Zone 7 gardening

The Panicled Aster - an autumn flower

2011-11-16T18:54:00.000-05:00

The Panicled Aster or Eastern Lined Aster is a member of the large family Asteraceae. The Latin names are “Aster lanceolantus” and “Aster simplex”). Aster is a Greek word for star which describes the radiate heads of the flowers. The Latin word “lanceolatus” means lance-shaped which describes the long thin leaves. The plant is commonly found along wet stream banks in wooded areas and can grow in good and poor soil. I found this still blooming plant two day ago growing on the bank of our driveway under cedar trees. Even though the plant has lovely white daisy-like flowers it is considered a pesky weed.

The Panicled Aster can be distinguished from its other numerous family members because it blooms in autumn from September to November. The flowers are smaller than a quarter, around ¾ inches across. The white flower petals, which number 20-40, are white and curl up as the flower dies. The white or sometimes violet tinged petals surround a yellow center which turns brown from age. This perennial prefers partial sun and grows from one to 3 feet tall. The alternate leaves are smooth or slightly toothed along the leaf edge.

The Aster family contains 20,000 species worldwide. It and the Orchid family are the two largest plant families. Asteraceae has been known as the daisy or sunflower family (Compositae). Several members of the Aster family have been used historically and are presently used as medicine and food. The Eastern Lined Aster was used by the Native American tribe Mohawk for treating fever.

Native Aster plants need little care, bear lovely flowers, and attract butterflies.
Roaming the internet I came across Thomas Elpel’s fascinating description of Asteraceae. The uniqueness of this family is that what appears to be a single flower are many flowers. This is easier observed in a sunflower head than in the small flower of the Eastern Lined Aster. If I had a magnifying glass with me you could view the many flowers in the yellow head of the Eastern Lined Aster.

Many species of Asters have been developed into horticultural ornamentals such as marigold, Zinnias, etc. Other species have been developed into edibles, such as, artichokes, sunflower, etc.

The Aster family can be divided into a Dandelion Subfamily and an Aster Subfamily. Under the Aster Subfamily are nine tribes. Some of them are the Artichoke Tribe, Ragweed tribe, Chamonile Tribe etc.

This is amazing but a little confusing so I will stop for now.

Tufted Knotweed

2011-10-20T22:19:00.000-04:00

The wild flower called Tufted Knotweed (Polygonum caespitosum var.longisetum) or long-bristled smartweed is in the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae), which is also known as the knotweed family. Polygonum is Greek for many knees or many joints.

Leaves are arranged alternately along the stem, lanceolate to elliptic in outline, approximately 3/4 to 3 inches long and 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches wide. Older leaves are usually only slightly hairy. The leaves taper to short petioles, which have an ocrea which encircles the stem. Leaves often, but not always, have a purple spot in the middle of the leaf.

Knotweed has fibrous roots with a shallow and branching taproot. The stems are branched, often reddish in color and swollen at the nodes. A thin membranous sheath called an ocrea encircles the stem at the base of each leaf petiole. The ocrea's of tufted knotweed have stiff hairs arising from the top of the ocrea, which are from 5 to 10 mm long.

The blooming period occurs during the summer and early fall, and can last 2-3 months for a colony of plants. Flowers are clustered in terminal spikes at the ends of stems. Individual flowers are small and are dark pink to red in color. Each flower is replaced by a 3-angled seed that is black and shiny, tapering to blunt points at the upper and lower ends. This plant can reproduce by forming rootlets near the ochreae of the leaves. It also reproduces by reseeding itself.
This weedy plant isn't fussy about growing conditions. It can be found in full sun to light shade, moist to dry areas, and various kinds of soil, including those containing loam, clay loam, and rocky or gravelly material. Some of the lower leaves may shrivel away during hot dry weather. This smartweed withstands regular lawn-mowing better than others because of its low-growing habit.

There are about 35 species of smartweeds found in the east. Three smartweeds in our area are similar except for the stiff hairs on the ocrea or knee. The elliptic to lanceolate leaves with a purple spotted 'lady's thumb' print in the middle and distinctive ocrea with stiff hairs are all characteristics that help to distinguish tufted knotweed from other similar weeds. Pennsylvania Smartweed (Polygonum pensylvanicum) is very similar in appearance and growth habit, but does not have hairs on the knee like that of tufted knotweed. Lady’s Thumb (Polygonum persicaria) is also similar in appearance and growth habit, but has hairs on the knee that are much shorter (2 mm) and has generally smaller leaves and dark pink to red flowers.

As a wildflower smartweeds are a lovely blooming addition to your yard. Birds that eat the seeds of the Smartweeds include the Mourning Dove, English Sparrow, House Finch, other songbirds, and ducks.

Leaves, stems and flowers are edible, but very hot. Try a small part of leave about ¼ size of your little finger nail. Wait a second or 2 then you will taste the heat. Good substitute for pepper or wasabi in your cooking, but use sparingly. The plant can be used fresh or dried. It’s a fine plant for seasoning while camp cooking, but can overwhelm like cayenne pepper. Also be careful because some people can develop dermatitis from it.

There is a tradition, quoted in old Herbals, that if a handful of the plant be placed under the saddle, a horse is enabled to travel for some time without becoming hungry or thirst.

Weed or Miracle Plant?

2011-10-03T11:40:00.001-04:00

Plantain is a perennial herb with basal leaves andinconspicuous flowers in spikes or heads. These wildflowers probably can be found in everyone’s yard orfield. The plant was introduced into thenew world by colonist from Europe. So itfirst common names were “Englishman’s foot” or “White Man’s Foot”. The most common species in North America are Plantain major, the broad-leaved orcommon plantain, and Plantain lanceolat,the narrow-leaved English plantain.

In the spring the plant sprouts from its taproots or seeds. From early summer to late fall leafless flowerstalks arise from the center of the rosette of leaves. The tiny flowers are greenish white and becomea seedpod of 10 to 20 seeds. Most people treat this plant as a weed; sinceit grows everywhere in most soil and light conditions.

However to many this is a miracle plant. Native Americans used the powdered roots ofPlantain as anti-venom for rattlesnake bites and the plant earned the name of“Snake Weed”. In Europe the plant wasused for skin diseases and bites.

The very young leaves can be used in salads or cooked asgreens. The larger older leaves are usedfor tea. The leaves are high in beta carotene(vitamin A), vitamin B1, riboflavin, calcium, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C).

The young flower stalks of common plantain may be eaten rawor cooked and taste like asparagus. Theseeds may be added to food or ground into flour. You may be familiar with Metamucil. This laxative’s primary ingredient is fromthe seeds of a related species (Plantain psyllium).

There are medical benefits from all parts of the plant. A tea made from the leaves or the whole plantcan treat lung disorders, stomach problems and skin diseases andirritations. Chewing on a leaf not onlyrefreshes your breath, but may discourage your desire to smoke cigarettes.

According to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Oslo, Norway “the leaves have been used as a wound healing remedy for centuriesin almost all parts of the world and in the treatment of a number of diseasesapart from wound healing”. So, if youare outside and receive a bug bite or sting; chew a leaf and place on yoursore.

Plantain ointment and Plantain extract may be ordered onlinefrom several vitamin companies.

This plant also provides food for butterfly caterpillars,rabbits, deer, grouse, and other birds.

I used to constantly remove some of my numerous Plantainplants, keeping the larger ones, which are easier for me to grow than theflamboyant slug attractant Hosta. I lookforward to this coming spring when I will be picking the young Plantain leavesfor a salad.

Flora of Galapagos Islands

2011-02-21T01:36:00.002-05:00

The Galapagos Archipelago is a volcanic group of islands in the East Pacific Ocean. About 97% of the islands comprise the Galapagos National Park which is surrounded by a Marine Reserve. I visited during the Hot Season which lasts from December until May. This is the tropical time of year with calm seas, tropical showers and warm humid days. Temperatures range from79 to 85F with water temperatures around79F.

Charles Darwin in 1835 developed the Theory of Natural Selection after his voyage to Galapagos on the H.M.S. Beagle. He observed new species which had developed due to environmental forces. Examples of these new species are Darwin’s finches, the Galapagos mockingbirds, the giant tortoises, the flightless cormorants, and the Galapagos penguins and cactus from the genus Opuntia and plants from the genus Scalesia. These new species were developed due to isolation (the Galapagos are 612 miles from South America continent), adaptations, and mutations which created a new species found nowhere else in the world. These new and unique species are called endemic.

Most well-known are the endemic bird and animal species, but there are also many endemic plant species. I will talk about a few of the endemic plants. The most notable are the cactus. There is an endemic Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia galapagensis) which has soft short spines. The fruits are eaten by finches, land iguanas and tortoises. Another endemic Prickly Pear Cactus is Opuntia echios var. Gigantea which has long sharp spines and can grow 5 feet tall. Marine iguanas and tortoises eat the fleshy part around the trunk of this cactus.

Growing in the lava fields is the Lava Cactus (Brachycereus Nesioticus). This small endemic cactus grows in clumps.

The Candelabra Cactus (Jasminocereus Thouarsil) is a large endemic cactus which grows to heights of 23 feet.

Mangrove swamps which cover the coastline of many islands provide food and shalter for many animals, birds, and marine species. The salt tolerant trees and shrubs thrive in shallow and muddy saltwater or brackish waters. Their root systems extend above the water and the vertical branches filter the salt out and allow the leaves to receive fresh water. The Black Mangrove (Avicennia germinans) has the highest salt tolerant leaves and grows to height of 65 feet. The Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) is the most common in the Galapagos.

The Button Mangrove or Buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta) is not a true mangrove. The fruit buttons which dry to a brown color are used for decorations.

White Mangrove (Laguncularia racermosa) is a shrub with aerial roots close to the water.

