In the Garden
Ralph Purkhiser, Purdue University Master Gardener
Dear Santa,
I have truly tried to be good this year, but I always seem to fall short. Still, I am sending my Christmas list, just in case. You may at least get some ideas for the good gardeners on your list.
As always, the first item on my list is rocks. I need some gravel for paths and would love some large flagstones. I would also like a large boulder with “Sandhill Gardens” carved on it. You could just leave that down at the end of the driveway, where I plan to display it. I would also like some large rocks to form terraces on some steep banks.
Of course, all of this stone work would require some help. Perhaps you could spare some elves after the Christmas rush at the North Pole. Like many gardeners my age, I find that I need a little help lifting heavy objects.
There are a lot of plants at Sandhill Gardens, but there are still some things I would like to add. I especially would like to have some more evergreen trees, especially those with interesting forms. I realize that the weather at this time is not conducive to plant transportation, so I am suggesting that you bring gift cards for my favorite local garden centers. I think most gardeners would appreciate such cards, so they could buy spring plants, tools and other garden needs.
My beloved French climbing roses are getting heavy and need a better trellis. I really would like a custom-made steel trellis that will not bend with the weight of the roses. Again, I will need help installing the trellis and getting the rose canes trained on it.
Years ago, I designed a fountain for someone that looked like an antique truck was leaking from the radiator. The bed of the truck was planted with cutting flowers. I would like to do that again here at Sandhill Gardens. For that, I need an old truck shell, a good heavy container for the water and a good pump system. Once again, helpers for the installation would be great.
I could also use some grow lights for my indoor plants. I really like the kind that are on stakes that may be placed in individual pots, but I could also use some that would cover a larger area. Some more heat mats would help with seed starting and plant propagation.
Last summer was hard on my pots. I managed to break several pots, so I need to get replacements. I prefer glazed pots, with my favorites being cobalt blue. I also need terra cotta pots for my cactus and succulent collection.
I love music in the garden. I have several wind chimes, but I would like some with deep sounds. I also would like a wind harp. I would like to get a series of outdoor speakers and connect them to a sound system in the house, so I could play music that would be soothing while I am out working in the garden.
I have found that cordless electric garden tools make many garden jobs easier. However, I find that I run out of battery power before I get finished. Therefore, please bring me some extra batteries. I have also seen a wall rack with the chargers hanging on it. I would like a battery-powered pole saw, so I do not have to run extension cords when I need to do some trimming.
If, as usual, I am going to get coal, I would ask that you make it charcoal this year. That way, I could at least use it to cook hamburgers.
Merry Christmas,
Ralph