Holiday Gifts

Happy Holidays!

I wanted to take a moment in this season of giving to discuss the art of the homemade. The creative process does not stay contained to one area of life. We enjoy working with our hands to create beautiful projects for our clients - and we also enjoy creating on a smaller scale. It is enjoyable to use the same skills of creating, problem solving and crafting on a smaller. Pictured above are some of the gifts we have made this season.

Barry enjoys woodworking and so he hand-crafted the beautiful job sign and carved Christmas tree labels (for my fathers tree farm in upstate New York). Sharon, of course, has a talent for drawing. So she drew the rendering at top for a wonderful client of ours. Sharon also makes jewelry and has a shop on Etsy (www.etsy.com/people/2cutevintage). The piece in this photo is composed of vintage and costume flower pins.

Together they made the other items pictured for friends, family and clients. Show are some handcrafted ornaments using twigs and pine cones, as well as treats for the birds; suet cakes, seed and a peanut butter filled log. All are wrapped in hand-stamped kraft paper and tied up with raffia.

We feel that unique and hand-crafted is always better, which is why every job we do, whether big or small, gets our personal attention to quality and detail. We also believe that relationships are worth cultivating, be it friends, family or clients and what better way to show how important these relationships are than to take the time make something that will last.

This season remember the simple things that are important and take time to focus on the people who you love and are grateful for. Personally, we want to thank all of our clients, suppliers, peers, friends and family for believing in us and allowing us the opportunity to pursue our creative endeavors. We wish you all a very Happy Holiday and much joy in the coming New Year!

Barry Martin and Sharon Shaw

Martin Shaw, LLC

Suburban Publishing Group - Super Women in Business

I have been nominated as a 'Super Woman in Business' for the December 2010 issue of Suburban Life Magazine (Suburban Publishing Group). Thank you to all the friends and clients who voted for me. I am honored to be featured among such a great group of accomplished women! Pick up a copy to see all the nominees and read my profile here:

Sharon A. Shaw

Sharon Shaw, president of Martin Shaw LLC, Landscape Design & Construction is a landscape designer and writer with a degree in ornamental horticulture and more than a decade of experience creating outdoor living spaces in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. “Women have a particular talent for decorating and design,” she says. “We understand how a family will use a space and know what features are important to an outdoor room.” An active member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Sharon serves as chairperson of the Bucks Beautiful Garden Fair Committee, which co-ordinates the organization’s largest fundraiser. Sharon has also been active in establishing volunteer-run community gardens, which donate produce to area soup kitchens and food pantries. “True success,” she says, “is having the ability to help others.”


http://www.suburbanlifemagazine.com/articles/?articleid=236

Baby It's Cold outside!

Baby it’s cold outside... so instead bring the outdoors in this season! Here is my seasonal garden advice, tips on holiday decorating, advice on selecting a Christmas tree or other greens and a few gift ideas.

The obvious place to start is the Christmas tree. To choose a fresh cut tree, look for one with a healthy color and good fragrance. Run the tip of a branch between your thumb and forefinger, if no needles fall, you are in good shape. When you get the tree home, cut about 6” off the base of the trunk to allow it to ‘drink’ and get it into the stand where it can be watered. Don’t let it dry out! Some people swear by concoctions to keep the tree fresh longer such as watering it with “Sprite” or adding a cut flower food to the water.

A live trees should be kept indoors no longer than a week. Don’t let the root ball dry out when it is inside and water well when it goes out again. Before making the big climate change to the indoor or back outside, allow the tree a few days to adjust in a cool garage. Ideally you should plan ahead and have a planting hole dug for the tree before the ground freezes. Don’t forget other live tree options such as small holly trees and Dwarf Alberta Spruce to be used indoors or out.

Other ways to display your greens include wreaths, swags and garlands. We know to use traditional material such as evergreen boughs, holly, juniper berries and boxwood, but look around in your garden for other options such as magnolia leaves, ivy, red-twig dogwoods, winterberry and rose hips. These can be tucked into store bought wreaths or fashioned into your own swags. Even dried flowers, grasses and hydrangea blooms make seasonal additions to holiday arrangements.

If you are looking to give something different consider Poinsettia, Cyclamen, Orchids, fragrant Gardenia and Rosemary trees. Amaryllis is another traditional choice, but for the “Do-It-Yourself-Gardener” consider giving the bulb in a nice pot, perhaps with a pair of garden gloves and tied up with a holiday ribbon. There are also live arrangements done with ivy or small junipers. Already planted in a basket and garnished with a bow, they are a ready to go gift. Remember the ‘rules’ with any houseplant; keep the room at a consistent temperature, give them plenty of sunlight and water properly. I have found this particularly difficult to do with rosemary and gardenia so consider saving these for the advanced gardeners on your list!

What better way to bring the outdoors in for your favorite gardener than with a garden gift? This time of year a journal can inspire thoughts of the season to come and give a place to jot ideas when going through seed catalogs in early winter. A garden ornament, such as a statue, sundial or trellis can bring interest to a drab winter garden. Tuck a garden tool and gloves into a pair of clogs or give a gift of Burt’s Bees lotions and soaps that any garden weary hands would love.

Finally take time during the holiday season to not just bring the outdoors in, but to bring yourself outdoors! Most of all…Have a Happy Holiday.
-Sharon and Barry

Holiday Newsletter - 2010

Holiday Newsletter - 2010

(You can always find the latest Newsletter on our site)

Favorite Recipe:

Tom and Jerry


I love Egg Nog but there are several problems; the calories, the quantity and the risk posed by consuming raw eggs. Let me introduce you to the Tom & Jerry! This one-mug wonder is a favorite at the Buffalo landmark restaurant Schnabbles. You can easily mix up two mugs as a special treat to share.

Beat 1 egg white until it forms soft peaks, combine this with 1/4 cup of confectioners sugar and 1 egg yolk.

Heat 2 cups of milk

Spoon one-half of the egg mixture into each mug, add a splash of rum or brandy if desired, then top each mug with the heated milk, stir and enjoy!

