DONKEYS IN BIKINIS
Many years ago, my wife and I honeymooned on the beaches of the U.S. and British Virgin Islands. It was our first time in the Caribbean and we loved it, and we’ve been talking about getting back down there ever since. Well, we finally made it!
We just returned from a week on the island of St. Martin...and it was amazing!
Although the island was different, it had everything we remembered from our honeymoon trip...beautiful beaches, endless sunshine, crashing waves...and lots of island cocktails. It was just like our first beach encounter, with one big difference... donkeys.
Yes, I said donkeys!
Apparently, donkeys live wild on the island of St. Martin. Sometimes we’d see them wandering the streets. Occasionally we’d see them up in yards feasting on the landscaping. (Trust me, they could do some damage!) But what really drew attention was when they’d come strolling down to the beach, meandering through the lounge chairs and umbrellas like all of us sun-loving tourists.
I guess donkeys enjoy the beach too!
Being in the warm tropical weather has gotten me anxious for spring. The mild temps we’ve been enjoying lately have only added to that. Judging from the increased traffic in the store, there are a lot of you feeling the same. It will be here soon!
Our greenhouse building project is still plugging along. Cold weather in January brought things to a standstill, but the mild winter weather over the past few weeks has given the contractors a nice window of opportunity.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
There’s been a lot of grading work the past couple of weeks and now they are digging holes and pouring concrete. Things should start taking shape soon! We’re all getting anxious for it to start looking like the greenhouse it will be.
Around the garden center, we’re steadily ramping up for the spring season. As we grind through this last stretch of winter, keep us in mind, and if you need something, let us know...and watch out for donkeys!
Cheers,
— Cameron Rees
YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY TOOLS
If the mild winter temps have affected you like they’ve affected me, you’re probably getting anxious to get back into the garden! One of the projects many of us will have in the upcoming weeks is pruning...pruning trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses.
Pruning is an intimidating gardening activity to many. I get it. There’s a lot to learn. Although there are some easier-to-learn, universal, pruning basics, there are also all kinds of pruning nuances that change from plant to plant. That means there's not always a blanket approach.
My advice is to always start by reading what you can. Move on from there to watching as many videos as you can find. Next, ask all the questions you have, and then jump in. Pruning is part science, part craft, and part art. And you won’t master either without getting in there and getting dirty.
Some things you’ll get right, and some things you’ll get wrong, but if you pay attention, you’ll find you learn a lot from both. That’s just part of the process, and that’s how we all learn.
Here’s an extension publication from Kansas State University to get you started on the reading path... All About Pruning.
Just like any other art or craft, you’ll also learn it helps to have the right tools. Painters need brushes, sculptures need hammers and chisels, and gardeners need pruning tools.
Here are my essentials:
Hand Pruners – I never go out into the garden without my pruners on my hip! Use these to cut everything from small stems to branches up to ¾” or so. These come in all kinds of styles, colors, and sizes, just find one that fits your hand. Like most tools, you get what you pay for, so spend what makes sense for your situation. Pruners built with stronger metal and better blades will cost more, but they will also last longer and give you fewer operational issues. A holster to carry them in is a wise investment as well.
Pruning Saw – Pruning saws also come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They usually have a slightly curved blade and instead of cutting on the push stroke like a carpentry saw, they cut on the pull stroke. I have bigger ones and smaller ones. I have one on the end of a 12’ pole and I have one that folds up into the handle like a pocket knife. I use them all...a lot! Much like hand pruners, just find a size and shape that feels comfortable to you.
Loppers – These look like hand pruners but with longer handles and a larger cutting head. They are used to cut branches too big for hand pruners. I own a good pair and rarely use them. If a branch is too big for me to cut with hand pruners, I pull out my pruning saw. Save your money and just buy a good pruning saw.
Grass Shears – These may be marketed for cutting grass, and they do work for that, but I keep mine around for trimming annuals and perennials. They work great for cutting back perennials at the start of the spring season or cutting back annuals and perennials during the growing season. Because they have long cutting blades, they can cut a lot at once. That really speeds up a project. I use mine all the time.
Garden Knife – This looks like a hybrid between a garden trowel and a hunting knife. You’re not going to be using this to prune branches, but it’s great for cutting roots on new plants and chopping through plant crowns when dividing perennials. It’s handy for digging weeds and small planting holes too! I carry this one almost as often as I do my hand pruners.
Those are my pruning essentials, but there are a few other things worth mentioning.
Kneeling Pad – As I have gotten older, this has become a gardening must! I just can’t bend over and do work like I used to. If I’m out cutting things back or planting in the garden, I’ll always have my kneeling pad. Not only does this help protect my knees and ultimately my back, but it also helps protect the ground underneath. These also come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Mine is purple...Go Cats!
Gloves – These are probably a given. You’ve got to protect your hands, especially when you are using sharp pruning tools.
Safety Glasses – These are another one of my gardening staples. So much of what we do creates opportunities for injury. You don’t want a stray branch or blowing debris resulting in a preventable eye injury. Buy a good pair and wear them!
It’s time to knock out those wintertime pruning projects. If you have questions about any of that, let us know. If you looking for some new pruning tools, we can help you with that, too. Just stop on by!
— Cameron Rees
this weekend!
Come down and see us at the 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show this month! We’ll be sharing information on new products, gardening advice and suggestions, updates on the greenhouse building project, AND a special pair of coupons for those who stop by! We’ll also have more information on open positions at Skinner Garden Store. So if you dream of working with plants, consider saying “hello” and grabbing an application.
WHO: You & Skinner Garden Store staff
WHAT: 2024 Kansas Lawn & Garden Show
WHEN: Friday, February 16 – Sunday, February 18
WHERE: Stormont-Vail Events Center, Topeka KS
HOW: Tickets and more information available HERE
cOME wORK WITH US
We’re plant people. Are you, too? We are hiring a variety of positions at the Garden Center in Landscaping, Nursery, and Greenhouse. Stop by the store to pick up an application and say hello, or come by our booth at the Kansas Lawn and Garden Show. Full job postings can also be found on Indeed.com, search keyword “Skinner.”
