Orchids: Some ‘Glories of the Garden’

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on February 3, 2010
in Events & Expos, Orchids and The Arboretum
. 0 Comments

GARDEN GLORIES

Opening this weekend at The Arboretum on Alumni Drive is the Glories of the Garden exhibit.  All sorts of artistry, including fiber works, paintings and photographs with garden-related themes, will be displayed during regular Arboretum hours, from February 5th through 24th.   A reception February 21, 2-4 p.m. will give you the opportunity to meet the artists; the events are free and open to the public. 

One of the exhibitors, Joe Dietz, has some fantastic orchid photographs displayed.  Featured on the cover of the September 2009 Orchid magazine, his dazzling close-ups conjure up a warm, tropical atmosphere that brings some relief to the February freeze, allowing a moment to bask in the Glories for Valentine’s Day. Dietz and fellow orchid expert Tim Brooks, who wrote the text for the accompanying feature article and was elected to the national Board of Trustees of the American Orchid Society last April, have recently added a collection of temperate-climate orchids, commonly well-known as Lady’s Slippers, or to horticulturalists as Cypripedium,  to The Arboretum’s collection.

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Seeds Needs: Prison Garden

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on January 27, 2010
in Prison Gardens
. 0 Comments

Seeds Needs Each year, a large vegetable and flower garden is planted by inmates on the grounds of the Federal prison on Leestown Pike.  Produce raised there is carted by volunteers to God’s Pantry and other local food banks and charities around Lexington.  Last year alone, 22,000 pounds of produce was delivered.   This season, they are hoping for donations of all types of vegetable and flower seeds from the community.  If you can help with this need, please contact coordinator Stan Glass by calling (859) 533-0921 for specific information.  And thanks for helping Kentucky a place where people grow together!

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Breaking Ground: Floracliff Nature Center

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on January 21, 2010
in Floracliff and Wildflowers
. 0 Comments

Floracliff  Elk Lick Falls by Beverly*.

Mary and her dog, Susie at Elk Lick Creek by Floracliff.If you’re already dreamiing of spring wildflower walks by the Kentucky River, here’s some good news:  Floracliff Nature Sanctuary, located in southern Fayette County, has broken ground for the future Winifred W. Haggart Nature Center at 8000 Elk Lick Falls Rd.  The 2040-square-foot Winifred W. Haggart Nature Center, designed by James W. Potts Architects, will serve as a visitor’s center, classroom, meeting room, library, and a location for employee offices. The building will also have restrooms, a kitchenette, and storage facilities and will be fully handicap accessible. The classroom will allow the organization to expand educational programming that focuses on the natural environment of the Inner Bluegrass. Anderson Communities has signed on to be the general contractor.Box turtle by Floracliff.

The means to build the Nature Center was made possible by a bequest from the late Winfred W. Haggart. Ms. Haggart was a close friend of Dr. Mary Wharton, who founded Floracliff Nature Sanctuary. Both women taught at Georgetown College, where Dr. Wharton headed the biology department and Ms. Haggart headed the art department. Knowing Mary Wharton (who died in 1991) had recognized the need for indoor space to facilitate and enhance the accomplishment of Floracliff’s mission, Ms. Haggart left this bequest after her own death in 2002.

Trout lily by Floracliff.The building and surrounding parking lot will include many elements of green design. Permeable materials will be used for the parking area. The building will incorporate high efficiency windows and insulation, SEER rated HVAC system, metal roofing, and locally harvested wood for the interior.

The project is expected to be finished by early summer of 2010. Once the building has been constructed, they will be hosting an Open House celebration.  Check Floracliff’s Web-site for updates.  For more information, call manager Beverly James at (859) 351-7770 or email floracliff@aol.com.

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Volunteer Ops at Ashland . . .

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on January 14, 2010
in Ashland
. 1 Comment

 

Volunteer Ops at Ashland

Have some time on your hands in 2010?  Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate which is located 120 Sycamore Rd. in Lexington, will offer volunteer orientation and training sessions in February and March.  Interested participants can select from a flexible orientation schedule of Monday afternoon sessions.  Additional one-on-one training is also available throughout the year. 

