Spring 2004

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=150 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="04050961dkfecn.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U><IMG SRC="05ed9490.png" border=0 width="473" height="73" ALT="Earthenjoy Home" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Verdana" ><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Professional Gardening by Earthenjoy Flo"><U>Home</U></A></FONT></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="services.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gardening Services"><U>Gardening Services</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Quarterly Newsletter</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="showcase.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Garden Showcase"><U>Garden Showcase</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="about.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="About Earthenjoy"><U>About Earthenjoy</U></A><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Symbol" >   ·   </FONT><A HREF="contact.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Earthenjoy"><U>Contact Earthenjoy</U></A></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=190 BGCOLOR="#99FF66" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <B>In This Issue:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#time_to_begin_again" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Time To Begin Again</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#instant_spring" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Instant Spring</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#make_each_day_earth_day" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Make Each Day Earth Day</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#it_s_not_just_dirt" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>It's Not Just Dirt</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#bulb_companions" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Bulb Companions</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter81_m.htm#a_winning_streak" TARGET="TRLX_Middle" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>A Winning Streak</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pale_blue_iris.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="pale_blue_iris.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U><B><IMG SRC="43596cb0.gif" border=0 width="150" height="203" ALT="Pale Blue Iris" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="pale_blue_iris.htm" target="TRLX_Middle" TARGET="_top" TITLE="pale_blue_iris.htm" target="TRLX_Middle"><U>Click for larger picture.</U></A></div> <bR> <div> <B>Archive of past newsletters:</B></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Quarterly Newsletter"><U>Current Newsletter</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera7.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2008"><U>Spring 2008</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera5.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2007"><U>Winter 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2007"><U>Fall 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newslettera1.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2007"><U>Summer 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2007"><U>Spring 2007</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter9b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2006"><U>Winter 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter99.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2006"><U>Fall 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter97.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2006"><U>Summer 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter95.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2006"><U>Spring 2006</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2005"><U>Winter 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2005"><U>Fall 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter8b.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2005"><U>Summer 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter89.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2005"><U>Spring 2005</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter87.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2004"><U>Winter 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter85.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2004"><U>Fall 2004</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter83.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2004"><U>Summer 2004</U></A></div> <div> Spring 2004</div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7f.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2003"><U>Winter 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter7c.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2003"><U>Fall 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter60.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2003"><U>Summer 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="newsletter5d.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2003"><U>Spring 2003</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id91.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Winter 2002"><U>Winter 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id78.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Fall 2002"><U>Fall 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id76.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Summer 2002"><U>Summer 2002</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id75.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Spring 2002"><U>Spring 2002</U></A></div> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=330 BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> Spring 2004</div> <div> <B>Quarterly Newsletter</B></div> <bR> <div> Earthly Elements</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="time_to_begin_again"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="40878320.gif" border=0 width="376" height="50" ALT="Time To Begin Again!" