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June 22, 2007

The Man from Kew

I read a lot of stuff in my job as Home and Garden editor.

Our news wires stream stories from all over the country, even the world.
Places like Texas, California and Florida might have some great garden writing, but it’s not that applicable to us here.

I’ve got my fire ant problem licked, thanks.

And I’m sure all of those shrubs would look lovely in my shady yard – if they’d survive even a light frost.

And sorry, oleander doesn’t make me nostalgic. My Nana was an Irish lady from Lowell. Tea and canals make me nostalgic.

But I get the benefit of little bits and pieces of these stories that stick in my head.

I shared one of these bits with Sheila Lennon the other day. Now I’ll share it with you.

I always refer to the source as “The Man from Kew” – he was probably a past head gardener at the Royal Botanic Gardens. But his name? I hit the purge button in my head a long time ago to make room for new mental flotsam.

His advice is: Maximum manure, maximum disturbance of plants.

In other words, you shouldn’t be afraid to dig up plants, move them around, try new things. And use the opportunity to toss some manure around while you do it.

Certainly, some plants hate to be moved once they’re established. Peonies, oriental poppies, baptisia, and members of the cabbage and cucumber families are some examples.

But otherwise, have a bash.

And if it doesn’t work, take comfort in these other words from The Man from Kew:

Nothing lives forever.

Posted by Paula Constantine  at 5:35 PM | Permalink

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