BIRDS & BLOOMS Newsletter

Nasturtiums

TURN YOUR back on nasturtiums—they'll thank you for it with plenty of bright beautiful blooms!

It goes against conventional belief, but neglecting these charming, old-fashioned garden plants actually helps them perform to their full potential. The last thing you want to do is "kill 'em with kindness."

Too much fertilizer and water can diminish the health and beauty of this plant. Excess nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves and no flowers. And over-watering causes disease problems. So once they're established, nasturtiums need little to no care.

It gets even better—all parts of garden nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are edible (as long as they're not treated with chemicals). In fact, early explorers ate the seeds, which are packed with vitamin C, to help prevent scurvy.

Their funnel-shaped blossoms and large round veined leaves have a mild spicy or peppery flavor that's often compared to watercress.

So there you have it—a carefree plant that'll make your backyard look like a million bucks and you look like a gourmet chef. That's a triple winner in our garden book!

Bright Bloomers
Nasturtiums are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, where they grow as perennials. However, these plants typically grow as annuals in North America.

Their seeds should be directly sowed into the garden after the last frost. But they don't hold up well to hot summers, so in the Southeast and Southwest it's best to plant them in fall. They'll thrive in the cooler winter temperatures.

The best part, in most cases, is there's no need to waste time amending the soil for these plants. And save your fertilizer—nasturtiums flourish where many others fail.

Locate nasturtiums in a sun-drenched area, planting them 3/4 inch deep. Give them plenty of water until they're established, and thin the plants as soon as they appear crowded, saving the most robust growers.

When buying seeds, pay close attention to the packets. Some varieties will grow in compact mounds up to 15 inches tall. These types are ideal for flower borders.

Others are climbers, scaling up to 8 feet if their leaves have something to cling to, such as a trellis or fence. They're also lovely when left to cascade from window boxes, hanging baskets, large containers or retaining walls.
There are about 50 varieties of these soft-stemmed herbs to choose from. Some newer varieties, such as the Alaska series, have variegated leaves with creamy speckles. Whirlybird's flowers appear above its leaves and provide a brilliant display.

But the fact is, any variety of this old-fashioned favorite will spice up your garden. And when compliments about your beautiful nasturtiums begin to blossom, don't let on that it took next to nothing to get them looking that way.

top

Taking a Break

WHILE I WAS watering the flowers in our containers one morning, an American robin approached and seemed to make eye contact.

It then hopped from pot to pot, getting closer and closer. I soon realized the bird wasn't looking at me. It was fixated on the water coming from the hose.

So I left the hose running, put it down on the ground and hid behind a nearby tree. Immediately, the bird hopped up to the nozzle and began drinking.

That robin and I became friends that summer. Every time I'd water the flowers, it was only a matter of minutes before the bird would hop on over and wait for its drink. As always, I obliged. —Bill Bolger, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

top

Step Aside

WHEN A YOUNG northern cardinal recently stopped at our popular birdbath, it was obvious this was its first visit to the watering hole.

The young bird desperately tried to keep from falling headfirst into the water. It was even concerned about getting its feet wet.

Soon, an adult northern mockingbird flew onto the other side of the rim and took several long drinks. Then it perched there and watched as the youngster tried, but failed, to reach the water with its bill.

Surprisingly, the mockingbird flew right next to the cardinal and proceeded to demonstrate the proper way to drink.

The young cardinal tried again while its “coach” looked on. Finally, success—the cardinal took a much-anticipated gulp.

Both flew off, and I smiled. It was a lesson well taught and well learned. —Jean Poldervaart, Point Blank, Texas

top

Saving Seeds

SEED SAVING can be a fun adventure. To collect seeds from annuals, such as impatiens, allow seeds to ripen fully. You can tell they're ripe when the pods that contain them are dry. Rub or break the pods to remove the seeds and then place the dried seeds in an airtight container (a small jar or a film canister works well). Don't forget to label the container.
Store the seeds in a cool dark place, such as the refrigerator, for winter before planting them next season.

top

Sweet Revenge

WE'VE FED our backyard birds for years and have always faced the same dilemma—how to keep the squirrels from breaking our feeders and stealing the birdseed.

Then my husband came up with a solution he thought would work. His plan was to put out peanuts as treats specifically for the squirrels. That way they'd stay off the bird feeders.

So he stacked some peanuts below a tree in our backyard and waited to see what would happen.

Believe it or not, a blue jay was the first to arrive! It picked one up, stashed the cache and came back a short time later to get more.

We were amazed that a bird beat a squirrel at its own game. The furry raiders had finally met their match. —Lee Mulcahy, Brooklyn, New York

top

Last Chance to Save on Select 2007 Tours!

$$firstname$$, Save Up to $150.00 Per Person on Select 2007 Tours!

