Spring Is Here

Spring Is Here, a set on Flickr.

Fairy Rings

Suddenly, almost overnight, fairy rings have begun to appear on lawns and golf courses. They are a naturally occurring phenomenon of fungus growth that is seeking food underground and consist of a large circle of either dead or dark green grass, sometimes with toadstools. They are more prevalent following a dry year, which is exactly what we experienced in 2011.

Obviously before science, mankind arrived at bizarre superstitious explanations for everything that was out of the ordinary, and Fairy Rings were no exception. Occupying a prominent place in European folklore, they were also called elf or pixie circles and were said to be the location of gateways into elfin kingdoms where fairie folk gathered to celebrate spring. The ring will disappear without trace within five days, but it was said if an observer waits for an elf to return to the ring, one may capture it.

In German tradition, fairy rings were believed to be the gathering place of witches on Walpurgis Night and the fact that St. Walpurgis was a deeply religious nun who brought Christianity to the Germans seems have no bearing on the fact her night is called ‘witch’s night’. Traditionally on April 30th, witches would gather to dance all night leaving the ring behind to mark their celebration. In the region of what is now Central Europe, folklore believed that fairy rings dealt with magical flying dragons; when a dragon had created such a circle, only toadstools would be able to grow there for seven years.

According to European folklore entering one was extremely bad luck as they were guarded by huge toads who could place a curse upon mortals. One could soon lose sight in one of their eyes while young girls touching dew inside a fairy ring would develop skin problems. There were warnings against children entering the ring as fairies could kidnap them or follow them home and wait until the child was sleeping before slipping a changeling into their place. *A changeling was the child of a fairy, elf, or toad and no one spoke of what happened to the human child who disappeared. Maurice Sendak addresses this in his award winning book Dear Mili.

Science today advises all above is utter nonsense and that the dark green is simply the presence of additional nitrogen. And some fungi may also produce chemicals which act as hormones which affect plant growth, causing the rapid luxuriant growth. Regardless... I think children should avoid Fairy Rings at all cost.

Plant Your Easter Lily in the Garden

Thousands of Easter lilies symbolizing the Resurrection were part of Sunday’s celebrations and most will be relegated to the rubbish bin, discarded as useless. However since the flowering lily springs from a bulb these lilies may be easily integrated into the garden and provide beauty for many years to come.

Lilies usually bloom in summer but were ‘forced’ to bloom early for Easter so do not expect any more flowering until next year… the bulb needs to rest. *Forcing is a process to make the bulbs bloom prematurely; they believe it is the ‘right time’ to bloom months ahead of their natural schedule.

The lily enjoys sun on her head but a coolness about her feet, so pick a sunny place in the garden and tuck the bulb amongst other guests or put several stones at the base. Also driving winds or extreme heat may adversely affect the lily so pick a site with some afternoon shelter and dappled shade.

As you pull your lily from the pot, you may notice the extreme root growth that has occurred from being in greenhouse conditions. If the roots are tightly bound in a circular pattern, the lily was grown in too small a pot and is ‘root bound’. The roots must be loosened and spread out to allow the poor thing to grow without strangling itself. Gently loosen the roots and it will not harm the bulb if some break or are cut a bit.

Roots must be loosened

Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and five or six inches deeper. Work some potting soil into it and then plant your lily, spreading the newly loosened roots down and out. Often there will be three bulbs in a standard Easter lily pot so carefully divide them and plan on planting them six or seven inches apart. Fill the hole with soil, and water while working your hands in the mush. Jiggle and wiggle the plant while looking for air bubbles to surface and when no more appear, there are no hidden pockets to cause rot. Once the water level has receded, lightly water once again and add a bit of soil if it seems to have sunken at all.

Cut off the wilting flowers, but wait to cut back the foliage until it appears yellow; the foliage will nourish the bulb and help store energy for flowers next year. The unforced flowers will appear on time... in the early summer when the lily normally blooms. Your lily will live for many years, reminding you of the joyous occasion when it was introduced as a guest at an Easter gathering.

Tulips~

The Tulips are blooming! The joyful tulip will arrive at the garden party with the first blush of Spring, promising the garden season has indeed arrived. Tulip bulbs are readily available and easily affordable nowadays, but history proves that was not always the case.

