Courtesy of the Garden Center June 2008 Issue & The Garden Station

Expert Tips from PROJECT: GREEN  

Plus a List of Drought Tolerant Plants

Conventional Watering Wisdom        Dr. Ken Horst, Professor emeritus at Cornell Unversity & Developer

Conventional wisdom says to water early in the morning or late in the evening so that water is not lost and wasted to evaporation.  This is good advice but if watering is going to occur at night it will be important to avoid spraying the leaves because cooler nighttime temperatures will be a breeding ground for mildew and other fungal diseases.

While we're on the subject of watering, I've created a Drought Tolerance list -- take a look and see where you might incorporate a few of these in your next drought tolerant planting.

Trees for Dry Sites:  Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis), Native; Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica); Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba); Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), Native; Golden Rain Tree (Koelreuteria paniculata); and Crape Myrtule (Lagerstroemia.)

Shrubs for Dry Sites:  Glossy Abelia (Abelia); Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra); Japanesse Aucuba (Aucuba japonica); Barberry (Berberis), Native; Beautyberry (Callicarpa dishotoma), Native; Plum Yew (Cephalotaxus); Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles speciosa); Harry Lauder's Walking Stick (Corylus avellana Contorta); Bearberry (Cotoneaster); Japanese Holly (Ilex Crenata); Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria), Native;  Juniper; Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica); Eastern Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius), Native; Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus); Firethorn (Pyracantha); Indian Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica).

Perennials for Dry Sites:  Yarrow (Achillea); False Indigo (Baptisia), Native; Tickseed (Coreopsis verticillata); Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) Native; Blanket Flower (Gaillardia), Native; Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia Goldsturm), Native; Stone Crop (Sedum).

Many of these are in stock at The Garden Station.  Check them out!

Build an oasis for Bees & Butterflies . .   Elisa Burke, eBioExpress Int'l LLC

Gardeners and landscapers, whether rural or urban, are very important players in promoting the growth of butterfly and bee populations in our communities.  By simply incorporating plants that attract these insects into our gardens, we contribute significantly to their surivival in our contaminated enviornment.  Gardening is an art, and such insects are strong symbols of success and health in reproduction.  A garden without them is like a library without text books in its collection.     

Disease prevention is key in Organic Gardening   Dr. Ien Horst  Professor Emeritus at Cornell University & Developer

For the organic gardener, preventing fungal disease is critically important because once a mildew infestation takes hold it will be very difficult to control.  Fungicides are some of the harshest garden chemicals, so if a gardner wants to eliminate or limit the use of pesticides, diligent garden maintenance is required.  Don't water at night when there is not enough time for excess water to dry.  Leave space between plants to allow air flow.  Prevent mildew by spraying an appropriate fungicide that can be used "for organic production" before signs of mildew appear and when conditions are favorable for mildew growth.  Prevention is the best medicine.  If you prune infected leaves, stalks or branches, trash them, because composting will not kill the mold spores.

MY ADIRONDACKS . . . OUTDOOR FURNITURE RECYCLED

OK, I haven't touted any of my products to date but now is the time -- simply because the adirondacks I sell are the greatest outdoor furniture I have ever owned.  Purchased before The Garden Station was a reality I've had four taupe and two black adirondacks on my uncovered deck for over two years.  I literally could sell them as new because they look exactly the same as the day I put them in to service.

These 60 pound beauties are made of totally recycled plastic so they are immune to destruction.  Ofcourse you never need to paint them, stain them or store them for the Winter -- simply enjoy them day in and day out.  The colors are glorious, too from briliant yellow to lime green and primary red you'll find colors for every taste and setting.  Needless to say they are the epitome of comfort.

While some might think they are a little pricey at $299 each they'd be mistaken because these chairs will last a lifetime and more.  Please come by, have a seat and let me know if you disagree in anyway.  Be warned, though, most folks who sit in them wind up taking home a pair or more.