Archive for May, 2008

I really had no intention of writing an entry into my blog at this late hour of the day, but as I wandered out to feed our chickens I happened to view the Alpine Current I had planted a few years (probably about 5 ) ago and marveled at not only it’s exsistance but it’s thriving exsistance. In full bloom with colorful yellow blossoms the plant looked like it belonged in a botanical garden!!! When planted, it was supposed to be in a line of regularly watered and maintained shrubs, but due to my sons “chucker raising” project the said shrubs were obscured from water and maintenance by the construction of lean-to sheds. Let me tell you, these plants are doing their thing and real proud of it! I must say that they did get premier planting treatment at the time, followed by generous waterings to get them established before they fell to neglect, but the end result is a testimony of their hardiness and durability.

This great plant gets to be about three to five feet tall and seems to be untouched by insects or disease. Trouble free and easy to grow. A great plant to attact wildlife as small birds and bees just love this species. After it blooms there will be a small red fruit that developes. Fall color is an additional positive feature of this hardy durable drought tolerant plant. If you are looking for this type of performance then this could be your plant. Alpine Currents would also offer a good alternative to traditional hedges. Happy Planting……………. Doug

     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