Friday, May 16, 2008

Mary Claire Rowe

Posted on Thursday, January 24, 2008

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When Putting Down Roots, It's Hard To Move

Mary Claire Rowe

All gardeners have to face a sad fact at least once, and that is the removal of a large tree.

For any number of reasons, a tree has to be taken down. It is a hard decision to make and expensive prospect. The professionals do a wonderful job, but most of us hate to have a tree cut down, and we put it off as long as we safely can.

When the day arrives for the men to come for the tree, everything has to be moved from the drop zone, and there is always worry that something might go awry. Usually, all goes well.

Then the gardener is left with the task of re-planning the garden to take advantage of the new climate of more sunshine and drier conditions. Shade-lovers will have to be moved, and sun-lovers put in their place. In a way, it can be a fun event, for it is like getting a whole new garden. Different plants to decide upon and buy, it can be quite invigorating. Most of us love to re-decorate, and what better place than a garden.

(Photo Courtesy Of Mary Claire Rowe)

GARDEN BEAUTY: This brilliant red amaryllis can be the showpiece of any garden. To bring one of these large bulbs to blossom, soak the bottom third of the bulb in warm water, so that the roots will become pliable. This will ease their spread into the pot.

My gardens have for the most part been shady areas, and I know the plants that do well there. Now, I will have the opportunity to try some of the plants I have coveted for years, because I will have the right garden environment for them.

These rainy, cold days will be perfect for dragging out all the old gardening books, plant catalogues, home or garden magazines, and IDEA Garden pictures, making a hot cup of tea, and making a wish list. So, there must be something good about this dreary weather after all.

Hmmm, perhaps a goldfish pond, which needs more sunshine. ...

"What's Blooming In Our Garden'' is a regular feature of the Tyler Morning Telegraph Garden Page. It is written by Mary Claire Rowe, a Master Gardener with the Texas Cooperative Extension, and focuses on flowers and plant life around East Texas. To share your comments on gardening, write her in care of the Morning Telegraph.

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