the gateway gardener nov/dec 2013

THEGatewayGardenerYour Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

®

FREE Courtesy of:

November/December 2013

Easy Holiday Floral Design Ideas

2013 Holiday Gift Guide

Gifts the Garden Gives Us

Chestnuts: A Holiday Tradition

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Join us at our annual Holiday Open House to select the perfect tree for the family or gift for those closest.

December 7th & 8th from 10am - 4pm.

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On the Cover...The winter holidays are a wonderful time to bring the beautiful scents and colors of nature into the home. We share the expert tips and examples of three area florists to give you some

ideas for your own holiday arrangements, plus we show you how your own garden might be a great source of inspiration and material, as this arrangement from our own garden demonstrates.See page 10.

FEATURES

8 Holiday Gifts for Gardeners10 Holiday Floral Arrangements

IN THIS ISSUE 4 Holiday Treats

6 Gifts the Garden Gives Us

12 Chestnuts: A Holiday Tradition

13 Gifts from the Garden

14 Dig This!

15 Upcoming Events

November/December 2013Volume 9, Number 9

Founded in 2005by

Joyce Bruno and Robert Weaver

Publisher and EditorRobert Weaver

ColumnistsBarbara Perry Lawton

Garden Book Author and Garden Writer

Connie AlwoodMaster Gardener

Ellen BarredoCertified Nursery Professional

Diane BrueckmanRosarian

Joyce DriemeyerMaster Gardener

Cindy GilbergLandscape Designer

Mara HigdonGateway Greening

Glenn KraemerTurf Horticulturist

Steffie LittlefieldNursery Professional

Printing: Breese Publishing, Breese, IL The Gateway Gardener® is published monthly by Double Dig Communica-tions, Inc. to promote enjoyable, suc-cessful gardening and livable landscapes in the St. Louis greater metropolitan area. The magazine is distributed free to the public at designated garden centers, nurseries, garden gift shops, lawn equip-ment rental, repair and sales establish-ments, and other locations supporting sound gardening, lawn and landscaping practices.

Please send letters-to-the-editor, ques-tions, event announcements, editorial suggestions and contributions, photos, advertising inquiries and materials, and any other correspondence to:

The Gateway Gardener Magazine® PO Box 220853

St. Louis, MO 63122Phone: (314) 968-3740

[email protected]

The Gateway Gardener® is printed on recycled newsprint using environmentally friendly soy-based ink, and is a member of the PurePower® renewable energy resources

network.

From the Editor THEGatewayGardenerYour Guide to Enjoyable Gardening and Easy-Care Landscapes

®

Almost every day I harvest something from my garden. No,

I’m not bragging about my green thumb in the vegetable garden—in that area, I’ve experienced dismal failure the past couple of years. Rather, the bounty that comes from my garden is visual; my reaping tool is the camera. Especially with the advances of digital technology, it is so convenient to run out the door and grab a picture for the magazine. Again, I’m not boasting; as often as not, it might be a picture of a pest or disease that satisfies the editorial need of the moment. (I always tell people I have a great laboratory of both right outside my door!) And when the subject is a pretty picture, I can share my secret garden photography tip with you: You don’t need swaths of beautifully designed garden. Just zoom in tight and crop out the warts!

For this issue, the garden provided a little more. Having featured the professional holiday floral arrangements of several area florists (pg. 8), I thought it might be fun to see what could

be done with some common plant materials from my own garden. The results are on the cover and on page 9. Winter is the perfect time to prune some of your hollies, evergreens and other plants anyway, so why not put the cuttings to use in an easy holiday arrangement. Want to see how it was made? Check out the video through the link on the homepage of our website at GatewayGardener.com.

The garden harvest can also yield fun gifts for your family and friends. Steffie Littlefield shares some ideas on page 13. And if your gift recipients happen to be gardeners, Barbara Perry Lawton (pg. 4) suggests

gift giving is that much easier. If you still need inspiration, be sure to take in our annual Gardeners’ Holiday Gift Guide on page 8. Each year our advertisers come up with a delightful array of clever, creative gift ideas from practical to whimsical.

Finally, let’s allow ourselves to be selfish and see what the garden can give us! Cindy Gilberg takes inventory of the gifts both physical and spiritual that gardening and the garden bestow upon us each and every day (pg. 6).

One gift gardening has given me is that of sharing this magazine with you, and through that, meeting the wonderful community of gardeners and gardening businesses in the St. Louis area. Thanks to all of you and to my family for making possible this personal blessing.

Happy Holidays!

4 The Gateway Gardener® NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Barbara Perry Lawton is a writer, author, speaker and photographer. She has served as manager of publications for Missouri Botanical Garden and as weekly garden columnist for the Post-Dispatch. The author of a number of gardening and natural history books, and contributor to many periodicals, she has earned regional and national honors for her writing and photography. Barbara is also a Master Gardener and volunteers at MBG.

