The latest dirt from...

July / August 2007

From time to time, sit down in a favored spot in your garden, sip a glass of chilled wine, and inhale the scents of growing things. This won't get any potatoes planted, but it will peel away a few cares.
-- Texas Bix Bender

Summer seems to have sprung upon us, but the hottest months of the year are yet to come. The tendency may be to stay in the comfort of the air conditioner, but there is plenty to be done in our gardens. Staying on top of weeds is important this time of year, along with deadheading (the removal of spent blossoms), and, of course, watering. It has been said, "ten minutes of watering in the morning is worth one hour of watering in the evening." For this area, in particular, it is important to remember that. Many disease and fungus problems are at their worst during summer months. The air tends to be humid and steamy, and when water is thrown or sprinkled on the leaves of plants, the conditions become ripe for problems. Removing old and/or diseased plant parts can go a long way to keep spores from spreading. Do not leave these clippings on the ground. Discard them, entirely.

Then we can lay back and enjoy our efforts, from the comfort of a hammock, preferably with a cold beverage in hand. There are also lovely plants to be added, to perk things up when the heat leaves you feeling wilted.

There are new strains of Rudbeckia and Echinacea, just to mention a few. Rudbeckia "Green Wizard" is a must-have, this year. It lovely, combined with Rudbeckia maxima "Giant Coneflower" and Rudbeckia lacinata "Cutleaf Coneflower". Coneflowers rule the garden this time of year, and one can never have too many! They, along with Echinacea, are also excellent plants for wildlife. There are several new strains of Echinacea, but the ones with purpurea parentage are the more vigorous growers. Check out the Big Sky series, especially 'Sunset', with its vibrant orange flowers and rose fragrance. 'Coconut Lime' and 'after Midnight' are two more that are worthy of note.

Platycodon grandiflora 'Sentimental Blue' (near right) brightens up a shady spot in the perennial border right now, and Thumbergia alata 'Orange Wonder' (far right) is an annual vine that makes a "quick fix", along a trellis, fence, or arbor.

If you find yourself longing to recapture the essence of your travels, Musa, or banana, can be a fun addition to your surroundings. Musa 'Rowe Red' (left), is a striking plant with leaves of green striped with red; some reaching 6 '! The undersides of the leaves are also red. This tropical accent produces edible fruit when grown in a warm, sunny location. It is grown as an annual in most places, as it is only hardy in Zones 9 to 11. However, some have had success by planting very close to their houses, or using as a houseplant during the colder months.

For those of us who are lucky enough to have vegetable gardens, our pantries are getting full, hopefully. There is nothing like the taste of a freshly picked tomato, sliced, and placed on a hunk of good bread, topped with freshwater mozzarella, and a basil leaf, and drizzled with olive oil. Pop it under the broiler for a few minutes, and you are in bliss. If you're looking for ways to prolong the bounties of summer into fall and winter, here are a few tips for doing so:

1. Plant petunias with your tomatoes. Petunia foliage is deadly to several insects, including the larvae of the tomato hornworm.
2. Dip tomatoes into a solution of 1 quart water, the juice of one lemon, and 1 tablespoon of honey. They'll keep their color, as well as flavor.
3. Frozen zucchini can taste bland, but drying concentrates the flesh for its nutty flavor and crunch. Dried cucumbers are good, too, although they might be too small for dipping.
4. Try making "tomato leather". Whir fresh tomatoes in the blender, and cook them in a roasting pan, until as thick as catsup. Spread the resulting pulp 1/4 inch thick on a cookie tin line with foil. Return the tomato-pasted tin to the warm oven until the "leather" peels easily away from the foil and looks and feels, well, "leathery". Eat it plain or torn into bits or stirred into soup, casseroles, sauces, etc.

During the months of July and august, our hours are subject to change. (The heat gets to us, too). If you are concerned, please call ahead, so you won't be disappointed. We look forward to seeing you, and sharing our common bond---- Dirty Hands.

In the meantime, Live Happy and Plant Well!

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).