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B><IMG SRC="3fc96740.gif" border=0 width="150" height="116" ALT="Clipart flowerbox." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="0"></div> <div> Yes, new beginnings can be challenging but they're also necessary and a blessing. As I write this, I'm reflecting on the adventure we had during the month of January looking for a new house. As a couple and business we've outgrown our "honeymoon cottage" and it's time for a change. More space is great, but more importantly a GARAGE...2 1/2 car please! By the time you get this we will have settled on a place and be moving in.</div> <bR> <div> As the world gets smaller, the earth and our stewardship of it is becoming a global issue of great importance. It's a fact that we need to "<A HREF="#make_each_day_earth_day" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Make Each Day Earth Day</U></A>" by doing small things. The article discusses organic ways (which I highly believe in and practice) to do this. Next up is some interesting info about <A HREF="#it_s_not_just_dirt" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>soil</U></A> as it relates to what we grow in the garden. Speaking of plants, bulbs in particular, "<A HREF="#bulb_companions" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Bulb Companions</U></A>" might offer some new combinations for you to think about. Then we have yet another perennial for you to try--the variegated Iris. It just might be the "<A HREF="#a_winning_streak" TITLE="Spring 2004"><U>Winning Streak</U></A>" you need to liven up those beds. Here's looking forward to another great gardening season!</div> <bR> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="instant_spring"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="42996b60.gif" border=0 width="150" height="182" ALT="Clipart bouquet." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="409e6320.gif" border=0 width="230" height="50" ALT="Instant Spring!" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Here's a creative and inexpensive way to chase away the winter blahs. Simply go to your favorite one stop shopping center (Meijer, WalMart, etc.), find the CD section and choose one or two of those nature sounds CD's like: "The Echoes Of Nature" series (single CD which cost about $4.00), or any of the "Elements" series (a CD and DVD set costing about $6.00). Next, move to the floral department and pick up a few bouquets of fresh flowers. When you arrive home, get out several vases, arrange some of the flowers in each one, pop the CD in and VOILA! Instant spring!!</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="make_each_day_earth_day"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="430a9320.gif" border=0 width="425" height="50" ALT="Make Each Day Earth Day." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">      <IMG SRC="42a96620.gif" border=0 width="150" height="98" ALT="Clipart of people loving the world." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Protecting the environment shouldn't be limited to Earth Day. A new national survey conducted by the Biodiversity Project reveals that 89% of Americans believe it's important to prevent the extinction of plants and animals. Moreover, 64% of respondents say everyone has a personal responsibility to help protect biodiversity-the incredible variety of life on Earth. Another study reports that 47% of consumers use organic products at least occasionally. According to the Organic Lifestyle Shopper study from The Hartman Group, three common factors motivate consumers to buy organic products: having children, having specific health conditions such as food allergies or cancer, and seeking a healthful lifestyle. This year, the Earth Day celebration is being held on April 22nd. You can check out the list of events at <A HREF="http://www.earthsite.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.earthsite.org"><U>www.earthsite.org</U></A>.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Helpful Hints for a Happy Earth Day</B></div> <bR> <div> 1. Find natural alternatives to standard insecticides. If you need to take on aphids or other leaf munchers, use insecticidal soap sprays that suffocate the bugs but don't leave a lethal legacy behind.</div> <div> 2. Reduce fungi and mildew by providing air circulation in the garden. Leave space between plants. If a plant is prone to fungal disease, replace it with a different species.</div> <div> 3. Find alternatives to herbicides. Keep undesirable plants out of your yard by using mulches and hand weeding. Let go of the notion of a perfect lawn; clover and creeping Charlie can look nice when they're mowed, too.</div> <div> 4. Mow your lawn high! A height of around 3" inches will discourage weeds.</div> <bR> <div> For more tips please visit: <A HREF="http://www.biodiversityproject.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.biodiversityproject.org"><U>www.biodiversityproject.org</U></A></div> <bR> <div>  <A NAME="it_s_not_just_dirt"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <IMG SRC="42b96990.gif" border=0 width="150" height="153" ALT="Clipart of a shovel digging a flower." ALIGN="LEFT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"><B><IMG SRC="43152320.gif" border=0 width="338" height="50" ALT="It's Not Just Dirt." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Justin Hancock</div> <bR> <div> Soil is important to plants because it supplies them with water and nutrients, and anchors their roots. Here's a primer to help you understand one of your garden's most basic ingredients.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Sand</B>-Sandy soils are made of relatively large rock particles that fit loosely together.  These soils tend to warm faster in the spring and drain quickly during wet periods.  