August SKI Tips

If you really want to drink tea like they do on Downton Abbey, you will add your milk last. Inferior china cups were inclined to crack when hot tea was poured into them, but the finest china was much stronger and didn’t crack. So putting the milk in last became a way for the upper class to show they had the best china. Milk in last also lets you judge the strength more easily—too much milk can ruin the perfect cup of tea.

A group of squirrels is called a “scurry” or a “dray”.

A woodpecker tongue is up to 4” long depending on the species. It wraps around the skull when it is retracted.

August is the best time to dig and divide perennial flowers in your garden (such as hosta, lily, daylily, ornamental grasses, and bearded iris). Use a spade to lift the plant from the ground being careful not to damage the root ball. When the clump is out of the ground, use a large garden knife or spade to cut it into smaller pieces. Then, replant the smaller pieces or divisions as soon as possible.

Chrysanthemums, popular fall flowers,  are available in two general categories: florist and garden. Florist mums are ideal for gift giving, but if you want color for your flower border, make sure you purchase garden mums that are tough enough to tolerate outdoor conditions.

Stop pruning perennial herbs such as tarragon, lavender, sage, oregano, and thyme at least one month before your last expected frost. Pruning encourages new growth that won’t have time to harden before cold weather hits.

Dead-head annual bedding plants and perennials to encourage them to flower into the autumn and stop them self-seeding.

Use colorful plastic golf tees to mark the location of dormant plants like spring bulbs or perennials.

Clean your grill without chemicals or a lot of elbow grease by using half an onion. Onions have natural antibacterial properties and help deep clean the grates. First, get the grill nice and hot to burn off any remaining food. Next, cut an onion in half and pierce it with a long grill fork. Scrub.

Keep critters away from trash cans by mixing 2 tablespoons dish soap, 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper, and 1-quart warm water. Spray liberally over cans. Raccoons, especially, hate the smell of many spices and oils, including mint and cayenne pepper.