November 2015

Planters Punchlines

Men’s Garden Club of Wethersfield

November/December 2015

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HOLIDAY PARTY TIME! (In lieu of Nov/Dec Meetings)

The annual club Holiday Party will be held on

Monday December 7, 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

@ the Solomon Welles House, in Wethersfield.

Catered Food, Drink, Fellowship, and 

Entertainment by the Wethersfield High School Choraleers.

Spouses/guests are cordially invited.

$15.00 per person ($30.00 per couple)

Bring a potential member @ the above prices. 

If they join the club, then their first year $15 dues are free.

RSVP (including potential member-guests) to President Tony Sanders at 860.529.3257 by Friday November 20.

WESTON ROSE GARDEN “WINTER OVER”

Saturday November 14 @ 8:00 a.m.

Branches will be trimmed, & piled next to the driveway (town will pick up), and compost placed around the bushes.  BYO pruners & work gloves please.

Compostable Matter

By Jim Meehan

            Sometimes you are just in the right place at the right time.

            Had Mars and I departed ten seconds earlier we would not have seen the magnificent deer galloping across the otherwise deserted four-lane highway – or at best maybe caught a brief glimpse of a brown blur in our rearview mirror. 

            If we had left five seconds sooner we would have been an unwilling part of a roadside sculpture made up of red automobile metal and road-kill venison on Route 70 near New Bern, North Carolina.

            We went to the coastal part of the Tar Heel State in mid-October to extend our summertime at a beachfront condo that we have rented intermittently for the past ten years or so.

            Mars and I walked the grounds each morning around seven on our way to fetch the local newspaper at a nearby upscale trailer park resort.  But this year we noticed something was missing.

            As I wrote in 2010, “The grounds of the condo are landscaped with a mixture of southern perennials and annuals between the units, and a combination of prickly pear cactus and white trumpet-shaped flowers on squash-like vines along the sides of the driving area.

            “A few evenings into our getaway I noticed that these large white flowers were still wide-open, well after dark.  Then, one day around 10:00 a.m., I noticed that they were completely closed up.

            “Mars, who had observed all of this strange plant behavior days before, opined that they looked to be a form of Datura – a shrubby annual plant that we had previously seen in New Mexico (along with the prickly pear cactus).  It contains toxic or narcotic alkaloids and is used as a hallucinogen by some American Indian peoples.         

            “The Carolina species was the dusk to dawn version of the plant – sort of a “Deadly Nightshift”.

            “When I got home I typed “white trumpet night flower” into Google.

            “‘The Datura, or bush moon plant has six-inch or larger white trumpet flowers that open at night and remain open well into the following day.’”

            The late Paul Courchaine, a former club member, read this and was inspired to pot a few of these night bloomers in front of Lucky Lou’s restaurant in Old Wethersfield.  I think they lasted about a year before Lucas (the owner) decided that he preferred usable herbs rather than poisonous perennials at his portal.  Go figure!

            Now they are absent from the condo grounds also.  For whatever reason there time had come down there too.  Still the land is ‘scaped with an attractive assortment of plants – some unknown to our Damn Yankee eyes, and others that we are familiar with, but only as summer annuals in a pot.  And, even though all of the flowers have passed, there still is the pervasive perfume of gardenias throughout – even at the tee boxes of the golf course at which we hit the stupid little ball on five occasions.

            This is the latest in the year that we have gone to the Carolina Coast – so we were not sure what to expect foliage-wise on the return trip, or when we arrived back home.

            Being principally an area of oaks and pines (mostly Loblolly – my new favorite tree name) Mars and I did not see much color change while we were down at the beach.

            As always we drove home on the lesser highways of the DelMarVa area and as we moved further inland the shrubbery and forests became more varied and the leaf-show began.  This size and brilliance of this Technicolor tunnel intensified through Virginia and Delaware finally reaching a stunning crescendo of red, yellow, and orange on (would you believe?) the New Jersey Turnpike.  The fever pitch of foliage lasted through New York State, into Connecticut, down Griswold Road and into our driveway.  In spite of being lifetime New Englanders it was Mars and my first ever full-on foliage safari.  It was awesome.

