KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family.
What a great day---what am I doing inside writing on such a day as this? Waiting for the consignment company to carry away some furniture I would like to sell. Yes—I’m leaving behind the rich carved mahogany of yesterday for the crisp clean lines of today……..
We’ve planned, walked our property and now to truly prepare. We are still in the preparation phase. Let us review:
Plan before you plant-done
Prepare before you plant
Know your property- almost there
know yourself
Right Plant, Right Place
I am going to by-pass ‘Know your soil’ and go directly to know yourself.
KNOW YOURSELF : A week or so ago I wrote, “Warming up before gardening is just as important as warming up before a vigorous workout. After warming up, stretching exercises for the major muscle groups that will be involved in performing the task can reduce the risk of injury.” Return to the posting, No 5K for Me! to review some of the stretches and suggestions to get yourself physically ready.
Other ways to ‘know’ yourself is to make sure you have all the proper tools and clothing. Knee pads are more practical than a kneeling pad, either is better than kneeling without cushioning. Wear clothes that wick away moisture to keep you cool and dry. Sunscreen and insect repellant are musts. There is a lot to be said about donning straw hats. Visions of ladies in pastel colored floral smocks, large straw hat, basket over the arm merrily pruning roses….or gentlemen farmers, sitting on a tractor, hat made of straw, and a sprig to chew upon…. The brim of such hats will shield the eyes and neck while the weave allows for air to pass thru. For me, I feel naked without a baseball cap.
To ‘know’ yourself is to ‘no’ yourself. Forgive me; I shake my head as I write this sad but appropriate pun. Say ‘no’ when you begin to feel stressed in any way. So many times our bodies begin to fatigue before our heart is ready. One last weed, one more prune….they’ll wait. The garden gnomes will not take away all your fun. Resist, re-hydrate, relax, rejuvenate. Begin again if you must.
Ah—for the least followed gardening advice of them all:
KNOW YOUR SOIL: I’m not sure about you; the smell of soil is one of my favorite scents. Rich, loamy soil………aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh! How do you get to know your soil? ‘Soil, this is KCB, KCB, this is soil’. This is not to say I do not talk to the dirt but the best way to get to know your soil is to test it. ‘Soil, which soil contains the finest particles?’ (Answer below)
œ TEST SOIL
o pH = soil acidity or alkalinity
7 is Neutral
< = Acid (“sour”) Add lime to decrease (increase pH) Wood Ash > = Alkaline (“sweet”)
Add aluminum sulfate (decrease pH)
Sulfur
o Levels of Nutrients (only 3 are listed
Nitrogen (N) 1st # on plant food/fertilizer bag
Promotes foliage over-all growth in lushness and color
Phosphorus (P) 2nd # on plant food/fertilizer
Promotes flowering (blooms) & Fruit development
Promotes strong roots
Potassium (K) 3rd #
Promotes over-all health, strength and size of plant
There are many other nutrients and components of soil, so much more to say, so little interest…….
Why good soil? A good loam offers stability and support for 2 things. Soil with all the essential nutrients (16 per my hort studies) enables the plant to take in all that they need.
Therefore, my new mantra for 2008 is
‘Feed your soil and your soil will feed your plant’.
Speak with the staff at your favorite family run nursery, they even have do-it yourself soil test kits for sale. Your County Cooperative Extension is also a valuable tool. They may be contacted @ http://www.umext.maine.edu/counties/county.htm
Next time Right Plant, Right Place
See you then…………. Answer: Clay
KCB for Skillin's Greenhouses
April 22, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Spring Has Arrived!
Margie of Skillin's Falmouth is back with 3 delightful photos of Spring here at Skillin's!
The first photo is a young lady holding a friend and some cute pansies!
This next picture while not as colorful shows a crowded greenhouse just chock full of green perennials just waiting to find a new home!
And what would Spring be like without the colorful crocus that has been gracing our landscapes for the past few days!
Thanks Margie!
The first photo is a young lady holding a friend and some cute pansies!
This next picture while not as colorful shows a crowded greenhouse just chock full of green perennials just waiting to find a new home!
And what would Spring be like without the colorful crocus that has been gracing our landscapes for the past few days!
Thanks Margie!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
This Land is Your Land by KCB
KCB is a professional gardener and friend who does wonderful work in the Greater Portland area. KCB is also an accredited Master Gardener by the Cooperative Extension Service and we are honored to have KCB as part of our Skillin's Garden Log family.
KCB is back with a sequel to Strangers in the Night by KCB , the exciting gardening post from last week. Walk with KCB through your yard in this enlightening look at your land!
Ah---the snow has faded from my back yard, the front garden is adorned with purple and white bunches of crocus. It is amazing to see dried leaves of season’s past impaled on the emerging foliage of the hyacinths. The ground is still a little too frozen to work yet there is nothing to stop me from cleaning it and preparing the postage stamp sized bed for the coming year.
This is the part of the lesson I write about Preparing before Planting. Less fun but equally important as the planning.
Prep can be subchaptered as ‘Know your Property, Know your self’. What kind of kind of statement is that? You may have lived at your current residence for years, raised children and assorted pets. Knowing self? What does that have to do with gardening? Those who have read my postings may have realized that to me, everything has to do with gardening. Ready?!
Know your Property
Take a leisurely walk around your property, whether it a sprawling spread or tight terrain. A must for all with a new home and those planning any changes. Take notice of the following:
§ Topography
§ Wind intensity
§ Drainage
§ Water Source
§ Sunlight
· Time of day and duration
§ Micro-climates
§ Wildlife
§ Known Pests
Topography: It has become a trend to work with the lands topography instead of removing, backfilling and restructuring. Boulders remain to offer their own interest, rock gardens are incorporated, hills and slopes become new challenges, woodland perimeters offer their own possibilities.
