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Winter Rose Care & Pruning

Although major rose pruning is not done until late February into early March, there are a few things I do to get roses settled in for the winter. First, I wait until the first frost has occurred before I do anything. That happened on December 1 this year, a little later than normal. If you do any pruning prior to that, new growth will be encouraged, and it will just be nipped later. I will then do minimal pruning, about 1/3 of the plant or to about waist-high. It does not matter how you make the cuts. More precise pruning will be done in late winter. Giving roses a slight pruning at this time will decrease the damage from strong winter winds. Roses are not deeply rooted, and any long canes can spell trouble. Pick off any remaining leaves, if possible. I know that can be a big job if there are still many leaves left on the plant but you don't want leaves, especially diseased leaves, left to fall and harbor spores for next season. Clean the area around the base of the rose. Rake out ...
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Chocolate Banana Bread



More chocolate (can you tell I love it?) This one comes from AllRecipes.com. This is a good way to wreck your diet!

Chocolate Banana Bread

Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter or margarine, softened
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 6 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar and eggs. Stir in bananas and vanilla. Sift in flour, baking soda and cocoa; mix well. Blend in sour cream and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a loaf comes out clean.


Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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  1. DDecember 22, 2010 at 4:54 PM

    Good looking goodies, Phillip, this and the yule log. We love anything chocolate! all I have to do is look at it and I gain. ;) I shall have to try at least one of them.

    I wanted to be sure to wish you and your family a joyous and blessed Christmas, and say thank you for sharing in this past year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. EveDecember 22, 2010 at 7:21 PM

    OH MAN!!!
    I'm going to have to try this one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. serial tillerDecember 22, 2010 at 7:46 PM

    Phillip...you must stop posting all this food! I have gained 5# just from reading your recipes! LOL Have a great Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  4. meemsnycDecember 22, 2010 at 9:31 PM

    Oooh, I love banana bread! And with chocolate, yummy goodness.

    ReplyDelete
  5. still goodDecember 23, 2010 at 6:10 AM

    What a beautiful photograph!!!!!!!!!!!

    I'm going to the kitchen now to make your chocolate mint cookies for Todd's b'day!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. still goodDecember 23, 2010 at 6:14 AM

    that last post was from me (rebecca).

    ReplyDelete
  7. KellyDecember 23, 2010 at 10:39 AM

    I made this and it is AWESOME! Thanks Mr. Therapy!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rob (ourfrenchgarden)December 24, 2010 at 12:34 AM

    Merry Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  9. scottweberpdxDecember 24, 2010 at 11:57 AM

    mmmmmm...you had me at "chocolate"

    ReplyDelete
  10. compost in my shoeDecember 25, 2010 at 6:25 AM

    Diet, what is that about.......looks yummy!!

    ReplyDelete

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