Sick of tossing dry, dead plants? It's time for a new approach

Good morning,

Happy May Day, plant lovers! Summer's on the way, and our gardens are bursting with life. Take a deep breath of fresh air today, admire the vibrant colors, and celebrate the delicious possibilities that await you in the coming months!

CHERRY PICKED - JUST FOR YOU

In the fall, most people like to bag up their leaves and send them away with the goal of cleaning up their yard, but that can be a big mistake. Next time those leaves start falling, think about all the ways you can put them to use in your garden!

CAN YOU DIG IT?

Fences play a vital role for keeping animals both in and out of a yard, but depending on your situation, they might not be practical. Whether you can’t justify the cost or you simply don’t want to restrict your view, you have several simple tricks for keeping animals away.

BITE-SIZED GARDEN TALES

Lila stared out the window, a frown etched on her face. May 1st, a day usually brimming with excitement, felt flat this year. The community garden plot she'd reserved months ago lay dormant, a patch of brown earth mocking her with unfulfilled potential.

Rain had pummeled the area for weeks, leaving the ground waterlogged and impossible to work. Disheartened, she slumped into a chair, flipping through seed packets – vibrant bursts of color that only emphasized the dreary reality outside.

Suddenly, a knock at the door startled her. It was her neighbor, Ms. Rodriguez, a seasoned gardener with a smile as bright as the sunflowers she always grew.

Ms. Rodriguez noticed Lila's dejection and, with a knowing chuckle, said, "Mother Nature throws us curveballs sometimes, but a true gardener knows how to adapt." She explained that while planting might be delayed, May 1st was a perfect time to prepare the soil – a crucial but often overlooked step.

Energized by Ms. Rodriguez's words, Lila grabbed her gardening gloves. Together, they donned raincoats and ventured outside.

Ms. Rodriguez guided Lila on turning the earth, adding compost, and creating raised beds for better drainage. As they worked, the rain seemed less like a burden and more like a gentle symphony, soaking the newly prepared soil.

By the time they finished, Lila's frown had transformed into a grin. The garden might not be planted yet, but it was ready, brimming with potential waiting to be unleashed.

IN A NUTSHELL

Sometimes, unforeseen circumstances disrupt our plans. But a true gardener knows to adapt and focus on the tasks that can be done. Patience and preparation lay the foundation for future success.

DIGGING DEEPER

We all know how easy it is to forget to water your plants - and the results usually aren’t pretty! If watering isn’t your strong suit, you need to try a wicking system. It'll save you time and possibly your plant’s life!

DAILY DOSE OF DIRT

Don't eat anything incapable of rotting.

Michael Pollan

UNTIL NEXT BLOOM…

As always, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule to read this newsletter! Question or comments - just reply.

Happy planting!