The Tulip originated in Asia Minor where the Ottomans developed cultivars which concentrated on long, thin, wispy flowers of different colors. This lovely flower was first brought to the Vienna Court in the 1500's and presented to the King as a gift from exploration.

As the majestic Tulip began her travels around Europe, she was greeted with wild excitement in every nation. Originally, only members of the royal family were allowed access to certain bulbs; lower classes were forbidden to possess them. Naturally, the result was a deep desire akin to lust to own a Tulip bulb. Fierce competition, intrigue, and smuggling of the bulbs emerged, resulting in a rage referred to as "Tulipomania". By 1634-1637, the situation had become so intense that the governments of both England and Holland were forced to pass legislation to regulate trade in the tulip market.

At the height of the mania, interest was so widespread that individuals invested in tulip bulbs as they now invest in stocks of oil or other ventures. Many fortunes and vast land holdings were lost over Tulip bulbs; one shipping magnate gave a fleet of ten ships for 10 bulbs! By the mid 1700's the bulbs were still expensive, but available to an elite public willing to pay the price for them. The Ambassador from Holland proudly presented 7 bulbs to Martha Washington following her request and they were planted in a place of honor in her original gardens at Mt. Vernon.

Descendants of the Dutch bulbs will not mature properly or flower a second year without a cold winter so expect to plant each year in warmer zones. However since time and science have provided an affordable array of spectacular colors and form, Tulips are still a magnificent addition to the garden. Choose Common or frilly, parrot or scented; all are worth the effort to plant… if only for one season.

The tulip is perfect as a cutting flower for spring arrangements.

I cut everything one year with the threat of a late freeze... I gave flowers to everyone I knew!

The Garden Then and Now...

Thirty years of gardening and working hard can result in an amazing transformation...

Here is the 'yard' we moved to in 1975... same view.

Happy weekend in the garden everyone!

http://www.gardening4us.com/2011/05/our-move-to-farm-part-1

Spring At Royal Oaks

Spring At Royal Oaks, a set on Flickr.

Allergies~ Ah-choo!

It must be noted that early buds are swelling on the Maples and Elms and with them comes considerable pollen. Without going into intricate scientific explanations, it may be simply stated that the pollen of most trees, shrubs, and grasses is lighter than the pollen of flowers. It may be carried by the wind as high as three miles up and as far as 100 miles from the original plant. Easily inhaled, it is the culprit of the condition called hay fever (or allergies) as it may irritate an individual’s throat and nose.

With our typical breeze often increasing to driving winds, it is impossible to avoid this early pollen. As way of compensation, the pollen on flowers that arrive later in the season is generally much heavier… meaning it does not tend to blow about with such a vengeance. Thus as the season progresses, allergies will ease a bit. However annoying it may be now, it is necessary for the plant reproduction so we must be accommodating… while sneezing our way through spring.

Woodland Violets

Over the weekend the blessed rains came again and with them Spring arrived in earnest. The early woodland violets have begun to bloom and their joyful faces may be seen peeking out among dry leaves. They are native to our hemisphere however the violet has over 500 species that appear world wide. The colorful pansy and viola are close cousins and among the most popular bedding plants.

As with most plants, a colorful mythological history surrounds the violet. According to Greek legend the King of the gods, Zeus, had taken a fancy to a lovely nymph. Infidelity is certainly nothing new and Zeus was behaving badly in this instance so he attempted to hide his mistress from his wife by changing her into a white cow. Needless to say the nymph was unimpressed with this change and complained bitterly over the taste and texture of the coarse grass. As she wept sad cow tears, Zeus changed them into dainty, sweet-smelling violets that only she was permitted to eat.

The Roman myth involves Venus, the goddess of love, who was always cross with mortal women. Apparently she fell into a jealous rage when foolish Cupid judged some mortal ladies more beautiful than she; in revenge she swooped down and beat the poor maidens until they became blue before transforming them into violets.

