Chris H. Olsen Online Blog

Pack It Up

2012-01-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

Lordy, I am tired, but I finally have all 23 boxes packed and ready to go to storage. Un-decorating my house from the holidays is a major chore but also an opportunity to rearrange my existing furniture and for that matter my accessories. Make it easier on yourself next year when decorating. Color coordinate your ornaments and make sure you completely protect your silks. Try to keep silks in a protected environment that is a constant temp all year. This way your investment will last for years to come. I keep my ornaments in clear plastic bins in my attic. Everything is organized in sections by color so it will be so much easier to grab this coming Christmas season.

Bringing Spring Indoors

2012-01-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

I don' know about you, but I am ready for spring. With that being said and with my Christmas decor packed away, I have placed fresh live plants through out my house that give me the hope of spring. Use such florals such as potted azaleas, hydrangeas, some vibrant kalanchoes, and even orchids. The key to their success is plenty of indirect light and keep them slightly moist at all times. Especially the indoor azaleas, they dry out with in just a few days. Place your spring delights in aged Terra Cotta pots with some green sheet moss. Remember to use saucers underneath for water control. Spring has sprung, at least indoors.

Happy New Year Hats

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000-08:00

Great project for children. Just pick up some plain plastic top hats, and assortment of stickers and numbers. Then go ahead and have each guest and children decorate their own hats. Then let the party begin...

Breakfast Tacos

2012-01-02T09:57:00.000-08:00

Treat yourself or your guest to fresh, delightful, and delicious breakfast tacos. These tacos have some kick, but the hot sauce can be dialed back as needed. Subbing in cool Greek yogurt for sour cream eliminates almost all fat but you have some good protein.

Ingredients:

2 fresh poblano chilies
1 Teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups drained canned red kidney beams, 1/4 cup liquid reserved
7 ounces cored fresh pineapple, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thing rings, rings then cut into 8 pieces.
2 to 4 tablespoons hot sauce,
8 soft corn tortillas (6 inches)
2/3 cup non fat Greek yogurt
1/3 cup cilantro leaves

1. Remove stems and seeds from peppers. Thinly slice peppers.

2. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook peppers for about 3 minutes. Add scallions and cook for about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Add beans, and cook until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Add reserved canning liquid from beans, the pineapple, and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, to keep warm.

3. Using tongs, hold tortillas over a gas flame until lightly toasted, about 30 seconds per side; transfer to a plate, and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm.

4. Fill tortillas with bean mixture. Top with yogurt, cilantro, and remaining 2 tablespoons hot sauce which is optional.

Alternatives to Poinsettias

2011-12-18T04:07:00.000-08:00

If you are worried about having poinsettias around your pets, etc. but want that Christmas color, then use some other alternatives.... I like to use blooming bulbs like the Amaryllis, Paper Whites, and other varieties in white. Try to grow the Kalanchoe, florist Azalea, and even a Lemon Cypress tree. For something different, try the white Lenten Rose. But sometimes, there is nothing like a cheerful lush poinsettia plant. Remember, poiset are not poisonous but can make your stomach a little sick.

Keeping Your Cut Evergreens Fresh

2011-12-15T04:06:00.000-08:00

Some of us, like myself, have switched from live cut evergreen garland, wreaths, and even Christmas trees to silk substitutes. I have no choice since I start decorating my home the first week in November, but if you are among those die hard that just have to have fresh scented evergreen decorations, then here are a few tips to make them look fresh and alive up to Christmas. First, place your greenery in areas that do not get direct sunlight. Also, always keep away your greenery from heat vents and try to use LED lights that are cooler in temp. so your greenery does not dry out so fast. Mist with water once or twice a day if possible and keep your tree pan full of water at all times. Go ahead and use a preservative that you can add to the water. You can find this product usually where you have purchased your Christmas tree. Over a fireplace try to wait about 1 week before Christmas to decorate. Finally, if your greenery starts to look rather dry, just add some fresh greenery sprays to your display. Most places that sell trees will have extra cut limbs that you can add to garland and wreaths to keep them fresh and plumb. Or trim a few bushes and trees in your yard or like I do...borrow from your neighbors...just kidding.

Peace and Joy,
Chris

"Holiday Planted Container"

2011-11-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Have fun with your potted containers this season. Plant your pots with an assortment of evergreens and then embellish with bamboo poles spray painted a vibrant Christmas red. Stick those in the pot in groupings of odd numbers and the length of each pole is up to you. Then add red netting and a cluster of ornaments. WOW.....Santa will stop by for sure....

Have a great week....

Friends visiting on the set with Chris!!

2011-11-11T07:21:00.000-08:00

We had such a great time filming this past week...and to make it even MORE special..we had a few visitors!! Some of our fans came by! To make it even MORE special...these folks came in sooo early!
It was great showing off the set that myself and my staff at Botanica had designed! Thanks everyone for your love and support!
Here's a few pics!!

