Dig deep with the garden goddess, Cynthia Brian

“I’m sick of old men who dream of wars so that young men die.” ~George S. McGovern

“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

How much can a gardener accomplish without the right boots? To be a successful gardener, we need the right tools. Sturdy boots are an essential ingredient to staying stable and safe on any terrain. Although my gardening wardrobe varies with the seasons, the one item I never part with is my garden boots. Over the years I’ve worn many pairs of cowboy boots, wellies, and mud boots, but none were pretty or stylish. My Christmas present this year from my daughter and her husband was two pairs of decorative yet very functional gardening boots. These boots are beautiful, comfortable, waterproof and easy to clean, because they have to withstand all types of terrain, but not battlefields.

These are not combat boots.

Wearing my pretty protective boots, I wonder about the boots of the brave Ukrainian people, both military and civilian, who bravely fight against the Russian aggressors. Unanimously with this valiant nation, I dedicate this season to the colors blue and yellow. Glory to the heroes!

We can all show solidarity by planting flowers for the brave. Choose a combination of specimens from both color spectra that best represent how you feel. Be sure to check compatibility with light, humidity and growing habits.

Plant in a pot or create the Ukrainian flag in a grand gesture of unity with one of the varieties listed.

BLUE

dutch iris

bearded iris

Hyacinth

Periwinkle

Delphinium

Phlox

Lavender

Lavender

Clematis

Bellflower

Liriope

Nepeta

Agastache

Lupine

Aquilegia

Aster

Brunner

Crocus

Geranium Rosanne

Echinops

Hydrangea

Thought

Petunia

Blue-eyed star grass

Salvia

Angelonia

Agapanthus

Heliotrope

Sweet Pea

Lobelia

Verbena

Buddleia

Hibiscus

Lilac

Anchusa

baptize

Gentian

Plumbago

Adjuga

scabiosa

Speedwell

Do not forget me



YELLOW

Crocus

lantana

bearded iris

dutch iris

Clover

Yarrow

Daffodil

Tulip

Calendula

Roses

Daisy

Marguerite Shasta

Calibrachoa

Gladiolus

Thought

Petunia

Tithonia

Rudbeckia

Worry

Zinnia

Dahlia

Forsythia

Hibiscus

Echinacea

Aquilegia

baptize

Ligulare

Chrysanthemum

Coreopsis

Gaillardia

star of gold

Hellebore

daylily

Sunflower

Hollyhock

Lupine

Primrose

Sedum

Mustard

Although I don’t know of any weed other than the dayflower which boasts the color blue, many weed plants have yellow flowers. Keep in mind that what some people consider a weed, others enjoy as a medicinal herb, wildflower, or pretty plant. Weeds are plants that grow where they are not wanted. Some species that many gardeners consider weeds are sold as garden favorites at garden centers. You decide what you want to let thrive in your garden. Weed seeds are spread by wind, water and birds quickly and efficiently. If you have weeds, it’s best to pull them by hand by the root as soon as possible and before they go to seed, as they can take over a large area in a short time. Many of these weeds are considered invasive and harmful because they are difficult to control and displace welcome plants. Also be aware that any plant can be poisonous if ingested. Never take a taste sample from a plant unless you are sure it is safe.



WEEDS with yellow flowers

Dandelion

Spiny sowthistle.

yellow hawkweed

woolly mullein

golden clover

creeping buttercup

Butterweed

goldenrod

Loosestrife

Ragwort

Cinquefoil

Creeping jenny

Yellow smudge weed

spanish broom

St. John’s wort

Skeleton

flat goldenrod

yellow toadflax

Velvetleaf

black doctor

peeing goat head

I am saddened and outraged by the aggression and devastation that Russian forces have inflicted and continue to inflict on this independent nation, specifically targeting innocent civilian populations, hospitals and schools. In addition to prayers, positive thoughts and donations to humanitarian organizations, stand in solidarity with Ukraine and expose blue and yellow now and until this unwarranted war is resolved.

Our boots are made for walking and while my boots are on my land, while I’m gardening, I’m representing Ukraine.

Cynthia Brian’s Mid-Month Garden Reminders

Plant early flowering pollinators including California poppy, chives, larkspur, lupine, pea, viola, and sweet alyssum.

GOPHERS breed. Be on alert to eradicate these destroyers.

START your spring gardening by improving the soil. Gardens often lack the microorganisms and nutrients necessary for a successful crop.

RESEED or plant a new lawn during this spring time. Start mowing weekly for more vigorous growth. For best results, do not use a leaf bag but instead allow the clippings to compost naturally on the grass.

FERTILIZE fruit trees and flowering shrubs with a nitrogen-rich solution.

DIVIDE perennials like daylilies and agapanthus.

CLUMP blooms together in areas four feet in diameter or more to attract bees, butterflies and birds.

CLEAN fountains, ponds, birdbaths and other bodies of water to welcome our flying friends home in hot weather.

CELEBRATE spring on March 20, the vernal equinox. The daytime and nighttime hours are exactly equal to 12 hours each.

PREPARE a bowl of yellow and blue fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, bananas, grapes and blueberries to remind us that freedom is not free, we fight for it.

FIND peace in nature.

SHOW your solidarity with Ukraine and democracy by hugging a garden full of blue and yellow flowering plants.