Back in January, when it was so cold and so snowy, Spring seemed sooo far away. Crazed gardener that I am I had to do something related to plants, so I signed up for the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener Program. While it was snowing outside we were inside learning about insects, plant diseases, proper use of pesticides, plant propagation, and of course the good stuff - planting and enjoying your own flowers, veggies and herbs. Soon, in between cleaning up my own garden, (and working here at the Readers' Services desk) I'll be volunteering at the plant help desk at Friendship Park Conservatory in Des Plaines. If you have never been to Friendship Park stop by and see what's growing in the neighborhood. There is a greenhouse, so things are growing all year, even when the weather is the above mentioned cold and snowy.
Catnip high? Or Master Gardener Cat?The conversion to Daylight Savings Time and the warmer weather we've had this month are all great indicators that Spring is here. Crocus plants are in bloom and the tulip and daffodil foliage is several inches high. I can never wait to jump into the growing season so basil, garlic chives, and several other herbs are already started in pots on my basement workbench. (Luckily for me my husband has outgrown his do-it-yourself carpentry projects so the workbench is mine!)
We have many new gardening books currently on-order at the library to help you start your garden planning. Even if you only have a windowsill, balcony, patio, or a very small yard these books offer some new and different ideas for small space gardening. Put your reserves in now for these books which will soon be found in the "New Books" section on the 4th floor.
A Little Piece of Earth: How to Grow Your Own Food in Small Spaces
Maria Finn Dominguez 635.986 DOM
Starter Vegetable Gardens: 24 No-Fail Plans for Small Organic Gardens
Barbara Pleasant 635.0484 PLE
Small-Plot, High Yield Gardening
Sal Gilbertie 635.0484 GIL
One Magic Square: the Easy, Organic Way to Grow Your Own Food on a 3-Foot Square
Lolo Houbein 635.0484 HOU
Successful Container Gardening
Joe Provey 635.986 PRO
And, because it's never too early to get your kids interested in gardening:
A Kid's Guide to Container Gardening
Stephanie Bearce J 635.986 BEA (this one will be located on the 2nd floor)
Get growing!
2 comments:
Who's that good-looking cat?
That good-looking cat is a Maggie look-alike. Maggie is my 2 year-old gray and brown tabby but she's not allowed on the plant bench, so I found a picture in Google images that looked just like her and what she would be doing if I let her have free roaming rights of the basement. Maggie loves catnip.
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