            The next day broke sunny and chilly – my definition of autumn – and it took me no time at all to fire up my mulching mower and to shred the shedded leaves that blanketed my front lawn.

            This is perhaps my favorite act of gardening.  And my way of reconnecting with the spirits of those primitive plantsmen who have gone before me – returning to the earth the nourishing vestiges of nature’s high-rises, with the warm sun on my back and a gentle breeze cooling my body – while at the same time polluting the atmosphere with the noxious fumes and carbureted noise of my little red Toro. 

            Soon enough, if not already, all the leaves will be down and the skies will be gray.  And all of us will begin counting the days until that first bud of spring.  In fact I am already planning on setting up camp in my front yard sometime in the middle of February so as not to miss even one second of this big event.

            Sometimes you have got to put yourself in the right place, and then sit and wait until the right time comes along.

 

5 Weeds You Want in your Garden

by Amy - http://www.tenthacrefarm.com/

            Increase the productivity of your garden by knowing how to harness the power of these top 5 weeds.

            Weeds can overwhelm even the most patient gardener. Some weeds, however, actually increase the productivity of a garden if you know how to harness their power. Here are the top 5 weeds you’ll want to find in your garden.

The Benefits of Weeds

            Last week I wrote about the benefits of weeds. I used to be so frustrated by weeds until I learned about their benefits. I’m a much happier gardener now that my perception has changed!

            1: Weeds protect soil.

            Weeds are fast growing, so they can quickly cover bare ground to protect it. Their roots hold soil together and keep it from eroding away in the wind or rain.

            2: Weeds fertilize soil.

            Many weeds accumulate vital nutrients from the subsoil and bring the nutrients into their leaves. As the weed leaves die back, they make a healing medicine (fertilizer) for damaged topsoil.

            3: Weeds condition soil.

            Decaying roots–especially deep taproots–add organic matter to the soil, provide channels for rain and air to penetrate, and create tunnels for worms and other beneficial soil microbes.

            4: Weeds attract beneficial insects.

            Weeds are generally quick to sprout, but relatively short-lived. For this reason, they flower frequently in order to set seed for the next generation. The flowering and their dense foliage can attract beneficial insects looking for habitat or nectar.

            How I Chose the Top 5 Weeds

            It was really difficult to narrow this list down to just 5 beneficial weeds! I focused on the most common weeds (at least, in my area) that fill two important roles:

            They accumulate nutrients. This will reduce the amount of time and money I need to dedicate to fertilizer. And if I do decide to fertilize with store-bought products, the presence of these weeds may indicate what nutrients my soil is lacking.

            They attract beneficial insects. This will reduce the amount of time and money I must dedicate to battling pests.

            By fertilizing and reducing pest populations, these weeds will increase the productivity of my gardens, it’s simply a matter of knowing how to harness their power.

            All of these weeds also have medicinal properties and are nutritious edibles. I’ve mentioned where these properties exist but further study would be required for usage details.

Top 5 Weeds

            5. Plantain

            Brought into North America by colonists, plantain often pops up where soil is compacted.

            Nutrient Accumulator: Plantain accumulates calcium, sulfur, magnesium, manganese, iron, and silicon.

            Plantain has edible and medicinal properties.

            How to use plantain in the garden:

            Plantain will benefit the soil if left to grow and die back on its own. For a tidier garden, cut the leaves back monthly (but leave the roots intact) and tuck them under the mulch, or lay them on top of the soil to naturally decompose.

            4. Chickweed

            Chickweed shows up in disturbed soil such as garden beds and highly tilled areas, indicating low fertility.

            Nutrient Accumulator: Chickweed accumulates potassium and phosphorus.

            Beneficial Insects: Chickweed attracts pollinators searching for nectar in the spring and early summer.

