How Come?

A friend asks why her hosta is so small? Was it the rain early in the season or the heat in August? The fact is that the hosta is a dwarf variety, made small for edging walkways. Unfortunately my friend did not read the label. Her tiny hosta cost as much as the giants. Often hostas on sale are the tiny type so it pays to check the size,

I note here that my favourite hosta is the large variety sum and substance, not only for its pale chartreuse colour but also its resistance to slugs. I further note that the slugs are having a hard time in our perpetual rainless heat this August. Do I feel sorry for them? Nah!

Speaking of small things it is worthwhile to note that many plants come in various sizes. Last year I was asked why the nicotania in the garden was overshadowing the near by plants. Nicotania is another plant that comes in various sizes. There is also a small cosmos, confusing because it is orange or yellow in colour and not the expected pink and white of the tall type. To me it looks like an entirely different plant.

Speaking of rain, we need some. The weeds are cemented into the soil. Hot weather makes the last perennials turn pale and set seeds fast. You can run the hose but when the soil gets this dry, the water does not penetrate or spread far. If you scrape the damp surface you find the soil is dry a few centemeters down.

Tip. Check out The Key (delivered to all houses in Thunder Bay or available at the library). Page 111 tells you how to get a city tree for your boulevard or other public space. But, if you do take a free tree (or pay for one - both options are available) be prepared to protect your baby. Water and keep kids, bicycles and vehicles from damaging it.