The Kerby's E-Newsletter
March 15, 2018
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| Saying goodbye to Princess Layer. |
If you read the newsletter a few weeks ago, you know that we got some new baby chicks. Unfortunately, over the weekend just following the newsletter, one of the babies got sick and went on to 'chicken heaven'. As adults we have witnessed more of the circle of life; for Abby and Maddy, it was a pretty tough loss. There were lots of tears that night. The thing that comforted them the most was when we told them that even though Princess Layer hadn't lived a long life, she had been able to share it with two little girls that really loved her, instead of crowded among all the other chicks at the feed store.
By Sunday they seemed to have processed the loss and decided they wanted to give Princess Layer a proper funeral and burial. So we made a little shoebox coffin for her, the girls made a cross with her name on it, and they even wrote some words to say at the service. They held a rehearsal Sunday afternoon, and then the service took place in the early evening. They were still sad, but definitely came to terms with it well and knew that she was at peace and not sick anymore.
The garden is an amazing place. Not only do we get to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it also provides a place to learn valuable life lessons. It's a place that demonstrates the circle of life. We see the miracle of butterflies and we watch the seasons of growing and blooming, fruiting and harvesting. What you learn, I think, makes you stronger, gentler and kinder.
'May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.'
- Old Irish Blessing
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Happy Gardening (and St. Patrick's Day), The Kerby's Nursery Family 
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| Consistent watering is the key. |
Water, Water, Water
Last week's tip was about planting well. But that's only the start of growing great plants. Next you've got to make sure that you take care of those new plants. The majority of the plant problems we encounter at the nursery are caused by inconsistent watering, so follow these tips to make sure your new plants thrive.
1) Water Regularly. Plants, especially new ones, need water regularly, so follow this schedule: water daily for the first month, every other day in the second month and twice a week for the thrid month. Thereafter, most plants are good with a deep soaking one to two times per week.
2) Water in the morning. I know, you've got work, school . . . plenty to keep you busy. But plants still want to be watered in the morning. They use water during the day when the sun is up, not at night when it is dark.
3) Water deeply. Each time you water a plant, make sure that you are watering deeply. A quick spray over the top of the roots may quench the plant's thirst in the near term, but it won't help plants generate a strong root system. Give new plants enough water to really soak into the soil all the way through the root ball, driving roots downward and creating a strong, sturdy plant.
4) Don't (always) Rely on Mother Nature. We get the most calls about new plant issues two weeks after rainy season starts. Why? People stop hand-watering and rely on the rain, which isn't always consistent. Skip a day when it rains, but go right back to your new-plant watering schedule the next day. Above all, plants want consistency. If water is regularly available, they can grow, bloom and fruit to their full potential.
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Just In |
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Make Your own Luck St. Patrick's Day is this Saturday 4" Pot - $6.99 |
Coral
Knockout Rose
New color, same hardy rose |
Mystic Spires Salvia
Great for butterflies and pollinators |