When I was first gardening in my early twenties, I read some garden books that shaped my experience. The author that most fascinated me and influenced was probably Helen Van Pelt Wilson. I read most all her books on the subject of gardening, and one of them dealt with the reduced scope of gardening as…
Emerald Ash Borer
I wanted to comment on the emerald ash borer news, but procrastinated. Apologies. Anyway, I read an article in the paper that reported Ohio was going to implement some drastic measures to eliminate the ash borer that has been located in Northeastern Columbus area and in the Northwestern part of the state. Cut down lots…
… not sure I want to…
I have been looking at those apple trees with a mix of dread and decision. I am planning the attack , which trees to start with, which branches and how many to prune. But I am dreading it. Not being in shape for this, I just know I will be sore for a week. But…
Gardening Column by Brian Minter
Pruning by Brian Minter Just in time- an article on pruning! I like to read on a subject before I get started, just to brush up on the pointers and to get any new ideas . This article ahs some tips on pruning evergreens. When I first moved here I planted a number of new…
I am starting to think like Spring
That is right. It has seeped into my bones, I believe it started when I was looking at my apple trees and considering how I should be pruning right now. Gardening season officially starts for me when I plan on pruning. Last year those trees ( most of them) received some major pruning, but they…
Garden Planning in February
My garden is in the throes of February. It thaws, it freezes, it is ice, it is puddles, it is whatever February wants to be! I am hesitant to start seeds because I have so many irons in the fire at this time; yet I know I will be sorry if I don’t. Maybe if…
Now with titles: working with government
I am finally getting the hang of this thing. Behold: titles! The ponding in my area of Ohio is terrible. Slabs of icy areas that thaw and freeze. And thanks to the ineptness of my friendly neighborhood engineer and ditch maintenance people who refused to do decent grading, my fir trees are standing in water….
short thoughts
Rainy. Cold. Blah. I will be forced to go out today. Doing obligatory things. Maybe this weekend I will set up my light stand for seed starting later in the month, that would be cheering. I really want to start some perennials for this year. Some of them are better and cheaper that way, but…
ReFreeze
Re-froze, so I guess that is it for the thaw! In my garden there is often a mid-winter time with decently warm temperatures and dry enough earth to do some early tilling. I get the feeling that this won’t materialize this year. When it does, it is absolutely the best time to get the vegetable…
The February Melt
Rain is melting down all the snow cover. It is the typical January thaw -just a bit late. I heard the ground hog saw his shadow, so this year I can check the accuracy of the old saw. We should have the longer winter season. Now that Bill Murray made the Ground Hog Day movie……