Hi Family,
How blessed I feel to write to y’all. I’d first like to dedicate this issue to my mother-in-law, Donna Joy Lindsey, November 26, 1944 to June 30, 2009, as we have laid her down to sleep. Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. Life is crazy. We never know what we’ve got ‘til it’s gone. Sadly, the very things we hate, we do. If we could go back in time, would we? Probably not , because that would sacrifice an epilogue of memories we’d have to live without.
I know. I’m supposed to talk about plants and the garden. Our gardens are planted. Most have been harvested, and we are waiting out the cycles of our labor. A heat wave has come among us and some plants are turning yellow and brown. For the yellow, it’s probably poor drainage or lack of nitrogen (especially citrus). For the brown, more water could be needed; or some plants may need to be moved to the shade. Ordinarily plants with typical requirements could sustain vitality on their own; however, with the heat, exceptional care could be required. If plants are in pots, water more frequently and insure drainage. If they are in the ground, make sure they get deep root watering without water logging everything else. Perhaps set them up on a drip system or likewise that would give extra water on a different cycle. My grandma Chaney, the one whose marrow flows through my bones is 89 years old today, July 20, 2009. Last night she fell and broke her hip. She is in surgery right now. Without her and my Mother “Mary” I would not know a thing. I may have gone to college, however, like a cowboy or a biker you’re either born with it or your not. I have learned so much from my grandma Chaney. I have called on her all of my life and tonight might just be the beginning of her end.
I have been at work with a customer and did not know the answer and I called her and got the answer. Is she what makes my knowledge base superior? Probably! Grandma, I love you. Please be okay.
Many things set us apart from others and I am one of those who are blessed enough to have that heritage base to draw upon. Some of you have seen the confederate flag tattoo on my arm. It is simply pride not prejudice. This is my family’s heritage. Farming has been my family’s life blood from the beginning and hopefully it always will be. By all means I am not trying to toot my own horn, just having a moment of gratitude to those along the way who helped me become who I am. All of you included! Anyway, we just need to stay watered and use some extra care during this heat. Many customers have put up lattice or shade cloth to protect otherwise heat tolerant plants. A misting system or a fan or two is not a bad idea either. My Japenese Maple fried on my porch in the shade. It was 106 or 109 degrees and it just got too hot. I stripped the leaves off and have kept it wet and flourishing back out with all new growth. If this happens to you do the same. Maples are pretty resilient with leaf damage. I have since rearranged some and moved the extra care plants to one spot with a fan. This makes it easier to keep an eye on them. A customer shared with me the idea of a fan, but in the winter he staked a couple of cheap in-ground flood lights in his banana trees and a fan oscillating on them. This kept the frost from setting and the lights provided the warmth. They were too large to cover with sheets. He has done this now several winters.
I had to have a tooth pulled yesterday. If you ever are in need go to Elite Dental in Antelope. I was such a baby chicken. I mean who loves going to the dentist? But this place lets you cry like a baby and shake like a leaf and they’ll just hold your hand and love on you. I don’t even think it hurt. I was too scared to notice any pain. Anyway, I want to publicly thank them and apologize for being such a baby. Poor Dr. Alpha. He was awesome. Sorry.
God Bless All,
Your Plant Lady