In this month’s Journal, David tells you how to get those tender perennials ready again for duty outside, as well as giving some tips on how to increase your stock by taking cuttings from the new growth. Sharon continues to educate us about beneficial insects and the plants they like, and there is a good list of outside jobs to ready the garden for the coming season – the in-depth feature is on seed starting, the most important job of this month. Lin is back again, recommending some easy varieties of flowers, herbs and vegetables for beginners (and these are types that even experts shouldn’t be without), and a fascinating tale of preservation of an ancient woodland in England. England provides more material for my own commentary this month, as I am just returning from a week long trip there (that’s my excuse for the late Journal this month!).
I hope you enjoy this month’s features.
Feature Article:
“Getting Overwintered Plants Ready for Spring” by David Tarrant
“Getting Overwintered Plants Ready for Spring” by David TarrantHow to get the plants that have survived outside and those brought indoors ready for another season, and also how to take cuttings from the newly emerging shoots to increase your plant stocks.
Feature Article:
“Beneficial Insects – Part II” by Sharon Hanna
As botanists and scientists “uncover vast and labyrinthine further worlds”, it is being revealed that plants possess uncanny abilities. Learn more about these defense mechanisms and how nature takes care of its own in this fascinating second segment. Sharon also suggests some plants that attract beneficials to the garden, such as the lovely Phacelia pictured below:
March Garden Action Items:
The gardening season is officially underway, here are a few basic items to ensure a beautiful spring and summer.
Feature Article:
“For Your First Garden of the New Millenium, Try 3…”
by Linda D. Harris, Horticulturist, Ferry Morse Seed Company
Linda recommends some lovely varieties to enhance your garden this year: some old-fashioned flowers, herbs for beginners and easy vegetables from seed. These are must-haves in everybody’s garden!
March In-Depth How-To:
“Starting Seeds”
This month is the time to start almost all types of seeds, so don’t wait!
Horticulture News from Around the World:
“Ancient wood takes root in new home” by Nick Nuttall, Environmental Correspondent, The Times
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A fascinating story of preservation at its best: an 400 year old woodland area is moved out of harms way in England in an ambitious project that sets an example for the rest of the world to follow. |
Final Thoughts:
“A Spring Visit to Jolly Olde England” by Mala Gunadasa-Rohling
A business trip is certainly a pleasure when it takes me to London and the south of England!
Hedgerows Garden Tapestry and eSeeds.com.