May
16, 2001
A
Welcome Addition...
After three weeks of heavy labor our new shade garden is done
and we are thrilled with the way it looks. It is amazing
how a simple garden has totally changed our house's "curb
appeal". Before we added the new garden all of our
plantings were parallel with the house. We decided to throw
caution to the wind and be creative and for the first time the
front yard actually has an element of design. Deciding to
do this new garden was no easy task. I am a big lawn lover
and to create a new garden would mean giving up a portion of the
front lawn. The grass in this particular area, located
directly beneath a beautiful magnolia tree, has always been very
difficult to grow. To say that we have a lot of shade is
certainly an understatement. So Kevin, being the brilliant
husband that he is, suggested we use that particular area for a
new garden. At first it was hard for me to admit that
this would be a great idea but now I must agree that he was
right. Now as you all know, the best part of putting in a
new garden is filling it. I had done my research and had a
list of things I thought would thrive in this new shade garden.
Our first stop was The
Sweet Onion where we found several great plants, some
wonderful herbs, as well as a cool new pot for the deck.
Next on our list was Vinland
Valley Nurseries for more purchases and lots of wandering
through their great selection. My Mother's Day could not
have been more perfect! After all, I was in the garden.
It looks like we are getting a taste of summer this week.
If the rains pass us by be sure to keep things watered especially
when it is hot and windy.
~
Shelly
Made In
The Shade...
We are always amazed at the response from other gardeners
when we tell them we live in Westwood. "You're so
lucky to have so much shade!" is a common response.
From our vantage point however the shade is one more obstacle to
having the gardens we dream about. The grass is always
greener I guess.
As you know
we just converted the shadiest part of our property from
struggling lawn to hopeful shade garden. It does look
nice. If you have a shady spot in need of a makeover check
out our most recent feature Gardening
in the Shade. Just about everything you need to
know about shade gardening is there.
It's Not
Too Late!
Do you feel like spring is slipping away from you? Just
a few weeks ago it seemed like we had all the time in the world
to plant. Now it's starting to feel warm, as though summer
is knocking on the door. Don't panic! There's still
plenty to do. In fact if you hurry you can still sneak in
the following: lettuce, onions, spinach,
beets, chard, carrots, parsnips, radishes, turnips, shallots,
chives and parsley.
Bonus!
Now that soil temperatures are up it's also a great time to get
your tomatoes and peppers in the ground if you haven't already
done so.
Perfect
Peonies...
Our peonies are coming into full bloom right now. What
a sight! But it just doesn't last long enough. If you
were hoping to have some cut for Memorial Day or a June wedding
read on...
According
to Karen Gast at the Kansas
State University Research & Extension gardeners should
pick peonies when the buds are showing color and are soft like a
marshmallow. Red cultivars should exhibit a soft center
when pressed down too. Bunch the flowers in no more than
ten stems to a bunch making sure the flowers are dry before you
place them in a large bag. Seal the bag and place it in the
refrigerator or cold storage at a temperature below 40 F.
If you want to store them longer than Memorial Day, say for a
wedding in June or July, you can give the flowers a drink of 10%
sugar water before cold storage. Let the flowers sit for
about 30 minutes after harvest and re-cut the stems just before
you put them in the 10% sugar water solution. Keep the
flowers in the sugar water for two hours at room
temperature. When done, dry the stems and place in plastic
bags and then into the refrigerator.
When you
are ready to use the flowers, take them out of cold storage or
the refrigerator the day before, re-cut the stems underwater and
place in water. If harvested at the right stage the flowers
should be open the next day (if not before). Not all peony
cultivars store well. For long term storage, store at least
25% to 50% more than you think you need.
Source
Water
Wisely...
Everyone wants a long term weather forecast. I'm going
to go out on a limb here and predict that summer will be
hot. Rain may be scarce also. Don't say I didn't warn
you. You can get your garden and lawn ready now by starting
a routine of deep and infrequent waterings. You see, deep watering promotes the
development of a deep, extensive root system. Frequent, light
watering by contrast promotes shallow rooting. Your
deep-rooted plants will be much better prepared to survive a hot, dry
summer because they will be able to reach more moisture located deep in
the soil.
A deep
watering once a week should be adequate for fruit, vegetable, and
flower gardens as well as most turfgrass. Think in terms of
1 to 1½ inches of water per week. Newly planted trees and shrubs should
also be watered
deeply every 7 to 10 days during dry weather. Small trees and
shrubs usually require watering for 1 to 2 growing seasons while
it
may be necessary to water large trees for 2 to 3 years.
For the
Birds...
Unlike my children whose daily requirements seem endless,
birds have only five basic needs: food, water, shelter from hot
and cold weather, nesting sites, and protection from predators.
Supply these and you will have many birds around your home
to entertain you and control insect pests. Be sure feeders and
nesting boxes are located where they cannot be reached by cats.
A
smooth, metal cylinder or cone at least 12 inches long attached
to the pole or tree will cat-proof most locations. Bird
feeders aren't just for winter either. Keep them filled all
year long!
Source
Watch
Us Grow!
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It Really Helps!
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Here Now!
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What's
Hot On The Hotline...
Two topics have dominated calls received this week on the
Extension Master Gardener (EMG) Hotline. First, the effect
of thunderstorms and early spring rains on lawns, gardens, shrubs
and trees. Second, the effects of a winter more severe than
those of the last three to four years. You will find an
in-depth discussion of these two weather related topics is in this
week's What's
Hot on the Hotline...
Zoysia
Tips
Zoysia lawns are finally looking good all around the
metro. Now that they are greening up and growing you will
want to make sure you do the following:
- Reduce
thatch layers from zoysia by verticutting or core
aerating.
- Sod or
sprig zoysia lawns to fill in bare areas.
- Fertilize
zoysia lawns with high nitrogen to promote green up and summer
growth.
- Mow
zoysia to 2 to 2½ inches tall.
Finally... "The
naked earth is warm with Spring,
And with green grass and bursting trees
Leans to the sun's kiss glorying,
And quivers in the sunny breeze." ~
Julian Grenfell, Poet, 1888-1915 |