Gardens are like a fine wine - they only improve with time. America has many gardens scattered over its landscape however in my experience they lack age - that indefinable luster that only time can bring to a garden. For creatures time seems only to wear upon us; in a garden time adds complexity and richness. I have had the privilege of going to Kew Gardens and Chelsea Physic Garden. Both of which celebrate their age with a glow of pride, their austere serenity has left me in awe and craving more.
Kew has several large conservatories along with grounds that could take a day to fully absorb. Chelsea Physic Garden is a small walled garden with several small conservatories and a more medical and botanical approach.
In fact most of the public parks in the area feature mixed borders with shrubs, perennials, and annuals interspersed in colorful, many include water features like ponds and fountains.
For twenty years my greatest wish has been to go to England. As I learned about gardening my interest only grew. For me I feel that England is a mecca of gardening and I am happy to praise it's public and private gardens for their timeless beauty.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Food for Thought
Fertilizers are a key component to any garden. They are the building blocks that your plants need to grow and reproduce.
All fertilizer packages list three numbers, for example 5-5-5 they are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively or NPK. Nitrogen is for leaf growth, phosphorus is for root and flower development and potassium is for maturation and development. NPK are the three major nutrients required for plant growth. It is important to have some of all three ingredients in order to complete a plant life cycle.
Today you generally have two choices: organic or conventional fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are generally derived from animals (e.g. manure, feather meal) or from plants (e.g. alfalfa meal, soybean meal). Whereas conventional fertilizer are man-made. I like to know where my fertilizers come from so I use organic fertilizer because it is clear what sources the nutrients came from. Conventional fertilizer generally takes a lot of energy to produce and is usually in the form of a salt - which isn't the best for the long-term health of the soil (think of the Romans "salting the earth" of their enemies).
I use Bat Guano at planting and liberally about once a month during the growing season. I also fertilize once every two weeks with a liquid organic fertilizer (one that lists its constituents). Finally, twice a year, in between seasonal plantings, I deeply amend with a quality compost and Soybean Meal. I like soybean meal because it is a really nice slow release fertilizer that will feed for a long time. I like Bat Guano because it is a quick source of nutrients. However, there are many blends so I have to be careful to get one that is balanced.
There are many other nutrients that are required in MUCH smaller amounts which are generally found in adequate amounts in the soil. Their deficiency is rare and adding them liberally can lead to even greater problems then a deficiency. However, if you're concerned about a lack of micro-nutrients (so-called because they are needed in VERY SMALL amounts) try a seaweed based fertilizer.
All fertilizer packages list three numbers, for example 5-5-5 they are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium respectively or NPK. Nitrogen is for leaf growth, phosphorus is for root and flower development and potassium is for maturation and development. NPK are the three major nutrients required for plant growth. It is important to have some of all three ingredients in order to complete a plant life cycle.
Today you generally have two choices: organic or conventional fertilizers. Organic fertilizers are generally derived from animals (e.g. manure, feather meal) or from plants (e.g. alfalfa meal, soybean meal). Whereas conventional fertilizer are man-made. I like to know where my fertilizers come from so I use organic fertilizer because it is clear what sources the nutrients came from. Conventional fertilizer generally takes a lot of energy to produce and is usually in the form of a salt - which isn't the best for the long-term health of the soil (think of the Romans "salting the earth" of their enemies).
I use Bat Guano at planting and liberally about once a month during the growing season. I also fertilize once every two weeks with a liquid organic fertilizer (one that lists its constituents). Finally, twice a year, in between seasonal plantings, I deeply amend with a quality compost and Soybean Meal. I like soybean meal because it is a really nice slow release fertilizer that will feed for a long time. I like Bat Guano because it is a quick source of nutrients. However, there are many blends so I have to be careful to get one that is balanced.
There are many other nutrients that are required in MUCH smaller amounts which are generally found in adequate amounts in the soil. Their deficiency is rare and adding them liberally can lead to even greater problems then a deficiency. However, if you're concerned about a lack of micro-nutrients (so-called because they are needed in VERY SMALL amounts) try a seaweed based fertilizer.
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