Bringing the Outdoor In

Baby it’s cold outside so instead bring the outdoors in this season! The obvious place to start is the Christmas tree. To choose a fresh cut tree, look for one with a healthy color and good fragrance. Run the tip of a branch between your thumb and forefinger, if no needles fall, you are in good shape. When you get the tree home, cut about 6” off the base of the trunk to allow it to ‘drink’ and get it into the stand where it can be watered. Don’t let it dry out! Some people swear by concoctions to keep the tree fresh longer such as watering it with “Sprite” or adding a cut flower food to the water. Finally, recycle your tree. Many townships offer collection and mulching, or place it outdoors to provide shelter for wildlife. (I'll try to offer some tips for bird feeding later this winter.)

A live trees should be kept indoors no longer than a week. Don’t let the root ball dry out when it is inside and water well when it goes out again. Before making the big climate change to the indoor or back outside, allow the tree a few days to adjust in a cool garage. Ideally you should plan ahead and have a planting hole dug for the tree before the ground freezes. Don’t forget other live tree options such as small holly trees and Dwarf Alberta Spruce to be used indoors or out.

Other ways to display your greens include wreaths, swags and garlands. We know to use traditional material such as evergreen boughs, holly, juniper berries and boxwood, but look around in your garden for other options such as magnolia leaves, ivy, red-twig dogwoods, winterberry and rose hips. These can be tucked into store bought wreaths or fashioned into your own swags. Even dried flowers, grasses and hydrangea blooms make seasonal additions to holiday arrangements.

If you are looking to give something other than a poinsetta consider Cyclamen, Orchids, fragrant Gardenia and Rosemary trees. Amaryllis is another traditional choice, but for the “Do-It-Yourself-Gardener” consider giving the bulb in a nice pot, perhaps with a pair of garden gloves and tied up with a holiday ribbon. There are also live arrangements done with ivy or small junipers. Already planted in a basket and garnished with a bow, they are a ready to go gift. Remember the ‘rules’ with any houseplant; keep the room at a consistent temperature, give them plenty of sunlight and water properly. I have found this particularly difficult to do with rosemary and gardenia so consider saving these for the advanced gardeners on your list!

What better way to bring the outdoors in for your favorite gardener than with a garden gift? This time of year a journal can inspire thoughts of the season to come and give a place to jot ideas when going through seed catalogs in early winter. A garden ornament, such as a statue, sundial or trellis can bring interest to a drab winter garden. Tuck a garden tool and gloves into a pair of clogs or give a gift of Burt’s Bees lotions and soaps that any garden weary hands would love.

Finally take time during the holiday season to not just bring the outdoors in, but to bring yourself outdoors! Most of all…Have a Happy Holiday.

-Sharon and Barry

Seasonal Tasks

• 
  
  Lightly trim evergreens for use as holiday decorations.

• Spray broadleaf evergreens with anti-dessicant if not already treated.



• Remove snow fall from Arborvitea and other shrubs to prevent damage.



• Snow may be piled on perennial areas but avoid accumulation on shrub.



• Avoid using salt on on or near plants to prevent damage.



• Clean and prepare tools for winter storage. Prepare snowblower.



• Provide cover, seed and suet to attract a variety of birds.



• Additional information can be found on Our Blog and weekly tips on Facebook

Selecting a Christmas Tree

(Martin Shaw Potting Shed Tree - 2009)

Frank Gouin, retired head of the department of horticulture at the University of Maryland, College Park, knows his trees and how to keep them (and you) happy. Not only did he spend three decades advising the Maryland Christmas Tree Association, but he grows Christmas trees himself, on 6 acres at his southern Anne Arundel County farm. Here are tips for keeping your tree fresh.

Safety first It's best to avoid trees that, as a breed, dry out quickly and could become fire hazards. That should be the first consideration, Gouin stresses. The safest trees, he says, are Douglas firs ("even four weeks after being cut, they would not ignite"), Scotch pines and blue spruce. The worst, he says, are Fraser firs.

Buy early The main trick, Gouin insists, is to get a tree that's been cut down as recently as possible. A tree that's been leaning up against a stand somewhere for a couple of weeks, or lying on a flatbed, might not have much life left in it — especially since it might have been cut as long ago as October. "The most important thing is, get as fresh a tree as you possibly can," he says. "If you're going to go to a corner lot to buy a tree, you should go as soon as it opens up."

Cheap tricks Once you buy the tree, cut a couple inches off the bottom, to help clear sap and other bacteria that may have settled at the base and could prevent water from flowing up. At least at first, stick it in 100-degree water, to stimulate the flow of water up into the tree. When the tree is moved inside, repeat the process. And put some Floralife crystals (the stuff florists suggest for cut flowers) into the water.

Stay cool While it's outside, shade is important. "Keep it out of the sunlight completely," he says. "If it gets to be a hot day, spray it with water. That will help cool it down." When moved inside, "keep it away from radiator vents, places where it will get intense heat. Then it won't dry out very fast."

—Chris Kaltenbach, courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

Cutting your own Of course, if you want a really fresh tree, there's no substitute for going out and cutting it down yourself. Baltimore is ringed with Christmas tree farms; here are just a few. Be sure to call ahead for directions, hours, pricing details and whether you need to bring your own saw.

Noble Fir
Sturdy branches make this Pacific Northwest native a good choice if you have a lot of weighty ornaments. The tree has thick, silvery-green needles and limbs that stick straight out from the trunk, giving this fir a full, rounded appearance.

White Pine
This large blue-green tree grows throughout the East, to Ohio and parts of the South. It's often sheared to have a more narrow silhouette, but its dense look can obscure ornaments. The springy branches aren't good with bulky garlands or lights. White pine has very little aroma but is reported to result in fewer allergic reactions than some of the more aromatic species. Needle retention is good to excellent.

Concolor Fir
Indigenous to the West, this sweet-scented tree has a tall, narrow silhouette. The loosely spaced, bluish needles are great for showcasing ornaments. It's also called a white fir.

'Carolina Sapphire' Cypress
This southern dweller is naturally broad and has a strong scent of lemon and mint. It's very similar to the 'Blue Ice' cypress (and has similar drawbacks).

Nordmann Fir
The preferred Christmas tree in Europe, this evergreen is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. It's grown primarily in the Pacific Northwest and is prized for its fat pyramid shape and lush, dark-green foliage

Leyland Cypress
Feathery, dark-green to gray foliage sets apart this Christmas tree, the most popular one in the Southeast. The silhouette varies from tree to tree and can be tall and slender or squat and rounded. The species absorbs an unusually large amount of water; its stand needs to be refilled several times per day.

