Well, the strong winds, pelting rain and continuous gloomy skies are not the gardener's perfect spring and yet sales are "blooming!" Most of you are not planting yet but are storing plants in sheds and garages and sun rooms and wherever, waiting for the right time. Remember, please, that plants need to be outdoors as much as possible, that by being planted in those tiny containers makes them fulnerable to the conditions you are providing for them so be attentive. If they are turning yellow, they are being kept too wet. If they are turning brown, they are being kept too dry.
While waiting for that "right time" to plant, here's some food for thought: Ever wonder why dandelion seed was so precious that the earliest explorers and settlers made sure to pack as much seed as they could in their meagre belongings to travel to the unknown lands of North America?
We've all learned how difficult it was to cross the ocean in those early days of exploration and creating settlements in this New World, how many ships were capsized with everyone perishing, how those who survived suffered when they got here. Why oh why would dandelion seed have been such a cherished cargo? Just look out your window at those yellow flowers growing everywhere and think about the early French settlers who brought this plant to North America in the 1700s. Not to entirely blame the French, Spaniards brought it to Mexico and called it chicoria. Germans, not to be outdone, brought dandelions to Pennsylvania. The English, also recognizing the value of this yellow flower, also brought seeds to Canada. Why? Why would they do this to us?
Think about it. Send us your comments.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Friday, May 27, 2011
So...it's raining...and raining...and raining. There is some pretty neat rain gear out there. I recently saw ladybug rain boots, giraffe boots and even shark rain boots! Now you can't wear those on a hot, sunny day...that's stylin'!
What do gardeners do when it's raining? They work and dream about gardening, and cook and dream about gardening; work on the car and dream about gardening, and sharpen their hoes and dream about gardening and clean and dream about gardening! They even contemplate what to do about their dandelions while dreaming about gardening. This is actually a great opportunity to organize flower beds, see what perennials survived the winter, yank weeds out of the soft earth, and pick up your soil to top up the beds....you should always top up your flower and vegetable plots every year so it doesn't become a "big" job. Don't forget to ask for the 4-part mix...it's the best.
If you've planted some things, check them out. They may be getting water-logged. If they are sitting in very wet conditions you may have to dig them up and move them, or repot them, or create drainage. If they are getting yellow, that's too much water and it's a warning flag that they are in distress. Left too long in that condition and they will die. It's inconvenient for sure, but necessary if this rain continues for the 5-6 days that's been forecasted.
If your plants are still in the shed/garage, remember they can't stay there longer than 12 hours at a time. Living plants need air and light to survive, even if they are shade plants. As dreadful as it is, you must bring those plants in and out until planted. They will enjoy a little rain but once soaked, they need to go under an overhang, under the patio table or where they won't continue to be pelted by rain during the day and only...I repeat...and only returned to their dungeon home of the shed/garage IF a frost warning has been given...and that's only been two times since May 1st. They want to be outdoors; they want to be in the sun and the breeze, and they will get sick if they don't get enough.
A U of M study showed that the average last frost date on any given year at the airport was May 23. By May 31 the risk of frost is still at 25% and is still 10% by June 5th. So spring is not late this year. Everything is as usual. It's people who seem to want to get planting earlier and earlier every year.
I spoke to a market gardener today, from Portage la Prairie. He wasn't affected by flooding and yet his land is full of water, just saturated from last year's rain and now this year's. His garden, among others in the area, provide the fresh vegetables and some of the fruits the rest of us enjoy throughout the year. This is his 4th year of not being able to get on the land and he's had to scramble for other work to feed his family while his machinery begins to rust and his field will later turn to weeds. Hard times for many people in our province.
About those snazzy rain boots I mentioned in the beginning, don't forget to use them for planters when their rainy days are over.
And about those dandelions.....have I got a story for you...hopefully in our next blog.