Wind intensity: Plots that are exposed and susceptible to steady wind (think side of hills or seaside) tend to dry out first.
Drainage: Spring is the best time to discover your own wetlands. Much of the soil in the Falmouth area is clay based. The bed you make in May may be underwater in March/April. Many plants abhor wet feet, others relish it.
Water Source: I don’t know about you, but carrying 3 gallon watering cans to the back forty or navigating 1500 feet of hose is not my idea of a good time. The relationship to a bed and water source is important unless you have planned for drought tolerant plants
Sunlight: Observe during different times of the day. Western sun is the hottest. The hours between 10 AM and 6 PM EDT summer months are the most intense.
Full Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight. True full sun occurs between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM DST. If your ‘full sun’ begins at the rising of the sun and is all but disappeared by noon you may not truly have full sun. Many sun lovers enjoy more than 6 hours per day, but need regular water to endure the heat.
Partial Sun / Partial Shade: Often these terms are used to mean 3 - 6 hours of sun each day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Some say if a plant is listed as Partial Sun, greater emphasis is put on it’s receiving the minimal sun requirements. At the same time, Partial Shade, the plant will need some relief from the intense late afternoon sun, either from shade provided by a nearby tree or planting it on the east side of a building.
Dappled Sun: Perfect for the woodland garden. It is the sun that makes its way through the branches of a deciduous tree. Woodland plants, those referred to as under plantings or under story prefer this type of sunlight more so than partial shade.
Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day, with filtered sunlight during the rest of the day. Full shade does not mean no sun. There aren't many plants, except mushrooms, that can survive in the dark.
Micro-climates: Due to some of the conditions of wind, sunlight, wet/dry feet your property may have several micro-climates. A tender Gaura (zone 6) may thrive in one part of your property, while the Lavender (zone 5) in another bed must be planted each new season.
Wildlife/Pests: Hankering for Hosta, Hoping for Holly yet the deer use your property as a play ground, these plants may not be your best bet. Thinking about an array of Oriental Lilies while your neighbor has pulled all theirs between pulls of their hair, the Lily Leaf Beetle may have found residence in your neighborhood.
Now that you have an intimate relationship with your land, it is time to get serious with your soil. See you next time!
KCB for Skillin's Greenhouses
April 17, 2008
KCB is back with a sequel to Strangers in the Night by KCB , the exciting gardening post from last week. Walk with KCB through your yard in this enlightening look at your land!
Ah---the snow has faded from my back yard, the front garden is adorned with purple and white bunches of crocus. It is amazing to see dried leaves of season’s past impaled on the emerging foliage of the hyacinths. The ground is still a little too frozen to work yet there is nothing to stop me from cleaning it and preparing the postage stamp sized bed for the coming year.
This is the part of the lesson I write about Preparing before Planting. Less fun but equally important as the planning.
Prep can be subchaptered as ‘Know your Property, Know your self’. What kind of kind of statement is that? You may have lived at your current residence for years, raised children and assorted pets. Knowing self? What does that have to do with gardening? Those who have read my postings may have realized that to me, everything has to do with gardening. Ready?!
Know your Property
Take a leisurely walk around your property, whether it a sprawling spread or tight terrain. A must for all with a new home and those planning any changes. Take notice of the following:
§ Topography
§ Wind intensity
§ Drainage
§ Water Source
§ Sunlight
· Time of day and duration
§ Micro-climates
§ Wildlife
§ Known Pests
Topography: It has become a trend to work with the lands topography instead of removing, backfilling and restructuring. Boulders remain to offer their own interest, rock gardens are incorporated, hills and slopes become new challenges, woodland perimeters offer their own possibilities.
Wind intensity: Plots that are exposed and susceptible to steady wind (think side of hills or seaside) tend to dry out first.
Drainage: Spring is the best time to discover your own wetlands. Much of the soil in the Falmouth area is clay based. The bed you make in May may be underwater in March/April. Many plants abhor wet feet, others relish it.
Water Source: I don’t know about you, but carrying 3 gallon watering cans to the back forty or navigating 1500 feet of hose is not my idea of a good time. The relationship to a bed and water source is important unless you have planned for drought tolerant plants
Sunlight: Observe during different times of the day. Western sun is the hottest. The hours between 10 AM and 6 PM EDT summer months are the most intense.
Full Sun: At least 6 hours of direct sunlight. True full sun occurs between the hours of 10 AM and 6 PM DST. If your ‘full sun’ begins at the rising of the sun and is all but disappeared by noon you may not truly have full sun. Many sun lovers enjoy more than 6 hours per day, but need regular water to endure the heat.
Partial Sun / Partial Shade: Often these terms are used to mean 3 - 6 hours of sun each day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Some say if a plant is listed as Partial Sun, greater emphasis is put on it’s receiving the minimal sun requirements. At the same time, Partial Shade, the plant will need some relief from the intense late afternoon sun, either from shade provided by a nearby tree or planting it on the east side of a building.
Dappled Sun: Perfect for the woodland garden. It is the sun that makes its way through the branches of a deciduous tree. Woodland plants, those referred to as under plantings or under story prefer this type of sunlight more so than partial shade.
Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight each day, with filtered sunlight during the rest of the day. Full shade does not mean no sun. There aren't many plants, except mushrooms, that can survive in the dark.
Micro-climates: Due to some of the conditions of wind, sunlight, wet/dry feet your property may have several micro-climates. A tender Gaura (zone 6) may thrive in one part of your property, while the Lavender (zone 5) in another bed must be planted each new season.
