Archive for the ‘My Thoughts’ Category

Ah the summer season is upon us with all the trimmings. Lots of sun, fast growing weeds, plus great times around the family patio. Watch the watering as the temperature begins to rise. Try to water during early morning hours. Deep soaking of all areas, then allow to dry somewhat before watering again. Soaker hoses and drip is the way to go if you are not watering the lawn. You will save money, time, plus your plants will do better. Apply at least three inches of organic mulch or compost to all planting beds to suppress weeds and hold in valuable moisture. Scratch in a little calcium rich Azomite around tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and squash. If your lawn needs a little brighter shade of green don’t be afraid to apply an application of our organic lawn fertilizer Cascade Natural. It won’t burn and should give you great results. Dead-head perennials after they bloom.  The effort will result in possible re-blooms (now thats a rich payback) as well as keep your garden looking good. As the weather warms you may want to consider adding a little water feature. Cool idea don’t you think? We have all the goods you might need. Just make sure you do your research before grabbing the shovel. We also have all the plants you will need to stock your new feature. I might also remind you we are now the local dealer for the rechargable mowers by Neuton. They are great and look good to. Come on in and test drive this revolutionary new mower. My mom has had the smaller version now for over a year and just loves it. The new larger size in better for larger lawns. Batteries will last about one hour. They mulch, bag, or side discarge

     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

     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.

     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 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

Dropping down on your knees and working your fingers deep into the soil helps one connect with the earth and slow down the spin of our material world.

To purchase a bottle of salad dressing the same time you pick-up a package of “mixed” lettuce garden seed, is the sign of an optomistic gardener!