Monday Brain Teasers – 11 02 09

As the head honcho of our gardens, November is the month for evaluation and final preparation. We need to make sure all the necessary precautions are in place to assure that all is well next spring. Go back and review any tips from past blogs, ask questions and make comments.

Remember, as gardeners, most are a crotchety but thankful lot. And November is the time to be thankful: for our democracy, our veterans and our families. Vote on Election Day, be thankful for our veterans on November 11th and share our gardens’ bounty on Thanksgiving.

So, if you are still crotchety because of the time change (great in the AM, not so in the PM) then I’ll rouse the nest with Annie’s Monday morning brain teasers. Take a guess; waiting for tomorrow’s answers does not increase your chance of learning.

1) The November Birth Flower is the Rose.

2) One of the most abundant nutrients in winter squash is beta-carotene.

3) Honey was the most popular sweetener in New England until the late 1800s.

4) Peonies are a long-lived perennial.

5) Russia is the largest garlic producer in the world.

Today’s inspirational gardening thought of the day is from Cyril Connolly. “Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils.” It’s the best I could find – most folks look at November as a bummer month. Extra points if you can top the quote!

Photos - Greg Bilowz