Since medieval times violets have been crystallized and appeared as an edible garnish. The early Church gave meaning to the heart shaped leaves which were said to represent the Virgin Mary’s modesty and loyalty. Symbolically, dreaming of violets is a promise of advancement in life and it is claimed a garland worn about the head prevents dizziness. They are considered a good luck gift to a woman but if violets bloom in autumn, it is said epidemics will follow within the year.

Napoleon was a devout fan of the violet and when he married Josephine she wore them in her hair. On every wedding anniversary he sent her a bouquet and before leaving for exile he visited her tomb where he picked woodland violets. Following his death, these violets were found in a locket he wore around his neck.

To pick the flowers follow the short stem to the bottom and pinch between thumb and forefinger then place them in a small vase. Add water as they 'drink' it and they will last a week or more. It is amazing that such a small flower can fill the room with so much sweet scent.

Weeding~

Last years well weeded Spring bed~

The weather this week has been spectacular with the lavish feel of brisk mornings and warm afternoons, both of which make it perfect for the gardener. It is the sort of spring weather which makes one rush outside to smell the newness of the season and watch the leaves unfurl in an amazing time-lapse moment.

It is truly time to address the weeds, which seem to be crashing the garden party like a drunken, raucous crowd. To the novice gardener, weeding is simply the removal of unsolicited and untidy plant material which invades the garden uninvited, overpowering and bullying the true guests. All gardens must be weeded however there are many theories on how to achieve success without repeat effort. Chemicals aside, informed personal effort is the only answer.

There are the die-hard pioneers who believe that hoeing is the only answer and that hoeing is manly. (It is!) Hoeing is primarily used in the vegetable patch to remove weeds in a crowded space; the hoe can get in and about the vegetables easily without harming them. There is an art to properly using a hoe, which must be sharpened and oiled before use each spring. The hoe, like a good knife, is a balanced tool and this balance allows the gardener to literally drop the weight of it on the intruder without much physical effort. A gentle rhythm is used and is almost as a dance... slowly lift-drop, lift-drop. It is quite effective if done properly. Experts at hoeing are often amused by those who use a frantic chopping-action, which is a waste of energy and also employs the human back to do the job of an expertly maneuvered hoe.

For the flower garden, hand removal is the only logical answer. To truly remove weeds it is necessary to trace the stem of the weed below ground to the base of origin, follow the outlying roots with the finger tips, then remove all of it in a slow steady pulling motion, root and all in its entirety. This will insure permanent removal of the culprit. Since it is difficult to feel the root system wearing gloves many gardeners chose to weed gloveless. However an inevitable snag may prove uncomfortable and without gloves over time fingers tend to split. And since the gardener's staple, Mercurochrome has been permanently removed from the market curing the split green thumb is not easy. Now it is probably best to purchase a nice thin pair of gloves and wear them to prevent soil-damaged fingers.

Weeding can be an almost a Zen-like activity, calming, unrushed, and quieting. When the soil is moist and the weather not too hot or steamy, slowly moving along the bed without rushing is a perfect way to spend an afternoon. The rewards of successful weeding are a stack of wilting weeds, a lovely garden, and the satisfying feeling of a job well done.

*Before enthusiastically weeding, do perform the 'weed test'. It is from my own observations...

The Weed Test
There is a test the gardener may use when deciding to weed, plant, or transplant. Go to the garden and find a weed who has been cleverly hiding, attempting to disguise itself as a flower. Pull the weed and drop it on the walkway and wait a few minutes to see how quickly it begins to wilt. On some days it will remain unwilted for up to twenty minutes, sometimes even hours. On other days the weed will wilt almost instantly. The day it instantly wilts happily weed and the weeds will not return. On the days the weed does not wilt, do not weed but rather transplant, trim to stimulate growth, repot, or plant seedlings... in both cases your endeavors will be met with success!

