The latest dirt from...

Dirty Hands Garden Center!
June/July 2002

All plants are our brothers and sisters. They talk to us and if we listen, we can hear them.
----------- Arapaho proverb

Somehow, the weeks have flown by. Once again, we are tardy with this latest endeavor to keep you, our valued patrons, abreast of what is happening.

Summer Solstice is fast approaching. The sun, which is the gift of warmth, light, and vitamin D, will soon wreak havoc in our gardens. Do not dismiss the concerns about the "greenhouse effect", and depletion of the ozone layers. It is real. If we conduct ourselves with conscious effort, we can offset these effects to some degree. Be aware of what you do. Think about others. Be proactive, instead of reactive. Having said that, do we understand what Summer Solstice is?

The tilt to the Earth's rotational axis gives us our seasons. One day in December and the other day in June, the Earth's axis is tilted most directly outward (and away from) the sun. Around June 21, when the North Pole is pointed sun ward, people in the northern hemisphere experience the longest day and shortest night of the year. This day is the summer solstice. The word solstice is Latin in origin and solstice means, that the sun stood still. A little before and during the winter and summer solstices, the sun appears to rise and set at almost exactly the same places. This occurrence has been celebrated in many cultures, in many ways, throughout the years. Ancient civilizations and how they treated the seasons, animals, Native Americans, Wiccans, and Christians, all have means by which they observe this occasion.

Now that you are thus enlightened, enjoy some of these real treats of the season:
For the shade gardeners who are looking for something special for the height of the heat, try Salvia 'Koyamae', "Japanese Yellow Sage": It reaches about 24", with large hairy foliage that forms clumps that can reach three feet across. It boasts banana yellow flowers late summer through fall. It prefers partial shade to shade, and is an excellent specimen. It is relatively carefree, once established. It is particularly striking, when planted as a first layer to Sambucus "Elderberry", a quietly spectacular deciduous shrub, growing form 6 to 13 feet in height, and about six feet in width. There are several varieties, but racemosa 'Plumosa Aurea' and nigra 'Madonna', are two of the best. Both of these varieties carry golden-yellow to bright lime green leaves, with cut margins and edges. Looking for something jazzy? How about Physocarpus "Diablo" Fairly new from Germany, it is hardy to zone 4. It is deciduous shrub, reaching about five feet in height, with beautiful dark purple to burgundy serrated foliage, and pinkish-white flowers. These are followed by reddish berries, making it a three-season feast for the eyes. If your lighting will allow, use it in combination with both of the above---if you dare to be dazzling!

In our last newsletter, we briefly touched upon the topic of xeriscaping (click here, for the April/May 2002 newsletter). At the request of several people, we are adding a brief listing of plants that will also meet the requirements. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us directly at Dirty Hands Email. We truly appreciate your input! Woo-Hoo!

If the heat is getting you down, and you feel a need to be soothed, try a little bit of lavender tea. Many Europeans drink lavender tea to sooth their nerves, although is it is less common in the UK and USA. Lavenders vary, and so do their tastes, so start by using 1 tsp dried lavender flowers to every 8 fl. Oz. boiling water. Make it in a pot just as you would ordinary tea and leave to brew for a few minutes, then add more water if necessary and sweeten with honey.

Lavenders make up a botanical group (the genus lavendula) containing about thirty different species. Within the group as a whole there is an interesting variation of leaf textures and patterns. The flowers are equally variable, especially in color. Oil from lavender flowers has been used for several hundred years in the perfume industry, but it has other functions that are much older. Its medicinal properties are ancient history yet today they are being discovered anew by aromatherapists. The flowers and leaves can also add a mysterious piquancy to both savory and sweet dishes. The scent of lavender is a major part of its attraction, and one reason why it is a favorite shrub of gardeners past and present. It is at home in the garden as a hedge, joined in mixed plantings, or as stand out specimens. Our (dirty) hands-down favorite is Lavendula x intermedia 'Gross', or "Fat Spike". Any of you who have visited Dirty Hands Garden Center have been wowed by its performance in the demonstration beds. It has proven to be extremely cold-hearty and holds up, even during winter wet. It bears very fat flower heads crammed with flowers. It's name is not descriptive, but refers to the man who first selected the plant, m. Pierre Grosso. It is a must have, particularly suited for the beekeepers among us. There are many other uses and varieties, but they will have to to wait. The gardens beacon, and we must move on!

Here's another great recipe using lavender...thanks Patty!

Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Makes 18 cookies
Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried lavender flowers

Icing: (optional)

1 or 2 tablespoons lavender
1 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons EACH: milk, light corn syrup
Violet food coloring - optional

Cookies: In a medium mixing bowl, beat butter, sugar, vanilla and lemon extract until creamy. Add flower and salt; mix until dough is smooth. Mix in dried lavender flowers. If dough feels sticky, add an additional 1/4 cup of flour. Dough should be soft, but not sticky. Chill 1 to 2 hours or until firm. Preheat oven to 325F. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out about 1/4 inch thick. Cut out shapes with favorite cookie cutters and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10 - 15 minutes.
Icing: Mix 1 or 2 tablespoons lavender with 1 cup confectioners' sugar in a small plastic bag. Let stand for one day before using. In a bowl, combine sugar mixture, milk and light corn syrup. Stir well. Color with food coloring - spread on cookies.

Quickly, we let you know that Dirty Hands now carries an exclusive line of sterling silver jewelry. It's artist-creator incorporates many facets of nature, as well as ancient symbols and metaphysical designs into wonderful necklaces. Each piece arrives on its own cord, along with description. Embrace your individuality!

Our latest shipment of essential oils and incense has arrived, as well as a fresh supply of handmade glass windchimes and custom-pottery. The designs keep getting better. Watch for more fascinating additions to Dirty Hands Garden Center! As always, your input is valuable. Please feel free to contact us, through the Inquire Directly page, phone, snail mail, or best of all, in person. In the mean time, we leave you with these three wishes...

...Hands for purpose and strength

...Sun for warmth and light

...Dragonfly for positive changes in your life

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).