May/June 2006

If you want to be happy for an hour, drink wine. If you want to be happy for a day, run away. If you want to be happy for a year, get married. If you want to be happy forever, be a gardener.
-- Ancient Greek saying

Spring is officially here, with summer not far behind. There is so much happening in our gardens; it's difficult to absorb it all. Every day, a new little sprout appears, stretching out its little leaves, in a yawning embrace of the light and warmer temperatures. Many of you have planted seeds in eager anticipation of being rewarded with the fruits (and veggies) of your labors. Every day our lovely customers come in and share their favorite ways of enjoying their gardens. During the next few months, we hope to in turn, share them with you. In the mean time, let us tell you about some this year's favorites at Dirty Hands Garden Center.

Pinellia Pedatisecta, or sweet arum, is another often overlooked shade perennial that proves green is a "color", too! Its large arrow shaped leaves frame long narrow yellow-green spaths, creating a sensual appeal in moist areas. It does like to spread and re-seed, making it a lovely choice, nestled in low-light areas.

Heuchera, or Coral Bells, are shade loving perennials that encompass a wide range of leaf colorations as well as textures. These are intriguing plants with airy clusters of flowers held on wiry stems above dense mounds of rounded, lobed foliage. They prefer moist, but well-drained soil. They are attractive to nectar seekers and are deer resistant. Their delicate blooms do nicely as a cut flower. 'Crème Brulee' has an array of hues, ranging from peach to burgundy to pale green, all on one plant! With so many colorations, it pairs nicely with many other shade lovers, such as Lysimachia Mummularia aurea, the chartreuse hostas, the red astilbes, and other heucheras. It packs a punch when planted beside "Sparkling Burgundy".

Paeonia, or "garden peony" have captured our hearts this spring, with their abundance of incredible, large, fragrant blossoms. They are relatively trouble-free, long-lived perennials that prefer a well-drained mostly sunny location. The long stems make them a likely candidate for a large vase. Their colors are pinks, reds, and whites, but some are streaked or multi-colored, like 'Sorbet'. Once planted, they do resent being moved, and it's important to not plant them too deeply. You will see your gorgeous plants being busily visited by ants. Do not be alarmed! They have a symbiotic relationship that is fun to observe. Peonies are sure to become a happy memory in your garden.

Speaking of happy memories, May is certainly a month for those! There are many graduations, weddings, and other transitions bringing us cause for celebrations. To those of you who are in the midst of these delightful occasions (and you know who you are), we extend to each and every one of you our most heartfelt blessings and congratulations. We are honored and proud to be a part of your joy!

To each and every one of you who are a mother, we wish you the most wonderful observance of who you are, and the love you share. Woo- Hoo!

Folks, please remember to ALWAYS bring plant and bug samples in a plastic bag. It is very important that everyone be aware of the possibility of contaminating businesses, homeowner properties, and the Earth in general (think of it as a horticultural condom).
THANK YOU!

As always, all information given in the newsletter and on the website in general apply primarily to the zone 7/partial zone 6 regions of Virginia.

There are many new and fabulous things in store for you, at Dirty Hands Garden Center. We always appreciate your suggestions and opinions. Please feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. Or, better yet, come see us in person!
Woo-Hoo!
Peace out.
Rock forward.

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As always, if you have questions, please feel free to contact us directly, either through the contact form, or by calling 804-598-8945, or visiting us at 2603 Anderson Hwy., Powhatan, VA. 23139 (This information pertains to the greater Richmond, Va. area and may vary slightly with each locality).