Lessons Learned: Gardening is a life-long interest

By Bonnie Orr
WSU Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardener

dragon fruit starts staked in small planter.
Growing plants from seed is a lesson in patience, writes WSU Chelan-Douglas Master Gardener Bonnie Orr. These dragon fruit plants she’s grown from seed are nearly 1 year old. – Provided photo/Bonnie Orr
Bonnie Orr
Bonnie Orr – WSU Extension Chelan/Douglas County Master Gardener – photo by Don Seabrook, Wenatchee World

I have always dabbled in gardening. I was even undaunted in Bend, Oregon, with its 53 noncontiguous frost-free days. Nearly 40 years ago, when I moved to Wenatchee with 175 frost-free days, I was delighted. I bought a house with a garden of stone fruit and berries and a place for a large veggie garden. My gardening interests grew, and I have learned more and more.

Seeds have an inherent power that appeals to me. Unfolding seeds seem to embody magic. Since childhood, I have potted avocados, mangos, coffee, nutmegs, cashews, argan and walnuts to watch them unfold. I have never lost that fascination.

Currently, the Christmas Cactus seed (Epiphyllum sp) I planted four years ago has bloomed for the first time, and the dragon fruit seeds (Selenicereus sp) have produced multiple little spiny shoots. For the first time, this winter I am germinating (Pelargonium) geranium seeds.

I continue to delve into seeds — seed preservation, seed saving and the procurement of exotic seeds. I do not always have success because sprouted seeds do not always thrive in our hot and dry climate, nor do they persist in our winter chills.

If you have been reading my columns during the past 20 years, you will recall that I am fascinated by how soil temperatures stimulate seed germination, and the science behind growing degree days. As a WSU Master Gardener, I have been studying weeds and what conditions stimulate their seeds to germinate. It is much easier to prevent weeds from growing than attempting to keep the plants at bay.

As I have learned more and more during the past 29 years as a Master Gardener, I have transitioned from conventional to organic pest control. Who does not appreciate a green space? I have been converting my turf grass to a clover and herb low-water, low-mow, no-fertilizer, no-herbicide lawn.

I anticipate learning more in the new year.

A WSU Chelan-Douglas County Master Gardener column appears weekly in The Wenatchee World. To learn more, visit bit.ly/MGchelandouglas or call 509-667-6540.