J&M Garden Blog
June 17, 2008
Killing Weeds Organically
This brick patio had potential to be a beautiful space but every spring, the weeds would sprout and give the area an unkempt appearance.  Enter organic weed killer:  Earth-tone4n1 Weed Control. 

Purchased as a concentrate and applied using a pressure sprayer, it took about 40 minutes to spray around each of the bricks.  Twenty-four hours later, the weeds were dead. A few more days and the vegetation had begun to break down. All of this was done organically, with no dangerous chemicals to injure pets or humans. In hot weather, the weeds will die even faster.
The process is easy:  fill the pressure sprayer with 2.5 quarts of water and mix in the 16 fluid ounces of concentrate.  
The spray does not kill on contact but you will soon notice the weeds getting a sickly color. Twenty-four hours later, they will turn yellow and, as stated before, will begin to break down, leaving the sprayed area clean and clear of weeds.  
June 2, 2008
The Garden Glove Dilemma

We did a "test drive" of these gloves on a variety of garden tasks such as pruning roses, weeding, watering, and transporting large, heavy bags of mulch and compost.

This gardener likes to be able to "feel" the soil, the weed stems, and the water temperature but needs protection from the dryness that hands-on contact with the soil brings. Prior to using the Atlas glove, what was being used were thin, vinyl gloves of the type medical professionals use. These gloves allow for a good feel for the soil but are unfortunately good for only one or two uses at most. Their vinyl backing makes for good "traction," allowing one a firmer grip on slippery tool handles and other slick surfaces. 

The Atlas gloves are light in weight and the stretchy backing allows for maximum flexibility. On the other side is what is called a "nitrile" surface, which is water-proof. One can thus water or deal with wet vegetation and the gloves stay dry, unlike a jersey glove, for example. It also provides for the same traction provided by a vinyl glove.

The Atlas gloves worked well on all the tasks described above with the possible exception of rose pruning. A heavier glove should be used for this task. The length of the Atlas glove protects the wrists from getting scratched or dirty and the nitrile surface, which rolls around the tops and sides of the fingers, keeps nails from having to be cleaned after each garden session. 

They are easy to clean, too. Just "wash your hands," only with the gloves on. Hang them up in an airy spot with a clothes pin and they will dry quickly and be ready for your next gardening session. At only around $6 or so, several pair of these gloves will come in handy.
May 31, 2008
The Carol Mackie Daphne:
Propagated in New Jersey

Click the picture for a larger, more detailed image.
Did you know Carolyn Mackie is a New Jerseyan? She propagated the Carol Mackie Daphne in her NJ gardens, which were located in Englewood and Far Hills. This striking shrub is a genetic mutation of Daphne x Burkwoodii Somerset. A variegated shrub, this Daphne is dense with rounded leaves. In May and June, its fragrant, pale pink flowers look like shooting stars.

The variegated leaves, which have a gold or white stripe on the edge of each leaf, make the Carol Mackie a shrub that will add season-long interest.  It likes a moist, well-drained soil an partial shade to full sun.

This Daphne is notoriously difficult to propagate, but it is easy to care for. It will reach 3-4 feet in height and width. Some ideal spots for it are as borders or as a shrub in the middle of a garden bed.

Carolyn Mackie Brett is no longer with us, having passed on after a brief illness in Carlsbad, CA in 1999, but the lovely shrub she propagated will live on in gardens across the country.
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