At this point of the year, I think I speak for more than myself when I say that I am sick of the rain and mud. That said there is not much we can do about other than be patient and continue to wear rubber boots, as I did over the weekend.
With my brother being an auctioneer, I rode with him to a two-day consignment machinery auction over the weekend. On Saturday, they sold about 30 wagonloads of “merchandise”, some good, some not so good and small yard equipment. I thought the prices of some of the better mowers and rototillers were fairly strong. Sunday however, was a different story with the larger farm equipment. Rain and mud may have been a contributing factor, but the used and antique tractor market was soft. Nowadays with the financing available through equipment dealers on compact tractors, it seems that the market for those older tractors less than 50 horsepower has really declined in the last 10 years.
I still cannot believe it is May already, given the weather earlier this week, but as they say “April showers bring May flowers.” I am not sure if the original saying was referring to flowers in general, or the plant I know as a Mayflower or Mayapple.
The Mayapple is a native woodland plant that is widespread across most of eastern North America. Podophyllum peltatum is the only species in this genus in the barberry family (Berberidaceae). This herbaceous perennial typically grows in colonies from a single root in open deciduous forests and shady fields, riverbanks and roadsides. All the parts of the plant, except the fruit, contain podophyllotoxin which is highly toxic if consumed, but was used by Native Americans for a variety of medicinal purposes.
These native wildflowers are often grown as ornamental plants for their attractive foliage and flowers. They are perfect for naturalizing in a woodland garden or native plant garden. This plant is rarely used in borders, as it goes dormant in the summer, leaving a large gap that is difficult to fill, and does not like competition. This plant is apparently juglone tolerant so will grow under black walnut, and is not eaten by deer or rabbits.
Mayapple needs partial or full shade to thrive, and prefers rich, moist soil with abundant organic matter. It can be propagated by division of the roots when dormant (in late summer or fall or very early spring) or from seed.
Finally, we are at the time where there is now less than a 50% chance of a killing frost, which means we can soon plant frost sensitive plants. We generally recommend waiting ten days to two weeks to plant, just in case. For now, we can plant snap beans, squash, and cucumbers, then in a week or two, plant sweet potatoes, peppers, cabbage, lima beans, and tomatoes. Just check the weather forecast to see if you will need to cover frost sensitive crops in the event of another frost. I’ll end this week with a quote from Jack London: “You can’t wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.” Have a great week.
