Monday, August 11, 2008

Gardeners Beware!




I don't know about you, but one of my favorite summer delights is delicious home grown tomatoes. After experiencing some difficulties with garden pests such as groundhogs and deer, I decided to grow a patio tomato on my deck this summer. I was so proud of my beautiful plant. Lush and green,with many flowers it was one of the healthiest plants I'd ever seen. I babied this plant, fertilized it, watered it, and yes even talked to it.


I am sure you can guess where this is going. To make a long story short, I went away to the Berkshires for 4 days leaving my beautiful tomato laden plant at home. The last thing I did was tie it to the stakes because it had so many tomatoes on it, I did not want it to fall over and break.


When I returned from my trip the plant was devastated as you can see in the photos. Hideous creatures, tomato hornworms, attacked and devoured this plant in 2 days. I know it was done in a day or two because my son checked on the plants and told me that overnight all the leaves and most of the tomatoes were gone! Apparently these creatures are very hard to see until the enter the stage where they eat everything at a sickening rate just before they emerge as giant moths.


They will also attack potato , pepper and eggplant. Take a look at your plants today and make sure there are no caterpillars crawling around or you too may have a shocking discovery.


Take a look at this site for further info.http://www.tammysrecipes.com/tomato_hornworms




Friday, August 8, 2008

To Antique or not to Antique- That is the Question?


I am having a really hard time deciding whether or not to antique my latest piece of jewelry. I love the way the copper and silver look right now, but with time the copper will tarnish and will not have the same vintage look as some of my other pieces unless I decide to "antique" the necklace in liver of sulpher. I would love some feedback before I do anything. So please give me your opinions.

Friday, August 1, 2008

A Work in Progress




I have been working on new wire projects with a vengence since my Wild Wire Woman's Retreat and I am proud to present my lastest new necklace which is still unfinished. Stay tuned for the next installment. I will be asking for feedback and would love to have your input.