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Gardening tips for wet weather

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. –

Recent rain is testing gardeners’ patience, but experts say that’s exactly what you need right now.

Messing with the soil while your garden is draining could hurt your flowers. Garden experts like Leonard Perry with the UVM Extension say soil with rich organic matter will drain faster and that mulch can help keep the soil intact.

The cool, damp air has lawns growing out of control, but an early deep cut will stress the grass.

“Mow very high, as high as you can, then come back maybe a couple days later and you don’t want to cut off ideally more than a third or a half of the grass at any one time, but sometimes you have to,” Perry says. “But keep it at maybe three inches high — maybe two and a half to three inches high is a good height for mowing.”

The good news is, it looks like you’ll be able to get out there just in time for Father’s Day.

Native Flora Garden Opens at Brooklyn Botanic Garden

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But you can experience these primeval native plant communities on one little acre at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which opened its expansion of the century-old Native Flora Garden on Wednesday.

“I’m pleasantly surprised by how big the meadow feels,” said Darrel Morrison, the garden’s designer, who is known for ecological landscapes like the 80-acre meadow at the Storm King Art Center in the Hudson Valley and the tiny swatch of native woodland right off Washington Square at New York University. “We’re trying to capture the essence of a bigger landscape in a miniaturized form.”

The opening of the expanded Native Flora Garden comes just a month after the three-and-a-half-acre Native Garden opened at the New York Botanical Garden, with 400 species that reflect a broad population of plants native to the area east of the Mississippi River.

By contrast, almost all of the 150 native species in Brooklyn (the goldenrods, the flat-topped asters, the cute little blue-eyed grasses blooming in the meadow, as well as the moisture-loving pitcher plants and orchids, the lichens and bearberry of the sandy Pine Barrens) were collected within 200 miles of New York City.

What’s the difference? Basically, local species evolve according to local climate, soil and pests. Big bluestem, a prairie grass from Long Island that is planted here, will have an advantage over the same species that evolved to suit particular conditions in Illinois.

And growing these local species preserves their particular genotypes, which might otherwise become extinct. Genetic diversity can exist even within a single species in the same region, like pyxie moss, a threatened plant that grows in the New Jersey Pine Barrens.

This expansion of the Native Flora Garden, which was planted on the adjacent two and a half acres more than 100 years ago, is really just another step in the botanic garden’s evolution toward ecological awareness.

The 1911 garden was created in a systematic fashion in which botanical families of plants were arranged in separate beds, said Uli Lorimer, the horticulturist and curator of the Native Flora Garden. “The idea was you would come to the garden and learn about asters and ferns and jack-in-the-pulpits, and then go out to the still-wild corners of New York City and find them,” he said. “Then in the late 1920s, the decision was made to redesign the garden along ecological, habitat lines.”

That design included a meadow and bog, a deciduous forest, a conifer forest and limestone and serpentine rock formations, as well as pinelands and a kettle pond. But over the years, the sunny spaces have turned back into forest and the sun-loving plants have been shaded out.

“That’s one of the big reasons that, five years ago, we decided to start this expansion project,” Mr. Lorimer told me as he led the way through the original Native Flora Garden, a lush woodland with 500 native species, including stands of spring ephemerals like Dutchman’s breeches, trout lilies, trillium and bloodroot. Since he arrived at the botanic garden in 2004, Mr. Lorimer has added about 100 species collected within the region.

“I thought it was important to sample the local genetic diversity,” he said, bending over a handful of sundial lupines that were surviving in a patch of sunlight. “Look, this one is starting to make seed pods, so we’ll have some local stock.”

It’s lovely to walk through the old garden, which can be entered through an oak gate with copper insets. Native rhododendrons and magnolias, Joe Pye weed and mallows, sensitive fern and fringe sedge, meadow rue and wild gingers nestling in the moist crannies of a limestone ledge combine to create a space that feels almost primeval.

