Carpe Diem Gardening from the Maverick

By Guest Columnist Canton Garden Club Member Jessica Stein

In February, the Canton Garden Club received renowned “Maverick Gardener” Felder Rushing, to speak about spring bulbs and arrangements. That information, including a list of Southern hardy bulbs and roses, can be found at his website: FelderRushing.blog. 

Here, we’d like to relay his advice for planting this spring and for “carpe diem” gardening in general. All you have to do to start is “just be a gardener.” Besides the daffodils sprouting right now, notice the wildflowers and other interesting plants in your yard which could make beautiful additions to beds or vases. By using what’s around, even art, sculptures, old stumps, and bottle trees, you can curate a garden all year round. 

One of the best ways to collect plants is from friends, family and neighbors as seeds and cuttings; these are called “passalong plants.” Passalong plants preserve the histories of the people who share them as they journey through our yards.

Even if you don’t have a yard, now is a great time to start greens and herbs in pots. Mix different kinds of lettuce, kale, chard or other greens, and plant a couple pots every two weeks. Parsley, oregano, rosemary and thyme can be purchased in pots and kept like house plants. All can be set outside right now, so long as the temperature stays above twenty-five degrees; otherwise, cover them or bring them inside. It is also a good time to plant bachelor buttons and other cool-season flowers. 

More than anything, Felder says, “savor what you do, and grow what you want to grow.” You can call into his radio show, the Gestalt Gardener, at 9 a.m. on Friday mornings. 

After the presentation, hosts Margo Burnside and Sherry Anderson served a delicious spread while the club wrapped up business. 

Keep Canton Beautiful recently cleaned up the recycling area at the Justice Court and the pots in the town square. Look for the thousand bulbs planted last year to bloom soon at the Outdoor Classroom across from the Madison County Co-op. 

Keep Canton Beautiful plans another community clean-up on Saturday, March 23, at 8:45 a.m. Inquire with a Garden Club member to get involved!