Category: Outdoor living

Where would we be without rain?  Water is necessary for the survival of all living things and without it, we would not exist.   We live on the Big Blue Marble and rain plays a vital role in adding fresh water to our planet.  The science behind the creation of these all important droplets is complex.  Rain can come in many forms. Monsoons and hurricanes represent a worst case scenario, washing away precious resources while beautiful spring rains create crop irrigation and the planets landscape not to mention my all important floral garden!  We have been deprived of this precious resource this season. It has only rained a handful of times leaving zone 4 in a drought.  Once again I am fortunate to have planted drought tolerant flowers like snap dragons, salvia, yarrow and roses. They are providing early blooms for my gardens and as the season progresses my hope is to experience more miraculous rain.

For the last several seasons a mystery flower has appeared in my garden that I have not been able to identify.  The riddle was solved today.  My mystery flower is our featured flower of the month, Flax.  Flax (Linum usitatissimum) is a member of the genus Linum and Linaceae families. It is cultivated for its food and fiber crop.  Textiles made from flax include bed sheets and table linens.  The flax plant is also harvested for its oil known as “linseed oil”.  I planted my seeds in a fertile area of my garden and it produced a plant over two feet tall with continuous blooms for multiple weeks.  Cheers

One of the first flowers to bloom in my floral garden this season is the Painted Daisy.  I started my painted daisies from seeds indoors under grow lights in the month of February three seasons ago.  The flowers featured in the picture are three year old perennials that have gotten better with age.  I’m fortunate to have the colors pink, white and red on display throughout my garden.  The flowers have a yellow eye in the center and are capable of growing 24 inches in height and spreading at least a foot.  They excel in zones 5 through 9 and will perform magnificently in a sunny location in your gardens landscape.  Cheers

Happy Mother’s Day! This happens to be my favorite time of year because I can begin to plant my annual flower and vegetable gardens without fear of frost in zone 4. There is no guarantee that frost or winter like conditions won’t still occur but it’s a pretty safe bet!  I am extremely fortunate to have my mother in my life. Her constant knowledge and wisdom is a true treat https://zinniaboy.com/a-true-treat/!  This morning she reminded me of an old fashioned flower worthy of a festival in her neck of the woods. It is our featured flower of the month the Azalea.  Azaleas are native to Asia, Europe and North America.  It is a flowering shrub that blooms in early spring during the months of May through June.  The flowers can last for several weeks and can appear to be endless.  I consider it to be a shade plant because it performs magnificently under trees.  It prefers acidic well draining soil and can be cultivated from seeds or cuttings.  So, as the season begins remember to have fun and to check out our shop for all of your home and garden needs https://zinniaboy.com/shop/ Cheers

Just prior to the pandemic my fishing buddies and I debated on making our traditional spring fishing run to the North Platte River in Alcova, Wyoming.  With a slew of reasons for us not to take the annual plunge, we decided to give it a go regardless.  It turned out to be a great decision.  During that weekend, we had the “right stuff”.  From fly rods to reels and all the essential gear required, we have what you need to experience an epic day on the river. If you’re fishing from a drift boat or from shore check out our shop at https://zinniaboy.com/shop Tight lines!

Spring has sprung and warmer days are on the horizon.  Let’s get ready for flowers!  Here in zone 4 perennials are starting to make an appearance so you should lift and divide crowded plants at this time.  Prep your garden soil by adding a fresh layer of compost.  Be sure to cut back stalks on your perennials to make way for new foliage and if you grow ornamental grasses be sure to cut them back as well.  Get a head start on dahlias and cannas by planting them in containers now and transplant them into your garden on Mother’s Day.  You are invited to read my numerous posts regarding spring preparation https://zinniaboy.com/spring-into-action/ .

To assist you in your outdoor living endeavors I’ve added a new line of outdoor related products https://zinniaboy.com/shop/.  Our  list will continue to grow and we are always open to your suggestions. Please feel free to contact me anytime. Cheers

M. Sydnor

msydnor@zinniaboy.com

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.