Pruning trees and shrubs

Pruning Shrubs

Let us talk about pruning shrubs (multiple stemmed woody plants). There are two types of shrubs: ones that bloom on old wood (lilacs) and ones that bloom on new wood. For the ones that bloom on old wood (usually early flowering), wait till the shrub is done blooming before pruning (why sacrifice the flowers). The rest can be pruned now.
Most shrubs will be pruned because they are a tangled mess and you want to rejuvenate the growth.


1. Remove up to 1/3 of the plant. Remove the oldest canes by cutting them down to the ground. In three years, the shrub will have new canes and renewed vigor.


2. You can reduce the height by cutting the canes back. Cut above an outward bud using a bypass pruner and cut at a 45-degree angle.


3. If the shrub has a lot of growth in the middle, thin out the center by cutting the twigs back to the main cane. This allows air and light to get to the center of the plants reducing disease and insect damage.


Just doing these three things will make a teenager out of an old shrub new again.

Home Improvement

Wood Walls

If you are looking for a room update from the plain painted walls, try wood for the whole room or accent wall, or even a floor. Wood has that naturally warm feeling. Vertical boards give the allusion of height, especially in a small room. In the kitchen, try light-colored wood walls with pendant lighting giving the room that farmhouse style.

Accent wall comprised of old barn wood

The popular trend is using old barn wood taken into the home. It has a natural texture with wear and tear giving the room a rustic feel. However, wood complements most design trends.

Painted paneling

What about the wood paneling everyone hates? The easiest way to get rid of the panel look is to paint it. It looks more like wood planks than paneling. Use light-colored paint to brighten the room or black which gives a bold impression.

Vegetables

Several Types of Peas

Soon we will be planting cold season crops like peas. Peas originated in southeast Asia went to China and was brought back to Europe thru trade. It was not until 1940 that peas become a staple in North America. But did you know there are several types of peas?

Common Peas

The English pea (common or shelling pea) is the most common. They are grown for their peas with the husk having a fiber texture not being eatable. When the pea gets over mature it becomes less sweet. Like sweet corn, their shelf life is only 3 to 4 days to retain their sugar content. The short varieties can be planted 6 in 8 inches in rows. This way they support each other. The taller varieties need a fence to grow on.

Snow Peas

The other type of pea is a snow pea (Chinese or sugar pea). The pod itself is used before the peas form. They are used in traditional stir-fry dishes. Types are a sugar daddy and Oregon sugar pod peas.

Sugar Snap Pea

Another type of pea is the sugar snap pea. These are a cross between the common pea and snow pea. They should be allowed to plump up with peas and use the whole pod. The pod is tender and sweet. Sugar Ann is the best-known sugar pea.

Winged Pea

Lesser know type is a winged pea. The plant has red flowers and a pod with 3 ridges on it. Pods are eaten raw in salads or cooked. Flavors resemble asparagus.

Field Peas

Field peas are dried to use in cooking and soups. Varieties include crowder peas and black-eyed peas. They are technically beans and popular in southern cooking.