Wildlife/Pests: Hankering for Hosta, Hoping for Holly yet the deer use your property as a play ground, these plants may not be your best bet. Thinking about an array of Oriental Lilies while your neighbor has pulled all theirs between pulls of their hair, the Lily Leaf Beetle may have found residence in your neighborhood.
Now that you have an intimate relationship with your land, it is time to get serious with your soil. See you next time!
KCB for Skillin's Greenhouses
April 17, 2008
Garden Happenings! Week of April 14
Hello again,
Gardening is Happening in Skillin's Country!
In this post I will be letting you know what I am doing or what I hear is going on out there in our local gardening world. I will be updating this post with quick supplements all through the week! So check here frequently!
If you would like to contribute just drop us a quick note at info@skillins.com OR leave a comment at the end of this post. We would love any tips OR questions from you!
April 17:
Question from CR: Do you sell a product that can help my grapes? They are Concord, I believe, and never ripen until cool weather in September. I pruned them way back to give them more light and last summer we had beautiful grapes developing. Then suddenly from one day to the next they got black spots. I call it The Black Withering Disease. I prefer to go organic if possible.
Answer: I consulted with Terry Skillin about your question and I think he came up with some good points.
First off, the pruning was obviously a great idea and we encourage a good pruning again.
When dry weather comes, make sure you are not watering at night so the grapes spend wet night after wet night. A lot of wetness like that can lead to disease.
Terry emphatically recommended that you try Messenger on a regular basis. Messenger (sold right here at Skillin’s) is an all natural product (the active ingredient is harpin proteins) that once introduced to the plant fool the plant into thinking it is being attacked by disease and therefore triggers the plants own natural immune defenses. It breaks down quickly and it is environmentally safe—it does not pollute the ground or water.
Messenger means stronger roots, increased vigor, stress resistance and increased flowering and fruit set for any plant that it is applied to. Many of our customers use Messenger for their tomatoes and peppers as well as rose bushes and lilacs as well as fruit trees and other fruit plants like grapes.
Messenger should be consistently applied every 3 weeks throughout the growing season.
Also once we are into the warm and wet season (late June and on into August), you should probably spray your grapes with a natural fungicide called Seranade on a weekly or every other week basis as a further precaution against black spot. Seranade is all natural and extremely effective. I used it regularly on my roses and upright phlox last year and really kept things under control. Terry also suggested applying Seranade to your grapes once they dry from a heavy rain.
I would still feed your soil organically a couple of times through the growing season and I would recommend Plant Booster Plus by Organica or Plant Tone by Espoma!
Question from CC: Roses are new for me. I have read you advice about pruning roses and think it will be very helpful. How much of the total cane should I prune off?
Answer: I prune my roses back to just a few inches above the ground. You want to prune back all the dead and dying growth from the winter and by the time you get that done symmetrically you seem to always just be a few feet above the ground.
Question from JP: Good morning. Do you carry pampas grass? Other ornamental grasses?
Answer: We do not carry pampas grass because it is not hardy in Maine. Check out our online nursery catalog at http://www.skillins.com/ for more ornamental grass details. We do not have many in stock right now but we will have many more in by the middle of May when they are more flushed out.
Question from VC: I bought a lot of shrubs at Skillins last summer and fall —Rhododendrons and Green Emerald arborvitae. I'm not certain, now that mud season is over, when I need to start watering all these shrubs. There's about 35 of them. Can you advise? Also, should I feed them anything? And what would you suggest?
Answer: I would make sure your shrubs get at least an inch of water weekly. A good way to do that is put a rain gauge in the ground and see what the rain brings. If we have a dry week, then they should be watered well. If you use an overhead sprinkler, make sure you water them earlier in the day so the foliage can dry before the nights bring cooler temperatures. (Wet foliage and cool temperatures can lead to disease)
We definitely recommend twice yearly applications of Holly Tone fertilizer by Espoma for evergreens like rhododendrons and arborvitae. Holly Tone is a wonderful natural fertilizer that works to enrich the soil. It would be great to apply the Holly Tone anytime now and then later on in the growing season (late summer or fall).
April 16:
Customer SS has a question about corn gluten and weed control:
Question: I am looking to use corn gluten as as pre-emergent weed control, it should be used as soon as the forsythia buds begin to break open.Have you heard of any sitings of this budding happening in the area near your Cumberland store?
Answer: You can put corn gluten down soon. I will probably be putting some down in just a few days.
We sell corn gluten right here at Skillin’s; I recommend the Lawn Booster (Step One in their four part lawn series) by Organica. It is an excellent way to go and because of the patented natural microbes it contains the corn gluten breaks down very quickly for faster and more thorough weed control.
Next we hear from KP:
Question: I am writing to inquire if you might carry edible flowers. These would be used for the top of cupcakes for a wedding so we would want just the flower itself. Is this something you folks carry and what would the cost be?
If you don't carry them do you have any idea where one might find them?
Answer: We do carry pansies and violas and they are bright and colorful and edible. Later on we will carry nasturtiums and they are edible. They will be flowering by mid summer.
Borage is another edible flower that we will be carrying later on; we do have borage seed right now.
Question from TAS: When can I plant peas in my garden?
Answer: TAS, nice to hear from you again. NOW is the time to plant peas, spinach, and swiss chard seeds. We are also hoping to have available very soon lettuce, broccoli, and other cole crop plants--if not by this weekend, then very soon. It is great to plant all these crops now; you can have them all harvested by early July and then be ready to plant a second crop when the first crop is done.
Question: My rhubarb is going thin and I am getting less yield each year. What can I do?
