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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 ShadeJust 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

 

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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

 

 

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