Galapagos cotton (Gossypium darwinii) grows wild through many of the islands. The Muyuyo (Cordia Lutea) is an endemic tree with lovely yellow blooms.

In the Highlands the lowest of the humid zone is named for the daisy tree which grows between 970-1970 feet elevations. This endemic “daisy tree” has evolved into a host of different species in a direct parallel to the Darwin finches. The Scalesia is one of the few trees in the Aster Family and its trunk and branches are covered with moss, lichens and orchids.

This is a small example of the endemic plants which number around 200 plants. Galapagos plants are hardy plants which successfully cross oceans and manage to establish themselves in the often hostile environment of these volcanic islands.

The Galapagos National Park, Naturalist Guides, the Charles Darwin Research Station, and the people of the Galapagos strive to protect the Galapagos Archipelago. Rules of the National Park are to walk only on trails, do not disturb wildlife or remove plant or rock material, do not feed animals , do not smoke on islands or any boat, do not buy souvenirs made from native Galapagos species (except for wood). The Guides are there to educate guests and protect the environment. The locals and tourist ships recycle their plastics, glass, metal, and cardboard.

I traveled in the Galapagos with Mary Crowley. This was her eighteenth trip to the islands! She is the director of Ocean Voyages (http://www.oceanvoyages.com/), which places people on ships throughout the world..

Another Frigid Month

2011-01-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

I would like to start by quoting from my Jan. 2007 report. “No need to force blooms from your shrubs and trees this month. Due to our warm winter, daffodils, hellebores, daphne, forsythia, and cherry trees are already in bloom. Also, my Easter lilies are popping out of the soil and my flowering quince is flowering.”

Well that certainly isn’t happening this Jan.! The only good thought is that maybe this cold weather is killing all the nasty insects which harm our plants and us.

If the cold lingers on; then plan a visit to a garden show to uplift your spirits. The nation’s oldest floral show, the Philadelphia International Flower Show runs from Sunday March 6 through Sunday March 13. The theme for 2011 is “Springtime in Paris”.

The San Francisco Flower and Garden Show is March 23 through 27 at the San Mateo Event Center. Experience cutting-edge garden design, new plants, 200 vendors selling outdoor living products, 75 seminars and films. NEW this year is the "Garden To Table" cooking demonstrations with famous Bay Area chefs headlined by Alice Waters, 6000 sq. ft. of Edible Garden displays with hands-on advice, an expanded children's section, a wine garden, and a film premiere.

The Chelsea Flower Show 2011 dates are May 24 to 28 2011. The Chelsea Flower Show is one of the best known flower shows in the world. Run by the Royal Horticultural Society in England and takes place every May in the central London borough of Chelsea.

In spite of the weather the birds are gorging on seeds etc. and checking out bird houses in preparation for their future families.

In this cold weather cuddle up to a hot cup of tea. Peruse your garden books, seed catalogues, and dream of your future garden.

December cold

2010-12-15T09:36:00.000-05:00

December 21st is the Winter Solstice the shortest day and longest night of the year and the official start of winter. With our recent cold temperatures and snow flurries, winter didn’t wait for its official start. With the shorter periods of light plants die or stop producing new growth. Average daily temperature below 43F (6C) will also cause plants to stop growth; so the leaves, stems, and flowers die. However, the roots of trees, shrubs and some plants are storing energy for spring growth. After Dec. 21st we can look forward to days starting to lengthen; and nights shortening.

During freezing weather, water is more important than food to birds and animals. Birds need to drink and bath to survive. If your outdoor water source is frozen; pour in hot water. Or provide a water fountain since running water tends not to freeze.

Chrysanthemums plants can be increased by taking cuttings from shoots found below the soil round the old stems. If you don’t have time to take cuttings, just leave your chrysanthemums in their pots or in the ground. In spring the plants will start growing new shoots for fall blooms.

When the weather isn’t too bitter; build a rock garden, repair garden fences, clean and sharpen garden tools. To build a rock garden on a small slope make sure there is good drainage. Start with a layer of small gravel or grit then add topsoil. The border rocks should be placed so they slope backwards, so that rain drains off. Sandstone will make your soil more acidic; whereas limestone creates an alkaline soil.

After weeks of the Xmas frenzy I am ready to nest in my home and read the garden books I’ve been stockpiling all year, but haven’t taken the time to read. So while your garden is resting; envision your dream garden for 2011.

In “Remarkable Trees of Virginia”, author and lecturer Nancy Ross Hugo, Virginia Tech Department of Forestry extension specialist and Professor Jeff Kirwan and photographer Robert Llewellyn beautifully document the oldest, tallest, most historic and best-loved trees in the Commonwealth. This large coffee table book will help you enjoy your time inside while you peruse magnificent photos and fascinating description of beloved Virginia trees. In fact come spring you might want to plan a visit to some of these fascinating trees.

“The Wise Old Gnome Speaks, How to Really, Really, Really, Care About Your Garden” by James W. Smith is a small paperback bursting with practical info. In the third grade the author was in charge of the class vegetable garden. After managing plant nurseries he became an assistant Professor of Ornamental Horticulture at Cal Poly, the head gardener for several private estates, and a plant breeder.

As James writes “This book will save you time and money…will demystify gardening”, will enable you to understand plants. This is a fun and informative Xmas gift for the experienced and novice gardener.

END Copyright: Louisa Preston 2010

Drought & Rain

2010-10-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

We can all see that we are in a drought. The wind, bright sun, and lack of rain dry out the plants and trees. Yesterday I spent most of the morning watering. The earth sucks the moisture down like a shower drain. Better to water your plants in early morning or dusk. Use a garden hose or water bucket to water at the base of your plant. A sprinkler will waste your water as the water droplets will be absorbed into the dry air.

Well that was two weeks ago. Now the rain has been falling for 3 days and there are flash flood warnings.

The crape myrtles, butterfly bushes and other flowering plants and shrub were beautiful this summer. As are the butterflies they attract. My vegetable garden has all sizes of caterpillars, which I handpick and squash. Another insect pest is grasshoppers. Put a large jar with a water and white vinegar mixture in your garden. The grasshoppers and crickets will jump in and drown. One person told me he kills his grasshoppers with a bb gun.

Prepare for a winter garden by buying seeds of arugula, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cilantro, kale, leek, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard and sage. Also consider planting a cover crop, such as crimson clover, vetch or ryegrass. The cover crop is good for erosion control and nitrogen building. Till under in the spring. As soon as we get rain, plant your veggie and cover crop seeds.

Today I have a “show & tell”. This small plastic bin is a worm bin I made by drilling air holes into a plastic container. The red wiggler worms are my new pets. Every couple of days I check to see if they need more kitchen scraps. They eat vegetables, fruits, pasta or beans. No meat, fish, citrus peels, onions or garlic. My worms seem to prefer ripe cucumbers.

The red wiggler or Eisenia foetida is a more efficient and quicker processer of food waste than earthworms. The worms produce dark compost (vermicompost), which is a rich soil additive which can be added to potting soil, seed beds, and gardens. Or mix with water for a worm casting tea – for your plants; not you to drink.

The worm bin should be kept inside in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees. Kitchen, garage, basement or mud room will work. Keep away from vibrations such as from a refrigerator or washing machine. The vibrations make them uptight.=

Moist shredded newspaper with a small amount of soil works as their bedding. Also straw, peat moss and/or sawdust can be added to the bedding. If you have bad odors; the bedding is too wet, there is too much food, or not enough air.

My red wiggler worms were given to me at the Hanover Cooperative Extension booth during the Heirloom Harvest Festival in Charlottesville. Several sites on the internet sell red wiggler worms.

Gardening Festivals in Richmond and Charlottesville, VA on Saturday

2010-09-10T08:03:00.000-04:00

Saturday September 11, 10a.m. – 4p.m. the Heritage Harvest Festival will be on the west lawn of Monticello and at the new Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center in Albemarle County. A celebration of gardening, sustainable agriculture and local food held at Monticello, the mountaintop home of our third president.

Taste test over 100 different heirloom tomatoes, peppers, apples, and melons.

Attend workshops and demonstrations with experts in gardening, seed-saving, heirlooms and more. Watch demonstrations with local chefs.

For kids there is the Master Gardeners’ Kids Corner.

To attend the festival you must park at the Piedmont Virginia Community College, College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902 and take free shuttles. PVCC is near Rt. 64 at exit for Rt. 20 (Monticello Ave.). After exiting off 64 you drive south on 20 and turn right at College Drive.

Entrance fee is $8 in advance or $10 at gate. Kids 12 yrs. old or younger are free. Additional info on the festival visit http://www.heritageharvestfestival.comor/ 540-894-9480.

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Also this Saturday is the Virginia GoGreen Festival from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Science Museum of Virginia at 2500 W. Broad Street, Richmond. The Virginia Green Industry Council-sponsered event will offer plant sales, speakers, demonstrations, crafts, music and children activities. The festival under cover near the railroad tracks will be held “rain or shine”.

Entrance fee is $3 and kids less than 12yrs. old free. For more info call 804-8641400 or 800-659-1727 or visit http://www.virginiagardening.com/ .

"CowPots" & Mulch

2010-05-24T13:33:00.000-04:00

This spring I’ve been growing small seedlings by planting seeds in dirt in small containers, which I place in a sunny location in my house. After they have grown two sets of leaves, I transplant them to a larger pot. I’ve found “CowPots” perfect for my seedlings. These pots are made from composted cow manure. When the seedlings are ready for transplanting to your garden, place the “CowPots directly into the soil. Therefore, the roots are not damaged by removing the plant from a pot. The young plant roots easily penetrate the sides and bottom of the pot. As the composted manure biodegrades, the seedling is fertilized from the manure.

“CowPots” come in two different sizes, 4 inch or 2 inch. I bought these at Southern States. Oh and they don’t smell!

