Gardening Page   ~   Spring-Summer 2010

This Spring has certainly had us all on our toes and scratching our heads.  At Misty Meadows April brought full blooms of Royal Star Magnolia and a delightful show of Trailing Arbutus peeked out in the forest.  In May things seem to be settling into a more normal New Hampshire Spring schedule.

All this early warmth has lured lots of gardeners into the gardens TOO early -- be careful not to be one of those who gets fooled, or you'll stand a very good chance of killing off lots of baby perennials that might not have popped their wise little heads out of the soil just yet!  Just this week (May 5) I'm seeing the seedlings that Sweet Annie has produced over the winter, along with some unexpected Cleome and even a lovely Camassia that found its way from one garden clear across the yard to a new home!  Its lovely blue flowers took me completely by surprise ~ what a delightful surprise!

Although refraining from rototilling the veggie garden has resulted in very tall weeds already, I'm going to have lots of great in-row compost!

For those of you wanting to plant your veggies, herbs and flowers by the phases of the moon (the sure-fire way to a successful garden!) here's the information according to Jim Maynard's Pocket Astrologer.  If you'd like a full copy for yourself, they're available at Misty Meadows:

May Planting Guide

Above-ground crops:    Best days: 16, 17, 18, 25, 26                  Good: 23, 24
Root crops/perennials:  Best days:  7, 8, 9                                 Good: 2, 3, 4, 12, 13, 30, 31

June Planting Guide

Above-ground crops:    Best days: 13, 14, 21, 22, 23                 Good: 19, 20
Root crops/perennials:  Best days:  3, 4, 5                                Good:  8, 9, 10, 26, 27