Dirt Therapy

After an extended stretch of mild weather, we have two nights of sub-freezing temperatures. No snow or ice, just cold, in the mid twenties tonight and teens tomorrow night. I cover three or four plants including the loquat and a eucalyptus that was planted late last season. We usually bring in a few of the hummingbird feeders and put them back out early in the morning.  For the other birds, I have a heating device inside the urn fountain. I recently received this little heated bird bath that you just plug into the wall. This is the first time I've used it. I'm not crazy about the color but if it works, that is all that matters. In the meantime, much interest is to be found - Cotoneaster dammeri - either   'Lowfast' or 'Mooncreeper' - anyone know the difference? Euphorbia characieas wulfenii Camellia 'Nuccio Bella Rosa' Heather ( Calluna vulgaris 'Firefly' and 'Multicolor') Hypericum 'Pumpkin' (St. John's Wort) Vinca minor ...

First, before I get to the mulch, I wanted to share a photo of the transplanted loquat. I am thrilled with its progress and think it looks great for January! I felt really guilty after moving it but it was one of those situations where I wanted to make room for another plant. I do that a lot. I thought it was a goner after leaves and limbs continued to turn brown. But, new growth in popping out all over.  My neighbor was over and I was sharing my mulch with him. I said "I can feel spring in the air". He laughed and said "Well, it is 45 degrees." And so it was. But the sun was shining, no wind or rain and the birds were singing. I can feel spring coming. Today was a good workout and I made it much longer before my sciatica, lumbago or whatever it is called in lower back started acting up. The mulch mountain is dwindling... This was a huge chip drop and one drop is going to be enough and then some. Because these chips come from arborists, they are not treated with dye...

My work is cut out for me as I just requested a Chip Drop and it arrived the very next morning. They are always huge loads but this one seems bigger. Much larger than it appears in the photo. This will be spread over most of the beds in back and front.

'Chief Joseph' Pine ( Pinus contorta ) It has been so wet and cold that I have done very little in the garden. I need to get on the ball and yesterday and today provided a much-needed break from the rain. The sun even came out today. I got a load of horse manure from Southridge Farms , a place that my boss had recommended. It is just a short drive from my house and the manure is beautiful - I spent the day emptying my truck, one bucket-full at a time, and placing it in strategic places. Around the roses for sure. Notice the dead canes coming from the bottom. These need to be cut out completely. Another chore for another day. 'Chief Joseph' Pine (at the top of the page), so beautiful right now. As is  Arctostaphylos 'Sunset' - And Eastern Hemlock 'Golden Duchess' ( Tsuga cadensis 'MonKinn') - Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

This is one of my favorite recipes and a very simple one. Some of the ingredients are optional, such as the cheese and tomato.  1 large broccoli head (or 3-4 cups) 6-8 slices of crispy bacon, cooked and chopped 1/2 cup green onions (or red onions) 1/2 cup raisins 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, cubed or grated 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1/4 cup sugar 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes (or any type tomato)  Cut the broccoli heads into bite-sized pieces.  Place in a large bowl and add the chopped bacon, onions, raisins, cheese and tomato. In a small separate bowl, mixed the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar. Mix well and drizzle over the broccoli mixture.  Toss gently and refrigerate. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy