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Japanese Maples Fall Color

'Skeeter's Broom' is the most colorful maple in our garden. I have just returned from a 2-week trip to Japan. This was my first ever trip outside the United States. It was an amazing experience and one I will never forget. Japan was wonderful - they really have their act together and I think the U.S. could learn a few things from them. There was one disappointment on the trip - the fall color had barely begun there and was really just beginning as we left. That is okay because the gardens were still spectacular, and I got a nice shot of fall color when I got back. 'Ryusen' I missed a few things - our ginkgo had just turned a glorious color the day before I left, and the leaves were gone by the time I got back.  'Sango-Kaku' I came home to many leaves on the ground but still a lot on the trees. 'Osakazuki', a beautiful red maple always changed color very late and therefore doesn't usually last long. When I left there was no color but a few remaini
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More snow and a cheese ball recipe


We woke up to a winter wonderland this morning despite the weather forecasters predicting that Clark County would get little to none. That seems to be the norm now and I've learned not to rely on their forecasts. There are so many variances and elevations here that it is extremely hard to predict.

Most of the snow had melted by the afternoon but snow flurries are falling again as I write this.




Last night was Oscar night and we had a nice spread of snacks and desserts. We had some friends over and they brought some goodies as well. This is a cheese ball recipe that is one of our favorites.

Pineapple Cheese Ball

2  8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup minced celery (optional! We don't include this)
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 tsp. minced onion
1  20 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup chopped pecans

First, make sure the pineapple is well drained. I put it in a strainer and press the juice out. I then put it in a thick towel and wring it several times. 

 In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, celery (if using), bell pepper, onion, and crushed pineapple. Divide the mixture in half and form two balls out of the mixture. Roll each ball in the pecans. Chill until ready to serve.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy
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Comments

  1. Lisa at GreenbowFebruary 26, 2019 at 3:13 AM

    Your garden looks good with a coating of snow. All of the evergreens stand out being flocked. It is amazing how much every plant has grown in the short time you have been there. I like the rock wall across the top of the hill. Your garden has developed a great personality. MMMMMM that cheese ball sounds good. I will make it for a Euchre party we are having soon. I always like to make something different.

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  2. outlawgardenerFebruary 26, 2019 at 6:59 AM

    Ugh! Let's hope that's the last of the snow. It does look very pretty, though.

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  3. chavlinessMarch 1, 2019 at 8:42 AM

    This white stuff may be pretty for a while, but I am ready for it to go away and for the days to warm up a bit. Garden projects are calling me... My favorite to win best actor won. Yay.

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