Meeting Notes for February 20, 2010

We had a small group meet this time, seems like our Saturday obligations are already getting heavy. Those of us that could make it discussed a joint seed order from Henry Fields seed company and a field trip to Antique Rose Emporium and either Brenham for lunch and siteseeing or Marthas Bloomers on the way home for some tea and dessert.

The tenative date is set for Saturday, April 24th. This may change is enough of us can go on a day of the week. A little less crowded that way.

Will be informing members of the definate plans in the near future. Keep checking the website for updates.

Until next time, happy gardening.
Blessiings,
Laurie

Spring Is In The Air

Gardens can be so restorative, especially when you are under the weather. Today I am trying to get over a very nasty cold and decided sitting outside in the garden was just what the doctor ordered. I have to take advantage of days like these when I can.

For it is hard to believe just four days ago, we had about 4" of snow covering the garden. With everything so white and the temperature so cold, Spring time seemed so far away. Today is another story, the temperatures are much warmer, the sun is shining and there is evidence of new growth on some of my plants like the rose bushes.

It was fun imagining what some of the wildflowers will look like, for now all I see are the green leaves. How good the potatoes and onions will taste in a few months. What delicious recipes I can find to cook other vegetables that will come in season. I really hope that I can have an abundance this year of produce that I can preserve and last through the winter months, for it was no fun having to eat frozen veggies like squash, yuck. There was absolutely no taste and the texture was mushy to boot.

Until next time, enjoy the garden and all the joy it can give.
blessings,
laurie

Too Many Days Between Visits

Just like this blog it has been too many days between visits to the garden. I don't know about you but the gray, cold winter days don't beckon me to go out into the garden. Although, I have been there just a few days ago to pick some greens and herbs to use in my family's chicken supper it is not yet again a regular ritual.
I am ready to see the plants grow in the warm, spring time sun, poking out their little buds of color, embracing the day. Until those days arrive I will have to be satisfied with planning of my garden and dreaming of beauty returning to the garden replacing the dry, dead of winter.

Hiding In The Hay

One of our cats, Hodgey, was so happy when the hay was laid in the garden in preparation for our first upcoming winter storm. At first all I could see was the back end of the cat, then I went around the hay and his head was peering out. I wondered at that moment, did he realize he could still be seen, or really didnt care but was enjoying playing?

Until next time. Happy gardening.

Blessings.

Laurie

First Winter Ice 2009

Living in Central Texas we normally don't see such frigid temperatures. We had our first hard freeze due to an Artic front. Temperatures got down to 22 degrees at my home. The day before we were told to expect 1-3 " of snow, but I guess we were a little too north of the moisture coming from the coast. Houston and the Gulf area saw record snows.

Here are a few photos my husband took of my garden the morning of the freeze. It looked like a winter wonderland of ice. Oh how a few weeks can make such a difference in the garden. At Thanksgivng we were still enjoying the flowers bloomng and butterflies.

Until next tme Happy Gardening.

Blessings

Laurie

Ode to the "Okra" Tree

These photos are of my okra that grew in my garden. I planted 6 seeds back in April 2009 and they just sat there no more than 6" tall. So many times I wanted to pull the plants up thinking with extreme triple digit temperatures and drought, these plants were done in, but I just left them in the garden. What would I loose. Anyway I think that when we finally got cooler temperatures and rain in September the chicken manure just really made these veggies take off. We lovingly knicknamed them our Okra trees since the stems were the size of tree trunks and grew to over 6'6" tall, not to mention the chickens would seek shelter from the hot sun underneath.

"Ode to the Okra Tree"

Oh okra tree how tall you grew

Not that anyone would guess, no one knew

That such a small beginning from a seed

No taller for months than a weed.

Then one day how tall you would get

Even the chickens were found sitting under it.

You provided much needed relief

Not only food to eat, but humor to lookers in total disbelief.

Now sadly the day has come around

When it was time to dig you out of the ground.

So for now good bye, you served this gardener's family well

Next year when I plant some of your seeds again, how they will grow no one can tell.

Until next time. Happy gardening.

Laurie

Taking Care of Roses in the Fall

More about roses..............If buying potted roses best to buy two gallon pots....Hybrid Teas should have 36" center..............minimum of 30" centers.

Felco pruners are best. Goat Skin Gloves best....can be purchased for $9.00 at Lowes Elmers Glue seals canes after pruning. Roses should be pruned in the shape of a vase and open in the center and don't leave stubs on bud union. When pruning remove one half to two thirds of growth.

Sugar Cane Litter is best mulch for roses Pine Bark Mulch with Pine Straw is next best mulch.