4-19-08 Welcome to Spring

 In This Issue:

    1. Clearing the Cobwebs for Spring
    2. Organic Gardening Classes – Coming in May!
    3. Gardenerd Tip of the Month – Cutting Gardens
    4. Gardenerd Product of the Month – Tote Bag


1. CLEARING THE COBWEBS FOR SPRING

Whatever it is that takes over a gardener’s brain when spring hits – has happened this week.  Maybe it was the long drive along the Amalfi Coast in Italy earlier this month, looking over the groves of lemon trees on one side and the ocean on the other; maybe it was the recent heat wave we had in Los Angeles where the temperatures hit 98 degrees for a few days.

Whatever it was, I’m completely hooked on spring, rubbing my hands together as I watch sprouts pop their heads out of the soil.  Chard, lettuce, haricot vert, pumpkin, Delicata squash, and spinach have all joined the land of the living.  Potatoes just went in the ground, after a week or so of letting them develop sprouts.  Cosmos, cucumbers and basil – all of which were started from seed indoors this year – were planted out in the garden.  The anticipation of what is to come is almost overwhelming.  Happiness abounds and we’re dreaming big here at Gardenerd.

Just today, I was helping out a client who recently won some Gardenerd consulting services from her child’s school auction.  We had a blast pruning back jade plants that had grown out of control. We uncovered a hidden orange tree and discovered that it actually had set fruit, even under its shady living conditions.  We also made plans for a spring garden of tomatoes, peppers and other goodies.  It really felt like spring today.

If you haven’t gotten started on your spring garden, it’s not too late.  Grab your gloves, a couple packets of seeds and get growin’!

2. ORGANIC GARDENING CLASSES – COMING IN MAY!

That’s right, back by popular demand, the Gardenerd Organic Gardening Series is coming to you in May.  Classes start Saturday, May 3 from 9:30 – 11:30 and run all month long (except for Memorial Day weekend).  Registration is now open.  You can sign up for one class or take the whole series (you save $10 if you do).  Space is limited so sign up today!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

3. GARDENERD TIP OF THE MONTH: AN ORGANIC FLOWER CUTTING GARDEN

I recently came across a nifty article about the benefits of growing your own flowers for cutting.  Not only does it save money, but it save the planet by eliminating the fuel it takes to transport your flowers, as well as the massive amounts of pesticides that are applied to most flowers in industrial flower farming.  The Organic Garden Journal has a great list of flowers you can grow that are ideal for cutting and bringing indoors.  Enjoy:

Pioneer Thinking

 4. GARDENERD PRODUCT OF THE MONTH: Gardenerd Tote Bag

Our biggest seller, our most popular item, and – dare I say – my personal favorite Gardenerd product to haul around to the farmer’s market on Sunday mornings is the Gardenerd Tote Bag. This amply-sized shoulder bag is the perfect bag for carrying any number of things, from vegetables to books to laptops.  It’s made of sturdy canvas with plenty of room for all your other gardening stuff.  Display your Gardenerd tendencies proudly!

There are plenty of gardening answers and articles to see on the website, and a new weekly podcast is available on iTunes.  Don’t forget to register for the Gardenerd Organic Gardening Series.  Space is limited, so sign up today and become the green thumb you’ve always wanted to be.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!

Stay tuned for more gardening tips and tidbits from the Gardenerd.  Happy Spring Gardening!