The foliage of black-eyed Susan is unobtrusive. Because the foliage is covered in coarse hairs, rabbits and deer rarely bother it (these creatures may snack on the flowers though). Leaves are generally a deep green color that blend well in a mixed garden bed. Black-Eyed Susan Care Must-Knows Leaf spots are black-eyed Susan’s most common problem and are generally caused by fungus. The best way to handle this problem is to clean up dead debris before new foliage has emerged in spring and after the first frost in fall....

See our drought-tolerant landscaping ideas to beat the heat in your garden. Blue Hesper Palm Care Must-Knows When selecting a planting site for blue hesper palm, choose a location that has space for the plant to grow 15 to 20 feet tall and 6 to 8 feet wide in 20 years or so. (With age, it may reach 50 feet tall and 16 feet wide.) The site should also provide well-drained, moist (not wet) soil and full sun to promote the tree’s intense blue-silver foliage....

1 ¼ cup all-purpose ¼ teaspoon salt ⅓ cup shortening 4 tablespoon water Sweetened Whipped Cream 1 cup whipping cream, well-chilled 1 tablespoon sugar

Test Kitchen Tip: We do not recommend using a sugar substitute for this recipe.

1. Build a Modesty Panel Build a modesty panel to run the center length of the island, between the pallets, by cutting two 1-inch MDF sheets (ours are 35×61¼ inches). Then, cut three pieces of 1×3 poplar to 35 inches long to use as cleats that will join the two MDF sheets. Position the first cleat at the center of one sheet and space remaining cleats 19 inches apart on either side....

To serve, thaw in the refrigerator 24 hours (casserole will still be icy). Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake, covered, about 1 hour or until edges are bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with parsley.

How to Freeze Mashed Bananas If banana pancakes, banana muffins, or banana baked goods are in your future, this is the ideal way to freeze bananas for you. Save yourself the prep work later by freezing mashed bananas now that will be ready to toss into any batter. Here’s how to do it: Peel and mash the bananas. Cut twelve 4x4-inch squares of plastic wrap and line each cup of a muffin pan with them....

1 12 ounce bag fresh cranberries 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ cup orange juice 2 teaspoon finely shredded orange peel 20 fresh sweet cherries, pitted or 1 cup frozen unsweetened pitted dark sweet cherries Caramel Apple Filling 8 tart baking apples (Granny Smith) (2 to 2 1/4 pounds) 2 tablespoon lemon juice 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel ¼ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoon unsalted butter ¼ cup whipping cream 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (can substitute pure vanilla extract) 1 egg 2 tablespoon coarse sugar...

To Store: Layer cookies between sheets of waxed paper in an airtight container; cover. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestion: If desired, serve over hot cooked whole wheat couscous. Start with 2/3 cup uncooked couscous and cook according to the package directions. To Make Ahead: Cool chicken mixture. Transfer mixture to a shallow freezer container. Seal, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Transfer chicken mixture to a microwave-safe shallow baking dish. Cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on 100% power (high) for 3 minutes....