June is designated, amongst others, as Strawberry Month. Bernard le Bovier de Fontanelle, French writer and gourmand, who died in 1757 one month short of his hundredth birthday, attributed his longevity to the luscious fruit. Strangely, strawberries consist of more water, 90%, than most other popular fruits: apple, pear, plum, peach, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry or blackberry. Worse yet, strawberries, botanically at least, are not true berries, bearing their seeds on the outside. Neither are raspberries and blackberries, also being deficient in this respect. Instead, they are 'aggregate fruits.' But still delicious.
Diversion No. 1
A weed is a plant growing where it is not wanted. They tend to grow quickly and spread vigorously, either by seed or rhizomes and underground roots. To maintain a weed-free garden you need to be persistent, advices Barbara Smith in The NZ Gardener
Novice gardeners are often told to take care of your peonies and your dahlias will take care of themselves. Humorous yes, and with a shade of truth. Peonies being perennials take some extra care, cutting back in fall, mulching in spring and dead-heading. Dahlias, arising from an underground tuber, are often treated as annuals even if, dug and cleaned in late autumn, they can be overwintered dormant in a cool but frost-free location. Both do require a sunny location in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. They also require support -- peonies with the famous wore rings, dahlias with sturdy stakes and ties.
Diversion No. 2
When humans get bacterial infections, we reach for antibiotics to make us feel better faster. It's the same with many economically important crops. For decades, farmers have been spraying streptomycin on apple and pear trees to kill the bacteria that cause fire blight, a serious disease that costs over $100 million annually in the United States alone. The study appeared in the journal Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
"A doctor can bury his mistakes, but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines," suggested Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959). Such might also be excellent advice for the small, narrow gardens typical of urban areas everywhere. Some, it is true, may run rampant even damage surfaces they cling to. Included here are perennials English Ivy, Virginia Creeper and Boston Ivy. Be cautious also of Hops, Silver Lace Vine and Wisteria. More restrained are Clematis, Climbing Roses and Climbing Honeysuckle. Euonymus, planted against a wall, will lean up it and, as a bonus, is evergreen. Just renting, on short-term lease? Attractive and economically started from seed -- are Morning Glory and their cousin Moonflower, Cathedral Bells, or even Scarlet Runner Beans.
Diversion No. 3
A woman in Spain as found unexpected fame on social media after many found she bore a striking resemblance to U.S. President Donald Trump. Spanish farmer Dolores Leis Antelo, who lives on a farm in Cabana de Bergantinos district, went viral over a few days. The 64-year-old has shown more concern for a moth plague threatening her potato crop than for pressing U.S. policy and international issues, suggested The Washington Post.
So, if strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are not botanical berries, what are? When the family physician tells you to eat berries for breakfast, he or she probably does not have in mind cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkin, watermelon, avocado, papaya, peppers or tomatoes -- all 'true' berries. If, as botanists, will tell you, is true then what are vegetables? Simply, say the scientists, anything that is not a fruit: beets, carrots, turnips, spinach, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, potatoes, onions.
And, while talking tomatoes, every two weeks after the middle of the month, feed each plant a desert spoon of Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate, available at the drug store) scattered on the soil near but not touching the stems. Within hours see leaves turn darker green as magnesium molecules enter cell chloroplasts where photosynthesis takes place.
Diversion No. 4
'Time to call the Pied Piper' suggested CBC News. The City of Toronto has asked staff to compile evidence to see if a rise in rat sightings indicates growth in the city's rodent populations. They will also formulate a plan in the event of a rat infestation. Surprise -- this is an election year for the city's politicos. Ah well, it is said that poachers make the best gamekeepers.
June may be represented florally by either the rose or honeysuckle. It is also the month of the Flower Moon, Strawberry Moon, or Rose Moon -- all of which is horticultural promising. Unfortunately, it has also been declared National Ragweed Month -- not so promising. Better for the Green Thumb Brigade is Gardening Exercise Day on 6th June, Red Rose Day on 12th and even Fresh Veggies Day on 16th of the month. However, in the strange but true category 14th June is International Bath Day -- and Donald Trump was born this day in 1946. A few days later, 18th June marks Turkey Lovers' Day. Much better, the meeting for Frontiers & Techniques in Plant Science will be held in Cold Spring Harbor, NY from 29th June to 19th July.
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.
June is designated, amongst others, as Strawberry Month. Bernard le Bovier de Fontanelle, French writer and gourmand, who died in 1757 one month short of his hundredth birthday, attributed his longevity to the luscious fruit. Strangely, strawberries consist of more water, 90%, than most other popular fruits: apple, pear, plum, peach, cherry, blueberry, raspberry, cranberry, blueberry or blackberry. Worse yet, strawberries, botanically at least, are not true berries, bearing their seeds on the outside. Neither are raspberries and blackberries, also being deficient in this respect. Instead, they are 'aggregate fruits.' But still delicious.