“This garden has been relatively undisturbed for more than 100 years, so it has this wonderful authentic quality, as if it’s always been here,” Mr. Lorimer said. “People ask me, ‘Is this what Brooklyn looked like before the Europeans got here?’ And, truthfully, you would never see this many things in one small area, but it has the same character of what could have been here. So I generally say yes, because people come away with this feeling of how special this place is.”

For information on the new Native Flora Garden at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden: bbg.org or (718) 623-7200.

Melinda’s Garden Moment: Perennial Garden Design

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It’s not just about the color; consider form and texture when planning
your gardens.

Repetition
of color, form and texture as well as massing of plants create a pleasing flow
to the garden.

Using
more of fewer species increases the visual impact and decreases your
workload. You’ll have fewer seedlings to
discern from the weeds and less maintenance know-how needed.

The
big round flowers of allium are bold elements in the garden that grab your
attention. Repeated use helps guide
you through the garden.

Vertical spikes of salvia will peak out through the grasses, adding a seasonal
splash of color.

The
mix of tall and short plants is not rigid, but rather designed so all plants
add to the overall visual impact of the garden.

And
the finer texture of sedges and ornamental grasses makes a nice backdrop.

Use the same principles when designing gardens in the shade. The bold leaves of shade tolerant perennials
like Hosta, Ligularia and Rodgersia create a focal point in the garden. The finer textures of the shade tolerant
sedges (Carex) as well as Japanese
forest grass (Hakonechloa) are a nice
contrast to these. Use spiky flowers of
Astilbe and Bugbane (Actaea formerly Cimicifuga) for vertical accents.

Visit www.melindamyers.com for more.

Japanese garden design lecture at Anderson Gardens

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ROCKFORD — Anderson Japanese Gardens’ curator and head of horticulture Tim Gruner will lead a discussion on “Patterns and Rhythms of Nature that Inspire Japanese Garden Design” at 7 p.m. June 20 at Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford.

Gruner will present the guiding principles of Japanese garden design and how they are derived from patterns and rhythms found in nature.

Cost: $5; free for members. To register: 815-316-3307, sjohnson@andersongardens.org.

A few Father’s Day gift ideas for those playing catchup

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Among the major holidays, Father’s Day ranks way up there at Casa Bogeyman.

The definitive list might go something like this:

1. Christmas

2. Birthday

3. Tax Refund Day

4. Father’s Day

5. Hug-A-Bear Day.

The last one comes each November and makes the Top 5 because we don’t have a bear, which officially takes ol’ Bogey off the hook for that day.

But to be sure, Father’s Day has a special place in the golf community as a whole and for a couple of reasons. First, it’s a sports activity a father and his kids actually can participate in together. And it usually isn’t very long before the kids get the best of it.

The other reason is more self-serving. Fact is, Father’s Day kind of sneaks up on most of us. To that end, golf provides the ultimate “get out of jail” card. When you are lost, out there without a gift-giving clue, look to golf for your salvation.

A lot of dad’s dig golf and they dig golf stuff. So to help out n these waning moments, here’s a few golf-related Father’s Day ideas for those playing catchup:

First Crack

Basically, there are two things fathers like to improve, one is their physical well being and the other is their golf game. Back Neck Care Center of Sunset Hills has a Father’s Day special of $49 for an introductory evaluation and treatment that might accomplish both.

Dr. Tobin Lingafelter has the rare qualities of being a chiropractor and teaching golf professional. He can help manage your pain, in either of those categories. Call 314- 842-8884 for the information.

Need The Eggs

The new Wilson Staff Duo golf balls recently were hot-listed by Golf Digest. It is the lowest compression (40) ball on the market and claims to be for players “who are seeking distance and accuracy.” There just might be a few dads that fit that description.

As a bonus, Wilson recently launched the high visibility yellow version of the ball, which looks good in landscaping if you put one near the clubhouse. In addition, you can have these golf balls personalized for good ol’ pops.

