‘Yard’ work too tame for HGTV, ex-host says
James shares tips at horticultural society meeting
DID SOMEONE TAKE the “G” out of HGTV?
It seems like the network is all mostly about buying and selling real estate these days and not much about gardening.
Some HGTV shows chronicle landscape renovations that seek to accomplish way too much in too little time. But if there is a current show purely about gardening, I haven’t seen it.
Although still the most popular hobby in America, gardening is not “sexy” enough for the network, said Paul James, host of “Gardening by the Yard,” a popular show that was canceled in 2009.
“I was told I needed to ‘skew’ younger because young gardeners use more power tools,” said James, who gave a talk last week at a meeting of the Memphis Horticultural Society.
After the cancellation, James said he was approached about doing segments on PBS’ “The Victory Garden,” and also to write a book.
“I don’t really want to write a book,” he said. “I’m tired, and now I really like to garden without having a camera in my face.”
About 200 people, about 150 members of the horticultural society and 50 guests, listened to James’ informal chat at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
The event raised funds for the society’s future programs and projects.
“We were pleased with the turnout and glad visitors came to see what the horticultural society is all about,” said Ginny Fletcher, president.
For his program, James primarily fielded questions from the audience.
“Don’t ask me about garden design,” he said at the beginning. “I see a pretty plant, buy it and then figure out where to put it.”
But do ask him about improving soil, a step he believes is imperative to having success in the garden.
Leaf mold, he said, is one of the best materials to use to improve the soil. But to get freshly raked leaves to decompose into the desirable compost known as leaf mold, it’s best to shred the leaves first .
The easiest way to shred leaves is by piling them into a big rolling garbage bin and then placing a string trimmer down into the leaves to chop them up, he said.
“It’s almost like an immersion blender for soup.”
Do it in several medium-size batches rather than packing the leaves into the container.
Any time a gardening expert speaks to a group, a question about controlling moles and voles is bound to be asked.
James suggests using Chase Granular Mole & Gopher Repellent, a pelletized product that contains castor oil. It is also available in liquid.
“It won’t kill them, but it will send them over into your neighbor’s yard,” he said.
(A half- dozen or so local retailers contacted said they do not carry the product but do have other brands that contain castor oil. It is available online.)
Someone asked James to name his favorite plant .
“After last year, I’d say it’s any of those among the living. We came off a winter with some of the lowest temperatures we’ve ever had and then had a summer with some of the highest, especially at night.”
To help his plants survive hot, dry summer conditions, James installed an irrigation system.
“Irrigation systems kill more plants than almost anything else,” he said.
Problems in over- or under-watering arise when people program their systems to water for brief periods every morning and evening instead of manually turning them on for longer periods when the soil needs it.
Shallow watering encourages the roots to stay close to the soil surface instead of extending down to desirable depths. The roots of annuals and grasses need to travel downward 12 inches; shrub roots should go down to 24 inches and trees about 36 inches.
Like most gardeners, James favors tough plants that don’t need a lot of pampering or maintenance to look good.
“But I surprised myself and got into bonsai a few years ago,” he said. “It’s definitely high maintenance in terms of watering and pruning.”
He buys most of plants from Brussel’s Bonsai Nursery in Olive Branch.
Continue your education
Winter is an ideal time for attending programs and taking classes on gardening and appreciating plants in natural settings.
Fortunately, there are opportunities to gather new ideas and inspiration:
The Memphis and Dixie Rose Society will usher in the new year at 7 p.m. today with a program on European gardens by Linda Orton, a founding member of the MidSouth Hydrangea Society and all-around good gardener.
At the meeting at the Memphis Botanic Garden, Orton will show slides from her recent trip to English gardens with other members of the hydrangea society and, for part of the trip, Dr. Michael Dirr and his wife, Bonnie.
When you go garden touring with a horticulture icon like Dirr, author of “Manual of Woody Landscape Plants,” the garden gates open wide, and you meet a lot of knowledgeable people. Visitors are welcome.
Trees, the most important elements in urban and suburban landscaping, are endlessly fascinating and complex.
You can increase your knowledge of them by taking a five -week class in urban forestry starting Feb. 1 at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
The class, which will meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday in February, includes lectures and field experiences covering tree biology, identification and selection, risk management, site analysis, and local, state and federal regulations concerning tree protection, maintenance and other issues.
The course, put on by the West Tennessee Chapter of the Urban Forestry Council and the botanic garden, is open to everyone, but is of special interest to municipal employees and members of neighborhood associations and garden clubs.
The $80 fee includes a handbook and dues to state and local urban forestry councils.
Participants are required to complete 20 volunteer hours in urban forestry.
Call Laurie Williams at the botanic garden at (901) 636-4128 to register or for more information.
Questions or comments? E-mail Christine Arpe Gang at chrisagang@hotmail.com, or call Lifestyles content editor Peggy Reisser Winburne at 529-2372.