The latest dirt from...

Dirty Hands Garden Center!
August/September 2002

"The waters of the sky or those that flow, those that are dug out or those that arise by themselves, those pure and clear waters that seek the ocean as their goal--let the waters, who are goddesses, help me here and now."
...The Rig Veda

Life becomes very basic, when it revolves around one of its most basic requirements: water. It reminds us that we are but humble humans. And in this age of technology, Mother Earth still rules. There is much to be grateful for, and much to look forward to. Autumn is on the way. It is prime planting time for most perennials, shrubs, and trees. Get excited!!
Isn't it time to break out of the mold? Dare to be different! Try to think of textures as "color". A couple of trees that are marvelous choices to accomplish this:

Poncirus Trifoliota is an unusual, yet "old" deciduous shrub that is neglected. It reaches 10-15 feet in height, and spreads 8-10 feet. It boasts irregular, low branching stems with heavy thorns, up to 4 inches long! It bears wonderfully fragrant white flowers in April, before the leaves. This is followed by fruit in September; a modified berry, orange, 1-3 inches in diameter (non-edible). It will see readily, and the fruit is terrific for pomanders, during the holidays. It is vigorous and ornamental in all seasons. It will grow in dry, infertile soils and is interesting as a specimen or espalier. It combines well with yew or dark green evergreen plants. Our favorite, "Flying Dragon" has twisting stems and sharply curved thorns. We love it! (and have plenty to share!)
Cedrus Atlantica, glauca, or Blue Atlas Cedar is a spectacular addition to any gardenscape. It reaches 40-50 feet in height and can spread 35-45 feet. It is erect and pyramidal with stiff horizontal branches. Its foliage is stiff, needlelike, and less that one inch long, in clusters. It is blue-green in color and evergreen, providing a picturesque specimen for large, open space. It is resistant to drought and air pollution. How cool is that?!?

In these trying times, we all seek guidance. Many of us turn to the earth for wisdom. Sage is a wondrous herb, one that should find its way into everyone's life. The word sage comes from the Latin salvere, which means "to be saved"---a reference to its curative powers. In the Middle Ages it was used as a cure-all, rather like common aspirin. It was also believed to bestow wisdom and improve the memory. In Native American cultures, sage has long been used to purify. (Dirty Hands now carries a full line of sage wands, perfect for "smudging" or cleansing negative energies and aiding in focus or meditation) As if that's not enough, sage is great in the kitchen! Garden sage, salvia officinalis, is the most commonly known of the 800-plus species of this very large genus of the mint family. It is indispensable for poultry and pork dishes, including eggs. We vegetarian/vegan folk love to use it along with our vegetables, particularly potatoes! It is also a treat when combined with cheeses. Its earthy aroma is calming.

A great way to combine sage with other herbs, for a quick and easy "dress-up" for many dishes:

Herb Butter

½ C each , minced parsley and lovage
1 ½ tsp minced fresh thyme
½ tsp each minced fresh sage, marjoram, and garlic
¼ tsp freshly ground pepper
1 C sweet, unsalted butter or margarine, softened

Wash and dry all herbs thoroughly. Mix all ingredients together. If you use dried herbs, cut the amounts in half. Enjoy!

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).