THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 19, 1995 TAG: 9511170066
SECTION: HOME PAGE: G1 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: REMINDERS
SOURCE: ROBERT STIFFLER
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
SOON BIRD BATHS and watering stations will freeze. Now there is a device that gardeners can use to keep the water from freezing.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden newsletter says, ``A passive solar-water heater is now available for backyard nature lovers who want to provide water in winter for small animals or birds. It does not need recharging and is environmentally friendly - requiring only sunlight to work.''
There are four models of the Solar Sipper designed for birds, with variations in color and mounting brackets, and there are additional Solar Sippers for small animals. Prices for bird sippers range from $19.95 to $32.95. For a brochure and order form, write or call the manufacturer at: Happy Bird, Box 86, Weston, Mass. 02193; phone (617) 899-7804. Marinated earwigs
Gardeners often have problems with earwigs, an insect that is sometimes described as looking like a cricket with the snout on the wrong end. Because earwigs eat at night, it's sometimes difficult to pinpoint the source of garden damage.
Ann Parker, writing in National Gardening magazine for November, says she used insecticidal soap with marginal success. She added: ``I now use a potion discovered accidentally, after an outdoor Oriental stir-fry dinner in which the marinade stayed outside all night, uncovered. In the morning, it was filled with hundreds of drowned earwigs! Into two cups of water, add 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and molasses, a dash of vinegar and salt and 2 teaspoons sugar. Set the mixture out at night (I used cat food cans) near the plants being attacked.'' TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
The Garden Club of America Bulletin for November/December offers several timely suggestions:
``Ivy dipped in liquid wax, then dried on newspapers will last out of water for up to two weeks, making it useful for garlands and other short-term decoration schemes.''
``This winter storage method keeps clipper shears and other tools clean and sharp. Scoop clean sand into a new pail, mix 1/2 cup of oil into the sand. Sharpen and clean each tool with a file, sandpaper it, wipe with a clean rag and plunge into the sand for the winter. The sand can be re-used for many years.'' DISHING UP ITS FORECASTS
It's 1996 almanac time. Baer's Almananc, published for its 171st year in Lancaster, Pa., says winter 1995-96 will be normal with a few exceptions. But editor Gerald Letz says if you don't like our weather, try our recipes, including energy tonic soup, gumbis, a Pennsylvania-Dutch stew and Cajun Maque Choux, a corn dish. The almanac also tells how to raise paw paws and what is new with dandelions. Baer's Almanac & Gardener's Guide is on sale at shops and newsstands or can be ordred by mail for $3.50 sent to Baer's, Box 328, Lancaster, Pa. 17608. HOLLY ENTHUSIASTS
If you're a holly enthusiast, you may want to join the Colonial Virginia chapter of the Holly Society of America on Saturday when it meets at The Islander, Route 223, Gwynn's Island, in Mathews County. The meeting, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., includes lectures on gardening with hollies and exhibiting holly sprigs. Lunch will be served and is included with the registration fee of $15, mailed to Peggy McComb, P.O. Box 117, Bena, Va. 23018. Call (804) 642-2449. THE COLORS OF IRIS
Want to learn about new colors in iris? The Tidewater Iris Society meets at 2 p.m. today in the Virginia Beach Central Library. The public is invited to a free lecture on new iris colors by Ann and Mike Lowe, nationally known hybridizers. Call 466-7824. PRUNE PHOTINIA IN WINTER
If your photinia needs pruning, the months ahead are the time to do it. Virginia Tech experts say if you prune photinia in spring or summer, you're bound to have leaf spot. The only time it should be pruned to avoid that problem is winter. A REDWOOD TO TRY
Jim Carcano, respected horticulturist for Winesett Nursery in the Pungo section of Virginia Beach, says the redwood they recommend is called Coastal Redwood Soquel, from California's Monrovia Nursery. Winesett keeps it in stock, and Carcano reports that people growing it have had good luck. If you want a redwood, it's not too late to plant. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
ROBERT STIFFLER
Salmon Beauty azalea is one of the prettiest azaleas that blooms
mid-season, around mid-May. A reliable plant, it can be found in
garden centers and planted now.
by CNB