Time is running out! Book a qualifying 2007 World Wide Country Tours vacation and you’ll save up to $150.00 per person on your trip!

Click here to see our selected 2007 Tours.

Use code BL39 when you reserve to claim your savings. Don’t wait to book your trip! Offer expires August 29, 2007!

Cannot be combined with any other offers.

Exclusive Tour Operator of Reiman Publications

1-800/344-6918
5939 Country Lane, Greendale WI 53129-1429

Setting the Table

SOMETIMES I like to offer backyard birds an extra-special treat. So I head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of my trademark “bird muffins.”

I'll set the muffins on my tray feeder and spear some onto tree branches near our picture window. My feathered friends seem to appreciate something new, and the batch lasts for days.

Here's the recipe:
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup flour
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 cup raisins
1/4 tablespoon sand
1/2 cup bacon drippings
1 cup water

Combine the cornmeal, flour, grated bread crumbs and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the raisins and sand and mix thoroughly. Then add the bacon drippings and water, stirring well.

Spoon the dough into muffin tins and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Cool the muffins to room temperature before serving. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator until it's time for a refill. —Linda Matcek, Splendora, Texas

top

Picture This

A BIRD finally gets the upper hand on a squirrel.

Click here to see!

top

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10 x 50 Binoculars with travel binoculars Visit The Country Store For More Information THIS NEWSLETTER is from the editors of some of your favorite magazines, including… FREE ISSUE! Claim Your FREE issue of the only magazine for bird and flower lovers! Click here for details FREE ISSUE! Claim Your FREE issue of America’s Favorite Backyard “How-To” Magazine! Click here for details FREE ISSUE! Treat yourself to a FREE issue of our newest backyard birding and gardening magazine! Click here for details	Dear $$firstname$$, Greetings from Birds & Blooms magazine! This month, learn how not to care for nasturtiums—and get better blooms because of it. You'll also find stories about birds outsmarting squirrels, see one in action in Picture This, and find a recipe for "bird muffins." Remember to share this newsletter with your friends who enjoy birding and gardening. If this newsletter was sent to you, sign up today and receive your own monthly Birds & Blooms e-mail. For more backyard fun, check out www.birdsandblooms.com and www.backyardlivingmagazine.com. You can also get more practical gardening ideas by signing up for the NEW monthly Garden Club newsletter. Photo: Alicia Eatmon READ ON TO DISCOVER... Nasturtiums Taking a Break Step Aside Saving Seeds Sweet Revenge Setting the Table Picture This Nasturtiums TURN YOUR back on nasturtiums—they'll thank you for it with plenty of bright beautiful blooms! It goes against conventional belief, but neglecting these charming, old-fashioned garden plants actually helps them perform to their full potential. The last thing you want to do is "kill 'em with kindness." Too much fertilizer and water can diminish the health and beauty of this plant. Excess nitrogen can lead to lots of leaves and no flowers. And over-watering causes disease problems. So once they're established, nasturtiums need little to no care. It gets even better—all parts of garden nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are edible (as long as they're not treated with chemicals). In fact, early explorers ate the seeds, which are packed with vitamin C, to help prevent scurvy. Their funnel-shaped blossoms and large round veined leaves have a mild spicy or peppery flavor that's often compared to watercress. So there you have it—a carefree plant that'll make your backyard look like a million bucks and you look like a gourmet chef. That's a triple winner in our garden book! Bright Bloomers Nasturtiums are native to the Andes Mountains in South America, where they grow as perennials. However, these plants typically grow as annuals in North America. Their seeds should be directly sowed into the garden after the last frost. But they don't hold up well to hot summers, so in the Southeast and Southwest it's best to plant them in fall. They'll thrive in the cooler winter temperatures. The best part, in most cases, is there's no need to waste time amending the soil for these plants. And save your fertilizer—nasturtiums flourish where many others fail. Locate nasturtiums in a sun-drenched area, planting them 3/4 inch deep. Give them plenty of water until they're established, and thin the plants as soon as they appear crowded, saving the most robust growers. When buying seeds, pay close attention to the packets. Some varieties will grow in compact mounds up to 15 inches tall. These types are ideal for flower borders. Others are climbers, scaling up to 8 feet if their leaves have something to cling to, such as a trellis or fence. They're also lovely when left to cascade from window boxes, hanging baskets, large containers or retaining walls. There are about 50 varieties of these soft-stemmed herbs to choose from. Some newer varieties, such as the Alaska series, have variegated leaves with creamy