"Christmas Decor for Your Door"

2011-11-11T07:14:00.000-08:00

Add holiday cheer to your front door this Christmas. Stop yourself from doing the same "old thing" that you do ever year. I'm going to show you some joyful, unique, and easy ways to make your front door festive for this Christmas season. Use accessories and other supplies that you would normally never consider as a holiday decoration. From wire bowls, silk sedums, to long door swags, your front door can be the focal point of your neighborhood street.

Weed and What Not to Feed Your Turf

2011-09-12T09:54:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year to get ready to pre-emerge your turf and to winterize your lawn with a low or zero nitrogen fertilizer. Before your winter weeds start to sprout, this is the time to go to your local garden center and pick up a pre-emergent weed product. Remember, a pre-emergent only works before your weeds start, so don't be too lazy, get ready and get a head start. You will want to make sure that you read the label on the bag very carefully and that the product will work for your turf variety.
Soon you will want to go ahead and also winterize your lawn with a fertilizer that has little or no nitrogen. Your goal for your turf during the cooler months is to promote root growth. Any turf fertilizer with high potassium will do the trick.
Happy Gardening!

Delicious, Easy Sides

2011-09-08T05:11:00.000-07:00

Grilled Rainbow Peppers- Preheat grill to about medium-high heat or oven to about 400 degrees. Quarter 3 bell peppers (use green, red, and yellow for fall colors): L

ightly coat with vegetable cooking spray. Grill peppers, covered with grill lid, 5 minutes on each side or until tender; arrange, cut sides up, on a serving platter. Whisk together 3 Tbsp. olive oil, 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar, and 1 Tbsp. brown sugar: drizzle over peppers. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese, 1/2 cup loosely packed torn fresh basil leaves, and salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Makes 4 t0 6 servings. Hands-on time is about 20 minutes . Not to bad!!

Shell Details

2011-08-25T06:14:00.000-07:00

Give your terra-cotta pots an aged look, then trim them with sea shells.

1. To weather your pot, combine 1 part powder milk paint (available at crafts stores) with 1 part water. Apply to pot with a paintbrush. Let dry 1 hour.

2. Working in a well-ventilated area, sand your pot with medium-grit sandpaper until your desired look is achieved.

3. Gather some shells that are uniform in size and appearance. Affix shells to the rim of your pot with tacky glue or with a hot glue gun.

Let dry and plant with any variety of plant that you like. I think Echiveras would look great with this look.

Happy Gardening!!!

Recycle Milk Jugs

2011-07-25T11:56:00.001-07:00

Don't throw away your plastic milk jugs. Recycle them instead!! I have found that 1-gallon milk jugs work just perfect as nursery pots, plus they have handles. Simply cut out the spout and front of the jug, leaving the handle. Then punch a few holes in the bottom for drainage and it is ready for your seedlings to grow with vengeance.

How to Extend the Blooming Season of Your Summer Annuals

2011-07-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed that your summer annuals maybe looking rather tired. Don't give up on them yet. Persistence is the key here. You have to water on a consistent basis, trim back occassionally, and of course fertilize. It is so easy to get lazy this time of year. Who wants to works out side with these hot temperatures?? Place these thought on hold, and gather the strength to out in the garden and do some needed chores. This is the time to lightly prune back petunias, impatiens, begonias, and other leggy annuals. Annuals tend to strengthen during the very hot months. Then go ahead and fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer. A liquid food will be more immediate. Fertilize every 4 weeks at least. Make sure you always keep your seasonal annuals moist and do not let them get too dry. Dryness can weaken the plant and thus they produce little too no flowers.

Watermelon-Peach Salsa and Tomatoes

2011-07-11T07:57:00.000-07:00

When you think of summer, you may be like me, you think about foods like watermelon, peaches, and yes... ripe tomatoes. These three foods, when blended together make for a delightful treat.
Here is what you will need to create just ONE of those special treats that your guests will think you spent HOURS on:

Supplies:

1/2 cup hot pepper jelly
1 Tbsp. lime zest
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
2 cups seeded and diced fresh watermelon
1 cup peeled and diced fresh peaches
1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
1/3 cup chopped fresh chives
3 cups baby heirloom tomatoes, halved
Salt and freshly ground pepper
Garish with fresh basil sprigs

Whisk together pepper jelly, lime zest, and lime juice in a bowl; stir in watermelon and next 3 ingredients.

Season halved baby tomatoes with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Spoon into cocktail glasses, top with salsa. Garnish, if so desired (you will want too.....).

Have a great day...

Creating the perfect Fathers Day Gift! One is the Wine Bottle Star!