Mulch improves the appearance of our gardens. The other reason to mulch is to protect plants, conserve water, suppress weeds, and nourish soil. Mulch is an organic substance which is a by-products of forest harvesting. Best not to use mulch until it has begun to decompose. After I receive wood chips from a cut tree, I wait a year or so before using the pile of chips. As mulch ages, it becomes darker in color.

For acid loving plants, like azaleas and rhododendrons, use a mulch that releases acid, such as pine straw or pine bark. Hardwood mulches tend to become alkaline and are good for most other plants.

Do not use mulch which is made from recycled wood pallets and woody construction debris which has been dyed or stained. The dyes and stains will leach into your soil.

Apply mulch in 3 to 5 inches layer on your garden. Do not place mulch directly to base of plants. Especially, do not place against tree or shrub trunks because it can cause basal rot. Replenish mulch when there‘s one inch or less or it. Usually top off every year.

Prevent Slugs from Eating Your Plants

2010-05-07T20:53:00.001-04:00

Earth Day has passed. I had planned to write in this blog to celebrate, but I’m fighting auto-immune diseases and some days/weeks just sleep away.

Are slugs eating your plants? An improvement over the dish of beer in your garden is a 16oz plastic container with lid. Cut holds in upper 1/3 side of the container. Bury up to the bottom edges of the holes. This prevents the container from being knocked over. Add beer and place on lid. The lid prevents evaporation and dilution by rain. I've drowned in beer more than 50 slugs last month and my plants thank me.

First Day of Spring

2010-03-21T20:47:00.000-04:00

The first day of spring arrived yesterday, Saturday, March 20th. The day was sunny with temperatures in mid 70s. The daffodils, crocuses, and forsythia blooms are prettier than ever thanks to the snow’s moisture and minerals.

The average date for the last frost for Richmond is April 27th. About 4 weeks before the last frost, which would be around March 27th, is the time to plant dormant roses and bare-root shrubs. Dogwoods and magnolias should only be planted in the spring.

Perennials such as hostas, liriope, Shasta daisies, and daylilies can be divided before new growth starts. Separate the plants and place back into the soil at the original depth. Water well and mulch. Plant the extras in containers for gifts.

Even with the cool days you can plant petunias, snapdragons, marigolds, nasturtiums, and dianthus.

Fertilize lilies, clematis, lilacs and bearded iris with bone meal or 5-10-5 plus lime. Also fertilize pansies and houseplants. Do not begin fertilizing peonies until after they have been planted for 2 to 3 years. A great all around fertilizer is liquid seaweed.

Vegetables that can be planted before the last frost are lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Plant onions, potatoes, peas, radishes, asparagus, and turnips near the end of the month. Seedlings started inside will appreciate fertilizing at half strength every two weeks.

Add mulch to asparagus, artichokes, bramble fruits and fruit trees. March is too early to remove mulch from your other plants. The ides of March can bring surprises such as last year when we had an 80 degrees week followed by two frosts.

March is a good time to repot houseplants into larger containers. Leggy plants should be cut back. Root your cuttings for our plant exchange in May. The secret to rooting coleus and wax begonias is to cut the top 6 inches of a leafy stem below a leaf node. Then remove the leaves from the bottom 3 inches and place the cutting in water adding a few drops of bleach. Place in a partially sunny window. Place in soil after roots have developed.

One way to celebrate spring is to attend the free Arbor Day Workshops and Exhibits on April 3rd at Byrd Park. Stay Co2ol with Trees, is on a Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Carillon in Richmond’s Byrd Park. During the festivities, Richmond,VA will receive Tree City USA recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation for the 19th straight year.

There will be a free tree giveaways, workshops, kid activities and music. Attendees will be able to purchase compost bins at a discount through the Clean City Commission.

Orchids, Virginia Historic Garden tour & Amaryllis

2010-03-01T21:44:00.000-05:00

Did you miss last weekend’s Orchid Show at Strange’s (www.strangesgardencenter.com) in Richmond, VA? The show was presented by The Virginia Orchid Society (vaorchidsociety.org) with orchid displays and vendors. Free lectures both days and free repotting.

Orchids provide lovely indoor bloom during the barren winter months. To find an orchid show in your area visit the American Orchid Society (http://www.aos.org/).

By April the snow will have disappeared for the 77th anniversary of Historic Garden Week in Virginia (www.vagardenweek.org & www.GCVirginia.org.) which is April 17th thro 25th. This is when Richmond and the surrounding counties are ablaze with blooming azaleas, lilacs, cherry trees, daffodils and tulips.

Free guidebooks are available at certain garden centers. Tickets may be purchased in advanced or at the houses or gardens during the day of the tour. Expect to wait in long lines to enter the historic private mansions and gardens.
Call the Virginia Tourism Corporation at 1 800-545-5500 for travel accommodations info, a free travel guide, and a state highway map.

Hope this is the end of our snow. Last year at this time the crocuses and daffodils were blooming. Now my daffodils are staying close to the ground and the buds are green.

I decided to google for info on the continuing care of my Amaryllis (Hippeastrum). I was amazed to find more than 250 sites. One site amaryllis.com only sells Amaryllis bulbs. For “after blooming care” cut off only the dead flowers. The flowering stem should not be cut until it starts sagging. After our last frost the pot can be placed outside in full sun. To provide food for the bulb you should continue to water and fertilize all summer.

2010-01-23T18:03:00.000-05:00

Finally we have a break in the frigid weather and can work in our gardens. Prune the seed capsules off the tips of your crepe myrtles to give larger bloom clusters this summer. Prune the dead blooms from Rose of Sharon. Prune butterfly bush down to about a foot from the ground. Even in the winter weed.

Clean your fireplaces and place the wood ashes around lilacs, roses, peonies, clematis, daffodils and vegetable garden. The ashes add both lime and potash to the soil. Do not put the ashes around your acid-loving plants.

The holidays are over, but don’t throw out your forced bulb flowers with the Christmas tree. Cut off the dead flower heads and place plant in a sunny indoor location. Every second watering add a half dose of fertilizer to the water. In the spring place your potted amaryllis outside and plant the other bulbs in your garden.

Poinsettia plants can also be reused each year. Keep the plant in a sunny location where the night time temperature is no colder than 60 degrees. The soil should be kept damp and fertilized lightly when new growth appears. When the temperature is warm enough, cut back the plant and place outside. In early October bring the plant indoors for 12 hours of darkness a day and in December the bracts will turn to color for Holidays.

It is not too soon to start forcing blooms from flowering shrubs and trees. Forsythia is especially easy. Also try crabapple, peach, plum, pussy willow, quince, winter jasmine and witch hazel.

Start planning your spring vegetable garden. Sow seeds of cool season vegetables, such as arugula, in indoor pots or trays. Also start seeds of lavender, chives, dill, rosemary, thyme and parsley. Seeds of peas (soak over night), lettuce, spinach and chard can be planted in your garden if protected with a cover of black fabric.

Also indoors start germinating seeds of Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon and Verbena. All take 8 to 10 weeks before their seedlings are ready to be planted in your garden.=

Attend a flower show. The Maymont Flower & Garden Show is Feb. 18th through Feb. 21st at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. For more info 800-332-3976 or http://www.macevents.com/

Feb. 28th through March 7th is The 2010 Philadelphia Flower Show “Passport to the World. Displays will represent India, Brazil, the Netherlands, South Africa, New Zealand and Singapore. For more info http://www.theflowershow.com/

Study your garden catalogues and plan for the arriving warm weather.

Snow!!!

2009-12-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

We recently experienced a beautiful snow storm. The snow cover will protect your plants from freezing and will provide moisture. Sprinkle bird seed (the birds will love you), sand or kitty litter on icy walks. Do not use salt which will burn your plants and shrubs and will eat away at bricks. Don’t forget to gently scoop fresh snow off boxwoods and evergreens for the snow may freeze and break branches.

Dec. 21st is the Winter Solstice the shortest day and longest night of the year and the official start of winter. With the shorter periods of light plants die or stop producing new growth. Average daily temperature below 43oF (6oC) will also cause plants to stop growth; so the leaves, stems, and flowers die. However, the roots of trees, shrubs and some plants are storing energy for spring growth. Tomorrow, days will start to lengthen; as nights shorten.

Check your plants you have brought into your home for the winter. The plants may harbor insect pests, such as aphids, which will quickly multiply in the warm environment. If you find infestations; wash the plant then spray a non-toxic soap insecticide on your plant.

After weeks of the Xmas frenzy I am ready to nest in my home and read the garden books I’ve been stockpiling all year, but haven’t taken the time to read. So while your garden is resting; envision your dream garden for 2010.

Warm wishes for a peaceful, happy, and healthy Holiday and New Year.

Preparing for Winter

2009-11-18T10:53:00.000-05:00

The holly trees, decorated with red berries, remind us of the approaching holidays. If you have holly trees and no berries; you need a mate – for your holly trees. Hollies are dioecious. The female holly tree bears the berries and the male tree provides the pollen. One male holly tree will serve many female holly trees. If there is nothing better to eat; deer will munch on young holly trees.

Ginkgo trees also are dioecious. The female ginkgo produces a smelly and messy fruit, which is a delicacy in China. The ginkgo has beautiful fan shaped leaves which turns a brilliant yellow after the other tree leaves have already fallen. The falling yellow ginkgo leaves signify the end of colorful autumn.

We have plenty of dead leaves, but only the oak leaves should be used for mulching your garden. Oak leaves are pest resistant and retain moisture. Magnolia and beech leaves should remain under the tree; since they create their own fertilizer. Throw the rest of your leaves on your compost pile.

Are you considering a live Christmas tree this season? Then dig a large hole where you plan to plant your tree after the holidays. Fill the hole with your fallen leaves. When the ground is frozen; you will be thankful you were prepared.

Wisteria should only be fertilized after their leaves have fallen. This will give you more bloom and less growth next year.