Holiday Treatsby Barbara Perry Lawton

The holiday season is fast approaching and it’s time to think about what to give your

favorite relatives and friends. You are very fortunate if they are gardeners since gardeners are so easy to please. Gifts for gardeners come in all forms and all prices.

A packet of seeds tucked into a holiday card is a simple gift that would be both thoughtful and useful. For the herb gardener, seeds of a special basil would be welcome. For the gardener with ornamental beds and borders, look for surefire annuals that will complement any garden. Every year there are new and wonderful varieties of plants that will tempt you as well as your favorite gardener. Don’t forget to give garden gloves, aprons or handy tool carriers,

easy and useful gifts for any gardener.

Another gift that will be enjoyed all year long is a magazine subscription. There are many to choose from—some general and some focused on special

categories such as native plants or herbs. Garden books also will be appreciated both during and after the holidays. There are new ones every year, each with its own theme, from design to special plant groups. There are also older books that have become garden classics.

Don’t forget memberships, especially if you know your gardeners’ favorite plants. There are rose societies and special organizations for just about every plant group and type of gardening. A membership for the Missouri Botanical Garden, arguably the finest botanical garden in the world, is sure to be enjoyed. Observe and research plants while strolling through the themed garden beds. MBG offers many classes for beginners to experts. These are taught by experts in their fields,

who generously share their knowledge and experience.

Gift certificates to local independent nurseries are sure to please any gardener. Most welcome would be gift certificates to the recipients’ favorite or local independent nursery. It won’t be long before spring plants and supplies begin to appear in nurseries throughout our region. It’s not too early to begin thinking about plants to add to our own personal garden beds and borders.

Increasingly, gardeners are learning about art objects that will add a special flair to the home landscape. Water features are high on that list, varying from elegant in-ground ponds and rills to contained sculpted water features that offer eye appeal plus the sound of water to small spaces. There are, of course, the classic garden art objects such as sculptures, handsome driftwood and reflecting balls.

Garden furniture is a must for every garden, no matter its size. An ornamental bench or pair of chairs with a small table will provide the perfect place to enjoy the garden as it progresses through the growing season. In large garden areas, a chair or a bench will accent a path and feature a special view.

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There are so many ways to benefit from gardening, not the least of which is exercise. An hour of weeding and general

messing about in your garden is as good as walking or biking at a moderate pace—about 300 calories.

Most of all, my holiday wish is for you and your gardening friends to truly enjoy your garden and your gardening on many levels. Spring brings the transformation of deciduous

grays and browns in an array of foliage in a multitude of green hues. Summer brings the maturation of bright

ornamentals, herbs and scrumptious vegetables. Fall marks the end of the growing season with many warm vivid colors of trees and shrubs. And winter features the flowers of snow and frost as well as a time to plan for next year’s garden. Enjoy it all!

“Gifts for gardeners come in all forms and all prices”


The Native Nook

What compels us to garden? Gardeners return to the garden, year after year, with optimism

and hope of an even better year in the garden. There are many reasons for each of us, but perhaps it is what the garden gives back to us that is the underlying motivation.

The most obvious gift that a garden gives us is fresh air and exercise. The gardener starts out wanting to create a beautiful space and ends up healthier because it. Studies on gardening and health have repeatedly shown that there are definite health benefits. Blood pressure can be lowered, and a good dose of fresh air and sunshine is stress relieving—a necessity in our very busy world. To garden is a verb implying activity, which is on the decline as we spend more hours in front of computers, television and in cars.

Gardening is in part science but it is also an art form. For those who say they are not artistic, their outlet can be gardening. Creating a space that is beautiful—our own retreat, Eden or oasis—is quite satisfying. And the need for continued stewardship is there to keep the gardener engaged in the act of gardening and maintaining their creation, their garden.

The desire to nurture can be satisfied by gardening. It is definitely less demanding on a daily basis than a new puppy, depending on the size of your garden. Choosing, planting and growing plants to maturity

rewards us with beauty and occasionally some wonderful ripe tomatoes or flowers for cutting.

Gardening is about sharing. Sharing the space or the act of gardening with your family and friends is a huge appeal for many like-minded people. This explains why there are so many garden clubs—they share a common interest—they enjoy gardening, being in gardens and each others’ company. Being able to make a beautiful garden to spend time in with other people is quite special. Sharing your knowledge of gardening with your children or friends is equally rewarding. Sharing in the harvest is another gratifying experience, whether it is a bouquet of flowers, a bunch of herbs or a bucket of produce. And, of course, the memories that gardens bring back of

people and days gone by is priceless.

Scratching the curiosity itch is another gift the garden can give us. Many of us have a desire to learn more about what we don’t know. How many kids today are surprised to see someone pull a carrot out of

the earth rather than from a plastic bag? How many of us wonder: where do caterpillars go to build their chrysalis? Or how many different insects come to pollinate coneflowers? Gardening is doing, and learning from doing and from careful, patient observation is one of the best ways to learn. It can also show us to learn from our mistakes and move on.

