The other night I had the opportunity to speak to a group of wonderful people that had gathered at St Charles “Bend”. This gathering of folks included freinds, family, and supporters of individuals who have witnessed cancer in their lives. My topic of conversation was Gardening for Health”. As I wander around the path of my personnel “Garden of Life” I am becomming more aware every day as to the important link between a healthy life and it’s relationship with gardening. Gardening no matter how big (John Deer Tractor Size) or how small (Patio/Deck Container Style) each has the potential to not only yeild us with flowers, veggies, herbs, and more, but it GREATLY contributes to our overall “Mental” and “Physical” health. The latter two being possibly the most important things in our lives. It may seem odd but as the words rolled from my lips and as I looked into the crowd, even I was was inspired and took another look at my life and how I live it.

     “Gardening for Life” is a strong statement and one that many have choosen to embrace. Stimulating words, thoughts, and actions that not only spark new growth, but often times help germinate new directions, goals, and dreams. As with the typical garden path, some are worn and rutted, while others are obscured due to the pace of life we live. These special paths are always there and for the lucky ones who chanch upon them, I can only say…………… Welcome to the wonderful world of gardening………….. Doug

Well at long last the apple blossooms have burst into spirng glory. It is  a sight to behold as I gaze at my small apple orchard. Planted several years ago as we brought our family into this world, I planted an apple tree to celebrate each of our four childrens births.  All have done pretty good despite some neglect and continue to yeild harvest of tasty fruit year after year. I wish I had planted a few more fruit trees as I see how well they have done in our Terrebonne area. That is not to say this is an orchard easy area but they have done very well with a minimal amount of care. This year looks like it could be a bumper crop as the trees are just afloat in pink blooms. The bee count seems to be okay in this area so the pollination should go well. Just a side note for those of you that have trees that need to sprayed for various reasons, DON’T SPRAY when blossoms are present and ONLY SPRAY during the later part of the day so as not to harm benificial insects such as pollinating honey bees!

On another subject I have sown seeds of peas, lettuce, chard, spinach, and beets which are all just breaking ground. Sets of sweet onions have been lined out in rows so by and by my garden is taking shape for the upcomming season. I am thinking about raising a pergola above by garden on which I will sow climbing beans and orange flowering thumberi so as to provide just a hint of shade over my garden when the sun begins to bear down with the hot temperatures of summer.  I will keep you posted as to the success of this project. Over in the “hardening off” area of my garden I have in the ready my tomatoes, cucumbers, and summer squash. The GREAT BBQ season would not be complete if I didn’t have those great grilling favorites. Living in Terrebonne (lower elevation than a lot of Central Oregon areas) I get the jump on a lot of my garden plants. I am using a lot of earth worm castings and Azomite (calcium rich ammendment) as I plant my garden this year. The reasearch that is emerging in regards to both of these natural ingredients gets just about everthing excited inregards to healthy growing conditions.

Well that is about all for this post. I must say I have been a little delinquent in writing posts these past few days. I could say I was to busy or didn’t have enough time………………………. but…………. there is still twenty four hours in a day and we all have choices as to what we do with our time. Hope all goes well in your life and in your garden.        Doug

     In recent times there has been a lot of talk and publicity about bamboo and all the things it might bring to our lives. With so much conversation I though it would be of interest for our “cold zone” gardeners to take a look at one of the species that “might” grow in our area. For several years we have stocked the “Nuda” bamboo with some positive results. It is rated for at least zero winter degrees. For the folks I have talked to that have had success they paid strict attention to planting details. VERY large amounts of a “manure” free compost worked very deeply into the soil along with the use of organic fertilizer. Water is essential especially in the typical dry cold winter season. Some have added an insulative layer of compost over and around the bamboo for the first year or so to help establish the roots. I would also recommend that the planting site be on the east side for additiional winter time protection. The genus name of the Nuda is Phyllostachys.

     We try to stock this plant whenever possible as there is a lot of local interest.    Happy Gardening     Doug

     Even though the foliage of the early emerging tulips has been severly battered by the harshness of our High Desert area the flower buds are peeking out of their hidding place unscathed and in perfect condition. It is amazing to observe the wonders of nature if only we take a closer look.

  Spring (Non-Fragrant) Blooms and then Wonderful Bird Freindly Vibrant Red Fruit

     In areas like ours this particular shrub  should be of GREAT value. It breaks dormancy early in the spring and us usually untouched by late season frost. Soon to follow will be the wonderful pink flowers that will color up the entire shrub. As I mentioned in the title intro the blooms do not have the staggering fragrance of the vine type honeysuckle. As the flowers fade they are followed by vibrant red berries that make it an ongoing treat for our feathered freinds. The leaves are thick and leather like thus holding up to severe weather conditions. I don’t think I have ever seen this shrub harmed by the freeze of cold dry climates. It warm climate areas many consider this shrub to be a touch invasive and not worth planting but for us it tickles us just fine.

