Down at the Garden Club, it all started when somebody quoted, "March winds and April showers, make way for sweet May flowers." This caused a round of reflection. The club's oldest member ruminated that he was no longer to play Romeo opposite Taylor Swift . . . but perhaps King Lear with the Kardashian sisters. Specifically in Act Two's weird weather. "Ah yes," noted our irrigation expert, "something Noah would have envied, eh. Actually," he went on, "about this time of year, the jet stream moves northwards, allowing wetter weather to move in. It was a popular English saying by the mid-1500s." The oldest member gazed morosely into his pint glass. "Tastes like some of it landed in this beer. But as Al Jolson sang, "Though April showers may come your way/They bring flowers that bloom in May." All the other members nodded.
Diversion No. 1
Thought to be Canada's most promising potential defense against the brown marmorated stink bug (a globally spreading pest of various fruits and vegetables), the samurai wasp has been considered for future release in the country in recent years. However, prior to any formal decision and approval, the parasitoid was found to be already present in a heavily infested site in Chilliwack, British Columbia. The discovery is published in the open-access Journal of Hymenoptera Research.
Time to get an early start seeding in the veg patch--some are surprisingly hardy. Heavy clay soils are likely to be too cold and sandy ones changing. But on loam gardening soils, April is time for early seeing of such vegetables as beets, chard, daikon, fava beans, green onions, radish, spinach, and white turnip. Hardy herbs also--chives, lovage, parsley, sage, savory and thyme.
Diversion No. 2
Comparing antioxidant levels in tomatoes of different colours: Greater levels of specific antioxidants were associated with particular colourations of tomato fruit. These genotypes could be used either directly as food or in breeding programs to recover greater levels of function compounds such as carotenoids, tocopherols, anthocyanins, and vitamin C. The study was published in the journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science
Watercress is said the have been a staple for Roman soldiers--and look how far it took them. In 1920s Britain it was a popular fast food and often the only green veg available to protect the nation from winter colds and flu, according to The Daily Telegraph. Today, it is all too often overtaken by trendy fad greens. However, it has been described as packing a powerful nutrient punch for very few calories. Better still, raised in natural streams, there is less chance of pesticide pollutants. It may also be raised hydroponically. If not in your local supermarket, check out oriental ethnic stores--always fun places.
Diversion No. 3
Several planter boxes on the sidewalk of an Auckland town centre are raising safety concerns because of spikes and nails placed around them for protection. Sick of people sitting on her planter boxes, Holly Southernwood put in spikes and nails Then came the complaints, explained Nor-West News from New Zealand
You've tolerated mixed Salad Greens, also known as Mesclun, store bought in plastic containers all winter. Why not grow your own? Even the smallest city garden will suffice or raise in containers on deck or patio. For a constant supply of fresh greens, sow every 10 days in full sun and keep moist. As with all such, there are mixtures and lesser mixtures. Richters Herbs offers an upgrade selection with 10 different greens. (www.richters.com 10 grams/$10)
Diversion No. 4
Researchers found that green spaces and colourful, community-driven urban design elements were associated with higher levels of happiness, greater trust in strangers, and greater environmental stewardship, finds a new case study from the Urban Realities Lab at the University of Waterloo. Their study was published in the journal Cities and Health.
Support Canada Free Press
Mark These in Your Journal for April
Who thinks these up? Who registers them? Ah well, a day without a smile . . .
National Humour Month
Lawn and Garden Month
National Pecan Month
2nd Week Garden Week
4 World Rat Day
5 National Dandelion Day
6 California Poppy Day
6 New Beer's Eve
7 National Beer Day
12 Big Wind Day
12 National Licorice Day
13 International Plant Appreciation Day
14 National Pecan Day
16 Mushroom Day
17 Bat Appreciation
18 April Herb Day
19 National Garlic Day
20 Husband Appreciation Day
22 Earth Day (US)
23 St George's Day died c. 303 Protector of the Kingdom of England
25 Arbor Day
29 Greenery Day
If you live near Toronto consider dropping in on 14 April, 2-3 pm to Richters Herbs or a free seminar 'Designing Edible Landscapes' with master gardener Joyce Hostyn, or again on 18 April, 2-3 pm and celebrate Herb Day with a free seminar, a short drive northeast of the city east of Goodwood on Highway 47 (richters.com)
Wes Porter is a horticultural consultant and writer based in Toronto. Wes has over 40 years of experience in both temperate and tropical horticulture from three continents.
