Some of the plants I have added recently are Bee Balm, Columbine, Hosta, Salvia, Parsley, Lilac bushes, Butterfly bushes. In addition to plants, shrubs and trees, you can attract birds with bird baths, bird houses, nectar, sunflower seeds and many other bird food available at a variety of stores. If adding a bird bath, be sure to change the water every day, and every few days you should empty the bath, scrub with a brush and rinse it well.

These are only a few of the ways I like to attract fluttering wildlife to my gardens. If you would like some ideas on gardening that will attract birds and butterflies, join us on May 30^th, 2013 from 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. in Anton room 202 when the Master Gardeners will discuss planning and maintenance on gardens that attract birds, butterflies.

This is one type of drip irrigation system.

In past years I have utilized soaker hoses or water sprinklers to provide water to my vegetable and flower beds; however, this year I intend to utilize the drip irrigation system. This will target the root zone where it is needed most instead of the whole plant. Although I do not have a large garden, I realize the importance of keeping the soil moisture at a consistent level. With drip irrigation I will be able to vary the water application to plants that require more water by changing or adjusting the drip for each type of plant.

Pictured here are two types of drip irrigation systems.

Another type of drip irrigation system.

Be sure to join us for the Drip Irrigation program presented by The Master Gardeners from the Shawnee County Extension office May 16th from 7:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. in Anton room 202.

These are some of my vegetables I started from seed.

For the third year in a row I decided to grow my vegetables from seed. I started them in February and have transplanted them into 3″ pots. This should be plenty of space for to grow strong roots until time to plant them outdoors in several weeks. By then I should have all the information and supplies I need to get my drip irrigation system up and flowing.

Whether you are planting a new lawn or just maintaining your current lawn the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library is your source for materials and advice you need to get started.

Join us on Thursday March 7th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library for tips on a weed free lawn, presented by the Master Gardeners. Then stop by our Lawn and Garden neighborhood to check out books and DVD’s on lawn care, we’ve got lot’s to choose from so you can take these materials home and start planning.

Here is my favorite recipe from her book it is for the Blondie bars, mainly because I love chocolate chip cookies and these are moist, delicious and so easy to make. Try some today!

Makes 12 to 16 Bars

8 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter (1 stick) at Room Temperature

2 Large Eggs

1 ¼ Cups Packed Light Brown Sugar

1 Tablespoon Molasses

2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract

1 ¼ Cups Unbleached Flour

½ Teaspoon Salt

¼ Teaspoon Baking Soda

2/3 Cup Semisweet Chocolate Chips

½ Cup Coarsely Chopped Pecans (Optional)

Start by greasing a 9 inch X 9 inch baking pan with butter. Dust with flour and tap out the extra flour. Preheat the oven to 350⁰ F.

Cream the butter and eggs together. Beat in the sugar, molasses, and vanilla until well blended.

Measure the flour, salt, and baking soda and then sift together into the butter mixture. Mix dry ingredients into the batter gently until well combined and no trace of the dry ingredients remains. Stir in chocolate chips by hand, and if using pecans stir those in by hand also.

Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking pan and bake for 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the pan comes out clean (no batter on it) or with only a few crumbs on it.

Remove pan from the oven and cool on a rack for 1 hour. Cut just before serving.

If you try this recipe tell us what you think. Or if you have your own favorite recipe share it with us!