Let’s Talk Gardening

June 13, 2009

Composting with Cindy Townsend: Clay or sand, TLC Premium Planting Mix, Tumbler Composter, 3 bin compost bin, 8-T-post, chicken wire.

Layer straw then add green layer (grass clippings, weeds) shredded paper, coffee filter, egg shells, hair (has lots nitrogen) tea bags. Top off with soil, water good and add Compost Maker. Turn every 2 weeks. Move compost to second bin (2 months) and turn again every 2 weeks. In 3-4 months finished product which in gardeners’ terms is black gold. Compost needs to warm up to work!

Ken’s Garden Tips: Gift suggestions for Father’s Day: Cedar swing, Bird cam, Corona Multitask tool, Sprinkler, Go Fly a Kite!

Vines with April Enos: Mandevillea, Clerodendron, Yellow Mandevillea, Clematis ‘Avalanche’ (evergreen), Akebia, grape vine, Hardy Kiwi, Blackberry, Variegated California Ivy, Morning Glory ‘Moonflower’, Clematis ‘Princess Diana’, Climbing Hydrangea, Pandorea Vine, Silver Lace Vine, Wisteria, Climbing Rose.

Trellis and Arbors with Brian Pirtle: Large metal trellis, Wooden fan trellis, Wisteria needs heavy duty support. Clematis ‘Princess Diana’, Clematis, Purple hyacinth bean, Black-eye Susan Vine, Candy Corn Vine

Fasteners: Green vinyl tape, Trellis Mount, Invisible Trellis, Tomato Cage, Dutchman’s Pipe.

Marching Orders:

1. Mulch prevents weeds and preserves moisture.

2. Visit us at the ‘Festival in the Park’ at Will Rogers Park’, 10-4.

Questions: Do we need to use a special formula fertilizer on hydrangeas?

Answer: Just use a regular 20-20-20 plant food.

Best of Show: Maxine Melendy, Red Poppies