Planting By the Moon and Other Lore

Follow the Moon's Rules and the Results are Astounding~

Planting by the Moon
There is nothing quite like gardening to satisfy to the soul, elevate the spirit, and keep the children occupied while getting fresh air and sunshine. Since mankind has lived by agricultural means for thousands of years, our connection to the Earth is deeply rooted as is our connection to the Sun and Moon. I have planted by the stages of the Moon for decades and always with success. It must be noted that the placement of the Planets according to the Zodiac is not the same in astronomy as in astrology. I use the astrological placement of the Moon by sign to plant.
For planting the most fertile signs are the three water signs: Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Good second choices are Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn.
Accordingly, plant underground crops when the Moon is dark. These crops like to sleep below and will enjoy the darkness. They include all vegetables that produce below ground crops… carrots, potatoes, turnips, beets and so forth.
Plant the above ground crops in the light of the full moon. The heavenly force of the Moon will pull the seed from the ground so it may see the moonlight.

The Weed Test
Along that line of thought, there is a test the gardener may use when deciding to weed, plant, or transplant. Go to the garden and find a weed who has been cleverly hiding, attempting to disguise itself as a flower. Pull the weed and drop it on the walkway and wait a few minutes to see how quickly it begins to wilt. On a good day to pot or transplant, the weed will remain unwilted for up to twenty minutes, sometimes even hours. On a bad day, the weed will wilt almost instantly. The day it instantly wilts, do nothing in the garden but weed and the weeds will not return. On the days the weed does not wilt, you are free to transplant, trim to stimulate growth, repot, or plant seedlings… each endeavor will be met with success!

The Waiting Game
Another rule to remember when planting a new perennial, bush or tree is:
The first year they sleep.
The second they creep.
The third they leap.
Water on a monthly schedule even in winter and the reward is a healthy baby that will grow into a lovely adult. With a little food in the form of well rotted cattle manure, proper nourishment is assured.

Sunlight
It is very important to assess the sun light in your garden. Look at the light as it progresses during the day to decide the placement of plants.
Sometimes flowers that call for ‘full sunlight’ are ill prepared for the heat that often accompanies the sun. If wilt occurs several days in a row on a well watered flower, she may be begging for less light. Perhaps move to a bed under the dappled shade of a Mimosa, which allows for filtered light.
Remember that deep shade is very dark. Plants which like deep shade will thrive in a bed surrounding a Mulberry, or Oak. Remember the Black Walnut tree produces a toxin which kills most plants, yet Sweet Woodruff flourishes at it’s feet. The ever faithful Caladium and the exotic Hosta are both extreme shade lovers. In fact there is a Blue Mammoth Hosta whose blue color intensifies as the shade deepens.

Perennials and Annuals
Most gardens are a combination of 70% perennials and 30% annuals. Since perennials return each year, it is easy to maintain them and simply fill the bare spaces in the garden with the riotous color of annuals. Most annuals are sun loving and provide lasting color for the entire season. Each year new and interesting hybrids arrive on the garden scene yet still the heirloom varieties remain… perhaps mix them up a bit.
This is the year of the Hibiscus with “Rosa del Rio” a gorgeous addition to any garden setting. Originally from South America, hardy and drought tolerant, they provide gorgeous glowing flowers all season. The one below is from an heirloom seed, the name of which is long lost. *Rosa may be ordered from 'Annie's Annuals'.



The darling Gazania, originally from South Africa and whose dusty silver foliage resembles a dandelion, offers glorious color combinations and requires little water. It is said to be a treat for the desert tortoise.

Cheerful Purslane is an ever-blooming plant that adores a container and will provide a low maintenance spot of color until frost. It is so adorable as the tiny flowers follow the sun, turning their heads as it travels the garden.



The lovely Petunia has sacrificed scent for form but the deep purple still retains a heady aroma that will fill the garden. Petunias are prone to ’sudden death’ for no apparent reason so do not be surprised if yesterday’s robust plant falls ill and dies… however they are well worth the risk.

The lacy-stemmed Cosmos includes a multitude of colors while remaining a wonderful cut flower and self-seeder. They are hardy and incredibly easy to grow.

The darling marigold, an ancient staple from bygone eras, is a companion plant to vegetables with a spicy scent which discourages shield bugs. It’s medicinal purposes are lost, yet it remains an important addition to the garden. It has arrived lately in stunning colors, even sporting an enlarged blossom resembling a Mum. Those below are from my seeds collected for over 30 years.