Balsam Fir
This classic northeastern Christmas tree is a near twin of the Fraser fir. Its long-lasting needles are a deep green, and the tree has a pyramid shape that culminates in a slender top. Plus, it retains a pleasing fragrance.

Douglas Fir
One of the most common holiday trees in the Pacific Northwest, this species has firm branches and soft, blue-green or dark-green needles that emit a fragrance when crushed. Light in weight, it can be easier to transport than other trees.

'Blue Ice' Cypress
A cultivar of the Arizona cypress, this silvery-blue tree has a citrus aroma and a narrow steeple shape. It's found in the Gulf states, Georgia, and South Carolina. The branches support small lights, tinsel, and a few ornaments, but nothing heavy.

Fraser Fir
A pair of silvery stripes on the underside of each needle distinguishes this aromatic tree from the nearly identical balsam fir. Found in high-elevation regions of the South as well as in the Northeast and Great Lakes states, it has strong, upturned branches that are ideal for holding ornaments.

Read more at Marthastewart.com: Holiday Handbook

A Happy Thanksgiving and All of the Trimmings

Wow - I've found a lot of garden material to post on our facebook page in the last few days! Unusual for this time of year, but it certainly helps to brighten these grey overcast days at the end of November. There is not much to be done outdoors so at least we can enjoy some good material. Here are some of the interesting links I have come across, think of it as a Thanksgiving menu with lots of goodies to choose from:

- First is the preview from a pictorial book featuring photographs from some of this summers Garden Conservancys Open Days Program. Beautiful shots.
http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1702882?ce=blurb_ew&utm_source=widget

- Food and flowers - sounds like a good holiday to me! Here are links to two pictorials from Garden Design Magazine to inpire your Thanksgiving table centerpiece! Garden Design is one of my favorite design resources and I am so happy that they are regularly poting articles and slide-shows!
http://www.gardendesign.com/
Power Flower:Six flower arrangements for your holiday table by our favorite floral designers. Six flower arrangements for your holiday table by our favorite floral designers.
and
Brooklyn Style: Autumn Floral Design with Kat Flower Garden Design
Claire Lui spends a day learning floral design with kat flower at the Brooklyn Flea market.

- Fishing for Food - An interesting and promising idea, I ran experiments on this topic for a project in college; Aquaponics, a method of growing fish and plants together, creates a closed loop system that some say could help to address food shortages in places without access to fresh produce. NBC's Anne Thompson reports.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/40203746

- Finally something good from a politician, Garden Design Magazine posted this pictorial tour of a Pennsylvania State Representatives sustainable home and landscape.
http://www.gardendesign.com/
Green Proving Ground Garden Design
Tour of a sustainable homestead in rural Pennsylvania

- Backyard Buffet? A whole new meaning for the term "outdoor kitchen" from NPR:
The Thanksgiving drill is pretty familiar: turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie. But what would Native Americans have brought as sides? Turns out your backyard might have something tasty to contribute to this year's feast.
http://www.npr.org/
Try Foraging For Your Thanksgiving Meal : NPR
The Thanksgiving drill is pretty familiar: turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie. But what would Native Americans have brought as sides? Turns out your backyard might have something tasty to contribute to this year's feast.

- No one does the holidays like Longwood. Imagine half a million brilliant lights strung with over 39 miles of cord. Lit trees the soar 75 feet, and dancing fountains that reach the sky. A 4.5-acre heated indoor Conservatory, featuring the richest floral displays imaginable. A Longwood Christmas is a celebration months in the making with hundreds of amaryllis, cyclamen, narcissus, literally thousands of poinsettias and special performances throughout the holidays. The season begins November 25, 2010 to January 9, 2011

- If you thought Christmas Trees were a lot of work to raise and prune, check out the topiary artistry of Pearl Fryar! If you would like to visit a topiary garden closer to home try Ladew Gardens in Monkton, MD. They are hosting a 'Gardeners Christmas' December 10-12.
http://www.pearlfryar.com/

It is the little things that make the difference

It is the little things that make the difference

One of our office buildings was re-painted this summer. Since we rent the space, we didn’t have any say in the selection of the contractor hired. The property manager spoke with several companies before choosing someone who met the minimum requirements; insurance and experience, and who offered the cheapest price. Now don’t get me wrong, price matters – but so do details.

The workers were nice enough, but inconsiderate of the businesses being run there. I never knew when they would show up for work, or not. Each day that they were there, they blocked my vehicle in. I had to ask them to move so I could leave for appointments….each and every day, and they were there for months, many more than expected, then left trash behind when they were done.

Now that fall has come and they are finally done, their lack of careful detail has become evident. The other day I began to insulate the windows for winter; clean the glass, put down the storms and latch the sashes. I was frustrated to find that most of the windows had been painted shut, some of the storms were put on incorrectly and the outside of each window was left filthy with paint smudges and debris from power washing. These are the sort of details that would have taken the contractor only minutes to address during the project – but now instead require hours for me to remedy.

This is not just a chance for me to vent but an opportunity to relate my first hand experience to potential customers as they interview contractors and compare bids for their landscape projects. Many times the reason for price differences are the quality of materials, methods of construction or size of the project being proposed, but other times it is simply the level of detail that one contractor offers. Materials, methods and size can all be adjusted for, unfortunately the level of detail is an intangible variable. Details don’t always affect the quality or safety of an installation, but they do affect the quality of life for those who live with the project and who, for a short period of time, have to live with the construction process and the contractors performing it.

The personal details critical to a landscape installation include, of course, being polite, keeping the area free of trash and debris, maintaining a consistent schedule and good communication about the progress, minimizing the inconvenience to homeowners and neighbors so that their vehicles, paths and views are not blocked, property lines and drainage are respected, lawn and plant damage are kept to a minimum, abiding by reasonable work hours and noise levels, keeping soil and mulch piles contained and cleaning up spills or tracks promptly. (I have a whole other entry on the responsibilities of being a great client including offering cool drinks and saying 'hello' to the crew!)

Construction and finish details are less obvious to most homeowners. They include consistent joints in stone work, cleaning up excess mortar from surfaces, making clean geometric cuts and corners, smoothly grading and seeding any tracks or disturbed areas. Some of them are even unseen. For example, we solder all of our underground low-voltage lighting wires and use silicone filled wire nuts to attach the fixtures. These are details that the homeowner will never see but that have a crucial role in the future function and longevity of the project just as a properly prepared base does. Polymeric sand used in patio joints, conduit installed beneath walkways and downspout extensions all offer similar hidden benefits.

