If a friend forwarded this e-zine to you, subscribe now at Stewart's Gardening Newsletter Be sure to pass along these important tips to friends by passing on this email. Remember, they get my latest e-book on herbs for free when they sign up for our newsletter.

Letter From The Editor

This time of year, you can usually find us out harvesting herbs, everlastings, lots of bell peppers and squash. Certainly this year is no different.

Also this time of year, there is also always a bit of frustration as some of the veggies that looked so enticing at the beginning of the season succumb to squash beetles, worms, wilt, deer, and rabbits.

The reality of trying to be more organic means that you have to reapply products more often and you have to do more hand picking of bugs off your plants.

Don't get me wrong, it is certainly worth the extra effort. We all need to do our part to "save the planet", and there is a sense of accomplishment when you sit down to a plate off fresh veggies that you grew and prepared yourself.

My biggest surprise was the fun and ease of growing and cooking beets. I wasn't really sure if I would like them fresh (I'm so used to eating pickled beets from a jar) but they were really good!

I have also been busy updating our website and making gardening videos. Many are on my new blog that you can visit at Julias Garden Blog.com

Hope you enjoy this issue! :)

Julia

If you're into Facebook, be sure and visit our page there and become a fan so that you can get special updates. You'll get the first peek at my latest videos which are produced right here in our own backyard (or maybe your backyard.) I hope you'll find them helpful. Be sure and let me know what type of information you want and need in the contact form below.

You can see the video I produced for shade gardening on YouTube here. While you're there, be sure and take a moment to write a comment and rate it for me. I love to see the little stars! You can even subscribe so that you are alerted each time I upload a new video.

Of course you can still read about it on our website. Shade gardening can be a real challenge unless you know the ten tips listed there.

Want a plant that makes you feel like your relaxing at the beach? I have highlighted one of my favorite plants called Northern Sea Oats. I call it a near perfect perennial because it's deer-resistant, drought tolerant, doesn't need fertilizing or staking. Click here to learn more and to see the video.

Do you love orchids? Check out the beautiful picture submitted by Carolyn.

Be sure to submit your pictures so that you can be entered into the drawing to receive a great new book by Tracy Disabito-Aust called 50 High-Impact, Low-Care Garden Plants: Tough-But-Beautiful Plants Anyone Can Grow. This is a great reference tool for anyone who loves easy plants. Submit your pictures here.

Want to know what annual we plant every year without fail and looks just like lavender when dried? See the video and learn more here.

Best Deal Magazines has great deals on some of my favorite magazines like Horticulture, Country Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Organic Gardening. With tons of subjects, you're bound to find one you like too.

• Take notes places you have in your garden where nothing is blooming so you can fill in the blank spots this fall.
• Start pruning back leggy annuals and perennials
• Pick herbs to dry for winter and to use fresh. Try new recipes! Take cuttings now for Christmas gifts later.
• Talk to your landscaper about redoing your grass in September.
• Think about planting fall herbs and vegetables.
• Bulb catalogs are coming in the mail now. Decide which ones you want and order early for best prices.

Find all kinds of eco products that are cool, hip, and green. Items like clothing and gardening stuff, as well as pet and baby products.

Bonsai Boy has lots of cool ideas for those of you that might want to try your hand at growing bonsai trees. Great Christmas gift idea too!

Visit our "What's New" page for the latest updates to our web site. We have added many more pages this month.

I really can't believe it's a few days away from August! I have really enjoyed the cooler, wetter summer. Hope you have to.

Until next time,

Happy Gardening!

Julia and Alfred Stewart
We would love to hear from you! Let us know what you think by emailing us your comments and questions