Due to the sporadic but numerous rain showers we’ve had lately, several of the seeds I planted just last week are peeping seedlings through the gardens at the shop. If all continues to go well, the wooden fence on the front gardens will soon be covered with sweet peas, a newly placed trellis will support Clarke’s Heavenly Blue Morning Glories and two large planters will host different varieties of vibrant zinnias. Bright yellow Canary Bird Zinnias will bloom in front of the fence, vignetting the host of colors behind it.

Thanks to Chuck Robinson, our handy-dandy do everything guy at the Food Bank, our vegetable garden will soon be planted. He tilled it today between sprinkles of rain and it’s ready to be raked and planted. Just as I do at home, I’m agonizing on what I can fit into the space to make the most of it. And just as I do at home, I can see already that my expectations far surpass limitations of the space allotted. Thank goodness for pole beans and trellisses. At home I’m experimenting with trellisses for the squash and may do the same here. Has anyone tried it? If you have any tips, pass them on!

This humble garden will supply fresh vegetables for the Norfork Food Pantry. Every little bit helps. My friend, Deb, stopped by the shop yesterday and suggested everyone plant one extra row in their garden to feed the hungry. What a lovely thought.

Well, it’s clouding up and I want to get that fresh-tilled dirt raked before it rains. Until next time,
Happy Gardening!
Chris

T

Ah, the smell of freshly tilled soil after a rain. A sign of Spring that leaves me with visions of a garden in perfect order – no weeds – no blight – no nubs of bean plants devoured by the deer! I also associate the smell with my taste buds. I loved to eat dirt and suck on rocks when I was little. (Didn’t everyone?) I guess we all have our own idiosyncracies.

I’ve been working the gardens at home and in front of the shop, have jumped the gun and put seed in the ground that will probably have to be replanted. Also, I have come to terms that the “perfect garden” is just a dream. The deer will inevitably wipe out part of the garden, there will be some weeds, but God-willing we might ward off the blight. One thing for sure, with a garden, there is a surprise around every corner.

I am amazed at the number of gardening events in our area. Our State Parks are rampant with activities for the next few months and I have listed a few below that could be of local interest. What a way for families to spend time together. Although it is also the time of year to be busy in the gardens, a short road trip once in a while can help keep balance in one’s life. If you would like to see a more detailed list of activities, go to http://arkansasstateparks.com. Until later – Happy Gardening!
Chris

April 30, 2009
Lavish Herbal Feast
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Meet in the Skillet Restaurant.
Mountain View

Enjoy foods are prepared fresh by the chefs of our Skillet Restaurant, featuring seasonal vegetables, the best meats, a vegetarian entrée, and herbs from our Heritage Herb Gardens. The park’s friends group, the Committee of 100, hosts a reception preceding this annual feast. This popular event sells out every year. Reservations are required.
Admission: $27.50 before April 25th; $30 after April 25th
CONTACT:
Ozark Folk Center State Park
P.O. Box 500
Mountain View, AR 72560
Ph: (870) 269-3851
www.ozarkfolkcenter.com
ozarkfolkcenter@arkansas.com

May 1, 2009 – May 2, 2009
Heritage Herb Spring Extravaganza Garden Fair in the Park
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Mountain View
Our Craft Village comes alive this weekend with purveyors of herbal plants and hand-made products. General sessions feature presentations by regional herbalists and gardeners. In-depth, hands-on workshops will be offered for an additional fee. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
Admission: Regular Park Admission Fee

May 2, 2009
9 am – 2 pm
Spring Planting Day
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Meet at the heritage garden.
Prairie Grove

Join in the fun of planting the heritage garden as local Master Gardeners prepare our heritage vegetable and herb gardens. Contact the park for further details.
Admission: Free
CONTACT:
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
506 East Douglas Street
Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Ph: (479) 846-2990
prairiegrove@arkansas.com

May 2, 2009
9 pm – 2 pm
Spring Planting & Caring for Herbs Workshop
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Meet at Hindman Hall.
Prairie Grove
The park’s Heritage Garden teaches about the diversity of foods used in the 1860s, during the time of the American Civil War. All plants in this garden were grown during that time and are now called “heirloom varieties.” Learn about compost methods, building and installing garden structures, bed preparation, planting, and germination. Also discuss basic herb gardening, how to choose your plants, site preparation, propagation, (division, layering, cuttings), harvesting, and most importantly, how to use the herbs you grow! Enjoy a lunch of beans and cornbread or bring your own sack lunch. Contact the park to register or receive further details.
Admission: $10
CONTACT:
Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
506 East Douglas Street
Prairie Grove, AR 72753
Ph: (479) 846-2990
prairiegrove@arkansas.com

May 6, 2009 – May 9, 2009
National Herb Week
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Mountain View
Daily garden tours at 11 a.m. Stop by the Plant Market to make and take an herbal basket or planter box for Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day project fee is determined by the materials and plants chosen for your project. Craft grounds admission fee is required.
Admission: Regular Park Admission Fee

May 13, 2009 – May 16, 2009
Garden Glory Days
Ozark Folk Center State Park
Mountain View
Daily garden tours at 11 a.m. Stop by the Plant Market for scheduled mini-workshops. Both Fridays feature a “musical tea” at 3 p.m. on the Dr. Bessie Moore Deck. Contact the park for a detailed schedule.
Admission: Regular Park Admission Fee

I have a client looking for a variety of okra that has very small leaves. I am not familiar with one. Can anyone help me out here?

Finally, I feel confident that Spring has arrived. I’m going to open the Seed Shop on Saturday and get my hands in the dirt. My first big gardening day is coming up and I’m practically salivating with anticipation. My echinacea seeds are sitting on my desk patiently waiting for my attention. My recent lack of gardening has been due to my runaround lifestyle – years of life in remote Alaska screamed for ocean fishing daily when the weather was warm enough. So, not only have I not gotten to garden for my own sanity and enjoyment, but my gardens here in the lower 48 have been neglected. I will be tackling the gardens here at the shop, in addition to hitting the ones at home with a vengeance! It’s great to be back in the hills of Arkansas. I think I’ll just hang up my traveling shoes for a while.
The Saturday plan for the shop is to:
1. Trim the Rosemary and rearrange the bed around it to include some colorful annuals.
2. Add a layer of compost to all the beds.
3. Artfully distribute and intermingle vegetable, herb and flower seeds in the small gardens close to the building.

Speaking of the shop, it has been delightful meeting new gardening friends who stop by to stock up on seed. Daily, I am amazed at the distances some have traveled just to visit us. We are maintaining a prolific supply of seed and restocking as needed. I will be opening on Saturdays from 10-2 at least until June. Perhaps longer, if there is a call for it. The shop is also open Tuesday and Wednesday from 1-4 and Thursdays from 10-4. Occassionally, you can catch someone here on Friday.

If there’s anything I can help you with, give me a call at 870-499-7358 or stop by to visit. I love swapping gardening tips and learning what others have to share.
Until later – Happy Gardening!
Chris

Thanks for stopping by our Blog. Please feel free to subscribe and leave us comment.