To determine if a contractor regularly includes these details ask how they address the particulars, speak with their clients, see photos or visit completed projects and if possible visit a site under construction or ask to see progress shots so you can assess the conditions maintained during construction. Sometimes it is worth paying a little extra to know that the contractor you are working with has included these extras and offers the sort of customer service that will allow them to come back and address any problems.

Form and Function

Form and function are the equivalent of beauty and intelligence to architecture. Of course any design element needs to perform its job well but a well-designed element does it beautifully.

The Tripp family of Montgomery County contacted us at Martin Shaw, LLC needing to accomplish two important goals. Their home sits on the corner lot of a busy development and had no privacy. Lots in the neighborhood are small and the Tripps needed a way to access their backyard from a second story door while staying with-in the limited building envelope. They needed a staircase, patio and privacy but wanted an attractive entertaining space, garden and yard that their growing family could enjoy. I won’t lie; their design was a challenge. I played with a number of ideas, shapes and elevations, coming to dead ends several times after realizing my concept did not fit the requirements. It may be hard to believe but the smallest projects can often be the most difficult, but also offer the greatest satisfaction.

Sure enough, we finally came up with a solution that would give the homeowners an expanded grilling and entertaining space on the upper floor, then get them efficiently to a ground level patio, given privacy by some of their favorite trees and shrubs. To minimize the need for furniture surrounding the fire pit they wanted, we designed a seating wall to allow for efficient use of the small patio. Additional storage was created beneath the proposed deck. Since this landscape had to look as beautiful as it functioned we chose a random pattern bluestone patio complimented by bluestone veneer and caps on the wall. Landscape lighting creates safety while emphasizing texture in the stone wall and highlighting the shape of specimen trees.

The Tripps Georgian Colonial style home is built in a neighborhood of mixed American and European styles. Their homeowners association created guidelines designed to encourage individuality and an organic neighborhood feeling to the development. The HOA Manual of Design Guidelines requires that the landscape of each home remain appropriate to the architecture. Our design philosophy is to create landscapes appropriate to the home, but with a mandate to follow it was especially important to honor the traditional style of the house and allow for the eclectic style of their neighborhood. The bluestone patio, wall and all plantings reflected the traditional historical nature of their architecture. Many of the plants used are native to South Eastern Pennsylvania, while others are English garden classics used by generations of settlers to the area. Privacy is created by a hedge of Arborvitea. In consideration of drivers though, the hedge does not extend to the corner where it could obstruct the view of on-coming traffic.

To meet budget concerns the project has been broken two phases; the patio and plantings were completed this fall, the deck and steps are proposed for installation in the coming spring. The following photos illustrate our design and progress of the construction thus far. It may look simple now – but, just wait until the deck is complete and the plants have leafed out! With the Yoshino Cherry, Lilac, Peony and Serviceberry in spring bloom this little project will be a big attraction. Most importantly though our clients are enjoying it in the fall, even at this phase, when they can finally use that fire pit they have been waiting for.

Tripp Project Photos

(Yes, the grass was photo-shopped into this photo - it was dirt at the time - but the remaining image is untouched.) 

A Palette of Pumpkins

One of the most beautiful fall photos I have ever seen and a great introduction to autumn gourds from the 'Queen of Halloween':

A Palette of Pumpkins
Martha Stewart Living 2008

Some sit bulging and broad, secure in their squatness. Some stand tall.

They are pear-shape. They're ellipsoidal and spheroidal. They can be wide-shouldered or slump-shouldered. The biggest ever approached a ton; the smallest would barely tip the needle on a bathroom scale.


The colors of their skin also vary enormously. Start with every tint of orange, of course, from amber to apricot, coral to persimmon.

Then envision inky black or ghostly white; buttercream or slate blue; sage green or darkest myrtle. Some favor even more outlandish hues: baby pink; mustard; salmon; shiny, fiery red. Some aren't content with a single shade at all, so they tart themselves up in stripes, mottles, marbling, and speckles.

Welcome to Cucurbita, the genus of pumpkins, squashes, and some gourds -- the edible and ornamental fruits of fall. And once you recognize the variety of shapes and shades, all kinds of decorative possibilities open up. Why stick to the standard orange icon of fall? Think pale and monochromatic, bright and bold, eerily enigmatic, or elegantly dark and moody.


Although the pumpkin did not become associated with Halloween until the mid-nineteenth century, its cultivation has been traced as far back as 8000 B.C., to Mesoamerica, where it was grown for its tasty seeds, not its pulp. American Indians taught the pilgrims how to cultivate them, and the seeds eventually made their way across the oceans, to every corner of the globe except Antarctica.


Thank the reproductive indiscretions of the domesticated species for a stunning variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and even ethnicities. Kabocha, the so-called Japanese squash, sports knobby black-green skin that's often striped in celadon. The rinds of Australian squashes, such as 'Jarrahdale' and 'Queensland Blue,' vary from dusty gray to greenish blue.

French pumpkins, such as the elegant 'Rouge Vif d'Etampes,' dubbed the Cinderella pumpkin, tend to be low to the ground and often display deeply ridged lobes. 'Iran,' a large, smooth-skinned heirloom, seems painted with splashes of green, gray, white, and persimmon.


'Galeuse d'Eysines' and 'Marina di Chioggia' are both pocked with bumps caused by a buildup of sugars underneath their skin and look scary even before they're carved.


There are five common species of Cucurbita: ficifolia (chilacayote squash and Malabar gourd), maxima (Hubbard, 'Lakota,' buttercup, and winter squashes), mixta (cushaw squash), moschata ('Shakertown Field' and 'Long Island Cheese' pumpkins), and pepo (jack-o'-lantern varieties, delicata squashes, ornamental gourds).

The wanton willingness of each species to cross-pollinate with members of its own tribe can create some curious offspring.


So fashion a Gothic statement with the darkest squashes of Asia. Echo the golden colors of foliage in a centerpiece. Carve a lacy belt around the centers of an array of pale pumpkins. Go ahead. Embrace the global goblin globe. Don't be afraid.


Read more at Marthastewart.com: Search 'Pumpkins' or 'Gourds' for more great ideas!

