August – September 2024
President’s Message
Everyone has faced challenges these past few years, some larger than others. Yet, we persevere, and find success. Farm and Garden is no exception. I am the first Past National President to serve a second term at the helm; It seems recycling is not relegated to paper, plastic, and glass.
This term, I will be working solo, my helpmate is no longer at my side. It is a challenge, but a welcome one, a new beginning. As gardeners, and members, you have worked hard this season to achieve a beautiful setting in your life. Take a moment to relax, sit on your patio, deck, sidewalk or garden path with a cool drink of your choice. Enjoy the glory of your hard work, bask in the knowledge that you accomplished this place of peace and wonder. Take a mental snapshot, save it to your brain’s hard drive, for this moment is fleeting. Season’s change is right around the corner.
The fundraisers of Garden Walks, plant swaps, the meetings and luncheons, teas and raffles were a success. We never shy away from an opportunity to share our conquests and failures with our partners in the world of plants. In the last few years, many of our members have downsized their gardens, learning the benefits of pot gardening. I am among those ranks. Moving from over two acres of woods and native plants to pots on a deck has been very different. I am no longer a shade gardener, but a full sun porch/pot tender. It is easier to deadhead, but my watering can has become my best friend. We visit our pot-friends often, sometimes with water soluble fertilizer. I’m learning, too, there are consequences to pay when things are left alone for two weeks.
Every season gives a gift to our garden. This past Summer has been no exception. In my area, the cool, wet Spring made working in the garden and early planting a challenge. The onslaught of storms with large hail left holes in the leaves of the struggling perennials, which still bear the scars late in the season. The rains were followed by extreme hot and dry spells. These kept only the most ardent of gardeners busy outside, most stayed hibernating in the air conditioning until the cooler hours of the evening. Yet, through it all, persistent gardeners prevailed!
Posted 27 Aug 2024