Warm Weather is Here!

I've been trying for two days to put photos on Blogger but the uploader is out of order, malfunctioning, etc. So, no photos until it is resolved. Google has this problem often enough to make a blogger wonder.

But on to gardening fun.

Warmer weather after the rain has led to weed pulling like crazy. Today's planting: More cosmos, castor bean, purple majesty millet, Red Russian kale, nicotiana, salvia. Just a few of each in beds where they could be squeezed in.

What do you do with all the leftover plants after starting a pack of seeds?

Our plumber and his wife came over on Sunday and took a couple of boxes full of plants and we donated some to the Conservation District's fund raiser. Some parsley, asclepias, and cosmos are being saved for my butterfly in the park project. But! There are still many more that want their little roots in the soil.

Do you Gutenberg?
Project Gutenberg is a great resource for gardening (and other) information. Today I was reading online a horticulture magazine from 1746.

One title, "The Field and Garden Vegetables of America" by Fearing Burr, was published in 1836. Chapter ten covers medicinal plants: Bene-plant. Camomile. Coltsfoot. Elecampane. Hoarhound. Hyssop. Licorice. Pennyroyal. Poppy. Palmate-leaved or Turkey Rhubarb. Rue. Saffron. Southernwood. Wormwood.

I am growing horehound from seed to plant with the tomatoes. Here's what the good doctor said about hoarhound -
"HOARHOUND.
Marrubium vulgare.
Hoarhound is a hardy, herbaceous, perennial plant, introduced from Europe, and naturalized to a considerable extent in localities where it has been once cultivated. Stem hoary, about two feet high; leaves round-ovate; flowers white; seeds small, of an angular-ovoid form and grayish-brown color.
Propagation and Cultivation.--The plant prefers a rich, warm soil; and is generally propagated by dividing its long, creeping roots, but may also be raised from seeds. When once established, it will grow almost spontaneously, and yield abundantly.

Gathering and Use.--The plants are cut for use as they come into flower; and, if required, the foliage may be cut twice in the season. The leaves possess a strong and somewhat unpleasant odor, and their taste is "bitter, penetrating, and durable." The plant has long been esteemed for its efficacy in colds and pulmonary consumption.

I hope your roses are budding and your lettuce is not bolting.

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