Fertilize your bulb beds. Continue to water newly planted bulbs. In order to discourage voles; do not mulch around your bulbs until the ground is frozen.

Don’t sanitize your garden. Though some plants, such as Iris and peony, should be cut back and their dead leaves removed. Also roses should have their fallen leaves removed. However, many perennials are attractive and useful in their dormant state. They provide food and protection for birds and protect new growth. Especially, your chrysanthemums or mums will start to look messy as the flowers fade and the leaves fall, but the old stems will protect new growth. The result will be healthier plants next fall. So leave some of your garden clean-up till spring.

October Gardening Notes

2009-10-24T12:07:00.000-04:00

October is a good time to plant bulbs, both in your garden and in pots. If planting bulbs in clay soil you should work bone meal, top soil and hardwood mulch into the soil. Use bulb-tone if you have animals which will be attracted to the bone meal and dig up your newly planted bulbs. Do not plant your daffodil bulbs until after the first hard frost. After the second hard frost, plant tulip bulbs. Follow with muscari and crocus bulbs.

For indoor pleasure, force daffodil, tulip, crocus, and hyacinth bulbs. Place your potted bulbs in a dark and cool location until green life appears. Then move to a sunny location where you can enjoy the blooms during the winter gloom. After blooming, let the bulbs dry; then store in a cool dark place. Plant these bulbs in your garden the following spring. Forced paperwhites usually do not bloom after being planted in your garden. However, I still plant them each year. So far with no luck, however, a friend has one batch of paperwhite bulbs which bloom every spring. We think one reason may be that the bulbs are planted close to a black top driveway, which keeps the soil warm in the winter. Do you know how to get paper whites to re-bloom?

October is the time to winterize your roses by applying potassium. Stop deadheading your roses so rose hips can form. The rose hips signal the roses that this is the time to go dormant. Give the roses a final deep water then mulch to protect their soil from freezing.

When the tree leaves start to show color begin to transplant and plant roses, shrubs and trees.

Mid-Oct should be your last fertilizing of shrubs and trees. Only fertilize English box every two or three years.

During the winter your garden mulch will continue to break down, improving the soil’s nutrient value and structure. However, as the shredded bark mulch decomposes it will deplete the nitrogen in your soil. If you used shredded bark as your mulch; you will need to add cottonseed meal or blood meal to your soil. Another way to add nitrogen to your garden is to plant a winter cover crop of clover or rye.

Before the first frost, dig up your sweet potatoes. Also pick your green tomatoes. Put up wind protectors if you have planned a winter veggie garden. Winter veggie gardens are my favorite. No insects. No foraging animals – except deer. Weed less. No sweating.

Enjoy the color of the dying leaves which was brought to us by last weekend’s cold weather.

Climate Change

2009-10-15T14:49:00.000-04:00

There are actions we can to do to improve the environment for ourselves, our children, and our grandchildren. Recycling, green gardening, and a decrease in consumerism will improve the water we enjoy, the air we breathe and the stress we experience. It is not necessary to believe in climate change to want to improve life on earth.
Recycle newspaper by using as mulch for garden and by adding to our compost pile.

Add more flowers and vegetables to your lawn to decrease the amount of grass area which demands more work and fertilizer. Use beneficial insects and nematodes rather than toxic insecticides.

Drive less; carpool, bike, and walk more. Support alternative energy: wind mills, solar, and hybrid cars. Support thrift stores, yard sales, and farmers markets.

Today I’m participating in Blog Action Day (Oct. 15th) as one of the numerous ways to help.

Chiggers cont.

2009-09-27T21:20:00.000-04:00

A friend makes a rinse out of water & cider vinegar which she puts on her dogs to wash away chiggers. This rinse remains on the coat. Also beneficial for dog's skin.

If allowed to roam; Guinea hens and chickens eat ticks and chiggers. But then you most be around to care for your fowl.

Shortly winter will take care of the chiggers, which are inactive at temperatures below 60oF and die when ground temperatures fall to 42oF.

article/photos

2009-08-26T21:16:00.003-04:00

Cowgirls & Mustangs: Riding the High Desert in California's Surprise Valley

Chiggers & Ticks: ugh!

2009-08-25T22:06:00.003-04:00

August is heat and insects. August also is veggies, berries and flowers. I find it hard to harvest the latter when I know I risk chigger and tick bites. Mosquito bites are just a short time annoyance.

As a teenager living on a farm I spent the summer with itchy oozing boils sprinkled on my body. My parents would take me to the country doctor whose response was “I get them also. Maybe we are allergic to tomatoes.” .

I’ve learned that my migraines were sinus infections due to allergies to grasses, animal dander, pollen etc. I’ve outgrown or prevented these problems. But I still get horrible chigger and tick bites and sometimes I don’t want to leave the house except to jump into the car. Deer sleep in my lawn in spite of my dog. I’m surrounded by forest and pasture. I love gardening and weeding but not in August.

I can handle Japanese beetles, hornets, mosquitoes, ants, slugs, etc. but not chiggers or ticks. The first time my dog suffered with Lyme disease. I spread Sevin over a part of the flower garden where she likes to hang out. I’m organic gardener, compost my kitchen and garden wastes and collect rain water. I felt guilty using Sevin, but I was angry.

Thanks to friends and online info I hope to be better prepared for next August.

Chiggers and ticks (and spiders) are Arachnids. Their bite is similar. They both feed on most animals. Chiggers prefer reptiles and birds.

A well groomed yard free of weeds and brush will not attract ticks or chiggers. My yard is full of weeds, bushes, flowers, and veggies.

My dog is on Frontline, but she still gets bitten by ticks and chiggers. These insects also travel on her coat into our home. I’ve started to spray her coat with herbal sprays when she ventures outside. If she is dirty; I wash her with the garden hose before she enter the house. You may find this excessive but I’ve occasionally watched ticks walk up a wall or across the floor of my home.

Because you can see ticks they are easier to deal with than chiggers. If I feel a tick walking along my leg; my fingers quickly grab the insect and drop it in alcohol or the toilet.

Chiggers are microscopic. I’ve suffered many bites, but never seen the biter. Sometimes I feel them crawling on my body, but I think I’m paranoid. Chiggers move very quickly. Chigger bites do not appear until one to three hours after you’ve been bitten. Chiggers do not burrow in your skin. They take a bite (feeding for three or four days), move on and take another bite. Like ticks, they can live in your clothes. If you have been in a possible chigger area; take a hot soapy shower as soon as possible to wash the chiggers off. Immediately throw your clothes in the washing machine for a hot soapy wash.

The same sprays that deter ticks will deter chiggers. Wear boots and spray your outer garments with herbal sprays. One neighbor wraps her ankles with a kerosene soaked rag. Or put dog herbal tick collars around your pant legs (never on your bare skin). However, medical sulfur powder works best for chiggers. Sprinkle on warm, thin skin areas, especially skin folds. Also sprinkle along openings in your clothes and shoes. The powder is cheap and carried in drug stores. Mix with talcum powder to lessen strong odor. To be continued...

Summer Solstice

2009-06-21T14:16:00.002-04:00

Today is the Summer Solstice. In the northern hemisphere this is the longest day and shortest night of the year. Some of your may celebrate by gathering herbs or performing 108 yoga sun salutations. I’m enjoying the day by watching the birds out my window while I write.

I’ve missed writing my blog entries due to fighting several auto- immune diseases which may become a future blog.

Each spring I plant veggies and by summer lose them to the rabbits, deer, groundhogs and squirrels. This summer I’ve already lost chard, raspberry, cucumber, and sunflower plants. Even though, I planted them in my high double fence garden. So I’m trying to be more sustainable by eating native “weeds”, such as dandelion, mustard and violet flowers and leaves, and plantain. I also grow herbs, such as arugula, basil, cilantro, sage, parsley, mint, and chives which easily reseed and are not eaten by the above animals. So far I haven’t had a lot of luck with rosemary though my lavender does well. My stevia plant I must take inside each winter.

My dog and I are constantly scaring the squirrels from the bird feeder. However, flying squirrels seem magical. A flying squirrel family lives in a blue bird house. About twice a year I check the box and am pleasantly surprised when one jumps out. Last week the flying squirrel did not disappear, but flatten herself on the pole above the box. I assume this was because she had babies inside.

With all the rain we’ve had this spring and early summer I feel like I’m in the jungle. My flowers are lovely and lush. I grow flowers that are easy to care for and not eaten by animals. Such as daisy, echinacea, black eye susan, aster, cornflower, dianthus, gladiolas, iris, daffodil, peony, hellebores, mullein, red hot poker and yucca. I plant tulips amongst the daffodils, which protect them from munching deer. Only the lilies next to my house are usually untouched. My butterfly bush grew up above my porch so I cut the large trunk to four inches from the ground this winter. The bush is growing back and producing flowers.

Native “weed” flowers such as mulberry and milkweed also grow in my garden. Clover grows in my lawn. Several weed flowers, such as false strawberry and ragweed require year round weeding or they will take over my yard and gardens.

I’ve been squashing beautiful florescent green beetles which are munching on my plants.

Some shrubs are so prolific that grazing deer prune but don’t destroy. My mock orange bushes, burning bush and nadines always look great. I need to put a net on my small blueberry bushes which have not been bothered until this summer. Something is eating berries along with the branches.

Please contact me if you can suggest other veggies or herbs which are not eaten by animals.

June Gardening Notes

2008-06-19T11:52:00.000-04:00

In early June, Virginia’s temperatures soared to record high 100s. These high temps usually don’t arrive till August. I was in northern California during this time where we also experience record breaking high temperatures. Do these record breaking high temps represent global warming? The summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun is directly overhead at noon, arrives June 21st.