This National Historic Landmark provides an important community service, and helps preserve the legacy and estate of a great American statesman.  Volunteers can meet and work with interesting and diverse people from across the country and around the world, as well as make new lifelong friends and have fun!  Opportunities include giving guided tours, greeting visitors and selling tickets and merchandise in the Museum Store, or assisting teachers with school groups, assisting with curatorial research, helping with special programs and events, and much more.  Ashland volunteers are an active group and many participate in social and educational programs offered throughout the year.   

2010 Ashland Volunteer Orientation & Training Schedule

Monday, February 15   1:00 pm – 3:30pm

Monday, February 22   1:00pm –  3:30pm

Monday, March 1        1:00pm –  3:30pm

Monday, March 8        1:00pm –  3:30pm 

There is no cost to participate in the volunteer program. Training sessions begin in the Keeper’s Cottage on the estate grounds.  To participate, contact Jessica Hartman, Director of Tour Operations
859-266-8581, Ext. 18    jhartman@henryclay.org

 

Our country is prosperous and powerful; but could it have been quite all it has been, and is, and is to be, without Henry Clay?   Abraham Lincoln, 1852

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Frozen Fish Pond?

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on January 8, 2010
in Garden Shops and Hardscape Products
. 1 Comment

Pond Icing Over?

A timely note from garden pond professional Jeff Duggins, owner of H2O Designs, Inc., calls attention to the fact that the drop in temperatures this week may be causing unusual ice problems in garden ponds.  Below is some important information to consider, especially if you’re keeping fish.  Click the above link, or call (888) 297-6637 for more information.

Duggins writes:

Dear Susan ,  
 
We have been inundated with email and phone calls this week about the safety of fish and pumps in the recent arctic temperatures we have been blessed with here in Central Kentucky. Therefore, I felt the need to reiterate some basic winter pond tips and offer some trade secrets to get you through the unusual cold weather we are experiencing. As always if you have any specific questions or need assistance please do not hesitate to call or email us.
 Ponds
Pond DeicerIf you have Fish in your pond you MUST NOT let the pond freeze completely solid. Keeping at least a small hole in the ice will allow otherwise fatal gasses to escape from the water and keep your fish healthy. There are several ways you can accomplish this

 

 

 

 

  • Use a Pond Heater - Placing a pond heater near the skimmer will help keep the ice from blocking the waterway into the pump and help keep your pump running. 
 
  • Adding Water - Most of the time you will ultimately need to add water to your pond in order to keep your pump circulating. To do this we recommend keeping a “Winter Safety Hose” Handy. This is simply a hose that is stored in a place that will prevent freezing (Garage, Basement, etc). When water is needed simply pull out your “Safety Hose” and store it when finished. I personally recommend allowing all of the water to drain from the hose before storing. Additionally you may need a Hair Dryer or Heat Gun to thaw your outside spigot enough to allow water to flow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Shut Your Pump Off

 

While I only recommend this as a last resort sometimes there may be nothing else you can do depending on the design of your pond and pumping system. If you do shut your pump off it is IMPERATIVE that you keep a hole in the ice so your fish can remain safe. a POND HEATER is the easiest and most effective way to achieve this. Also, you should restart your pump as soon as the weather permits.

 

 

 

 

 

Pondless Waterfalls
Pondless Waterfalls are a easier to take care of since you don’t have to worry about keeping your fish safe. You have the same 2 options that you do with ponds for dealing with the frigid temperatures. The only exception would be to place the Pond Heater at the base of your waterfall (Where the water enters your basin) so that the water will not be lost outside of your basin resulting in water loss.
Streams
Winter StreamIf you have a long stream or a moderate water flow you may experience ice dams in your stream. Most of the time the water will continue to run under the ice. However, if you do experience ice dams there is unfortunately not much you can do other than break the ice, place a Pond Heater in the dammed area or shut your pump down.
 
Fountains/Bubbling Boulders
 
The only real issue you should have with fountains and bubbling boulders are ice dams forming at the base causing water to escape. If this happens again you really only have 2 options (break the ice, place a Pond Heater in the dammed area or shut your pump down). Most fountain pumps are below ground and will not be harmed from being shut down.

