My 14-year-old son values his appearance. Specifically, he takes great pride in his hair. I am not quite sure what lead to this awareness. Perhaps it is the fact that for 12 years he faithfully went with his mom and sisters to a beautician every 7 weeks. Maybe it is because he just wants to look his best and feels his hair is a great asset. Personally, most days I would just as soon forget what my hair looks like. About a year ago, he decided to forgo the trips to the beauty shop and instead have his dad take him to the barbershop. He summed up his latest trip to the barbershop by saying âI will never go there again. I am going to leave a bad online review!â
He was upset that his hair was not cut the way that he wanted. Although, I would never, ever say this to him, the cut really did look awkward. After we thought about the situation, we talked. I explained that I thought the problem really boiled down to communication. He wanted the barber to do something specific with his tools and the barber did not understand what Christopher wanted. I also suggested that instead of leaving a poor online review, he should choose a time when he thought the shop might not be busy and go talk to the barber directly.
I donât think the value of communication can ever be underestimated. At its most basic form, it is an exchange of information. With regards to gardening, there are quite a few excellent sources of information. Here are a few that you may want to check out:
Experienced Gardeners: I purposefully chose this source first, because I genuinely think you can learn more from someone who has spent time digging in the dirt than reading or studying any of the other sources listed below combined! Is there a yard that you admire as you drive or walk by it? Is there a particular flower that you think is really beautiful? Stop by and talk to the person whose yard or plants you admire. Everyone loves a compliment! Your kind words could not only make someoneâs day a little brighter but could also result in you learning a tremendous amount about gardening.
Sun City Gardening Club: The Sunflower Garden Club of Sun City is a tremendous resource to residents of the community. They host meetings, trips and workshops that are interesting and beneficial for all levels of gardeners. The club officer information and general meeting dates are listed on the Sun City website. www.sccah.com.
Master Gardenerâs: The University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service provides classroom and practical experience to individuals culminating in their certification of becoming a Master Gardener. These individuals are available to answer your questions depending upon the time of the year they are available either during select days and hours at the Prairie Lodge or at the McHenry or Kane County Extension service office. For more information please check out their website at web.extension.illinois.edu/mg/
Websites: The following websites offer an amazing array of information regarding a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, trees, vines, groundcovers etc.
Midwest Groundcovers: This is a primarily wholesale nursery located in St. Charles. This is a very well respected nursery that has been growing plants for over 50 years. Their website has a fantastic search engine that you can change to meet the specific needs for your home site. www.midwestgroundcovers.com
Hoffie Nursery: This is a local wholesale nursery that has a website that features detailed information about their plants. The detailed information regarding each plant is very helpful. www.perennialquality.com
University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service: In addition to having a Master Gardenerâs program the Extension Service also has a great website that offers valuable information on a wide variety of information on topics ranging horticulture issues to health and nutrition tips. web.extension.illinois.edu/state/index.cfm
Books: James A. Fizzell and Dr. Michael Dirr are two great gardening authors. Mr. Fizzell authored a book entitled âIllinois Gardenerâs Guideâ that is filled with very practical information regarding where, when and how to plant specific types of plants. Dr. Michael Dirrâs books are regularly used by landscaping professionals. âDirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubsâ is the pre-eminent book on the subject. From the gorgeous pictures to the insights that only Dr. Dirr could give you this book is a great resource even for the most experienced gardener.
Magazines: Chicagoland Gardening Magazine is a bi-monthly publication. The high gloss pages are filled with gorgeous pictures and very useful information. chicagolandgardening.com/
Television Shows: Although my escapism through television shows has never lead me to watch a gardening television show, I have heard good things about a show called âYard Crashersâ. It is on HGTV. Victory Gardens on PBS is another show that gardeners often reference. www.pbs.org/wgbh/victorygarden/
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or kathleen@thegrowingscene.com Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She will address it in an upcoming column.
Note: the Gardeners Forum will be taking a short break until March, when the weather is more conducive to outdoor gardening.Â