L & E
What do gardeners do when it's raining? They work and dream about gardening, and cook and dream about gardening; work on the car and dream about gardening, and sharpen their hoes and dream about gardening and clean and dream about gardening! They even contemplate what to do about their dandelions while dreaming about gardening. This is actually a great opportunity to organize flower beds, see what perennials survived the winter, yank weeds out of the soft earth, and pick up your soil to top up the beds....you should always top up your flower and vegetable plots every year so it doesn't become a "big" job. Don't forget to ask for the 4-part mix...it's the best.
If you've planted some things, check them out. They may be getting water-logged. If they are sitting in very wet conditions you may have to dig them up and move them, or repot them, or create drainage. If they are getting yellow, that's too much water and it's a warning flag that they are in distress. Left too long in that condition and they will die. It's inconvenient for sure, but necessary if this rain continues for the 5-6 days that's been forecasted.
If your plants are still in the shed/garage, remember they can't stay there longer than 12 hours at a time. Living plants need air and light to survive, even if they are shade plants. As dreadful as it is, you must bring those plants in and out until planted. They will enjoy a little rain but once soaked, they need to go under an overhang, under the patio table or where they won't continue to be pelted by rain during the day and only...I repeat...and only returned to their dungeon home of the shed/garage IF a frost warning has been given...and that's only been two times since May 1st. They want to be outdoors; they want to be in the sun and the breeze, and they will get sick if they don't get enough.
A U of M study showed that the average last frost date on any given year at the airport was May 23. By May 31 the risk of frost is still at 25% and is still 10% by June 5th. So spring is not late this year. Everything is as usual. It's people who seem to want to get planting earlier and earlier every year.
I spoke to a market gardener today, from Portage la Prairie. He wasn't affected by flooding and yet his land is full of water, just saturated from last year's rain and now this year's. His garden, among others in the area, provide the fresh vegetables and some of the fruits the rest of us enjoy throughout the year. This is his 4th year of not being able to get on the land and he's had to scramble for other work to feed his family while his machinery begins to rust and his field will later turn to weeds. Hard times for many people in our province.
About those snazzy rain boots I mentioned in the beginning, don't forget to use them for planters when their rainy days are over.
And about those dandelions.....have I got a story for you...hopefully in our next blog.
L & E
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
It's time!
Long weekend behind us....summer to look forward to...yippee!! It's Manitoba, so we can expect those nasty frosts to plague us. Listen to the forecasts and only cover or move plants if the forecast is for 3 or less.
Plants most susceptible to frost are the fleshy ones like most of the shade plants -- begonias, impatiens, fuchsia, coleus, etc. Also protect your tomatoes. Remember, covering only provides some protection as frost can nip through blankets. Plastic pails, or any kind of plastic are not recommended as a cover.
Time to start planting daisies and you can't have enough of 'em! Yellow, white, pink, purple, even some two-toned ones and some you won't be able to say what colour they actually are! Enjoy them in full sun along with hanging verbena, grasses, geraniums, petunias....or go for perennial daisies like the hardy white shasta, the beautiful orange and brown gloriosa, or even the painted daisies that come in a multitude of colours and all hardy for Manitoba's climate.
Enjoy this season with its fresh air and sunshine. We are blessed to live in a place where tornados are uncommon, where volcanos do not exist, where the ground doesn't move. Let us get outdoors and enjoy every aspect of living on the prairies.
Plants most susceptible to frost are the fleshy ones like most of the shade plants -- begonias, impatiens, fuchsia, coleus, etc. Also protect your tomatoes. Remember, covering only provides some protection as frost can nip through blankets. Plastic pails, or any kind of plastic are not recommended as a cover.
Time to start planting daisies and you can't have enough of 'em! Yellow, white, pink, purple, even some two-toned ones and some you won't be able to say what colour they actually are! Enjoy them in full sun along with hanging verbena, grasses, geraniums, petunias....or go for perennial daisies like the hardy white shasta, the beautiful orange and brown gloriosa, or even the painted daisies that come in a multitude of colours and all hardy for Manitoba's climate.
