Your All Things Plants newsletter for October 24, 2011

• 24 new members.
• 154 new threads.
• 3,234 new posts.
• 3,397 new images to the plant database.
• 152 new comments in the plant database.

There were 5 new articles published last week:

The hummingbirds are gone now By C. Tee Menser on October 24, 2011 It always makes me a little melancholy when I realize that the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have left here on their annual fall migration to southern Mexico, Central America, and even as far away as South America. (7 comments)

Garden Tours: Tarev By Sharon Brown on October 22, 2011 Welcome to All Things Plants: Garden Tours. Each week we'll take you on a tour of the lovely gardens of one of our members. Join us now as we travel to zone 7 where Tarev will take us through the gardens she has created. You are going to love what you see! (10 comments)

Setting up your bee yard - setting up the hive By Margaret Tucker on October 21, 2011 Now that you have selected the location for your bee yard it’s time to select your hive and set it up. A hive can be considered to be a manufactured home for bees. Early hives were crude shelters made of any material easily procured in the beekeeper’s locale. (3 comments)

Winterizing garden tools By Paul Rodman on October 19, 2011 All of the leaves have been raked and added to the compost; frost has put all of the plants to sleep for the winter. The outdoor furniture has been covered or moved into the garage. We still have one final task to accomplish before completing our outdoor work for the season. We need to winterize tho... (15 comments)

All about American Beautyberry By Christine Gaither on October 18, 2011 I really look forward to fall when so many plants change into their colorful fall wardrobes; it's such a beautiful sight. The American Beautyberry is one such plant that makes quite a showing, boasting bright magenta berries that look much like bracelets of amethyst beads glistening in clusters alo... (30 comments)

Daily Gardening Tips from this week:

October 24, 2011: When I have dried bulbs that do not need stratification, I store them in an empty coffee can with shredded paper until I'm ready to get them going again in spring. Tip and photo by gingin - (One comment)

October 23, 2011: To avoid spreading disease, soak your garden pruners in a solution of Bleach (at a ratio of 1 part Bleach to 10 parts water) in between your cuttings, and after each use. Then, rinse, dry, and spray with some WD-40. They'll be good as new, every time you reach for them! Tip by Gymgirl Photo by Sossman - (2 comments)

October 22, 2011: Fall is a great time to gather all those acorns and pine cones, large and small. You can drop them off at the Art Dept. of your local school for the kids to use in craft making. With all the budget cuts nowadays, the schools are very appreciative of this.... and so are the kids. Tip and photo by sandnsea2 - (7 comments)

October 21, 2011: Fold clean gloves like socks so you can grab a matched pair. Tip and photo by Sheila_FW - (14 comments)

October 20, 2011: After you order plants or bulbs online or by mail, make good use of your waiting period by making up plant labels. That way you are ready to dig when they arrive. Tip and photo by BookerC1 - (22 comments)

October 19, 2011: Decorate an old mailbox with paint and place it in your garden. It is a great place to store gloves and hand tools, and also looks pretty. Tip by 1AnjL Photo by rcn48 - (27 comments)

October 18, 2011: Keep an emergency kit near by stocked with first aid cream, band aids etc. Tip and photo by Boopaints - (13 comments)