|
|
Welcome
once again. I'm happy to have some time to publish a July issue of the
newsletter after missing one in June. How have you all been? I just
have to say something about this spring and summer. They have been much
cooler than usual. It is the middle of July and tonight it's going down
to 50 degrees! My little tropical banana tree asked for a jacket the
other day. He's refusing to grow insisting that it's really winter to
him. After one of our coldest winters ever, I've now heard that it's
been the coldest June and now July in decades. They're going to have to
do a lot more to get me to believe in global warming. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind cooler days. It's been wonderful weather for working but it does seem a lot cooler than usual
Got milk? You might need it. And I hope you got mulch. Both might save you $. Please read on.
|
|
Garden Tips
Milk as a fungicide
And
apparently it is an effective one for the common fungal problem of
powdery mildew, which can kill zucchini, squash, melons and other
fruits and vegetables.The telltale sign is white powder on the leaves.
This remedy will also work for black spot on roses. Just mix one part
milk to two parts water and pour into a spray bottle. Spray plants once
a week. This is cheaper than products you can by in the garden center
so you save $.
Always weed diligently
Weeds
steal water and nutrients from your plants so pull them when you see
them. Also, pull them before they make seeds so you don't have to pull
a billion more of them later. To prevent weeds from returning put down
at least a 3 inch layer of mulch. See article below on the importance
of mulch.
Gardening Graces Plant Care Web page
Everyone
always asks me about watering. Great question as it is crucial to the
life and survival of all those plants we put in. Click the link to take
you to our plant care page.
|
|
Physiological, Psychological & Sociological Benefits of Landscaping (con't)
 Continuing
with the discussion in the past two newsletter on this topic brings the
good news that exposure to green surroundings reduces mental fatigue
and the feelings of irritability that come with it. We are able to
concentrate better which in turn makes us more willing to deal with
problems more thoughtfully and less aggressively.
University
of Michigan scientists recently found that in addition to being
relaxing, spending time in nature also can help improve a person's
memory and attention span.
I will
finish this discussion next time. But in the meantime, get outside and
relax. Take in the beauty of your surroundings. I work in a lot of them
so I know you've got something to celebrate and enjoy right outside
your own front doors.
|
|
Mulch is Vital for Growing Healthy Plants
After
reading this you will feel so good about the fact that you have mulched
your beds this year or you will realize you better get to it now.
Ever
heard of the soil food web? Jeff Ball recently wrote about it in his
column in the Detroit News. This web consists of the earthworms,
millipedes, centipedes (ahhhhh!!!!), soil mites, microscopic bacteria
and fungi that make their home in our soil. Their food - the mulch.
Soil with a well populated food soil web will grow your plants healthy
and trouble free. Bare soil has no food for the soil food web whereas
soil covered with the proper kind of mulch has food readily available
for the soil food web.
We
think that our mulch disappears because it decomposes but most of it is
pulled down into the soil by the earthworms, millipedes and centipedes making it into a deli of sorts for the soil food web which in turn is what feeds your plants.
Jeff Ball advises mulching in spring and fall. Once a year is a minimum.
Call us! We'll help.734 482-8230
Speaking
of mulch, we began restoration and maintenance on a garden in Ann Arbor
where weed mat was used to prevent weeds I admit, I am not good at
hiding my displeasure when someone tells me they've used weed mat. Have
you ever tried to plant something in weed mat? I mean something you
want to be there not all the weeds that grow in it anyway? Well I
dragged this stuff home with me that day just so I could take pictures
of it. Notice the density of the healthy batch of weeds thriving on the
"preventive" weed mat; even to the point of pushing their roots right
on through the fabric.
If
you work for a weed mat fabric company please don't get mad at me. I
will use it on occasion under rocks or something like that but I prefer
mulch for a million better reasons; one of them being the all important
building of the soil food web.
|
|
|
|
Many thanks to all of you who have taken advantage of the "Refer A Friend" offer!!
Please remember that we are always here to help and serve you in whatever ways that we can.
Watching
the beauty develop in many of your yards these past few months has been
awesome! I am truly thankful for the privilege you have afforded us to
work, plant, and design your gardens.
Please continue to call me with any horticulture and design questions. Landscapes and gardens always enhance the quality of our lives and I am always here to help not only maintain but enhance that worth.
|
|
|