The occasional cool mornings are perfect for continuing garden preparation. Container grown shrubs can still be planted, but water frequently. Scatter seeds of forget-me-nots in damp shady places. Perennials can still be planted, but for several days must be watered and protected form the hot sun. For autumn blooms, plant dahlias, mums, and salvias. If we have less than one inch of rain in a week; water your plants.

Irises and daffodils were lovely thanks to a cool and wet spring. Bearded irises can be divided anytime from now until September. If large clumps of daffodils did not produce many blooms; they probably need to be divided.

Roses are considered the flower of love and continue to inspire poets and artists. The flower has many herbal and aromatherapy uses. Every summer I use rose hips from wild roses to make a tea high in vitamin C.

While I was in California I stayed in a friend’s house in Mill Valley. I’m in love with both her dog and her roses. Next spring I plan on starting a rose garden. For cane roses cut the rose blossoms just above a 5 leaflet to assure a strong stem for the next bloom. Plant garlic and rue near your roses to deter Japanese beetles. Geranium, alyssum, nasturtiums, rosemary and thyme attract beneficial insects. For mildew spray potassium bicarbonate fungicides in humid climates – like Virginia. Continue to fertilize until 6 weeks before the first expected frost.

Rhododendrons should be dead headed by hand about two weeks after the blooms have faded. Now is a good time to take softwood cuttings of shrubs such as azalea, boxwood, and spirea for propagation into new plants.

Determine the texture and sweetness of vegetables by the time of day you harvest. Pick peas and corn late in the day for maximum sweetness. Lettuce, and other leafy veggies and cucumbers are crisper if picked early morning. Pick strawberries in early morn. Do not wash or stem the berries until ready to use and store in a covered container in the refrigerator. If harvesting herbs for essential oils; pick just before flowering on a sunny day.

Do you have cats visiting your vegetable garden? While in northern California I helped in a community veggie garden by sticking many small branches in the soil and mulching with coconut hulls in order to prevent the cats from wanting to use the area as a “cat box”.

The Russian River‘s Secret Horticulture

2008-05-04T18:29:00.004-04:00

Surrounded by carnivorous eating plants was not a situation I’ve experienced in my past visits to the wine district of Northern California. In mid February I traveled to the Russian River area of Sonoma County to explore a few of the less well known gardens and parks.

First I visited the Sonoma Horticulture Nursery, which specializes in rhododendrons and azaleas, along with a wide selection of shade-loving trees, shrubs and perennials. The eight plus acres of nursery and gardens are open all year to visitors. Azaleas and rhododendrons cover the hills which surrounded a shaded pond. The azaleas were beginning to bloom and I was tempted to purchase several. The owner Polo bought this nursery in 1976. He is proudly showed off a few of his 20 to 30 varieties of magnolias and his swamp garden with weird Cypress knees rising out of the muck. <http://www.sonomahort.com/>

I lunched in the secret garden patio at the back of the Mosaic Restaurant(http://www.mosaiceats.co/). Enjoying creatively prepared vegetables gathered from the owner’s garden and other local farms.

Not far away is the Armstrong Woods State Reserve(http://www.parks.ca.gov/) with hiking and driving paths through majestic redwoods. Check out the 1400 year old redwood “Colonel Armstrong”. I was sorry to miss the rare Calypso orchids which were not yet in bloom. Also I did not have time to visit the coast which was ablaze with masses of blue irises.

In Sonoma County it is impossible to escape the rolling hills crisscrossed by rows of vines. In the spring the mustard plants add a golden swath between the vines. Many wineries have developed gardens with plants and herbs that match their wine varieties. In these gardens you are encouraged to walk with glass of wine in hand and taste the plants matching the taste and smell of their wines with certain herbs..

Some wineries have elaborate gardens which are used for wedding and events; others offer quiet maze like paths. Kendall Jackson Wine Center has an educational herb garden and Korbel is known for its rose garden.

Russian River resorts also offer delightful gardens and unusual plants. I stayed at the “green” Creekside Inn & Resort which is surrounded by redwoods (one a rare albino) and is near the Russian River. Lynn and her handsome sons are knowledgeable about the area and created delicious breakfasts and snacks. Their cabins, one-bedroom apartments, units, and bed & breakfast rooms are environmentally friendly. Their cottages are wheelchair and dog friendly.

The Sonoma Orchid Inn, a 1906 farmhouse bed & breakfast inn is owned and run by Brian and Dana who are avid orchid collectors. Orchids are displayed through out the Inn and their greenhouse displays their award winning rare species including their own hybrids.

The Village Inn & Restaurant(http://www.villageinn-ca.com/) was custom built in 1906 as a private vacation home. The lovely landscaped gardens offer views of Russian River wildlife and mountains. Their restaurant offers Classic American cuisine created with fresh seasonal ingredients from their organic herb garden and local Sonoma farms.

Returning to Virginia I bought a Venus fly trap at a garden show. In California I had learned form Peter, the owner of California Carnivores, that most insect-eating plants are local to the wetlands of the east coast from Canada to Florida. Since the wetlands have been drained; only small protected areas still support these plants. I have visions of restoring a river bank and small bog behind my house with these plants. If you are interested in these sci-fi type plants; visit his store in Sebastopol or buy one of his books.

April Gardening Notes

2008-04-20T23:36:00.001-04:00

April is the time of year when I can’t resist buying annual flowers to add color to my gardens and containers. I look for plants with many unopened blooms. Plants which have open blooms are often root bound and will grow slower. For a constant supply of cut flowers, I plant seeds at about 2 week intervals until mid July.

We probably all have areas of poor soil. This is the perfect place to plant the colorful nasturtiums. Wait for warm soil before seeding. Blooms should appear within 50 days. Too much water and fertilizer sends energy to the leaves not the flowers.

April is a good time to divide chrysanthemums. Pinch off the tops down to 6 inches. Pinch every month to keep the plants at this height until late July. Feed monthly with liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion until the buds show color.

Tulip leaves which have yellowed halfway down can be removed. Fertilize them at the same time. Dead head spring bulbs leaving the flower stem intact. After daffodils flowers, which have been decorating and scenting my rooms die, I don’t throw them away. Instead I scatter the flowers over my tulips and other deer loving plants. The deer bite into the daffodil stem by mistake and will leave the plant alone. Dead daffodils are a cheap and easy deer deterrent.

Finally I discovered a use for plastic packing peanuts. I use the plastic, not biodegradable peanuts, as a substitute for the gravel or stones I place in the bottom of my flower pots. A piece of pantyhose in the bottom will keep soil from dripping out.

Lilacs should be feed with manure and lime. Last azalea feeding should be after blooming. Crepe myrtles should be feed this month and July with a high phosphorus fertilizer. Fertilize tea roses once a month. Small, sparse and pale dogwood leaves are probably begging for fertilizer. Have the soil under the tree tested.

Some herbs that thrive in the sandy soil of sunny rock gardens and brick walkways are creeping thyme, sage, santolina, lavender and garlic.

The mustard greens are blooming; regrettably, I haven’t had time to harvest them. The leaves, buds and flowers are edible. This time of the year I see them for sale in health food stores. Other edible weeds are pigweed, purslane, chickweed, lamb’s quarters and dandelion greens. In my vegetable garden I’m planting Swiss chard, spinach and lettuce.

Many insects are your garden’s best friend. Bees pollinate; wasps destroy whiteflies and aphids; yellow jackets feed on flies and caterpillars; lady bugs eat aphids, mealy bugs, and spider mites. Other beneficial insects are dragonflies, lacewings, beetles, spiders, and beneficial mites. So avoid toxic sprays and dusts which kill beneficial insects, frogs and lizards.

February gardening notes

2008-02-10T21:36:00.000-05:00

Has the lack of outdoor flowers caused you to go in to withdrawal? For your flower fix visit a garden show. This weekend, Feb. 21 -24 is the Maymont Flower & Garden Show (maymontflowershow.com) at the Richmond Convention Center. In March the Philadelphia Flower Show (theflowershow.com) is the 2th thro 9th and the San Francisco Show (gardenshow.com/sf) is the 12th thro 16th. Come April is the Historic Garden Week in Virginia (vagardenweek.org) April 19th thro 27th. Also in April is the Cincinnati Flower Show (cincyflowershow.com) which will be held outside from April 19th thro 27th. May 20th thro 24th is the grand Chelsea Show (rhs.org.uk/chelsea) in Eng.

I decided to google for info on the continuing care of my Amaryllis (Hippeastrum). I was amazed to find more than 250 sites. One site amaryllis.com only sells Amaryllis bulbs. For “after blooming care” cut off only the dead flowers. The flowering stem should not be cut until it starts sagging. After our last frost the pot can be placed outside in full sun. To provide food for the bulb you should continue to water and fertilize all summer.

When the leaves begin to yellow, cut the leaves back to about two inches from the top of the bulb and bring inside before the first frost of fall. This site then suggest removing the bulb from the pot and placing it in the frig at 40-50 deg. For a minimum of 6 weeks. Other sites say to put the plant in a 55 degree room - not the refrigerator. Since The Amaryllis Bulb Company is located in Florida they probably can not find a 55 degree room in late Fall. The plant should be placed back in sunlight 8 weeks before you would like them to bloom.

Were your paperwhites tall and floppy this holiday? They needed a drink. Professor Bill Miller of Cornell's Flower Bulb Research Program discovered that paperwhites(Narcissus tazetta) grown in water with a 5% concentration of alcohol bloomed beautifully on one-third shorter stems. Since most liquors are about 40% alcohol, that works out to 1 part booze to 7 parts water. Gin, vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila and rubbing alcohol work well, but wine and beer are too high in sugar. Start watering with this mixture once the roots begin growing and the green shoots reach about 1 to2 inches. This watering solution stunts the growth of the plant, but does not affect the blooms.