Answer: Now is a great time to dig up and divide your rhubard. When replanting I would put in some nice organic matter like the Penobscot Blend by Coast of Maine (their recommend planting mix). I would also recommend applying a good natural fertilizer like Plant Booster Plus by Organica or Plant Tone by Espoma twice yearly each year. This will keep the soil in good shape and your rhubarb will THANK you for it! Remember too as with any new plant divisions, to regularly water your newly divided rhubarb throughout this growing season.
April 15:
Great news! Our 2008 Nursery and Perennial catalogs are now posted at http://www.skillins.com/ in PDF form. Just click on Nursery Catalog at our header and you will soon have our catalog at your fingertips!
April 14:
KCB checks in with this very timely missive:
Excellent recommendations regarding the roses. Now is the time to prune and cut back. Proper cut: Cut canes at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf bud (swelling on the cane). Slant the cut away from the bud, to encourage growth outward. Clean pruners after every use to prevent the spread of disease. Keep pruners sharp to make clean cuts. Also prune away any canes that cross.
Another recommendation for the potted rose is to amend the soil when planting. Everything I put in the ground I use Coast of Maine Penobscot Blend or Jolly Gardener Tree & Shrub. If the soil is good, I use 1/3 mix and 2/3 soil. For soil that has not have the nutrients it needs then ½ & ½ is my norm. In all instances I blend the mix and the soil thoroughly. Always remember to water in any newly or transplanted shrub. During dry times this may need to be checked daily.
I heard a quote the other day that will become one of my new mantras for the coming season-------ah, but I won’t share it now.
You’ll have to read my next installment.
Gardening is Happening in Skillin's Country!
In this post I will be letting you know what I am doing or what I hear is going on out there in our local gardening world. I will be updating this post with quick supplements all through the week! So check here frequently!
If you would like to contribute just drop us a quick note at info@skillins.com OR leave a comment at the end of this post. We would love any tips OR questions from you!
April 17:
Question from CR: Do you sell a product that can help my grapes? They are Concord, I believe, and never ripen until cool weather in September. I pruned them way back to give them more light and last summer we had beautiful grapes developing. Then suddenly from one day to the next they got black spots. I call it The Black Withering Disease. I prefer to go organic if possible.
Answer: I consulted with Terry Skillin about your question and I think he came up with some good points.
First off, the pruning was obviously a great idea and we encourage a good pruning again.
When dry weather comes, make sure you are not watering at night so the grapes spend wet night after wet night. A lot of wetness like that can lead to disease.
Terry emphatically recommended that you try Messenger on a regular basis. Messenger (sold right here at Skillin’s) is an all natural product (the active ingredient is harpin proteins) that once introduced to the plant fool the plant into thinking it is being attacked by disease and therefore triggers the plants own natural immune defenses. It breaks down quickly and it is environmentally safe—it does not pollute the ground or water.
Messenger means stronger roots, increased vigor, stress resistance and increased flowering and fruit set for any plant that it is applied to. Many of our customers use Messenger for their tomatoes and peppers as well as rose bushes and lilacs as well as fruit trees and other fruit plants like grapes.
Messenger should be consistently applied every 3 weeks throughout the growing season.
Also once we are into the warm and wet season (late June and on into August), you should probably spray your grapes with a natural fungicide called Seranade on a weekly or every other week basis as a further precaution against black spot. Seranade is all natural and extremely effective. I used it regularly on my roses and upright phlox last year and really kept things under control. Terry also suggested applying Seranade to your grapes once they dry from a heavy rain.
I would still feed your soil organically a couple of times through the growing season and I would recommend Plant Booster Plus by Organica or Plant Tone by Espoma!
Question from CC: Roses are new for me. I have read you advice about pruning roses and think it will be very helpful. How much of the total cane should I prune off?
Answer: I prune my roses back to just a few inches above the ground. You want to prune back all the dead and dying growth from the winter and by the time you get that done symmetrically you seem to always just be a few feet above the ground.
Question from JP: Good morning. Do you carry pampas grass? Other ornamental grasses?
Answer: We do not carry pampas grass because it is not hardy in Maine. Check out our online nursery catalog at http://www.skillins.com/ for more ornamental grass details. We do not have many in stock right now but we will have many more in by the middle of May when they are more flushed out.
Question from VC: I bought a lot of shrubs at Skillins last summer and fall —Rhododendrons and Green Emerald arborvitae. I'm not certain, now that mud season is over, when I need to start watering all these shrubs. There's about 35 of them. Can you advise? Also, should I feed them anything? And what would you suggest?
Answer: I would make sure your shrubs get at least an inch of water weekly. A good way to do that is put a rain gauge in the ground and see what the rain brings. If we have a dry week, then they should be watered well. If you use an overhead sprinkler, make sure you water them earlier in the day so the foliage can dry before the nights bring cooler temperatures. (Wet foliage and cool temperatures can lead to disease)
We definitely recommend twice yearly applications of Holly Tone fertilizer by Espoma for evergreens like rhododendrons and arborvitae. Holly Tone is a wonderful natural fertilizer that works to enrich the soil. It would be great to apply the Holly Tone anytime now and then later on in the growing season (late summer or fall).
April 16:
Customer SS has a question about corn gluten and weed control:
Question: I am looking to use corn gluten as as pre-emergent weed control, it should be used as soon as the forsythia buds begin to break open.Have you heard of any sitings of this budding happening in the area near your Cumberland store?
Answer: You can put corn gluten down soon. I will probably be putting some down in just a few days.
We sell corn gluten right here at Skillin’s; I recommend the Lawn Booster (Step One in their four part lawn series) by Organica. It is an excellent way to go and because of the patented natural microbes it contains the corn gluten breaks down very quickly for faster and more thorough weed control.
