May’s Weather Sends Plants Into Low Gear
The weather got ya down? Maybe it’s time for a little May potpourri - a little bit of this and a little bit of that. In fact, let’s start with the weather.
Has this been typical Spokane weather for the first two week of May? It may not be scientific, but I looked back to my weather calendar that I’ve been keeping for the last three years. After comparing high and low temperatures for the first two weeks of May for the last three years, I’d say we are in a real slump.
The first two weeks of May, 1994, went something like this. We basked in warm temperatures ranging in the 70s and low 80s. There were a couple of 60ish temperatures thrown in - ah, but they were warm 60s. The lows were pretty much in the mid-40s to low-50s. Great growing temperatures.
The highs for the first two weeks of May, 1995, pretty much stayed between the mid-50s and mid-60s. (Notice the change.) Lows stayed within the 40-degree range with a few high 30s.
And than came the first two weeks of May, 1996. These temperatures may explain why plants are in low gear, if not reverse. High temperatures have averaged only in the mid-50s. Lows have been around or below freezing. In 1990 and ‘91 we also saw a few below-freezing temperatures during this period. Obviously there is no “typical” weather in May.
Perhaps this may explain why “old timers” say don’t plant until Mother’s Day or until the snow is off Mount Spokane.
Now to other topics:
How do we keep a gardenia alive? For all you doubting Cathy’s, I think I’ve found the answer! Not only for keeping it alive, but for getting it to bloom.
First, set it in a pot that doesn’t drain. I know, I know, this is going against all laws of potted plants. But we’re not dealing with just any houseplant. We’re dealing with gardenias. Keep it saturated. Not moist, but saturated. Next, place it in a west-facing window where it gets plenty of light. Mine sits in a bay window so light hits it from three sides.
My shabby-looking gardenia (20 leaves sitting atop eight barren twigs) was on its way to the compost heap when I decided to try this brutal treatment. Today it still has very few leaves, but it’s covered with buds and three of them are blooming!
I’d like to introduce you to a couple of new kids on the block:
Fantasy Pink Morn Petunia: This delightful little petunia was chosen as one of three 1996 All American Winners. It is the first in a new class of petunias named “milliflora” meaning many small blooms. The plant is about two-thirds the size of a normal petunia with flowers about 1 to 1-1/4 inches. Because of its compact size, pinching and pruning isn’t necessary to achieve continuous flowering. The blossoms are pink, fading to creamy white at the center. It is positively delightful. Great for borders and planters. It is available at most nurseries.
Lawn Green: This product is made for all of you who write me about dog spots on the lawn. Don’t laugh.
Lawn Green is a grass paint. Jim Wellborn, president of GreenGraphics, explains: “Grass paints, also known as turf colorants, have long been available for professional use on golf courses, in sports stadiums and for commercial enterprises. It is now available to the homeowner.”
Lawn Green is reputed to be environmentally safe and not harmful to humans or pets.
To touch up small areas or a larger section of lawn, simply mix water with Lawn Green at a ratio of 15-to-1 and apply with whatever sprayer is available around the house or garage. Even a hand-mister used when ironing clothes will do the job.
According to Wellborn, “The grass paint contains a translucent binder which essentially glues particles of color to the grass blade, thereby participating with the natural color of the grass. Because it is porous, the paint protects the dormant grass as it struggles to restore itself.”
Modern technology. You can now have a green lawn and your doggie, too.
, DataTimes The following fields overflowed: CREDIT = Phyllis Stephens The Spokesman-Review