They go for $19.99 at Dick’s Sporting Good, Golf Discount, Pro Am Golf and other such stores.

Go big or go home

If you’re going for a “wow factor,” a golf trip to French Lick hits the hole. A 3 ½ hour drive from St. Louis, the resort in French Lick, Ind. is a hidden gem that features two top-notch hotels and three spectacular golf courses, including the Pete Dye Course, the Donald Ross Course and the new Sultan’s Run Golf Club.

The resort, which also has a casino, has a number of golf packages, including one for Father’s Day weekend. If I may be so old, excuse me, I mean bold, ol’ Bogey might suggest the “Double Play,” or a getaway for two.

The package includes overnight accommodations at French Lick Springs Hotel, a day of golf at The Donald Ross Course and a day on Sultan’s Run. The prices start at $239 per person, per room based on double occupancy. You can add an overnight stay and day of golf for an additional $150 per person.

Smartphone video holster

The MVP Sport Smartphone Video Holster captures your swing on video using your iPhone. You can shoot video and review instantly, upload to the internet, email, or watch on your computer screen.

It doesn’t get any better, no matter how you look at it.

This baby works works with your phone’s front and rear camera and shoots in portrait (vertical) and landscape (horizontal) mode. Bogeyman suggests vertical, it will make you look thinner.

The gadget sells for $16.95 at Golf Discount and other places.

Tom Watson’s Lessons of a Lifetime Instructional DVDs

A two-DVD set produced by the eight-time major championship winner, it provides 44 lessons averaging 4 minutes each of comprehensive instruction. In a recent survey – conducted by Tom Watson Productions – 93% of those polled said the DVDs improved their game. Another 78% said the DVDs were the best instruction program they had used.

Keep in mind, it wouldn’t take much to improve ol’ Bogey’s game. Pretty much any instruction might be beneficial, even directions from the parking lot.

But for $49.95, this has potential. A number of stores carry it, including Dick’s Sporting Goods.

Club Fitting

The big fella deserves a lot better than those 1979 Walter Hagens. There’s no better way to get dad up to speed than a proper club fitting. Almost all the golf outlets in town offer a driver fitting for less than $100. It gets a little pricier as you start going through the bag.

One suggestion is to call John Kelly. He was a club fitter before it became hip to be a club fitter, and has been recognized as one of “America’s Top 100 Club Fitters” by Golf Digest. Kelly handles almost all the manufacturers, and then some. He does club repairs, adjustments, etc.

For an appointment, you can reach John Kelly at (636) 349-1123 or jkelly@sunsethillsgolfcourse.net.

Drive for dough

TaylorMade essentially has taken over the equipment world. After all, when you can sell people on a white driver, which the company did last year, you can make it rain.

While white was right for a lot of people, the company is now introducing an all-black version of the R1 driver. It features the same technology contained in the original white R1, including 168 possible adjustment settings, a 12-way adjustable hosel and a sole plate that facilitates seven face angle adjustments. This thing might even make Julienne fries.

The black R1 costs the same as the white, $399, and should be arriving in various stores this week, in limited quantities.

Like a glove

SensoGlove is a golf glove with built-in sensors that constantly read grip pressure. Purportedly, practicing with it will teach you the correct grip pressure for a consistent swing, which of course leads to greater distance, accuracy, lower scores … you know the rest.

Light grip pressure is something that gets talked about a lot, but it’s tough to identify exactly what it is. For instance, the Bogeyman often asks his boss to get a grip on himself. Maybe this would help.

The glove goes for $59.99 on www.intheholegolf.com and can still be ordered in time for the Father’s Day.

Home WhatsOn Painters share artistic passion, friendly chats,…

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Milton Canadian Champion

Colourful, eclectic and memorable easily define the works that are on display at the Milton Centre for the Arts Holcim Gallery this month.

Group of Twelve — Tuesday Painters who are members of Fine Arts Society of Milton (FASM) — have their works on display until June 23.

