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Down to Earth Living Garden Center in Rockland County Celebrates 52 Years Of Service

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2 years ago

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As summer draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to start preparing your garden for a successful spring bloom. Here are some essential steps to ensure your garden thrives next year.

1. Clean Up and Clear Out
Start by removing any dead or diseased plants from your garden. This helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in your garden. Be sure to also clear away spent annuals and vegetables, and add them to your compost pile if they are disease-free. This cleanup creates a clean slate for new growth come spring.
2. Soil Preparation
Testing your soil is a crucial step in garden preparation. Soil tests provide insight into pH levels and nutrient content, allowing you to make necessary amendments. The soil in this area tends to be acidic so this is a good time to add granular lime to give your plants a head start in the spring. Adding compost or well-rotted manure can also enrich your soil with essential nutrients. This organic matter improves soil structure, promotes healthy root development, and enhances water retention.
3. Plant Cover Crops
Consider planting cover crops, also known as green manure. Cover crops like clover, rye, and vetch help improve soil health by preventing erosion, enhancing soil structure, and adding organic matter when they decompose. They also help suppress weeds and can be turned into the soil in early spring as a natural fertilizer.
4. Mulching
Applying mulch in the fall helps protect your soil from winter erosion and retains moisture. Organic mulches such as straw, wood chips, or shredded leaves add nutrients to the soil as they break down. A 2-3 inch layer of mulch also helps regulate soil temperature, creating a more stable environment for your plants.
5. Pruning
Late summer and early fall are good times to prune perennials, shrubs, and trees. Remove any dead or diseased branches and shape your plants to promote healthy growth. Avoid heavy pruning as it can stimulate new growth that may not harden off before winter.

6. Plant Spring Bulbs
Now is the time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and crocuses. Planting bulbs in the fall allows them to establish roots and ensures a beautiful display of flowers in the spring. Be sure to plant them at the correct depth and provide a layer of mulch for insulation.
7. Plan for Next Year
Take notes on what worked well in your garden this year and what didn’t. Sketch out your garden plan for next spring, considering crop rotation and companion planting to maximize your garden’s health and productivity. By following these steps, you’ll set the stage for a vibrant and productive garden next spring.

The center is open 9 – 5 every day and is located near Bergen County at 1040 Route 45. Phone number is 845-354-8500. Website is www.dteliving.com for more information.

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Rail Trail Café & Mercantile in Blauvelt Introduces Dr. Pumpkin’s Potion, a New Fall-Themed Drink

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1 day ago

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November 10, 2026

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Halloween-themed drink with caramel drizzle.

 BLAUVELT, NY — A popular Rockland County café is getting into the fall spirit with a creative new seasonal drink that combines the flavors of pumpkin spice, marshmallow, cinnamon, and Dr Pepper.The Rail Trail Café & Mercantile in Blauvelt has introduced Dr. Pumpkin’s Potion, a specialty beverage featuring Dr Pepper blended with pumpkin spice, marshmallow syrup, and cinnamon.

The drink is topped with vanilla cold foam and finished with a pumpkin drizzle, creating a sweet, fall-inspired twist on the classic soda.

“One sip and you’re under its spell,” the café shared while introducing its newest creation.

The seasonal beverage offers a unique alternative to traditional pumpkin spice lattes, combining the familiar taste of Dr Pepper with flavors typically associated with fall.

Rockland County residents looking to try something different this autumn can stop by The Rail Trail Café & Mercantile in Blauvelt to sample Dr. Pumpkin’s Potion. The new drink is the latest fall-inspired offering from the local café, giving customers another reason to visit and enjoy a seasonal treat in the heart of Blauvelt.

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La Casa Di Dolce Brings Generations of Italian Baking Traditions to a New Children’s Book

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1 month ago

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October 12, 2026

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Children cooking in a cozy kitchen.

A family-inspired bakery and a new children’s book are bringing Italian heritage, cherished recipes, and the joy of baking together to the next generation.

For Jaclyn Ryan-Henry, founder of Made in the Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce, baking is about more than creating delicious treats. It is about preserving family traditions, celebrating Italian heritage, and sharing the memories that connect generations.

Built on recipes and traditions passed down through the family, La Casa Di Dolce is a tribute to the enduring influence of Nonna’s kitchen. Through her bakery, Ryan-Henry hopes to bring a little piece of Italy into every home, one cookie at a time, while creating meaningful connections through food and culture.

Now, Ryan-Henry is expanding that mission with the release of a new children’s book inspired by the adventures of baking with her own children. The book celebrates the experience of passing down family recipes, cultural traditions, and treasured memories from one generation to the next.

Filled with fun, laughter, and a special surprise for families to discover at the end, the story encourages parents and children to embrace the joy of baking together while learning about their heritage. Inspired by recipes handed down through generations, the book highlights how simple moments in the kitchen can become lasting family traditions.

Through both her bakery and her writing, Ryan-Henry hopes to keep these traditions alive for future generations, demonstrating how food and storytelling can preserve cultural identity while bringing families closer together.

Upcoming Book Signing at Barnes & Noble

Readers and families will have an opportunity to connect with Ryan-Henry at an upcoming book signing at Barnes & Noble at Palisades. The event date has not yet been announced and will be shared through the bakery’s social media accounts.

The first 15 attendees will receive special freebies, which may include custom items or baked goods.

Families interested in learning more about the book, discovering La Casa Di Dolce, or following announcements about the signing can find additional information through the bakery’s online platforms.

Where to Find La Casa Di Dolce

Purchase the book on Amazon:
https://amzn.to/4jcpzgA

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Find Made in the Home Kitchen of La Casa Di Dolce on Google

With a mission rooted in family, heritage, and tradition, Jaclyn Ryan-Henry is using both baking and storytelling to help ensure that the recipes, memories, and cultural connections passed down through generations continue to inspire families for years to come.

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