"Martin" Shaw has a degree in "Gourd-iculture"

Creek Indians in America used gourds for centuries as Purple Martin Bird houses as well as for storing and protecting their corn from the animals. Purple Martins eat flying insects captured in flight, including many larger flying insects which has led many farmers and rural homes to make Purple Martin gourds to attract them. The Creek Indians realized this and for centuries they grew large kettle shaped gourds for the purpose of housing Purple Martins for insect control. Once Purple Martins have adapted a suitable nesting ground, as long as their homes are taken care of, cleaned or replaced yearly, they will return along with the next generation. Some Purple Martin lovers literally have an annual nesting of 100's to 1,000's of Purple Martins.

One of the most interesting aspects of Purple Martins is they are the only bird in North America that has developed a total dependency on Humans for their existence. Without humans providing nests for Purple Martins, they would rapidly become a rare, if not extinct bird in America due to a loss of their nesting places. Before humans provided them nesting homes, they used old woodpecker nests, but woodpecker nests are normally only found in standing dead trees which which now are generally cut down and cleared by man for new growth or for fire wood.

Digital Gourds chart © Dan Dunkin 2003
This chart is used courtesy The Gourd Reserve

Overseeding:

Do it Now in the North

by Paul Tukey of Safelawn
www.safelawns.org

With Columbus Day here, folks in the most northern states in the U.S. and much of Canada are running out of time for overseeding the lawn. Late summer and fall is the best time for this activity in general, but the clock long ago started ticking on the ideal window.

The issue is that the young grass plants need time to establish themselves before it gets bitterly cold. Any seed mix you put down now should probably have Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass in a high percentage; the ryegrass because it germinates quickly and the bluegrass because it tolerates cold so well. Fescues are the best grasses overall for the North, but they do take a long time to germinate (14-21 days) and they are the most susceptible to cold damage of not fully established.

OTHER TIPS ABOUT SEEDING NOW:
1) If you do seed, be sure to rake away any excess thatch layer or dead grass first to create good seed to soil contact.
2) If you feel your soil is compacted, aerating prior to overseeding is a good idea;
3) Cover the newly seeded area with a thin layer of compost rather than straw; it will be cheaper and better for the lawn; it also looks better.
4) Water the newly seeded areas daily until they fully germinate, unless of course we get rain naturally.
5) Some people advocate dormant winter seeding, that is putting the seed down after the ground freezes and then letting nature take its course. The idea is that the grass will germinate on its own by spring without the necessity of daily watering. I’m not a fan of this, however, because so many things can go wrong (birds eating it, freezing and thawing, erosion etc.) between now and then.
6) Applying an organic fertilizer rich in potassium this fall will help the lawn through winter.
7) Don’t mow the lawn for the first time until the young grass seedlings are four inches tall.
Don’t allow the leaves to remain on the lawn, especially in the newly seeded areas; the leaves will mat down the grass. You may find you have to rake lightly, or use a blower, to remove heavy layers of leaves.

Gardening Tips And Information - Gardening Chores For the Fall

Gardening Tips And Information - Gardening Chores For the Fall

As colder temperatures and shorter days prevail, gardeners must think about getting their gardens set for winter. Below is a checklist of chores to consider for the maintenance of your perennial garden, vegetable garden, and lawn to keep all in healthy condition.

1. Cut back your perennials. How and when you do this is determined by the individual needs of your plants, your desire to provide food and cover for wildlife, and your appreciation for winter interest in your yard. If you prefer your property having a neat appearance then, cutting back your perennials to the ground is the way to go, but if you would like to leave nesting areas for insects, seeds and berries for wildlife to survive on through the winter, and if you enjoy some stems and structural interest left standing through out the winter, then trim and cut back to different heights as you see fit and aesthetically pleasing. Plants that have had a disease or did not do well should be removed and any vigorous re-seeders that can take over perennial beds should also be removed or split and transplanted. Avoid cutting back to the ground hardy mums, asters and ferns. The old foliage of these helps to protect their crowns through winter. Leave several inches of stem standing so that they can be easily identified in spring so when you plant something else in the you will know where they are and won't accidentally disturb them. The timing of cutting plants back for winter is important, too. In general, later is better.

2. To provide compost for next year's garden, save fall lawn cuttings and leaves and place them in a compost container.

3. In the vegetable garden, harvest all the vegetables still left before frost hits. Remove any dead or spoiled ones and if disease is apparent, destroy them to reduce any chances of infestation. Take inventory, noting the variety of any well performing vegetables or annuals for next year.

4. Bulbs for additional spring and summer color should be planted in the fall. If there are tender bulbs in your garden, carefully lift them out and store these bulbs in an airy, dry, and protected area for the winter. Canna Lilies, Elephant Ears and Dahlias can all be overwintered by this method. Salvias and Geraniums can be treated as houseplants or brought into a bright cool porch to overwinter.

5. Add mulch to your perennials to keep them warm and protected over the winter. Mulch will also helps store moisture in the soil. DO NOT however bury the crown too deeply beneath mulch or they will have a hard time emerging in spring. You can also add manure and compost in the fall, which is the best time to do this giving plenty of time for breakdown to happen.

6. Houseplants that were growing outside should make their way back inside. To avoid shock, do this gradually placing them in partly shaded areas outside first. And always bring them in before the first frost, of course.

7. Prepare rose bushes for winter. Prune dead or damaged branches and cut off any old flowers. Using topsoil or mulch, mound the bush and cut canes back to six to twelve inches. To completely protect the bush, you can then cover it using a bushel basket, if the size is appropriate.

8. Treat broad leaf evergreens such as Rhododendron, Cherry Laurel, Boxwood and Holly with an anti-desiccant like Wilt-Pruf and water them thoroughly before the ground freezes. This will help to prevent winter-burn. Be aware of the snow load that accumulates on these and other evergreen over the winter. Remove snow when necessary to prevent damage to their branches.

9. Lawns could use preparing now for next spring. To allow the soil to drain better and give the roots much needed oxygen, aerate and thatch if the soil is compacted. Seeding and fertilizing can be done now as well.

10. Clean up all of your gardening tools. Pruning tools, mower blades, and shears can be sharpened and oiled now. This way they will avoid rusting over the winter and will be all ready for you come spring. Cover or bring in outdoor furniture and accesories. Unplug appliances and drain the waterline of any outdoor sinks or showers.

