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About The Southwest Portland Post. (Portland, Oregon) 2007-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 1, 2013)
6 • The Southwest Portland Post GARDEN MIND (Continued from Page 5) has a parched crust you may need to gently break this up with shallow and gentle cultivation. This activity keeps water from run- ning off, and is particularly important if you have a slope. This directs the water toward the plants you are trying to rejuvenate. After the cultivation step apply or- ganic mulch like compost, compost-soil mix, or even bark dust; this will help prevent soil moisture evaporation. Try to get water down quickly. Give water a chance to saturate the soil, meaning you may need to put water down in several smaller amounts. Stressed plants plump up quickly when hydrated, and in an hour or so will take on a visibly healthier look. Wait to do additional assessment, including light corrective pruning, until the plant has recovered. And under no circumstances should you ever fertilize stressed plants. Why? Roots are often as compro- mised as plant canopies after drought. Sometimes adding a liquid root growth hormone is advised, but let the plain water work first. Light pruning may be called for to encourage re-growth from healthy tis- sue, after the plant re-balances. NEWS Later, continue to keep an eye on things until the fall rains start, usually in late September or mid-October. Don’t be too alarmed if evergreen trees and shrubs, including rhododen- drons, develop some yellow leaves. Or if there is some leaf drop, especially on older leaves; this is typical shedding. Even conifers and broadleaved ever- greens shed seasonally. The Grass is Always ... Browner? While some Portlanders have gone over to the Permaculture and Bio- Intensive look, and others even have urban livestock and orchards and berry patches, there are still pockets of gardens that reveal attempts at emerald lawns. Please note: It is normal for grass to go dormant in either very cold or very hot conditions; this dormancy is a normal response to heat stress. For many years urban gardeners (and golf courses) used high nitrogen fertilizers and ample water to maintain this unnatural look. Don’t despair if your grass is brown; rejoice that you don’t have to mow it! It will return to a normal green once the temperatures moderate and the rains return. Editor ’s Note: Have questions or comments for Rebecca? Email her via news@multnomahpost.com or write to: Garden Mind, The Southwest Portland Post, 4207 SE Woodstock Blvd #509, Portland, OR 97206. September 2013 Rebecca Hart was born and raised in Portland. At her first retail garden center job, outside of Gearhart, along with selling primroses and narcissus bulbs, she also sold fresh local produce to James Beard. Hart has an MFA in Writing. She has written garden columns and features for regional papers, The Nation and was editor of the American Conifer Society Bulletin (1989-91). Hart gardens with two dogs, Teddy the collie and Lily the Australian shepherd, and an outdoor cat, Clarice. Additionally, Hart is a licensed massage therapist in Southwest Portland. THE COUNTRY STORE Raleigh Hills Community Fair (Continued from Page 4) Make your plans now. Plan on invit- ing everyone you know. The fair site will be the NE corner of the Ernesto’s parking lot on Southwest Beaverton- Hillsdale Highway (at Apple Way) west of Jesuit High School. Walk, bike, or take TriMet if possible and, of course, volunteers are always welcome. There’s still time to get a 10x10 booth. RHBA members cost $70.00, and non- members, $80.00. Vendor applications are currently on the website http://www. msmbiz.com/rhba/rhbafair2.html. Spring Garden Park (Continued from Page 1) (both Southwest Portland residents) were on hand for National Night Out, parents were overheard talking about park budgets and additional funding sources. They are trying to add a bigger nature playground, plant trees, and make some hiking paths. “Donations are welcome if vol- unteering isn’t your thing,” Howell said. “I invite you to come out on October 11-12 to help volunteer pulling invasive weeds and clean up some of the areas.” Dress for the weather and don’t forget your bucket, cup, shovel and gloves. To volunteer or donate, visit Friends of Spring Garden Park on Facebook, the Southwest Neighborhoods, Inc. website www.swni.org or call 503-823-4592. Advertise in our “Halloween in the Village” special section in October. Wicked cheap! Contact Don or Harry at 503-244-6933 for details. Deadline is September 20. PoSt a to Z BuSineSS CaRd diReCtoRy 503-244-6933 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD HANDYMAN 20 years in Multnomah Village! “Call Kenny!” Kenneth S. Morse CCB License #195820 503-939-5452 morseks@aol.com Excellent SW Portland references Family & Cosmetic Dentistry 503-246-2564 www.mvdentalcare.com 7717SW34thAvenue•Portland,OR97219 (MultnomahVillage•SWCapitolHighway&34thAve.) PORTLAND YOUTH PERFORMANCE ACADEMY PPS Director Jules Moorhouse and Improv Professional Brad Fortier present... Fall Workshops for Young Actors Improv•SceneStudy•Movement•Voice•Monologues more information at www.portlandyouthacademy.com PRECISION HOME REPAIR & DRYWALL JON A. GOSCH Phone: 503-643-3517 E-mail: precision17@frontier.com Quality work at affordable rates! Mention this ad and receive 10% off your next job! Licensed•Bonded•Insured•CCB#77073
