GMO Free. Coincidence or Not?

I have been planning my garden for months and am rapidly approaching the official start date of April 27. My scientific theory behind the official start date is, the local university is having it's plant sale on April 27 and I know that I have always had success with their plants. I've been watching my garden, purchasing soil, seeds and planters.

I buy plants whenever I have an opportunity to do so just to see if I am successful with them. My favorites are plants that I buy at fundraisers. You know, the elementary school is having a yard sale to raise money for playground equipment and Grandma thinned out her garden and has donated the plants. I am the person that will give the plants a place to live. It allows me opportunity to donate money to the fund and make somebody happy. (I figure either somebody will be happy that they don't need to clean up dirt or a child will be happy because Grandma's plants sold.)

A few years ago, I was at a fundraiser in Tate, Georgia. There were pretty, little flowers for sale. I asked a lady working at the sale what they were. She shrugged her shoulders and said, "Some kind of buttercup?" Okay. I gave her the money for the plants, brought them home and planted them.

From that day on, they have been our Tate Buttercups. I asked my daughter to take a quick picture of them tonight as she and I were headed out the door to the dollar store.

My Tate Buttercups

We get to the store and since I was only along for the ride, I looked at the seeds. The Perennial Mix branded by American Seed caught my attention. Four packages for a dollar? Even better. I paid for the seeds and we left.

As soon as I arrived home I Googled American Seed. They are in Norton, Massachusetts and have a lovely web site. The site showed the seeds they offer and there were my Tate Buttercups! But, they're not buttercups at all. Those pretty, little flowers are Showy Evening Primrose!

 My garden of Showy Evening Primrose

Aren't they pretty?! 

So, I read some more about the American Seed company in Norton, MA. Their seeds have been around a long time and they do not offer GMO seeds. I think it's pretty neat that they were cool before being GMO free was a thing.

As for the Tate Buttercups, that name will remain in our family for years. My family's inside joke guarantees that at least one of us will smile! As for the Showy Evening Primrose, I will be proud to tell my friends that they are from American, GMO-free seeds. 

Georgianna Hardware Corporation

My Five Tips For Success With Gardening

I have a strong belief that we need to live in harmony with nature and because of this I am continually asked for advice about how to start and maintain a garden.  Below are the sure tips for getting the flowers you love to grow successfully.

The planting technique improves the plant's likelihood of success in the garden or a pot.

     Since the roots of plants typically grow out, not down be sure to place the plant into a hole that is 2 to 3 times larger than the root ball.

     Break dirt off of the root ball so that roots don't need to grow through the starter mixture and can grow into their more permanent location.

     Put water into the planting hole before placing the plant in. This is easy, plants seek the water and you want the roots to be drawn downward.

     When planting a shrub or tree position it in the ground so the root ball is level with the existing grade. Leave the tree or shrub's root collar above the soil.

     Water thoroughly at the time of planting. Check the soil conditions regularly for the first year to be sure the plant, tree or shrub has enough water.

Potted plants require the same attention to planting and maintenance is fairly easy. Though clay pots are very attractive, plastic pots retain moisture better. If you feel the need to have the clay pot simply buy a plastic or resin pot that fits inside. This allows you to have the decorative choice and also allows the benefits for the success of the plant's life.

Annuals only have one life cycle so they will not grow again next year. Since the season that they are planted is their only season they need to be fertilized more often than a perennial plant. Fertilizing once very two or three weeks with a 10-20-10 fertilizer is fine. Actually, if you apply the fertilizer once a month through the summer season you should be successful. I'm not one to use expensive fertilizer. The packaging should show the nutritional value of the fertilizer, such as 10-20-10. I like to use this blend because since it does not tend to burn the plants out I appear to have great success!

Growing plants is a great activity to share with children. Though there are a number of tools available children are happy to use a rock or spoon to dig with as a tool. Depending on the child's age and interest level is a good way to determine if you want to invest in purchasing perennials.

The same techniques apply for the planting perennials.

The greatest benefit of plants is attracting wildlife. I am always amazed at the number of song birds, hummingbirds and butterflies that appear because they are attracted to the plants for food and shelter.

Planting a few plants is a nice weekend activity that is low cost and can be as time consuming as you want it to be, especially if you are like me and schedule in plenty of breaks and after getting outdoors, relaxing and enjoying the company of an assistant it almost always guarantees a good night's sleep!

It's a tough day.

Last week my associates were sick and this week I am sick.  It's tough being the operator of a one man band.  There isn't anybody to replace you if you should call in sick.  Actually, when I called I had to leave a message for myself!

  
This Blog was never intended to be my political forum.   Political debate is something that I immediately refer to my good friend, Neil.  He's the political go-to guy, not me.  But the President paid a visit to me in my living room when I sat down for a rest this afternoon.  I was (and still am) shocked.  He told me that, "We have to live within our means..."  I was confused.  I thought it was fairly evident that I did live within my means.  I guess I shouldn't assume that they miss seeing me at the gym.  Kick a guy when he's down, why don't you?

Since I'm ill, I have decided to start thinking about living within my means tomorrow.  I really wanted to upload the gardening book for everybody and update the web site, but I need to review my household spending. 

Even without the updates, please do visit.  We've been improving the site regularly.
 www.GeorgiannaHardwareCorporation.com

Yippie! Freebies!

We have added a new page to our web site!  Freebies!  http://georgiannahardwarecorporation.com/Freebies.aspx  There are a few files that refer to gardening that we thought might be of some help getting you into the mood to celebrate Spring.  (I've been rained in for a few days so I figure we could all use a nudge.)  

Remember to look for the made in America tools when your in the lawn and garden shops or you can always visit our website.  Georgianna Hardware