I took an unplanned blogging hiatus since the end of May. Like the gradual twist of a thermostat knob, summer seemingly discovered Maine right after Memorial Day. Our team at work has been spinning through the gardens like soil-stained whirling Dervishes. The tulips did not end their flowering until the first week of June. Since then, it has been a frantic pace of removing tulips, mixing in compost, and planting summer annuals.
The days have been long but satisfying as the sun has gradually turned my pale, Irish-heritaged skin into one of the best farmer’s tans I’ve ever had. There is something about the combination of salt air, working in the soil, and the summer sun that is intoxicating. By the time I get home, help make dinner, and help tuck in the kids, I found myself going to bed instead of writing. Do you ever get that feeling in the summertime where it seems that garden work is a higher priority than anything involving a computer?
Ok, enough excuses on why I have not been writing. Time to move onto what has been getting me up in the morning.
– Melianthus major – “honey bush” This unusual shrub from South Africa is being added as a focal point on our entrance bed. By the end of the summer, the pinnate leaves should reach about 20 inches in length. The total width of these silver plants could reach about three to four feet and four feet in height. A couple of references state that if mulched in late fall, it could survive a mild winter. The plants we have are near a wall where Phygelius was able to over-winter so I am hopeful that Melianthus can perennialize in Maine as well.
– Itoh peonies. If someone was to ask me my favorite plant right now, I would have to say peonies. Herbaceous and tree peonies are fine but Itoh or intersectional peonies are the “bomb” as our kids would say. Itoh peonies are hybrids between tree peonies and herbaceous peonies. They have the large flowers of a tree peony with the hardiness and vigor of an herbaceous peony. Two of my favorite cultivars are ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ and ‘Bartzella.’
– Compost. I am convinced that the vital element to having a great garden is adding great compost. There are so many different blends being made so it really takes time to find a good recipe. Finding a good compost is like finding a good wine. You really want to stock up on it and hope that it does not change in the future. I look for a pH close to neutral, a thoroughly mixed product, and little to no weed seeds. If aged properly, compost should “cook” all weed seeds and prevent them from germinating. Compost is essential for an organic garden because it adds nutrients to the soil, helps retain water, and suppresses some weed germination. Incorporating compost into your garden soil is such a vital step that many people still neglect.
– Books. I plan on catching up on reading books this summer during trips, long evenings, and weekends. I am starting the Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert. I also want to read Harper Lee’s new novel after it is released in July. The third book that I hope to read is Missoula by Jon Krakauer.
Tell me, what is getting you up in the morning? Are there any books you recommend adding to my summer reading list?
–Rodney
Images: blackgold.bz, yellowpeoniesandmore.com, brenebrown.com
Reason to Design 