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 

While many of you may cringe at the frigid temperatures, I personally think that the “Winter Pond” with all of its magnificent natural ice sculptures is one of the most beautiful sights that Mother Nature blesses us with. Until Spring stay warm and enjoy your “Winter Pond”.
 
Sincerely,

 

 

Jeff Duggins
H2O Designs Inc

 

 

 

 

 

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Green New Year’s Resolutions . . .

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on December 27, 2009
in General chronological posting
. 1 Comment

                                                                                                                                                                                                                Green Light . . .

The world turns, the new year approaches, and even though you can’t really notice it yet, days have begun to get longer again.  This is a time for reflection, resolutions, and looking forward to finding new paths to being responsible stewards on this Earth.  Here in the Bluegrass, there are many organizations working hard to encourage natural resource conservation,  like Bluegrass Pride, which has listed some suggestions for green New Year’s Resolutions *click here*.  Our Herald-Leader blog, the Greenspot *click here*, focuses attention on bringing you up-to-date on environmental issues and ideas.  Also, just a couple weeks ago community organizer Jim Embry sent a note about a resource book that he and other activists have put together; to check out the Sustainable World Sourcebook *click here*. or find a copy locally at the Good Foods Market & Cafe, the Morris book shop or Joseph-Beth Booksellers.   

This just in…   Jim Embry signs book- Sustainable World Sourcebook- at Third Street Stuff Coffee   Lexington eco-activist, Jim Embry, will sign copies of Sustainable World Sourcebook  on  Wednesday December 30, 5pm-6:30pm at Third Street Stuff Coffee 257 N. Limestone St. As a member of the Sustainable World Coalition, Jim was part of the collaborative team of writers for this publication which also features several of his photographs. Scenes from community gardens in Lexington,KY and Detroit,  Muir Woods in California, and Terra Madre in Italy are among his photographs selected for this book.  His written contributions include sections of chapters 6 & 7 and a back cover quote. 

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Amaryllis Rescue . . .

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on December 26, 2009
in General chronological posting
. 1 Comment

Amaryllis Rescue                                                               Amaryllis Fantasy, two nursery pots in a 17 woven basket

Today’s trip to a couple home improvement stores revealed an abundance of leftover holiday Amaryllis bulbs, some sprouting already, others still hunkered down in their boxes, as my sister-in-law says “looking like pound puppies in need of being rescued. ”  They blossom into such beauties, it would be a sad waste to let them all bloom in the landfill. Thinking ahead, now is the perfect time to start amaryllis bulbs growing indoors to give as Valentine’s Day gifts.  Their fresh green, strappy foliage and tall flower stalks, many over two feet high, topped by large, showy, trumpet-shaped blooms in shades of red, white and pink will create eye-popping, heart-warming impressions that can grow for years.   For each amaryllis you want to force into bloom indoors, you’ll need the bulb itself;  a container for planting with good drainage, heavy enough to counterbalance this top-heavy plant, that measures about 2 inches wider than the bulb; and some potting soil and perhaps stones to add weight and drainage at the bottom of the pot.  Plant the bulb so that about an inch it’s tip shows above the soil, and water thoroughly;  drain away excess accumulated water so the bulb doesn’t rot, and wait until you see green leaves begin to sprout before watering again.  Blooms usually take at least 40 days to emerge, sometimes longer depending on variety and growing conditions.  The ones already sprouting a bit may take less time.

My favorite sources for special ‘designer’ bulbs are Easy to Grow Bulbs , where  a wide assortment of large, high-quality bulbs of all sorts can be found.  Reading through their offerings is an education in itself.  They only ship through December, though, so check out their Web-site soon if you plan to do a project now.    Also, the abundance of White Flower Farm’s gorgeous selections are a traditional inspiration, and a favorite with gardeners for years.

