Re: Over-pampering

Val -

I think that some of these views are very true.

Think of a child.....you love, nurture and protect them, set rules and 
guideline and prepare them for the world.  Once they get big enough to start 
experiencing the world on their own a parent has to allow their children some 
room.  I believe that when parents are too strick on their children that 
their children will try most anything to do things their own way.  We have to 
cross our fingers and hope that what we give our children in their younger 
years will stay with them and if we have done a good job preparing 
them.....they will soar like an eagle.

I know that this concept of child rearing can get much deeper and more 
involved but I think some of the basics are true about plants.  After a plant 
is done blooming I believe that they are entitled to a rest period and should 
we continue to fertilize them and force production out of them they could 
easily poop out.  In the spring time I usually fertilize ofter but with a 
diluted amount.  I usually use a 1/4 strength every two weeks until 
June...then I back off some.  Some plants, such as orchids, need a boost to 
get them into bloom but then they too appreciate a rest period.  Another 
plant that seems to be that way is the azalea....fertilizing them once they 
are in bloom is really just a waste as the buds are set the year before.

I haven't actually top dressed my beds with compost every year, as I have 
only been gardening for three years, but I do try to add something to the 
holes for the new plants whether it be a handful of peat, compost or the 
epson salt/sugar combination.  

I do add a heavy layer of mulch to my beds every other year mainly due to 
decompisition; and I'm notorious for moving my plants many, many times and 
the mulch ends up in the hole rather than as a top dressing.

Have you ever noticed how beautiful a garden is that a man tends.....I don't 
mean to be sterotypical, but it seems they "fuss" less than us gals.  We have 
several beautiful "non-typical" front yard gardens in my subdivision and I 
was so surprised when I found out that they were the product of the man of 
the house and not the woman.  I sometimes garden by the seat of my pants...I 
love plants and cannot say no to one I do not have which results in too many 
plants in a small place.  I feel I have to get the new plant in the ground so 
I will search out any spot and plop them in.  I think, generally, a man will 
think his garden and "plan" through and is better able to stick with it.  
Anyway, it seems I have gotten off of the subject of less is more..sorry - I 
just love all this garden talk.

I hope what I have said makes sense and I want to assure everybody that the 
"man" story was not to affend anyone....I guess it is meant as a compliment.

Kemberly McLain
Katy, Texas  Zone 9

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