General Discussions - Chapter 22

Here is what I see from east end of deck, looking east to my pool area.

Russ, glad Connie is doing well...

I got a small roll of 2 ft. chicken mesh wire & cut it into 6 ft. lengths....made a sort of "hoop house" with them side by side over my sp to protect them from deer & bunnies

roll 'em back up when potatos are dug & they've lasted for 3 years & show no signs of wearing out...not a bad investment....

Foggy

ruth-olive your view is gorgeous...you are blessed, indeed.

This message was edited Jun 5, 2008 10:50 AM

Thankyou Foggy, I am beginning my 13th year here in this location. When I bought and began here there was nothing but sagebrush and grass, still lots of both. A very nice view from every room in my house but now the view is getting obstructed by the size of trees and shrubs that i planted. LOL. I love my trees. The three large trees in the background in the photo are Sequoiadendron trees, have done very well here.

Donna

Yeah Rutholive, I can see why you don't need a riding mower!!!!

Doug

Donna, When I moved out here,(coincidentally...13 years ago) my garden was a junkyard of old cars, trash & car parts laying on hardened clay...

It is the most wonderful feeling to transform something plain or plain ugly into something beautiful, isn't it?

Foggy

Very nice yard you have made Donna. What is that just to the left of your 3 trees? And the rose colored flowers, is that a Rhodie or rose, or peoony? This weather is great for the flowers that are blooming now isn't it? The irises etc. They last a lot longer when it isn't so blazing hot.

Good job and nice picture.

Jeanette

That is indeed a nice view Foggy. We have been at this location for 30 years. Most of the time just getting by or working lots of hours working away from home, on road construction. So much of the needed work has been left undone. Now I still have to go slow. Seems it is either spend all your time working or being retired and have no money to do a big project all at once. So I am content with doing a little here and a little bit there. Some day it will take shape. As I garden, I am constantly picking up broken class, and once in a while a horse shoe. I have even found old machinery parts. If it is iron I put it in a pile, untill there is enough to take to a salvage yard. Some day some of it might be part of a new car. Imagine that. LOL When I get a bucket filled with broken class, I take that to recyclers. I may never get all of it picked up but what works its way to the top does get taken care of.
I guess that is one of the problems you run into, when you buy a house that is a hundred years old. Some of the occupants must not have cared very much what the yard looked like.
I have a few dirty trees in wrong places. As I can I take them down and plant what I feel is a better choice, where I hope is a better location.
All the while the grass grows and needs cut, so it just keeps a person working.
One tree that I planted, before I added the attached garage, is going to have to come down. I have made several attempts to get a red maple to grow and take its place, just a bit further from the house and garage.

Haven't got much done this week in that department as it has stormed of an on for a couple weeks now. and we are under tornado watch yet today. But the sweet corn is doing great along with every thing else in the garden. and I didn't get paper and grass between the rows yet. So I have more work ahead of me. I may just get some black plastic and cut it to go between the rows. Lay it right on top of the weeds an cook them. LOL

Jeanette, The wind was blowing so hard the day I took the picture I could hardly stand up, so the camera was shaky, at least that is my story. To the left of the Sequoiadendron trees is a berm made from dirt removed for the largest of the two pools. On it is planted several varieties of evergreens, the nearest to the three trees is a golden needled evergreen that I for get name of and label has of course gone missing.

The reddish-purple plant is actually a young Jap. Maple planted at edge of pool. There is a small flowered Rhododendron out there but not in sight.

It is quite cloudy to the west this morning so maybe more rain. At least I haven't had to spend much time irrigating and sure is good weather for transplanting.

I have four different Philadelphus, Mock Orange shrubs in the yard in full bloom, and smell so good when I walk by.

Donna

There really are pluses to this weather if I could just get out and use them. I have a David Austin rose that needs to be planted before it turns hot. Plus a half a dozen smaller plants. Now that I got the vegetables taken care of and just need water and fertilizer for them I can get to other things.

But, yes, most of these plants really like the weather with a dose of peroxide and a little sun they would go crazy wouldn't they? Of course, wouldn;t you know it, this is the first year I have used the Watersorb in my fuchsias. They look good, but I think peroxide would help.

Jeanette

Jeanette I've seen several references to using peroxide since becoming a DGer. What is the purpose and what are the advantages of it?