Native of Mediterranean Europe and Asia Minor paperwhite bulbs, which have not been forced, may be planted outside in zones 8 – 10. They may survive in our area if planted in a protected southern exposure site.

I’ve been watching a clump of daffodils which are growing outside my carport. When the weather is in the 40s the buds turn yellow. Then we get a freeze, they close up to green. The same buds have been slightly opening and closing for over a month.

This month our temperatures are ranging from 20 to70 degrees. Daffodils and crocuses are popping out. Winter jasmine’s masses of yellow blooms are often mistaken for Forsythia.

Forsythia is easy to force. Every February I cut a few branches, stick them in a jar with water and within a week have small blooms. However Andre & Mark Viette describe professional methods to force blooms. Cut 2 to 3 foot long branches covered with swelling buds, put cut ends in icy cold water and place for 2 days in a cool dark location. Then again cut the ends and place in vase of cold water and display in a sunny location. That is their cold method. Their warm method is even more complicated. Place the cut branches in warm water. Tent the branches and container in plastic and locate in a warm, but darken room.

January Gardening Notes

2008-01-13T00:48:00.000-05:00

Pruning the seed capsules off the tips of your crepe myrtles will give you larger bloom clusters this summer. Also prune the dead blooms from Rose of Sharon.

Clean your fireplaces and place the wood ashes around lilacs, roses, peonies, clematis, daffodils and vegetable garden. The ashes add both lime and potash to the soil. Do not put the ashes around your acid-loving plants.

If we get a snow storm this year; sprinkle bird seed (the birds will love you), sand or kitty litter on icy walks. Do not use salt which will burn your plants and shrubs and will eat away at bricks. Don’t forget to gently scoop fresh snow off boxwoods and evergreens for the snow may freeze and break branches.

Don’t discard your amaryllis and other forced bulbs (except paper-whites). Cut off the flower heads and place plant in a sunny indoor location. Every second watering add a half dose of fertilizer to the water. In the spring place your potted amaryllis outside (bring back inside in the fall) and plant the other bulbs in your garden.

Poinsettia plants can also be reused each year. Keep the plant in a sunny location where the night time temperature is no colder than 60 degrees. The soil should be kept damp and fertilized lightly when new growth appears. When the temperature is warm enough the plant should be cut back and spent the summer outside. In October bring the plant indoors for 12 hours of darkness a day (I set my 2006 poinsettia in a dark corner of a room.) and in December the bracts will turn to color for Christmas.

It is not too soon to start forcing blooms from flowering shrubs and trees. Forsythia is especially easy. Also try crabapple, peach, plum, pussy willow, quince, winter jasmine and witch hazel.

After a cold snap check to see if any perennials have risen from their beds. This is caused from the ground freezing then thawing. Press the plant’s soil covered roots back into the ground and cover with mulch.

My vegetable garden is still providing arugula, chard, cilantro, parsley and sage. On the north side of the garden I used discarded windows as a wind break. When the temperature hits 32o or below, I throw old sheets over my plants.

With the unseasonable warm weather insects emerge. The Boxelder bugs swam on the southern side of my home and often find entry to the inside. These bugs are usually harmless both to plants and humans, but can stain the house siding.

It is not too early to start planning your spring vegetable garden. Start sowing seeds of cool season vegetables, such as arugula, in indoor pots or trays. Also start seeds of lavender, chives, dill, rosemary, thyme and parsley. Seeds of peas (soak over night), lettuce, spinach and chard can be planted in your garden if protected with a cover of black fabric.

December Gardening notes

2007-12-22T13:26:00.000-05:00

Today is the Winter Solstice the shortest day and longest night of the year and the official start of winter. With the shorter periods of light plants die or stop producing new growth. Average daily temperature below 43oF (6oC) will also cause plants to stop growth; so the leaves, stems, and flowers die. However, the roots of trees, shrubs and some plants are storing energy for spring growth. Tomorrow, days will start to lengthen; as nights shorten.

After weeks of the Xmas frenzy I am ready to nest in my home and read the garden books I’ve been stockpiling all year, but haven’t taken the time to read. So while your garden is resting; envision your dream garden for 2008.

A friend’s email greeting enclosed a video, which is especially appropriate for this time of year. A serious message presented in an entertaining format. Please click on www.storyofstuff.com !

Warm wishes for a peaceful, happy, and healthy Holiday and New Year!

November Gardening Notes

2007-11-24T10:21:00.000-05:00

Many plants, shrubs and trees look dormant at this time; but, their roots are still growing. So until the ground freezes you should continue to water. Until early December continue to plant deciduous shrubs and trees.

The holly trees, decorated with red berries, remind us of the approaching holidays. If you have only one holly tree and no berries; you need a mate – for your holly tree. Hollies are dioecious. The female holly tree bears the berries and the male tree provides the pollen. One male holly tree will serve many female holly trees. Deer will munch on young holly trees; if there is nothing better to eat.

Ginkgo trees also are dioecious. The female ginkgo produces a smelly and messy fruit, which is a delicacy in China. The ginkgo has beautiful fan shaped leaves which turns a brilliant yellow after the other tree leaves have already fallen. In my mother’s yard antique (over 100 feet tall) male & female ginkgos are the last trees to lose their leaves. Every year around Nov. 9th (my brother’s birthday) the falling brilliant yellow fan shape leaves signify the end of colorful autumn. This year the golden leaves are still clinging on. Over Thanksgiving the sugar maples were still in color. This is unusual and probably due to our warm and dry fall (global warming?).

We have plenty of dead leaves, but only the oak leaves should be used for mulching your garden. Oak leaves are pest resistant and retain moisture. Magnolia and beech leaves should remain under the tree; since they create their own fertilizer. Throw the rest of your leaves on your compost pile.

Are you considering a live Christmas tree this season? Then dig a large hole where you plan to plant your tree after the holidays. Fill the hole with your fallen leaves. When the ground is frozen; you will be thankful you were prepared.

Wisteria should only be fertilized after their leaves have fallen. This will give you more bloom and less growth next year.

Fertilize your bulb beds. Continue to water newly planted bulbs. In order to discourage voles; do not mulch around your bulbs until the ground is frozen.

Don’t sanitize your garden. Though some plants, such as Iris and peony, should be cut back and their dead leaves removed. Also roses should have their fallen leaves removed. However, many perennials are attractive and useful in their dormant state. They provide food and protection for birds and protect new growth. Especially, your chrysanthemums or mums will start to look messy as the flowers fade and the leaves fall, but the old stems will protect new growth. The result will be healthier plants next fall. So leave some of your garden clean-up till spring.

October Gardening Notes

2007-10-26T18:06:00.000-04:00

October is a good time to plant bulbs, both in your garden and in pots. If planting bulbs in clay soil you should work bone meal, top soil and hardwood mulch into the soil. Do not plant your daffodil bulbs until after the first hard frost. After the second hard frost, plant tulip bulbs. Follow with muscari and crocus bulbs.

For indoor pleasure, force daffodil, tulip, crocus, and hyacinth bulbs. Place your potted bulbs in a dark and cool location until green life appears. Then move to a sunny location where you can enjoy the blooms during the winter gloom. After blooming, let the bulbs dry; then store in a cool dark place. Plant these bulbs in your garden the following fall. Except for paper whites, which apparently do not re-bloom. Do you know how to get paper whites to re-bloom?

October is the time to winterize your roses by applying potassium. Stop deadheading your roses so rose hips can form. The rose hips signal to the roses that this is the time to go dormant. Give the roses a final deep water then mulch to protect their soil from freezing. When the tree leaves start to show color begin to transplant and plant roses, shrubs and trees.

Steven Foster, herbalist

2007-10-25T15:30:00.000-04:00

Last May I attended a travel writing conference in Arkansas. Many months later I found a misplaced memory card with my interview of Steven Foster on his new book, “Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine” which is published by National Geographic. I had talked with him 12 years ago when I was harvesting ginkgo leaves for an herb company. Steven, who specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants, has become world renowned as an herbalist, lecturer, international consultant and botanical photographer. His website at http://www.stevenfoster.com/ is full of information on herbs and his international projects.

2007-10-15T17:52:00.000-04:00

Today is Blog Action Day and this year bloggers are asked to write on the environment. A month ago I registered to participate. I was the 548,000 blog to sign in.

At the moment I’m in my favorite place Marin County, CA. near Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. Only 20 minutes or more north of San Francisco this is a serene location in which to learn how to become a better environmentalist. The flower, fruit and vegetables gardens are brimming with beauty.

On Tues. mornings one can volunteer to work in the garden. At 9 am last Tues. I met the head gardener, Astrid, and two other volunteers. Jessie is a high school student here for the morning as part of her independent study. Sarah volunteers often at the Center.

Our first activity was to spread straw mulch on a freshly weeded flower bed. We carefully placed straw (about two inches thick cover) around the flowers covering the bare ground. We used boards which we laid down on the beds to reach the center of the beds. This was to distribute our weight so as not to compact the soil. We compressed the straw with our hands to push out the air; so a strong breeze wouldn’t blow our work away.

Next we were directed to an area of the bed which needed to be weeded. Weeding is my favorite garden activity. I chose a large patch of scented Bloody Cranesbill Geraniums. Easy to zone out on the thick perfume, red tinted leaves, and blue flowers of this plant. ( I took a seed pod to germinate at home.) We used a knife-like tool to get deep at the roots of tall grasses which were popping up through the geraniums.

Around 10:30 we headed into the dining room for a mid-morn snack of fresh bread, muffins, fruit, tea and coffee. Rather than returning directly to the gardens we help peel and chop quinces which will be made into a paste. After an hour we returned to the gardens to deposit our weeds on the correct compost piles (we used white buckets for compostable weeds and black for invasive) and to return our gardening tools and wheel barrels to the garden shed.

