Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Just about 7 PM here and at 80 degrees, it's the coolest part of the day. Today's high temps around Vermont ranged from 93 in this area to 97 in Burlington. Considerable destruction occurred in Franklin County on the northwest corner and power outages here and there. We got by with a couple flickers here at the house but didn't do as well at the nursery.
Buying used "anything" can be a good deal or a future headache. I should have learned my lesson by now but I haven't. With three feet of snow on the ground this spring, I purchased a used shade house from a place going out of business. I had seen it before but never really inspected it and when it was delivered for free I quickly noticed that many of the poles had been split open by winter's ice. Some poles also looked bent as if the thing had fallen over once but since there was a back up supply and one brand new piece of 20 X 80 shade cloth plus other odds and ends, the price seemed right. Look at the picture up top and scan to the back middle and you'll see the frame.
We had lined the whole frame with astilbes and other shade plants and were waiting for them to get set before putting on the shade cloth. That's what we did today. Austin helped before he left and I spent a while securing the cloth. As the storm approached, my worries grew and when the winds really kicked up the house headed east into a pile of bent debris. I cut the ties on the fabric and headed to the safety of home for the storm to pass.
Two hours later I returned for an assessment. Not much saving there but there's a chance that I can use the pipe cutter and get back to a 30 foot house without having to buy any more pieces. I'm not all that pleased but that's kind of what being a farmer or a small business person is all about. You have to make decisions and sometimes they aren't the smartest ones. Tomorrow Gail will rearrange the pots, fill a few that need more soil mix and then get as much as possible into the shade house by the miniature and small hostas. It won't all fit but she'll figure out something.
As for right now, I have to go out and unload the pieces from the truck and get it ready for Gail.
From the mountain above Peacham Pond where Karl the wonder dog is barking at one of the neighbor's kids getting their mail. It's real obvious when he is feeling well because he barks with great enthusiasm while his tail about wags itself off the dog.
Good gardening wishes,
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Vermont Flower Farm
Buying used "anything" can be a good deal or a future headache. I should have learned my lesson by now but I haven't. With three feet of snow on the ground this spring, I purchased a used shade house from a place going out of business. I had seen it before but never really inspected it and when it was delivered for free I quickly noticed that many of the poles had been split open by winter's ice. Some poles also looked bent as if the thing had fallen over once but since there was a back up supply and one brand new piece of 20 X 80 shade cloth plus other odds and ends, the price seemed right. Look at the picture up top and scan to the back middle and you'll see the frame.
We had lined the whole frame with astilbes and other shade plants and were waiting for them to get set before putting on the shade cloth. That's what we did today. Austin helped before he left and I spent a while securing the cloth. As the storm approached, my worries grew and when the winds really kicked up the house headed east into a pile of bent debris. I cut the ties on the fabric and headed to the safety of home for the storm to pass.
Two hours later I returned for an assessment. Not much saving there but there's a chance that I can use the pipe cutter and get back to a 30 foot house without having to buy any more pieces. I'm not all that pleased but that's kind of what being a farmer or a small business person is all about. You have to make decisions and sometimes they aren't the smartest ones. Tomorrow Gail will rearrange the pots, fill a few that need more soil mix and then get as much as possible into the shade house by the miniature and small hostas. It won't all fit but she'll figure out something.
As for right now, I have to go out and unload the pieces from the truck and get it ready for Gail.
From the mountain above Peacham Pond where Karl the wonder dog is barking at one of the neighbor's kids getting their mail. It's real obvious when he is feeling well because he barks with great enthusiasm while his tail about wags itself off the dog.
Good gardening wishes,
George Africa
The Vermont Gardener
Vermont Flower Farm
