Rainy Day

Because it was such a rainy day, and the soil was totally saturated, we weren't able to plant. Mrs. Allen explained that the composition of the dirt is literally changed when its too wet. The mud acts like cement and can sometimes suffocate the plant. And so, instead of planting the many plants sitting in and all around the greenhouse, we went and bought more. Mrs. Allen pulled the minivan around and we were off to Grelen Nursery.

Earlier, Wendy told us about the beauty of growing in the Shenandoah Valley. Especially from President Madison's house, Montpelier, to Thomas Jefferson's house, Monticello, there is something about the land that plants just thrive in. This is why Grelen is such a fantastic nursery.

After filling the minivan to the brim and transporting the two trees, six boxwoods, and other bushes, we had to make another trip for some bigger plants. Andy Clements arranged for Wendy to take the big, new pickup truck. We loaded foour "Dee Runk" boxwoods which are narrow and tall but very dense. Also, a large evergreen was loaded by forklift. The nice, new pickup had a screen that goes over the bed. This would help prevent the plant from getting wind burn. It sounds wild but it there is too much wind on the plants, they will hyperventilate which can cause them to be very stressed and even die.

Back at the shop, on this rainy day, the guys were repairing and cleaning. All hands were on deck to clean out the tractors and mowers from grass and mud, sharpen mower blades, and all other rainy day tasks. There's never an unproductive day.