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PRESERVES
Apples naturally contain this setting agent. If your jellies aren't setting up properly, place a cheesecloth sack filled with the apple parts that have the highest pectin content -- peelings, cores, and seeds -- into the pan.
PORCHES
Coordinating your porch furniture and plants will create a more inviting environment. Rattan or wicker pieces look best with exotic tropicals like palms, hibiscus, and oleanders; ferns are also a nice complement.
POPPIES
The poppy family (Papaver) includes 50 species of annuals and perennials with crinkled, cuplike blooms reminiscent of crepe paper.
VINE NAPKIN RINGS
To fashion unique napkin rings for special dinner parties, gather sections of deciduous vines in the fall. Good choices for this project are grapevine, honeysuckle, trumpet vine, and wisteria.
PRUNING ROSES
Severe pruning of everblooming roses produces fewer but larger flowers. This method renews old and overgrown rose bushes and is appropriate for newly transplanted bushes.
REPOTTING
Repotting can be done at any time, especially if a plant is suffering. But the best time to perform the task is just before growth begins
SEEDS
Stratification is the name given to the process of inducing seeds to emerge from dormancy through cold treatment.
BARBECUES
Add real wood-smoke flavor to foods cooked on your gas grill with a handful of green twigs from garden trees or herbs. Toss them onto the fire just before you start barbecuing.
COFFEE & TEA
Coffee grounds placed in the planting hole encourage acid-forming bacteria, boosting the growth of such acid-loving plants as blueberries and evergreens.
CHRISTMAS TREES
Fresh-cut trees are longer lasting and are less likely to become fire traps. To test for freshness, bend a needle or two sharply between your thumb and forefinger.
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