A Little of This, A Little of That

I'm on break at work, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to play catch-up with my blog. Since I grow such a wide variety of plants, I thought it would be fun to write about some of my favorites.

'Limelight' hydrangea is a true marvel. I planted a rather puny start last year in the late spring, hoping that it would thrive despite my poor clay soil. The bush has far exceeded my expectations, blooming in a rather show-offish manner and putting my 'Endless Summer' to shame.

I used the blooms of 'Limelight' in three different centerpieces in the height of growing season. In late fall I cut quite a few of the blooms to use as dried flowers. I have four glorious clumps of blooms as the focal point (along with a huge maroon bow) in my antique wicker planter box that resides on the front porch. Frasier fir boughs and cedar form the backdrop and twigs cut from my red stemmed dogwood add height and interest.

I have many hydrangea....'Lady in Red', 'Endless Summer', and a few others that shall remain nameless (in other words, I have forgotten the names....but I'll remember them tonight as I'm trying to sleep!) None have performed as well as my 'Limelight'. It's a definite must-have for long-lasting beautiful blooms and vibrant green leaves.

When I have some free time at home, I will try to download a picture of my beautiful 'Limelight' shrub.

In the meantime, it's back to work. I hope you all have a chance to grow this proficient plant.

shel

Give the RIGHT Way

I work at Community Action, a not-for-profit organization that helps those less fortunate. Services offered include gas cards, car repair, rent assistance, commodities from the state (monthly), LIHEAP energy assistance, Angel Tree, and food pantry, among others. Certain criteria must be met before receiving any of these services (income guidelines, unemployment, etc.)

During this season of love and sharing, many businesses and organizations are hosting food drives, which is a wonderful thing. Our food pantry items go out almost as quickly as I can stock them, so we truly do appreciate the drives that are held. People are extremely generous.

Last week we had a donation of approximately $500 worth of groceries from a local business. It is my job to organize the donations and restock the shelves. While doing so I check the packages carefully to make sure that none are rusted, opened, or damaged beyond use. I also check the expiration date of the product.

I had to throw away dozens of cans and boxes of food that were more than a year past their expiration date. If something has expired less than a year ago, I give the product to DOVE. (Per regulations through the State of Illinois, they are able to give away food that is dated up to a year past expiration.) Food dated prior to that must be resigned to the garbage.

Our last donation held cans that were dated 1988 and Jell-o packages that didn't even have a UPC and had the blue cost stamped on it! I could almost hear the bacteria through the cans.

My point is that giving is a wonderful thing. Helping those in need is the greatest gift of all. Please remember, however, that no one wants to get sick from eating grossly expired foods, so please check expiration dates.

Your generosity is very much appreciated. Give not only at Christmas, but throughout the year. You're not only helping your neighbors, you'll get a warm feeling that money can't buy.

Hope all is well in your world,
shel