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April 11, 2001

Patience And Prudence...
Now that Spring has finally arrived there is so much to write about!  The garden is changing daily.  I can hardly wait for a new day to venture out to see what is blooming, budding and what still lies dormant beneath the soil.  I have been busy cleaning up and pulling some unwanted weeds and have purchased just a couple of things to plant.  I must say that I am a little skittish about planting anything right now.  With the crazy weather we had this winter, a part of me feels that there is a frost still looming over our heads.  Hopefully I am wrong but I am playing it safe.  No major planting until Mother's Day weekend (or just a little before). 

Kevin's mother Mary is in visiting this week so we loaded up the van and headed to Lost Corner Farm to visit proprietor Cindy Murry.  One of the many reasons I like Lost Corner Farm is the way Cindy displays her wares.  She has a Martha Stewart way about her that is so appealing.  She has a knack for presentation which makes me want to purchase everything while I am there.  Her plants are always of the highest quality and she specializes in the unique and uncommon.  A great place to spend some time.  I highly recommend finding Lost Corner Farm. 

The temperatures we experienced this last week were unusually high.  I hope it is not a trend.  I do enjoy summer but I am not fond of all that humidity - especially in April.  It sounds as if more seasonal temperatures are on their way for Easter weekend.  Should be just perfect for getting outside and hunting for eggs.  Happy Easter!

~ Shelly  

Befuddled By Bulbs...
We received several e-mails recently asking about all the bulbs currently offered by retailers and garden centers.  "Isn't fall the correct time to plant bulbs?" was the common question.  Well, fall is the correct time to plant spring flowering bulbs (tulips, daffodils, crocus, etc...)  But there's another group of "bulbs" that can be planted soon for floral displays this summer.  They include begonias, dahlias, daylilies, and so many more!  If you're ready to give them a try take a moment to read our  Guide to Summer Flowering Bulbs in Kansas City.

Unblanket The Berries...
It's time to check for signs of new growth in your strawberry bed.  Any winter mulches you applied can be pulled back but left ready for service in case of late frost.  If you use spunbonded row covers they can be left on until bloom, but must then be removed to allow for pollination of the flowers by honey bees and other pollinators.

Tines For Transplanting...
One of the trickiest parts of raising seedlings indoors is the delicate process of transplanting up to a larger peat pot.  All too often the soil surrounding the roots just falls apart.  Try using an ordinary table fork next time.  You can loosen the plants in the seed flat without damaging the roots.  Then you can open a hole for the new transplant in the new flat or pot by rocking it sideways.  Finally, by sliding the tines around the delicate stem and pressing down, the transplant can be firmed in the growing medium.

Source

 

Papa Geno now has perennials on his website! 
He's also offering Savvygardeners lots of herbs, scented geraniums and veggies at half price!
Click Here Now!

 

A Garden Party For Savvygardeners...
Savvygardener.com sponsor The Kelly Gallery will be hosting a garden party Saturday April 28th.  Join Kevin and I at this gathering as we get acquainted with professional photographer Kelly Daniels, stroll through her marvelous gardens, and see the latest gardening decor at The Barn.

This gathering is free for Savvygardeners.  All we ask is that you indicate your intention to attend on our RSVP form.  We just need your e-mail address (which we can also use to notify you of any changes due to inclement weather). Click here to RSVP…

 

Turf Tips by Chris Karcher...
Wow!  All this rain and warmer weather sure has the grass growing.  Is it too late to apply pre-emergents?  When do I mow and how high?  Chris Karcher has this month's lawn advice in April Turf Tips...

The Hard Facts...
Plants bought from greenhouses (locally or by mail order) need to be "hardened off", or acclimatized, before they are permanently placed in the garden.  Basically you're just preparing them for a rather significant change in temperatures, humidity, and sunlight.  Start by placing newly purchased plants outside only during the day, bringing them in at night as protection from cool, night temperatures.  Gradually leave the plants outside for longer periods of time until they have fully acclimated and can be planted.

 

Make the trip to Vinland Valley Nursery this weekend and find out why it's one of the most unique nurseries in the country!
Unbeatable selection, great prices, really nice people!
Click Here for More... 

 

What's Hot On The Hotline...
We've all learned that April showers bring May flowers.  We should also know by now that April downpours bring washouts and flash flooding!  According to the weather prognosticators, we have already had about 10 inches of rain for the year which approximately doubles the normal amount.  Several callers have asked what, if anything, can be done to prevent garden damage from heavy rains.  You will find the answer to this and more pressing questions in this week's What's Hot on the Hotline... 

Savvy Survivors...
So many trees and shrubs took a beating this winter.  It was cold, colder than it has been in years, and lots of Savvygardeners were concerned about what looked like dead plants.  Now that it has warmed and the spring rains have arrived it's time to take a close look at those trees and shrubs.  Where you see new growth you can cut back the winter-killed twigs to living, green wood.  Hopefully you'll find that many of the trees and shrubs you assumed had died will actually stage a nice recovery. 

Finally...
"Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer."

~ Geoffrey B. Charlesworth, Author

 

 

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