Next we hear from KP:
Question: I am writing to inquire if you might carry edible flowers. These would be used for the top of cupcakes for a wedding so we would want just the flower itself. Is this something you folks carry and what would the cost be?
If you don't carry them do you have any idea where one might find them?
Answer: We do carry pansies and violas and they are bright and colorful and edible. Later on we will carry nasturtiums and they are edible. They will be flowering by mid summer.
Borage is another edible flower that we will be carrying later on; we do have borage seed right now.
Question from TAS: When can I plant peas in my garden?
Answer: TAS, nice to hear from you again. NOW is the time to plant peas, spinach, and swiss chard seeds. We are also hoping to have available very soon lettuce, broccoli, and other cole crop plants--if not by this weekend, then very soon. It is great to plant all these crops now; you can have them all harvested by early July and then be ready to plant a second crop when the first crop is done.
Question: My rhubarb is going thin and I am getting less yield each year. What can I do?
Answer: Now is a great time to dig up and divide your rhubard. When replanting I would put in some nice organic matter like the Penobscot Blend by Coast of Maine (their recommend planting mix). I would also recommend applying a good natural fertilizer like Plant Booster Plus by Organica or Plant Tone by Espoma twice yearly each year. This will keep the soil in good shape and your rhubarb will THANK you for it! Remember too as with any new plant divisions, to regularly water your newly divided rhubarb throughout this growing season.
April 15:
Great news! Our 2008 Nursery and Perennial catalogs are now posted at http://www.skillins.com/ in PDF form. Just click on Nursery Catalog at our header and you will soon have our catalog at your fingertips!
April 14:
KCB checks in with this very timely missive:
Excellent recommendations regarding the roses. Now is the time to prune and cut back. Proper cut: Cut canes at a 45-degree angle just above a leaf bud (swelling on the cane). Slant the cut away from the bud, to encourage growth outward. Clean pruners after every use to prevent the spread of disease. Keep pruners sharp to make clean cuts. Also prune away any canes that cross.
Another recommendation for the potted rose is to amend the soil when planting. Everything I put in the ground I use Coast of Maine Penobscot Blend or Jolly Gardener Tree & Shrub. If the soil is good, I use 1/3 mix and 2/3 soil. For soil that has not have the nutrients it needs then ½ & ½ is my norm. In all instances I blend the mix and the soil thoroughly. Always remember to water in any newly or transplanted shrub. During dry times this may need to be checked daily.
I heard a quote the other day that will become one of my new mantras for the coming season-------ah, but I won’t share it now.
You’ll have to read my next installment.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Cumberland Open House Savings!
Great news! The Skillin's Cumberland Open House is this weekend at our store at 201 Gray Road in Cumberland. Please come see us. We have many exciting details listed below this coupon, many exciting reasons to come to our Open House. As a reader of the Skillin's Garden Log, please print out this coupon for additional savings!
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Here is the detailed listing of events and door prizes and specials for the 3rd Annual Skillin’s Cumberland Open House:
Special Guest and Features
Betty Williams from the Cumberland County Soil & Water Lakes Program
We have developed a relationship with the Forest Lake association and Betty will be on hand Saturday to meet landowners and discuss the project
Ron Tripp from Jolly Gardener, long-time Maine suppliers of quality soil amendments and mulch will be on hand Saturday and Sunday displaying his company’s products and answering questions
Chad Skillin 20 minute one on one landscape consultation
Meet with Chad and pinpoint your problem areas and discuss uses and solutions.
Chad will be available first come first serve from 10an to noon and 1pm until 3pm Saturday and Sunday
· Special Floral arrangements show casing all the wonderful designs that are available to our customers
· Skillin’s Mountain View Farm Christmas Tree Production photos will be on display.
· Skillin’s Greenhouses Photo History on display.
· Dave Skillin will be on hand for great gardening advice and sharing his hobby of antique cars.
Door Prizes
Having some fun this year we have selected a group of prizes that to register for you will need to explore the store and find the door prizes with the products sales display station area.
Arrangement a month for 6 months
Register to win a arrangement a month for 6 months
Floral Party for 10
Register to win a Floral party for you and 9 of your friends
Register to win 3 perennials from Cary Award winners for 2008
Register to win Organica’s 4 step organic Lawn Care program (This is a $143 value!)
Register to win a 6” Orchid valued at $32.99
Register to win 1 full hour of landscape designconsultation with Chad Skillin (station A)
Grand Prizes 1 $500.00 and 2 $250. 00 Gift certificates
Specials
Silk Flowers and Plants 20% off
Outdoor furniture 20% off with three piece or more plus an extra 10% when place orders during the Open House
Colonial Candles 10% off 1 box
20% off 2 or more boxes
Bean Pod Candles 20% off
Sloggers 50% off
Crocs 20% off
Market Bouquets $8.99, reg price $9.99
50lb Black Oil Sunflower $28.99
25lb Black Oil Sunflower $18.99
20% off:
Tools
Seeds and Seed Starting
Pots and Saucers
Soils
Birding
Gloves
Bulbs
$14.99 8” Hanging Foliage Baskets Buy 1 get 1 Free
African Violets $2.99 reg. $4.99
6” Orchids $29.99
10” Tropical Foliage 20% off
10% off Shade and Ornamental Flowering Trees
And……
Buy a plant and pot and we will repot it for FREE
Come see us at Skillin’s Cumberland!
Here is the detailed listing of events and door prizes and specials for the 3rd Annual Skillin’s Cumberland Open House:Special Guest and Features
Betty Williams from the Cumberland County Soil & Water Lakes Program
We have developed a relationship with the Forest Lake association and Betty will be on hand Saturday to meet landowners and discuss the project
Ron Tripp from Jolly Gardener, long-time Maine suppliers of quality soil amendments and mulch will be on hand Saturday and Sunday displaying his company’s products and answering questions
Chad Skillin 20 minute one on one landscape consultation
Meet with Chad and pinpoint your problem areas and discuss uses and solutions.
