[NFB-Krafters-Korner] in the garden

Judy Jones sonshines59 at gmail.com
Wed Aug 29 19:25:58 UTC 2018 

I'm certainly no gardener, as you can tell from my earlier e-mails, but if we don't rely on color when we go to the store to pick out produce, we shouldn't need to depend on it in the garden. For instance, with tomatoes, they have a riper smell to them in generel. alson, if in doubt, pick one and try it.  The riper ones can sometimes be  detected, as the unripe ones are lik hard fruits with no give. Generaizing, of course, and the gardeners among us may have better ideas.
When we had a big cherry tree, I could tell by feel which were ripe and which were not. The tree was so big that one side of it more toward the sun would ripen before the other.


JudySent from my Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
-------- Original message --------From: "Powers, Terry (NIH/NCI) [E] via NFB-Krafters-Korner" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org> Date: 8/29/18  12:06 PM  (GMT-08:00) To: 'List for blind crafters and artists' <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org> Cc: "Powers, Terry (NIH/NCI) [E]" <terry.powers at nih.gov> Subject: Re: [NFB-Krafters-Korner] in the garden 

How does a blind person tell when it is time to pick the crop.  Many items depend on the color!

Terry P.


-----Original Message-----
From: Kaila Allen via NFB-Krafters-Korner <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org> 
Sent: Wednesday, August 29, 2018 12:34 PM
To: List for blind crafters and artists <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Kaila Allen <blindbeautycrafts at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [NFB-Krafters-Korner] in the garden

I also love to garden, I did my first full garden this summer. I have always had some flowers and succulents in pots but I tried zucchini cucumber and peppers and some herbs this summer. The zucchini did great I have a few peppers on my pepper plant that should be picked up soon. However the rest of it didn’t do so well when I was at a town for a week. My nephew didn’t water so well and they suffered. That was also the week it was 117 so I’m not sure even if he had watered they would’ve made it. I am planning on re-planting the end of September early October to see what I can grow during the winter here in Arizona. Any suggestions?

