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Dirty Hands Garden Center!
April Showers Bring May Flowers?.........
April 2001
Spring is a time of grand awakening, and rebirth. Barren trees and
flowers give way to lush greenery, splashing color across the landscape.
-OR-
Spring has sprung, the grass is riz, I wonder where them flowers is? (Our minds are already
wandering, as we go into "the" season, full-tilt-boogie). Whew! So much to tell, so little
time. First of all, we'd like to thank each and every one of you for helping to make this last
March, our best ever!
And speaking of roses, we've just received our first shipment of the most beautimous shrub roses;
each of which is sure to bring you weeks of bloom, with very little care. This is a category of
roses that require much less effort and maintenance than hybrid teas. They are resistant to
powdery mildew, black spot, insects, and many of the other "nasties" that often plague and
intimidate the average rosarian. Our first shipment includes:
- Martha Gonzales: deep burgundy red foliage gives way to numerous blood red blossoms.
This variety is particularly florific as well as fragrant.
- Minuet Red Cascade: a miniature, that despite it's diminuative size (about 18") delivers
bright red flowers that make an impact.
- Mutabalis: for those who appreciate something different, this shrub rose begins with
buds that appear deep pink, and as it opens, become copper and yellow.
- Sea Foam: creamy white flowers abound on this deep green plant!
- The Fairy: fabulous pale pink flowers literally cover this shrub, for nonstop summer magic!
As with most roses, these prefer well-drained soil, in a sunny (at least 7 hours) of full
sunlight, for optimum performance. Re-bloom can be encouraged by cutting off old blossoms
(dead-heading). As fall approaches, leave some of the blooms on, to become hips for decorating
and tea-making.
Do not begin tearing up those pansies, violas, or other "cool" annuals, just yet! Begin to
interplant with your summer annuals, as the season allows. This will give you a wave of color,
and you won't waste a single plant. Continue to pinch off dead blossoms, for fuller plants.
FYI:
Violets are among the first flowers to paint a springtime palette. The dainty flora have been
long treasured. Ancient Athenians used them to moderate anger, procure comfort, and strengthen
the heart. Celtic lore suggested that violets steeped in goat milk would increase beauty.
Today, violas and pansies are used in the kitchen for garnishing and enhancing recipes.
All violets are edible-just be sure that they're pesticide-free.
VIOLET JELLEY:
Gently rinse 1 ½ cups of fresh violets. Put in a blender, with the juice of one lime and ¾
cup of water. Blend to form a smooth puree and set aside. In a small saucepan, combine 2 1/3
cups sugar, 1 ¾ oz. (1 pkg) pectin, and ¾ cups water. Place over high heat and boil for one
minute. Add to the violet mixture and blend one minute. Pour into clean, dry jars, cover, and
refrigerate for up to three months. Enjoy!
For the shade lover, we have a number of suggestions for brightening your gardens.
The Hosta of the Year 2001 is "June". "She" is a sport of 'Halcyon', which has
gold leavaes bordered by a blue and green shaded margin. The leaf center bleaches to creamy
white in bright light. It has excellent substance. While it may cost a little more, it is
certainly worth it! As with most hostas, it prefers a mostly shady, somewhat moist site. 15-22".
For a spectacular show, try grouping with any or all of the following:
- Acorus gramineus 'Oborozuki': 12-18". Clumping evergreen grass-like plant with vertically
yellow striped green foliage.
- Acorus gramineus minimus aureus: 3-4". Dwarf fans of bright golden leaves. Colorufl
evergreen ground cover or highlight for a rock garden.
- Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' "Creeping Jenny": 2". A creeping plant with bright yellow
leaves. Does well in moist to wet soil and partial shade. Yellow flowers in early
summer. Deciduous.
For a truly stunning effect, use the above as an understory planting around a bright red
Japanese Maple, such as 'Bloodgood', or 'Crimson Queen'.
As you will note, from the calendar below, April 19 is about the time that hummingbirds will
return to VA. If you haven't done so already, now is a good time to clean your feeders. Be
sure to use non-toxic soap. Place the feeders in a covered area, away from bright, hot sun.
Save some money and help the little lovelies, by making your own syrup:
One (1) part sugar to four (4) parts water. Boil the water. Immediately
add sugar, stir to dissolve. Let cool, before adding to feeder. It is
NOT necessary to add coloring to the syrup! Store unnused syrup in
frig. Replace every week or so, so it does not become rancid. If you do
not already have a feeder, we carry a wonderful feeder that is easy to
use, and even easier to clean! You'll be amazed at the pleasure you'll
have, watching these incredible flying machines!
Looking for something different? We just received a beautiful collection of "Storey Sticks".
These are taken from Victorian designs, created from iron, and make a lovely accent for your
gardens or home. Each of the sticks tells a story-of love, happiness, good luck, welcome, or
for angelic guidance, in a fashion similar to the totem pole. They come with their own muslin
gift tag, making them the perfect gift for weddings, graduation, new homes, bon voyage, or for
yourself! A separate stand is available, for those wishing to place them inside their abode.
Come see the magic for yourself!
Tammy Smith, one of our newest friends, has kindly passed on some information that might be of
note to you. Abundant Life Seed Foundation is a non-profit that preserves the genetic diversity
of plants by growing and distributing open-pollinated seeds. They send seeds around the world
free of charge to people in need. They provide education programs, as well. They are also a
membership organization, supported by donations.
You can check them out: Abundant Life Seed.
Thank you, Tammy, for sharing.
Please mark Sunday, May 20 on your calendars! Dirty Hands will have it annual celebration of
thanks on that day, featuring critters, fun, information, and refreshments! Watch for details.
Please continue to check our website regularly, for changes in hours, activities, and
information. (Better yet, why not make Dirty Hands your home page?). As always, we are
committed to providing you, our customers, what you are seeking. Please help us, with your
suggestions. We deeply appreciate your business, and thank you for choosing Dirty Hands Garden
Center!
April
- 01, Daylight savings time begins.
- 02, Dogwoods begin blooming.
- 05, Plant wildflower garden for nectar seekers (see April newsletter).
- 06, Spring hawk migration.
- 13, Arbor Day in Virginia.
- 19, Hummingbirds return to Virginia (see April newsletter).
- 22, EARTHDAY!
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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