Friday, February 18, 2005

Dreaming of a green spring

On the Greener Side


By DANA DUGAN

Dana DuGan

While there is still snow on the ground and a distinct chill in the air it's hard to imagine spring is just around the corner. But it is. Really. As such, this is an ideal time for all gardeners, farmers and wannabes to peruse the many fine catalogs out there for seeds and plants. It's dreamtime. So, what are you're dreaming of planting this spring?

Working with people in the state helps confirm plant hardiness and of course promotes and supports small Idaho businesses. Also try to shop locally as well. So, before ordering anything, consider checking with the valley's nurseries regarding special and new items they may have in this year.

An important source locally is Hailey resident and all around native plant guru Bill McDorman, who can be contacted through High Altitude Gardening at seedtrust.com, or call 788-4363.

Seed potatoes can be ordered now for delivery in the spring from Ronnigers. This family-owned business is in the northern most part of Idaho. They have quality seed potatoes, from russets to fingerlings as well as garlic, onions, and artichokes. Many are heirloom varieties. All are certified organic. Check out ronnigers.com.

Here are a few more ideas. These are all organic suppliers, by the way:

· Arbico Organics in Arizona has a good variety of organic gardening, farming and biological pest and weed control products, including beneficial insects, fly parasites, traps, pheromone lures and natural fertilizers. Order online or get free print catalog, through arbico-organics.com, or 800-827-2847.

· The Seeds of Change catalog features approximately 1,000 varieties emphasizing biodiversity; food plants, herbs, flowers, fiber plants, heirlooms, medicinals and other plants. You can order on line at seedsofchange.com, or call 505-438-0024.

· The Natural Gardening Company in Petaluma, Calif., has organically grown herbs, plants, vegetables and some fruits, as well as gardening products, tools, irrigation and composting equipment, beneficial insects, organic fertilizers and pest controls, greenhouses, and wildflower seed. Contact them through naturalgarding.com.

· Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, in Grass Valley, Calif., has a great site and catalog. They have organic, open-pollinated vegetable seeds, and bulk cover crops; wildflower and native grass. Go to groworganic.com.

· The Comstock Seed Company in Gardnerville, Nev., has trees, grasses, native flowers and prepackaged seed blends. This is a good source for high desert climes. Visit comstickseed.com.

Last spring, I found the company The Lily Pad at the Boise Flower Show in March. The lilies I purchased from them came in beautifully. They have a great variety of rare and unusual garden lilies (Lilium), daylilies (Hemerocallis), and peonies (Paeonia), at discount prices. Contact them at lilypadbulbs.com.

Keep in mind that since it looks as though we may have a dry summer ahead of us from lack of snow runoff, it's really going to be vital this year to avoid thirsty plants. Instead, go for native plants, and utilize xeriscape friendly ideas.




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