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| Crepe Myrtles are easily shaped by pruning. The robins have roosted in our large one. |
I read that "make it rain" is something drill instructors suggest to new recruits when getting them to work hard.
How do I accomplish that in the garden? I store rainwater in barrels and buckets. I learned early that a doting on a Crepe Myrtle will definitely increase its growth and vigor. After a rain, the barrels and buckets are full.
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| Poke flowers attract beneficial insects. |
Once the soil has dried out a bit, after two days or so. I pour stored rainwater on the plants needing the most TLC. This morning i did this with the Crepe Myrtles in the backyard. Yesterday, I poured extra rainwater on the bushes we use to shade the bedroom office - two Crepe Myrtles and a Pokeberry.
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| Poke berries feed 63 bird species. I have eaten one berry at a time - they are tasteless. |
The three bushes will grow to 10 feet or more, which creates a wonderful combination of natural shade, bird perches and bird feeders. They enjoy insects resting or hiding in the bushes, Poke berries on that supposed weed. I switched to thistle seed to discourage the squirrels, who reached the Bella Vista level of obnoxiousness. To be BV certified, the squirrels have to fight daily, knock apart the Jackson EZ Bird Swing, and push the feeder to the ground to empty it. They passed that test with distinction, so now they must get sunflower seeds from the "squirrel proof" (pause for laughter) feeder.
Another part of TLC is providing extra mulch for favored plants:
- Used coffee grounds
- Newspaper
- Cardboard
- Wood mulch
- Egg shells for those who think it helps - it does not.
Finally, a rose collar shows genuine love for the plant, because it prevents:
- Weed-eater disasters
- Rabbit munching, especially from small ones munching on new plants
- Loss of mulch
- Loss of extra rainwater or stored water.
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| They snap together easily, unsnap, and store flat. I took them off the roses and added them to the new Crepe Myrtles and baby Joe Pye Weed. |
