The latest dirt from...
Dirty Hands Garden Center!
March/April 2003
"Every piece of the universe,
even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow.
I have a place in the pattern, and so do you"
...T.A. Barron
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What a winter we have been experiencing! It is refreshing, to see the seasons actually change.
All the wonderful precipitation we have had will bless the earth, as much as our wells, with
much needed moisture. As the weather stabilizes and temperatures climb, our plants will be so
happy! We are all anxious to see some "color" in our gardens. It is such a joy, watching,
almost daily, as the tiny buds swell, along each and every branch. Even as the crocus,
daffodils, and tulips emerge from their beds, we eagerly anticipate the other blossoms that
follow.
We all know that forsythia is among the first to herald spring. Do not overlook this simple,
golden beauty. It has much to recommend it. Additionally, some "old-fashioned", and/or tried
and true shrubs that are sometimes disregarded are:
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Deutzia gracilis "Nikko," one of the smallest deutzias, makes a low spreading mound.
It is great for rock gardens, in a shrub border, or even in containers. It sports lovely white
flowers in late spring, and grows about 2 ft. tall, and 3-4 feet wide. While it is deciduous,
the grey, arching branches provide nice winter texture, and the pale green leaves are very
early to emerge, all along the slender sprays. They are not too picky about light, but prefer
some sun.
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Chaenomeles, or Flowering Quince, is related to the edible quince. These deciduous
shrubs are valued for their display of red, pink, or white flowers on a tangle or bare
branches in early spring or even late winter. Originating in China, Japan, and Korea,
they are very frost hardy and adapt to a wide range of garden conditions. The spring
branches are sometimes thorny, and the flowers appear in clusters on the previous year's
wood, followed in summer by yellowish fruits. They perform well in sunny spaces that are
well drained. Our favorite is "Texas Scarlet", which is a smaller variety, reaching about
3 feet tall by four feet wide.
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Prunus glandulosa, "Flowering Almond", is a deciduous shrub that belongs in the cherry
subgenus, but shows some of the characteristics of almonds and peaches. Its late-spring
flowering branches make quite a show, with pale pink double blossoms along the thin,
wiry stems. It tops out, around five feet tall, and again as wide. Try it!
If you are just itching to get your hands "dirty", but know that it is still too early for some
tasks, consider getting a jump-start on things by doing some indoor seeding. Dirty Hands
has a full selection of seeds for you to choose from, none of which have been genetically
engineered, so you know you are getting the "real thing". Be sure to check the germination
times, and pay attention to those seeds that might need stratification (a period of cooling off).
Speaking of playing in the "dirt", Dirty Hands now carries Earthworm Castings! For Real!
Unlike most fertilizers and sterile soil amendments, earthworm castings are teeming with
beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, and bioactive substances. They are natural, safe,
and odorless. The best part of all is that they come from EARTHWORMS!
We have them in bulk bags, as well as convenient, easy-to-use teabags, in a tin!
What a great gift idea, too!
In addition to the fine selection of essential as well as carrier oils, Dirty Hands also has
Dead Sea Salts to add to your aromatherapy repertoire. The concept is ages-old, and should
not be overlooked, as you seek ways to bring tranquility to your life. What a great way to
end a fulfilling day in the garden--- a full tub of warm water, fabulous scents, a glass of
wine, and candlelight.
Dirty Hands will have everything you need for your spring/Easter/celebration, including
blooming hydrangeas, Easter lilies, plenty of gorgeous new herbs, annuals, hanging baskets,
perennials, trees, shrubs, etc., and gifts for all ages! Check out our new
additions, for the
"little people" in your life.
As you drift off, may your thoughts awaken the sense of wonder that comes with each spring,
and a trip to Dirty Hands Garden Center--- woo-hooo!
On Saturday, March 22, please come out to meet some of the Canine Companions for Independence.
These dogs are trained to help enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
Click on the logo and check out their website!
MARCH
- 03, forsythia begins blooming
- 17, shadblow begins blooming
- 20, first day of Spring
- 26, redbuds begin blooming
- 27, purple martins arrive
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APRIL
- 03, dogwoods begin blooming
- 06, Daylight Savings begins
- 11, Arbor Day in Virginia
- 13, hummingbirds return to Virginia
- 22, Earth Day (plant a tree!)
- 30, first bluebird broods are fledging
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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.
Newsletter Archive:
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).
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