speckles. Whirlybird's flowers appear above its leaves and provide a brilliant display. But the fact is, any variety of this old-fashioned favorite will spice up your garden. And when compliments about your beautiful nasturtiums begin to blossom, don't let on that it took next to nothing to get them looking that way. top Taking a Break WHILE I WAS watering the flowers in our containers one morning, an American robin approached and seemed to make eye contact. It then hopped from pot to pot, getting closer and closer. I soon realized the bird wasn't looking at me. It was fixated on the water coming from the hose. So I left the hose running, put it down on the ground and hid behind a nearby tree. Immediately, the bird hopped up to the nozzle and began drinking. That robin and I became friends that summer. Every time I'd water the flowers, it was only a matter of minutes before the bird would hop on over and wait for its drink. As always, I obliged. —Bill Bolger, Sioux Falls, South Dakota top Step Aside WHEN A YOUNG northern cardinal recently stopped at our popular birdbath, it was obvious this was its first visit to the watering hole. The young bird desperately tried to keep from falling headfirst into the water. It was even concerned about getting its feet wet. Soon, an adult northern mockingbird flew onto the other side of the rim and took several long drinks. Then it perched there and watched as the youngster tried, but failed, to reach the water with its bill. Surprisingly, the mockingbird flew right next to the cardinal and proceeded to demonstrate the proper way to drink. The young cardinal tried again while its “coach” looked on. Finally, success—the cardinal took a much-anticipated gulp. Both flew off, and I smiled. It was a lesson well taught and well learned. —Jean Poldervaart, Point Blank, Texas top Saving Seeds SEED SAVING can be a fun adventure. To collect seeds from annuals, such as impatiens, allow seeds to ripen fully. You can tell they're ripe when the pods that contain them are dry. Rub or break the pods to remove the seeds and then place the dried seeds in an airtight container (a small jar or a film canister works well). Don't forget to label the container. Store the seeds in a cool dark place, such as the refrigerator, for winter before planting them next season. top Sweet Revenge WE'VE FED our backyard birds for years and have always faced the same dilemma—how to keep the squirrels from breaking our feeders and stealing the birdseed. Then my husband came up with a solution he thought would work. His plan was to put out peanuts as treats specifically for the squirrels. That way they'd stay off the bird feeders. So he stacked some peanuts below a tree in our backyard and waited to see what would happen. Believe it or not, a blue jay was the first to arrive! It picked one up, stashed the cache and came back a short time later to get more. We were amazed that a bird beat a squirrel at its own game. The furry raiders had finally met their match. —Lee Mulcahy, Brooklyn, New York top Last Chance to Save on Select 2007 Tours! $$firstname$$, Save Up to $150.00 Per Person on Select 2007 Tours! Time is running out! Book a qualifying 2007 World Wide Country Tours vacation and you’ll save up to $150.00 per person on your trip! Click here to see our selected 2007 Tours. Use code BL39 when you reserve to claim your savings. Don’t wait to book your trip! Offer expires August 29, 2007! Cannot be combined with any other offers. Exclusive Tour Operator of Reiman Publications 1-800/344-6918 5939 Country Lane, Greendale WI 53129-1429 Setting the Table SOMETIMES I like to offer backyard birds an extra-special treat. So I head to the kitchen and whip up a batch of my trademark “bird muffins.” I'll set the muffins on my tray feeder and spear some onto tree branches near our picture window. My feathered friends seem to appreciate something new, and the batch lasts for days. Here's the recipe: 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup flour 1 cup bread crumbs 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup raisins 1/4 tablespoon sand 1/2 cup bacon drippings 1 cup water Combine the cornmeal, flour, grated bread crumbs and baking soda in a medium bowl. Add the raisins and sand and mix thoroughly. Then add the bacon drippings and water, stirring well. Spoon the dough into muffin tins and bake at 350° for 15 minutes. Cool the muffins to room temperature before serving. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator until it's time for a refill. —Linda Matcek, Splendora, Texas top Picture This A BIRD finally gets the upper hand on a squirrel. Click here to see! top This email was sent to: $$email$$ HAVE A FRIEND who enjoys bird-watching, bird feeding or backyard gardening? Feel free to forward this newsletter! If this newsletter was forwarded to you, please use this link to sign up for yourself. If you do not want to receive further editions of this newsletter, please use this link to unsubscribe. If you would like to change or edit your email preferences, please visit your Personal Preferences page. To learn more about Reiman Media Group’s use of personal information, please read our Privacy Policy. Copyright 2007 Reiman Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. 5400 S. 60th St., P.O. Box 991, Greendale WI 53129-0991 1-800/344-6913
© Copyright 2007 Reiman Media Group, Inc.