fat bouquets of the garden materials, in colorful combinations, wrapping tightly with florists’ wire. Attach the bouquets to the base by wrapping with florists’ wire, or by hammering the C- clamp over the bouquet stems. Laying them in the same direction around the base, overlap each new bouquet onto the last one so that the base doesn’t show, & the wreath looks very full. Alternate 2 or 3 of the same combinations around one wreath for a simple, elegant look.

Just about any plant material can be used, and once you’ve made your own wreath, you’ll be looking at weeds, drying leaves and colorful foliage with new appreciation. Like homemade cookies, a homemade wreath is more beautiful & more special than store- bought.

• Continue adding a 2”-4” layer of organic mulch to all beds after fall cleanup.
• It’s still a great time to plant & transplant; strong roots will establish in still-warm soil & autumn rains.
• It’s not too late to plant bulbs, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
• Don’t cut back ornamental grasses or divide them until you see new growth in early spring.
• Prepare new beds for next spring: spread 4-6 pages of newspaper on mown grass & weeds; add 12” compost & topsoil. Plant shrubs immediately, or wait until spring for perennials & veggies.
• Wash the house windows, for a clear view of the winter garden.
• Plant at least one large container with colorful foliage, winter-blooming shrubs & flowers to view from a window through the winter. One combo: variegated boxwood, deep purple heuchera, blue- green-leaved hellebore, red pansies, white primulas— stunning!
• Make holiday centerpieces from wreath-making leftovers.
• Visit a salmon stream for an inspiring view of the cycle of life.

Memberships, to support the gardener with education, camaraderie, & inspiration, or to support gardening organizations:

• Arboretum Foundation, www.arboretumfoundation.org, $35/yr; support Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum.
• Bloedel Reserve, www.bloedelreserve.org, $40/yr; support Bainbridge Island’s jewel; free admission, special events.
• Northwest Horticultural Society, www.northwesthort.org, $35/yr; support Elisabeth Miller Horticultural Library; attend excellent classes & lectures.
• Northwest Perennial Alliance, www.northwestperennialalliance.org; $25/yr; support NPA Borders at Bellevue Botanical Garden; attend classes & garden tours.
• Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk; £42/yr; support England’s RHS; receive The Garden, an excellent monthly gardening journal.
• Seattle Chinese Garden Society, www.seattle-chinese-garden.org, $25/yr; support the Seattle Chinese Garden.
• Washington Native Plant Society, www.wnps.org, $25/yr; support Society’s education, conservation programs; attend classes, lectures, field trips, study weekends.

Truckloads of compost, rocks, soil, to create new dream gardens:

• Emu Topsoil, 360.779.5614, Poulsbo.
• Vern’s Organic Topsoil, 360.779.2764, Poulsbo.
• Northwest Rock Products, 360.297.2401, Kingston.
• Cedar Grove Compost, 1.877.764.5748, Maple Valley.
• Bailey Compost, 360.568.8826, Snohomish.
• Alpine Rockeries, 425.481.3456, Woodinville.
• Marenako’s, 425.392.3313, Preston.

Time in the garden, to implement the creative ideas:

• “Freedom” Gift certificate releasing the gardener from household chores or other responsibilities for a couple of hours per week or month.
• “At Your Service” Gift certificate for yours or another’s time and help in the garden.
• “Professional Help” Gift certificate for garden consultation or design (Call us–360-394- 3734–to arrange this gift.)