11. If you have a fountain, to avoid freezing, you must drain it. Also wrap or turn over any other porous (concrete, ceramic and Terra-cotta) pots and statuary. Chances are slim that potted evergreens will survive the winter outdoors. Treat them as annuals or decorate with cut greens instead.

By: Dayelle I Swensson (with a few locally relevant updates added by Sharon A. Shaw)
Dayelle Swensson is an avid writer for the web on a number of topics. Having gardened herself for many years, she is able to advise others about a variety of things including gardening tips, lawn and tree care and keeping your home garden looking good and healthy

We have been profiled in this months issue of Suburban Life Magazine on pages 86 of the September Issue! We offer some great tips about the fall landscape and planning your next project. Pick up a free copy or check it out here:

http://www.suburbanlifemagazine.com/

Martin Shaw, LLC
Fall, The Season of Change

Fall is a great time to begin a landscaping project. Summer schedules are difficult to co-ordinate, there always seems to be a party, vacation or event to plan around. Fall offers a more relaxed pace as routines return to normal and the temperatures cool.

The team at Martin Shaw, LLC Design & Construction specializes in outdoor living spaces for all seasons. Designer Sharon Shaw spends time with each client discussing their style, needs and wants for the landscape, while manager Barry Martin oversees installation and construction to assure that each project is of the highest quality craftsmanship.

There are many improvements that can be made to the landscape to enhance its fall and winter appeal. An outdoor kitchen offers accessories, counter space and storage that will allow for grilling three seasons of the year. During the cooler months an outdoor fireplace can warm a crisp evening on the patio also extending the months of use. To increase the safety and functionality of the landscape during the evenings, which arrive earlier this time of year, consider landscape lighting to illuminate pathways, entertainment areas and to beautifully high-light specimen plants.

If you are considering an especially large project, begin your planning now. According to Sharon Shaw, “Many homeowners underestimate the length of time required for the design, planning and permit approval.” She says that if you are hoping to have a project completed in time for a special event next year, allow plenty of time for this process. Sharon notes, “It can certainly help pass the cold winter months by focusing on a fun summer project!”

Cooler temperatures and the onset of dormancy make it easier to transplant, install and care for many plants. In the fall, they shift their focus from foliage production to root growth, resulting in less stress and quicker transplant recovery. Choose plants that will add multi-season interest to the landscape, such as those with colorful fall foliage, berries or interesting winter shape and texture. Water requirements are often less in autumn as well making a new landscape installation easier for many homeowners to care for.

Professional maintenance can freshen your landscape for fall and prepare it for the coming winter. Pruning, mulching and other protective measures will support the health of the landscape to assure that it matures as planned. Manager, Barry Martin says “The most successful landscape is one you don’t have to worry about.” He suggests that quality materials, proper construction methods and appropriate plant selection will create a landscape that functions well throughout the year. Barry especially enjoys working with natural stone and notes that it is extremely durable, “A well built patio is designed to endure years of use.”

A well designed landscape is sure to become a favorite destination for your family and guests. Martin Shaw, LLC Landscape Design & Construction can help you enjoy your homes landscape during all seasons. Their website, www.martinshawllc.com, features a large portfolio, helpful articles, links and information on how to begin planning your landscape project.

Martin Shaw LLC, Landscape Design and Construction
PO Box 18
Furlong, PA 18925
(215)-550-5730
and
PO Box 898
Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
(610)-990-6610

Tours

I love garden and home tours! Part show-off and part voyeur: what a great way to get inspired and see what other people are up to. We are lucky to have so many beautiful properties in this area and so many people gracious enough to open them up. The Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce hosts several each year, the June Kitchen & Garden Tour, this years tour of Twin Silo Farms last weekend and the upcoming Excellence in Design Tour September 26th from 11-4. (I cannot make it to this years tour but last years featured some incredible properties.) Like many communities, Doylestown VIA has a Designer House open to the public each May. The New Hope Historical Society, among others, has a June garden tour and the Garden Conservancy occasionally offers tours through-out the Greater Philadelphia area.

The properties on this weekends Excellance in Design tour include three historic buildingss restored to house businesses: a dentist office in Carversville, a firm in Newtown and an office in Doylestown. Also adapted for use is a timberframe barn relocated and restored into a home. There are also two magnificent properties in New Hope, one on the river and another in pastoral farm fields. I was a part of the Architectural and Environmental Committee that chose these properties and am really sorry I will not be available to tour them.

I did however get to attend the Bucks Beautiful tour of Twin Silo Farms this weekend past (see photos below) Located in Gardenville, PA the 100 acre farm was part of an original William Penn land grant. The barns and rare double stone silos were originally built in 1781. In 1988 the property was purchased by Andrew Hartnagle and Wayne Stork who restored the barns and built a series of gardens.

According to the pamphlet offered by Andrew for the tour, a series of formal gardens at the top of the property were created to illustrate smaller studies in design. They include a Polish country house, French and Italian gardens showcasing knotted boxwood, roses, colorful mixed borders and specimen plants.

The property is designed for entertaining with structures and seating throughout. One pergola features a brick makers table, another is enclosed with billowing curtains and is lit by a candle chandelier that can be raised and lowered via a pulley system, a third is central to an arbor connecting the main and guest house and several others are scattered at prime view-points. The entertainment center at the far end of the property features an industrial kitchen and guest bathrooms at the end of a stone terrace which surrounds a plant filled pool and fountain.

A fabulous swimming pool near the house is decorated with dozens of container gardens. Pots also feature prominently on the main patio which boasts three seating groups sure to be enjoyed by guests (wish I could be one). The sheer number of container gardens is overwhelming when one considers the watering and care required! There is also sculpture through out the gardens including many pieces from Europe; urns, lions, sphinxes and a full size bronze replica of the 'Warrior Gladiator'. Several pieces have been used to create water gardens. Fountains, big and small, are abundant on the property which is filled with their sound and movement. Most visible is a large fountain in the center of the two-acre pond, home to colorful koi and a pair of swans.

The care, attention to detail and maintenance provided by the owners of Twin Silo Farms is evident. It is a beautiful property and one that appears not only well designed - but designed for living as well. My thanks to Andrew and Wayne for again opening their property to the public.