Gardening teaches us so much about being part of natural world and about life in general. Our disconnect from nature is more common now than ever. Adding native plants to your garden enhances biodiversity and your opportunity to learn about our local flora and fauna. Gardening reconnects us not only with the seasons, but with the vast and immensely intricate interactions of the natural world around us. It can teach us a valuable lesson on patience and hope for the future. And nature will show us just how resilient it can be if given half a chance.

Perhaps it is all that gardens and the natural world have to offer us that drives us to be gardeners. Spend some time this winter finding ways to further enjoy and “be” in your garden. It could be as simple as putting a bench in the garden to have a place to sit, unwind and observe the microcosm that is your garden.

Gifts the Garden Gives to Ustext and photo by Cindy Gilberg

“Gardening is in part science, but it is also an art form. ”


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The Native Nook Tips and Resources for Growing and Landscaping with Sustainable Native Plants

EntEr to Win $500 in Plants Want to help relieve rainwater problems and promote biodiversity? Go to www.mobot.org/rainscaping to learn how to rainscape your yard, and to participate in a drawing for prizes. Win a $500 Gift Certificate to the Shaw Spring Wildflower Sale in May 2014, ten flats of native plant plugs from DJM Ecoscapes customized specifically for your yard, or other exciting awards. Any landowner can enter the drawing.Residents in participating municipalities can also apply for RainScape Rebates, a program to financially assist property owners who want to landscape their yards to improve stormwater management. Rainscaping options include shrub and ground cover beds, native plant gardens, trees, and rain gardens.

Applications for Round Three will be available at www.deercreekalliance.org starting November 15, 2013. A list of participating municipalities is on the website and applications will also be available at the city halls of participating municipalities. RainScape Rebates is an activity of the Deer Creek Watershed Alliance, a project of Missouri Botanical Garden. The purpose of the project is to improve water quality in Deer Creek by promoting landscapes that help capture rainfall on-site rather than allow it to run off. RainScape Rebates is

funded by Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation, Missouri Department of Conservation, Great Rivers Greenway, participating municipalities, and US EPA Region 7 through the Department of Natural Resources (subgrant number G11-NPS-15), under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act.

A Grow Native! Top 10 ListFEATURED CATEGORY:

Outstanding Native Small Flowering Trees for Small LandscapesAttractive • Durable • Long-lived • Attract Pollinators

NATIVE PLANT NAME HEIGHT UNIQUE QUALITYRed Buckeye (Aesculus pavia) 10’ Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea) 10-15’ Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) 20-30’

Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) 10-15’ Redbud (Cercis canadensis) 15-20’ Fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) 10-15’ Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) 10’ Green Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) 15-20’ Witchazel(Hamamelis virginiana) 10’

Wild Plum (Prunus americana) 10-15’

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red flowers attract hummingbirdswhite flowers before trees leaf outattracts zebra swallowtail butterflies

horizontal branches

pink flowers in spring

fragrant white flowers in spring

berries in winter

orange berries in autumn

yellow fragrant flowers in autumn

attracts many butterflies

Cindy Gilberg is a horticulturist and Missouri native who writes, teaches and does consulting and design work in the St. Louis area. Her work focuses on both native plant landscapes as well as other styles of landscape design. Contact [email protected] www.cindygilberg.com

This column is written in collaboration with Shaw Nature Reserve (Missouri

Botanical Garden) in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation. Visit the Whitmire Wildflower Garden (at Shaw Nature Reserve), a 5-acre display garden, for ideas on native plant landscaping. Native plant conservation and the promotion of native plants in our landscapes is vital to restoring the rich biodiversity of our region.


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Two Convenient Locations to Serve You.

West County2463 Barrett Station Road

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Holiday Gifts for GardenersLooking for that special gift for your favorite gardener? We asked area garden centers and other related shops for some suggestions to make your shopping easier--

or clip and leave conspicuously lying around as a not-so-subtle hint to your Santa.

Sugar Creek Gardens1011 N. WoodlawnKirkwood, MO314-965-3070SugarCreekGardens.com

Kojo the CoyoteThis polyester pet will scare off deer, bunnies and other varmints without dangerous chemicals or poison. A super realistic photo on durable fabric, Kojo looks alive, fooling even the slyest of animals. Simply place Kojo near your prized beauties and it will protect that area.

Worm’s Way1225 N. Warson Rd. Saint Louis MO314-994-3900WormsWay.com

Sunleaves Worm Farm Turns kitchen waste into rich, all-

natural fertilizer that’s great for any garden. The farm is a four-layer home for red wiggler worms, which will eagerly devour those unwanted food scraps and other wastes. Gardeners will love this environmentally friendly and resourceful way to produce their own fertilizer right at home. $108

Garden Heights Nursery, Inc1605 S Big BendSt. Louis, MO314-645-7333GardenHeights.com

Fresh Holiday ContainersCustom-designed long-lasting containers for the holidays with twigs, boughs, berries and more. Priced from $25.