If you have a dry and harsh spot plant Portulaca, who loves it hot and enjoy the joyful exuberance of blossoms as they pour forth in wild abandon during the most stressful conditions the garden may offer. Originally from Brazil, it is called ’rose moss in South America and the southern states of America have had a love affair with it for over a century.

The Vinca or common Periwinkle has begun to bloom in full glory. Once considered mystical and magical, a tool of Sorcerers, it has the most attractive deep shiny foliage which is resistant to lime or calcium build up. The plant remains compact while producing a host of flowers in white or clear pink all season.

Tip
If buying annuals at a nursery or mass outlet, check for root growth, especially if the plant is blooming profusely. Gently pull the plant from the container and see if it has any root growth at all. If the roots are sparse, spindly, and thread-like put it back and do not buy it. It has been over fertilized and rushed to market and will likely die. Also check for pests to assure you do not introduce them to your garden. Snails arrived in my garden through infected shrubs.

From water ponds to flowers, from vegetables to orchards, the possibilities for the garden are endless. Part of the joy of gardening is watching the evolution over many years…. and each year will provide a delightful surprise in an unexpected form. Enjoy!

Thoughts on Turning Sixty...a repost

Photo from last month...

I turned sixty seven March of 2014...








Turning sixty is most certainly a milestone in any life. In recognizing my age I am also able to recollect the events I have been able to witness and I am truly grateful for the opportunities I have had.

If I were not sixty, I would have missed:
The time when mothers were at home while fathers went to work. Childhood would not have included an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins all gathering on Sunday to recount the week's events. Back then, neighborhoods were safe and watchful; people were polite and generous with a sense of purpose which involved caring for the young and the old with equal diligence. The term 'latch key' did not exist.
Pleasures were as simple as a walk in the park, fishing for crawdads, ice skating on a frozen pond, dancing in a community pavilion at the beach, occasionally going to the drive-in theater or having simple Sunday night dinners on with TV trays while the whole family watched Disney. I would have missed 'cruising' when gasoline was a quarter a gallon and everybody could go out on Saturday night knowing they would not be shot.

I would have missed:
The times of turbulence of the 1970's. I was in college at that singular time and it was incredibly exciting to be involved in the push to end the war, give women equal rights, and bring politicians to accountability. I burned my bra in a crowd of 300, lit candles when the National Guard gunned down innocent students at Kent State, gathered with thousands to protest Vietnam, heard Martin Luther King's speech live, sat up late at night over marijuana and strong coffee discussing strategies and writing intellectual and emotional essays to address the ills of our society. Entire intercity neighborhoods included old timers and hippie/students who put twinkle lights in the back yard and had cook outs while girls hand embroidered jeans, men hand tooled leather, and children danced about. Blue jeans became the universal uniform, sex was death free and rain wasn't acid. It was an outrageous and hopeful time full of unimagined collective energy. I am glad I was a young adult and not a child then... I would have missed it.

I am glad I didn't miss:
The 'Back to Earth' movement even if we didn't know it was a movement. The cities became so angry by 1975. Watergate, the assassinations of men of peace, the winding down of equal rights, the drugs which made their appearance were dangers that could not be escaped so we simply left. Many of us returned to our roots; to the places where our grandparents raised a family amid the simple pleasures of our own youth. The gift of a small town where the doors are never locked at night, where the car keys need not be removed, where you can call the pharmacist at home to meet you if the children became ill during the night... all this was too important to miss. I'm glad I didn't.

I am so happy I was able to experience:
Farm life before the disasters of the 1980's and closure of the family farm as a treasured institution. Family farming was over by the time John Cougar Mellencamp wrote the poignant song "The Auctioneer" and Willie Nelson began his battle to save them. Family farms were still on every section of land in 1975 so we became part of a close knit community of neighbors. I was able to go to quilting bees with little old ladies who had quilted together for forty years. My stitches are in their quilts and even though the ladies are all gone now, the quilts have been lovingly passed on. They took me under their wing and I learned short cuts to canning, how to milk a cow, plant a garden and the joy of fresh eggs. We attend family and community berry picking parties followed by homemade pies, guitar music, tall tales and ageless laughter. I was able to push back time a little and give my children an antique life style that has all but disappeared. I am happy I didn't miss it.

