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Edition 5.48 The Orchard Online News December 1st, 2005

3 day forecast

3 day forecast

3 day forecast



Lafayette
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Telephone:
 (925) 284-4474

Address:
4010 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Lafayette, CA 94549

Dr Earth

Gardner & Bloome
Master Nursery Paydirt

E. B. Stone Tomato & Vegetable Food
is formulated from quality natural organic ingredients for use throughout the vegetable garden as well as with soft fruits like strawberries. It will contribute to even plant growth without producing excessive foliage at the expense of fruit. The additional phosphorous helps to ensure the production of high quality fruits and vegetables. The calcium in our Tomato & Vegetable fertilizer aids in preventing disorders like blossom end rot and helps to correct acidic soil conditions. For superior produce, use our Flower & Vegetable Planting Mix with native soil when preparing your beds.
quote of the week

Quotation of the Week:

"It's difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts while eating a homegrown tomato."
— Lewis Grizzard

Gunther Ulbrich
The Christian Ulbricht family produces highly sought after wood-turned products of the finest quality. In addition to an extensive line of various nutcrackers of many sizes, there are smokers, music boxes, figurines, pyramids and ornaments geared for Christmas.
Gunther Ulbricht will be here December 8th in our Christmas department to sign nutcrackers and other unique pieces as well as the “Touring Bird,” a limited special edition figure only available on their signing tours.
 

Evergreen wreaths and garlands have arrived!
Wreaths and garlands are now available in fresh fragrant firs, pines and cedar. These traditional gems make the perfect backdrop for Yule tide decorating. Bring your selections into the flower shop and we can deck them out in holiday style! Flowing ribbons, natural cones and luscious berries can turn lovely garlands and wreaths into stunning decorator pieces. Adding a beautiful floral bow to the wreath on your door adds dimension and color without being too fussy.

Hints:

· If your door is dark in color, add some variegated holly to your fresh wreath and choose a lighter shade of ribbon for contrast.

· A decorated garland makes a fabulous centerpiece, for especially long dining tables.

· Garlands cascading down staircases are visually stunning! Use ribbon to tie on the garlands, and decorate with bows, holly and berries.

· If you use your fireplace frequently and you want to drape a garland over the mantle, we suggest an artificial garland, as the fresh will dry out quickly from the heat.
Orchard Nursery is the place to find fresh Christmas wreaths, holiday door swags, candle rings, centerpieces, decorative arches and garlands. We have over 50 styles and sizes to choose from. Our wreaths are made with noble fir or mixed greens, are available in sizes ranging from 12" to 40", and are available plain or with cones and berries. Our mixed and cedar garlands come in 75 ft. rolls and can be purchased by the foot. Our hand-made Christmas wreaths and decorations have become popular and tend to sell out early.
 

Vaillancourt Folk Art Event
Join us at the Lazy K House
Saturday, December 3rd
From 11-3 PM

Meet with Rep. Steve Davison and see the Vaillancourt Folk Art 2005 Collection of collectible Santas and Snowmen. Vaillancourt creates American hand painted chalkware made from Judy and Gary Vaillancourt’s own collection of antique chocolate and butter molds. Each figure is unique, painted with a little bit of the personality of the artist showing through. Their collection grows each year but always includes a special annual charity piece that they call the Starlight Santa. This is their 16th edition and this charming Santa would be a great addition to any Christmas collection.
 

Dormant Spray

The time has come for dormant spraying. There are several types of sprays available, each with advantages and disadvantages as compared to the others.

LIME SULFUR (calcium polysulfide) and SPRAY OIL are combined and sprayed together; the lime sulfur kills fungus over wintering on the surface of the plant, while the spray oil acts as a spreader-sticker. The spray oil also acts as an insecticide by smothering insects and their eggs. Lime sulfur should not be used on apricots.

COPPER SPRAYS lack the ability to control insects but are more effective than lime sulfur on certain diseases. Lilly Miller MICROCOP is a powder sprayed in conjunction with Lilly Miller STA-STUCK “M”. Powdered sprays cannot be used in hose-end sprayers. If that is your preference you should use Monterey LIQUICOP. Lacking the Sta-Stuk, the Liquicop may not be as effective in rainy weather, but it is easier to apply.

Spraying during the dormant season allows the gardener to rid the plant of fungus and control certain diseases such as peach leaf curl that cannot be eradicated once the leaves open in the spring. Late winter/early spring applications in cool, rainy weather just after dormancy ends help control scab on apples, fire blight on pears, anthracnose on dogwoods and damping off of vegetable seedlings. Later in the season copper sprays will protect tomatoes against early and late blight and prevent leaf spots on flowers and vegetables.

 

Recipe of the Week: Black Bean Turkey Chili

What You'll Need:

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 lb. Italian turkey sausage
  • 2 lbs. ground turkey
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 oz. diced green chiles
  • 1/2 tsp. pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 3 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 tbsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp. dried basil
  • 1 (12-oz.) can tomato paste
  • 1 (28-oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes
  • 1 (16-oz.) can Italian plum tomatoes
  • 1 (32-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup beer (optional)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Step by Step:

In a large skillet, heat oil over low heat. Sauté the onions and red bell pepper for about 10 minutes or until tender but not browned.

Add the sausage and turkey and brown over medium heat. Drain any excess fat from pan.

Add the garlic, chiles, pepper, salt, chili powder, oregano, basil and tomato paste.

Stir in the tomatoes, beans  and beer. Simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Taste to adjust seasoning.

Stir in cilantro before serving.

Can be made ahead for flavors to blend and reheated.


Yield: 8-10 servings

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