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Brrrrr…..ight Calendula

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on December 9, 2009
in Calendula and Plant Descriptions
. 0 Comments

                                                        CALENDULA

Hard to believe, but the calendula I started from saved seeds this June is still blooming in my garden.  Big, bright yellow-petaled mop-head flowers with brown button centers, each about 3 inches across, are amazing to see, holding their own against December’s freezing rain.  I’ve discovered that they stand up much better to cold than to the heat and insect invasions of summer.  In years past, I’ve planted them in early May from seedlings, and they have just fizzled when the weather gets hot and dry.  Calendula, which has been popular for centuries, is also called pot marigold.  It’s both an edible and ornamental flower with golden petals that have been used to add a colorful accent garnish to salads, and as a substitute for more expensive saffron in soups and stews.  Calendula was the Herb Society of America’s Herb of the Year in 2008. To find more about calendula and other edible flowers, click HERE: CALENDULA.  For gardeners wanting to extend floral touches in their gardens as long as the North Wind permits, this is a great discovery.

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Heads Up! Where is the U.S. Capitol’s Christmas Tree Today?

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on November 23, 2009
in Christmas trees and Events & Expos
. 1 Comment

LogoBeginning in 1970, the U.S. Forest Service has provided  a holiday “People’s Tree”,  the Christmas tree gracing the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. This year, Arizona took the honors. An 85-foot Blue Spruce from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in Arizona’s  White Mountains was chosen. Since being harvested on November 7th, the tree has been trucked, winding its way through the south-west, on its way to eastward to Washington. As of about mid-day today, it has stopped for ceremonies in Branson, Missouri, and tomorrow it’s to Nashville, Tennessee.  Could it be swinging through Kentucky?  By December 8th, it will have been presented to Congress, set up and  illuminated on the lawn of the Capitol Building.    The hoopla along the way can be seen in photos, read about on a Blog, befriended on Facebook, Tweeted on Twitter, and is even being tracked via a GLS satellite system, to create a map along it’s route.  Check it out at by clicking HERE: CAPITOL’S CHRISTMAS TREE. 

It’s also a moment to think about Aldo Leopold,  wilderness preservationist with a passion for observing our natural surroundings, and who in the early 1900’s worked in Arizona with the newly established U.S. Forest Service in Arizona and New Mexico.  Leopold said   “The practice of conservation must spring from a conviction of what is ethically and aesthetically right, as well as what is economically expedient.  A thing is right only when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the community, and the community includes the soli, waters, fauna, and flora, as well as people.:  To discover more about Leopold, click  HERE ALDO LEOPOLD FOUNDATION.

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Brussels Sprouts: Almost Au Natural

Published
by
Susan Smith-Durisek
on November 21, 2009
in Cole Crops
. 0 Comments

Brussels Sprouts  . . . Do you know where your vegetables are grown?  I mean, what field, city, state, country, even continent? If you shop at a grocery store, sometimes there are labels providing that information, sometimes not.  Unless the grocery stockers remember what they read on the boxes, or think it’s worth mentioning on the signs, it’s really difficult to find ferret out somebody who has access to that information.  I wouldn’t advise trying to ask during the Thanksgiving rush, when all available employees are working the check-out lines or desperately searching for pumpkin at a reasonable price.  Second question: do you know what your vegetables looked like while they were growing?  If you look at the bags of peeled mini-carrot chunks so popular lately, can you imagine those bits as underground roots, with a handle of feathery green foliage sticking up above-ground, waiting to be yanked?  I know it may be shocking, but no, folks, the carrots did not grow in perfectly washed and peeled lozenges; at one time they were even covered with soil.   More questions: how long ago were your veggies picked? Who picked and packed them, and did they get a fair wage?  What did the growing field and cultivation methods look like?  What route did they take to get to you, and at what cost?  Did they travel by car, truck, train, plane? 

Today’s appreciative tribute goes to the genius who decided to market Brussles sprouts, still on the stalk.  Striking, fun, educational, engaging and maybe even tasting better, this idea brings us consumers closer to the farm.  Sure, they’ve chopped off the leaves and roots, but having the stalk is an eye-opening revelation about Brussel sprout morphology.  Of course, you could also be growing some cool-weather cole crops in your own garden right now, like cabbage, kale, broccoli and the aforementioned Brussels sprouts, and be picking them just feet from your own kitchen door.  Maybe next year?  Meanwhile, learn how and where your food is produced, and study up on some grass-roots gardening info so that next year, you’ll have some Brussels sprout stalks of your own.

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