by Kenan White | Sep 23, 2010 | Basics, Gardening |
Keeping a journal of what goes on in the garden is a great way to keep a record of past events and how the garden grows. By looking back, one can better remember past weather and compare to how current weather may be affecting plants and more generally why the garden is as it is. As it is now, here in Tidewater, Virginia it is really hot and really dry. We haven’t had a really good rain since sometime in spring. So for me as a gardener there has been little exciting to write about; dragging hoses is not very interesting – I know some people who have had this lawn service richmond va company come out and put an irrigation system in their lawns to help with maintaining the grass, among other things, but we’re determined to do it all ourselves. We have not planted our fall salad patch just because it is too hot and dry for success!
One thing I have done is plant some herb plants in clay pots; diameters are from 6 to 8 inches. These potted herbs are growing on my back step, a place with plenty of morning sun and access to water. The drought has made fall planting an unappealing venture, so gardeners may have to change their seasonal patterns while planting this fall. Normally my fall herbs would be planted in a ground bed, but success does not seem likely because it would be hard to water often.
Even with the dry conditions, the growing season ticks on, getting closer to winter each day. So as any gardener knows, timing is everything. If we want things like fresh herbs in winter, we must plant soon or the growing season will fade. To get plenty of fresh herbs this winter, they must be mostly grown before winter. No amount of lighting or heat can match real sunshine. If your garden is as fried as mine, consider a small collection of potted herb plants, and work around the drought.
by Kenan White | Aug 18, 2010 | Exploring, Life on the Farm |
My son just brought this spring nest to my attention – the birds have fledged and are now moving freely around the farm. Their nest, a home that they shared for months, is all that is left. When you really look closely, you can see how industrious these birds really are.
Not far away is the pasture for my wife’s horses – inside the barn, where she grooms them, is an apparent Home Depot for building supplies. Upon close inspection, much of this nest is made out of horse hair – the hair from the tail and mane that is extremely durable and has been used throughout history for a number of uses: paint brushes, upholstery, musical instruments, fishing line. I paid a pretty penny for a great looking horsehair belt.
We think the nest was made by a Jenny Wren but can’t be sure … are any of you gardeners out there ornithologists? We’d love to settle some bets around the office.
by Kenan White | Jun 2, 2010 | Miscellaneous |
Here are the directions to our farm – Annual Plant Sale on Friday, June 11 and Saturday, June 12. 9 to 3 … checks and cash only. We have lots of herbs, annuals, succulents, perennials and houseplants. We need to clean house to begin our fall crop!
11110 Sandy Fields Road
Charles City, VA 23030
Mapquest is pretty good about directions, we aren’t! About an hour east of Richmond, 40 minutes west of Williamsburg.
Off of Route 5 on 619 (Weyanoke Road) – once you get to the turnaround circle, come into SANDY FIELDS ROAD and head to the greenhouses!
See you there!
by Kenan White | May 17, 2010 | Life on the Farm |
I have not made a journal entry in so long, I do not remember when it was. The reason is simple; I have been busy packing plants for shipment. When planting time finally arrives, everyone wants their plants now! And we understand because I have been planting my own garden by head lamp. So The Growers Exchange staff has been working overtime in high gear. Almost all of our boxes make it, to those few that don’t, we sent replacement quickly.
Now things have settled down; we are still busy sending plants but that initial spring rush is over. Our children have all pitched in at times to help us through the spring rush. My son Jesse found the snake pictured. He found it in the bottle brush buckeye next to the farm office. From the bumps in it’s middle it was obviously well fed. We were hoping the baby blue jays would fledge, but the snake had other plans. We catch the black snakes with various snake charmer skills. One thing is sure; you better be quick!
About the same time the snake was outside eating baby birds, my incubator was working overtime hatching lots of chicks. My wife said that the incubator costs as much as a set of golf clubs, but at least this hobby keeps me at work! So, Jesse and I decided to pose for a shot – a nice juxtoposition – the snake is probably a little happier than the chicks. They made it safely into the brooder, and Jesse took the snake a ways down the river bank before releasing him.
by Kenan White | Mar 15, 2010 | Exploring, Flowers, Growing, Herbs, Life on the Farm, Miscellaneous |
Returning from vacation is usually not something one looks forward to. It marks the end of the trip that you have been waiting so long to take. All the months that you spent planning, preparing, and getting everything in place seems like a distant memory now. As sad as this idea is, all good things must come to an end. If you don’t finish one vacation, how can you take another? Surely you have been dreaming of the day you can jump on a private jet, that you have hired through a company like Jettly, and travel to the likes of New York, London, Paris, and lots of other different countries and cities? Taking trips like this is what life is all about, and just think about all of the memories and stories that you’ll come back with. That alone must be enough to persuade you to take another vacation as soon as possible.
In the meantime, adjusting to the normality of your life is something that you’re going to have to focus on for now. With that being said, leaving plants in the greenhouse does leave something worth returning to. Walking into the greenhouse this morning, I was stunned to see how much all of my herb plants and flowering annuals had grown. Just look at the picture and see that our plants are ready for spring.
The basil plant had grown a full inch and the leaf buds are popping on the bay leaf plants! Spring is almost here, whether herb gardening or growing flowers and veggies this year the time to get started in now! Besides the plants, the rest of my job was about like average. Start thinking about your garden and let The Growers- Exchange.com help get your spring started.