Years ago when FASM was in its infancy, some of the artists began a weekly paint-in. They wanted to provide mentoring for people who wanted to learn more as well as paint in company. That group became the Tuesday Painters who meet at Grace Anglican Church every week for painting time and a friendly lunch. They also help each other regularly by exchanging ideas and critiques.

“I defy anyone to go over there (Holcim Gallery) and not find something they like,” said Neil McCormick, show organizer, who has five works on display. “I’m pleased with the outcome…there’s some abstract, some landscaping, some street scenes – a really eclectic selection.”

The show features artwork by: Shirley Dills, Suzanne Garceau, Cristina Garza, Joan Hatten, Merv Kaye, Helen Lennon, McCormick, Janice McDermott, Roisin Nelson, Jean Rivers, Donna Sanderson and Diane Will.

“I think we all share a love of what we are doing,” McCormick said. “The artists come from all over — Guelph, Georgetown, Burlington, Port Credit and of course Milton.”

Ideas wanted for town centre eyesore

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Coun Rebecca Blake is consulting residents about the Edward Street area. Picture by Marcus Mingins 2413013MMR

RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say on how they want a run down area of Redditch Town centre to be transformed.

Rebecca Blake, Labour’s Parliamentary spokeswoman for Redditch, has decided to kick-off the debate about the area around the railway station amidst rumours developers and supermarket giant Asda are looking at the site.

She is hosting a survey on her website to encourage residents and businesses to give their views on what should happen in the area.

Ms Blake said she decided to act after a number of people contacted her with concerns.

“The train station is a gateway to our town. Despite many recent improvements in the area, including the pedestrian access, landscaping and artwork more needs to be done,” she said.

“I am sick of the sight of the derelict buildings next to the station, on Bromsgrove Road and Edward Street.

“They give a negative image of our town and what’s more some of these factories are part of our industrial heritage, yet have become a complete eyesore. Last week we hosted the national bike tour and this is not how we want to greet our visitors.

“For all of my life, many of these buildings have been in disrepair and this has been allowed to continue for far too long.”

The Edward Street site, which contains the derelict Abel Morrall and later Clive Works needlemaking building, has long been identified for redevelopment. It is currently classified as a strategic site suitable for any town centre use ranging from offices, retail, leisure and residential.

The land has also been identified as a priority project in the Town Centre Strategy.

Residents’ views will be passed on to Redditch Borough Council for consideration in developing planning policy.

To complete the survey visit www.rebecca-blake.org.uk/survey or for a printed copy call 07529 964 840. Surveys should be submitted by 5pm on July 11.

When asked about the rumours Oliver Jones, communications manager for ASDA, said: “While our customers tell us they’d love to see ASDA’s famous low prices in Redditch, we don’t have any concrete plans at the moment.”

Five gardens featured in Yorkville club’s walk

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Submitted

June 11, 2013 3:24PM

The Fox River is the backdrop for the large yard belonging to Jeremy and Ruth Porter. Their garden and four others can be viewed on Saturday, June 22, during the Yorkville Garden Walk. | Submitted

Updated: June 11, 2013 8:16PM

The Fox River is the backdrop for Jeremy and Ruth Porter’s large yard. Their property is lined with fruit trees, perennials, shrubs and mature trees, and the landscaping leading from the house to the river is the perfect place to linger and reflect on the scenery.

Their garden and four others can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 22, during Yorkville’s Garden Walk. Tickets are $10 each before the day of the walk and $12 that day. Tickets are available through the Garden Club’s website www.yorkvillegardenclub.org.

This year the “Garden Junction Boutique” will feature gifts for purchase at several homes on the walk. Select from aprons for children, stepping stones and hummingbird feeders. New this year is a raffle featuring a basket with items donated by Winding Creek Nursery and from the Garden Club’s Garden Junction Boutique.

