Courthouse Hosta Bed

This is the second year for our Hosta bed. It usually takes 3 - 4 years to get established. Stop-by and see these "Prairie Bloom" varieties suited to the Kansas climate for shade to partial shade locations. The bed is north of the Riley County Courthouse at 5th and Poyntz in Manhattan. The complete list of "Prairie Bloom" Hostas is at http://www.prairiestarflowers.com/Prairie%20Bloom%20pages/Hosta_allpics.html. Information on growing Hostas is at http://www.hfrr.ksu.edu/doc3179.ashx.

Lawn Issue

I was invited to look at this lawn. After discussion, it appears the lawn has several issues. It was over-seeded last fall. Some of the turf is still young. It has been fertilized perhaps too much in places. The leaves and stems had lesions.

Cure - mow tall and water as needed. No fertilizer until fall. If the weather stays cool, the turf will improve. If it come hot, the turf will decline and need attention come fall.

Seed Tape

I'm trying my own seed tape to reduce the need to thin small vegetable seeds. Carrots, lettuce, radish and in the picture spinach are glued to tissue paper and the proper spacing. Two seeds can be used per spot but will require thinning if they both grow.

I hope this solves my issue of thinning at the proper time. Usually, too busy to get it accomplished.

The seed tape can be covered with garden soil or potting media.

Spring is in the Air

Today is a great day to get out and get some work done. At least this honeybee thanks so. This shrub is the fragrant honeysuckle. One of several on the north west side of the courthouse. One of the first shrubs to bloom and the fragrance is wonderful. I suggest you have one. I have two. They get big. Perhaps 10 feet x 10 feet.

Forced Hyacinth

If you recall, I blogged about starting this hyacinth back in November. Now it is blooming. To keep it long lasting, I put it in the coolest room at night and bring it out during the day to enjoy it.

Winter Bloom

While out for my noon walk, I found this witchhazel blooming by the Flinthills Discovery Center. One of my 4 witchhazels are in bloom at home. I love these plants since they add interest to the landscape when nothing else is in bloom. Mine are in part shade. This one and the one beside it is in full sun. Time will tell how well all of them do.

Winter Desiccation

My Oregan Grapeholly is showing some signs of winter desiccation (browning on leaves). Make sure your broadleaf plants have available soil moisture. These are in my nursery to be moved come spring and don't have an expansive root system.

A windbreak would also help reduce moisture loss from the leaves.

Indoor Cilantro

I've been enjoying this batch of cilantro for quite awhile now. When the temperature rises it starts to flower and turn bitter. I've been harvesting since fall on this planting. It does pretty well here in my sunroom. It is probably time to start a new batch so I can have continuous fresh cilantro for my egg burrito!