Thank you, 

Kaila
Blind Beauty Crafts

The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.   Nelson G Henderson


> On Aug 29, 2018, at 7:42 AM, Tracy Carcione via NFB-Krafters-Korner <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi Judy.
> I am always happy to talk about gardening!
> My method for telling weeds from vegetables and flowers is to mark 
> where I planted my seeds with a bit of stick.  There are always twigs 
> and dry stalks lying around to use.  If it's a plant with some space 
> around it, like broccoli, I put the stick close to where I planted the 
> seed or seedling.  If it's a square of seeds, like a space for lettuce 
> or spinach, I put a stick at each corner of the square.  I use the 
> square-foot method, sort of, but the same kind of stick markers could be used for rows.
> Then, when my seeds start to come up, like lettuce, I look at the plants.
> If there are several the same and one different, the odd one is 
> probably a weed.  If I'm not sure, I leave it until things are a bit bigger.
> Over the years, I've learned what most of my plants and weeds feel 
> like, so it's easier to tell, but every year a new kind of weed shows 
> up to keep things interesting.
> 
> These days, quite a few plants are being bred to grow in containers.  
> A container makes it easier to control water, and to put the plant 
> where it will do well.  Nella likes this method, and I'm doing more of 
> it myself.  I particularly like self-watering pots, which make it even 
> easier to manage water.
> 
> My tomatoes are rolling in faster than I can eat them now, and the 
> beans, zinnias, sunflowers and dahlias are all growing and flowering at full tilt.
> And the passionflower is trying to take over the world.  My garden is 
> spilling over with joyful abundance.
> Tracy
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Krafters-Korner 
> [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Judy 
> Jones via NFB-Krafters-Korner
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 3:41 PM
> To: 'List for blind crafters and artists'
> Cc: Judy Jones
> Subject: Re: [NFB-Krafters-Korner] in the garden
> 
> I admire anyone who has a talent for gardening.  I love it, but either 
> water too much or water too little
> 
> I would love to hear what you do and how you do it, what you grow, etc.  
> 
> The years we had a garden, I did very well with zucchini and 
> cucumbers, also broccoli, but I have a hard time telling the weeds 
> from the plants.  In fact when I got all inspired and planted the 
> broccoli, I realized I hadn't paid attention to what the leaves would 
> look like, so I went to the store and checked out the fresh produce.
> 
> I would love any tips and a go-to person.
> 
> BTW, is this off-topic?
> 
> Judy
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: NFB-Krafters-Korner 
> [mailto:nfb-krafters-korner-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Tracy 
> Carcione via NFB-Krafters-Korner
> Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2018 6:27 AM
> To: List for blind crafters and artists
> Cc: Tracy Carcione
> Subject: [NFB-Krafters-Korner] in the garden
> 
> From what I've seen, when sites talk about accessible gardening, they 
> mean accessible for people who use wheelchairs, or who have trouble 
> bending or getting up and down.
> I find gardening very accessible to me, a totally blind person.  The 
> only thing I need to do better is labeling what I've planted, and 
> that's not an essential.
> I also need to label my seeds in braille, but I worked out a method 
> ages ago.  The only tricky bit is identifying the packets to label, 
> and I used Be My Eyes for that last time I needed to do it.
> Tracy
> 
>> In the Garden: Enabling Garden offers ideas for accessible gardening
>> 
>> Article Link:
>> 
> http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2018/aug/25/in-the-garden-enabling-ga
> rden-m
>> akes-offers-ideas-f/
>> 
> <https://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30489975/www.spokesman.com?p=eyJz
> IjoiaU
>> 
> k0cXF4ZUlmQ3plT2VNcFd1c3FSM3ZmUVQwIiwidiI6MSwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDQ4OTk3
> NSxcIn
>> 
> ZcIjoxLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwOlxcXC9cXFwvd3d3LnNwb2tlc21hbi5jb21cXFwvc3Rv
> cmllc1
>> 
> xcXC8yMDE4XFxcL2F1Z1xcXC8yNVxcXC9pbi10aGUtZ2FyZGVuLWVuYWJsaW5nLWdhcmRl
> bi1tYW
>> 
> tlcy1vZmZlcnMtaWRlYXMtZlxcXC9cIixcImlkXCI6XCIzNTgxMzg1NjUyMGU0YmYwOTA0
> MzhhZm
>> 
> ZlNTVjYjY3YlwiLFwidXJsX2lkc1wiOltcIjllNzk4NWViODY5ZjAzNTEwNjg2MTFmNTgw
> NzdhZT
>> BjY2ZmODNhZTBcIl19In0>
>> 
>> I've just returned from this year's garden writers conference that 
>> took place in Chicago. I was so impressed with the city's many green 
>> spaces, colorful container plantings and beautiful gardens.
>> 
>> One of the most memorable stops was the Chicago Botanic Garden, and I 
>> heartily recommend it to all of the garden-lovers out there. While 
>> strolling through the many different regions within it, I was most 
>> inspired by the Buehler Enabling Garden. Billed as a "teaching garden 
>> that encourages gardening for people of all ages and abilities," it 
>> offers excellent take-home ideas for those with sensory or physical 
>> limitations so they can experience the many delights of a garden.
>> 
>> In one area, the designers focused on textures, fragrances and 
>> tactile cues to assist visually impaired gardeners. For example, 
>> soft, fuzzy plants such as lamb's ear (Stachys byzantina), celosia 
>> spikes, and purple fountain grass (Pennisetum setaceum Rubra) added 
>> both interest and texture to garden beds.
>> Aromatic herbs, scented geraniums, heliotrope and chocolate cosmos 
>> provided fragrant ways to locate specific plants while pleasing the 
>> senses. One ingenious idea involved placing a large-holed metal grid 
>> - such as a cattle panel - on the surface of a bed so a gardener can 
>> count the squares in order to zero in on a certain plant.
>> 
>> Water features that included fountains, small pools and cascading 
