My Grandma's Iris

 

You always know when spring is here, the Iris are the first to peak through the ground telling you that it is time to be done with winter. 

            As long as I remember the graceful Iris has been a part of my life.  Grandma’s flower garden was full of them as were my own home.  My Mother not only got starts from Grandma but also from her first apartment after she was married.  I have so many colors now it is hard to tell from where they came.   I just know they came from my family, from Grandma, Mom and Dad.  You could probably say they are like family to me, bringing me joy in how pleasing they are to the eye, while bringing back the memories of days gone. 

           If there is a flower you used to have around and no longer have it that came from a place you would like to remember, go and buy one or if you can get a start from someone.  Many years ago I read that if you have a memory of something that reminds you of someone special, say for example a washboard, go to an antique store and buy one.  It may not be the same one but it will still stir within you the same pleasing memories.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Kind of Tomatoes Should I Plant?

 

You have probably already planted your tomatoes.  The question is - how did you decide what kind of tomatoes to plant? 

          I think a lot of it depends on what area you come from and what kind of tomatoes you have planted in the past.  There are so many varieties of tomatoes and more being developed each year.

          How I decide what tomatoes I want to plant depend on how long they take to develop and what tomatoes I have had success with.  I have tried the 4^th of July tomato, early girl and many heirlooms.  I have had success with the mortgage lifter, some heirlooms and other new tomatoes.  It is very important that you check how long it takes for them to ripen; it usually is around 63 days to 80 or so days.  Two weeks may not seem like that long but it can be when your growing season is shorter.

          I suppose my best advice to you is to check with the local nursery and your extension office.  Don’t be afraid to try new tomatoes that others say will not succeed, try a few but always stick with your old reliable. 

          Since my season is shorter than most I always have tomatoes that have a shorter development period but plant the larger tomatoes that take a longer time, love them for canning.  The larger ones I enjoy at the end of the summer and into the fall until it freezes.

          Since I can tomatoes I always include Roma tomatoes since they do make a thicker paste tomato.  Check the label when you buy them, they will usually tell you if they make a good canning tomato.  The cherry tomatoes are always a must as they come early and you may snack on them while you are waiting for the others to ripen.