Container Gardening: Red, White and Black Currants in a Pot

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited

Hi Friends,

These delicious fruits need moisture-retentive soil, and those in pots must be watered regularly during the growing season. Plant them in large containers filled with soil-based potting mix, combined with well-composted organic matter — garden compost or bagged manure is ideal. You can either grow them as bushes or train them on a trellis like a climber. Apply a general fertilizer for fruit crops in spring, and top up with tomato fertilizer every week from late spring until the fruits ripen. Cover the blooms with plastic sheeting if frosts are forecast. Sit in a cool, partly shaded spot.

Happy pot planting...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Memorial Day!

Hi Friends,

We Will Remember Them - The ones that we've lost still go with us in spirit. In the faces of Family, their presence still lingers. In the dreams they once nurtured they still shape our future. In the hearts that embrace them, they live on forever. At daybreak and nightfall, as long as there's memory we will remember them.

Thinking of you this Memorial Day and sharing The Ultimate Sacrifice poem by Joanna Fuchs.

The Ultimate Sacrifice:

We set aside Memorial Day
Each and every year
To honor those who gave their lives
Defending what we hold dear.

In all the dark and deadly wars,
Their graves prove and remind us,
Our brave Americans gave their all
To put danger far behind us.

They made the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting for the American way;
We admire them and respect them
On every Memorial Day.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Container Gardening: Williams' Bon Chretien' Pears in a Pot

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited
Credit: Thompson & Morgan

Hi Friends,

Commonly referred to as the Williams pear, 'Williams' Bon Chretien' is the most widely grown and should be harvested while the fruit is still hard. The fruits of this superb pear turn yellow as the flesh ripens. Pear 'Williams Bon Chretien' is an early fruiting variety producing large yellow non-gritty fruits with an excellent sweet and juicy flavor. This British bred pear is perfect for poaching and preserving, as well as eating fresh from mid to late September.

Grafted onto 'Quince A' rootstock to produce a tree with moderate vigor and promote fruiting at an early age. These strong growing trees are partially self-fertile but make the ideal planting partner for Conference or Concorde to aid pollination and increase the yield. If you only have room for one tree then make sure that a neighbor has a tree close by that can act as suitable pollinator.

Through a canning party with your very own Williams Pears...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Container Gardening: "Pixie" Apples in a Pot

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited
Credit: Gurney's Seed and Nursery Company

Hi Friends,

Pixie is a small, sweet apple that's produced in abundance even on small trees. To avoid too many tiny fruits, thin them in early summer. Pick your crop in mid-fall.

The Pixie Apples is said to be Sweeter than Honeycrisp and a hit with the kids...

This sweet beauty is absolutely unparalleled for fresh eating. One bite and you will agree this apple "explodes" with a breaking crispness, tantalizing your taste buds with mouthwatering flavor and juiciness. Delectable sweetness works wonders in no-sugar pie recipes and baked goods; cooks up tender every time. A favorite apple with children because of its flavor. Kids have been known to choose this over candy and sweets! As if being tops in taste were not enough, Pixie apples also bears reliable annual crops starting in its third year for standard trees and often in its second for Li'l-BIGs, handling late frosts much better than other varieties. Matures late August...

Share a healthier alternative to candy with your very own Pixie Apples...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Mother's Day!

Hi Friends,

Dedicated to all our wonderful Mothers from your friends at Interior Design - May you enjoy as you are celebrated this Mother's Day with warmest thoughts and special wishes.

A Mother's Eyes

A mother's eyes so often shine with laughter, joy, or tears....and with the pride of seeing children blossom through the years. A mother's lips give kisses, cautions, praise, and good advice. She shares her faith and values through hard work and sacrifice. A mother's hands are busy trying to meet her children's needs, but quick to give applause whenever one of them succeeds. Throughout her children's lives, a mother plays a vital part. She is their shining star, their inspiration, and their heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Container Gardening: "Red Falstaff" Apples in a Pot...

Courtesy of Dorling Kindersley Limited

Hi Friends,

Disease- and frost-resistant, "Red Falstaff" has a sweet, mellow flavor. It's ready to harvest in mid-fall and stores well.

Nothing beats a sweet apple cobbler; Bon Appétit...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne