Note from the Editor   

Today is another hot, dry day with .18" of rain in the forecast and the next chance of rain is predicted to be on Wednesday but totaling less than today. We are in an unusually dry area with various amounts of rain north, south, east and west of here. The Tigers' series that just ended was delayed over 5 hours in total because of rain near Detroit. Areas to the south, near Coldwater, farmed by the family of a friend, have gotten no significant rain for almost 8 weeks. It will rain again, we all know that, but times until then will be challenging for green thumbers.

My friend's family farms nearly 2,000 acres some of which is irrigated and those fields with irrigation are doing ok. I asked, if we get some significant rain in the next couple of weeks or so, how the fields that aren't irrigated will do and he said the crops in the heavy ground will probably be ok but it could be a different story for those in sandy soil. Not many of us need to be concerned with this weather's effect on 2,000 acres but we are understandably concerned with our own gardens, lawns and landscaping. All need not be lost. With a little vigilance, work and perseverance we can enjoy a successful growing season.

Drip irrigation is one of the simplest methods of getting through dry spells. It can be as elaborate or as simple as you want to make it. Wedel's has everything you need from kits for containers to landscapes to individual components that allow you to design and build your own system. Once your system is installed it will be there year after year so you can easily provide the ideal amount and method of watering for any application you have. I know the idea of designing and installing a garden or landscape irrigation system is daunting but it really is easier than you might think and always remember, there are experts at the garden center who will be more than happy to explain the entire process. There will probably be times and seasons when you won't need to use the system but, when we do have dry periods or less than ideal rainfall, all you will need to do is flip a switch on a timer.

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July and were able to celebrate it in the way it was meant to be celebrated as a man who was there for the first one recommended. In a letter to his wife, Abigail, John Adams wrote, " ...It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more..." History is fascinating when it becomes more than names and dates only. When you read the words of the original documents that trace the stories of the founders you find what this singular country was, is and was meant to be. The greatest country on earth. That's what the 4th of July is all about.  

Ready for another trivia question? By whom was the Adora potato originally bred? The first reader to respond with the correct answer will win a $15.00 Wedel's gift certificate. The gift certificate must be picked up here at the garden center and remember, you are eligible to win once every 90 days. Good luck and have fun!

'Til next time,

Jim