Doug

yeh,me too jnette sally

Donna- What a lovely spot. Nice spot to just sit and contemplate!

I got a lot of little zinnia seedlings in the bales yesterday - can't wait for their bright, cheerful blossoms.

Namaste- Suzan

Doug & Sally,

Hydrogen Peroxide, just the regular stuff you buy at the drug store or grocery store, is oxygen. My plants are pretty wet from the rain. That is my container plants. The ones I am most concerned with were under the drip line of the roof where the water runs off. (no gutters), so they were pretty soggy. Therefore, I put about 1/4 cup of peroxide in a watering can full of water, about 1 1/2 gallons. And watered them some more. I know that really sounds weird, but it puts oxygen down around the roots so they don't rot from sitting in plain water.

A much better explanation of it is in, I think it is the "propagation" forum. It is bumped up every so often because I think it was put in there in 2004 or something. They keep it current because it is very good.

Isn't that the right forum Russ? I know Russ is aware of it too. Some people would say that is a lot of peroxide. Some I know use more than that. I was just guessing, because I give it a good glug.

Anyway, as we all know, that most house plants are killed by overwatering. Not if you use peroxide. Many years ago I had beautiful houseplants because I was using Oxygen Plus. Very expensive. Come to find out that is what it is. Peroxide.

When you have time, it is a very interesting read. Try it.

Jeanette

Yes Peroxide; has many uses. A friend of ours uses it in her Koi pond.
So there is a formula in water gardens as well. It will help to slow the growth of string algae.
I use peroxide some in keeping cut flowers a little longer. I also use some in rooting cuttings. Sweet potato cuttings don't really need it as they root very fast but it don't hurt to use some either as it helps to control bacteria.
The little piece of vine the rabbits bit off, that I picked up and put in water on the 3rd, now has roots. They are only a quarter inch long but growing, so that will give it a second chance.

Jeanette; Do you suppose it would help in my garden? We have had about three days of rain per week here. All this next week is calling for thunder storms every day.
This is putting many farmers way behind as they can't get in their fields.
Some have started to plant and had to quit. If this keeps up much longer, what has been planted will either drown out or the seed will rot.
just about all the rivers and streams are running bank full and in many places have already flooded some fields.
There I am; rambling on again. Time for duct tape. LOL
Russ

hey, girl, you have just told me something that will probably be one of the most valuable tricks of the trade.this day won't pass until i mix this up .i'm growing a bunch of tropicals outside in pots to transport south this winter, and have been worried about the water problem with them .probably why i lost a squash on another forum, rotted it's feet .thanks again , sally

Good for you Sally. Russ, it's worth a try. How about spraying it with a hose end sprayer? Or even a tank sprayer? I don't know how bad the conditions are. I guess it depends on if it is mud. If it is mud I would say yes. If the rain has just wet the top 1/2 inch, probably not. Sometimes anything is worth a try.

I'll bet spraying is something nobody else thought of. LOL

Jeanette

I do have a 2 gallon sprayer that should work for that. it is wet probably as deep as it was tilled so 4" to 6" of wet right now but we do have a fairly stiff breeze so it is now getting the very top 1/4" dried. If it don't rain tonight I may be OK anyway.
But I would think it would probably help some if I did it. Don't want to sink too deep in the mud when I'm walking through either.
I'll wait.
Russ

Here's a link to a rather long thread concerning all the uses for the H202 (hydrogen peroxide). It's great to start very old seeds, to prevent damping off disease, and to oxygenate the soil as mentioned above. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/423028/

It was interesting to read all the various uses and experimenting people were doing. Seems the stuff is good for anything that ails a plant (or seed)!

Wow! This peroxide/propogation thread is FASCINATING! Thanks for guiding us to that, Sundownr.

Namaste- Suz

Your welcome. I found it by accident and bookmarked it because I really enjoyed it, too.

Yes, that's right. The propagation forum as I stated, 2004. Makes me wonder if people even read what we write. Yes Sally, I know you did.

I don't know Russ, that would take an awful lot of peroxide. I think if it is drying out that it might be better to wait. Just for the cost of it. It would not hurt it, just be expensive. Depends on how much you would need to do.

Let me know what you decide.

