The latest dirt from...
Dirty Hands Garden Center!
August/September 2004
In the transformation and growth of all things,
every bud and feature has its proper form.
... Fritjof Capra
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The "dog days of summer" refers to the hottest part of summer, usually July and August.
It is so named for the Dog Star-the brightest star in the sky, Sirius, in the constellation
Canis Major, the Greater Dog. The name Sirius comes from the Greek word meaning "sparkling"
or "scorching". We call them the dog days of summer (no, not because we want to lie in the
shade and pant) but because the "dog star" reappears just before dawn during these months
in the northern hemisphere, after having been behind the sun for a while.
Hard as it is to believe, the dog days of summer are fading fast, and NOW is the time to plant
some bulbs that will bring us rewards before spring. Fall blooming crocus bulbs are
available at your neighborhood garden center and do wonders to brighten up the season's beds.
One variety of fall-blooming crocuses, Crocus sativus, is where saffron comes from.
The saffron threads are highly prized for their rich, briny flavor. Traditionally, they are
used to enhance dishes from Spanish paella to French bouillabaisse, from cakes and breads to
the cuisines of East India, the Middle East, and North Africa-it mingles nicely with nearly
every dish imaginable. Anyone who has recently priced this fabulous cooking spice knows it
can be costly (in this sense, the association with royalty and wealth, perhaps, still stands).
The harvesting process is backbreaking and tedious: it requires approximately 35,000 flowers to
produce just one pound!
Why not grow it yourself, for a double delight? Not only will you have marvelous lavender
blooms THIS fall, but you will also be able to reap a true gourmet treat. Harvest the bright
red stigmas fresh from the blossoms and let them dry on a piece of paper. Store them for use
later, in airtight containers kept in a cool, dark place.
As long as we are on a culinary bent, let's talk about garlic. Allium sativum is a
medicinal and cooking herb that inspires. Garlic can be planted now, in anticipation of a
spring harvest. At Dirty Hands Garden Center, we strive to keep timely supplies of all
bulbs on hand. We have fall-blooming crocus, garlic, as well as all the favorites,
including tulips, snowdrops, and a wide assortment of narcissus. Plant now, enjoy in
the spring.
Our mums are arriving daily, looking lush and full of color, after a drought-free growing
season. The asters are cracking color, and the Montauk daisies are showing a hint of blooms.
We have a fresh new assortment of statuary to offer, courtesy of a fresh, new provider.
Our new selection of bamboo chimes is reminiscent of tropical isles.
Due to bad weather, we have rescheduled the First Annual ARK Care for Critters Supply
Drive. Please still plan on coming out for a great cause. Click here for details!
Speaking of great causes, Dirty Hands Garden Center is proud to be a part of the Pink Ribbon
Plants program.
It is hoped that folks will realize the importance of this campaign by purchasing plants
in the Pink Ribbon Plant Program. Part of the proceeds from the sale of these special
plants will be donated to breast cancer foundations that are working to increase breast
cancer awareness and raise funds for research and education. Another great reason to
shop Dirty Hands!
For more information please visit www.pinkribbonplants.com.
If you haven't visited us lately, you are overdue!
Get inspired. Come visit!
OCTOBER
- Peregrine falcon migration peaks
- A.R.K. Care for Critters Supply Drive
- Last barn swallows meandering South
- Autumn colors peaking
- Last chimney swifts migrate South
- Crows congregate in roosts
- Woodcock migrate through
- Leaf fall begins
- Daylight savings begins
SEPTEMBER
- Blue-winged teal migration begins
- Bucks rubbing off velvet
- Fall mushrooms appearing in woods
- Broad-winged hawk migration peaks over Blue Ridge
- Vultures begin moving to winter roosts
- Juncos and white-throated sparrows arriving across the state
- Night Migration of songbirds (listen for them!)
- Autumn begins!
- Northern bald eagles move into Virginia to winter
- Virginia doves migrate South
- Ruby-throated hummingbirds migrate south (take down your feeders!)
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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