Then we joined the rest of the members of the Center for a delicious lunch. The breads freshly baked in the kitchen, large salad of argula, flowers, and melon from the garden, four different soups (a thick puree of spinach and chard topped with fresh cheese shaving; tomato & lime; miso; and beet).

The San Francisco Zen Center which includes Green Gulch, Tassajarra, City Center and Greens Restaurant (vegetarian food) states that “As an expression of our Zen practice, it has always been important for us to pay close attention to our impact on the environment”. There is their organic farm and gardens at Green Gulch, where they are restoring a creek; the solar panels at each center; and programs and lectures on the environment.

For directions and more info on Green Gulch Farm Zen Center see website at http://www.sfzc.org or call 415-383-3134.

2007-09-27T16:08:00.000-04:00

If you pass or visit Lynchburg, Virginia during your travels take a few minute detour to view the lovely preserved garden of Anne Spencer. Anne Spencer was first recognized as a Harlem poet during the 1920’s. She lived most of her life in Lynchburg where the garden she and her husband created formed the metaphor for many of her poems, such as the following written in 1975, the year she died:

“Turn an earth clod
Peel a shaley rock
In fondness molest a curly worm
Whose familiar is everywhere
And the curly worm sentient now
Will light the word that tells the poet what a poem is “

The nature images in her poems often soften her themes of feminism and discrimination. As her garden was a respite from the harshness of life.

“Most things are colorful things- -the sky, earth, and sea.
Black men are most men; the white are free!... “ excerpt from her poem "White Things"

This fall a collection of her letters and poem drafts will hopefully become part of the archives of the University of Virginia’s Special Collections Library. In 2005 a PBS GardenStory series presented a segment “Garden as Muse” on Anne Spencer.

Thanks to volunteers, such as the Hillside Garden Club, Lynchburg college students, and individuals, her garden and home remain open to the public. Several other historical buildings line the block where she lived. Her garden, always open to the public, is located behind her home at 1313 Pierce Street close to Route 29. Call Sandra Wilson (434-384-3963) for a guided tour of the Anne Spencer House & Garden Museum.

2007-09-21T17:27:00.001-04:00

Still no rain, but a few tears! My mother had a heritage copper beech slaughtered. Trees have always been a special friend. My sister and I called this beech "the elephant tree". As a child I spent many hours prone on the enormous gray branch, hidden by the reddish leaves. All that is left is a seedling, which I will nourish.

September Gardening Tips

2007-09-19T12:38:00.000-04:00

September is the time to start planning and working on your spring garden. If you haven’t already noticed; the garden catalogues, garden shops and even hardware stores are selling a variety of spring bulbs and perennials. Prolific use of deer proof daffodils is always a guarantee for a joyful early spring.

This has been a wonderful summer for crepe myrtles and to prolong the white, pink and purple blooms remove the faded blooms. Removing the dead blooms on butterfly bushes will also stimulate new blooms.

Continue to cut the faded blooms of lilies, but do not cut the stems and foliage until they have turned yellow.

When your peony foliage and stems turn brown; cut and destroy the stems and leaves to protect spring growth from diseases. Now is the time to divide and plant peonies. Dig holes 2ft deep and 2ft wide and fill with compost and bone meal. Let soil settle a week or so then plant the peonies with their roots about 11/2 inches below the soil surface.

Use wood ash from your fireplace, wood stove, or burn pile to fertilize peonies and lilacs.

September is the best month to work on your lawn. My method is to let the clover spread and to encourage patches of mosses. However, I realize most still strive for the perfect “lawn”. So reseed, fertilize and remove weeds.

We may have moderate weather for several months so there is still time for your fall vegetable garden. Cool weather vegetables such as lettuce, spinach, herbs etc. Plant a few in containers. Before our first frost, take the containers inside to sunny spot and enjoy fresh vegetables and herbs all winter.

Water newly planted seeds, vegetables, shrubs and trees often. If dry; water established plants well no more than once or twice a month to encourage deep roots.

As always attack your weeds before they can reseed!

2007-09-09T20:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I had an enjoyable and educational day at the 1st Heritage Harvest Festival at the headquarters of Monticello’s Center for Historic Plants near Charlottesville, VA.

Taste tested at least 30 different tomatoes and several tofu dishes, bought heritage red bell pepper seeds, attended lectures and received free Botswana Blackeye seeds. I learned how to grow beneficial plants which support beneficial insects and lure bad insects thereby protecting my garden, how to maintain a winter vegetable garden, with spinach and lettuces, etc., and how to save and store seeds from my favorite plants.

Thanks to Dr. McBug (www.drmcbug.com) I learned that I was killing the beneficial insects (parasitic wasps) in the small white coccoons while killing the catterpillars (see previous post).
For more info about this and similar plant events visit http://www.heritageharvestfestival.com/ and www.monticello.org/chp/ .

Insect Days of Summer

2007-08-19T19:26:00.000-04:00

During the 30 yrs I spent in Northern California I never heard the expression “dog days of summer”. Now that I’m living in Virginia that expression pops up frequently in the media especially when our heat index last week reached 116 degrees Fahrenheit. The expression originated from the “Dog Star” Sirius which from July 3rd through August 11 rises with the sun. These days are often the hottest muggiest of summer.

In our gardens during August, we need to respond to the heat and insects. When the temperature increases so does the water needs of our plants increase. Container planters and window boxes often need to be watered everyday.

Garden and flower beds need twice weekly soakings unless they receive rain. Watering should be of sufficient quantity to soak deep into the ground which encourages deep roots. Frequent shallow watering discourages the development of deep roots. Deep roots protect the plant from drying out between watering. Organic mulch cools the soil and reduces water evaporation from the soil. During a long spell between rains, young trees and shrubs also need a long drink from your water hose.

Insects rule in August. Pollinators, such as butterflies, bees, wasps, etc., are necessary for the development of fruits and nuts. Destructive insects such as Japanese beetles, chiggers, mosquitoes, and some caterpillars make our garden chores miserable. Early mornings I shake Japanese beetles off branches into a pail of soapy water. I only have one crepe myrtle, a favorite of Japanese beetles. I would need a ladder to reach all the branches, but killing just one mating pair of beetles can reduce the number of next season’s beetles.

Yesterday I was picking small caterpillars (smashing the really tiny ones) from my miserably mulched kale and chard plants. I gathered about twenty caterpillars and their white cocoons, probably cross-striped cabbage worms, in my hand and carried them inside to flush them down the toilet. I keep forgetting to sprinkle organic insecticide powder on my vegetable garden. Partly, because I have to cross chigger covered grass to reach my garden.

My vegetable garden needs improvement. But, my zinnias, butterfly bushes, lavender, lantana, and cleome (all which are thankfully deer proof) are blooming profusely and supporting masses of butterflies.

Recommendations: “CalaGel” lotion, http://www.teclabsinc.com/products or http://www.warmers.com/ , will quickly relieve the itch and swelling of chigger and mosquito bites and poison oak and ivy rash. Place biological “MosquitoDunks” in all standing water to kill mosquito larvae. For the cabbage looper caterpillar spray or dust. Safe products to reduce mosquitoes and cabbage looper caterpillars can be ordered at http://www.arbico-organics.com/ .

Saturday morning found me at the Goochland Rural Market to buy fresh local produce (usually organic) which I have yet to grow. For guides to farmers markets and pick-your-own farms in Virginia visit http://www.virginiagrown.com/ . For farmers markets in other states visit www.ams.usda.gov/farmersmarkets/map.htm .

"A Garden by the Sea"

2007-07-29T08:03:00.000-04:00

If you are lucky enough to have a cottage by the sea; then please buy Leila Hadley’s book “A Garden by the Sea”. She and her husband, Henry Luce, planned and planted lovely organic flower gardens around their summer home on Fishers Island in Long Island Sound. This informative and readable book offers guidance for garden lovers who want to plant near the sea.

Every summer I spend about two weeks a year on Fishers Island. The Hydrangea macrophylla with blue bloom clusters the size of baseballs grace every yard. Marsh mallow shrubs with pink flowers line the brackish ponds and the coastline.

My favorite shrub is the rosa rugosa with white, pink or magenta flowers. Today after kayaking friends and I picked a few rosehips as we walked up from the beach. The fleshy part of rose hips can be eaten or throw into boiling water for tea. This fruit of the rosa is tasty and an excellent source of vitamin C.

While walking along the coastline nothing is better than juicy blackberries plucked from their vines and popped into your mouth.

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July brings hot humid days. Flower boxes, containers, vegetable gardens and the newly planted should be watered frequently. Even your compost may need watering. Fertilize your tomatoes. After harvesting the last raspberry cut back the smaller canes to the soil line; leaving the stronger canes for next season. Pull your weeds before they go to seed.

400th America’s Anniversary Garden

2007-07-04T12:50:00.000-04:00

In 2007, people are planting a garden to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown, the first permanent settlement in the Americas. Individuals, garden clubs, plant nurseries, parks and businesses are participating with a red, white and blue theme. From containers and hanging baskets to large gardens these anniversary designs are appearing throughout Virginia.

Enter your type of garden in the 2007 contest. The deadline is Sept 1st. For more info on contest details and planting info please visit http://www.ext.vt.edu/americasgarden . Click on the link for help with your garden design and for informative lists of appropriate plants.

Elaine, member of the Goochland Garden Club, is deadheading blooms in one of the corridor gardens which the Garden Club planted along Rt.6 near the Goochland Court House.

White petunias and blue salvia are surrounded by red roses in The Italian Garden at Maymont Park, http://www.Maymont.org, in Richmond. The wisteria blossoms are beginning to appear. The background is framed with blooming magnolias.

Red, white and blue flowers line the walkway of the Jamestown Settlement’s visitor center and galleries. Click http://www.historyisfun.org for info, events, etc.

