Sweet Petunias House Flag is a cheerful reminder of spring
The weather is always a topic for the gardener. It rules our lives. In Northern California we have been experiencing a cool, wet spring which has surprised everyone. The old timers used to say about gardening, "Don't put a thing in the ground until June 1st." Of course I always tried to push the season a little. But for many years, it has been possible to plant corn in late April and the second planting in mid May and have all the warm weather vegetables in the ground and flourishing by June. Maybe that change had to to with global warming. But this spring has been a throw back to when I first got here and I've been surprised and a little pleased by the change.
In recent years, spring lasted for a very short period. There would be a few nice days and then suddenly it would be very hot and very dry. It brought on fire season early and many summers ended with smokey skies and fire alerts, so this late rainy spring has made us all feel safer. There is plenty of water and the fire danger will be way down. The small firs and pines are loving it. They have grown a foot at least and are still pushing up. The peas and onions, the carrots and broccoli have sprouted and grown nicely.
However the tomatoes I planted fresh from the greenhouse, have suffered. Some of the newest growth died back. But I am surprised that the corn and beans I planted the second week of May has sprouted in spite of the cold rain and wind. Today was the first sunny day we have had in a while and I spent all day in the flower beds weeding, having to change into my coat and wear a hat when the wind came up. I gave manure tea to the tomatoes and peppers, thinking that will give them the confidence they need to continue growing. They have not put out new leaves since I put them in the ground.
Once the flower bed was weed free, I planted the petunias I bought at the nursery. Their bright colors always cheer my heart. I gave them the manure tea also and have come in the house to start the fire and warm up. It isn't supposed to freeze tonight, but more cold storm is on the way Tuesday. I'm happy with the garden this year, although it's late. And it's almost June, when it's safe to plant!
I found this Petunia flag while I was looking for a present for my sister. I think she'll like it!
At Sweet Petunias House Flag
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Posted by Marilyn Renaker at May 26, 2010 8:35 AM
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