Now that some legitimate spring weather has arrived, anyone with any gardening genes is eager to get outside and dig in the dirt.
Clearing away leaves, trimming some errant branches and preparing the soil for new plants are all reactions to the spring virus that many catch in April.
The local gardening suppliers are waiting to give you advice and fill your orders for seeds, plants or mulch.
I discovered I had a nose for news — when it involved flowers and shrubs. The myriad of containers at Tait Farm, filled with brilliantly colored and scented flowers, called out to be examined — and sniffed. Tait Farm is located on state Route 322, seven miles east of State College. There were annuals, perennials, trees and shrubs.
“We are preparing for a Gardener’s Workshop on May 2. The owners are also designing classes for the spring,” says Suzanne Grieb, a part-time employee.
On their website, the owners have scheduled a discussion and demonstration for 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 — “All About Herbs,” by Cindy Law and Kim Tait.
At 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 2, is the Gardener’s Open House with classes/speakers through 3 p.m.
Tait Farm’s Community Harvest is a part of the Community Supported Agricultural (CSA) program. A member pays for a share and comes to the farm weekly (June through November) or bi-weekly (December through May) to pick up fresh organic produce. You may call (814) 466-2386 or sign up on line at TaitFarmFoods.com to become a part of the Community Harvest.
Fox Hill Gardens, 1035 Fox Hill Road in State College, has received hundreds of plants and more will be arriving in the next week, according the young woman working there. She enthusiastically looked up some information and helped me with a question about my rose bushes.
What I saw that was different at Fox Hill were the containers of berry bushes — blueberries, black and red raspberries. It’s the optimum time to plant those.
A Stop at Shuey’s Farm Market, 1401 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, would be advantageous now if you want to plant potatoes and onions. Felix Shuey was not in, but his wife assured me that the market would open and offer all the other plants soon. Check out the hanging baskets planted with strawberries that are hanging outside the door. The baskets invite you to pick a berry as you go by — but you really shouldn’t unless you buy a basket.
Wheatfield Nursery, 1948 General Potter Highway, Centre Hall is currently in the process of constructing a new permanent greenhouse. They will be able to offer an expanded selection of annuals and perennials. Wheatfield’s own container-grown trees will be available in sizes the home gardener can easily plant.
On the Wheatfield website there are tips for spring clean up and care. It is a good time to prune out broken branches on trees and shrubs. It is best to do it early in the growing season to give the plants time to heal before the summer heat.
Gardeners should clean debris from flowerbeds in the spring because diseases and rodents hang out where old leaves and twigs collect. If your plants need feeding, this is also optimum time for giving them a boost.
Perhaps landscaping or patio work is on your to-do list this spring. Stop over at Nature’s Cover, 3093 Benner Pike, Bellefonte, and check out everything but plants to enhance your property. Rick Shawley owns Nature’s Cover. The business offers, bark, mulch, paving blocks and much more.
Paula Furl of Nature’s Cover says, “Mother Nature has finally given us the weather we need to be ready for summer projects. Those men over there are readying a display for the lot.”
An attractive, orderly and healthy display of plants, seeds and hanging baskets waits at Breezy Flowers, 4712 Penns Valley Rd., Spring Mills. Owner Chris King has a large assortment of vegetable and flower seeds. While picking up bedding plants, you can also refill any gardening supplies, such as fertilizers and pest control products.
No matter where you go to purchase plants this spring, it will be enjoyable. There is something satisfying about brightening our little pieces of the planet with live plants and flowers.
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