Welcome to SunDay Gardeners!

. . . a new site for enthusiastic gardeners of all ages and abilities.

Posted May, 2009.

It's finally beginning to feel and look like spring in Western Massachusetts, where I live. The air has that sweet, fresh fragrance, bulbs and trees are beginning to bloom, grass is turning green, summer birds are returning and we gardeners are itching to dig into the earth. My raised bed garden is finally dry enough to begin, and I've started by planting onions, radishes, peas and spinach. Tomato, eggplant and pepper seedlings are happily sprouting on my kitchen windowsills, awaiting the passing of potentially frosty nights.

Garden Visit: In late March, I returned from Toronto, Canada, where I visited their annual Canada Blooms garden show. It was a much appreciated break from cold spring rains and wind and an early spring delight--the sights and fragrances were so fulfilling for those of us anxious for blossoms and green leaves. There were thousands, maybe millions, of blooming spring and summer plants artistically arranged in park-like settings, window box displays, large and small vases, and some in unusual but interesting ways. I'm sharing some photos here and will share more next month. Back to reality in Massachusetts . . .

New Garden Tool: As we begin tilling our gardens, I wish to introduce a new garden planting tool, The The Gardener's Rule®, a versatile tool, which may be available for sale soon. You are invited to help with its final design by clicking on survey and giving feedback it takes only a minute or two to complete. Wouldn't it be fun to know you may have influenced the final design of a new product? The first 100 respondents will receive a free pack of garden seeds as a thank you for helping.

Garden Tip: Raised beds are one of the best forms for gardens. They drain and warm up faster in early spring than flat beds. When there is no stepping among the plants, soil does not so readily compact. They can be made attractively from a range of construction materials: logs or boards (no treated wood), bricks or blocks, animal watering/feed troughs, half-barrels, or other large containers. Soil can be shoveled into piles and leveled for planting; but without walls, heavy rains may cause need to repair the hills frequently. Make your raised beds at a height and width that is comfortable for you and enable you to reach the middle comfortably from both sides. Keep paths in between level and wide enough to fit and maneuver with a stool or scooter easily. Sit-down gardening is easier on your back. If you or someone you know, is wheelchair-bound, construct a table-top raised bed, so the chair can easily roll up to the table and enable the gardener to enjoy. This also works well for folks who cannot bend, stand for very long or walk easily. Fasten casters (with a brake,very important!) and the garden easily moves to the best location. A quick version is to line up window boxes or other large planters on any outdoor table that can accommodate a wheelchair. Send us a photo of your special or raised bed garden, so we may share it with others who are looking for easier ways to garden. The Gardeners Rule® is a perfect tool to use in any kind of garden and works especially well in most raised beds. It eliminates the need for several other tools and makes it a good choice for gardeners with limited mobiity.

Happy planting!

Carol