The Orchard Online News: November 5, 2009

Edition 9.45

November 5, 2009

Master Nursery

CCN Pro

Lafayette
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Telephone:
(925) 284-4474

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

Dr. Earth LIFE™ PRO-BIOTIC™ All-purpose Fertilizer

Same great Pro-Biotic formula with Beneficial Soil Microbes and Mycorrihizae. Easy-to-use homogenous pellets can be broadcast on top of soil. Fast, long-lasting results. Starts feeding in 7 to 10 days, lasts for months. Certified organic.

Thanks to one of our suppliers, Dave Wilson Nursery, we are able to offer many varieties of bare root fruit trees not otherwise available. These special order fruit trees must be ordered by Monday, November 9th. Click here to see the many varieties available. Call us at 925-284-4474 or stop by the nursery to place your order.

We have a different list of bare root fruit trees that we will have in stock in January – February. You can pre-order these fruit trees before December 1st to receive 20% off (2 gallon blueberries not included in pre-season discounts). Click here to see these varieties.

Is there still time to plant a winter vegetable garden?

E.B. Stone Organic Tomato and Vegetable Food There is still time, although cool season veggies should go in as soon as possible. Enjoy salad makings from your own garden. Lettuces, spinach, escarole and radicchio are available in 6 packs. Plant carrots and radishes from seed. Complete your winter garden with chard, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, pak choi, onions, shelling peas, snow peas and sugar snap peas.

Remember to enrich the soil with all organic Bumper Crop or Pay Dirt and add EB Stone Organic Tomato Vegetable Food for best results.

Let our Flower Shop renew your Fall & Holiday wreaths with our best selection of ribbons and trims.

From the Garden Shop: Paperwhites and Amaryllis

Our selection of amaryllis bulbs includes over 14 varieties. We have single and double flower types in shades of white, pink, red and some bi-colors. Plenty of choices to either stay with a traditional favorite or try something new. Bloom times vary, but most amaryllis forced inside will flower in approximately 8 weeks. Now is the time to start planning for the holidays.

We have 8 varieties of tazetta narcissus for forcing. The traditional white ‘Ziva‘ is always the most popular choice, but there are several others to consider. ‘Erlicheer’, a white double has been selling quickly, ‘Inbal’ is a newer variety with a lighter fragrance than most, and ‘Grand Soleil d’Or’ is a bold yellow with an orange cup – just to name a few. Depending on conditions, paperwhites will take approximately 6 weeks to force.

Attractively packaged amaryllis and paperwhite gift kits are now in stock and we have several styles to choose from.

Limited to stock on hand. Roses planted in pulp pots included in sale. Flower Carpet, mini roses and fresh cut rose stems are not included.

Last Week's Question: What were the first jack o' lanterns made out of?

Correct Answer: Turnips. The first Jack-o-Lanterns were made in Ireland out of hollowed-out turnips. A piece of coal was inserted into the hollow and the "lantern" was meant to guide the way of poor old Jack who wasn't welcome in Heaven but was also barred from entering Hell for tricking the devil. According to legend, the devil gave this crude lamp to Jack so that he could walk the earth forever in limbo. When the Irish brought this tradition to America, they apparently decided that pumpkins were much easier to carve than turnips, and the modern-day Jack-o-Lantern was born!

Prize Winner: Marcy Potter has won a $10 Orchard Nursery gift certificate. Congratulations! Gift certificates are to be picked up within two weeks of winning. Winner must bring an ID to the nursery to claim the prize. Prize must be picked up in person. Employees are not eligible for this contest. Please stay tuned for another question next week!

What You'll Need:

1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, chopped
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 cup uncooked instant brown rice
1 cup vegetable broth
1 pound fresh broccoli florets
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Step by Step:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Place walnuts on small baking sheet, and bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until toasted.
Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Cook onion and garlic in melted butter for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
Stir in the rice, add the broth, and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover, and simmer until liquid is absorbed, about 7 to 8 minutes.
Place broccoli in a microwave-safe casserole dish, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover, and microwave until tender.
Spoon rice onto a serving platter, and top with broccoli. Sprinkle walnuts and cheese on top.

Yield: 4 servings

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