Enjoy this season with its fresh air and sunshine. We are blessed to live in a place where tornados are uncommon, where volcanos do not exist, where the ground doesn't move. Let us get outdoors and enjoy every aspect of living on the prairies.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Long weekend is just about here!
So....what to do with the plants you've already planted...while you head for the cottage?
The advantage to planting in tubs and baskets is that you can bring them to someone else's home to enjoy while you're away! Or, if you have room, you can even take some with you. That basket hanging by the front door might look wonderful hanging at the lake too. If there's room to haul the lawn mower, there has to be room to take your flowers too.
For plants that are already in the ground, give them a good soak before you leave and they should be OK till you get back.
We are almost completely sold out of tumbler tomato baskets and the hanging cucumber baskets. They are great to have at the lake or make a great gift to someone who is looking after your plants while you're away.
The 5 gallon potted tomatoes are zzzzooooming out at $9.49 each. They are an ideal gift, great on the balcony for those in apartments/condos, perfect if you intend to be moving or if you are renovating the yard. And although they are not soccer ball, deer or rabbit proof, they can be moved in order to protect them.
Take some of the great grasses along to the lake....no deadheading and they'll survive some neglect if you only get there on weekends.
We are sold out of some things already but still have a great selection for you. If you'd like us to plant your pots for you, bring the pots as soon as you can. We will plant them for you as long as we have plants available, but as my friend Sean the amazing fixer of all time pieces would say, the clock is ticking.
Enjoy this beautiful weather! Keep our "flooded" friends in your prayers.
The advantage to planting in tubs and baskets is that you can bring them to someone else's home to enjoy while you're away! Or, if you have room, you can even take some with you. That basket hanging by the front door might look wonderful hanging at the lake too. If there's room to haul the lawn mower, there has to be room to take your flowers too.
For plants that are already in the ground, give them a good soak before you leave and they should be OK till you get back.
We are almost completely sold out of tumbler tomato baskets and the hanging cucumber baskets. They are great to have at the lake or make a great gift to someone who is looking after your plants while you're away.
The 5 gallon potted tomatoes are zzzzooooming out at $9.49 each. They are an ideal gift, great on the balcony for those in apartments/condos, perfect if you intend to be moving or if you are renovating the yard. And although they are not soccer ball, deer or rabbit proof, they can be moved in order to protect them.
Take some of the great grasses along to the lake....no deadheading and they'll survive some neglect if you only get there on weekends.
We are sold out of some things already but still have a great selection for you. If you'd like us to plant your pots for you, bring the pots as soon as you can. We will plant them for you as long as we have plants available, but as my friend Sean the amazing fixer of all time pieces would say, the clock is ticking.
Enjoy this beautiful weather! Keep our "flooded" friends in your prayers.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Countdown to May long weekend!
Wow! What a spring we are having with all the flooding in our province. Let us remember those Manitobans who may be losing everything as water continues to rise. We personally know of two families, one couple in their 70's who turned their old farmhouse into their retirement home, who now expect to lose their home, and another dear family who have a greenhouse operation, whose business is bursting with flowers and vegetable plants, ready for the season, who are unable to move anything - they will lose their home and their livelihood after months of intensive work and financial investment this winter getting their plants ready for sale. Flood insurance is not available to anyone. Oh, how we wish there was something we could do! We continue to pray for God's strength in them and for a mighty miracle that only He can do.
How grateful we are that although we are located between the Red River and the floodway, we have no concern for our home and business.
As the May long weekend approaches - which is the official planting weekend in Manitoba - the new plants are being picked up now because by the long weekend all the new stuff will be gone. There will still be many, many choices, but for those who like to try the new things, you'd better be picking up those things soon. Our stock of giant King Tut grass is very low as are some of the new hanging petunias.
