On this Memorial Day, many musings.

 The only member of my family to be in the military was my little brother and my grandfather on my dad's side. I don't remember my grandfather, he had passed away before I was around. I just remember seeing a photo of him on a side table in my grandmothers house when I was little. I know he must have served in WWII because there was a cuckoo clock that came from Germany and a little jewelry box that looked like a Swiss chalet that I had. That may just be coincidence but I'd like to think he brought them back for my grandmother.

I posted on fb about the 'Flanders Poppy' and it's origin. It is also called 'Common Poppy' but has many other names and according to the search it is an annual, as most poppies are. They drop seed prolifically which makes it seem like they are a perennial because they keep coming back. One of my favorite flowers is another poppy. It is one of the more unusually colored poppies but one that is not as well known is actually a wonderful blue.

I was lucky enough to visit the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden in Tacoma, Washington a few years ago during the spring and they had some growing in the ground. I had only seen these flowers as pictures in books or as seed packets. It is the Blue Himalayan Poppy and was originally created back in the mid 1800's from a common Welsh poppy. (See names aren't exactly what they seem eh?). Also this one is more clumping and perennial being able to survive colder winters underground.

 

Over the years some people have come to ask if we had a certain plant or tree in stock (at either of my jobs) and sometimes we would have it but in the case we didn't and they were insistent I would ask why that. Most of the time they said it was a memorial either for a person or a pet. It is a wonderful testament to giving a lasting memory of someone in the form of a plant or a tree but some research is needed to make sure that it will survive with the level of care and the situation it may be getting. Planting a redwood because they are majestic and long lived doesn't have a chance if you are in a Southwest desert. 

 

As an example the three redwoods that were planted near Balboa Park by Kate Sessions ('the mother of Balboa Park') are no longer there, I seem to recall they were planted about 100 years ago and because of our climate and soil they were still babies (about 50'tall) when they likely gave out.

Kate Sessions made a deal with the city leaders in her time that 100 trees a year would be planted in Balboa Park and the surrounding area.

Can you imagine that many trees? 

So another idea people have is to plant a tree in a park. It is not free to do so and actually costs more money than people are willing to pay. Most parks won't allow just anyone to plant whatever tree they want, it has to be approved and the cost of the labor involved to have it planted correctly has to come out of the pocket of the 'donor'.

Consider instead of a tree that may get out of hand, flower seeds or perhaps a bush that is more manageable. Flower seeds that come back year after year in a garden would be a constant reminder of the cycle of life and if it is in the color of your loved one or pet's favorite toy then it should bring a smile to your face every year.

I grew up around Coast Live Oaks and Eucalyptus (which are not native to anywhere but Australia) and despite loving oak trees I would not want one planted in my memory. I would rather have a rose garden with a full rainbow of colors represented. I have an idea for a memorial garden that I hope someone will eventually grow. 

Several years ago a climbing rose was introduced called 'Stairway To Heaven' and it was a wonderful red color. Plant two of those on an arbor at the entrance of the garden and all the roses on the other side would be named for people who have died.

George Burns

Gracie Allen

Princess Diana

Mister Lincoln

John F Kennedy 

Julia Child 

and so on.

Enough color variation that you could get a full rainbow of colors blooming during the summer. That's my idea anyway and it's humorous but poignant as well. So there are many ways to remember those we loved and keep their memory bright if you chose to do so in a garden. 

On to choosing what to plant and when.

Customers sometimes come in and say, 'I want to plant a vegetable garden, what should I plant?' My direct answer is, 'What are you going to eat?'. If the answer is 'I don't know' then I advise them to think about it first. I know I will use tomatoes and jalapenos but beyond that I have to think really hard and not waste a plant or it's fruit just for the sake of growing something. I'd love to eat healthier but can't grow meat on a plant (shush up you vegans!). Other than that, leafy stuff is for cool weather only, potatoes are chancy, carrots need some time, radishes are fast but I was never a fan but might try them again. 

 

Growing plants from seed is always risky in the ground. Usually a 60/40 chance they will fail or not perform their best when mature. Sadly root crops are not good transplants (I still don't have any fertilizer and should really get some this week). If you damage the central root of a carrot you may never have any carrot to eat. Potatoes need sandy loamy soil not hard clay or rich composty soil.  Which is why I'm going to give it a shot with some old potatoes that have been hanging out on my counter. Oh and garlic...all you need is three or four cloves to plant and you're good, make sure to plant them flat butt side down and pointy side up. 

Some tips for growing potatoes: They do well in a container or sack, easier to dig them up and harvest them. I failed my experiment with a potato tower due to the wrong kind of soil and not enough sun, they rotted and never formed any tubers. I should have better luck if I want to try that over near my bed in the garden. I should also consider some pollinator plants. 

Yes, plant some flowers for bees and butterflies in your veggie garden by all means! You can even plant sage and basil and let them flower for the bees and butterflies. 

 

 

Next topic: Planting for the pollinators!