Things are backward this year on the crop tour circuit, which would ordinarily be in full swing right now.
Usually, crops could use a little more rain at this point in the prairie growing season. Usually, the crops look thickest in the low spots.
Usually, the crops are a little further down the road to maturity by now. Usually, irrigation systems are working full time.
Usually, huge ruts aren’t visible in many fields. And usually, changes from the usual would be more welcome.
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But this isn’t a usual year.
We sought relief from dismal crop tours last weekend by exploring the garden tour circuit. What news from those who grow on a smaller and more intensive scale, with goals of beauty rather than profit? Are they beset with the same issues?
Nope. The wider variety of horticultural choices in farm gardens and small town yards ensures that, given the right amount of attention, something or other will thrive, no matter what the conditions.
On-the-ground observations about gardens, gardeners and tours:
• 2010 is a great year for delphiniums. They’re tall, they’re healthy and they’re beautiful.
• A surprising number of gardeners – perhaps all of them – are convinced their gardens lack something compared to other gardens.
• Numerous names for the same flower range from the historical to the regional to the Latin i.e. veronica, speedwell, spicala.
• Good gardeners are ruthless. If a plant doesn’t perform to expectations, its time in the garden is limited.
• Garden gnomes are an endangered species.
• Ditto pink flamingoes.
• Gardens are teachers of patience and promise.
• Weeds are not allowed at garden tours. If spotted, tour participants will pull them.
• Gardening, like farming, is rewarding, educational, enriching, absorbing, frustrating, heartbreaking, expensive and addictive.
• Gardeners, like farmers, are comfortable with solitude.
• Like farmers, gardeners find there is always more that could be done, given more time/money/labour/variety/motivation/sunshine/rain.
