Greetings fellow gardeners
This month has flown by, and life seems to be so very busy. It has been dreadfully
hot and then there were torrential rains and humidity and all sorts of obligations.
My garden talks are slowing down, and I am working steadily on finishing the
calendar for my business. It will feature plants in containers. Fortunately, I am
starting to find some more time for my own garden, and the too-many cats like to
watch me through the windows as I work.
Ah, my garden. It looks like nature exploded all over it. I keep reminding myself to
take it one step at a time and it will come together. The weeds seem to be on
steroids this year and I cannot believe how many roses are blooming. Roses rise
above the weeds like beacons of hope. Roses and tomatoes are the two plants that
people seem to want to talk about at advice clinics. Fortunately, these plants
respond well to the same treatment. Regular water and regular feeding. I like to use
fish emulsion once a week on my roses and tomatoes and they respond very well. I
use fish emulsion on all the vegetables that I grow as well as flowers. I find by using
organic fertilizers and pest controls, I am not damaging the soil or the creatures
around my plants. Nature always finds a way to take care of things. Using fish
emulsion once a week means my tomatoes do not get blossom end-rot.
It was a very rainy weekend, and we had an art show. On Sunday morning, I went
to give the chickens their breakfast and grumbled to myself about the rain. And
then I looked up and saw my Nanking cherry bush covered in red ripe cherries. I
was so happy. I rushed indoors and grabbed a pot and picked a good four cups of
cherries. I wanted to be sure to get some before the squirrels. It was pouring rain, I
was soaked, and I was so very happy to have so many cherries. I went and finished
my Sunday at the show with happy cherry thoughts.
My Nanking Cherry bush was covered with blossoms this spring and was alive with
pollinators.
I boiled them with water and managed to get over three cups of juice in total. I will
add water to get it up to four cups. Using the four cups of juice, I should be able to
make a flavourful jelly. There are still more cherries on my tree, so I shall continue
picking.
This evening after the heat, and the rain, there was a sweet stillness. I sat outside
and let the soft breezes greet me. There were some bird calls and the occasional car
going by, and as the day became night, tiny points of light appeared, and the
fireflies danced. I now feel refreshed and ready to face the world. Enjoy your week.
Judith
(Email: sghorticultural@gmail.com) Veggie Bites are available at
https://sghorticultural.wixsite.com/website or
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