For
the northeastern and New England portions of the United
States, April-May showers are just about over, allowing
for a morning, an afternoon, or a day here and there of
sunlight and warmth. The trees have unfolded their leaves
to reveal that brilliant green foliage identifiable only
with the month of May. The daylight pushes into the evening
hours and all of nature hints at the coming of summer.
The
planting and gardening urge that began to stir in April
is now awake, in full-gear, and ready for action. A visit
to Hamlen’s Garden Center will reveal
such an inviting display of colors—such a variety
of greenery and flowering plants—that you will not
be able to resist the impulse to plant!
But,
before you rush out to select flowers and plants at random,
take a few minutes before you go to consider some helpful
gardening tips. This action will save you time and money
and reward you generously.
1.
Take a site check.
Walk around your property and look at the existing conditions.
Note what kinds of plants already exist and how well they
appear to be doing where they are located. Ask yourself:
is there anything I’d like to change—plants
I’d like to move; new plants or flowers I’d
like to add? Note what portions of your property receive
morning, afternoon, and late afternoon sunlight and/or shade.
Consider also if you will have to contend with tree roots,
rocky soil, or any piping systems.
2.
Plant according to your climate and site conditions.
Select those plants, flowers, herbs that will adapt most
easily to your climate, soil, and yard environment to enhance
its layout and your enjoyment of it.
3.
Be careful with those pruning shears . . .
Before you decide to go on a weekend pruning spree, you
might want to check with Hamlen’s to find out which
shrubs would benefit from a “spring cleaning”
and which ones prefer a fall “nip and tuck”.
Lilacs and Weigela, for example, want to show off their
blooms in the spring and summer; but, if they receive a
pruning now, you won’t see their colors or smell their
sweet fragrances until next year.
4.
Is the “flavor of the month” look what you really
want?
It is understandable to be overcome with the color and variety
of blooms and greenery so that you want to select one of
every thing you see. But, then when you get home and need
to start planting, what do you do? Think about it; in nature,
most plants grow together in groups. So, it should be in
a garden setting. Select an odd number of each of the varieties
you fancy and plant, for example, three or five together.
5. A little design layout is well worth it.
Add some interest to you garden landscape and give your
plants room to breathe and grow. Place taller plants toward
the back of your garden area, low ground cover in the front,
and the mid-height plants in the middle. Be sure to space
each plant so that the roots can spread and breathe and
the foliage can stretch and express its unique plant characteristics
without encroaching on its neighbor. Be aware of planting
too close to walls, the base of trees, and any underground
drainage pipes.
6.
How deep should you dig and how much should you water?
Now, you’re ready to remove your new plants from the
store containers and place them in the ground. Take a good
look at the plant root ball and then dig a hole twice as
deep and twice as wide. If the roots appear tight and pressed
together, just gently loosen the outer portion of the root
ball with your hand and if need be, dip them in some water
to further loosen them. It’s a good idea also to amend
the soil with peat moss and bone meal. Be sure to mix your
soil with the peat moss and bone meal and be sure to wet
this mixture right in the hole till it is soupy. Then place
the plant root ball in the hole and gently press soil around
the base of the plant—like tucking it snugly to bed
. . . and it’s good to go! After you’ve finished
all your transplanting, don’t forget to water your
new garden area and be sure to monitor the soil dampness
for the days to follow so that your new plants get the watering
they need to survive and take hold. Be sure to water enough
so the water penetrates to the roots, this can be done with
a soaker hose left on for an hour. Depending on heat and
dryness this may need to be done two to three times per
week through most of the summer.
7.
Help the local vermin and wildlife get over it.
Those cute little meadow voles, rabbits, skunks, and Bambies
just love to chow down on your newly created garden masterpiece.
But, you can surprise and deter them. Check with Hamlen’s
to find plants and gardening devices that are deer and “pest”
resistant; so you don’t have to share your flowering
plants and garden salad with the wildlife.
8.
Plants can enjoy life in a container, too!
Yes, it is ideal to be able to transplant your garden items
into a garden setting; but if this is not an option, you
can provide a happy home for them in a suitable container.
Just make sure the container is large enough to allow the
plant and its root system to grow. Also, be sure that the
container provides ample drainage. If you plant a specimen
that requires little watering, then it will not require
daily monitoring. However, if you have a plant that requires
damp soil—particularly when the hot weather sets in—you’ll
probably need to water it every day and from time to time
give it liquid fertilizer, as nutrients in potted plants
tend to deplete quickly.
9.
Herbs are definitely individualist and selective!
Understanding up front that all herbs are not created equal,
will save you time and frustration. Herbs are picky—some
like lots of sunlight and dry soil and others don’t.
Rosemary, for example, loves a dry, almost barren-of-nutrients
type of soil. If it’s planted in nutrient-rich soil,
it will wither and die within weeks. Also, if you love to
plant Basil, keep in mind that pesky slugs love to eat Basil.
So, enjoy the herbs you plant, be aware of their special
needs, and know what to do to protect them against the insects
that may try to dine on them before you can.
10.
Large green lawns are impressive; but what a difference
landscaping makes!
Unless you are going to use your beautiful green yard as
a putting green or to play croquet, why not consider adding
some interesting and environmental friendly landscaping.
Adding such a feature doesn’t need to cost a lot of
money. It’s something that can be begun and finished
in a matter of hours or a day, depending on the scope of
the project. Think of the colorful perennials, fragrant
shrubs, and natural ground covering you can choose that
will provide such beauty for you and your community and
provide nectar, seeds, and habitats for birds, bees, and
butterflies now and in years to come. And, you will have
greatly reduced the amounts of water, fertilizer, toxic
chemicals, and lawnmower gas required to keep a large lawn
green. Don’t know where to begin? Again, just stop
by Hamlen’s to get ideas, help, and the materials
to make it so.
Sherlock
Holmes - Elementary Dear Watson
Sherlock
Holmes and Dr. Watson go on a camping trip, set up their
tent, and fall asleep. Some hours later, Holmes wakes his
faithful friend.
'Watson,
look up at the sky and tell me what you see.'
Watson
replies, 'I see millions of stars.'
'What
does that tell you?'
Watson
ponders for a minute.' Astronomically speaking, it tells
me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions
of planets. Astrologically, it tells me that Saturn is in
Leo. Time wise, it appears to be approximately a quarter
past three. Theologically, it's evident the Lord is all-powerful
and we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, it
seems we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it
tell you? Holmes is silent for a moment, then speaks. 'Watson,
you idiot, someone has stolen our tent.'
Sunday,
May 24, 2009 The 1818 stone house next to the garden center
will be auctioned off along with the antiques in it. The house
has been in the Hamlen family since 1938. David Hamlen the
owner prefers to see the house go to someone who appreciates
the beauty of this home. Come and enjoy the antiques that
have been in the Hamlen family for years. 