2011-06-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

Ugggg.........yes.........it is that time of year to find that perfect gift for that special man in your life.......your Dad..... If your Dad is a gardener or just simply likes to play in the yard, then we have that perfect gift. The best gift is usually a collaboration of several different and related items. You want your Dad to know you actually put some thought into it. Here a inexpensive but wonderful gift idea. Purchase or reuse an existing hanging basket. A plastic basket will be just fine Then place four herbs in the empty baskets still in their individual pots. Then go ahead and also add to the mix a book on herbs. Secure with raffia or twine, add a card, and now your done. We will show you several other ideas to make Father's Day a very special day this year as well.

Here's another idea! I like surprises in the garden. Here is a fun and simple project to hang from your trees or simply use in a container. I call this a "wine bottle star".

Your will need:

9 Assorted wine bottles with corks
2 tubes Household silicone glue
4 rolls Paper towels
A little patience

First you start with gluing the bottoms of 4 wines bottles together. Let dry for 4 hours.
Then you glue the center of the 4 bottles with one additional bottle sitting upwards. Let dry for 4 hours.
Last, you then glue 4 bottle leaning upwards at a 45 degrees angle with the paper towels supporting each bottle as they dry for 4 hours.

Then either place in a tree or lay on top of a pot and then plant around.

Adding Texture and Color to your Garden

2011-06-08T02:29:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year to get your gardens looking great so you can enjoy their beauty all summer long. I know, the temperature is getting hot, but it's not too late. So let's get some work done. Remove those old pansies and add lots of different varieties of annuals. Cheat a little and fill voids with over sized hanging baskets. Use colorful foliage plants such as Moses in a Cradle that will for sure add color to your landscape all the way through to the first frost. Remember to add plants such as the Summer Snap Dragons, Hibiscus, and Kimberly Ferns for drama. I like to plant in drifts and I like the flowerbeds full and lush. You get alot of bang for your buck when you spend more for spring and summer annuals. Eight months for that matter. So spend a little money and enjoy a beautiful retreat all summer long. See what we have planted in the Weather Garden. We have lots of great ideas for you.

Dressing Up A Dreary Fence

2011-06-03T11:54:00.000-07:00

So many of us are surrounded by a wood fence. A wood fence can become our only focal point in the back yard. It is virtually impossible for most of us to cover and hide the entire fence. So, in these circumstances this is what I do.....work with it! Just find inexpensive metal art such as metal flowers at your local garden center or craft store. Then, add some pizazz by spray painting each item a vibrant color, like I've done here, where I chose a BEAUTIFUL orange. Then place at a random pattern on the fence by attaching each piece with wood screws. Before you know it, you will have an awesome display and our old wood fence will be a forgotten memory of the past.

Caring For Container Gardens

2011-05-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

Water Keep soil evenly moist. That generally means daily watering in hot, dry weather. Stick a finger into the soil. If it feels dry, water. A moisture meter is ideal.

Pinch Encourage branching and bushy habit growth by pinching out stem tips once or twice early in the season.

Deadhead To encourage a steady stream of flowers, remove spent ones regularly.

Feed Container plants need frequent small feedings. Water weekly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Note that some bagged container mixes contain fertilizer. Read the bag, please, to see when you will need to begin feeding.

Prune If plants get leggy and if blooming slows, cut them back hard, then water and feed. They'll bounce back and bloom quickly.

Bountiful Vegetables and Savory Herbs

2011-05-10T12:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing tastes better than garden-fresh produce or newly picked herbs, especially when they're home grown. Use the three secrets presented here, and you are sure to be producing your own in no time!

Start Small: A 4 by 4 foot garden will produce a lot of vegetables, yet is still easy to maintain. You can always enlarge it once you have a bit of experience.

Work on Your Soil: Concentrate on improving the soil and ensuring good drainage. Also, don't forget to keep weeds under control.

Grow Easy Crops: Start with radishes, leaf lettuce, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.

Plant in wide rows: This uses space efficiently. Traditional gardens, with paths between rows, use 50 percent of the space available. Wide rows devote 80 percent of the available space to crops.

Plant crop after crop: Plant a new crop as soon as one is finished.

Give your soil TLC: Intensive gardening takes nutrients from your soil. Amend it with compost or other organic matter after every harvest.

A Living Easter Basket

2011-04-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Easter baskets are not just for candy. Create your own beautiful living Easter basket. Just line the basket with a plastic liner or plastic bag and then place an assortment of wonderful spring flowers and houseplants. Remember to get plants that not only have color but texture. Pick various sizes and heights and then squish their root balls together and create a lush and full arrangement. Complement the look with custom painted (in Easter hues) ceramic or fiberglass bunnies.

The Scoop on Shrubs

2011-04-11T09:35:00.000-07:00

The simple shrub---it can work wonders in your yard. Whether it's structure, privacy, color or wildlife you seek, there's a shrub to fill every need.