Twin Silos Garden Tour

Bucks Beautiful Garden Tour of Twin Silo Farms September 19, 2010

Share the Bounty

So you think that this cold weather means summer is over and you can stop gardening? THINK AGAIN! There is still plenty of time to grow cool season crops, in fact the Lambertville community garden just planted their FIRST crops last weekend. ...and they need volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved in the community gardening effort - I strongly encourage you to join a local group.

This past summer I had the pleasure of working with Eve Minson of 'Just One Seed' and the volunteers of the Bucks County Audubon Society to grow an organic community garden at the BCAS in Solebury which donated it's harvest to the UMC Community Kitchen and Fishermans Mark Food Pantry in Lambertville. We are looking for volunteers interested in helping with next years garden also.

There is also an active community gardening organization in the Lehigh Valley with involvement from Lehigh University, Southside Gardening Initiative, Bethlehem Citizens Academy and SUN*LV (http://www.sunlv.org/) and local community organizations. I would love to see the same enthusiasm for community gardens take hold here in the Delaware Valley.

Local food is popular topic these days and as people become more educated about the need for healthy local food the demand has grown. Opportunities for participating in a local food system are getting easier to find. From CSAs, farm incubators, farm-based education programs, to backyards everywhere, farm awareness is sprouting all around us. We are fortunate to live in the Delaware Valley, an area that is home to a diverse variety of farms and acres of productive land, but the abundance does not reach everyone.

Up until a few generations ago most everyone knew how to grow their own food. Whether it was by immigrants in a new city trying to maintain a connection to the foods of their homeland or a necessity to supplement a country family’s meager income with a backyard plot, gardening has seen folks through difficult times in this country. Times have changed though and now it is has become more expensive to get access to fresh, organic food. As gardening has gone from an act of necessity to a hobby of leisure, many have forgotten how to provide for themselves with only a little plot of soil and seeds.

It seems counter intuitive that it would cost more to produce foods that have less added to them, but that is the reality of factory farming. The most affordable food is often the most processed and least healthful. Food pantries are a valuable resource for families struggling to provide needed nutrition. But because they need to rely on an inexpensive, shelf stable and simple to prepare source of food, pantries are filled with processed food. These foods are often high in salt, calories and preservatives. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Fresh produce can be grown almost anywhere with only a few resources (land, seeds, soil, tools and time) and a minimum investment. The average packet of bean seeds can yield 20 pounds of fresh food, carrots produce close to 100!


A community garden can grow more than just food, it can also grow a community!
• Acts as a deterrent to crime and vandalism and helps to draw people together
• Produces fresh, nutritious food for better health
• Builds trust, communication and common ownership of neighborhood
• Provides educational opportunities for school children to learn science, nutrition
• Provides vocational opportunities for volunteers to learn management and gardening/landscaping skills
• Provides civic leaders and health and safety officers with central venues to share information with hard-to-reach communities
• Beautifies the area with art and garden design that reflect the neighborhood cultures that make it a desirable place to live and work

Please consider getting involved! SUN*LV is a great resource as is the American Community Gardening Association but there are some local groups forming as well. Contact me and I would be happy to put you in touch with them or others interested in starting a group.

Fall Newsletter - 2010

Fall Newsletter - 2010

(You can always find the latest Newsletter on our site)

Favorite Recipe:

Stew in a Pumpkin

Prepare your favorite stew recipe. After browning meat, sauteeing vegetable and simmering stew, clean a 10-12 pound pumpkin, saving the top and stem. Season the inside of the pumpkin with salt and pepper and place it into a shallow baking dish. Spoon prepared stew into the pumpkin and replace the top, brush the outside of the pumpkin wth oil. Bake at 325 for two hours until pumpkin is tender. scoop out sides while serving.

The same method can be used to create a unique dessert by seasoning the inside of the pumpkin with cinnamon and sugar, then filling with an apple crisp.

Seasonal Tasks
• Cut back perennials, prune shrubs and trees
• Plant spring blooming bulbs
• Harvest remaining vegetables and plant garlic for next year
• Mulch beds to protect from frost damage
• Protect outdoor sculpture, fountains and pots from freezing
• Bring in houseplants, tender perennials and tropical bulbs
• Treat broadleaf evergreens with anti-dessicant
• Detailed information can be found on Our Blog or contact us for maintenance

Entering the Off-Season
Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their landscaping once they have raked the fallen leaves off their lawn, but there are many ways to enjoy the landscape during the off-season. There are improvements that can be made to the landscape to enhance its fall and winter appeal including the addition of an outdoor kitchen with a fireplace or heater, landscape lighting and plants that feature multi-season interest.

Even when the temperature drops, you can still turn up the heat on outdoor entertaining. In this region, late fall and early spring are still great times to entertain. An outdoor kitchen offers accessories, counter space and storage that will allow for grilling three seasons of the year. During the cooler months an outdoor fireplace or patio heater can warm a crisp evening on the patio also extending the months of use.

Landscape lighting can be used to illuminate walkways, outdoor kitchens and patios for use. To increase the safety and functionality of the landscape during the evenings, which arrive earlier this time of year, consider landscape lighting to illuminate pathways, entertainment areas and specimens. A well designed lighting plan will highlight the beauty of the landscape, including elements with winter-interest such as stone, grasses and branch structure.

Many plants add multi-season interest to the landscape, such as those with colorful fall foliage, berries or interesting winter shape and texture. In the fall the leaves of deciduous plants, like the Red Maple, change color in advance of the coming cold. Evergreens like Pines and Rhododendron though rely on their foliage to sustain them through the winter. Even those that lose their leaves may offer beautiful bark, such as the Oakleaf Hydrangea or Birch. Other plants are capable of attracting desirable wildlife to the off season garden. Song birds enjoy the berries of landscape favorites such as Dogwood, Holly and the seed of many perennials. Branches trimmed from some landscape favorites such as Southern Magnolia and Red-Twig Dogwood can even be brought indoor to provide holiday décor.

Finally, the off-season can be a great time to begin planning for projects to be built the following year. The design and permit approval often takes longer than many homeowners expect so it is important to allow plenty of time for this process. Focusing on a fun summer project can also help pass the cold months of the off season!

Hard to belive Labor day has past and summer is unofficially 'over'! Just because the season is winding down though doesn't mean your landscape is done growing. There are many steps you can take this fall to ensure your garden performs at its best next year. Here is an article I came across that offers some advice for one of the first steps to take - 'Fall Fertilizing'

Fall Fertilizing
By: Roger Cook, This Old House magazine
http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/article/0,,198603,00.html

Fall is here and it's time to fertilize. Why now? Taking the time to fertilize in the fall will strengthen your plants' and lawn's roots, giving them a strong base on which to thrive next spring.