OK Hatchery115 E. Argonne Dr.Kirkwood, MO 63122(314) 822-0083

Plant Pro-Tec Deer & Rabbit RepellentUses highly concentrated garlic oil to keep four-legged pests from damaging gardens. Releases the active ingredients effectively for six to eight months, even if it rains. The active ingredient is contained in a biodegradable plastic container. Clip the container directly to the plant, attach it to a nearby fence or lay it on the ground. Includes 12 or 25 units.

Hillermann Nursery & Florist2601 E. 5th StreetWashington, MO 63090636-239-6729Hillermann.com

Rustic Bird SilhouettesThese wonderful rustic metal bird silhouettes reflect personality as well as traits. Their wings can be bent to add more character and capture the likeness of our feathered friends. Many bird species in small to large sizes are available including wrens, cardinals, blue jays, owls, heron, roosters, quail and more. Various styles and sizes starting from $5.99.

Greenscapes Gardens2832 Barrett Station Rd.Manchester, MO (314) 821-2440GreenscapeGardens.com

Cast Stone FountainsAdd the soothing sound of water to the deck or patio, then enjoy these table top cast-stone fountains indoors during the winter. Nine styles to choose from starting at $121.99.

Lake St. Louis Garden Center3230 Technology Dr.Lake St. Louis, MO(636) 561-0124LakeStLouisGardenCenter.com

Terrarium KitsBring the garden indoors with our terrarium kits! Everything you need to enjoy gardening indoors. Kits starting at $34.99.


Holiday Gifts for GardenersLooking for that special gift for your favorite gardener? We asked area garden centers and other related shops for some suggestions to make your shopping easier--

or clip and leave conspicuously lying around as a not-so-subtle hint to your Santa.

Sappington Garden Shop11530 Gravois Rd.St. Louis, MO(314) 843-4700SappingtonGardenShop.com

Bells of Vienna Wind Chimes“Bells of Vienna” are musically designed to produce beautiful tones. The amazing resonance produced by these chimes carries the gentle melody from one soft tone to the next, each note blending to form a full rich harmony. Hand tuned and MADE in the USA. Many colors and sizes to choose from. Starting price $69.99

Frisella Nursery550 Hwy F, Defiance, MO (636) 798-2555FrisellaNursery.com

Michael Michaud JewelryA perfect piece of jewelry for the gardener in your life. Michael Michaud jewelry features botanical elements cast in silver and bronze, accented with pearls and gemstones. Using a process similar to lost-wax casting the jewelry is mold from an actual leaf, branch, flower or other botanical element. The series features necklaces, bracelets, earrings and pins.

Rolling Ridge Nursery60 N. GoreWebster Groves, MO(314) 962-3311Rolling RidgeNursery.com

Living OrnamentsA unique centerpiece, living ornament or an everlasting gift, these hand-blown glass terrariums are perfect for hanging or sitting on your windowsill. Ideal filled with air plants, succulents, candles and your favorite collectables. Starting at $8.99.

University Gardens8130 Delmar Blvd.St. Louis, MO(314) 863-1700University-Gardens.com

Jellybean Welcome MatsIndoor/Outdoor floor mats are machine washable, and make great gifts for the holidays with dozens of designs to choose from. $28.99

Chalily Pond and Gardens14430 Manchester Rd.Manchester, MO(636) 527-2001ChalilyPond.com

Whirligigs, Kenetics or Spinners.It really doesn’t matter what you call

them. This hot gift item is perfect for anyone on your list. Adding interest and drama to the landscape with the simple use of wind. A simple breeze guides the sculpture into action. How cool! Varying sizes and designs from $39.95 to $98.95.

Ann’s Garden & Greenhouse5130 Mexico Rd.St. Peters, MO(636) 244-5533AnnsGandG.com

Festive Holiday Greenery

Graveblankets available in both full and half sizes. Full line of poinsettias, wreaths and pine roping all to make your home festive for the holiday.

Bluff View Nursery3135 Hwy. 94 SouthDefiance, MO(636) 798-2565BluffViewNursery.Net

Live Christmas TreesBeautiful pines, spruces and firs ready to add a festive touch to your indoor holiday décor, then plant outside after the holiday to enjoy for years and years in your landscape.

A Great Holiday Gift!

Why not give The Gateway Gardener to your favorite gardener this Holiday season?! Just complete this form and

mail it with $24 for postage and handling to the address below. Your friend or relative will receive 9 issues (a one-

year subscription) beginning with the next issue.