What can you plant already? Pansies, violas, snapdragons, dianthus, carnations, dracaena spikes. By planting these plants now, you can extend your summer by a whole month by having blooming flowers today that won't mind being nipped with frost. You don't have to cover them or move them if a frost warning comes because they can take -10C.
Also you can hang baskets and wallbags already. They are very easy to move if a frost warning occurs. We may only have 2-3 warnings where you'll have to move them but how nice to be able to extend your summer by having a beautiful basket hanging where you can see it from your window, or wallbags hanging from your garage lights where you can enjoy them every day.
Then in a few weeks, you can add geraniums, daisies, petunias and most of the other plants, leaving begonias and impatiens and fuschias till the last.
So, if you haven't already done so, get that BBQ out, put the cushions back on the deck furniture, plant a spike with a coupla packs of pansies in a tub nearby, hang a basket or two, add a few gorgeous wallbags and begin to enjoy what we've all been waiting for for so many months!
Remember, if you're buying soil to top up the grass or add to the beds, don't settle for anything less that the 4 part mix. It's the cake mix of soil, and is good for everything. We sell it too!
Someone said that rainy days are good for gardeners because it gives them a chance to do other things.
Hope all is well with all of you. Please send us your comments and tell your gardening friends about this blog.
How grateful we are that although we are located between the Red River and the floodway, we have no concern for our home and business.
As the May long weekend approaches - which is the official planting weekend in Manitoba - the new plants are being picked up now because by the long weekend all the new stuff will be gone. There will still be many, many choices, but for those who like to try the new things, you'd better be picking up those things soon. Our stock of giant King Tut grass is very low as are some of the new hanging petunias.
What can you plant already? Pansies, violas, snapdragons, dianthus, carnations, dracaena spikes. By planting these plants now, you can extend your summer by a whole month by having blooming flowers today that won't mind being nipped with frost. You don't have to cover them or move them if a frost warning comes because they can take -10C.
Also you can hang baskets and wallbags already. They are very easy to move if a frost warning occurs. We may only have 2-3 warnings where you'll have to move them but how nice to be able to extend your summer by having a beautiful basket hanging where you can see it from your window, or wallbags hanging from your garage lights where you can enjoy them every day.
Then in a few weeks, you can add geraniums, daisies, petunias and most of the other plants, leaving begonias and impatiens and fuschias till the last.
So, if you haven't already done so, get that BBQ out, put the cushions back on the deck furniture, plant a spike with a coupla packs of pansies in a tub nearby, hang a basket or two, add a few gorgeous wallbags and begin to enjoy what we've all been waiting for for so many months!
Remember, if you're buying soil to top up the grass or add to the beds, don't settle for anything less that the 4 part mix. It's the cake mix of soil, and is good for everything. We sell it too!
Someone said that rainy days are good for gardeners because it gives them a chance to do other things.
Hope all is well with all of you. Please send us your comments and tell your gardening friends about this blog.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Mother's Day is Coming!!! And we open for the season Monday, May 2nd.
The dirty dishes are stuck to the counter and the dust dinos are chasing each other from room to room... we've been putting in some very long days.....but...the living wreaths are filling in beautifully, the wallbags are blooming, baskets galore are lush and full and getting ready for a new home...
Mother's Day is around the corner and here's a great idea on how to enjoy it:
1. Come in and purchase a gift certificate to give to your Mom, your wife, your daughter on Mother's Day.
2. Make plans with her for when the weather improves and frost threats are over, to take her for lunch and then bring her to shop for the plants she'd like to have this year, using the gift certifcate you gave her.
3. Take her home and help her plant them.
These days we all "have" lots of things. It's relationship that's lacking. It's time spent just laughing and reminiscing that's precious. Let us use these reminder days - "Mother's Day", "Father's Day", "Grandparent's Day", etc. by spending time together.
Make this an annual occasion. You'll see how much YOU will receive from it.
The dirty dishes are stuck to the counter and the dust dinos are chasing each other from room to room... we've been putting in some very long days.....but...the living wreaths are filling in beautifully, the wallbags are blooming, baskets galore are lush and full and getting ready for a new home...
