Category: Outdoor Living

Spring is here and early blooming perennials are on display.  My mother shared a picture from her farm, one of springs currently blooming plants.  Wisteria is a genus of the legume plant family.  It is native to China, Korea, Japan and the Eastern United States.

The flowers are fragrant floral clusters that come in pink, white, purple and violet.  Cultivating wisteria can be challenging.  The plant can propagate via seeds which are produced in pods or from soft or hardwood cuttings.  Wisteria is capable of growing in poor soil conditions but prefers fertile, moist, well draining soil.  Maturation requires a few years but it is well worth the wait.  Enjoy!

Personal gardens have never been more popular.  Having complete control of your growing environment and all of its contents is priceless.  Selecting crops that are easy to grow in your region is the key to success.  Every season I dedicate a portion of my food garden to sustainable foods, meaning crops that will not parish rapidly once they’ve been harvested from the garden.  This season I plan to grow potatoes, carrots, onions and leeks.

Potatoes are tuber roots that have evolved into a successful food staple for generations. They are easily harvested and can last for weeks. Two successful varieties in my region that I’m planting in early spring are Yukon Gold and Red Gold.

Carrots are great to consume at all stages. They come in a multitude of varieties, shapes and colors.  Carrots are easy to grow and can be harvested during most of the season.

When growing onions make sure you select the best variety for your region.  For quick results sow seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost then transplant into your garden in early spring.

Leeks are perfect for zone 4. They are closely related to onions but are hardier with a sweeter and delicate flavor.  Just sow seeds directly into the soil in early spring. Cheers

Last summer I had the privilege to visit a horticulturists dream garden in southeast Alaska.  The Jensen-Olson Arboretm is nestled along the Juneau coastline surrounded by lush green forest. The property is a non-profit organization maintained by a dedicated team of gardeners.  Juneau is considered a temperate rain forest and the wet environment serves as a perfect back drop to some very unique garden settings. The perennial gardens seem endless and years of planning and planting are on display. It is truly something to behold.  My horizons were broadened as I discovered new flowers, trees and shrubs.  One of my favorite flowers is a perennial called Gaura.  Gaura also known as “Rosy Jane” is well suited for zones 6-9.  It is a bi-colored flower with pink edges blooming from summer until fall.  It is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies and humming birds.  Enjoy Gaura in a sunny location in well draining fertile soil.  Cheers 

Over the years I’ve written about the importance of soil conditions https://zinniaboy.com/digging-in-the-dirt/.  Your soil is the foundation to a successful garden.  Today there are multiple tools and instruments available to help you monitor your garden’s environment. 

Digital Soil Test kits

Digital Soil Test kits quickly and easily test soil samples measuring levels of pH, nitrogen, phosphorous and potash by utilizing advanced LED technology.

Soil Meters

Soil Meters and Analyzers provide quick and easy to read soil testing for pH, temperature and fertility.

Thermometers

 Proper soil temperature is a critical element of a gardener’s success.

Throughout the centuries the scent of lavender has been associated with peace and tranquility.  Lavender (Lavandula vera) is a perennial flower native to the Mediterranean region.  It is capable of reaching heights of 24- 30” and spreading 18-24” while excelling in zones 4-9.  The refreshing fragrance and vibrant flowers make lavender a wonderful choice for drying and floral crafts.  Cheers

The New Year is here and it’s time to get organized.  Here are a few old fashioned tips to keep you ahead in the game.

Time check:  If you’re always late, set your clocks ahead 10 minutes.

The evening before:  Accomplish as much as possible before you go to sleep.  You’ll sleep better and will confront less chaos in the morning.

Rise early:  To get an edge on your day.

Be flexible: Reassess your routine on a regular basis, especially if it feels like you don’t have enough breathing space.

Cheers