It’s summertime, and the weather is beautiful.  We are also expecting a bout of 90° weather this week, which means water, water, water!  At these high temperatures, water disappears from our soil quickly.  In fact, we can lose a quarter inch of water per day just to evaporation and plant sweat (transpiration) in the hotter parts of summer.  This doesn’t even take into account the amount of water that the soil and plants needs to metabolize and maintain healthy biological function.  Young plants and improperly located plants are especially prone to damage in the summer months as the temperature rises, so be diligent in your watering so that they can make it through and live to grow another season.

The main thing to do is to keep an eye on things through summer.  Automated sprinkler systems are good for keeping a regular watering schedule, but they cannot adjust themselves for high heat or suffering plants.  The only way to make sure that your plants are getting enough water is to go out and visually assess the situation.  If they are wilting or burning, then they most likely need more water.  On the hottest days, young plants can die in a matter of hours if the moisture runs out.

How much is enough you ask?  This depends on a lot of variables, but the sign of “enough” water is a garden full of healthy plants.  Your plants will determine what is enough, and you will need to provide accordingly.  This means that you may have to use a lot more water at times to keep things alive, and a one-schedule-fits-all-seasons watering schedule probably won’t cut it.  Many people use the 1″ a week rule for their watering needs, which is a good place to start, but is often not sufficient when it gets really warm.

So now that you’re all cringing at the thought of your upcoming water bill, there are some things that you can do to lessen the impact of summer irrigation.  The first thing to do is realize that our soil is very dense, and absorbs water at a hideously slow rate, especially when it is dry.  Clay soil may only be able to absorb 1/10″ of water over the course of an hour, and it absorbs water in horizontal layers before absorbing vertically.  This means that your water initially goes out and not down, soaking the soil over a large area but to a very shallow depth.  This also means that a lot of the excess water just runs off or evaporates before it has a chance to get into the soil.

Traditional watering practices (hose or sprinkler) are horribly inefficient in that they provide water at a rate far greater than the soil can absorb, making the top of the soil look wet momentarily, but really only watering superficially.  The best way to water in our area is with drip irrigation or soaker hoses, as they are far more water efficient and work better with our soil’s naturally slow infiltration rates.  In areas like lawns where these methods aren’t practical, replace your existing sprinkler heads with lower flow heads and run for longer periods of time.  This way you can still use the same amount (or less) of water, but provide it at a slower pace that the soil can handle.

Other things you can do to maximize your watering efficiency include mulching, soil amendment, and choosing more drought tolerant plants.  Mulch (bark, compost, etc) helps protect the soil moisture and moderate temperatures.  Amending your soil with organic material will greatly increase the water infiltration rate, and will make the soil moisture more accessible to your thirsty plants.  Choosing more drought tolerant plants means that you might not even have to water certain areas of the yard if you group them together.

The last, and one of the most asked questions we get right now, is why are lawns turning brown?  It’s the heat, plain and simple.  Our lawn grasses here are cool season types, which means that they are happiest below 65-70 degrees, and prefer the cooler spring and fall seasons.  When the temperature starts rising, they are ready to go dormant until it cools down again.  Despite many people’s assumptions, no amount of fertilizer will help this situation; it would be like feeding your Maple trees in fall to keep them from losing their foliage as it gets cold.  The only way to keep this from happening is to maintain a healthy lawn environment and keep watering consistently as soon as it starts getting warm in spring.  By the time you see the summer browning, there really isn’t much that you can do besides apply obscene amounts of water in hopes of getting a little bit of green back, which may not be really worth the trouble.  Don’t worry though, as soon as September rolls around and the weather cools, your lawn will magically spring back to life.  When this happens, you need to fertilize, aerate, de-thatch, and all of those other good maintenance practices that will strengthen your lawn and make it better prepared for next summer.

So do your plants a favor, and keep an eye on them during these warm months.  They’ll thank you by flourishing and growing beautifully for years to come!

As you’ve seen in all the gorgeous garden magazines recently, concrete leaves make beautiful garden art.   Once you’ve learned the techniques from an expert, you can make them for all your friends.  So, we are offering a two-session series of classes – you can take one or both.  During our first class July 25th, we’ll mix the concrete, select the type of leaf, and learn to cast from a live leaf.  Once it has cured for a month, on August 29th we’ll learn the leaf painting techniques.  Jackie Flowers, who will be leading these classes, really does a great job with the finishing – she uses several colors, layering them on in various ways.  Come in and see the samples in our store.

Space is limited in this class, and registration required;  please call us at 503-649-4568.  A discount of $5 for each class if you sign up for both.  For those not able to attend the first class, but still wanting to learn the painting techniques, you may purchase a pre-cast hanging leaf for $7.

We’ve just added a couple of new classes – because you’ve asked for them!  We will have garden artist Jackie Flowers here to show us how to create concrete leaf castings using real leaves.  The finished product will be a medium sized leaf, which will be attached to a copper stem – this would be perfect to use as a small bird bath or  feeder.  They will tuck nicely into the garden and last for years.