>> waterfalls provided pleasing sights, sounds and sensations to 
>> increase one's enjoyment of the garden.
>> 
>> There were plenty of useful ideas for gardeners who could use a bit 
>> of physical help in pursuing their passion for growing things.
>> 
>> Raised beds are a perfect example of this as they make it easier to 
>> reach plants. They can be as tall as is needed, provided the beds are 
>> narrow enough for reaching across without having to step, lean or 
>> kneel on the soil. Many of the walls of the beds in the enabling 
>> garden offered a comfortable place to sit while tending plants.
>> 
>> Tall containers filled with bright, colorful plants were another 
>> idea, both for folks who need to garden from a seated position and 
>> for those with limited vision. Plantings included intensely colored 
>> zinnias and Gloriosa daisies (Rudbeckia hirta), caladiums, the 
>> gorgeous silvery-purple Persian shield (Strobilanthes dyerianus), and 
>> many coleus in eye-popping colors.
>> 
>> One creative suggestion was to install a vertical wall garden where 
>> plants can be tended and enjoyed while standing or sitting. Elevated 
>> "shallow pan"
>> containers also permitted seated gardening with clearance for 
>> wheelchairs underneath. I enjoyed seeing the hanging baskets that 
>> were each connected to an easy-to-use pulley system. This allows one 
>> to lower the baskets for planting, deadheading spent blossoms or 
>> pruning foliage and then raise them up to a safe height for head 
>> clearance.
>> 
>> The garden was paved with level, smooth bricks both to make walking 
>> safe and to provide easy access for individuals who use wheelchairs 
>> or walkers. The pathways were also wide enough to maneuver in.
>> 
>> The sign at the entrance to the enabling garden reaffirmed what I've 
>> always
>> felt:
>> 
>> "No matter what your age or physical ability, gardening doesn't have 
>> to be a challenge. This garden shows you that in a well-planned 
>> space, anyone can garden."
>> 
>> I firmly believe that all individuals should have the opportunity to 
>> grow a garden and the ideas demonstrated at the Chicago Botanic 
>> Garden are a great starting point to make that possible.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Susan Mulvihill is co-author, with Pat Munts, of "Northwest Gardener's
>> Handbook." Contact her at Susan at susansinthegarden.com
>> <mailto:Susan at susansinthegarden.com> . For a video tour of Anne Moore
>> Knapp's garden, watch this week's "Everyone Can Grow A Garden" video on
>> youtube.com/c/susansinthegarden.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> <https://mandrillapp.com/track/open.php?u=30489975&id=35813856520e4bf090438a
>> ffe55cb67b>
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
>> NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
>> Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
>> Facebook page:
>> https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
>> Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
>> "Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
>> Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on
>> Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> NFB-Krafters-Korner:
>> 
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/carcione%40
> access.net
>> 
> 
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
> NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
> Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
> Facebook page:
> https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
> Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
> "Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
> Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on
> Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFB-Krafters-Korner:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/sonshines59
> %40gmail.com
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
> NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
> Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
> Facebook page:
> https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
> Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
> "Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
> Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on
> Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> NFB-Krafters-Korner:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/carcione%40
> access.net
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
> NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
> Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
> Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
> Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
> "Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
> Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Krafters-Korner:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/blindbeautycrafts%40gmail.com
_______________________________________________
NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
"Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Krafters-Korner:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/terry.powers%40nih.gov
_______________________________________________
NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list
NFB-Krafters-Korner at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org
Division Website:  http://www.krafterskorner.org
Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/NFB-Krafters-Division/269246643109571
Krafters-Korner Blog http://krafterskorner.org/
"Follow NFB Krafters Korner on Twitter: Our Handle is @craftingblind
Don't have a Twitter account? You can still follow Krafters Korner on Twitter. Go to: Twitter.com/craftingblind
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for NFB-Krafters-Korner:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nfb-krafters-korner_nfbnet.org/sonshines59%40gmail.com

More information about the NFB-Krafters-Korner mailing list