            Chickweed has edible, lettuce-like greens and medicinal properties

            How to use Chickweed in the garden:

            Chickweed will benefit the soil if left to grow and die back on its own. For a tidier garden, cut the plants back monthly (but leave the roots intact) and tuck them under the mulch, or lay them on top of the soil to naturally decompose. Note: Cutting it back will reduce its availability to pollinators.

            3. Lamb’s Quarters

            The presence of lamb’s quarters is common in old farm fields, where chemical fertilizers were used in excess. Over time, these “weeds” will improve the  soil quality.

            Nutrient Accumulator: Lamb’s quarters’ deep roots accumulate nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and manganese while loosening the soil.

            Highly nutritious edible properties when found growing in safe environments. The leaves go for a high price to local chefs.

            How to use lamb’s quarters in the garden:

            Lamb’s quarters will benefit the soil if left to grow and die back on their own, but one plant can set over 75,000 seeds. For a tidier garden, cut the plants back monthly (but leave the roots intact) and tuck them under the mulch, or lay them on top of the soil to naturally decompose.

            2. White Clover

            White clover voluntarily shows up in nitrogen-lacking, dry, abandoned fields and lawns that cover hardpan clay soil. Lawns where grass clippings are routinely carted away over time become lacking in nitrogen.

            Nitrogen fixer: Nitrogen is necessary for plant growth. It is present in the atmosphere, yet it must be converted into a useable form in the soil before it can be used by plants. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria live on the roots of clover and change the atmospheric nitrogen into a form that is useful to both themselves and other plants.

            Nutrient Accumulator: Clover accumulates phosphorus.

            Beneficial insects: Clover attracts ladybugs, minute pirate bugs, and pollinators looking for nectar. It provides shelter for parasitoid wasps, spiders, and ground beetles. Clover is a preferred egg-laying site for lacewings.

            White clover has edible flowers.

            How to use White Clover in the garden:

            Many clovers are used as a nitrogen-fixing cover crop which is planted in the fall and turned under in the spring before planting crops with high nitrogen requirements. White clover, however, is generally not used for this purpose. It is used more often as a permanent ground cover in orchard areas, where it keeps the soil and shallow fruit tree roots covered, attracts pollinators and beneficial insects, and provides a consistent source of nitrogen. In the vegetable garden, white clover is often used in pathways, fertilizing nearby garden soil.

            When white clover shows up as a volunteer in my vegetable garden beds, I allow it to remain in the spaces between plants. Since it voluntarily shows up in areas that are low in nitrogen, I trust that it is needed there. Prune it away from individual plants so that it doesn’t smother them.

            1. Dandelion

            Dandelion is one of the most common and arguably the most beneficial of all weeds. It often shows up in disturbed, tilled, hard-pan clay soils, whether in gardens, old fields, or lawns.

            Nutrient Accumulator: Dandelion’s deep roots accumulate potassium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, and silicon while loosening the soil.

            Beneficial insects: Dandelion attracts ladybugs and pollinators looking for nectar. It also attracts parasitoid wasps and lacewings.

            Dandelion has edible leaves, roots, and flowers with highly medicinal properties.

            How to use dandelion in the garden:

            Dandelion will benefit the soil if left to grow and die back on its own, though one flower seed head can set over 100 seeds. For a tidier garden, cut the leaves back monthly (but leave the roots intact) and tuck them under the mulch, or lay them on top of the soil to naturally decompose. Note: Cutting them back will reduce their availability to beneficial insects.

            Beyond the Five

            Weeds are nature’s way of healing itself. If you have a persistent weed that isn’t listed here, resources such as Gaia’s Garden or Edible Forest Gardens may be able to instruct you on other weeds.

            Consider the root structure of the weed in question: are they shallow roots and grow thickly on the ground, perhaps holding the soil together to prevent wind and water erosion? If so, mulching heavily might help. Or do the weeds have deep taproots, possibly loosening soil and dredging up nutrients? If so, adding organic matter and using a digging fork to loosen soil might help.

