· Evergreen trees on the north side of your home can act as a windbreak for winter warmth.
· The value of a well landscaped home with trees and shrubs can be as much as 10% higher than a similar home with no landscaping.
Now let’s change the focus to HALLOWEEN!!! What a great time to decorate and enjoy the season. Here are “Tips for Selecting and Preserving Your Pumpkin.”
When selecting a pumpkin choose one that does not have any bruises. Check for discoloration and soft spots. The size will not matter, however, to most children and some adults, bigger is better.
Look for pumpkins with a sturdy stem. Check the bottom of the pumpkin to see if the base is damaged. If the pumpkin feels heavy and sloshes, put it back
If you place a pumpkin in a washtub of cold water, it will absorb the water and become very firm. Cut open the top of the pumpkin and clean out the seeds. If you have fine detail work to do, you may want to let your pumpkin soak overnight. This will firm up the pumpkin flesh and allow you to do intricate carving. You can add a small amount of bleach in the water to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Once you have carved your pumpkin add a thin amount of petroleum jelly on the exposed cut edges. This will help seal moisture. If the pumpkin dries out you can try to revive it by soaking it in a bath of cold water for one to eight hours.
You can prepare your pumpkins ahead of time and keep them fresh for a future party or gathering. Wrap them in plastic wrap to hold and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for a very long time.
Once you remove a wet pumpkin for display, dry it off. This prevents mold from having a chance to grow.
Now, enjoy all that the month of October has to offer and I will…
See you in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald