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A Gardener's Notebook: The latest incarnation of my column detailing the trials and tribulations of my garden. Join the list and ask your own questions about gardening Subscribe

Happy memories can sometimes be even more enjoyable than the events that created them. While the baby shower was a big success, it is only now that I’m able to look back on the event and remember some of the nice things; the smiles, the laughter; the presents. As is often the case, we’re too busy coordinating an event to take much stock of what’s really happening. It is only as I sit here typing that I get a chance to reflect. That is often one of the best benefits of writing this column.

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Cleanup

We always seem blessed by an easy cleanup with the parties we host. I have found a few paper cups scattered here and there, but nothing else to clutter the garden. The garden itself underwent a few weeks of cleanup before the party so there’s not much to be done in that regard, either. Leaves need to be raked again, as always. Even though we collected up all the leaves 2 days before the party there was already a light covering when the guests arrived. The large Eucalyptus tree seems to provide a steady stream, as do the evergreen Carrot Wood trees (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) that are scattered about. We’ve been having light breezes during the daytime the last week or so and this helps to contribute to the leaf drop as well. Pity these breezes aren’t enough to alleviate the heat. We did have one day this week where it was comfortable to sit in the garden even during the middle of the afternoon. I take this as a pleasant indication that there will be nicer days to come.

Now that I have the time I need to concentrate on some regular maintenance that has been ignored while we concentrated on making the garden pretty. Nut Grass always seems on the verge of taking over the beds in the front garden despite some recent attempts to remove its roots more carefully instead of just pulling off the tops. I am trying a variety of tools to assist in this task, but I haven’t found one that works in all conditions. I have a typical forked-tongue weeder like those usually used for dandelions as well as a hand hoe I picked up recently. Whatever the tool, you have to be careful to pull the grass out of the ground with one hand while you loosen the surrounding soil with the other. I find runners from one plant as much as a foot away, starting another clump of grass in that location. Perseverance appears to be the only thing strong enough to fight against this stuff.

Dry, dry, dry

The drought throughout the US and elsewhere still appears to be with us. The AGN Mailing list has carried messages showing that the drought isn’t just killing lawns and small plants, but large trees and bushes, as well. While it might be too late for some plants in your garden I’ve found several sources of information on the Web that might be able to help you keep your garden alive until the rains come again. Hopefully you will find something on these sites that can help you reduce the damage.

Drought Information

Tips to Help You and Your Plants Survive Outdoor Watering Restrictions and Bans

Protecting Your Lawn, Garden In A Drought

Protecting landscape plants from environmental damage

 

Gardening Tips by John Begeman

College of Agriculture, The University of Arizona

Current Drought Threatens Many Urban Trees

Drought Leaves Trees In Need of Water

 

What was happening a year ago (or more) in my garden? August 29, 1999 Mending Wall August 1996 Refurbishing an older garden (1st AGN Column)