A Momentary Drop

The onset of global warming, although detrimental and a worldwide problem that is only getting worse due in part to the current “administrations” refusal to ratify the 1997 Kyoto Pact, is proving to be beneficial in one instance-

4 Truths and Spring

The monsoon ended Friday night and allowed for a perfectly beautiful Saturday. Temps were in the 40’s, which at this point in the winter season seems similar to a 75 degree day. I had an opportunity to walk through the garden, although almost nothing was actually accomplished. I was encouraged to see the Hellebores as far along as they were. For those unfamiliar with Heronswood Hellebores, they are some of the most interesting varieties on the market, and this year is no different. Since I will not go into a sales spiel here, there will only be links towards the end to see some of the newest varieties that will knock your socks off.

Hellebores are some of the earliest blooming perennials for temperate climates. In PA, they typically push bud in Late February or early March. I have seen extensive growth topped by flower buds

Worm Poo

Last year I had the pleasure of meeting Jay and Nellene Myer during a weekend at the Winterthur Garden Fair, and recently ran into them again at the MANTS trade show in Baltimore. What makes the Myer’s different from anyone else at any show I have visited is their dedication to their product line, and belief that they can make a difference. You see… the Myer’s are worm poo wranglers. Otherwise known as the hard-core recyclers at Soil Secret, LLC.

On their farm in Tioga County, PA the Myer’s raise cattle, deer, chickens, pigs and red worms. Farmers through and through, they prefer to live off the land and minimize their impact on the environment by recycling everything from manure to table scraps, and they preach that mantra daily. In a society that prefers disposable materials (my wife developed a nasty Solo cup habit after I cured her of “Styrofoam plate syndrome”) the Myer’s have gone back to what is naturally acceptable. Recycle and reuse.

On first inspection, the secret is obviously plastered on all of their literature, product and straight from Jay’s mouth, but what isn’t obvious is how well earthworm castings work. Worms can make short work the organic matter they take in, and with such a short digestion period the nutrients flow from their bum like the water down the mighty Mississippi. There are a plethora of technical reasons to use worm castings, the most important is the plant response shown in numerous university studies. Castings also reduces the compost period required for manures, and make the resulting fertilizer virtually burn proof.

If you get a chance to visit their site, it is well worth perusing. My only suggestion for the Myer’s is a DIY kit. I implore you to support local agriculture in whatever means possible, poo and all.

A Garden to Kill For

I admit the horticultural media, of which I am a card-carrying member, has finally left me perplexed. So in essence, I am confused by myself? Introspective, but I am sure my wife will agree with any snide comments you would care to make. I am referring to the periodical publications currently in the magazine racks at your local Barnes and Noble. The list of publications is extensive, and covers every possible topic from state specific gardening (because gardening in Iowa and Nebraska differ so greatly they require their own publications) to organic gardening, or my personal favorite, The Boxwood Bulletin- publication of the American Boxwood Society. One publication stands out above all the rest, and is the source of my confusion and fruitless search for knowledge. I am speaking of course of the enigmatic Garden and Gun Magazine.

Being a bit of a skeptic, I was a disbeliever until a co-worker took it upon himself to subscribe. Recently, the first of what will be six months of bewildering issues arrived. Much to my surprise, the magazine was not only real, but real interesting… if you didn’t want to read about gardens, or guns. More of a misguided Conde Nast travel guide, it presented well-detailed copy and stunning photography. Not bad for the first magazine publication from the otherwise savvy newspaper publisher, although sadly, they did miss the mark on their moniker.

I can remember an advertising slogan from my youth (but given my memory it was more than likely last week) that stated “two great tastes that taste great together”. Gardening and Guns, although historically synonymous with one another given the commonality of the garden “varmint”, have long been kept separate. Apparently everywhere but in the south this still holds true. They still like to combine their hobbies with firearms, and possibly anything that will explode. A thought that continues to resonate- my father, the fine southern gentlemen he is, has yet to fulfill his dream of “fishing” with grenades. Patience has its virtues, and lack of patience involves hurling a 14oz. incendiary device into 10′ of water and hoping your dinner is within the blast radius like you are.

Having been fooled by the ultimate bait-and-switch, my fruitless quest for a publication combining weapons and gardening will continue to trudge on.