This sign makes me laugh. I do think it’s a good thing to slow down; but sometimes, it’s just annoying for something like a sign to say, “hey, slow down.” Especially when you’re rushing around and you don’t want to shift into a slower gear. But still it’s funny. I might be in a bit of denial. I love experiencing life; doing things is much more pleasurable to me than buying and consuming things. Anyway, besides laughing at that sign and taking a picture of it, that theme (slow down) came up again, along with THESE 17 SPRING LESSONS. Here they are:
1. When time is tight (RUN) when a take out restaurant says “SLOW DOWN” – I’m pretty sure that if anyone behind the counter serving food, in my case making smoothies and juices, says we all need to slow down, it’s code for slow service. Nothing wrong with that. The smoothie was delicious, but I was the only one out of three customers who stood around long enough to get my drink. Next time, if I’m tight on time and hear those words, I’m gone!
2. My mechanic is golden! – Thank you Terry for keeping my gardening truck in great condition. Having a good mechanic is not to be underrated.
3. Even with a drought, pruning spring growth still demands extra time – It just does and always will. Especially in a formal garden with lots of hedges!
4. Greywater can kill plants – What I’ve seen several times now, goes along with the saying, “if a little is good, a lot must be better.” Too much greywater used to water the same 5 container plants every time you shower or watering any same area each time you shower is not good, no matter how good your intentions. Spread the love around or stick to a watering routine with that water.
5. My dog doesn’t care if sand blows in her face – She is so adorable and up for just about anything outdoors, even a litter sand blowing her way! ps. It would really make her day to like her post.
6. Crows are so much smaller than ravens – Wow, what a size difference: a crow seems petite compared to a raven. Did you know that?
7. Eight days (in a row) of fog makes me cranky – Thank you spring fog, now I know for sure!
8. My local gardening suppliers and nurseries are magic – Thank you Landscapes Unlimited, Emerisa, Suncrest, American Soil Products, Lyngso, Dry Gardener, Flora Grubb and the Urban Farmer!
9. The cocktail tree is my new obsession – Thanks to this wonderful real estate developer who told me about the cocktail tree he wants; so do I. I’m on a mission to find the one he described. He mentioned that there are special limes for your gin and tonic… Now it’s time to learn more. I’ll keep you posted!
10. The concrete jungle is changing fast – It’s just amazing how quickly change can happen. Streets are giving way to large painted bike paths. Parklets are just about everywhere, buildings are coming down and going up…
11. Even in a dry summer climate there can be rain – Oh my bad. The delightful rain that sprinkled throughout the day on June 10th in San Francisco… That date’s still spring. Strange, June always feels like summer to me.
12. Spring wildflower hikes are fun –Took a few nice hikes where wildflowers were the “headliners.” Really fun. Looking forward to many more next spring. Have always wanted to see the desert bloom. Have you done that?
13. Fruit varieties grafted on multibudded trees have to be of the same genus – Thank you Dave Wilson nursery for the great conversation! Learned a lot.
14. Learn more about fruit trees There’s a fruit tree for your climate! In San Francisco, citrus do well over all. We can also grow apples, plums and pluots. Check out varieties for your region. Types of fruit that grow well in your climate, etc. To learn more, here’s a great resource on Dave Wilson’s, Fruit Tube. Like You Tube, but fruit focused!
15. Even in full sun perennial Verbena bonariensis’ basal leaves, and occasionally stems get powdery mildew – Rrrrrrrrrr. Still love it for its flowers and vertical punch!
16. On the Last day of spring, sunset in San Francisco is 8:35pm, (that’s Saturday, June 20) – Check out your sunset here.
17. Succulent plants make excellent bonsai arrangements – I’ve been enjoying watching my bonsai dish garden grow in. I look at it daily and it makes me very, very happy!
Is There a Theme Here?
- Time goes by so fast, so sometimes it’s great to reflect on the highlights of a season.
Happy Gardening!
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