The latest dirt from...

Dirty Hands Garden Center!
July/August 2001

As the "dogs daze of summer" descend upon us, try to keep your cool. Remember, this too, shall pass. Grab a glass of something cool, set yourself down, and let Dirty Hands take you to a happier place for a few moments.

YES, it's hot! And while you're feeling the heat remember that your plants are as well. It's hard to keep things properly saturated. Try "our" world famous ice-cube trick: As you rush out the door, place a few ice cubes on the soil around your particularly thirsty specimens. The cubes will slowly melt, deeply soaking the roots, instead of running right through. This technique is very useful for pots and hanging baskets, but may be used for plants in the ground, as well. It is easier to transport than buckets of water!

Along with the heat of summer come certain plant diseases and pests. One of the biggest culprits is Black Spot. This waterborne fungus infects leaves during warm, humid weather. It begins as small black spots on the leaves, which become encircled with yellow rings. Leaves yellow and drop off, defoliating the entire plant. The best way to avoid black spot is to cultivate resistant varieties and leave plenty of space between plants. Rake up and discard all dead leaves. At first sign of black spot, remove infected leaves and discard them. Spray new growth twice weekly with a mix of:

1 TBSP baking soda
A few drops of horticultural oil
1 gallon water

One can also use copper fungicide, if a store-bought remedy is preferred. If you feel you must resort to chemical controls, try Daconil. It has a lower level of toxicity.

If you and your plants look and feel like they might need a pick-me-up, we have just the solution for both! For your plants, we are proud to announce that we are exclusive retailers of Garden G.R.O.G. It is a blend of fresh sea kelps harvested from the coastal waters of Alaska (in an environmentally-kind manner). Sea kelp absorbs a multitude of minerals and micronutrients that are swept into the sea. These nutrients are returned to your plants when your use Garden G.R.O.G., thus completing nature's cycle. It works as a growth stimulant, and a soil revitalizer.

For you, our weary but happy friends with dirty hands, try: Salsa Méxicana (It's a great way to use some of your garden's bounty)

2 TBSP finely diced white onion
8 roma tomatoes (about 1lb), diced
2 serrano chiles, finely diced, with seeds
2 TBSP finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1 TBSP fresh lime juice

Place the onion in a strainer, rinse with hot water, and drain. Thoroughly combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Add a little more sugar if tomatoes are acidic, but make sure the salsa isn't sweet. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to mingle. Good with tortilla chips, grilled meats, and fish! (makes about 2 cups)

If your spirits need a lift too, try a little Patchouli in your life, as well as your garden! Often described as a "deep and woody" fragrance, Patchouli oil is, in fact, distilled from the dried leaves of the perennial shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. It is considered to be protective and sensual. In Central Virginia, the plant is not winter hardy but is well worth the effort, nonetheless. Patchouli is a shrubby herb, growing to 3 or 4 feet in some climates. In Central Virginia, look for a more realistic height of 12-18". Its lush, green growth is enhanced by the wonderful fragrance it emits, when the leaves are crushed. Those of us of a certain age (we won't say what that is), have fond memories of its earthy scent. In India, Patchouli has long been sprinkled among valuable shawls to deter moths. It is an appealing addition to the fragrance garden. Plant in sun to partial shade with good drainage.

Though it seems a long way off, think ahead to your garden in the fall. Some under-used, yet lovely additions to your personal setting:

Katsura Tree
(Cercidiphyllum japonicum)
It is a tree of variable form: single stem trees are usually upright when young, while multi-stem plants are usually spreading. The beautiful heart shaped foliage and the delicate, fine texture make this tree an eye catcher. Its yellow-orange autumn leaves are striking! Hardy to zone 5. Height and spread about 40 feet.

Seven Son's Tree
(Heptacodium miconoides)
It is upright, growing with exfoliating bark, dark green foliage, and small white flowers in late August. As the flowers fade, the sepals elongate and turn a rosy red, giving a red flowerlike appearance into November or hard freeze. Hardy to zone 5. Height and spread about 15 feet. Prefers a little shade.

We have lots of goodies for your garden, both live and inanimate. We change our appearance regularly so please stop by to see what's new. If you've taken a peak beyond the garden gate, you'll notice that progress on our Secret Garden continues. A "grand opening" is projected for late August or early September. And in the demonstration garden, the living teepee will soon sprout its bounty, and the sunflowers are showing their happy faces. As always, we are happy to assist you in any way possible, including special requests and suggestions. We deeply appreciate your business and thank you for choosing Dirty Hands Garden Center! Woohoo! Live long and plant happy.

(Be watchful of the critters in your garden.)

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).