IN THIS ISSUE:

As the rain continues for Ohio and surrounding states, problems for farmers have grown worse as the crops they have managed to plant are suffering because of constant soggy soils. Three days at least are needed to make hay so that without sun, hay making is impossible due to the wet conditions that would cause hay to become moldy when baled. Another factor affecting hay is the fact that the ground is so saturated that even with some sun even an extra day may be needed to allow the new-mown hay to dry before baling. Soybeans are used in many products and corn is used extensively for animal feed and by the looks of the unplanted fields and poor crop conditions, it seems these items along with hay will be in short supply this year causing prices to rise due to the law of supply and demand.

At the nursery because of the need for irrigation with constant rain and continual captured runoff, our irrigation pond is basically full instead of ¾ full at this time of year.

This week, Donzell’s Garden Center in Akron announced it will close its doors after 66 years of business at their location on Waterloo Road.

While a long time competitor, Donzell’s, along with other area garden centers, were our go to location when we did not carry or out of stock as we would regularly call them to help customers in their quest. Donzell’s was well known for their gift department along with their nursery stock and wonderful greenhouse open in winter.

I personally will miss them and my joking with the former manager,Wayne, who I told that I would send customers to Donzell’s that were looking for Cannabis sativa.

On a serious note, I considered Donzell’s as part of the family of garden centers that struggle against the large chains that have the advantage of “pay by scan” which means that they do not pay for the product until purchased by the customer as well as many other advantages when doing business with big chains that smaller garden centers do not have. I wish the Donzell family all the best as they begin the process of closing their wonderful business started so long ago.

Tom

p.s. Be sure to check Saturday's email for special a few special coupons!

This week we are spotlighting a shrub that is another pollinator magnet and bears flowers when many other shrubs have finished blooming for the season.

HUMMINGBIRD SWEET PEPPER BUSH/SUMMERSWEET
Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'

'Hummingbird' is a dwarf form of our native summersweet with fragrant white flowers sitting atop dark green foliage like candles in mid-summer.
The dark green foliage turns to yellow in the fall on this dense, mounded plant growing to 3-4' tall and wide.

Other attributes:
* Attracts pollinators
* Grow in full sun
* Easy to grow
* Native to North America
* Fragrant
* Deer resistant

Available in 3 gallon pots for $35.99 each.

Tom Dayton recently spoke with Jason Sokol from WAKR regarding the recent flooding and how that will impact local farming.

Click below to listen in!

If you are in need of fresh color, our greenhouse is filled with lush flowers for beds, combo pots and containers!

June 15 – Spray all cucurbits with Neem Oil to kill leaf hoppers

June 20 – Trim type “B” Clematis

June 21 – Trim evergreens and most deciduous shrubs to shape

June 26 – Tentative opening date for Owl Barn Market

June 28 – Marietta, Ohio sweet corn usually ready. Please check for
availability.

See all for June