            Some weeds–like poison ivy--are a real nuisance, in which case it is better to eradicate them in garden areas.

            Do you see these 5 weeds in your garden? Has this changed your perception of them?

            Increase the productivity of your garden by knowing how to harness the power of these top 5 weeds.

The Amazing Yokohama Squash

By Randel Agrella - rareseeds.com (aka Baker Seeds)

           

            (Randel Agrella is the former manager of Comstock Ferre where the seeds are available.)

            Until the mid-19th century, Japan was seen as a mysterious Oriental land, closed to most westerners and virtually all Americans. In the 1850’s, with Commodore Perry’s forcible “Opening of Japan” the situation changed dramatically. Japanese trade goods and art became available, captivating the imagination of a generation of Americans.

            Plants were part of the cultural avalanche. One such is Yokohama squash, a superior winter squash that had evolved through centuries of painstaking selection by meticulous Japanese gardeners.

            In America, Yokohama was introduced by a wealthy New York City horticulturist, James Hogg. Hogg’s brother Thomas visited Yokohama, Japan on business, sending home seeds from Japanese varieties hitherto unknown in the West. In 1863 Hogg successfully grew the variety, naming it “Yokohama.” Hogg claimed it was superior to the Hubbard types which were at the time the standard in American gardens.

            Other horticulturists enthusiastically agreed, and Yokohama squash soon experienced a short-lived burst of popularity. J.H. Gregory, as quoted in The Garden, an Illustrated Weekly Journal, London, 1873 wrote: “It is quite flat in shape, with somewhat of a depression on each end...It is deeply ribbed, and the flesh, which is of a lemon colour, is remarkably thick, making it the heaviest of all Squashes in proportion to its size. The flesh is very fine grained, smooth to the taste, and has a flavor resembling the [Canada] Crookneck...In external color, before ripening, it is of an intensely dark green, covered with blisters like a toad’s back; as it ripens it begins to turn a light brown at both the stem and blossom ends, and, after storing, it soon becomes entirely of a copper-like colour, and is covered with a slight bloom.”

            Sadly, Yokohama fell out of favor after a couple of decades, virtually disappearing until being rediscovered in the early days of the heirloom movement. Modern gardeners were no less impressed. William Woys Weaver wrote in Mother Earth News that when he grew Yokohama it “resembled large chunks of hardened lava. Gray-black, other-worldly, yet hauntingly beautiful, this unique heirloom vegetable...was a visual study in the Japanese affection for serenity through form and texture.

            “Not only that, the ‘Yokohama’ possesses one of the most complex flavors I have run across in any squash or pumpkin I have grown. Everyone’s taste buds are different, but I detect hints of Asian pear, mango, avocado, lemon balsam, and if you have experience with tropical fruits, the unmistakable aroma of sapote. Can this be a squash?”

            Yes, it can be a squash, but of the most admirable kind. Not only is the variety possessed of singular flavor and texture, but the 3- to 4-pound fruits can be stored for many months with no loss in flavor. Disease- and pest-resistance come as a bonus, making Yokohama a world-class heirloom, deserving of a place in every garden.

 Horti-Culture Corner

"November comes

And November goes,

With the last red berries

And the first white snows.

With night coming early,

And dawn coming late,

And ice in the bucket

And frost by the gate.

The fires burn

And the kettles sing,

And earth sinks to rest

Until next spring."

-       Elizabeth Coatsworth

How to Save an Amaryllis Bulb

by Jenny Harrington, Demand Media Google - http://homeguides.sfgate.com

            Amaryllis flowers produce tall stalks topped with large, trumpet-shaped flowers. The bulbs respond well to forcing, so they are often used for potted winter flowers. Amaryllis bulbs require a dormant period to bloom again. By managing when dormancy occurs you can force the amaryllis to bloom when you want it to. Proper preparation and storage of the bulb allows it collect sufficient energy and nutrients for flowering while also surviving dormancy without damage.