Gift From:Gift To: Address:City, State & Zip:Phone:Email:Please make your check payable to The Gateway Gardener

and mail it with this form to: The Gateway Gardener • PO Box 220853

St. Louis, MO 63122


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Vintage Inspired DesignEverything old is new again! That’s what inspired Carla Emert of Troy Flower Shop

in Troy, Missouri. “That old vase can be repurposed. Your grandmother’s silver has a use (besides sitting in a box in your basement). Those twenty-five cent finds at the thrift store can look like a million bucks. The natural botanicals in your yard (think your shrubs and other landscaping) can be indoor works of art in the right container. With a little imagination, you can turn any “old” container filled with everyday flowers and foliages into a one-of-a-kind centerpiece to adorn your house.”

CARLA’S PRO TIP: Your local neighborhood florist can help you with floral variety selection with any repurposed container.

Natural/Rustic DesignMichael Bozzay of Bozzay Florists in Warson Woods, Missouri, went back to nature for his inspiration. “The natural look is very popular and is still a viable look for Christmas. Adding Natraj branches (the unusual flattened brown stems) and vine balls or any other dried

material adds a natural/rustic look to any design. To keep it Christmas, I have included the traditional evergreens and deep red roses, resulting in a unique design, yet a Christmasy look as well. Balance is key to any design. The Natraj branches are high and to the left. They are balanced by the vine balls low and to the right. Since the vine balls carry a greater visual weight than the Natraj branches,

balance is achieved.”

MICHAEL’S PRO TIP: In choosing a container, balance is also important. You don’t want the design to look like it could fall over at any moment. Also, when dealing with evergreens or roses (materials that drink a lot of water) you want to choose a container with a large enough reservoir for water.

Contemporary DesignMary Ann Brelje of Krupp Florist in Belleville, Illinois, shows us how much fun a contemporary design can be with “Pretty in Birch”. “Contemporary in design yet traditional in Christmas color combining the natural texture of birch poinsettia and birch oak leaves with all the glitter of Christmas ornaments on a bright red glass platter as a base. The final touch is a partial arch of copper swirls and

Deck the Halls with Holiday ArrangementsOften, when we think of decorating with plants and flowers for the holidays, we think only of evergreen boughs and poinsettias. There’s nothing wrong with either of those, as they bring to mind the most wondrous, traditional holidays of our past. But don’t stop there. Nature provides a botanical buffet of beautiful plants to brighten up our tables and rooms for the holidays! We asked 3 local floral shops to help us out with some design ideas and tips to bring something fresh to your holiday décor. We hope these inspire you to deck your halls with beautiful floral arrangements.


Purchase tickets NOW

Flower and Train ShowGathering for

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Also coming this winter

miniature bells - adding the sounds of Christmas thus incorporating all the sights and sounds for a festive season.

MARY ANN’S PRO TIP: Think beyond the look! We used the bells to add another dimension to the design: the sounds of Christmas.

Thanks To:Troy Flower Shop650 East Cherry StreetTroy, MO 63379636/528-8528 [email protected]

Bozzay Florists10049 Manchester Rd.St. Louis, MO 63122(314) 965-4838www.bozzayflorist.com

Krupp Florist3610 West Main St.Belleville, IL 62226(618) 233-8593www.KruppFlorist.com

Mary Bruno(636) 391-4864

Look to Your Own Garden for a Beautiful Holiday Design

Professional florists are experts at creating the most beautiful and unique floral displays, and they have access to a world of unique plant materials with which to work. But you can actually put together some lovely holiday floral arrangements with materials you’re likely to find in just about any garden. I asked my florally talented sister-in-law, Mary Bruno, to walk around my garden with me, and see what we—that is, she!—could find to turn into an attractive holiday centerpiece. Among the plants

that caught her eye were several needled evergreens, naturally: an English yew, golden false cypress, and Eastern white pine; flat-leaved evergreens like Southern magnolia, Foster holly and boxwood; the red-berried stems of native winterberry and possumhaw , the curly-q stems of Harry Lauder Walking Stick (contorted filbert); even the seed heads of crape myrtle and dried flower heads of hydrangea.

Here (and on our cover) is what Mary put together from our harvest. You may not have these plants, but with an open mind and careful eye, you’ll surely find plenty of material to create your own holiday work of art. To see how Mary created this beautiful centerpiece, check out the video on our website at GatewayGardener.com. One of our advertisers, Sugar Creek Gardens, is also hosting a class on this topic on Nov. 16th. See our Upcoming Events Calendar for details. —RW

Watch the video atwww.GatewayGardener.com


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Chestnuts are a delicious treat that are great roasted over a fire or in your oven

every fall/winter. Chestnut trees are a wonderful tree to grow for their beauty and fall color, They do have a few requirements needed to grow well, produce fruit, and make a lovely addition to your landscape.

Chestnut trees were prevalent across the U.S. until a fungus struck the American chestnut species. Thanks to the Chinese chestnut species, a cousin of the American chestnut being resistant to the fungus, we continue to enjoy chestnuts despite the blight. (see sidebar)

Chestnut trees can span quite a distance and height, so proper choice of a tree and its placement is important. A minimum of two trees spaced within 200 feet of each other is necessary for proper wind pollination. Chestnut trees can get up to 30 feet high and 40 feet across, but there are also dwarf varieties (Dwarf Korean Chestnuts) that should be considered for smaller landscapes. Trees need full sun, appreciate high ground, and an open expanse of land. It’s important to know that the chestnuts themselves grow inside a spiny husk that during harvest time will fall to the

ground and can create a walking hazard. Consider putting the trees in low traffic areas.

