Not many people think of bees during the fall and winter, unless you're a bee keeper like Paul. Unscripted and unprepared, check out a video below that Paul and Joyce's children put together, showing Paul preparing his beehives for the long winter months. "It's interesting to see this process. During this time of year we are focused [...]
While true banana plants are far too large for any home, the Dwarf Musa Banana Plant - which grows up to six feet tall - is the perfect size for anyone looking for a unique, special tropical plant to spice up their decor or landscape. Banana plants thrive best in a humid, bright and spacious atmosphere, [...]
Hibiscus are not only known for their large, bright flowers, but for their many practical uses. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of colors, including yellow, white and pink. But red is the most popular, not for its bold looks but for the things this amazing plant can do, from medical remedies and use in different [...]
Onions: Place these in a mesh bag, a bushel basket, or a cardboard box with holes punched in it. Paul and Joyce use plastic crates with plenty of holes in them. Store at 35-40 degrees F in a dark place that won’t freeze. The Larsons grew garlic, red onions and yellow onions. Red onions don’t store [...]
"There was a great honey harvest this year at Sprucedale Gardens," said Paul Larson. "We expect to have plenty of honey available for sale!" I documented the process as Paul filled this year's first jar of raw, natural honey! Step One: Take frame of honey off of the hive. Step Two: Cut off the wax cap. [...]
Yes, you'll enjoy these winter-hardy mums year after year! Yellow Spoon Lavender Daisy Red Daisy These mums will grow about two feet tall. For shorter plants and more flowers, simply "pinch" them each year! Pinching is snapping off the tip of the shoots (1-2" off the ends). You can do this once or twice - about [...]
Why I make homemade jam: It's a great way to use excess fruit. My own fruit is at its peak ripeness at this time so it has wonderful flavor. It's also nearly organic - it's received few or no sprays. Homemade jam also makes a great gift! - Joyce Larson Materials: Sugar 0-3 cups (I use 3) 4 [...]
A Letter From Paul Larson, 8.31.15 "As far as the weather is concerned, I guess it’s true that no two years are exactly alike. However, one thing that does seem to be consistent from year to year is the occurrence of a prolonged dry spell sometime in mid-July to late August. While I know some other [...]
How To Dry Your Herbs, With Joyce Larson What made you decide to dry your garden herbs? "I had a ton of it. It's a good way to save herbs and not waste them. A lot of people do it at the end of the summer before their herbs are dead in the winter. For a [...]