Summer of 2009
Just what the doctor ordered
Listen up gardeners! If you have complained about this summer then it is my guess you will never be happy. The summer of 2009 will go down in the record books as one of the best ever for Kansas City gardeners. Mother Nature has blessed us with very timely rains and cool temperatures. Which leads me to borrow the old phrase, “This is just what the doctor ordered to help heal our stressed plants.”
The ample rain and cool temperatures have had a positive impact on the roots, shoots and flowers, all vital parts of the plant. Roots have benefited from the even moisture levels, and lower soil temperatures have allowed them to continue to grow most of the season. Root development decreases or stops as the soil temperatures rise. We often forget that it takes a healthy, well-developed root system to produce great top growth. Gardeners often spend too much on growing tops when it is the roots that need the loving attention.
Since the roots have been functioning properly, we have seen more shoot or leaf development this summer. Perennial plants have sent up more growth from their base, and shrubs have put on good growth. I have seen some trees that have grown 3 feet or more this summer where 1 to 2 feet would be more the norm.
The one downside, but not to dwell on the negative, has been an increase in leaf diseases on many plants. These leaf spot type infections have resulted in less than pretty leaves. The good news is that many of these leaves have hung around, not dropping when stressed, to contribute energy to the health of the tree. I often tell people that most leaf spot diseases are like having acne as a teen. We may not look the best but we survive and grow through the problem. For the most part, this is how plants handle leaf diseases — looks bad for awhile but next season’s growth will be just fine.
Have you noticed that your flower colors are more intense this summer? I have, and they look great! High temperatures fade flower colors and they appear washed out. The cooler days and nighttime temperatures have made the reds redder, blues less washed out, pinks brighter and the yellows more vibrant. The intensity of our flowers resembles those gardens to the north. It is truly the nighttime temperatures that give this effect, as the plants slow down respiration and use less energy which results in better pigment development.
Enjoy and remember fondly the summer of 2009. These come rarely for a gardener. Oh, and by the way — I am contacting the plant doctor and asking they refill their prescription — another summer just like this one for next year!
-- Dennis Patton