Once planted in the ground, young chestnut trees need to be watered regularly and pruned. Space branches by pruning off the major limbs, keeping the branches about a foot apart. The major limbs should be pruned into a spiral arrangement so that no limb is directly above the one below it. Make sure that your lowest limb is high enough for you to mow underneath the tree safely. Remember the spiny husks! Once the tree’s leader gets to be about 8 feet in height, cut the leader to the next side branch to encourage spreading.

Depending on the caliper of the chestnut sapling, trees should produce chestnuts in

3-4 years. Chestnuts become mature around September with the husks at times popping open on the tree or falling to the ground and then popping open. It’s important to mow the area underneath the tree before harvest time to make sure all chestnuts can be found. Wearing shoes and gloves is a must! You can also lay a tarp on the ground underneath the tree to assist in harvesting. Check the ground every other day or squirrels may get your harvest. You can also shake the limbs to loosen mature chestnuts and their husk. Once the husk pops open, remove the chestnut. The husks can be used in the garden as mulch to deter cats and pesky vermin from digging in your garden beds.

To roast the chestnuts, make a small cut in the nut with a sharp knife and cook at 350-375 for 15-20 minutes. Roasted nuts should be eaten immediately for the best taste, but can also be reheated in the microwave for 10 seconds.

To store the chestnuts, keep in a high humidity area at just above freezing temperatures. Sealed zip lock bags are a suitable storage container.

Enjoy!

Mara Higdon is the Program Director at Gateway Greening, Inc. They focus on community development through gardening throughout the St. Louis area. You can reach her at (314) 588-9600 x22 or by email at [email protected].

Chestnuts: A Holiday TraDitionby Mara Higdon

A m e r i c a n Chestnuts May Once Again Be Found in our Eastern ForestsA not-for-profit group called the American Chestnut Foundation, founded in 1983 by a group of plant scientists that included Missouri Botanical Garden’s former director, Peter Raven, is working on backcross-breeding a tree that is 1/16 Chinese Chestnut and 15/16 American Chestnut. The goal is to produce a predominantly American Chestnut tree with resistance to the chestnut blight disease. The experiment will still be in the testing stage until 2015-2020, but the hope is to reintroduce this tree that once made up a quarter of the eastern forests of our continent.

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Winter is a time of rest for the garden, but not for the gardener. With

the onset of the Holiday Season, this is the perfect time to use the garden’s bounty and share with family and friends. There is no gift more personal and welcome than homemade goodies made with your own harvest. Our family not only looks forward to gifts of our own wine, but my homemade preserves, from our chambourcin wine grapes, tomatillos and pears. Many people request in advance my husband’s prepared horseradish. These are the gifts that are remembered and anticipated from year to year.

Even if you are not set up to make your own wine, hand-harvested wine grapes make the best juice and jellies. Many other fruits from the vegetable garden make beautiful jellies. One of my favorites is tomatillo jelly with its beautiful clear amber glow in recycled glass jars. Tomatoes and peppers can also be made into wonderful jellies to be used with local cheese as artistic appetizers. Don’t forget to harvest those extra herbs like mint, basil, lemon balm and lavender for fragrant and savory jellies. Most of these can be cleaned, chopped into fine pieces, simmered in water and steeped to release their aromatic oils.

Cucumbers are not the only vegetable from the garden to soak in a brine and pickle. This year we pickled asparagus, watermelon, grapes, beets, turnips and rutabaga. Wow! What a great display of nature’s bounty. This is also an important use for fresh herbs including dill, cilantro, chives, rosemary and oregano. When you are done with the pickles, dry the herbs and pack them in cheesecloth bags as natural seasonings for soups, stews and sauces. Your friends will love this thoughtful, flavorful addition to their pantry.

The next level of fresh garden products brings us to the tomato sauces, tomatillo and tomato salsas, and fruit butters. These take a little more preparation and planning but a good tomato sauce is the basis for many wonderful pasta meals, and

salsas can be opened and enjoyed with company for months after the garden has stopped producing. The truly decadent gifts that smell as good as they taste are apple and pear butters. These are packed into canning jars so that the glass jar can be warmed for serving, allowing the aromas of cinnamon, cloves, vanilla and fruit to fill the house. I love to serve these with creamy rich ice-cream after a late dinner as we relax by the fireplace.

