GMG's Friday Find: Ain't that Swell!

This week's Friday Find is going to keep all of us well-hydrated and very cool! Yesterday after work I got into my car after it had been closed up tight all day and found my water bottle had heated my water to very nice temperature...if I wanted to thaw ice. I was not looking for warm water but for a nice cool drink. That is how today's Friday find happened...

S'well Water Bottle

The description from their website...
The water bottle, re-imagined. Re-engineered. With a stylist. A bulky camping canteen no longer, now a sleek, portable hydration vessel. Not only providing liquids on the go, also a gleaming fashion accessory. All this while saving the planet from plastic waste and providing clean water to those in need.

S’well bottles are elegant and useful. Portable and chic. Double walled, insulated construction allows beverages stay hot for 12 hours or cold for 24. Constructed of the highest quality stainless steel (18/8 food grade), these bottles are non leaching, toxin free, virtually unbreakable, yet lightweight, with a wide mouth to allow for easy cleaning, adding ice cubes and most of all, enjoyable drinking.

Every bottle is non-toxic, non-leaching and BPA free. Plus 10% of sales go to WaterAid, which helps build safe, sustainable water sources for people in Asia and Africa.

This is definitely a great gift for any gardener who spends long hours in the hot sun and is need of a cool one!

-Karen

Garden Media Group       

The Year of the Experimental Gardens "TAKE 2"

Last week, I shared with you that one of the great things about working for a company that specializes in the garden/green industry is becoming aware of great products and places.

This year I went out on a limb and did some experimenting in my garden. I planted a raised garden, six Topsy Turvy® planters, a few veggie containers and even some veggies in my fish pond. Check out my post from June 29 where I shared a little about my Campania International container garden with Organic Mechanics Potting Blend and the great success I am having with my peppers and cucumbers.

Most of the plants in my 4x8 raised garden are gorgeous with lush green leaves and plenty of fruit. I used a recommended blend from my buddy, Mark Highland, the Organic Mechanic, of a 50/50 blend of top soil and Organic Mechanics Planting Blend and I added some Dynamite plant food.

The cucumber plants are lovely and are growing larger every day. Their fruit are smaller than my pinkie but they are coming along. The two tomato plants are lush and green and have several small fruit growing on them. Most of my 16 pepper plants are lush and full and look very healthy and happy. Unfortunately, a few were planted too shallow and although they have fruit on them, the leaves are spindly and don’t look healthy. Remember, this was the year of the experiment and not all experiments are successful!

I have six celery plants that are very full and lush and are waiting to see them grow. I had eight heads of romaine lettuce which we have harvested and they were delicious! We’ve just added seed for arugula, red romaine, green leaf lettuce and squash. Let’s see what happens with these!

Thanks for visiting my raised garden! Next week I will share my experience with my Topsy Turvy® planters and my attempt at hydroponics!

Tracey – GMG

Pilot Project Announced at Longwood Gardens

We just learned that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) have announced an innovative pilot project at Longwood Gardens right here in Kennett Square, Pa., that links NOAA’s climate services and APGA’s public gardens.

According to NOAA, this new partnership will focus on educating gardeners and garden enthusiasts about the possible effects of climate change on America's gardens, landscapes and green spaces. Sounds like a great idea to me!

The information that is obtained from the project will be able to help gardeners, landscapers and farmers identify which plant species will best survive in certain conditions. To learn more about this project, click here.

(photo courtesy of Longwood Gardens)

-Stacey

GMG

AAS Announces 2011 Winners

All-America Selections is pleased to announce the first seven of the 2011 AAS Winners. Following a trial period where these new, never-before-sold varieties are "Tested Nationally and Proven Locally" the AAS judges have submitted their evaluations and selected only the best performers as AAS Winners.

With this announcement, these varieties are available for immediate sale and distribution. Home gardeners will find seeds and plants available in time for their 2011 gardening season.

You can check out all the winners here on the AAS website.

-Stacey

GMG

Frost Countdown. What's Your Date with Jack?

I can’t believe summer’s over and we’re watching the weather reports for the first “freeze warning” signs. We could have frost hear as early as October 10!

Normally I would be panicking, but now, while everyone else is playing the guessing game as to when the first frost will occur, I’m using the brand new FreezePruf. It’s just been introduced and works like “anti-freeze for plants” to help plants survive hard freeze. It's like moving your entire landscape 200 miles further south -- up to 9 degrees colder.

Check out this interview with Dr. Dave Francko, Univ. of Alabama (Watch video: Science Daily).

No matter what you’re growing, you could use a little more time this season. Find your frost date by just Googling city or the biggest city near you.

New from The Liquid Fence Company.