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Greetings!
It seems like summer has arrived, just in the last week. I've noticed we are starting to water some of the smaller plants on our tables twice a day and I bet you are having to water more frequently too. This week's newsletter spotlights proper watering techniques for conservation and plant health.
We're also kicking off our summer schedule in June! We've got painting for kids every Wednesday afternoon in the summer, and for adults every Thursday afternoon. We are happy to welcome back Cecilia Campos Merino and to introduce Suzanne Stevens - these will be GREAT classes!
 | | Older sibling on the left, younger one on the right |
If you've visited lately, you may have noticed how big the baby hawks are. We're positive now there's only two chicks so we're kicking off the naming contest. The winner will receive a $25 Papershell Gift Card, so send in your nominations. We won't be able to tell if they are males or females until much later, so keep that in mind! Feel free to share this newsletter with your friends so they can vote too!
 | | Leaffooted Bug - My Sworn Enemy |
Even though it's getting warmer outside there is still plenty to do in the garden! Give us a call or email me if you have gardening questions. I am seeing a lot more insect activity compared to this time last year! Or you canfind us on Facebook. We're able to update our Facebook page more frequently with pictures and information you might find helpful.
Thanks for signing up for our email newsletter! Come see us soon! |
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Watering Trees & Shrubs
Newly planted trees and shrubs need particular care during the summer. People often underestimate how much water is required when they plant a large tree or new row of shrubs. In addition, they sometimes overlook the fact that a new plant's rootball is only as big as the pot it just came out of. So in order for the plant to take advantage of the water, it must be applied in just the right spot. I think it's a risky proposition to entrust new trees & shrubs to a sprinkler system. It's better to handwater with a hose directly over the root zone of the new plants. That way you know your plant is getting enough water.
 | | Critical Area - Inside the Box (The Drip Zone) |
One estimate of a tree's water use is about 10 gallons per inch of trunk diameter (at chest height). This means that small, 15-gallon tree with a 4" caliper needs 40 gallons of water at a time. You'll have to apply this water slowly, so it doesn't run off.
 | | Oleander Damaged By Lack of Water |
Azaleas in particular have a fine root system that is close to the surface of the soil, so they are prone to drying in the summer, even in the shade. Sometimes our shady areas are drier than we imagine, because well-established trees are consuming so much of the available water. Pay particular attention to new shrubs in dry shade, as well as hot sun. Look for evidence of water stress, such as a dulling of the leaf color, browning on the leaf margins, wilting, lack of vigor, and leaf drop. Don't let your trees & shrubs get too dry on their first summer.
Trees & shrubs that are well-established generally can get by with less water than we suppose. If they are not showing signs of stress, and if the soil in the area feels cool and/or moist, you might not need additional water. A good rule of thumb is to provide supplemental water for most trees & shrubs for 2 years but after that, you may only need to water in drought circumstances.
For more information, you can download a 2-page flyer here.
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Watering Lawns & Flowerbeds
On the other hand, many people water their lawns too frequently, even in the hot summer. I have not watered my lawn once this year, and it is just fine -- because we've been lucky enough to have a rainy spring. Our typical turfgrasses will need about an inch or so of water every week to look their best. For most of the year, we've gotten enough rain to get by. Newly planted lawns, of course, need water more frequently, because they don't have a deep root system to provide rely on.
 | | Wait Until Your Lawn Needs It! |
It is much better for your lawn to water deeply and infrequently. How deeply? Enough to provide moisture up to 6" deep. If you can't water that much in one go, turn the water off, allow it to soak into the soil, and water again. You can set up an automatic sprinkler system to do this during the nighttime hours if you like. It also helps to add compost to lawns and beds. Organic matter improves soil structure, so that more water can be absorbed, while simultaneously encouraging proper drainage.
Don't "crown" your flowerbeds so steeply that the water runs off before it soaks in. Be aware that if your mulch is too deep, you may never be getting your soil wet if you water for only short intervals. You only need 1-2" of mulch in a flowerbed or around trees, not 3-4" or more.
 | | Coreopsis leaves deflecting water |
Watch that large leaves of flowers and shrubs aren't deflecting water away from the root zone. Automatic sprinkler systems must be checked periodically to make sure that sprinkler heads are properly adjusted and water is actually going where you want it to go. Again, it is better to water deeply and infrequently. You do not want to encourage roots to come to the top 1" of the soil to get water -- you want them to grow deep into the ground, where they are protected from heat and evaporation.
And think about this: plants have roots all the way around. If you only water on one side of the flowerbed, shrub or tree, only one side of the roots are able to take up water. Thus, only part of the leaves are obtaining necessary water and minerals. Make sure that water is applied evenly in the flowerbed and around shrubs and trees.
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Richmond Farmer's Market
Fans of fresh veggies have a new farmer's market coming soon! The City of Richmond's market opens this Friday, May 25, at 3:30pm. This market will be open on Wednesday mornings, 9:00am to 1:00pm and Friday afternoons, 3:30pm to 7:00pm. All produce is locally grown, within a 200-mile radius. In addition, look for fresh eggs, honey, flowers & herbs!
 | | Fresh eggs - yum! |
Here's the link to their website-- stop by Friday and help the Richmond Farmer's Market get off to a good start!
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Please stop by and visit! Have a glass of world-famous lemonade (or a beer!) -- we'd love to meet you!
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Barrow
Papershell: A Garden Gallery
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Home Canning: Pickles & Fermented Food Saturday, May 26 3:00-4:30pm Preserve the bounty of the spring and summer garden! This is the third in a four-part series on food preservation, led by Master Gardener and Cook Extraordinaire Anne Ondrusek. In this class, we'll go over preparing pickles and fermented foods in the home kitchen. Topics may include dill pickles, sweet pickles, sauerkrauts, & relishes The class is $10 and participants receive a coupon good for 15% off that day's purchases. Class size is limited and reservations are suggested. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Memorial Day
Monday, May 28
We are closed on Mondays generally. Today we are honoring the sacrifices of our veterans and their families.
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Build Your Own Rainbarrel Sunday, June 3 2:00-3:30pm Harvest that rainwater yourself! We'll show you how to build your own rainbarrel for a fraction of the cost of those catalog models. Once you've seen how it works, you may choose to buy a kit containing almost everything you need to build your own. This class is $10 and the optional hardware kit is $10. Participants receive a coupon valid for 15%$ off that day's purchases. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Acrylic Painting For Kids Wednesday, June 6 2:00-3:00pm Artist Cecilia Campos Merino leads this weekly workshop for kids ages 4-10 years. Each week, student artists will complete a new 11x17 acrylic painting on canvas. This workshop is $35 per week and refreshments are provided. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Art Lessons for Adults Thursday, June 7 1:30-4:00pm Artist Suzanne Stevens offers art instruction for adults, including oil painting, acrylic painting and drawing. Classes are appropriate for all skill levels. Download the Supply List here. Lessons are $150 per month (4 lessons). Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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Build a Bottle Tree Sunday, June 10 2:00-3:30pm Papershell Biermeister and Bottle-Tree Maker Tom Barrow leads this workshop ! A bottle tree can be made out of just about anything. In this workshop, we'll show you how to make one from a 4x4 post and reinforcing bar. This class is $10 and includes a 15% off coupon for today's purchases. Call (281) 232-4485 or email us to sign up.
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