The door prize winners: Frank Frascolla, Sheri Twiggs and Mary Lou Kuxhause. Photo by Lori Slocum.
Barbara Anderson
On the 17th of November, Robson Ranch gardeners learned that spring work can be made easier by putting our gardens to bed in the fall! Some of the hints are: cut back herbaceous perennials; mulch 1-4 inches but not more; move or plant new trees, shrubs, or perennials and water them; plant spring bulbs; note what plants did well this growing season, or what did not do well; cut back on watering mature plants; winterize your irrigation system. Effort now will make a big difference as the growing season begins again. For good quality mulch, Living Earth on Rt 407 is a fine source, and Dennis’ Farm Store in Denton is a great place for vegetable plants in the spring and a good source of general gardening information. Of course the pool of resources available through the experience and interests of the Robson gardeners is wonderful and available through a phone call, email or attending a meeting. Once again three lucky attendees received door prizes, sure to help with the garden chores or enhance a room in the house. We look forward to our annual members-only Christmas celebration on December 15: lunch at the Grill at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to our secretary, Joan Petre, at 940-262-0265 if you have not already signed up.
Are you looking forward to a poinsettia this season? Would you like to try to have it bloom again next December? Here’s something to try: keep it outside and nicely watered once the temps warm up. But, in late September begin a “darkness” regimen: put the plant in total darkness for at least 12 hours (14 is better) each night for about 10 weeks. Place it in a box, closet or cupboard for complete darkness. Bring the plant out during the day and place it in a bright, sunny spot, most likely indoors. Good luck!
“Be thankful for falling leaves. Those leaves are making way for buds that are already there, hidden, waiting to appear in the spring. Each falling leaf is a promise of future blessing.” J. Bennett Guess