Growing on a smaller scale than trees, shrubs are easier to manage and more admirable at eye level. Their size also means it's easier to find spots for them in a existing landscape, and they won't create large areas of unwanted shade. An added bonus, you get to enjoy their appearance year-round. Follow these steps and put shrubs to work for you.

1. Savvy Shopping--Find out which shrubs meet your needs.
2. Find the Right Spot--Take a walk around your property and determine where shrubs may fit in.
3. Planting-Planting shrubs isn't as hard as you would think.
4. Finishing Touches--Frequent watering and fertilizing will do wonders.

Fine Vines

2011-04-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

VINE-ally!! A way to expand your gardens without having to break ground. Think up rather than out, and let climbing vines do the rest. Vines give your garden new dimension, add vibrant color to your landscape as well as being a practical problem solver for many unsightly situations. Looking to hide those ugly trash cans near your house?? Let a vine climb a trellis placed in front of them. Want to blend your chain-link fence into the landscape?? A flowering vine will give it a natural look without sacrificing function.

Mix annual vines such as Morning Glories, the Cardinal Cypress Vine, and the purple Hyacinth Vine (btw..love this plant!!!), with wood vines. Some great woody vines are Evergreen Clematis, any type of climbing rose, Carolina Jasmine, Star (or Confederate) Jasmine, and so many others. If you mix your vines, then in summer when your woody vines are just green, but the annual vines will be in full bloom. Remember...just stop in at Botanica Gardens and either myself or one of the staff will be HAPPY to help you out!!

Hello, Sunshine

2011-03-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

With just the beginning of spring, we are all craving some sunshine. Bring the color of yellow to your garden with wonderful plants such as the Winter Jasmine. This plant will grow about 4 foot tall and will bloom its heart out in winter and early spring. Easy to grow, this plant loves a semi-shady area. Don't forget some others such as the Kierra Japonica and the Forsythia. These two can tolerate more light and will bloom at different times. The forsythia will bloom early and the Kierra Japonica will bloom about 3 weeks later. WOW..........sunshine for weeks.............

Soil 101

2011-03-15T09:29:00.000-07:00

Good soil is the secret to any great garden. It is really simple to build a rich, fertile soil that will produce lush vegetables and herbs or beautiful flowers.

The secret to good soil is organic matter. It releases nutrients to plant roots and also helps make spaces in soil, called pores, that hold the water and air that roots need to grow. The following steps will build great garden soil:

1. Add organic matter You simply can't add too much organic matter. Use homemade or purchased compost, leaf mold, or other organic matter. Either dig into the soil before planting or spread it on the surface.

2. Keeping adding it You need to replenish all the time. Mulching and rebarking beds is a great way to add organic matter on beds every year.

3. Don't walk on beds Walking on cultivated soil flattens soil pores, causing compacted soil, which hampers root growth. Compressed soil also doesn't drain as well. Reach in to tend plants or use stepping stones.

4. Keep soil covered Maintain a layer of compost, chopped leaves, shredded bark, and/or straw on the soil to keep it cool and protect it from wind and rain.

5. Consider testing To learn more about your soil, give a soil sample to your local Cooperative Extension Service or buy a do-it-yourself soil test kit.

Weed and Feed

2011-03-07T07:13:00.000-08:00

If you are a do-it- yourself type of person (I am not sure why....), then it's time to apply pre-emergent to your turf. Remember to read the different products directions on the market carefully. Watch out for those products that you can't use on certain warm season grasses such as St. Augustine and Centipede grasses. If you use the wrong product, then you could kill your turf. When you find the right product, make sure you apply it according to the directions as well. To much of a good thing can be a bad thing.

I use a lawn spreader when applying a granular product. You will want to go in one direction at half rate and then in an other direction at half rate. This will ensure full coverage.

The weeds to control now are crabgrass, Dallas grass, and broad leaf weeds. If you wait too long, then a pre-emergent will not work on existing weeds. For existing weeds you will have to use a post emergent which is usually in a liquid form.

As always, please protect yourself from these chemicals. Wear long sleeves and pants and make sure, if possible, to wear a dust mask. I know..........you won't look pretty but who cares when it comes to your health.

How and What to Use When Cleaning Your Patio Cushions

2011-02-28T11:28:00.000-08:00

Yes...........It is that time of year to get your patio furniture ready for the warm seasons. Most of us hate to wash cushions and patio furniture and for that matter, most of us don't know what products to use. Just plain soap and water won't do. You need to use stronger products to clean that mildew and give those cushions a new and fresh look. I know there are products on the market that claim to clean outdoor cushions, but I have found, usually, that they have not really gotten the job done for me. So what I use is a commercial mildew cleaner. You can go to your local home and center and purchase a big container of mildew cleaner. Word of CAUTION, first try a very small area of one of your cushions (preferably the bottom) to make sure that the bleach or chemicals in the mixture will not discolor. I personally have never had that problem, but it's important to make sure you test. I simply spray my cushions on the driveway with water. Then pour the product right onto cushions and scrub it into it with a scrub brush. Then wash of with clean water. Let dry before placing onto the furniture. If you have a lot of mildew and some of it remains after scrubbing, no worries, it will fade away in a few hours.