The first class, on July 25th, will cover making the casting.  They need a month to dry before the surface painting can be applied, so we’ve scheduled the companion class, Cast Leaf Painting, for Saturday, August 29th, 10 am – noon.  I am very impressed with Jackie’s color sense, and her techniques for coloring her castings – I know we will learn a lot from her.  Come in to see samples of her work here at the store.  Each class is $45, with a $5 discount for each one if you register for both.  You will come away with a great one-of-a-kind sculpture for your garden, and with the know-how to make more. 

Due to the nature of these classes, there is limited space and pre-registration is required – call us at 503-649-4568.  While I hope you can attend both, if you are unable to make the first one but would like to know her color techniques, you may purchase a pre-cast hanging leaf for $7 in order to participate in the color class in August.

I’ve just recently heard about this movement and wanted to share it with all of you, because it  has an interesting and really important mission.  They are encouraging us all to think about the local impact our consumer dollars make.  They ask a provocative question:  What independently-owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared?  Their suggestions:  Stop in; say hello; pick up something that makes you smile, because  your purchases are what keep those businesses around.

Interesting statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor:  if half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue.  Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 the employed population did that.

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.  If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here.  Spend it online, and nothing comes home.

This is not new information – we’ve heard this stuff before.  But it is a good reminder that we all have a great deal of power with our choices.  We ARE voting with our dollars.   This difficult economy will turn around in time, and it will do so from the bottom up.  I for one intend to be a little more deliberate in supporting the local businesses I don’t want to do without.  I hate losing favorite haunts!

For more information, visit their website, or pick up more information here.  http://www.the350project.net.

What’s not to love about succulents?  They are colorful; dramatic; like to be grown in containers OR in the ground; and they are very low maintenance.  They are the perfect summer plant, because they’re so easy to leave when you want to get away – no worrying about whether they are getting enough water!

Last year’s succulent container class was such a hit that we are doing it again.  Leah McDonald will cover all the basics about our vast collection of succulents, and then we will help you in selecting a pot and your own customized assortment of plants.  We will provide a space for you to pot them up, and will even throw in the soil and the fertilizer!  No charge other than for the materials you select. 

Space is limited, and registration required:  call 503-649-4568, or email events@farmingtongardens.com.

It is hard to believe that we have posted 100 stories since beginning this blogging adventure last fall.  We had envisioned this as a fun and useful vehicle to pass along timely information to you, our loyal readers and customers – items that we didn’t want to wait till our monthly newsletter.  We hope that we’ve filled this spot with information you have found useful – seasonal tips, class information, quick sales and specials, community events, as well as a few general garden musings.  

Brian and I have enjoyed this joint project, and would welcome your feedback and suggestions.  Here’s to the next 100, and to thriving gardens for us all!

Due to the popularity of the do-it-yourself landscape design class we had earlier this month, we have asked Ann to come back to do it again!  Ann Nickerson, professional landscape designer, will talk about how to design a new garden space, or improve the one you’ve got.  She will cover all the basic principles you will need.  

This class is twice as long as our regular classes, in order to be as comprehensive as possible.  You will leave knowing how to create the garden of your dreams! 

Our classes can fill up quickly, so we recommend you register:  call 503-649-4568, or email us at events@farmingtongardens.com.

Do you yearn to create a garden in which your children will LOVE to play and explore?  Are you looking for ways to entice them away from the television and computer?  Does your backyard need to be more child-friendly?  Then we’ve got the class for you.  Kristien Forness, a professional landscape designer, will be here to talk about creating a children’s garden – large or small.  Whether you just want ideas for creating a fun and whimsical kid’s corner in your yard, or want to design a unique preschool play space – Kristien will cover appropriate plant material as well as design and safety issues. 

Since some of our classes have filled quickly, we suggest that you call us to register for this one if you are interested:  503-649-4568.  Or you can email your registration request to  events@farmingtongardens.com.

Our class on compost was very informative today – Glen Andresen from Metro’s Natural Gardening program, was here to talk about how to make your own compost, and how to use it.  The primary benefits of compost are:

• improves the quality of clay or sandy soil
• reduces water and fertilizer needs
• retains moisture in the soil
• increases aeration – which is essential for beneficial microbes
• increases heat absorption
• decreases potential erosion problems
• helps prevent soil compaction

Successful composting:

• Ideally, try for a ratio of one part green stuff (fresh grass clippings, green leaves, hedge trimmings, vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grounds, egg shells, or horse, cow, or poultry manures) to two parts brown stuff ( woody prunings, dried leaves and twigs, straw, wood chips, old potting soil, shredded newspaper, pine needles, nut shells)
• To speed things up, chop it up.   The more surface area there is, the easier time the microorganisms have eating it up.  Use a chipper/shredder on woody stuff, if possible; run the lawn mower over trimmings or dry leaves to break up.
• Size matters - in order to trap heat in the middle, an ideal size for your compost pile or bin is 3 foot by 3 foot by 3 foot.  Any size will work, of course, but it might take a little longer.
• The pile needs air and water - these are living organisms in your pile, so make sure they have fresh air occasionally (turn the pile, or use a tool to bring stuff up from the bottom and churn it around) and a bit of water.  It should feel damp but not wet.  Pounding rain and scorching heat can really affect your pile, so monitor it for moisture, and cover it or sprinkle it if needed.
• Not everything is compost-pile worthy – do not put these into your compost bin:  meat or fish parts; dairy products; bread or grain; grease or cooking oil; diseased plants; weeds with seed heads; invasive weeds such as morning glory; pet wastes.

