The madman’s current project is relocation of the cactus garden. We never thought his hobby would grow to this extent. The madman was introduced to the world of cactus and succulents years ago. He had always been a collector and if he saw a plant he liked, he got it. I should have seen the…
We have just left the second wettest April in the history of record keeping, and May doesn’t look any better. The madman and his hot peppers are not happy with this cold, damp weather. But the onions, beets, carrots, radishes, kale and all of its cousins are loving it. Remember those peas that the…
The madman just received an email from Pike Bartlett of Maine Garden Products asking how things are going in the greenhouse. Funny you should ask, Pike, the madman had been thinking that it was time to discuss activity in the greenhouse because it is such a great thing to have at this time of…
We have been busy. The madman spent last weekend at the 36th Annual Show and Sale of the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society (CCSS). If you missed it, you missed a great time and some wonderful horticulture. It is amazing what some cactus enthusiasts can grow in our damp cold climate. Of course, these…
The madman is still waiting to plant. As usual, it takes a few days to readjust after an adventure. This is a good thing because the temperature in the soil has not budged over 50˚-no matter how many times the madman looks at it, it is still 50˚. Instead of rushing around planting, the madman…
We’re back. The madman decided that it was time for a Road Trip! And, Mother Nature outdid herself to put on a rather exotic welcome for him. We landed in Las Vegas, grabbed a car and headed west to California for an adventure. Our adventure first took us through the Mojave National Preserve. Mojave National…
A couple of weeks ago we attended the CMGA 2019 Master Gardener Symposium which draws gardeners from throughout Connecticut. We caught up with old garden friends, met some new garden friends and learned some new ideas. This year’s theme “Nature’s Creatures: Bring More Life to your Landscape” wasn’t necessarily new, but we took away some…
The madman is putting off the peas again. He says It’s still too early. The soil temperature is 44˚. There is still snow on the garden. We haven’t done a soil test. And, we have just returned from the Master Gardener Symposium with some fresh ideas. Plant Peas on St. Patrick’s Day Let’s start with…
“I’m wondering if you’ve had a problem with Eastern Filbert Blight on your Corylus avellana ‘Contorta.’ You may be aware that Ken and I removed the specimen from the Haddam Extension Center for this reason.” -Robert Mirer Let’s Put off the Peas We received a comment from friend and master gardener Robert Mirer that caused…