Hot House Plants to Beautify Your Home

2011-02-21T08:44:00.000-08:00

This is going to be a two parter since I have so many cool things to share with you! So make sure to check back NEXT MONDAY!!

Rule number 1: Never follow but always lead. This rule applies definitely when you are decorating your home inside and, for the matter, on the outside as well. It's almost spring time and you get that spring fever to clean your house and you desire that fresh and new look. You can fluff up your home decor without spending much cash at all. Simply place new hybrids of houseplants to spice up your decor. Here are some hip and fun plants that will do the job: The Dragon series Dracena (twisted and awesome), The hanging pitcher plant (loves bugs), the nun orchid, the velvet purple passion plant (great color), every type of bromeliad you have never seen and lush, lacy ferns.

Just give all these plants lots of indirect light. Keep moist and please don't over water. Fertilize every few weeks with Miracle Gro and you will have beautiful houseplants that not only complement your decor but help purify your air.

"Give Soap a Chance"

2011-02-15T11:44:00.000-08:00

You're on the right track with the soapy water, but not all soaps are created equal in the bug killing department. Though all of them are formed by the interaction of fat with an alkaline substance, if that makes any sense, the number and nature of fatty acids they contain varies quite a bit. I know this might not matter when your doing the dishes, but it can mean a lot when we are trying to cope with an aphid invasion on your indoor plants!!

So before you give up on soap, try a product specially formulated for houseplant care. At Botanica Gardens we have several different soap mixtures. Not only are they more likely to do the job for which it is intended, they also are less likely to burn the leave of sensitive plants.

"Sweet Valentines for your Sweetheart"

2011-02-07T08:46:00.000-08:00

Don't get nervous!! You still have time to find that perfect Valentine gift. If you want to give a personal and custom made gift (and you should), then here is an easy and afforable idea. Just spray paint a Terra Cotta pot red, pink, or white. Then take decals and tape and apply to your painted pot to create your own design. Then spray with adhesive glue, apply a generous application of glitter, let dry, and then remove the decals and tape to reveal a wonderful new look. The final touch is to plant the pot with spring bloomers such as tulips. All you need is a special card to complement your new creation. You are sure to score major brownie points this Valentine's Day. You can thank me later.....

Sweet Valentines Gifts

2011-02-01T08:04:00.000-08:00

Okay..let's talk. If you have been giving your Sweet Valentine the same gift each and every year, then promise me this, you will stop! If you do, then will get so much band for your buck when you do something different this year! Usually, but not always, the same gift each year says that your too lazy to do anything else. It's easy and effortless. Well, is that the impression you really wan to to give the love of your life...or that very special someone??? I hope not! So, instead, create a gift that is made up of several items. For example, add a bar of nicely wrapped soap, some candy, a candle, a small arrangement of flowers, a gift certificate from his or her favorite store, and even a cool Arkansas crystal! This gift says..."You are worth my time to take a few precious moments out of my very busy day and search for such individual and special items". Usually, you can even find all of those items at one store!! You have to LOVE THAT!!

Creating the Perfect Coffee Table Look!

2011-02-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

You can make you coffee table look so stylish by just doing a few simple and easy tricks. I have found that the coffee table is an ideal place to show off your collectibles and assortment of different items you may have. Create a mix match look. for goodness sakes, try to refrain from using everything that matches! Mix new items with old items. Add one or two contemporary elements or simply display 3 traditional items in a straight line. The magic number is three here! Three items together and lined up gives a nice contemporary look! Use some stacked books for a pedestal and then add a few assorted items like a mineral rocks, a small vase with fresh flowers, and a bowl planted with our favorite and colorful tropical plants such as Bromeliads. It's that simple...

Of course, don't forget candles..there is nothing that sets the mood of relaxation as lit candles! Candles are so inexpensive..so don't be cheap and light them EVERY NIGHT!! Treat yourself..YOU DESERVE IT!

Are Poinsettias Poisonous?

2010-12-20T07:13:00.000-08:00

I feel sorry for the Poinsettia. It has gotten such a bad rap for the past several years. So many people believe that the leaves of the beautiful holiday plant are poisonous. It all started back in the early part of the 20th Century when the young child of a U.S. Army Officer was alleged to have died from consuming a poinsettia leaf. The story was later retracted. But, as these things have a habit of doing, the toxic potential of this plant took a life of its own. The truth really is that other than occasional cases of vomiting, ingestion of the poinsettia plant has been found to produce no ill effect. The American Medical Association agrees with this fact. So, no worries about your children or your pets. Just enjoy this wonderful plant that has come to represent the Holiday Season!!!