Jeanette

Interesting, about the hydrogen peroxide. Makes sense though. It is only one oxygen molecule bigger than a water molecule after all. I have a vague memory of mum using it on a problematic toenail or something years ago. She warned us kids not to go near it cos it was poisoness. And I think hairdressers use it as a bleach. I should really check out the link posted above and find out more.

I have only just caught up with this thread now, I got left behind again. Its exam week for me, and alot of big changes are taking place in my life right now. I recently discovered that Im carrying my first child, which Im excited about. And I have also decided to leave this cold windy town as soon as possible, and settle somewhere nicer, and nearer to my family. I came here to study, with the intention of leaving again one day. And the end of my degree is in sight, and can be completed by November over an extramural program. Baby wont be due till January, so that will work ok. The big move is planned for july during my mid year break. Now I just need to decide where to!

Beautiful pictures everyone. Im looking forward to buying a house one day, and having my own garden that i can keep for a while! Having built a garden from nothing is a rewarding experience. My yard was completly bare, but for the fruit trees, when I moved in over 3 years ago. I turned the boggy lawn into well drained and fertile garden beds. Hedghogs and birds and insects moved in. I planted alot of ornamental perenials and bulbs to. I will miss them. And the many winter vegetable seedlings that I wont see into maturity. Hopefully I can build a new garden before spring, and before its too difficult.

How is the weather over there? Winter has properly settled in now. Frequent frosts and rainy grey skies.For some reason my pepper plants just wont die though. All the other summer annuals have.

Lena

Lena!! That is so exciting! Am so happy for you. Sounds like you have a ton of things going on in your life within the next year.

You have plenty of time to get a house of your own, you need to take things one step at a time. First things first. LOL

Right now the big thing is your health. So, no matter what else you do you need to stay healthy for that baby.

Good luck and take care.

Jeanette

lena, hope it's a girl,and you've decided to name it sara,after me.lol. i've been trying for 40 years to get someone to name thier little girl sara .now look at me, i'm hitting up perfect strangers.in any event ,be healthy,be happy, and be above all be blessed . we will want pictures,pictures,pictures!!! a mothers love to you, and congratulations. sally

Sally, errrr Sara, LOL, my niece is named Sara. Such a pretty name. Ill bet her mother named her after you too.

Be careful what you wish for Sally/Sara, my nephew sends us all the sonar pictures the dr. takes. He is so proud of that baby, his first, that he can't wait for the cute pictures. No, I don't think the sonars are cute.

Jeanette

Lena-

How thrilling! So much to look forward to. Don't forget, too, that you can take many of your perennials with you- start digging them, a little at a time, and putting into large pots. You'll probably want to leave some, 'cause it's always good to leave a place better than you found it, but don't assume that the new tenants will love and care for your
babies' (the green ones!) like you.

I guess it's a little soon to know the gender of your baby- I'm not sure that I'd want to anyway. But, if you DO find out, let us know. We'll have to get Sundownr to make a lovely little onesy with our great new logo on it! You've got a great bunch of friends and proud surrogate grandparents here.

It's in the 90s here- it came on so suddenly and, although I'm sure the garden's loving it, I'm VERY grateful for Air Conditioning!!

Take care, sweetie, and keep us up to date!

Namaste- Suz

suzans hit it right on,pot up your plants and take them with you. no need to leave all your hard work behind .sounds like if you lived over here,you wouldnt have to worry about running out of babysitters.jnette,i like your nephew. mine wouldn't change a diaper,bet he will lol . sally

Suz I like your peony I have a whole row the same color. Also have some white ones. On the other side of the house I have a couple pink ones. No real planning to make a great show. Just had to move them from an area that shade was taking over.
Sort of wish I had even an ounce of artistic ability in my blood.
You have put some thought in that little garden plot.

Lena: that's awesome news, a new bale gardener is on the way! :-)

Congrats from NC.

We've had record-breaking heat the past week. High 90's and 100 mark. Lots of sunshine, of course. The bale garden seems to love it. Easy to keep those bales moist -vs- the dirt gardeners, who have to use so much water that just evaporates right back up.

Kent, sure do wish we could go halvies on that hot weather. We can't seem to get out of the 60s. Except at night that is. Then we are in the 40s. Now, if we could just figure a way to cut each in half we would both be comfortable.

My poor plants are just sitting there. It is good transplant weather tho. But I may not get a ripe tomato this year.

