T’Was the Night Before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the yard;

The branches were bare and the ground frozen hard.

The roses were dormant and mulched all around;

To protect them from damage if frost heaves the ground.

The perennials were nestled all snug in their beds;

While visions of compost danced in their heads.

The new-planted shrubs had been soaked by the hose;

To settle their roots for the long winter’s doze.

And out on the lawn, the new fallen snow;

Protected the roots of the grasses below.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear;

But a truck full of gifts, and all gardening gear.

Saint Nick was the driver — the jolly old elf —

And he winked as he said, “I’m a gardener myself.

I’ve brought Wilt-Pruf, Rootone and gibberellin, too —

Father can try them and see what they do.

To help with the weeding I’ve brought a Weed-Bandit;

And to battle the bugs a floating blanket.

To seed your new lawn, I’ve a patented sower;

In case it should grow, here’s a new power mower.

For seed-planting days, I’ve a trowel and a dibble;

And a role of mesh wire if the rabbits should nibble.

For the feminine gardener, some gadgets she loves;

Plant stakes, a sprinkler and waterproof gloves.

A fungus agent for her compost pit;

And for pH detecting, a soil-testing kit.

With these colorful flagstones, lay a new garden path;

For the kids to enjoy, a bird feeder and bath.

And last but not least, some well-rotted manure.

A green Christmas year round these gifts will ensure.”

Then jolly St. Nick, having emptied his load,

Started his truck and took to the road.

And I heard him exclaim through the motor’s loud hum;

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a green thumb.”

—Anonymous

Q My husband attended a lecture on pruning that you gave at London Town. You recommended a pruning saw, and I would like to get him one for Christmas. But if I ask him the one you recommended, he will know what I am planning. Would you please let me know the one you recommended and if I can purchase it locally.

— Nancy Briani

A If you order from A. M. Leonard — gardenersedge.com — order the Felco F600. It is a folding saw, which means that when not in use the blade folds into the handle. It also has a long handle so that you can use both hands when sawing.

Features

Lend a Hand — or a Can

All We Want for Christmas

One on One With Marion Warren

T’Was the Night Before Christmas

Ask Dr. Gouin your questions at [email protected]. All questions will appear in Bay Weekly. Please include your name and address.