2010-12-06T19:22:00.001-08:00

Forcing Paper White Bulbs is so Easy!!

If you want beautiful paper whites blooming for the holidays then you better get going! Here is a great idea for you! All you have to do is go to your local garden center and buy some fresh bulbs and plant on a gravel base in a bowl of water. The bulbs should just be sitting on the gravel and only the bottom of the bulb should be touching the water. I like to plant my bulbs in potting soil mixed with a heavy dose of sand. Then cover the soil with green sheet moss. Place in a sunny and warm area indoors and in just a few weeks you will have beautiful flowers! It is almost too late for the Christmas Holidays, so if you don't have the time then you can usually find them already growing at your local florist!

AWESOME FALL BULB

2010-10-18T14:54:00.000-07:00

If you know me, then you know I am all about keeping things simple. This is no exception in my garden. I hate planting bulbs..........Really.....................I just despise it. So if by chance I am going to plant some bulbs this season, then I want a bulb that will perform like a champ in spring, making my sweat and hard work pay off.

So, I have a great spring blooming bulb that will make your neighbors soooooooooooo jealous. I love that!!!!!! If you like daffodils then buy the 'Jetfire'. It has yellow petals and an orange throat. What is great about it, is that it blooms like crazy. Mine lasted 5 weeks last year. Each bulb produced over 8 stems of flowers. That's right...........One bulb............Just say in.

FEEDING BULBS

2010-10-16T14:41:00.000-07:00

So you have decide to plant some fall bulbs. Good for you!!!!!!!!! I just ordered mine and I can't wait to have my crew plant them. I have to be honest, I hate to plant bulbs. No immediate gratification. But in late winter and early spring, I am glad they are there.

If you want many seasons of bloom, it's a good idea to work in a bit of rock phosphate at planting time. But it's not necessary to fertilize spring-blooming bulbs to be honest. Sure I want to sell you some product, but assuming you've bought quality bulbs, next year's bud is already inside and your first season of bloom is assured.

When the leaves appear in spring, sprinkle some compost or well-rotted cow manure around the base of the plant, or water once with a high-phosphorus soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength.

So easy...............I like it that way....

Have a great day...........

AWESOME DECKS AND PATIOS

2010-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

So many of us spend alot of time outdoors, especially this time of year. Whether you have a patio or a deck, you can decorate and accessorize to give that designer look. First, you want to mix and match your furniture. Add a nice teak sofa with plush cushions and then for contrast, add contemporary chairs for added excitement. Don't be afraid to take a risk. Don't be shy!!!! Let go and experiment.

If you need a dining area then forget about the typical matching set. Get an old door and use it as a table with a iron base. Then instead of chairs use benches. Accessorize with old, over-sized candle operas. Don't forget to add other elements such as antique statues, and an iron console table.

Containers with an assortment of lush plants will soften your area. Then go bold and use urns planted with the Americana Agave. Agave love heat and can tolerate being planted in small containers. They look like a living sculpture. Then add fun plants such as a sedum planted turtle and even a bonsai tree.

Sit back and enjoy the world around you!!!!

EVIL NASTY WEEDS

2010-10-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

It time to get off that couch and get those yard chores done. This is the time to apply pre-emergent to prevent those evil weeds from germinating. If you get lazy and wait to long....watch out..........Your lawn will look like a country lawn this winter. If by chance your weeds have germinated then just apply a post-emergent.

Don't forget to apply a pre-emergent to your flower beds as well. You will thank me later........

Have a great weekend.........

Chris

PANSIES, MUMS, AND CABBAGES...ITS TIME!!!

2010-09-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

With the cooler temperatures it is time to go ahead and plant your pansies, ornamental cabbages and kale, snapdragons, curled leaf parsley, Swiss chard, and fall mums. Remember to add some fresh new organic mix and fertilize with a slow release fertilizer. Plant your flowerbeds nice and full to get that instant look.

Don't forget...Botanica Gardens at 1601 Rebsamen Park Road in Little Rock is having their huge Fall Extravaganza....big savings!!!!!!! Check it out at botanicagardens.com.

DIVIDING HARDY MUMS

2010-09-24T07:15:00.000-07:00

Don't be tempted to divide your mums in the fall. They respond best to being split in the spring, just as they're starting to grow. Dig up the plant. Discard the center of the clump and replant the vigorous outer roots. Don't repeatedly remove sections from the edge of the clump to give away, or you'll be left with just the old, woody center, which will grow and flower, but weakly.

Have a great weekend..........

Chris

To Plant or Not to Plant.....

2010-09-20T17:18:00.001-07:00

If you are like me your are a very impatient person. Right about now you want to plant your pansies and add some fall color. But I would wait if I was you. Right now our temperatures are still in the 90's. This is hot for pansies. If you plant them now, they probably will survive, but they will stretch and grow leggy. When pansies grow leggy, they usually never rebound. So be patient and wait until around mid-October. Save your money and you will be grateful next month........

