What's Happening
The difference between a flower and a weed
is a judgment.
This is a place to focus on what's currently happening in the gardens. I want to share fun seasonal garden stories & events with you. Josh is going to archive the posting as seasons evolve. We hope you will embrace it with a fun-filled spirit.
August 2007
Butterflies remind us that positive change is possible,
That there is magic to life, and that we have to be
Mindful of our surroundings, because if we destroy
Nature, we destroy ourselves.
Butterflies awaken our spirits and open our hearts.
Many similar myths about butterflies have arisen
in very different cultures that are
Representative of renewal, transformation, death, and
Rebirth or resurrection, awakening, consciousness, courage,
Love, joy, and hope.
Excerpt from “The Spirit of Butterflies, Myth, Magic and Art”
Author: Maraleen Manos-Jones
August Spring Fling 2007
This year my Spring Fling was postponed until the first part of August. Read all about my August Spring Fling 2007 (pdf).
'2006 Almanac Publishing Company'
www.farmersalmanac.com
Gardening Tips August 2007
(It's too damn hot to do anything)
Farmers' Almanac Timely Tip:
Cut down on water usage.
Rain Barrels are an inexpensive way to conserve water. Simply put a few 55-gallon plastic drums at major downspouts and extend the watering value of rainfalls. (Cover open top of container with screen to eliminate debris & accidental drowning of birds / pets)
August Gardening Guide
Stop fertilizing annuals
Harvest onions when tops yellow and fall over
Harvest potatoes when tops die off
Harvest zucchini and other summer squash when small and tender
Visit the Discovery Garden at the Iowa State Fair
Water newly planted trees, shrubs, and perennials as needed
Dig and divide bearded iris
Tour an Iowa Winery
Sow lawn seed
(Iowa State University / University Extension Calendar 2007)
Additional Tips:
Sow peas, beets, lettuce, spinach, radishes, and other crops for fall harvest
Harvest herb sprigs to create your own oils and vinegars
Aerate lawns with compacted or heavy clay soil
Harvest garlic
Do not put diseased plant debris in the compost pile
Control weeds before they go to seed
Sip some lemonade in the shade while enjoying your garden
Prune and fertilize roses
Air–dry flowers of celosia, globe amaranth, and strawflower for crafts this winter.
Iowa Travel Guide (pdf file)
August Newsletter - 'At the Garden Gate' (pdf file)
Mahaska County ISU Extension Service
Oskaloosa, IA
Garden Hint: Moving a Plant in the Heat
from Garden Gate
It’s not ideal. But sometimes you can’t avoid moving a plant in the middle of summer. However, this project doesn’t have to spell disaster (or crispy plants). With some careful planning and planting, your plant may not even know it’s taken a road trip! Here are six tips for a smooth move:
- Water the plant the day before you move it — a well-hydrated plant tolerates a move better than a dry one.
- Dig the new hole before you dig up the plant you’re moving. It’s best to minimize the time your plant’s roots are out of the soil. Make the hole large enough for the existing root ball.
- Gather everything you need: a spade and a tarp or a wheelbarrow, and if you’re moving any distance, wet newspaper or a sheet of damp burlap. A friend might come in handy, too, if your plant is large. Make sure you move the plant during the coolest part of the day.
- Tie up the foliage to get it out of the way if the plant is very large. To dig, slice straight down with the shovel rather than at an angle toward the plant, and encircle it with these cuts. Go down one spade’s depth. Pry a bit at a time in several places so you don’t rip the roots.
- Drag the root ball onto your tarp or into your wheelbarrow. For a distance that will take more than a minute or two, cover the root ball with the wet burlap or newspaper and move quickly. Slide the root ball into the new hole and set the plant at the same level it was before. Fill in the hole with soil, pat it down, mulch and water.
- Keep the plant moist for several days. If your plant struggles, give it some shade, such as an umbrella or a screen. But if you haven’t disturbed the roots much, it may not even miss a beat!
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