By Steve and Jeanne Wolfe from White Dove Farm
Now is the time, the time for what? The time for cutting back, trimming, pruning, and deadheading. These techniques help the natural process called abscission. You learn from your experiences in your garden. Yes, we might get some sore muscles and backache, but remember a little Epsom salts and wisdom and do a little each day will ease the drudgery, especially when the little sprouts begin to peep out and say, “Hello, it’s spring!”
We’re looking at the tall crepe myrtles which we will need to use a chainsaw on, reminding my husband to sharpen the tools that we need to prune with, and a new rag for greasing the tools. Sharp tools ease your labor and the trauma to the plant. When our great-grandson was born, we planted a crepe myrtle in commemoration of his birth date. This was a delightful thought, especially when it grew and gave us all a sight of many blooming flowers and a memory to celebrate his birthday.
Cutting implements such as small hand releasing shears, loppers, and other useful tools can be found in garden tool catalogs. Go to catalogs.com, the web’s catalog shopping authority, where you will find many sources for gardening tools and supplies. Dream a little and plan your garden and outdoor living spaces. You will have focal points in different areas to sit, relax, and chat about your dreams of arranging a picnic for family, neighbors, and friends. It is a pleasure to muse over the seed/plant catalogs with your spouse or friend in anticipation for a colorful backyard habitat.
At gatherings of Garden Connect, we glean from each other information of organic markets like the one in New Port Richey every Tuesday from 10am – 12 noon at the Library courtyard located at the corner of Madison and Main Street and every Saturday morning at the Farmer’s Market located on State Road 39 before you get to Plant City.
We obtained two flats of assorted herbs (almost half the price of other locations) and we were very satisfied with them. On the corner of County Line Road and US 41 in Lutz, there is a newer organic market. We obtained some wonderful powdered moringa for health drinks. Share your resources with us at whtdovefarm@yahoo.com.
We hope we have been a help to you for information in these subjects of cutting back, tools, and places of interest.
Next Garden Connect meeting will be April 21st at 3:30pm (3rd Saturday). RSVP at 813-991-9786. We’re excited about starting up the meetings again. Invite a friend and bring a cutting and a covered dish to share if you wish. We have not confirmed the speaker or subject yet.
Pray for rain!
Happy Easter! Deity became flesh and did the ultimate sacrifice. How could God love us so much?
Steve and Jeanne Wolfe