Archive for the ‘My Thoughts’ Category

The days are getting a little shorter and the nights can sometimes be frosty all of which can set the tone for Autumns grand color parade. If your garden and landscape is a little scant on potential “color stars” then you might want to grab a shovel and plant a few of the reliable species. Burning Bush is always a good canidate as are the Sumacs. Red Twig Dogwood shrubs will not only give you fabulous foliage but the red stems will be a standout when the snow comes. Many species of the Spirea family will offer you intriging yellow and orange hues. Ornamental grasses such as the Miscanthus will add dramatic upright texture. If you are looking for a larger shrub look no farther than one called “Red Rhapsody” maple. An introduction from Monrovia Nursery that is more resistant to disease than common Amur or Flame maples. In the perennial flower department you should check out the array of Coral Bells, late blooming Coreopsis, and Joe Pie Weed. Annual favorites would include Violas, Pansies, varieties of Hebe, and “tougher than nails” Asters. Always improve the soil with good organic compost and a few cups of “Cold Climate” organic fertilizer before planting. Enjoy this wonderful time of the year and Happy Planting…. Doug

Ahhhhhhh the summer season is in full progress here in the High Desert and all plants are doing what they do. Watch out for spider mites (those micro sized bugs that are on the underside of leaves and sucking out the juice on needles of various  evergreens) as they can cause some serious damage to some of your plants. Some of the common plants you may want to pay close attention to are Alberta Spruce, Colorado Spruce, Potentilla, Cucumbers, Fushias, and some of your rose bushes. A hand held lens will help in identifying their presence. You should also monitor for disease such as powdery mildew. It can realy cause some damage to your roses, summer squash, garden peas, and perennial lupins. It appears as a white powdery substance on the leafs surface. Some flowering crabapples can also be affected. We (Redmond Greenhouse) stock a pretty good system fungicide drench as well as a good topical spray. As always include a spreader sticker when spraying. Another tip is to water the target plant in the mornning and spray in the evening. Three sprays, seven to ten days apart.

If you are in need of a tree or two now is a very good time to plant. Through my thirty some odd years in the business I see greater success with planting at this time of the year versus spring or fall. The soil is warm the nights are warm and the plants want to realy grow. As long as you can provide lots of water a trees roots will take hold in as little as two weeks……. Grass and wildflower seed will also germinate in as little as a week. Quick action like this ensures your efforts of satisfaction.

Meanwhite out in the berry patch keep a watchful eye on prolific suckers and runners. Too many suckers will weaken the parent plant and reduce the quality of the berries. Runaway runners will potentialy stop almost all berry production. You may also want to watch for damagiing insects on your berries. Boy oh boy can they slow down and reduce the quality of the fruit. “Spinosad” seems to be working pretty good for mites and thrips if you are looking for organic control.

Annoying root suckers from trees (aspens, chockcherries, crabapples) and shrubs (lilacs, sumac) can be contolled by a product we carry called “Sprout Inhibitor”.

A liquid or granular product by Fertilome will assist in internal insects (borers, leaf miners, scale) on such trees as Quaking Aspen, Willows, and Maples. If you see sap oozing from some of your evergreen pine trees you may also want to treat them with an insecticide. We carry an injectable product that has proving itself. This product can also be used on locusts and ash trees with boring insects.

Last but no least make sure to do DEEP watering on all your green and growing plants and lawns. Water in the morning and do any spraying in the evening.

Hope the summer is treating you well. The crops are starting to roll in and the smiles are starting to show. I have even seen a couple of tomatoe juice stains on a few of your white t shirts……………. Ah you just have to love the summer season……. Enjoy…. Doug

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!