This week we had it all: Cooler weather and then back to the heat. I’m sure the garden can handle it. This is the time for vacations too. Make sure your landscape plants and garden vegetables have a ‘babysitter’ to keep them watered. All it takes is a couple of days in the blazing heat and they could be toast. Check out your local garden center for ideas on watering your plants efficiently.

This week we featured...

Cowdawg Creations

Garden art is not all about bringing a hardscape element to the garden. For some art it can also add function to your landscape. We met with Lindsay Scott from Cowdawg Creations to look at her unique and functional art. If you have been to Gardenpalooza or any number of garden shows in the area you may have seen her copper art. The interesting thing about her art is that it can also function as a sprinkler, mister, bird feeder or rain chain. Lindsay took us into her shop to show us how she builds each piece. There’s a lot of hands-on workmanship in each piece. From the different cutting tools to the bending of each piece of metal, they are definitely a work of art. These pieces are so unique that the Garden Time crew bought a couple for our yards! Check out some of her up-coming shows or drop her an e-mail if you have anymore questions.

Tree Solutions

This past winter the northwest garden got pretty beat-up by the snow and winds. That may have left your trees a little worse for wear. For the average homeowner you may not know if there was permanent damage done to your large trees in your landscape. To find out what to look for, we called in an expert to get some tips for diagnosing and treating the damage. Terry Flanagan from Teragan and Associates joined Judy to talk about some common and not-so-common problems you may have encountered. First we looked at a tree that was slightly blown over during a winter storm. If the tree is small enough Terry recommended using a guy wire system for righting it and stabilizing it until it returns to normal. Use a 3-point system that utilizes straps around the trunk and not bare wires. If it is a larger tree you will need to get some professional help. Then we went to another location where there were a lot of dead branches in one tree. Here Terry recommended removing the dead, diseased and crossing branches. If you are removing limbs take no more than 1/3 of the branches off a tree. More than that and you will create a top-heavy or weaker tree. Other things to look for are trees with broken or bent tops, trees that look out-of-character for their type, and any type of stress. Always learn about the different varieties of trees in your yard and then you can get a jump start on diagnosing problems. If you have any other questions give Terry a call or seek out an ISA certified arborist.

Band-aid Containers

The dog days of summer can make you feel worn down. Imagine how your planters and containers must feel! Lynn from Drake's 7 Dees (503-256-2223) joined Judy to show us how you can give your planters a little first aid for the mid-summer blahs. First Lynn operated on a container that had lost all of its spring color. By using a knife, a trowel and a simple incision she was able to add a little color spot, and boom, a colorful container again! Next we did a simple transplant. The first example was to simply drop a plant into a container and then fill around it with some decorative moss. The larger pots needed a little ‘plastic’ surgery. To a couple of containers Lynn added a bunch of old planting containers and empty water bottles that filled the bottom of the planter (to eliminate additional weight) and then added a couple of hanging baskets that created pots full of instant color, perfect for a quick fix for summer entertaining. If you need to fill a prescription for adding color to your deck or patio, stop by either of Drakes two locations for some helpful ideas.

Jan’s Tips

It was catch-up time with retired OSU extension agent Jan McNeilan. Jan has been working on some projects around her garden and she took William on a tour to show him the changes. First we started in the greenhouse where Jan showed us some leaf cuttings from a streptocarpus that she had planted. They were rooting out and showing some growth from the base of the leaf. She had also planted a broken part of a Christmas cactus that was doing well too. Taking cuttings is a quick and easy way to propagate some of your favorite plants. This process doesn’t work for every plant; check with your local garden center or on the internet (keywords ‘plant cuttings’) to learn which plants and techniques that are used. Next we moved to the garden where Jan tried a new way of planting. This year Jan tried a version of ‘square garden’ planting. This means that she planted her garden in 4 by 4 foot squares. This got her away from rows and into planting in beds. Her plants seem to be doing well and she is now expecting a reduction in her harvest. The only disappointment in this year’s garden is carrots. Jan and William both talked about their lack of luck in growing these annual garden favorites. It just shows you that even the experts have set-backs in the garden. Finally, we talked about the Multnomah Master Gardeners. They have a new home. After funding cuts eliminated their office a few years ago they have been using space at the North Willamette Research Station in the valley. They are now back up and running with a new office near Montgomery Park. You can contact them at 503-445-4608. To find the local extension office in your area you can check out the OSU extension website for the Master Gardener program at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/mg.

Summer Perennial Replacement

If your garden plants are getting tired you can perk them back up with some summer blooming perennials. Deby from Cornell Farm (503-292-9895) showed William how to replace some of your plants that are past their prime with some great new plants full of color. She had 3 garden carts full of great plants to choose from. First she pulled out a salvia ‘Mystic Spires’. This one has great blue flowers, which seem to go with any container or grouping in your garden. We then moved to the beautiful white blooms of the lavatera ‘Baby Barnsley’, this one is loaded with blooms and looks to keep on blooming for weeks to come. We then saw an astilbe ‘Gloria Purpurea’, that was a bright red. Deby told us about her trip to France where she saw a mass planting at Monet’s garden. The final cart held a couple of outstanding plants. The Gaillardia ‘Oranges and Lemons’ is a burst of sunshine even in the darkest days because of its bright golden color. We also saw another salvia, ’Honey Melon’. This one is great for hummingbirds in your garden and it is a fiery red that has foliage that smells like a pineapple melon! If your garden or garden containers are looking a little tired, stop by Cornell Farm or your local independent garden center to see these and tons of other summer perennials.