I am glad I was included:
In Native American cultures before casinos made their way there. In the 1990's the magic of the culture still existed. The elders were still living and tribal spirituality was an everyday way of life. The open generosity of Native Americans was to be envied. It included the belief that the measure of a person was not what you could amass personally, but rather what you could give to others. To admire a possession belonging to a Native American was for them to bestow it upon you. Condemnation was not in their vocabulary and laughter ran freely. I learned that Pow-Wow's were not a benefit where the promoters made money, but rather an event where they gave all that they could to each person attending asking only for collective prayers for the honoree. I would arrive at a camp with smoke drifting to the sky in the darkness above tepees, the drum beat as background music of another time, and my heart would leap. It called to me in an unimagined way and I felt at home there. To have been called to the grandstand to be honored and gifted by the Head Lady Dancer before a crowd of 5,000 Native Americans was truly one of the highlights of my life. The welcoming, the polite introductions, the respect and old fashioned manners reminded me of my childhood in its sense of propriety. It is gone now with the advent of drugs and the passing of the elders. I'm glad I didn't miss it.

I'm glad I joined:
The new age of cyberspace with MySpace in 2006. My last child was leaving home so in my moments of empty nest sadness, I found new friends. I met wonderful people from far reaching places and we shared thoughts, joys and successes. We discussed philosophy, religion, gardening and my women's group was supportive in a way I needed... with wisdom only dear friends provide. On MySpace we sent birthday cards, gifts, and even collective prayers for one another. We exchanged seeds and my garden contains living memories of friends I will forever cherish. MySpace is gone now... I'm so glad I didn't miss it.

I must say I have experienced a multitude of exciting and memorable events that I might have missed had I been born in another time...I'm happy to be sixty!

Plants and Politics

This is an excerpt from a 2009 article on seeds... I feel it is timely with the current Congressional debate about birth control. (Control is the key word here.)

When the great pyramids were opened, archaeologists discovered caches of seeds among other artifacts. Upon planting some of these seeds, stored for thousands of years, germinated primarily because of the dry and warm temperature conditions within the pyramids where they were stored. There is also an amazing report of lupine (Lupinus articicus) seeds over 10,000 years old sprouting as well. Discovered in the Yukon of Alaska they were found deep within the burrows of ancient lemmings buried in permafrost silt dating to the Pleistocene epoch. The tenacity of Nature’s plan is always inspiring.

However many of our heirloom varieties of seeds have been lost over time, and sometimes purposefully. From ancient times through the Greco/Roman days there existed many plant species that effectively acted as natural birth control. Although always a subject of religious discussion, birth control had been left in the hands of women and their midwives until medieval times when authority over it was suddenly was transferred to the church and male doctors of the day. Within decades of the 1869 Edict of Pope Pius IX outlawing birth control for Catholics, most of the species of these plants had become extinct. In effect, one set of seeds had been replaced by another.

The Oklahoma Tomato… Destined to Obscurity?

A typical harvest here in 1996.

For almost a decade now tomato harvests have been lackluster to say the least. I can remember when a tomato plant tossed anywhere in the garden would flourish, producing an over abundance of fruit all summer. There were no requirements or procedures to ‘baby’ fussy plants… they were tough and hardy. Planted in several three week successions, one could expect tomatoes from June until October and first frost. And as Autumn arrived, the last green tomatoes were collected for relish or wrapped in newspaper and allowed to slowly ripen for an extension of the season.

Originating in South America, tomatoes were prized by the Aztecs as early as 700 AD. They were brought to Europe from the Americas by Conquistadors in the early 1600’s but were considered poison by the wealthy. Unfortunately, the flatware and plates of that time were made of lead based pewter and the acidic tomato caused the lead to leach from their dinnerware to the fruit. When it was eaten, the victims died of lead poisoning… a very unpleasant way to go. Peasants had no such finery in their kitchens and ate from wooden plates with wooden spoons. Thus the tomato was relegated as a food of the lower classes where it was widely accepted as a staple. Not until the 1800’s did the upper classes begin to embrace the tomato. By the time of the Civil War, the tomato was at last accepted throughout the south as a garden and dietary staple.

