An indoor garden of delights
by Patti Babcock
One rewarding alternative for plant lovers who cannot
tolerate the searing sun, the relentless winds and the
temperature extremes of the desert environment is to garden
indoors.
Ronnie Zidenski, a
Pahrumpian for nearly
five years, enjoys her
indoor garden all year.
Imagination, ingenuity
and an artisfs eye are
traits Zielenski has
utilized to create
enchanting garden
rooms throughout her
home.
The focal point of the
living room is a
shapely sculpture
':.'-"enhanced by a
backdrop of palms.
The vertical line of the
figurine, placed on a
pedestal in the middle
of the living room,
draws the eye up to the
pot above the clay
woman whererailing
vines are rooted. The
placement of the statue
is a delightful surprise.
Moving the eye
upward also makes the
modest room appear
larger.
The flowering
Bougainvillea in the
east facing living room
window provides
color, texture and a
feeling of magic. There
is a sense of wonder in
discovering the delicate Mediterranean plant blooming
indoors during the desert winter. The flowering vines also
thrive in the light and warmth at the kitchen windows and
in a bay window alcove in the living area.
Voluptuous vines (Epipremnum aureum orPothos) cascade
from planters
placed on top of a
living room wall.
They wind around
and between an
eclectic collection
of art which
includes original
paintings.
Antiques,
sculpture,
memorabilia, high-
backed chairs
placed to
encourage
conversation or a
quiet read, a lace
covered round table
where vanilla
flavored coffee is
served in aflowered
china teapot, blend
naturally with
plants, flowers and
vines to create the
spirit ofZielenski' s
indoor garden.
You can use her
ideas as a catalyst
to fashion your
indoor garden. If
you want further
inspiration plus
some excellent
advise about
creating the indoor
landscape from
design ideas to plant
selection and care, refer to 'ZAII About Houseplants" an
Ortho Book available at the library.
Thursday, March 13, 1997 Gal'ln .lgUi 3
Fresh Herbs
Make Healthy Diets Delicious
In an ideal world, we would all eat foods low in fat,
high in fiber and at least five fruits and vegetables a day.
Sound impossible? Not only is it possible, it can be both
tasty and satisfying with the help of fresh herbs from
your local garden center. Follow these creative
suggestions from the American Association of
Nurserymen (AAN) and you'll be on the path to healthier
menus and a healthier life.
Fresh herbs can assist you in the fight against fat
without sacrificing flavor. Omit oil and use herb-flavored
broths to cook vegetables. Pat Reppert of Shale Hill Farm
and Herb Gardens in Saugerties, New York, makes
water-based pestos with fresh basil and garlic. She mixes
the herbs in her blender, then freezes them in ice cube
trays for later use.
If you think potatoes without butter aren't worth eating,
try Mrs. Reppert's herbal recipe. Spritz potatoes with
canola oil, garnish with rosemary and bake in a heavy
baking dish. When sauteing meat, pour off the fat,
deglaze the pan with herbal vinegar for a wonderful sauce
with one quarter the calories of flour. Another gravy
substitute: roast garlic until you can spread it like paste;
whisk paste into chicken broth. This emulsified liquid
produces a delicious, slightly thickened sauce. Add most
herbs during the last ten minutes of cooking to make
flavor come alive and maximize nutrition.
Home grown herbs often taste better than their store-
bought equivalents. Generally, herbs have a life span of
one year. Store in tight containers away from heat. If you
still need an excuse to include herbs in your diet,
celebrate National Herb Week, May 5 through 1 I, 1997.
Your taste buds and waistline will thank you.
Ask your nursery professional for the growing
requirements of the herbs you like. Sunny kitchen
window sills are ideal for many light-loving herbs and
keep them near the cooking area.
A spring meal for established roses
1 cup - soil sulphur; 1/4 - cup Epsom Salts; 1/2 cup - Super Phosphate; 1/4 cup -
Cottonseed Meal. This is a meal for one rose bush. Mix ingredients well and mix
into the soil around each bush. This spring treat will "wake-up" the rose bush.
The rose will need to be fed again in three to four weeks and and on a regular
basis to support new and continued flowers.
Statu- Fountains
BirdBaths
Tables Benches
Made from cast stone
and finished in color
751-3541
Design and Nursery
Xeris cap e .1.1
Visit our ever expanding
Desert Bay
The Water efficient way to
landscape, that adds beauty and
value to your home.
Hwy 372, across from BofA
72 7-5489
Mon - Sat: 9-5 Sun: 9-4
Dedicated to Quality and Education
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