The first colonist realized the importance of plants and included a botanist, Johannes Fleisher, as a passenger in the first voyage to the New World in May 13, 1607. His job role was to record "exotic" plants and trees and to search for new botanical medicines.

June 2007

2007-06-12T15:36:00.000-04:00

With the soaring temps to high 90s last week and hard rain from a tropical storm, early June reminded us that summer is upon us and that the hurricane season has begun. The summer solstice, the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere when the sun is directly overhead at noon, arrives June 21st.

Cool mornings are perfect for continuing garden preparation. Container grown shrubs can still be planted, but water frequently. Scatter seeds of forget-me-nots in damp shady places. Perennials can still be planted, but for several days must be watered and protected form the hot sun. For autumn blooms, plant dahlias, mums, and salvias. Plant tropical water lilies in ponds and in water gardens. Start Brussels sprouts transplants. If we have less than one inch of rain in a week; water your plants.

Irises and daffodils were lovely this spring. Bearded irises can be divided anytime from now until September. If large clumps of daffodils did not produce many blooms; they probably need to be divided.

Slugs and snails are preying on your vegetables - especially my chard! Slugs and snails can be beneficial because they feed on crop pest such as caterpillars and aphids. However, in small veggie and herb gardens they will eat seedlings, roots, tubers and young plants.

For prevention remove fallen leaves and thin plants in your garden. Bricks, wood and debris on the ground are good breeding areas and should be kept away from your plants. After heavy rains, go on a slug patrol to hand pick these pests. To trap and drown slugs, bury a container in the ground in a shady part of your garden. Fill with 1 to 2 inches of beer. Cut a 2 to 3 inch hole in the lid and cap the container. Replace beer as need. Place inverted containers, melon or grapefruit peels as shelters to attract these pest. Daily gather slugs and snails from the traps and place in soapy water of rubbing alcohol to kill them. Sand, wood ashes and baked eggshell pieces at the base of your plants will deter slugs and snails.

Determine the texture and sweetness of vegetables by the time of day you harvest. Pick peas and corn late in the day for maximum sweetness. Lettuce, and other leafy veggies and cucumbers are crisper if picked early morning. Pick strawberries in early morn. Do not wash or stem the berries until ready to use and store in a covered container in the refrigerator. If harvesting herbs for essential oils; pick just before flowering on a sunny day.

During spring and early summer parents introduce their young to my bird feeder. Families of goldfinches, cardinals, and indigo buntings provide more color than T.V. I’ve enjoyed watching a woodpeckers remove the outer seed coating from the sunflower seed then place the naked seed in the months of the waiting young. A pair of blue birds laid a new egg in their former bird house to begin a second family this season.

Memorial Day Weekend

2007-05-28T14:47:00.000-04:00

The Blue Ridge Mountains are a bloom with wildflowers (false Solomon seal, foam flower, fire pink, mayapple, wild geranium, etc.). Rhodies(Rhododendron catawbiense) are peaking; azaleas are fading; Mountain Laurels are blooming.

May 15th

2007-05-18T23:34:00.000-04:00

Bees have been making the headlines. Sadly, the news is not sweet. An April 23rd article in The New York Times reported on the decline of honeybees from 27 states, Europe, Guatemala and Brazil. Between September and March in the United States 26 percent of beekeepers had lost half of their bee colonies. This accounts for tens of billion of bees in our country.

Throughout the world there are instances of bees becoming disoriented and unable to find their way back to the hive. They then die of exposure. Scientists are concerned because honeybees are the major pollinators of fruits, vegetables, flowers and nuts. They are urgently studying bee genes, autopsying dead bees and chemically screening the plants that came in contact with the diseased bees.

If you missed The New York Times article you may have read in Style Weekly (Richmond, Virginia) on March 14th the article by Joe Essid, who keeps his honeybees in Goochland. While the New York Times article was scientific; his article was personal. He pleads with us to let clover grow in our yards, to stop spraying poisons, to place hives in our yards, and buy locally produced honey.

His article begins, “A queen just died. Her name is Abeegail, and we’d been worried about her and her dynasty’s health for weeks… Although this particular monarch was no more than a honeybee, her loss saddened us, as the death of bees should sadden, and frighten, us all. As goes the health of our bees, so could go a large part of our food chain.”

About two days ago at a meeting in Maryland the bee disappearance was given the name Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). CCD only affects the European honeybee (apis mellifera). Questionnaires have been sent to beekeepers and scientists are still searching for the cause.

The same day an NPR interview reported that 1/3 of American diet, which represents 14 billion dollars a year, is dependent on pollination by the European honeybee. The report ended with the concern that bees have the same role as canaries in a coal mine, by warning us of the dangerous loss of quality in our environment.

Too soon spring will be over and summer heat and insects will be upon us. So use the cool days of May for weeding. And please protect the honeybees.

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Sat. night I returned from a conference in Arkansas where I interviewed Steven Foster on his new book, “Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine” which is published by National Geographic. I had talked with him 12 years ago when I was harvesting ginkgo leaves for an herb company. Steven, who specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants, has become world renowned as an herbalist, lecturer, international consultant and botanical photographer. His website at http://www.stevenfoster.com is full of information on herbs and his international projects.

Zone 7 Gardening

2007-04-24T10:49:00.000-04:00

April 2007

April is a good time to divide and plant your fall potted chrysanthemums, which hopefully spent the winter in a protected location. Pinch off the tops down to 6 inches. Pinch every month to keep the plants at this height until late July.

For a constant supply of cut flowers, plant your favorites at about 2 week intervals until mid July.

April 26th is John James Audubon’s birthday. In celebration pull out and clean your hummingbird feeders. Also the hummingbirds will appreciate the planting of red or orange flowers, such as beebalm(Monarda).

Since I replaced one of my gutters last fall and never disposed of the old one; I plan to attach the old gutter to an outside porch railing. Then I will add soil, seeds and small plants to the gutter. This will let me grow small flowers and vegetables out of reach (hopefully) of deer, groundhogs, and rabbits. If I’m real ambitious; I will install a cheap drip irrigation system along the inside of the gutter. I’m dreaming of impatiens, begonias and pansies this summer which won’t be gobbled up.

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Sat. night I returned from a 2 week trip in Shanghai, China. While there I visited the Shanghai Botanical Gardens which was packed with visiting Chinese school groups and Asian tourists. The 200 acres include enormous green houses displaying tropical and succulent plant environments. The Garden had many outdoor areas. I visited the grove of different species of magnolia trees, a section with masses of blooming Azaleas planted along a creek, a collection of blooming peonies, and a pensive medicinal garden. There were ponds and a river. Other sections featured roses, bamboo, maples, camillias, and osmanthus. Their collection of orchids is considered the best in China. There is a Bonsai Garden with 100s of bonsai. I needed days to view the entire Botanical Garden.

But the next day I traveled to the town of Suzhou, which is often called the “Garden City” of China. This ancient city was built 2,500 years ago and is famous for its classical gardens and is considered one of the earliest birthplaces of Bonsai art. Of the sixty gardens several are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. One of these which I visited the Humble Adminstrator’s Garden is the largest at 12.85 acres and considered one of China’s four most famous gardens.

Chinese garden landscapes consider rocks and water as important as the plants. The gardens interact with the wandering rooms of the home. Windows are placed to frame a view of an organic weird rock, a graceful tree, or blooming flower. Even in a small garden, such as The Master of the Nets Garden, the inner garden of 660 square feet contains a pond surrounded by a covered walkway, a small bridge, and pavilions and is decorated with trees, flowers and rocks. I saw a blooming wisteria which flowed over the roof and was supported by its ancient 2 foot in diameter mangled and twisted trunk.

Zone 7 gardening

2007-03-29T00:31:00.000-04:00

March 2007 gardening notes:

About 4 weeks before the last frost is the time to plant dormant roses and bare-root shrubs. Dogwoods and magnolias should only be planted in the spring.

A young tree will develop a stronger trunk if the tree is not tightly staked, but allowed to sway with the wind.

To quicken the decay of tree stumps cover the stump with soil. Tree stumps may be used as an attractive base for flower pots. Or plant flowers in the rotten areas.

This is a good time to repot houseplants into larger containers. Leggy plants should be cut back. Root your cuttings to grow additional plants. The secret to rooting coleus and wax begonias is to cut the top 6 inches of a leafy stem below a leaf node. Then remove the leaves from the bottom 3 inches and place the cutting in water adding a few drops of bleach. Place in a partially sunny window. Place in soil after roots have developed.

Perennials such as hostas, liriope, daylilies, Shasta daisies, astilbe, and coral bells can be divided before new growth starts. Plant the extras in containers for gifts.

Fertilize lilies, clematis, lilacs and bearded iris with bone meal or 5-10-5 plus lime. Also fertilize pansies and houseplants. Do not begin fertilizing peonies until after they have been planted for 2 to 3 years. A great all around fertilizer is liquid seaweed.

Vegetables that can be planted before the last frost are lettuce, cabbage, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Also plant seeds of carrots, beets, radishes, and parsnips. Plant onions, potatoes, peas, radishes, asparagus, and turnips near the end of the month. Seedlings started inside will appreciate fertilizing at half strength every two weeks.

Add mulch to asparagus, artichokes, bramble fruits and fruit trees. Don’t remove mulch from your other plants. The ides of March can bring surprises such as our 80o week followed by two frosts.

For two nights an opossum has met me at my door. The pests are appearing. If you use wire fencing around your vegetable garden; let the wire have some slack between posts. This makes it more difficult for groundhogs to climb your fence. However, I found out that opossums are not a pest, but eat insects, such as cockroaches, crickets, and beetles. They catch and eat rats, mice, and they consume dead animals. They like over-ripe fruit, berries, and grapes. They think snails and slugs are scrumptious! Opossums are North America's only marsupial; since they carry their young in their pouch. To learn more for $25 a year you can join the National Opossum Society (www.opossum.org).