February / March 2007

Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson

It is of some puzzlement to us; why people become so discouraged and impatient when the cold winter winds blow. Instead of wishing the season away, why not embrace this gift of special time? It is a golden opportunity to become introspective, as well as reflect upon the previous season, while anticipating the one to come. Not only do our spirits need a little "down time", but nature itself needs this period to get rest, too. Additionally, there are many plants that need the process of vernalization in order to fulfill their life cycles. Simply put, subjecting some seeds, bulbs and plants to lower temperatures hastens plant development and/or flowering. Many plants require cold in order to break dormancy. Lilacs trees and tulip bulbs, for example, perform much better after a long winter of low temperatures. There are a lot of creatures in the animal kingdom that need to "sleep", as well. Besides, if we didn't have winter, would we truly appreciate spring? It's a point to ponder.

Garden Centers, like our own Dirty Hands, need these few weeks to prepare for the upcoming busy growing season, too. We are placing orders, attending trade shows, teaching classes, taking classes, and just generally trying to keep up with the constant changes in our trade. We are very excited about the new hybrids being introduced this spring. Shrubs, trees, perennial, and annuals, will all enjoy an increase in numbers and varieties being offered. Watch for Dirty Hands to have the latest!

Now is a perfect time to start that composting project you've been meaning to. There is no single thing you can do for your gardens that will bring you more satisfaction, with so little cost. You will have the additional pleasure of knowing you are engaging in an endeavor that is beneficial to the earth, as well. It is much easier and simpler to begin, than you might imagine. Just read our article, How to Make a Compost Bin, for some great pointers on getting started!

If you simply MUST have something blooming this time of year, think about adding prunus mume to your landscape. Prunus mume (flowering apricot, shown at right), also called "Peggy Clarke", is an underused, small tree that is a relatively new introduction. In fact, it was only added to the Dirr Manuel of Woody Landscape Plants, considered by many to be the gardener's bible, in the 1990 revised addition. At 20 feet it is an ideal size for small gardens or a fine accent for larger landscapes. It is a sturdy tree resistant to most insect pests and diseases and is hardy to zone 6. The buds have a staggered dormancy so that, should a cold spell kill all the open flowers and swollen buds, there will still be some unharmed buds left! Beginning as early as January, depending on the site and the weather, Prunus mume produces beautiful, delicate, fragrant flowers over many weeks just when we need them most. The blossoms also have a rich and spicy fragrance!

Take these wonderful moments to re-think your gardening habits, and try new ideas. We tend to become mired in our own little ruts in life, and gardening is no different. Read books and take classes but more importantly, get out into the world! Visiting local garden centers and botanical gardens can provide loads of inspiration, even when "dormant". Take a walk in your own yard. Look more closely at the various textures of your plants. Perhaps you may find an empty spot that could use some "structure" in the way of a marvelous, twisted shrub, or a vibrant evergreen. Listen carefully to the rustling of grasses, the clicking of "nature's castanets"(left); much joy and peace can be derived from this basic activity. Traveling outside our comfort zones, especially to other countries, is a terrific way to broaden our perspectives on what makes a garden, and learn new practices, as well. In short, gather these days to you and make them a positive source of energy. The possibilities are endless!

While we have limited hours for the months of January and February, we check our messages every day and will respond to you as soon as possible. In the meanwhile, live well, be happy!!!

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).