First Full Week of Work at A.M. Cuddy Gardens (May 4th- May 8th)

 

 

Monday started of the week with ripping out Boxwoods that have been suffering extensive damage from the Boxwood leaf miner for many years. We used the back hoe on the Kubota tractor to lift them out roots and all. We carried on applying a thick layer of mulch to the garden bed known as the prairie border. In the patio there was euonymus growing, we also ripped those out. The decision to remove the euonymus was made to make room for espaliered apple trees from Hillen Nursery. These apple trees have been grafted onto dwarf root stock and have three different kinds of apples on one tree. In order for cross pollination to occur and fruits to be borne on apple trees you need to have different varieties.  There will be a few of these apple trees available at the annual plant sale in June. Tropical plants and bulbs that have spent the winter indoors are being brought out to enjoy the lovely weather we've had this past week.

 

We continued the mulch around to the gardens by the classroom. The turf stone that was installed in the Autumn required more top soil so a few bucket fulls were added and raked through.  The flagstone pathway leading to the classroom needed some repair. It was a great experience to lift and re-set a flagstone pathway.

 

Throughout the week work has been done to level out the lawn area between the house and greenhouses. Removal of large twigs and soil preparation for seeding, the grass seed was sown with the Kubota tractor and power seeder.

 

 

A lot of irrigation work has occurred this week. The smaller greenhouse was hooked up to an existing lateral line and we installed overhead irrigation in the house. 

 

For a few days we worked at setting up the pot-in-pot nursery production. We marked out the holes to be 4 feet apart on center. Used the back hoe to dig the initial holes. We then placed pots in, ensuring there were all level and inline with one another. Trenches have been dug along the pots to install a drip irrigation system. This irrigation system has a valve on every row so we can isolate areas that may not require a lot of water. The pot-in-pot production is a great asset to our nursery. Over wintering is very simple as the roots are below grade and wont freeze. Trees are put under less stress when sold, no digging out root balls. Pot-in-pot production can grow tress in fields where the soil may be less than desirable for growing. It has been a lot of work, however, worth it for all the bonuses.

 

Shade curtains have been installed onto the hoop houses as it has already become to hot in them. The young seedlings we grow prefer and perform better under the shade curtain.

 

 

 

All in all a fabulous first week. A lot is in bloom and buds are bursting! The Magnolia trees are spectacular! We have learned a lot about many different aspects of the industry and had great weather for it too!