I hadn’t thought about this before, but Gle says compost has a shelf life.  Since it is so full of live microorganisms, you should not let it sit around once it is done.  It should be spread around your garden – just a small top-dressing around fruit trees, berries, vegetable beds, or ornamentals will do them great good.  It is also a great amendment to your lawn, feeding it slowly over time.

So, no excuses now – get composting!

Nothing is quite as tender and yummy as lettuce fresh from your garden.   It is full of nutrients and flavor.  I enjoy my home-grown lettuces even more if I remember to pick them in the morning, wash them, and allow them to crisp up before using them for dinner that evening.   The easiest way to do this:  pick your lettuce leaves straight into a colander, then run it under cold water to remove dirt and dust.  Place leaves in a salad spinner to remove excess water.  Store the leaves in the spinner in the refrigerator, or roll in paper towels or a cotton towel, put into a zippered plastic bag and store in fridge.  When you get home from work, the lettuces will be crisp and crunchy, perfect for a summer salad.

Remember that salad greens are a great item to plant successively in your garden – that is, to plant repeatedly throughout the summer to insure that you will have a continual supply of greens.  I find that a tray pack of lettuce starts is just the right amount for one planting.  Alternatively, scatter a bit of seed.  Repeating this every couple of weeks is so easy and will keep you in great greens!

Haven’t we been having the perfect vegetable gardening weather?  Not too hot, but warm enough to kick things into gear.  Our veggie garden here is starting to look full and lush.  Yesterday I harvested all of the Merlot lettuce heads, pulling them out intact; and picked the larger outer leaves of the mixed lettuces — total harvest yield of lettuce: a HUGE bag weighing four pounds.  I also harvested three pounds of Swiss chard yesterday.  So things look like they have a little elbow room now. 

The cardoon is getting gi-normous – I’m beginning to think it has got to come out to make room for other things.  As pretty and dramatic as it is, it is a bit of a space hog.   If you are looking for something ornamental for a large hole in your garden, then these silvery fronds could be perfect.  I’ve learned that cardoon multiplies nicely – just a year ago it was a small start in a gallon pot; now it could be divided into 4 plants.

I like how the cucumber tee-pee is starting to fill in.  I planted three different types of cucumbers around the perimeter of the circle; so far the “Homemade Pickles” cucumber is doing the best, with the lemon cuke coming up next.  The Armenian Yard Long cuke is struggling a bit – perhaps too close to the tomato??  We’ll have to see how it fares.  If you try this at home, be sure to use some soft twine to gently tie it up as it grows — it will not naturally grow up a support, but with a little help, will do just fine.

Aren’t dad’s the best?  What would we do without them?  I  know that sadly not everyone has the luxury of having a dad in their lives, for various reasons, but for those of us who do, once a year we are reminded to pause and appreciate our good fortune.  Since this Sunday is Father’s Day, I thought it might be appropriate to have some suggestions of things dad would love to be showered with.

1. Does Dad like to BBQ?  Perhaps he would enjoy a collection of living herbs with which to flavor his carnivorous habits.  Suggestions:  rosemary, basil, oregano, bay laurel, parsley, cilantro…
2. Does Dad need to be encouraged to relax?  How about a shade tree for him to snooze beneath?  We offer delivery and installation services too, so he can truly relax!
3. Would you like to give Dad a new car, but are a little short at the moment?  Give him a Chrysler Imperial rose bush instead, and he will feel the love.
4. Does Dad hate cleaning out the gutters?  Help him to take them down, and give him a beautiful ornamental rain chain.
5. Is Dad a beer-lover?  Maybe he’d like to try homebrewing his own microbrews.  We have great hops plants, which are not only useful for beer but also very ornamental.  Check out our metal gazebo in the front of our store.
6. Save Dad’s aching back with a plant trolley underneath heavy pots. 
7. Do mosquitos drive Dad indoors on summer evenings?  Mosquito dunks plunked into bird baths, fountains, and ponds will really help.
8. Has Dad not gotten around to planting a vegetable garden yet?  It is not too late, and we still have a great selection of veggies.
9. Does Dad have a favorite fruit?  Nothing is better than picking your own apples, blueberries, grapes, etc…..
10. Of course, nothing says love like time spent together – and that’s something money cannot buy.  Sometimes we forget that time is not endless, so make the most of your moments together.

These are just some suggestions for thinking of ways to show YOUR dad what he means to you!