FEEDING THE BIRDS

2010-09-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

The birds will soon begin their winter migrations. Give them a helping hand by providing them with some food for their long journey. No one likes to travel on an empty stomach, and you may even persuade a few of them to stick around for the winter, if they know they have a reliable food source!

Make me dinner and I will show up as well.....

SEPTEMBER GARDEN TIP 3

2010-09-15T08:19:00.000-07:00

One last effort at weeding will help to improve the appearance of your garden throughout the winter.

Continue to watch for insect, slug, and snail, or disease damage throughtout the garden, and take the necessary steps to control the problem.

Don't rebark your flower beds just yet. Wait until Febrauary as I do. At this time all oak trees should have dropped their remaining leaves. Fresh bark will help with your weed problems and will improve the appearance of your landscape by 500 percent. Don't be cheap and rebark every year.

SEPTEMBER GARDENING TIPS

2010-09-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Great weather today................

Mark your perennials with permanent tags, or create a map showing their locatins so you'll know where and what they are when they die back at the end of the season. This will help you to avoid digging up something your intended to keep when you plant bulbs and plants this fall and next spring.

Fall Chores-Start Now...LAWN CARE.

2010-09-10T10:51:00.000-07:00

With Fall just around the corner here are a few lawn chores that will need to be done.

1. September is one of the best months of the entire year for seeding or sodding new lawns.

2. If the lawn needs thatching, it can be done during the early fall.

3. Over seed old lawns with fresh seed to help fill in the bare spots and crowd out weeds and mosses.

2010-09-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

MORNING SHOW:

Segment One: "Too Late to Prune Roses?"

Now that autumn is just around the corner, you may be thinking that it is too late to prune back your roses........well if you think not? Then think again. This is the perfect time of year to lightly (about 12 inches) prune back your roses to get them ready for another flush and therefore flowers for the fall season. You don't want to prune to far back because if you do, then it will take your plants too long to flush out before the first frost sets in.

This is also the perfect time to fertilize your roses for the last time with a high in phosphorus fertilizer. This will help promote more new growth and new growth means more flowers. You have to love that!!!!!!!!!

Segment Two: "Black Spot Control"

Black spot is a nasty fungus that attacks roses, causing circular black spots with fringed margins to form on the foliage. Infected leaves eventually turn yellow and drop, leaving the plants severely damaged and nearly nude. Because the spores are spread by splashing water, the fungus is worse in periods of rain and high humidity.

Here is a perfect homemade fungus-prevention spray

Mix:

1 gallon water (not chlorinated)
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon detergent (dish washing liquid is great)

Spray often. The mixture does not last long and its effects are entirely preventive. This is not a cure, so if you wait until you have problems, you will have damaged leaves.

Have a great day!

Chris

2010-08-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

If your leaves on your cannas are rolled and stuck together then your plants are infested with canna leaf rollers. There are two different types, but the symptoms and treatments are the same.

The adult insects lay eggs on new leaves. In the caterpillar stage they "stitch" the edges of young canna leaves together with a silken thread so they won't unfurl. This is the perfect hiding place as the caterpillar eats the leaf it's rolled in.

If you can open the leaf then remove the worm. Or if lots of leaves are already badly chewed up, snip them off and step on them. Make sure you throw them in the trash just in case there are any eggs still remaining.

A insecticide systemic also works against these worms. You just sprinkle it on the ground and water it in. The plant absorbs the poison and when the worm bites into the leaf, it will take in poison with each bite and eventually dies.

Second Segment: "Root Bound Plants"

If you have to replant root bound plants, there are a few facts that will increase the survival rate of your plant.

1. First water the plant well.

2. Hit the side of the plastic container with your fist or a rubber mallet. Do this on all sides.

3. Then gently tug and pull the plant out of the pot.

4. If you plant is real root bound, you do not ever want to cut the roots. You will want to loosen the roots my taking your figures and gently loosen the roots as not to break them.

5. Plant with organic matter. I mix half existing soil with half new soil.

6. Water in Root Stimulator.

7. Keep the plant moist and in a few weeks, fertilize with an all-purpose fertilizer.

That's it.

Happy Gardening,

Chris

2010-08-15T18:29:00.000-07:00

MORNING SHOW:

First Segment: "Desert Meets Water"

If you want to create that perfect arrangement for a party or simply for your pleasure then here is a unique idea. Purchase several different varieties of Echiveras. These are succulents. Then cut off the root balls. Just add a little hot glue to the bottom of each plant and place it on the bottom of a glass vase. Now feel the vase with a few inches with water . Place a few sea shells around each plant and scatter a few on the table around the vase. What a beautiful display!!!!!!

