MAY, 2011 "NEWSY-LETTER"

The cloudy spring weather has me looking in the garden for a burst of sunny color to warm my heart. In an effort to focus on the positive, I’ve been thinking about all of the good things happening because our weather has been cooler than normal. With help from the garden and a few warmer sunny days, gray memories are beginning to fade. 

Over the past two or three years, I’ve become increasingly enamored by gold and chartreuse foliage. I think it is because my aging eyes do not pick up the definitions of line and shape as well as when I was younger and my vision sharper. Greens tend to blend together from a distance. Contrasts of color catch my attention and make the garden more interesting as my eyes pan the view. Gold and chartreuse also help to ease my longing for sunshine, creating their own sunny spots throughout the garden. Bright golden color attracts my eye like a magnet.

Hosta hybrid 001

Missing sunshine and short bursts of heat combined with added rain resulted in some of the most beautiful foliage ever in my garden. Unlike flowers that are weighed down and broken apart by all of the rain, foliage is plumped up and looks brighter when plants receive more water. I’ve spent more days enjoying the garden through windows this year and the vista is more interesting than ever. With so much to enjoy from a distance, I am more content to stay inside, out of the cold damp conditions.

What is good about cooler, wetter weather and the lack of occasional periods of warm, sunny days? Here is my list: The garden is slower to develop and that has helped protect foliage and developing buds from damaging effects of sudden heat and sudden cold. Explosions in pest populations are delayed. Less damage means foliage looks more pristine for a longer period of time. It is easier for me to appreciate what I have and I am less likely to yearn for something new. I’ve become accustomed to waiting, so maybe I have more patience? OK, now I’m stretching it a bit.............and admit that I am looking forward to warmer, sunnier weather ahead.

Hakonechloa macra 'All Gold'

For more of my garden thoughts, click here http://gailgardening.blogspot.com/

OUR APRIL MEETING NOTES

What a treat to be able to enjoy Priscilla's lovely garden on a sunny, warm dry April day. From the bamboo forest alongside the house to the well tended beds of shrubs and perennials, there isn't a spot in her garden that doesn't reflect Priscilla's extensive experience and knowledge as a professional gardener. Surrounding the perimeter of her patio were pots filled with enough color to cheer up the grumpiest gnome in any garden. After the meeting, Priscilla treated us to traditional High Tea. What a fabulous day. Thank you Priscilla!

Program and Discussion

We gathered in the living room where Priscilla shared her tips on successfully planting, growing, and harvesting tomatoes. We learned how important it is to read the tag before buying so that we know whether the plants are determinate or indeterminate. In our area, we should select plants with a harvest time of about sixty days. Red mulch really does produce bigger plants. The wall of water provides protection from frost for early planting in the garden and is now available in red. Priscilla emphasized how important it is to provide adequate support for fruiting plants. She recommends building something out of heavy metal rod or sturdy bamboo and make it tall enough to support the mature vine with a heavy crop of fruit. Lisa, Brunna, and Joy have purchased the new grafted plants and will share their experience with growing and harvesting. Joy had great success growing her plants in half barrels made of resin last year. Tomatoes have very large root systems and need to be grown in large containers. 

Field Trips planned - Specific details will be sent by email about a week before each trip.

May 19th - Sebright Gardens http://www.sebrightgardens.com/ - contact Gail
June 9th - Private gardens of Carolyn Guinther and Mike Snyder - contact Diana

June 18th - Kinsey Faire and Laurel Hedge - contact Diana

July 20th - Miller Garden - Maximum number has been reached

Brunna will arrange a trip to Petal Heads in the fall.

Announcements - Click on the links at the top left of the page under Garden Links to find upcoming events around the area. 

Diana reminded us of the Inviting Vines garden tour to benefit Friends of Rogerson Clematis Collection. Details can be found at  http://rogersonclematiscollection.org/?p=155

 The meeting announcement with address and directions will be sent out to via our email list.