MGs & Interns,
Thanks to some very energetic workers last week a lot was accomplished. All plants and equipment were moved out of the old greenhouse and it was disinfected with a clorox scrub down; the same was done in the new greenhouse earlier. The tops were removed from the potting tables and will be replaced with plastic lattice which will provide better drainage and will be much easier to keep clean. Hopefully, this resurfacing will be completed by Wednesday and we can begin to move some of the sun sensitive plants back in. Two of the rose beds received their spring cleaning and we will move on to the others next week.
All the vegetable beds have been planted and everything seems to be thriving. Luckily, the pests have not been a big problem yet, but the mockingbirds have discovered that some of the tomatoes are beginning to ripen and are mounting an assault. Some okra seeds were saved from the ‘Baby Bubba” miniature variety from last year’s okra test and hopefully we can get them to germinate as they were very popular. We’re experimenting with some ‘Sugar Baby’ watermelon this year and the two hills we planted have sprouted. We didn’t have much luck with the ‘Black Diamonds’ last year so we thought another variety would do better in our soil. The citrus “orchard” is looking great and will get it’s second shot of fertilizer next week to sustain all the Meyer lemons, satsumas and grapefruit that are hanging on.
The big bed with the cannas and lantana cascading over the wall is really beautiful now and many have commented on how colorful and bright it is. We’re so used to seeing it that we just take it for granted, but first time visitors to the garden are really amazed by it; someone commented last week that it looked like a postcard. This is because of all the hard work and attention so many of you have given these beds, and if I haven’t said it loud enough: thank you! It’s obvious that for many, working in the garden is a pleasure and not just an obligation.
See you next week……………….