Second Segment: "Watermelon Sundae"

This is a very cool dessert. It is so refreshing and yet so simple to make. Go ahead and fill a glass dessert bowl with an assortment of berries such as raspberries, black berries, blue berries, and strawberries. Then on top of that take a ice cream scoop of fresh watermelon and place it on the pile of berries. Just add a dab of whip cream and a mint leaf or two. Ready to serve.

Have a wonderful week.........

Chris

Todays THV morning show 7-20-2010

2010-07-21T13:11:00.000-07:00

MORNING SHOW:

Segment 1: "Sizzling Plants for the Summer"

Are some of your plants looking rather drab? This is the perfect time to spruce up your flower beds and containers with fresh plants that will give you texture and color until frost. I like to use hanging baskets of summer hardy plants such as purslane, million bell petunias, and lantana. Don't forget to add color with blooming zinnas. They love the heat. The more sun the better they will do. Tropicals such as the Croton are great as well. This is the time I also plant my ornamental peppers. Ornamental peppers will look great now and especially in the Fall season when you mix in mums with them.

Segment 2: "A Cool Salas for a Hot Summer"

With the heat, we tend to eat cool or cold foods. Here is a very easy recipe that will tantalize your taste buds. The iceberg lettuce wedges with blue cheese vinaigrette is so refreshing. Here is what you need to do:

Salad can be easy to make especially when there is not dicing or shredding. Just quarter a head of iceberg lettuce, and top with a tasty blue cheese vinaigrette.

3 tablespoons white-wine vinegar
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 1 ounce)
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 head iceberg lettuce, quartered into wedges

1. Whisk together vinegar, shallot, and mustard. Pour oil in a slow, steady stream, mixing constantly until emulsified. Whisk in half the blue cheese. Season with salt.
2. Arrange lettuce wedges on a platter. Drizzle with vinaigrette. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and season with pepper.

Enjoy!!!

Chris

Some Spring Tips from Chris Olsen

2010-02-26T14:54:00.000-08:00

Spring means that the garden centers are packed with people, and car trunks are packed with plants. Everybody has dirt on their knees, dirt under their nails, and are excited about gardening.
Installing new plants and having them grow successfully is not difficult, nor is it as complicated as some would have you think. Is it as easy as just digging a hole and setting the plant in? Yes, it certainly can be.

Another sure sign of spring is the beginning of Daylight Savings Time. The time change means longer daylight in the evenings - a great time to get out and work in your garden. Now is the time to put out annuals and new perennials. If you have purchased new shrubs or trees to put into your landscape plant them after the new leaves have emerged.

This is also a great time to put in a new herb garden. If you plan to use herbs for cooking, place the garden next to your kitchen so picking and adding them to your cooking is an easy process. Finally, don't forget to plant your summer flowering bulbs such as Canna, Caladium, Elephant Ear, Dahlia, Ginger Lily and Tuberose.
The best approach is to organize your tasks and create a game plan. Here are some tips to help you get started on your Spring Gardening Task List. Soon you will be on your way to a beautiful yard that will be the envy of all your neighbors.

Inventory your tools: Replace any that need to be replaced: Was there a certain tool that you wanted all of last year but never got around to buying? Buy it now.

Clean and sharpen your tools: Purchase any needed tool accessories such as string for your weed eater. Are your gloves worn? Do you have an adequate supply of weed killer, spray bottles, ant killer, etc.? Stock up now.

Remove dead leaves and other debris from your lawn and gardening beds.

Prune shrubs and trees: Check with your local garden center for advice on what and when to prune specific plants.

Fertilize your lawn: When and how often will depend on your area and the type of grass. Check with your local nursery for advice.

Apply pre-emergent herbicides to lawn, shrubs, and perennial beds.

Remove old mulch and apply new mulch: Your new mulch definitely needs to be in place before the hot weather sets in, however, it may be applied at any time.

Care for your perennials by dividing and replanting if they are overcrowded. Cut back ornamental grasses and other perennials as needed.

Assess your yard and garden beds: Determine what plants you would like to add this year. Are there areas that need quick color? If so, you should consider planting some annuals. Do you have some underdeveloped areas that could use some perennials or shrubs or maybe even a tree? Decide what and where you want to add plants and then make plans to start planting once the threat of frost has passed.

When assessing your yard, don’t forget to consider the addition of containers, hanging baskets, and other yard accessories (such as a bird bath or bird feeders).

It is not too late to begin your plants from seeds: If the weather is still too cold in your area, you can start the seeds indoors and then plant outdoors when the weather is warmer.

Mowing and Edging: Check your mower and replace blades and spark plugs if needed and fill with fresh oil and gas. The first time you mow you should lower your blade one notch lower than usual. This will help get rid of any debris that settled on your lawn during the winter. Edging your lawn will make it look nicely manicured.

Monthly Tips: Choose from the following spring months for more exact tips of what to do during that month.