Chad will be available first come first serve from 10an to noon and 1pm until 3pm Saturday and Sunday
· Special Floral arrangements show casing all the wonderful designs that are available to our customers
· Skillin’s Mountain View Farm Christmas Tree Production photos will be on display.
· Skillin’s Greenhouses Photo History on display.
· Dave Skillin will be on hand for great gardening advice and sharing his hobby of antique cars.
Door Prizes
Having some fun this year we have selected a group of prizes that to register for you will need to explore the store and find the door prizes with the products sales display station area.
Arrangement a month for 6 months
Register to win a arrangement a month for 6 months
Floral Party for 10
Register to win a Floral party for you and 9 of your friends
Register to win 3 perennials from Cary Award winners for 2008
Register to win Organica’s 4 step organic Lawn Care program (This is a $143 value!)
Register to win a 6” Orchid valued at $32.99
Register to win 1 full hour of landscape designconsultation with Chad Skillin (station A)
Grand Prizes 1 $500.00 and 2 $250. 00 Gift certificates
Specials
Silk Flowers and Plants 20% off
Outdoor furniture 20% off with three piece or more plus an extra 10% when place orders during the Open House
Colonial Candles 10% off 1 box
20% off 2 or more boxes
Bean Pod Candles 20% off
Sloggers 50% off
Crocs 20% off
Market Bouquets $8.99, reg price $9.99
50lb Black Oil Sunflower $28.99
25lb Black Oil Sunflower $18.99
20% off:
Tools
Seeds and Seed Starting
Pots and Saucers
Soils
Birding
Gloves
Bulbs
$14.99 8” Hanging Foliage Baskets Buy 1 get 1 Free
African Violets $2.99 reg. $4.99
6” Orchids $29.99
10” Tropical Foliage 20% off
10% off Shade and Ornamental Flowering Trees
And……
Buy a plant and pot and we will repot it for FREE
Come see us at Skillin’s Cumberland!
Monday, April 14, 2008
A BEAUTIFUL FOREST by Dale Lincoln
Kind friend Dale Lincoln stops by the Skillin's Graden Log with what could be his last contribution for awhile. Dale and Elsie are packing up the car and heading north for Perry Maine!
As Dale wrote me: "It may be my last article to you for a while. Soon to head North. Computer will remain in Florida. Will make some decisions about a computer after arrival in Perry...."
Safe travels, good friend and we hope to see you soon! Now for the story:
"Several years before my Dad took me trout fishing or deer hunting he took me to the woodlots. The forest was beautiful and I loved being there with him. His wood cutting tools were: A buck saw with a wooden frame; a double-bitted axe, and a 4-foot measuring stick. Each day his goal was to cut one cord of pulpwood for which he would receive $3.00. A fringe benefit allowed him to own one-half of the wood from the hardwood trees plus the tops and large branches of the softwood trees that were too small to be used for pulpwood.
When we arrived at the woodlot Dad would find his tools under a brush pile and go to work. Before cutting down each tree he would tell me where to stand and mention that a person needed to be very careful while working in the woods ---especially when felling a tree. “Strange things can happen when a tree is going down!”
After each tree was in a horizontal position the limbs were removed with the axe. Then he would use the stick, measure four feet, and saw four-foot logs from the tree. (The measuring stick was also a “pry bar” that was used under a log to keep the log from binding his saw.) The firewood and pulpwood were stacked in separate piles. The woodpiles were arranged and a tote road was started to make it easy for a team of horses with a sled to travel near each woodpile.
The handling operations that occurred between the tree stump and the paper mill began very soon after the tree was cut into four-foot lengths: (1) Each stick was usually tossed near the woodpile. (2) The stick was picked up and put on the woodpile. (3) When the ground was frozen and the horses arrived, each stick was picked up and placed on the sled. (4) The horses moved the wood near a highway. Each stick was lifted from the sled and placed in a neat pile that sometimes became very large by the end of the winter. (5) At a future date the wood was neatly stacked on a truck. (6) The truck transported the wood to a siding at the railroad station where each stick was neatly piled on a railroad car and delivered to the paper mill. (7) I did not become familiar with the old wood handling operations at the paper mill but many people still remember and can add the remaining steps.
My first jobs in the forest products industry were placing small sticks of wood on the woodpiles, and placing brush in neat brush piles. My Dad was involved in a small “clear cutting operation.” He didn’t make much money but his woodpiles were neat, the very small trees survived, and the natural carpet of the forest floor was not damaged. In January, February and March there was a special treat. If there was lots of snow on the ground the brush piles were torched. (When you were 7-8 years old and a lunch of sardines, baking powder biscuits, and hot cocoa around a brush pile fire represented a lot of good living.) About two years later, in the summertime, Dad took me back to these woodlots. The woodpiles were gone. Jack firs and small hardwood trees were full of life, and we found an unlimited supply of wild raspberries. A few years later Dad took me deer hunting and we returned to these same “choppings.” The hiking on the tote road was soft and easy. The aroma of that healthy forest is unforgettable. Wildlife loved the place. Deer signs were everywhere. The forest was beautiful.
As a teenager I helped my dad cut wood. I became skilled with using the double-bitted axe, bucksaw, and measuring stick. Removing the limbs from a tree that was in the horizontal position was my specialty. It was something like hitting a baseball. “The axe was my bat and the large limbs of the trees were baseballs. Removing the limb with one whack was a home run. Two whacks was a triple, Etc. Some large spruce limbs would strike me out!” When playing baseball a few years later I recognized the rewards of the arm strength and coordination that was gained from that training.