Unfortunately, they don't hold water well during drought and lose nutrients more quickly than other soil types. Sandy soils feel gritty to the touch.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Silt</B>-Silty soils are made from medium-sized particles. They shed excess water more quickly than clay, but not as quickly as sand. Silty soils tend to feel slick to the touch when they're wet.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Clay</B>-Soils with a high clay content are made of small particles that fit tightly together.  Clay soils hold water and nutrients during times of drought, but stay wet longer during wet periods.  They're more susceptible to winter heaving (moving around) during periods of freezing and thawing, which exposes and harms roots of perennial plants.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Organic Matter</B>-This is not a soil type, but organic matter helps eliminate the disadvantages of both sandy and clay soils. Organic materials such as compost, decomposed manure, and shredded leaves hold moisture when the soil is dry, but still let soils shed excess water. They re duce soil compaction, allowing plant roots to spread more easily.</div> <div> <IMG SRC="42c96700.gif" border=0 width="150" height="112" ALT="Clipart of a garden fork digging flowers." ALIGN="RIGHT" HSPACE="5" VSPACE="5"></div> <div> <B>Loam</B>-Loamy soils are those rich with organic matter. In addition to regulating water better than both sandy and clay soils, loamy soils encourage beneficial microorganisms such as mycorrhizal fungi, which reportedly help plants absorb nutrients and resist disease</div> <bR> <div> <B>Hardpan</B>-This is a layer of soil so compacted that plant roots can't grow through it. In extreme cases, water won't permeate through the layer. Hardpan can occur when sand is mixed with clay--unless there's a very high percentage of sand, the small clay particles will cling to the larger sand particles and eliminate the spaces between the particles where water moves through. It can also occur by compaction, especially with heavy equipment.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Acidic Soil</B>-An acidic soil has a low pH (lower than 7.0 on a scale of 0 to 14).  The pH of a soil determines, in part, what nutrients plants can take from the soil.  For instance, plants absorb iron readily in acidic soils, but have trouble absorbing molybdenum.  Some plants, such as blueberries and rhododendrons, have adapted to acidic conditions and require acidic soil to grow well.  Sulfur and aluminum sulfate tend to increase a soil's acidity.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Alkaline Soil</B>-An alkaline soil has a high pH (higher than 7.0 on a scale of 0 to 14).  The alkalinity of a soil also determines what nutrients plants can absorb.  For example, plants absorb potassium more readily in alkaline soils, but have trouble absorbing manganese.  Some plants, such as some Dianthus,  thrive  in  alkaline soils, but most garden plants prefer a neutral or slightly acidic soil.  Lime and wood ashes are two materials that increase a soil's alkalinity.</div> <bR> <div> <B>Mulch</B>-While not actually a soil component, mulch (such as compost, my favorite double grind shredded hardwood, or shredded leaves) relates closely with the soil.  Mulch helps prevent soil erosion, holds moisture, and reduces drastic temperature changes in summer and winter.  An organic mulch will break down, and need to be replaced every season but the bonus is that it will (yearly) add organic matter to the soil.</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="bulb_companions"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="43223320.gif" border=0 width="291" height="50" ALT="Bulb Companions." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="407c8810.gif" border=0 width="200" height="129" ALT="Clipart Daffodils." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> As spring wears on, bulb foliage browns and ripens. This shouldn't be cut off because the bulbs need it to rejuvenate, but it looks awful. Planting annuals and perennials around the dying foliage is the best way to cover it up during its final throes. Some suggestions:</div> <bR> <div> Marigolds</div> <div> Columbine</div> <div> Veronica (Subulata)</div> <div> Hardy Geraniums</div> <div> Campanula (Subulata)</div> <div> Hardy Vinca Minor</div> <div> Creeping or Woodland Phlox</div> <div> Lady's Mantle</div> <div> Lavender</div> <div> Daylilies</div> <div> Astilbe</div> <div> Hostas</div> <div> Ferns</div> <bR> <div> <B> <A NAME="a_winning_streak"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><B><IMG SRC="41142320.gif" border=0 width="322" height="50" ALT="A Winning Streak." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="41496cb0.jpg" border=0 width="150" height="203" ALT="Pale Blue Iris." ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></div> <div> Bearded irises have long been a classic, especially mixed with peonies for a grand spring show of color. Now let's talk about an iris with variegated foliage! </div> <div> One that proves its landscape worth by dressing up your garden not just for three weeks of bloom-but all year long.</div> <bR> <div> There are only a handful of variegated irises, and my favorite is definitely <I>Iris pallida</I> Albo Variegata. Its cool, creamy streaks complement the soft blue-purple flowers, which are sweetly fragrant. The variegation in this and other striped-leaf irises is at its best when the fans are arrayed so that the sun shines through them. This luminescence borders on the inspirational. While most irises are at home in full sun, this one will still perform solidly in a lightly shaded area, where its white stripes can help brighten up the shadows.</div> <bR> <div> How To Grow Them:</div> <bR> <div> Light: Full sun</div> <div> Hardiness: To 25° below zero</div> <div> Growth Habit: 2 1/2' feet tall</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> Earthenjoy FlowerScaping L.L.C.  ©2004</div> </td> </tr></table></body>