From The Old Farmer's Almanac.
Why is it that some people just detest gardening? I don't mean the ones who have never really given it a go and are ignorant of the joy of gardening but for those who have - and still hate it.
Is gardening an acquired taste - like beer and rollmops? Can a person actually GROW into this hobby?
After reading 55-year-old Laurie King's post I've had to reassess the paradigm that has comforted me all these years - everyone should garden. Maybe there are some that shouldn't? Maybe some people would lead much happier lives if they didn't have to garden? Oh, the shame!
Continue reading through King's comments and you realise that she's not a lone voice in the wilderness. Scores of her readers are coming out of the closet and discussing their distaste in our hobby. They all, at one stage or another, have tried their hand at gardening and for whatever reason have found that it has become a nightmare in their lives.
I'm sure we all have at least one friend person in our life who scoffs when we discuss our garden. For some it seems worse than stating that you've become a Mormon or enjoy listening to Milli Vanilli. To those people we measure our conversations and never try to let slip a comment about the joy we find in this glorious pastime.
But, do we secretly hope that one day they will get IT? I mean, REALLY get IT? Do we hope that they will pursue us with questions on how to care for their celosia - (Yep! Rip them out. They look stupid) or they'll badger us to exchange cuttings and go on gardening tours with us. They just can't wait for the weekend so that they can visit the local nursery and turn the compost. Is this really what we want them to get?
I do.
I know it's selfish and completely devoid of individual taste and personal preference but how good would it be if everybody found joy in gardening? Concrete would be as hated as oil slicks. Global warming wouldn't be a discussion point but a call to arms and Trey would be wealthier than Bill Gates - if he's not already!
Fortunately, King's commenters don't remain stroking the unjoy of gardening for too much longer. Riobonito, the lone voice in a sea of dissension, turns up and nails her colours to the wall. She is like the Joan of Arc of gardening.
To those who find gardening unJOYful - I feel sad for you.
Why is it that some people just detest gardening? I don't mean the ones who have never really given it a go and are ignorant of the joy of gardening but for those who have - and still hate it.
Is gardening an acquired taste - like beer and rollmops? Can a person actually GROW into this hobby?
After reading 55-year-old Laurie King's post I've had to reassess the paradigm that has comforted me all these years - everyone should garden. Maybe there are some that shouldn't? Maybe some people would lead much happier lives if they didn't have to garden? Oh, the shame!
Continue reading through King's comments and you realise that she's not a lone voice in the wilderness. Scores of her readers are coming out of the closet and discussing their distaste in our hobby. They all, at one stage or another, have tried their hand at gardening and for whatever reason have found that it has become a nightmare in their lives.
I'm sure we all have at least one friend person in our life who scoffs when we discuss our garden. For some it seems worse than stating that you've become a Mormon or enjoy listening to Milli Vanilli. To those people we measure our conversations and never try to let slip a comment about the joy we find in this glorious pastime.
But, do we secretly hope that one day they will get IT? I mean, REALLY get IT? Do we hope that they will pursue us with questions on how to care for their celosia - (Yep! Rip them out. They look stupid) or they'll badger us to exchange cuttings and go on gardening tours with us. They just can't wait for the weekend so that they can visit the local nursery and turn the compost. Is this really what we want them to get?
I do.
I know it's selfish and completely devoid of individual taste and personal preference but how good would it be if everybody found joy in gardening? Concrete would be as hated as oil slicks. Global warming wouldn't be a discussion point but a call to arms and Trey would be wealthier than Bill Gates - if he's not already!
Fortunately, King's commenters don't remain stroking the unjoy of gardening for too much longer. Riobonito, the lone voice in a sea of dissension, turns up and nails her colours to the wall. She is like the Joan of Arc of gardening.
To those who find gardening unJOYful - I feel sad for you.
The Natal Mahogany is a plant you can use in lots of different places. The Natal Mahogany has been around for a few years but used mainly by the professional plantscaper.
Most people are familiar with the Umbrella tree or Schefflera. This plant has a similar look. The botanical name is - Trichila dregeana - and I’ll admit it’s a little hard to pronounce. You’ll be happy to know most people call it by the easier to pronounce Natal Mahogany.
Trichila dregeana is versatile and performs very well in high or low light interior installations.
The leaves are compound, have a very high gloss, carry a deep almost blackish green color and is a more upright grower. It looks very tropical and usually holds lots of leaves. Although, under lower light levels, they may drop some of their lower leaves.
Now for the watering department…
Many houseplant owners just flat out over water their plants… Great News if that describes you. The Natal Mahogany thrives on water… and lots of it. Now, I’m not suggesting you go out and drench the plant with as much water as possible. The Natal Mahogany is more forgiving than many other indoor plants when it comes to water. You may want to consider dropping a saucer underneath the pot to hold a little extra water.
It should also be noted not to just pour water on and let it drain out the bottom. As with most plants, make sure the soil is thoroughly watered. It does really well on sub-irrigation or in self-watering planters. Some professional plantscapers have reported that the Natal Mahogany will need to be watered more than once a week. Then again, it all depends on the light levels and temperature.
Another plus for the Natal Mahogany - the plant actually grows indoors and new growth may become stretched in low light levels. You can simply cut back the stretched growth to the desired height and the plant will branch again.
What kind of height does this plant get? You’ll find the plant in the 4 - 6 foot range and probably in 14 inch pots.
New plants are introduced all the time, but the Natal Mahogany has many professional plantscapers surprised at how well it performs inside.
So if you’re looking for a fresh new plant, check out the Natal Mahogany. If your local garden center doesn’t have it in stock they can ask their local plant supplier to get it for them.
The male Rufous-Sided Towhee
The female Rufous-Sided Towhee
Photo: Johnny N. Dell, Retired, Bugwood.org
