Because Sonji is my right-hand woman in the garden preparations for The Garden Conservancy Open Day on July 7, it was with some dismay that I got this text message yesterday:
Morning MK, I’m not coming today due to a couple of things. . . .spreading poison oak up my arms, I think from digging that hole for the apple tree. Hope it’s not a prob if I come tomorrow.
I called her, recommended cortisone cream and washing (even a day after can help) with Technu
Then I got another text this morning:
Aaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!! Well, not sure WHAT I forgot to wash, but something is still making the poison oak spread. The itching isn’t so bad thanks to the cort. cream, but the scabs are super sensitive. I’m sorry MK, but I cannot even fathom trying to work at this level of discomfort. Blarr!! I just feel nasty.
Of course I texted her back with commiseration. Poison oak is one more hazard to add to the weather, the soil, and the plain crankiness of certain plants.
Cole's aluminum plant tags make permanent marking easy.
So I spent part of the day catching up on creating plant tags. Over the years, I’ve tried all kinds but what works best for me are wire pins that hold aluminum tags from Cole. I can press in with an old pen and write on both sides. The information I include is the Latin name, common name, where I got the plant, how big it will get and the date I planted it. I don’ t bother to use them for annuals, but everything else gets a tag.
Now if only I could read my writing--it says Cornus kousa 'Snowy Peak'.
The only weakness in this system is the thin wire that comes in the box. It rusts away within too few years. I replace it with copper wire and all is well.
That apple tree Sonji planted must be grateful for her efforts on its behalf. Overnight it has burst into leaf. # # # #