Americans eat over 12 million tons of tomatoes each year, making it one of the most popular items on our menu. Throughout the United States, tomato harvests have been declining for several years now. Last summer the Farmer’s Market in Oklahoma City said due to the erratic weather their suppliers in Texas had very few to ship. And elsewhere yields have been down, with many home gardens producing only several dozen instead of the bushels that were collected in the past.

There are factors which need to be considered but the current list of illnesses the tomato plant may have seems a bit ridiculous. It includes leaf roll, blossom end rot, sunscald cracks, and cat face ad others. Various sites call for a laundry list of exhaustive remedies… all for a plant that was at one time so hardy it originated in Mexico!

The weather may truly be a factor according to new guidelines for growing tomatoes. It is reported that tomato plants like daytime temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees. Accordingly, our summer temperatures are entirely too hot for the hybrid tomatoes that have been recently introduced. In hybridizing the tomato for growers in cooler climates, they have genetically altered the original requirements of the plant... previously tomatoes liked it hot and dry.

For our climate, perhaps purchase some heirloom seeds and begin the plants on a sunny window sill three to four weeks before planning to plant them outside. And maybe, just maybe the old tomato seeds will remember their genetic make up and produce as they did in the past. There is nothing more tasteful to the palate than a warm, freshly picked, sun-ripened tomato. I miss them!
Heirloom seeds may be purchased online at: www.heirloomseeds.com/tomatoes.htm Good Luck!

Children and the Garden~

Andrew is at the front of the stair step of children... and was this age when he watched his onion every day.

With temperatures cold enough to chill one to the bone, it is difficult to imagine that spring is just around the corner. However if in doubt, check the potato bin for it is impossible to slow the internal clock that is telling them to sprout for spring. Even though it is still barren, the garden is hearing the same call as the spuds and action is occurring underground. Quite suddenly when one can not bear it a moment longer, spring will arrive with a whisper of tender green... winter never lasts forever, it simply seems so.

To occupy ones thoughts this month perhaps plan a place in the garden which includes vegetables for children. With poor eating habits a national concern, encouraging a love of fresh food begins with toddlers and habits that are established in childhood will last a lifetime. Besides providing sunshine and exercise, a garden inspires by giving children the joy of accomplishment as they plant, pick and eat what they have grown. The trusty radish is perhaps the most rewarding for first time child-gardeners because of its rapid maturity. Often called ‘quick grows’ they easily germinate within three to five days and are ready for harvest by three weeks!

Since children enjoy ‘grazing’ while playing outside plan to include some English peas. Among the oldest cultivated plants, peas found in a cave in Burma have been carbon dated back 9750 years indicating they have been used by mankind for quite some time. Rich in vitamins, they arrive at the garden party early and not only withstand cooler temperatures, they require them. With their cute little pod which resembles a ’carrying case’ and sweet little lines of baby peas, their appeal to youngsters is universal.

Carrots are good as well and provide a multitude of antioxidants and minerals. The old adage about eating carrots to improve vision is true as they are a rich in vitamin A, which is necessary for good eyesight. Besides possessing an attractive lacy top until harvest, tender baby carrots have a sweet delightful flavor that includes a crunch!

Onions are a wonderful cool weather crop as well and watching sets come alive and grow is exciting. They have been a global sensation for over 5,000 years and have been consumed by all cultures. Onions have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and lower cholesterol. They may be boiled, with the strained water used to effectively reduce fever. The list of medicinal uses is endless, making them a very important addition to the diet.

When our last son was about three, he was patiently watching a large one grow. Each day he asked to pull it and each day we responded with ‘not yet‘. One evening we carefully dug it and tamped in a nine inch, three pound onion we had purchased at the Farmer‘s Market. The next morning we told him ‘now’. The entire family was ‘in’ on the joke and gathered to watch as he tugged and struggled. He finally managed to pull our imposter, falling backwards in the process. He was delighted with his ‘big ol‘ onion‘!

Nothing is more satisfying than watching a child’s joy with the discovery that food not only comes from the grocery store... it may actually be grown!