     Once established this plant is EXTREMLY drought tolerant and holds-up VERY well to deer problems. It can be planted as a single plant in the back of the landscape (it gets to be about 5′-8′ tall) or you make a dandy hedge that will act as a screen, windbreak, or simply just dividing areas of your garden and landscape.

     If you are looking for TOUGH………. this plant is for you… Enjoy…Doug

     As you head out into the garden this year I would like to ask you a couple of questions. Were you satisfied with the results in regards to varieties planted, and size of space gardened? Were you able to properly maintain (weed, harvest, water) your site and did it yeild sufficient quantities for your desired needs? The reasons I ask these questions are twofold. First and foremost, as we gaze into the rear view mirror it oftentimes will allow us to better direct our intentions and energy as we return to repetitive tasks. Our daily lifes as well as our personal gardens should give us more enjoyment, better understanding, plus reasonable harvests. In addition, we must be honest with ourselves as we gaze into the mirror and answer the question, are we truly enjoying this age old hobby, and does it properly fit our lifestyle. Through my years in the garden center business I have many times observed frustrations with fellow gardeners that could be easily corrected simply by making a few simple changes! 

   Let this year be the breakout season where we match our gardening to our lifestyle, reduce the size of the garden and replace it with a smaller version that we can treat better both in terms of the money invested, and fun daily maintenance. In life and in the garden there are many things that are not in our control. With this thought in mind we should focus on what we can do or change and thus we should be able to smile a little more, work a little less, and enjoy our lives to the best of our ability. Focus on the positive, don’t be aftaid to change, and embrace the people that surround your world.        Smile………….. Doug

At this time of the year, no matter what the temperature is during the day or night, Spring is determined to show it’s energy in emerging buds and the greening of the grass………………

                If you are looking to see the BEST of the BEST in terms of Perennials Clik Here

As I was browsing through one of my trade magazines I un-earthed this web site that I thought you might like to take a peek at. If you are in the shade in regards to this selection of plants they are considered by experts to be some of the BEST. Each year the Perennial Plant Association chooses one particular plant to showcase. The selection has to travel the garden path in full length. It has to have some of the best traits a plant can have so you as a homeowner will be pleased on almost all accounts. Hope you enjoy the site and will find space in your garden to plant some of these GREAT PLANTS…… Doug

If you missed the last two days……. Friday/Saturday…… You missed the GREAT FEELING!!!

An increase in smiles, the urge to get out and run, walk, or simply putter, aaaaaaaaaaaah “It’s the Feeling of Spring”. The warmth of the Sun after a long cold spell was a welcome relief to all in our region. Buds are popping, early bloomers are doing their thing, and the entire area is at the front door of a wonderful season. No matter how you celebrate this time of the year, it is truely a celebration  of energy. As I was teaching a class yesterday I could look out into the audience and feel the power and warmth that Spring bestows upon the typical American Gardener! I have often been asked, why is it that at this time there is such optimisim and good feelings. I can only say that we have been caught-up in natures energy as She gets ready to deliver us the marvels of  Life in nature. The wonderful start of another season!

Stop and think about this cycle of life and try to mirror yourself in natures reflection. As with Mother Nature you will have matured another year, your branch structure will be more complete, and the errors that sometimes caused you pain will have strenghened your future.

Let the yesterdays of our lives strenghen our todays, and the dreams and visions of tommarow be the energy that helps drive our future.

 Happy Today………………… Doug

The first time I saw this tree, I must say I was highly intrigued. This tough and very hardy mid-sized tree is just loaded with “extras”. Unique little blooms that cover the tree after it fills it’s barren dormant  branches with small elongated green leaves leaves. Easy to transplant and equaly easy to grow, this sometimes hard to find tree is worth the search. Great for small areas of interest or possibly even a larger container I don’t think you will be disapointed with it’s ever changing nature. Late season brings on the greatest excitement as the seed pods continue to develope. Their vibrant reddish orange pod will soon explode, revealing an inner core of intense lemon orange. My oh my…….. As shown in the picture they will be a standout and I am sure just about everyone who sees them will ask the typical ???????? WHAT IS THAT TREE!!! But wait…………… the show is not over……… the leaves will soon turn  a screaming bright red and orange so make sure you have your sunglasses close by. the pods will slowly loose their color but will retain the shell throughout the winter adding yet additional landscape excitement.

What else could I say. We do try to keep this hidden secret in inventory at Redmond Greenhouse. Prices usualy range from $50 to over $100.