Tickets for the Garden Walk may be purchased at the following places:

Yorkville Flower Shoppe, 216 S. Bridge St., Yorkville

Yorkville Public Library, 902 Game Farm Road, Yorkville

Caring Hands Thrift Store, 1002 S. Bridge St., Yorkville

Winding Creek Nursery, 8241 Millbrook Roa, Millbrook

Lizzie’s Garden, 24254 111th St., Naperville

www.Yorkvillegardenclub.org

To learn more, call 630-553-8949 or www.yorkvillegardenclub.org. No strollers.

The Yorkville Garden Club was founded in February 1995 by a group of friends who shared a love of flowers and gardening. Members continue that love of flowers and gardening and strive to make a difference in the community.

The Yorkville Garden Club offers two annual scholarships, and the scholarship fund is supported solely through the Garden Walk every two years. The club meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month February through November at 215 Hillcrest Ave., Yorkville. The annual membership fee is $20.

House of Landscaping Look to Grow with SEODesk

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SEO Desk logo

(PRWEB UK) 12 June 2013

House of Landscaping is very proud to announce that they have entered into a business partnership with SEODesk. This move will see SEODesk assisting the Surrey based landscaping company to rank higher on search engines and to improve their online service to customers.

House of Landscaping has long been proud of the range of landscaping, garden and property improvements they can provide and the company also places a great deal of importance on customer service. Working alongside one of the premier search engine optimisation experts in the country will help House of Landscaping to further improve the service that they can provide to customers.

With summer eventually starting to come into view, many people will be considering how to get the most out of their garden and this is where the full range of House of Landscaping services can be of benefit. Whether a customer is looking for immediate benefits to make the most of 2013 or they are happy to enjoy their garden for many years to come, it makes sense to contact House of Landscaping. The company is happy to provide a no obligation and no fee consultation so anyone keen to find new ideas for their garden can benefit greatly.

The full range of garden design Reigate services provided by the firm can benefit homes and gardens of every size and there are options for every budget. Anyone seeking driveways Reigate advice will be glad to know that the firm can take the process from planning through construction all the way to tidying up at the end of the project.

House of Landscaping are proud of the service that they provide and they hope that with the assistance of SEODesk, they will be the name that people find when looking for garden design and landscaping support in the Reigate area and beyond.

About House of Landscaping:

House of Landscaping has a strong track record of landscaping services in the Surrey area and there is no shortage of strong testimonials backing the company and the work that they provide. With a focus on customer service, the company is always happy to provide advice and offer a no obligation and no consultation service for all potential clients.

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Garden walk to take place in La Porte City

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LA PORTE CITY, Iowa — The La Porte City FFA Historical and Ag Museum will sponsor the “Be Inspired” garden walk from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. June 23.

Visitors will be treated to five individual gardens as well as view one business in the process of completing a major landscaping and renovation project.

Gardens featured on the tour are:

Gary and Sherry Sheffler, featuring spacious lawns and gardens and lots of rustic elements.

David and Marcia Snook, featuring an historic porch and cottage garden.

Steve and Deb Wilson, featuring themed gardens and more than 200 varieties of hostas and 250 varieties of day lilies.

Patrick and Brenda Gardner, gardens include mature specimens surrounded by architectural elements repurposed.

Nancy Olson, featuring a pond and grasses.

La Porte City Golf Club, recently purchased by Wally Markham. Guests will be treated to all new landscaping around the Club house and tee boxes as well as improvements inside. Participants may finish the day here and enjoy free hors d’oeuvres from 3 to 5 p.m. and drink specials. A drawing for a door prize will take place at 5 p.m.

Advance tickets are available at Laurie’s Boutique, You’re Look’n Good, LPC Bakery, and the museum. Tickets accompanied by a guide and maps may be purchased the day of the garden walk at the museum, 408 Main St., or Patrick and Brenda Gardner’s garden at 1641 55th St. Tickets are $5 each with all proceeds benefiting the museum.

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