Getting your garden in order

Even if your garden is under snow it isn't too early to think about getting it ready for the growing season. On March 19th at 7:30pm the Finkelstein Memorial Library is hosting Tolly Beck from the New York Botanical Garden. Tolly will be here to discuss Long Blooming Perennials and Shrubs. If you can't make it to the library on those dates please be sure to visit our selection of gardening books.

Thursday, April 24 at 7:30 - Perennials:  Planning for a Sequence of Bloom(what is in bloom during specific months from April through October).  This is a follow-up to Long-blooming Perennials.

Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 - Gardening in the Shade(which would include perennials, ferns, ornamental grasses and shrubs).  Shade is a difficult growing situation that a lot of gardeners deal with in Rockland.

You can browse yourself on the shelves starting at 635 or ask one of the librarians at the Reference Desk. The library also has a museum pass for the New York Botanical Garden so you can visit in person. This selection of books that you can check out will get you and your garden in order. Whether you plant pretty flowers for viewing or tomatoes for your famous sauce these books will help you get from seed to plant.

This library has 134 books on gardening alone in both the children's and adult (second floor) section. And this doesn't include books on landscaping, horticulture, plant biology and specific plants. Visit the 635.9 section where you can browse the gardening section. Guides to specific plants like herbs and carnivorous plants can be found in the 580s.

Garden with your kids:kidsgardening.com What kid doesn't love to get dirty? This site will help you get your kids involved in the family garden. There are suggestions for what helpful activities children of different ages can do. It also has a section about garden safety and the different types of plants your children will enjoy watching grow.

New York Botanical Garden: nybg.org The spectacular Orchid Show is now on display until April 6th. The Finkelstein Library has a fun pass that covers the cost of admission for you and your family. The Garden also has activities and programs for children.

Gardening in New York: gardensites.info Gardensites.com lists gardens around New York that you can visit. The gardens are listed under their location and a link to the garden's web site is included. You can also find links to clubs and societies that operate in New York State.

Want to be a farmer?: Department of Labor The Department of Labor Statistics keeps track of occupations and jobs. Visit this site to read about what goes into running a farm. There are links to other farming and agriculture related web sites.

Seed Library of New York: seedlibrary.org Check out seeds, grow a plant and return your new seeds for another gardener. This project offers locally originated seeds for your vegetable garden for purchase or free with membership. Join the Eat Local movement by growing your own produce.

Help for your garden: weekendgardener.net The weekendgardener is a free internet magazine that has useful information about home gardening. You can sign up for a free e-newsletter. There is free access to videos and on-line courses. Did we mention that this site is FREE?