Luscher Farm

 

May 2013  

 

Ribbon

Hi Community Gardeners!

 

I hope you enjoy receiving these monthly newsletters. If you do not want to receive these anymore, please feel free to click "unsubscribe" at the top of this email or on the bottom where it says "Safe Unsubscribe."

 

Karen Davis

Luscher Farm Coordinator
503-638-0376
Invasive  WATCH FOR THIS PLANT
Lesser Celandine is on the prowl, or maybe I should say on the gallop.  This beautiful plant is rapidly spreading  throughout  the Northwest and has arrived in the Portland area big time.   It looks like an over sized buttercup/daisy flower with colt-hoof shaped leaves that are rather shiny and rubbery.  The plant spreads by seeds,roots, tubers or even plant parts.  When removing these plants, dispose of them in plastic bags with the garbage, not the compost pile or your recycle lawn debris cans.  Nothing makes it happier than good a compost environment.  It is know to completely overtake forest floors killing native plants.  It is often brought in by compost or plants that have have been dug up and moved into people's gardens.  Don't let this beautiful plant fool you.  The Dept of Agriculture has information about it and Goggle is always available.  Some community gardens in Portland have it spreading throughout their plots.  Check your home gardens and your neighborhood. 

GARDEN ACTIVITIES

  

 

Good News - Garden Help Is Available For Hire!!

If you need work done in your plot this year you might consider hiring Luscher Farm's Caretaker, Brice Anderson.  Brice is available to do projects you don't want to or aren't able to do yourself. You may contact him directly at 503-313-5478 to discuss details.

 

Interested in having your plot rototilled?

 

Working up the soil in a plot that hasn't been worked much  for a few years is back breaking work!  Consider bringing in some mulch and tilling it in makes gardening much more enjoyable.  Bring in your own tiller or call Karen at 503-638-0376.  Our caretaker will till overgrown/ weedy plots for $75 or mostly weed free plots for $50.  

 

 

 

CLASSES AT LUSCHER FARM

 

Make a CSA Share Smoothie 

Use your fresh produce to create a healthy drink that aids digestion and adds energy to your life.  One green strong smoothie every day can help you lose weight and feel great. Recipes included. 

Thursday, May 16       6-7:30p 

To register , click here   

 

  

Tomato Tips from Master Gardeners

Master Gardeners share their knowledge and secrets for growing America's favorite vegetable.  You will be the most popular person in the neighborhood!  Topics include choosing varieties, transplanting, fertilizing, staking and watering needs.

Saturday, May 11     2:30-4p 

To register, click here 

 

 

Lake Oswego Hanging Baskets  

Treat your favorite Mom and yourself to a "do it yourself"

 class, making your own look-a-like Lake Oswego Hanging

 Basket.  Learn to make you own basket using identical plants,

 and other materials.  Leave with your creation that

compliments your home's color theme.

To register: 

Saturday May 5     10:-11:15    click here           

Saturday  May 5     1-2:15 p      click here

 

 

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To register for other classes, click here 

 

Things to do this Month
 
  • Plant dahlias, gladioli, and tuberous begonias beginning in mid-May.
  • Invest in a soil thermometer. It should be time to plant brussel sprouts, cucumbers, onions, and potatoes by mid-month.  Consider buying a soil thermometer.
  • Control slugs with bait (iron phosphate based) or traps or by removing by hand (ick). They like to hide under boards, so lay down a few boards and gather them when you go to garden.
  • Red Pot owners said that tomato starts are ahead of schedule this year, as opposed to the last two years due to warmer weather and less rain this year.
  • Plant chrysanthemums for fall color.
  • Put some organic matter into your soil as your start gardening this year- it's so good for your garden. It will pay off.
  • Watch for blossoms on your strawberries.  Then mark your calendar 45 days into the future to remind yourself when you will have berries for your breakfast. 

Something to Think about if Your Are Planning a Tomato Garden 

 

An old man lived alone in New Jersey. He wanted to plant his annual tomato garden, but it was very difficult work, as the ground was hard.

 

His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

 

Dear Burno,

I am feeling pretty sad, because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up the garden plot. I know if you were here, my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig up the plot for me, like you did in the old days.

Love,

Papa

 

A few days later he received a letter from his son.

 

Dear Pop,

Don't dig up that garden. That's where the bodies are buried,

Love,

Burno

 

At 4 the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left.

 

That same day the old man received another letter from his son.

 

Dear Pop,

Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances.

Love you,

Bruno  
 
I hope you find these monthly newsletters interesting and informational. They are sent out the fourth Thursday of each month. Please tell me if there are topics you would like me to include in future
newsletters.  If you would like to unsubscribe from receiving these newsletters, please click the link "SafeUnsubscribe" found at the bottom of this email.
If you have any comments  or questions you may reach me at luscherfarm@ci.oswego.or.us or 503-638-0376.  
See you in the garden,
Karen
In This Issue
Watch for this plant
Garden Activities
Spring Gardening Tips
Something to Think About
Discover Active Living!

To view the Winter/Spring 2013 Catalog, click here. To register for Parks & Recreation programs, please call the registrar 503-675-2549 or visit www.lakeoswegoparks.org
 
 
 
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Luscher Farm Sponsors and Donors

Dennis' 7 Dees-Fertilizer

Faryl Ammon-Tractor help 

Terry Cockrell-Tools        

Daniel Verberg- Eagle     Scout Project

David Rood-Whirligig