On a cold winter’s night, warm your holiday guests with a mug

of spiced mulled wine. Take a slightly sweet Missouri red wine and warm it in a crock-pot with cinnamon, cloves, orange slices (with the

peel removed), brandy and a pinch of ginger. Recipes for most of these treats can be found online at www.edg-clif.com. Remember to pick up used canning jars at area resell-it shops (new lids and rings are easy

to find) and then design your own custom label for your handcrafted gifts. Your efforts to create personal gifts from your garden will be remembered long after the gift has been consumed. In fact be prepared to make these special treats for many years in order to keep all your relatives supplied.

Rolling Ridge NurseryLawn and Garden Center

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Gifts from the Gardenby Steffie Littlefield

Steffie Littlefield is a horticulturist and garden designer at Garden Heights Nursery. She has degrees from St. Louis Community College at Meramec and Southeast Missouri State and is a member of Gateway Professional Horticultural Association and past president of the Horticulture Co-op of Metropolitan St. Louis.

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“There is no gift more personal and welcome than homemade goodies from

your own harvest.”


The Garden Will Glow This Winter

For the first time in the Missouri Botanical Garden’s history, hundreds of thousands of lights will adorn the Climatron®, Kaeser Memorial Maze, Central Axis, Tower Grove House and other iconic locations with unique color combinations. Walkways will be transformed into sensory light tunnels as visitors experience the exhibit’s visual magic. There will be music throughout the installation including a “Snow Ball” in the Central Axis complete with “Dr. Frost and the Freeze Team,” a disc jockey and dancers who will lead choreographed routines and encourage visitors to join in the performance.

The exhibit will also include a traditional candlelight village and an interactive area where visitors can decorate life-size snowmen. Food and drinks will be available at a number of locations on the grounds including stations featuring fire pits for s’more-making.

The exhibit opens Nov. 23, 2013 and runs through Jan. 4, 2014. Tickets are date-specific and sold in limited quantities. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.mobot.org/glow.

Holiday Light RecyclingStarting November 16, St. Louis Green will be collecting holiday lights at Wal-Mart stores, schools and businesses around the St. Louis metropolitan area and beyond. Wal-Mart stores will accept lights until December 29th, and all other drop-off locations will accept lights until January 12th.

Since 2009, St. Louis Green has coordinated all aspects of recycling unusable holiday lights and extension cords in the St. Louis region. This recycling event brings together hundreds of schools, businesses and non-profits, 5 media outlets, and dozens of volunteers annually. Since the beginning of the Holiday Light Recycling Drive in 2009, St. Louis Green has recycled 194,000 pounds of holiday lights otherwise bound for landfills.

Not only does the Holiday Light Recycling Drive divert thousands of pounds of waste from our landfills, but it also helps those less fortunate to have a happier holiday season. Monetary proceeds from the drive are used to help fund Operation Food Search’s backpack program, which provides nutritious food to low-income children in need. As a result, the 2011 Holiday Light Recycling Drive recycled 62,000 pounds of used holiday lights and raised enough money to provide 3,500 meals for hungry children through Operation Food Search. In 2012, the Holiday Light Recycling Drive recycled 117,000 pounds of used holiday lights and raised enough money to provide 7,000 meals for hungry children.

Last year, the drive received two statewide awards. The Missouri Recycling Association honored both St. Louis Green and Wal-Mart with its Outstanding Collection Program award. In addition, the Missouri Waste Control Coalition gave the retailer and non-profit organization its Outstanding Achievement award for Environmental Stewardship.

Dig This!Gateway Gardeners

and Businesses in the News


Upcoming Events

Start Your Family’s Holidays at the

Poinsettia Wonderland Open House

Sunday, November 24th from 9am-4pmGreenhouse Tours 10am-3pm

See the area’s LARGEST display of poinsettias!Stroll through acres of beautiful poinsettias

in all different colors, plus...Visit with Santa • Christmas Carolers

Holiday Cookies & Beverages • Holiday Crafts

Millstadt Gardens6667 Route 158 • Millstadt, IL 62260

(618) 476-9600Hosted by Millstadt Gardens, N.G. Heimos Greenhouses and the Heimos Family.

A portion of sale proceeds benefits Millstadt Optimist Youth Club.

Give us the details of your upcoming gardening, lawn or landscaping event and we’ll add it to our website and include it in our next issue. Deadline for printing in January/February issue is December 1st.

How to reach us:Mail: PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122Email: (314) [email protected]

GARDEN CLUBS AND PLANT SOCIETY MEETINGSWe have meeting dates, locations and contact information on more than 50 area garden clubs on our website at www.GatewayGardener.com or call us at (314) 968-3740, or write us at PO Box 220853, St. Louis, MO 63122, and we’ll get the information to you.

FUN FOR KIDSNovember 2nd and December 7th

11am-2pm—Hillermann’s First Saturday Kids. Play in the garden and enjoy a FREE activity. November: Make a Bird Feeder; December: Make a Christmas Ornament. Hillermann Nursery & Florist (636) 239-6729. Hillermann.com.

November 2nd 9am—The Great Harvest. FREE. Queeny Park Recreation Complex, 550 Weidman Rd., Ballwin, MO. (314) 615-8472.