            1          Trim off each flower as it begins to wilt so it doesn't form seeds. Cut off the top portion of the stalk after all the flowers finish blooming.

            2          Move the pot to a warm window where it receives all-day sunlight, or move it outside to a sunny area after frost danger passes. Water the soil when the top feels dry.

            3          Fertilize the plant once monthly with a soluble fertilizer formulated for potted flowering plants, applied at the package listed rate for the pot size.

            4          Stop watering the amaryllis 12 to 14 weeks before the desired bloom time. Bring the pot indoors and store it in a 55 degree Fahrenheit area. The bulb requires about eight weeks of dormant storage and an additional four to six weeks of growing time to produce new blooms.

            5          Remove the dead foliage after it dies back completely during storage. The bulb requires no watering and can remain in dry soil for the remainder of the dormant period.

            6          Remove the pot from storage after eight weeks of dormancy. Remove the bulb from the old pot and plant it into a new pot one inch large than the bulb's diameter. Water lightly and move it to a warm area with some light. New growth resumes within one to two weeks.

New Plants for 2016: First Impressions

Posted on October 15, 2015 by Mary Schier - http://mynortherngarden.com

            I’m one of those lucky garden writers who receives plants from several plant wholesalers to test before the plants are introduced to the public. The companies—Proven Winners and Bailey Nurseries this year—use feedback from writers (and many other plant testers) to make sure the plants will perform well in home gardens.

            These are plants that you will likely see in nurseries and garden centers next year. Maybe I’m getting better at growing these new plants or maybe this is just a particularly good year for introductions, but the plants I tried this year were overwhelmingly great.

            Here are five that you may want to look for next year.        

            Campfire™ Fireburst bidens was one of the most commented on plants when my garden was on a tour earlier this summer. The bright yellow and orange flowers add a dainty element to containers. The blooms were prolific and the plant bloomed most of the season. They took a bit of a break in August, but revived with some fertilizer and more attention to watering.

            Superbells® Holy Moly™ calibrachoa is a cousin to Superbells® Cherry Star, which I loved for its bright pink and yellow petunia-like blooms. Holy Moly is predominantly yellow with red-pink accents. It is a prolific bloomer and looked fantastic in several containers. This calibrachoa is known for continuing to bloom even in the fall, and that certainly proved true in this warmer-than-average October. The plant took a break in September, but has been blooming away since then.

            Another container plant I really liked was Lemon Coral™ sedum, a  short, chartreuse annual sedum. I used the plant in containers and it added a textural element as well as brightness. This sedum can handle part sun and is great for brightening up a shady corner. Some other garden bloggers have commented that the plant is a bit too aggressive, but I grew it only in containers and did not find that it took over. That may be because the containers were usually in part shade areas.

            I’ve never been a huge fan of potentilla, but I really liked the look of the new First Editions® Lemon Meringue™ potentilla from Twin Cities-based Bailey Nurseries. The blooms on this plant look like tiny, yellow roses and the foliage is neat. The plant grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it a good option for smaller landscapes. Potentilla is completely hardy to northern climates and virtually maintenance free. This looks like a great addition to potentilla options.

            The last plant I’d like to recommend is not new per-se, but is a recent introduction for those who love impatiens but are concerned about downy mildew on impatiens. Northern Gardener Plant to Pick columnist Debbie Lonnee recommended the Divine series of New Guinea impatiens in her column. Since my garden was on a tour and I have a lot of shady spots, I bought an entire flat of them to use to brighten up parts of the garden. They were a bit slow to get going, but once they took off they were gorgeous. (For the tour, I grew some of them in containers, which got them to a bigger size faster, then planted them on the edge of some of my tree, shrub or perennial beds.) While the small frosts we’ve had recently, have nipped some of the Divine impatiens, many are still going strong.

            Which plants did well in your garden this year?