The Rural Voice, 1996-07, Page 51Gardening
manure in autumn and a cup of
blood and bone or the application of
10-10-10 in spring or summer after
cropping is finished. Trim decaying
leaves and control perennial weeds
by careful weeding. Where dry
summers are experienced remember
to apply a mulch before the ground
begins to dry out.
Harvesting rhubarb has to be a
rite of spring. In our home we know
spring is finally here when we bite
into the first slice of rhubarb -custard
pie. Stalks should be two inches
wide and at least four inches tall.
Leave narrow stalks alone to grow
and send back strength to the root
system. Always harvest by pulling
and twisting simultaneously, and
never pick all the leaf stalks on any
plant. Rhubarb is very decorative
but it should be prevented from
going to seed since this exhausts the
root system. The leaves as they
unfold are poisonous but are not a
problem in the compost. In fact
rhubarb has a natural, built-in
resistance to insects and very little
bothers it. Others in this category
are carrots, beets, endive, chives,
Egyptian onion, parsley and
peppers. You could plant columbine
near rhubarb since this prevents red
spider from infecting the columbine.
Rhubarb has been cultivated for
at least 2,000 years and with its tart
goodness will continue to be
harvested for a long time.0
Rhea llarnilion-Seeger raises two
children, and is a skilled cook and
gardener.
E , TIVAL_
'`t-,: Oaf ARTS AND CRAFTS
July 5th, 6th & 7th, 1996
Artisans, crafters. painters, photographers and sculptors from all our Ontario
and other parts of Canada come to Goderich to display and sell their creations.
There are special displays, food events. cultural events and dozens of other
Tourist attractions in this picturesque and historic fort town.
CourtHouse Park
Goderich
Sponsored by the women'. Shelter & Counselling Services of Huron
For more information. please call 519-524-5333
FARM INSURANCE SPECIALISTS
Larry Robson
• Farm & Home
• Auto
• Commercial
• Life & Estate Planning
• Accident & Sickness
MIWe are brokers for
GERMANIA
FARMERS' MUTUAL
U FIRE INSURANCE CO.
DURHAM
(519) 369-3131
AYTON HANOVER
(519) 665-7726 (519).364-2790
MARKDALE WALKERTON
(519) 986-4351 (519) 881-0611
Member
INSURANCE
BROKERS
ASSOCIATION
Ontario
MAITLAND MANOR NURSERY
& LANDSCAPING
GIGANTIC CRAFT & GARDEN ACCESSORIES SHOW & SALE
Saturday, July 6 — 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Lots to see and enjoy (under cover if raining)
Take a leisurely stroll through our display gardens and beautiful
scenic pathways.
Enjoy viewing our ponds and water gardens, as wel! as hundreds
of annuals and perennials.
Be sure to visit our newly expanded Craft Shop
CaII today for professional Landscape Design and Installation
Hwy 86 East of Bluevale 519-335-3240
JULY 1996 47