Every year I think that the weather is either colder or warmer than “normal”; or I think that the plants are either ahead of or behind what is “normal”; or I could swear that at this time last year………………etc. This year I was feeling as though it is colder, wetter, and the plants are not as far along as they should be. Well, I decided to look at our “Newsy Letter” from March 9, 2010 and check out just what was going on in the garden at this time last year. I found that the magnolia blossoms were starting to open, hostas in pots were beginning to unfurl their leaves, hostas in the ground were poking their “noses” out, and I was being dazzled by a full display of daffodil blossoms in the parking strip out front.
The calendar says it is March 8th, almost exactly one year later. Shouldn’t the garden look about the same? A tour of the garden makes me take another look at the calendar to verify the date. Yes, this is the month of March and we are less than one week away the beginning of daylight savings time. But – there are no daffodil blossoms - the magnolia buds are as tight as they were a month ago - no hint of color - and there is not a hosta “nose” in sight! So that means that I can justify my feelings this year.
I’m ready for more sunshine and warmer temperatures. The days are now growing noticeably longer, but that doesn’t seem to be helping raise the daily temperature. I’m longing for a sunny sixty degree day. But, realistically, it is better for the garden to remain cool a little longer just in case there is one more opportunistic cold snap lurking around - just waiting to attack a sudden flush of fresh, tender new growth.
Looking back over this past two weeks, we experienced sun, rain, sleet, wind, snow, and freezing temperatures. As I looked around the garden today, it was good to note that the effects of those wide weather swings were minimal. The plants that were exposed obviously have been built to withstand winter’s wrath. I need to put on my ski pants, my coat and my gloves, cover my ears, put those “Hotties” in my pockets and just get out there. Or, maybe I’ll just drink another cup of tea and patiently wait a little longer………no need to rush things.
If you would like to read more of my garden adventures and see more pictures visit http://gailgardening.blogspot.com/
OUR FEBRUARY MEETING NOTES
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It was a typical winter day when we met at my house – thank goodness we were inside. I had so hoped that the weather would have cooperated so that we could tour the garden and see the hellebores, but it just did not work out. It was rainy and cold and not a day that I would want to venture outside.
But, inside it was nice and cozy and there were hot drinks to take away the chill. This was our second anniversary as a group which called for a cake to celebrate – chocolate, of course - and thanks to Jane B. and Anne, we had plenty of more sensible refreshment choices, too. Yum!
We reminisced about the trip to Treephoria and passed the hat to help pay for the lovely bouquet that Barbara purchased as a thank you for Nursery owner and hostess, Nancy Buley. Thanks to everyone who made a contribution.
FIELD TRIPS
Several members have been working behind the scenes putting together trips for us to enjoy. We will send out individual group emails for each of the trips as the dates approach. Upcoming trips include:
April 1st - Xera – contact Sarah
May 19th – Sebright – 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, an overnight stay is advised – attendance limited to twenty people and seven have committed to going - contact Barbara ASAP if interested
Diana placed the clematis order and will let everyone know when their plants are available.
Discount tickets for the Yard Garden and Patio show are available at Dennis’ 7 Dees Nurseries for $7.00 while supplies last.
Lisa reminded us about Study Weekend being hosted by HPSO in June. Registration is $160.00.
The Bloedel Reserve is having a plant sale on April 16th and 17th – a first time event.
HPSO members on our membership waiting list will be able to keep in touch by visiting our blog and we will invite them to join us for field trips where space and time constraints are not so limiting.
Priscilla wasn’t here for our January meeting, but brought some of her childhood pictures to share and told us about her early garden experiences with her Welsh grandmother. Renee also brought and shared some of her pictures. It was so fun to see our fellow Golden Aged Gardeners as children - so cute!! Thank you both for sharing.
OUR GROUP DISCUSSION
This month’s topic was - What changes are we planning in our gardens this year? We’ve had all winter to think about making changes and several of us have big plans this year to replace and/or remove aging structural plants – trees and shrubs. More perennials appear to be on their way out, too. We are looking at changing our plantings to achieve gardens that require less maintenance. More raised beds were mentioned as a way to make our jobs easier, but also as a solution to make water logged areas of the garden more hospitable. Some of us vowed to keep up with our weeding chores and there was a lively discussion about providing better structural support for our tomato plants and methods for keeping the indeterminate plants within bounds. Old, worn tools will be replaced with new ergonomically friendly ones. It was fun to hear about everyone’s plans. It might be fun to revisit this topic some time in retrospect and ask – What planned changes did we make?
This month’s topic was - What changes are we planning in our gardens this year? We’ve had all winter to think about making changes and several of us have big plans this year to replace and/or remove aging structural plants – trees and shrubs. More perennials appear to be on their way out, too. We are looking at changing our plantings to achieve gardens that require less maintenance. More raised beds were mentioned as a way to make our jobs easier, but also as a solution to make water logged areas of the garden more hospitable. Some of us vowed to keep up with our weeding chores and there was a lively discussion about providing better structural support for our tomato plants and methods for keeping the indeterminate plants within bounds. Old, worn tools will be replaced with new ergonomically friendly ones. It was fun to hear about everyone’s plans. It might be fun to revisit this topic some time in retrospect and ask – What planned changes did we make?
The March meeting notice is being sent through the group email list. We will have a speaker talking about reducing pain associated with gardening.
See you soon,
Gail
Gail
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