Family and other friends were generous upon my graduation from high school. In exchange for my photo and an invitation to the commencement exercises they gave me MONEY. The Graduation Ball was the last school activity for members of the Senior Class. Prior to attending my Graduation Ball I purchased a double-bitted axe and a metal –framed saw at the Perry Farmer’s Union Store. When the Graduation Ball ended at midnight I was healthy, alcohol (and drug) free, and alone. (At age17 that isn’t a bad way to end high school and start the rest of your life.) I drove my parents 38 Chrysler to my home, placed my graduation suit neatly on a hanger, and went to bed. Less than five hours later my new axe and saw were with me and I was cutting wood in a beautiful forest in Perry, Maine.
Since my first trips to the woodlots in the 1940’s many changes have occurred in the forest. A few years ago WLBZ Channel 2 of Bangor presented a documentary about the forest fires of 1947. I remember standing on a hill near my home and watching the billowing smoke on the southwest horizon at sunset. It was frightening to know that the fires were getting closer to eastern Washington County. A forest fire raged between Machias and Jonesboro. Until about twenty years ago dead trees from that fire could be seen from the main highway. It must be mentioned that the fire burned the forest but it did not kill the seeds. They were protected in the forest floor. When the rains finally arrived in October they became moist. An abundance of sunshine would also reach them. Little seedlings pushed the ashes aside as they started growing toward the sky. It is remarkable that about thirty years later, after the serious “Budworm epidemic,” of the 1970’s, one of the most healthy and beautiful forests in Washington County was between Machias and Jonesboro.
People that have spent time in a beautiful forest may encounter disappointments. Changes have occurred in the woods operations during the past sixty years. My first disappointment arrived in the 1950’s. The trees were cut on each side of my favorite trout stream. The evergreen brush was not removed from the brook. The brook became overheated, trout became scarce, and the brook often dried up during the summer months.
Modern wood harvesting operations usually make a mess of the forest. The mechanical wood harvesters and skidders do not have any respect for the forest floor. Every place that I visit after mechanical wood harvesting operations have taken place the area is a disaster area. More than two decades later it is not a happy place for man or beast. I join with those people who call it “shameful!” (NOTE: A visit to the Pottle Tree Farm in Perry, Maine allowed me to find a bright spot in the dark clouds. In 1974 Jim and Sandra Pottle received Maine’s Outstanding Tree Farm Award. In 1997 Jim and Sandra Pottle were named Outstanding Forest Stewards. Each year they harvest wood from the tree farm but in the process they maintain a beautiful forest.
My skills with using an axe and buck saw slowly diminished.. A few years ago I purchased a chain saw. The last time I cut down a large tree was Monday morning, May 20, 2002. I was trying to beautify the forest near my home. The top of the poplar tree was dead but when the tree hit the horizontal position the butt of the tree came alive! It jumped! It kicked! It knocked me to the ground! About a week later I was still lame, and sore, but alive enough to remember my Dad saying; ”You have to be very careful when you are working in the woods!
Many things have changed since my professional wood-chopping days with the axe and bucksaw. However some things remain the same. High School Seniors are still sending Graduation Pictures and Invitations to their parents and other friends. In early June, lilacs, apple trees, blueberry vines, lady slippers, and violets are in blossom. Trees are still growing in Maine. People should be very careful while working in the woods. (And everywhere.) Being careful may help us to live another day; have time to smell the roses, visit a beautiful forest, and thank God for it all."
Dale Lincoln
soon to be in Perry Maine again
April 14, 2008
As Dale wrote me: "It may be my last article to you for a while. Soon to head North. Computer will remain in Florida. Will make some decisions about a computer after arrival in Perry...."
Safe travels, good friend and we hope to see you soon! Now for the story:
"Several years before my Dad took me trout fishing or deer hunting he took me to the woodlots. The forest was beautiful and I loved being there with him. His wood cutting tools were: A buck saw with a wooden frame; a double-bitted axe, and a 4-foot measuring stick. Each day his goal was to cut one cord of pulpwood for which he would receive $3.00. A fringe benefit allowed him to own one-half of the wood from the hardwood trees plus the tops and large branches of the softwood trees that were too small to be used for pulpwood.
When we arrived at the woodlot Dad would find his tools under a brush pile and go to work. Before cutting down each tree he would tell me where to stand and mention that a person needed to be very careful while working in the woods ---especially when felling a tree. “Strange things can happen when a tree is going down!”
After each tree was in a horizontal position the limbs were removed with the axe. Then he would use the stick, measure four feet, and saw four-foot logs from the tree. (The measuring stick was also a “pry bar” that was used under a log to keep the log from binding his saw.) The firewood and pulpwood were stacked in separate piles. The woodpiles were arranged and a tote road was started to make it easy for a team of horses with a sled to travel near each woodpile.
The handling operations that occurred between the tree stump and the paper mill began very soon after the tree was cut into four-foot lengths: (1) Each stick was usually tossed near the woodpile. (2) The stick was picked up and put on the woodpile. (3) When the ground was frozen and the horses arrived, each stick was picked up and placed on the sled. (4) The horses moved the wood near a highway. Each stick was lifted from the sled and placed in a neat pile that sometimes became very large by the end of the winter. (5) At a future date the wood was neatly stacked on a truck. (6) The truck transported the wood to a siding at the railroad station where each stick was neatly piled on a railroad car and delivered to the paper mill. (7) I did not become familiar with the old wood handling operations at the paper mill but many people still remember and can add the remaining steps.