December 7th 9 am—Holiday Decorating—Children’s Garden Club. FREE. Sherwood’s Forest Nursery & Garden Center. 2651 Barrett Station Rd. (314) 966-0028.

CLASSES, LECTURES AND EVENTS November 2nd

10am—Amaryllis for Holiday Displays. Discover the best varieties, plus tips for growing, making flowers last and propagation. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

November 7th

1-4pm—Native Plant School: Pruning, Training and Transplanting Trees, Shrubs and Vines. $15 ($12 Garden/SNR members). Whitmire Wildflower Garden at Shaw Nature Reserve. For reservations or more information, call (636) 451-3512 or visit www.shawnature.org.

November 9th 10am—Let’s Make A Terrarium. Class includes all the supplies needed and an experienced terrarium tutor to guide you through the process. $45 fee, $35 if you bring your own glass container. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. Call 314-965-3070 for reservations.

November 10th 10am-5pm—Christmas Open House in Old Webster. Visit Rolling Ridge Nursery

and all the other Old Webster retailers to celebrate the start of the Holiday Season. Rolling Ridge Nursery, 60 N. Gore, Webster Groves, MO, 63119.

November 16th and December 7th

Noon-2pm—Vino Van Gogh Painting Event. Paint, Drink and be Merry. Vino Van Gogh provides all art supplies: canvas, brush, paint & an apron to wear. Turn a blank canvas into your own work-of-art. Cost: $38.00. Refreshments available. Bring your own wine. Seating may be limited. Sign up at http://www.vinogogh.com/ or call 866-390-9917. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, 636-239-6729, www.hillermann.com.

November 16th 10am—Holiday Outdoor Containers and Decorations Using Natural Elements. Learn how to use the bounty of your yard, along with seasonal ornaments and evergreen plants to create exquisite containers and decorations. Sugar Creek Gardens, 1011 Woodlawn Rd., Kirkwood. FREE. Call (314) 965-3070 for reservations.

November 20th through January 5th 10am-4pm—Victorian Christmas at Tower Grove House. See the Victorian country home of Garden founder Henry Shaw decked for the holidays in true Victorian style. Enjoy storytelling on Saturdays at 11am and don’t miss the special activities for children! Open Wednesday through Sunday, closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas Days. Included with Garden admission. Missouri Botanical Garden.

November 23rd through January 5th 9am-5pm—Gardenland Express. Annual holiday flower and train show features G-scale model trains traveling through a miniature landscape of living plants, surrounded by more than 500 colorful poinsettias and other flowers. Closes early at 4pm on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve; closed Christmas Day. Orthwein Floral Display Hall at Missouri Botanical Garden.

November 23rd through January 4th

Garden Glow. Missouri Botanical Garden (See pg. 14 for details).

November 23rd through January 5th 9am-5pm—Holiday Wreath Auction. Featuring unique creations by some of the area’s finest floral designers. All wreaths are sold by silent auction bidding, with proceeds benefiting the Missouri Botanical Garden. Monsanto Hall, upper level of the Ridgway visitor center.

November 24th

9am-4pm—Poinsettia Wonderland Open House. See the largest display of poinsettias in the area. Guided tours of the greenhouses from 10am-3pm. Visit with Santa, and enjoy Christmas carolers, holiday cookies and

crafters. Proceeds from sales benefit Millstadt Optimist Youth Club. Millstadt Gardens, 6667 Route 158, Millstadt, IL, 62290. (618) 476-9600.

Noon-4pm—Chanukah: Festival of Lights. A traditional Jewish holiday celebration. Ridgway Visitor Center. Missouri Botanical Garden.

December 1st

9am-5pm—Christmas Open House. Super special discounts and a gift for stopping in. Santa will visit from noon-3pm. Bring your children and cameras for a great photo opportunity. Sappington Garden Shop, 11530 Gravois Rd., (314) 843-4700.

December 6th-8th 10am-4pm—Holiday Open House Weekend. Wine and Cheese reception Dec. 6th 4-8pm. Visit with Santa and more, 7th-8th, 10am-5pm. Garden Heights Nursery, 1605 S. Big Bend Blvd., Richmond Heights,

MO. GardenHeights.com.

December 7th-8th 1am-4pm—Holiday Open House. Cafe Angelina will be providing complimentary baked goods and coffee. We’ll have a large selection of Christmas trees (live and cut), pine roping, wreaths, live trimmings and holiday gifts for the gardener. Frisella Nursery, frisellanursery.com. (636) 798-2555.

December 7th and 14th 1-3pm—Santa at Hillermann’s! Bring your kids and pets (no reptiles please) to visit with Santa and tell him their Christmas wishes! Picture prints by YHTI Internet will be available for a charitable donation to Loving Hearts Outreach. A Kids’ Activity will also be available. Hillermann Nursery & Florist, (636) 239-6729, Hillermann.com.

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