The first thing to understand about fertilizer is the formula, which is represented by three numbers, such as the common 5-10-5. The first number represents nitrogen, which promotes lawn blade and foliage growth; the second number stands for phosphorus, which helps root growth; and the third for potassium, which promotes cell function and absorption of trace elements. But what do you fertilize? When? And with what? Let's start with your lawn.

Early in September, grass is recovering from a long hot summer and may be coming out of a drought-induced dormancy, so you'll want to give your lawn a shot of nitrogen to push blade growth. A fertilizer with a formula of 20-8-8 will get it growing again. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended rate of application. Some people treat weeds and insects at this time, but I think that unless there are signs of trouble or a history of problems, don't apply anything but fertilizer. While this September dose of fertilizer is important, an application at the end of October or early November is essential. At that time, apply a fertilizer with a formula of 13-25-12. The push of phosphorus will stimulate root growth through November and even into early December. By helping roots grow before winter sets in, you are insuring that the lawn will green-up quicker in the spring and become more resistant to disease and draught.

With the lawn taken care of, it's time to consider plants. By now, perennials are starting to fade but they will benefit from 0-20-0 super phosphate fertilizer scattered around the plants at recommended doses and lightly cultivated into the soil. Next spring you'll have stronger plants with more flowers.

Fall is also a great time to fertilize shrubs and trees. In my opinion, all trees and shrubs need fertilizer, because most of them are located in mulch beds that use up nitrogen as they decompose. In addition, every fall we rake leaves off these beds, depriving plants of the nutrients that decomposing leaves would traditionally release. To compensate, I recommend applying one to three pounds of slow-release nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of bed and cultivating lightly. (To figure out the exact amount of fertilizer you'll need, calculate the square footage of your beds and consult with your local garden center.) I prefer fertilizing trees in late September and early October to promote root growth. These nutrients will still be in the soil come spring when plants start to grow. If you have a tree or shrub that does not flower well, a dose of super phosphate will help promote flower growth. However, if the plant is not located in the right spot, all the super hosphate in the world won't make it flower.

Fall is also the time to plant bulbs. I prefer to use super phosphate to promote root growth, insuring strong flowering in the spring. Some people recommend using bone meal when planting bulbs but I find that it attracts rodents who eat both the bone meal and the bulbs.

As you can tell, the basic goal of fall fertilizing is to promote root growth. When you have strong roots, you have healthy plants with numerous flowers. So push those roots!

'Love is in the Fair'

Who doesn't love a good old fashioned country fair? Great food, fun rides, adorable animals and prize winning vegetables. This weekend we went to the Hunterdon County 4-H Fair in Ringos, NJ and had a great time. I left the fair, once again determined that next year will be the year I finally raise chickens! Having been a 4-H kid myself, I enjoy seeing them show off their livestock, sewing skills and baked goods and of course as a gardener I am always amazed by the gorgeous selection of vegetables.

If you still want to try your hand at growing a crop this season, it's not too late to start. Fall is the perfect time to plant a second crop of cool season vegetables like spinach, beets, carrots, peas and lettuce. Garlic, like ornamental bulbs, should be planted around Columbus Day, October, in order to harvest next spring. Late season growers are offered the advantage of cooler working temperatures and lower water requirements.

The first consideration in designing a vegetable garden is location. Here in the northeastern United States the site should have full sun for as much of the day as possible. Select a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. Food production also requires a nutrient rich soil, so adequate preparation is important. Raised beds are the easiest way to ensure a rich and workable soil. Once completed, fill the beds with a loose organic mix of topsoil and compost, include peat moss or sand to improve drainage and supplement the soil annually with compost. It is easy to make you own by combining kitchen scraps and yard waste.



Follow these tips and you can have your own prize winning crops by winter. I'm afraid I'll have to wait until next spring for my chickens though!

Technology VS Trees

Well, I am finally getting around to working on our Facebook page. I am trying to sort out how to 'like' , 'friend' and 'share' things on my business versus personal page. Running this business sometimes though I have to admit my work IS my personal life. I guess that is the risk when you make living doing what you love! Expect lots of garden news, tips, events, articles and project updates on the Blog, Facebook & email...and maybe some cross referencing until I figure this all out. Technology, (sigh) I miss the days when landscaping just involved a shovel.

I do enjoy writing, photgraphing, designing and gardening though so I hope to be able to offer plenty of interesting content. I encourage you to email us, 'Follow' our blog and 'Like' (or 'Friend or 'Share') us on Facebook...I haven't figured out which function does what yet! We will be offering a promotion to clients who do - details yet to be determined. Please feel free to get involved too, make 'Comments', post your thoughts, share links and send me your ideas. All of our information and links are available on the 'Contact Us' section of the website.

Garden Tour - Bucks County

I have an exciting event to share with you; Bucks Beautiful is offering a self guided tour of the magnificent Twin Silo Farm Gardens in Gardenville, on Sunday Septemer 19th, 2010! I toured this garden as part of the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program last year and was amazed that such a treasure exists here in Bucks County, truly this property could be home to (The Great) Jay Gatsby! I encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Brochure:
Twin Silo Farm is located in Gardenville, Bucks County, and was part of an original William Penn Land Grant.

The 100-acre farm derives its name from the rare, double stone silos attached to the fieldstone barn built in 1781. The original modest homestead was transformed into a magnificent county estate by the current owner, Andrew Hartnagle.
The award winning 50-acre manicured gardens consist of a series of formal garden rooms; a two-acre pond graced by white swans, beautiful sculptures and dozens of magnificent containers brimming with flowers and plants. A llama barn is designed to resemble a Polish country house.

This unique property is designed to inspire an atmosphere of tranquility and to allow one to imagine themselves transported to other countries around the world.
Please join Bucks Beautiful on Sunday, September 19, 2010, to view this magnificent property. Please allow 2 hours for this self-guided tour, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. Tickets may be purchased in advance through Bucks Beautiful or on the day of the tour at Twin Silo Farm, located at 5727 Twin Silo Road, (Gardenville) Doylestown, PA 18902

http://www.bucksbeautiful.com/