Mother's Day is around the corner and here's a great idea on how to enjoy it:
1. Come in and purchase a gift certificate to give to your Mom, your wife, your daughter on Mother's Day.
2. Make plans with her for when the weather improves and frost threats are over, to take her for lunch and then bring her to shop for the plants she'd like to have this year, using the gift certifcate you gave her.
3. Take her home and help her plant them.
These days we all "have" lots of things. It's relationship that's lacking. It's time spent just laughing and reminiscing that's precious. Let us use these reminder days - "Mother's Day", "Father's Day", "Grandparent's Day", etc. by spending time together.
Make this an annual occasion. You'll see how much YOU will receive from it.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Armchair gardening (discussion 4) Are you welcoming someone new to the family.....a new baby, an exchange student, mabye Grandma is moving in, or are you taking in a foster child? Even a new puppy can change how you garden. Any changes to your family will also change the dynamics of your lifestyle. How does that affect gardening? Well, gardening can be fairly simple, it can be community minded, it can be personal, it should be practical. When a new baby joins the family, you can feel overwhelmed already, not to mention taking on the yard in addition to everything else you did all winter. Choose plants that are easy care and more drought tolerant.
- Geraniums are the easiest of all annuals to grow. They are easy to dead-head, are most forgiving when neglected, and take the wind and heat of prairie summers.
- Portulaca is an easy growing wild-rose looking addition to any bed or pot. Even small pots filled with portulaca look stunning. No dead-heading required!
- petunias are always recommended for the easy garden, although deadheading is necessary. They won't die if they dry out and will bloom well into frost.
- scaevola look fabulous in hanging baskets. Also known as the fan flower, scaevola loves heat, tolerates drought and no deadheading required!
- potato vine - any of the choices - and there are many out there. This year we have 9 varieties of potato vine from the near black ones to lime to rusty to tricolour!
- lantana - has a citrus fragrance and loves heat. It will tolerate drought and is very easy to maintain. It is tall and stately, and can turn into a small annual shrub.
- verbena - loves heat and will tolerate drought.
Stay away from the daisy family if you are busier than usual this summer. Daisies must be promptly deadheaded to maintain flower and they can't dry out. If that is neglected, they will stop blooming and it can take 2 weeks to see the next bloom. Drying out can kill them. If you simply cannot live without them, plant some in one tub and have it near the barbecue where it can be deadheaded regularly.
If an exchange student is moving in, consider some of the plants from their country. Dianthus, for example, originates in Europe, Asia and some parts of Africa; Lantana from South America.
If Grandma is coming to live with you, consider some plants of her choosing to bring back fond memories. If she is ill, you can incorporate more window boxes, deck planters and tubs where she can have access to their fragrance and beauty as well as help you maintain them more easily than if in the ground.
A new puppy usually means the digging up of flowerbeds and the trampling of flowers in every spot of your yard. Puppies are puppies and as they grow, you will teach them not to do these things, but in the meantime there are things you can do. Wood chips on any exposed ground will help to lessen digging. Planting more in tubs rather than in the ground will preserve more of your favourite flowers and vegetables. You can even stand tubs on wood chips where you would normally be planting in the ground and it can look quite nice. A new puppy is always looking for a playmate. If you're not available, the mud and plants will be!
And if you are considering a memory garden to remember a loved one, a little heart shaped bed might be nice. Add flowers in the person's favourite colours or plants with significant names like bleeding hearts, angel's trumpet or whimsical names like monkey flower or eyeball plant or impatiens.
Always encourage participation in the garden. Have small children join you and encourage older children to grow their own vegetable plant or flower garden. Allow grandparents to take part, making them feel useful.
Gardening is very good execise, provides fresh air and sunshine, and always has an impact no matter how much gets done and how much is left for another day.
Next blog: How to encourage the very young gardener.
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