Jeanette

Thank you all for your kind words. Excitement is building here too. Baby gets her (I dont know how, but Im sure its a girl!) first picture taken tomorrow afternoon. My friend told me they look like little jellybeans at this stage, Im nearly into the second trimester already. But dont worry Jeanette, Ill wait with the photos till the baby is born! And I havent let myself think about names yet. Will wait untill I know the gender for certain. I have loads of time. But thank you for the suggestion Sara :-)

I have been digging up and moving perenials and bulbs and cuttings with me since I first left home 8 years ago, much to everyones bewilderment. Its worked ok in the past. The main problem I will encounter with this move, is the distance to travel. Im probably going to stay at mums for a month or three untill I am ready to build my nest somewhere. Mum lives a 12 hour drive away, so everything needs to be moved at once. I dont know where I will settle yet, so there is no new garden to move straight in to. Mums garden will have to accomodate some (more!) of my favourites in the mean time. I am even considering going to Germany for a while, to be near my extended family. Thats a little far for my Callas and Irises to travel! My dear perenials staying behind will be well set up with a thick layer of strawbale mulch and the contents of my many compost piles. It will all go to them, instead of the vegetable beds as intended. I wonder if I can still dig some of my irises back out, the green has already come up! Mum has my first big bulb family in her garden already, I started fresh in Palmerston North a few years ago. And I will gift my many bamboo poles and seedling pots to a young gardener friend. He lends me his lawnmower regularily. I guess he can dig up want he wants to as well. I still ant quite belive Im leaving. Irises and Callas, anyone? Theres plenty....

Lena

Lena; I know you will do well, where ever you go. Right now just take care of that new little life and be well. You will have plenty time to give
( Sara ) some of your gardening skills. :>)
Russ

she can spell it sarah ,if she wants to . lol sally

Here comes the first DON'T Lena. QUIT digging and straining. Not a good thing to be doing right now. Get someone else to do it.

Jeanette

Kent...yes the heat is awesome right now.....102 today, 103 yesterday.....

I thank the good Lord every day that I go & sprinkle my little garden....I can't even imagine keeping a regular dirt garden with our small water supply!!

i received some nursery stock last week & I didn't want to plant with low water in this heat....so all of the nursery stock is being "heeled in" in some of last years bales.

& they're doing great!

Your article on bale gardening was a real gift to me......Thanks again for starting this movement around here. I've met so many nice folks & learned so much.

Foggy

Foggy: glad to hear you're enjoying bale gardening. Always like to hear a good report.

We finally had a wonderful thunderstorm here tonight, to break the heat wave. It feels so lovely out now. My garden is very happy with all the heat, though- plants are starting to feel at home in their bales. I finally got teepees up for my beans and peas, and they look great.

More pictures soon. xox Suz

Finally able to plant in the bales. Took a while for them to cool down. Just put peppers and tomatoes in them this year.
Can't believe I was out weeding the sweet corn and putting down paper and grass clippings in this humid weather and 85 F. Had to quit for a while and take a nap. Went back out around 5:30, Decided to plant a row of peppers. Had some left so I put what was left in the bales. So now I have 2 tomatoes and a pepper to each bale. in addition to 2- 65' rows of peppers in dirt. Sure hope we can sell some of the tomatoes and peppers. Gary at the " Barn " was pushing to give it a try. We will park the pickup down there with what ever we have ready at the time. Other wise I will have to have our girls come and help with canning. I think they would I hope.
Russ

Suz That had to be tough, with all that heat. I would welcome a thunder storm too. Right now we have had too many thunder storms. It hasn't bothered me all that much, other than holding up some of the garden work and letting the weeds get ahead of me in the dirt part of the garden. There are so many farm fields with standing water and rivers flooding some roads being washed out. That is where the hurt is.
With the weeds getting ahead of me, it makes a person think ( I wonder if sweet potatoes would do good in bales) or my 9 rows of sweet corn. LOL
Glad to hear that at least you have a little break from the heat.
Russ

Don't know which is worse you guys. You with your heat, and me with a record low of 36 degrees last night and south of us got several inches of snow. Would you believe snow on the 10th of June. Yup, covered the wheat and other crops in the farm lands. 10 inches in the mountain passes. They had the snow plows out on the roads.

Hard to believe. It is suppose to finally get up to 75 by the end of the week. My plants are going to love it.

Might even get a fishing trip in. Me not my plants.

Jeanette