My first jobs in the forest products industry were placing small sticks of wood on the woodpiles, and placing brush in neat brush piles. My Dad was involved in a small “clear cutting operation.” He didn’t make much money but his woodpiles were neat, the very small trees survived, and the natural carpet of the forest floor was not damaged. In January, February and March there was a special treat. If there was lots of snow on the ground the brush piles were torched. (When you were 7-8 years old and a lunch of sardines, baking powder biscuits, and hot cocoa around a brush pile fire represented a lot of good living.) About two years later, in the summertime, Dad took me back to these woodlots. The woodpiles were gone. Jack firs and small hardwood trees were full of life, and we found an unlimited supply of wild raspberries. A few years later Dad took me deer hunting and we returned to these same “choppings.” The hiking on the tote road was soft and easy. The aroma of that healthy forest is unforgettable. Wildlife loved the place. Deer signs were everywhere. The forest was beautiful.
As a teenager I helped my dad cut wood. I became skilled with using the double-bitted axe, bucksaw, and measuring stick. Removing the limbs from a tree that was in the horizontal position was my specialty. It was something like hitting a baseball. “The axe was my bat and the large limbs of the trees were baseballs. Removing the limb with one whack was a home run. Two whacks was a triple, Etc. Some large spruce limbs would strike me out!” When playing baseball a few years later I recognized the rewards of the arm strength and coordination that was gained from that training.
Family and other friends were generous upon my graduation from high school. In exchange for my photo and an invitation to the commencement exercises they gave me MONEY. The Graduation Ball was the last school activity for members of the Senior Class. Prior to attending my Graduation Ball I purchased a double-bitted axe and a metal –framed saw at the Perry Farmer’s Union Store. When the Graduation Ball ended at midnight I was healthy, alcohol (and drug) free, and alone. (At age17 that isn’t a bad way to end high school and start the rest of your life.) I drove my parents 38 Chrysler to my home, placed my graduation suit neatly on a hanger, and went to bed. Less than five hours later my new axe and saw were with me and I was cutting wood in a beautiful forest in Perry, Maine.
Since my first trips to the woodlots in the 1940’s many changes have occurred in the forest. A few years ago WLBZ Channel 2 of Bangor presented a documentary about the forest fires of 1947. I remember standing on a hill near my home and watching the billowing smoke on the southwest horizon at sunset. It was frightening to know that the fires were getting closer to eastern Washington County. A forest fire raged between Machias and Jonesboro. Until about twenty years ago dead trees from that fire could be seen from the main highway. It must be mentioned that the fire burned the forest but it did not kill the seeds. They were protected in the forest floor. When the rains finally arrived in October they became moist. An abundance of sunshine would also reach them. Little seedlings pushed the ashes aside as they started growing toward the sky. It is remarkable that about thirty years later, after the serious “Budworm epidemic,” of the 1970’s, one of the most healthy and beautiful forests in Washington County was between Machias and Jonesboro.
People that have spent time in a beautiful forest may encounter disappointments. Changes have occurred in the woods operations during the past sixty years. My first disappointment arrived in the 1950’s. The trees were cut on each side of my favorite trout stream. The evergreen brush was not removed from the brook. The brook became overheated, trout became scarce, and the brook often dried up during the summer months.
Modern wood harvesting operations usually make a mess of the forest. The mechanical wood harvesters and skidders do not have any respect for the forest floor. Every place that I visit after mechanical wood harvesting operations have taken place the area is a disaster area. More than two decades later it is not a happy place for man or beast. I join with those people who call it “shameful!” (NOTE: A visit to the Pottle Tree Farm in Perry, Maine allowed me to find a bright spot in the dark clouds. In 1974 Jim and Sandra Pottle received Maine’s Outstanding Tree Farm Award. In 1997 Jim and Sandra Pottle were named Outstanding Forest Stewards. Each year they harvest wood from the tree farm but in the process they maintain a beautiful forest.
My skills with using an axe and buck saw slowly diminished.. A few years ago I purchased a chain saw. The last time I cut down a large tree was Monday morning, May 20, 2002. I was trying to beautify the forest near my home. The top of the poplar tree was dead but when the tree hit the horizontal position the butt of the tree came alive! It jumped! It kicked! It knocked me to the ground! About a week later I was still lame, and sore, but alive enough to remember my Dad saying; ”You have to be very careful when you are working in the woods!
Many things have changed since my professional wood-chopping days with the axe and bucksaw. However some things remain the same. High School Seniors are still sending Graduation Pictures and Invitations to their parents and other friends. In early June, lilacs, apple trees, blueberry vines, lady slippers, and violets are in blossom. Trees are still growing in Maine. People should be very careful while working in the woods. (And everywhere.) Being careful may help us to live another day; have time to smell the roses, visit a beautiful forest, and thank God for it all."
Dale Lincoln
soon to be in Perry Maine again
April 14, 2008
Maine's Favorite Florist!!! again!
The wise readers of People, Places and Plants magazine have again selected Skillin's Greenhouses as their favorite florist. This is a tremendous accomplishment by our staff as the magazine is a national magazine with a heavy concentration of readers throughout the Northeast.
We are overjoyed that our customers voted us ahead of so many fine florists AND we thank our staff and you our customers!
We also received high honors in the Favorite Garden Center and Favorite Lawn and Garden Equipment Dealer categories!
People, Places and Plants magazines are sold at all Skillin's locations AND they can be found at www.ppplants.com!
We are overjoyed that our customers voted us ahead of so many fine florists AND we thank our staff and you our customers!
We also received high honors in the Favorite Garden Center and Favorite Lawn and Garden Equipment Dealer categories!
People, Places and Plants magazines are sold at all Skillin's locations AND they can be found at www.ppplants.com!
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