In Good Thyme - by Mariana Graham

Starting this week, I'll be reporting the most commonly asked questions (and replies) from Island County Master Gardener clinics and the Master Gardener Hotline. Clinics are held every Saturday through spring and summer at nurseries and farmers' markets Island wide. The hotline is staffed every Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sept. 24. Call (360) 679-7278 or 679-7327.

Questions are usually similar throughout the Island. If it's a garden problem in Clinton, it's probably a garden problem in Cornet Bay. Yes, there are geographical microclimates. For instance, Coupeville's average annual rainfall is measurably less than Langley's, and beach areas generally get the most wind. But when it comes to gardening on Whidbey Island, there is no horticultural Mason-Dixon line.

Last week's most common problem concerned wind damage. Those howling gusts of up to 50 mph that we experienced at the end of April and early May put a temporary chill on gardening fever. As island dwellers, we expect wind damage during the winter. Who among us has not had to chain saw our way out of the driveway following a January sou'easter? But at that time of year, the garden is dormant, and if we've mulched and mounded and put the plants to bed properly, damage is minimal, except to some unfortunate trees and the objects in their paths.

In the springtime, however, those wild winds can be far more devastating. During the recent storms, delicate plantlets, just emerged from the soil, were literally ripped out by the roots, as were many newly planted trees and shrubs. The desiccating winds had the effect of a hair dryer on fresh spring foliage. One hotline caller described the leaves of his wind-blown roses as "shriveled." In my garden, the tender new growth of a Cecile Brunner climber was torn from its wind-whipped canes. Several well-established, fleshy-stemmed perennials, including bleeding heart and bachelor buttons, were split in two, despite a sheltering stone wall.

What's a gardener to do? Plants exposed to drying winds should have a deep and thorough watering as soon as possible. Pay special attention to container plants and plants growing under large trees or under roof overhangs. Prune any damaged branches or stems. Since it's peak growing season, Nature will most likely take its course and regrowth will soon appear.
Plants that had newly established (or poorly established) roots torn out by the wind should quickly be replanted and watered in well. Forget the fertilizer; what they need now is moisture. Sapling trees should be gently staked and guyed until they've become firmly established. Then the stakes should be removed. If the tree or plant has been damaged beyond recovery, consider replacing it with a wind-hardy shrub or tree. Many beautiful native plants are well suited to windy conditions. Your local nursery can help you make the right selection.

Before the next big blow, there are some things you can do to protect your garden. If you live in an area where wind is a constant problem, consider planting a dense evergreen hedge of native red cedar or Leyland cypress, both of which are hardy and grow relatively quickly. These natural windbreaks stay green all year and provide privacy, but they do get tall and may require pruning. Lower-growing options include dwarf arborvitae, spruces or firs.

In the lovely gardens of Great Britain you often see odd, attractive structures called "hurdles." Woven of flexible hazel or willow branches, these windbreaks are as large as six-by-six feet, or as small as needed to protect a single prized perennial. They're set at an angle to the plant to deflect wind. Not everyone is a weaver of hurdles, but you can use your imagination to create a clever windbreak, American style. Send me your ideas to share with other readers.
Mulch is another important weapon in the war against wind. It slows the rate of evaporation of water from the soil. If the weather forecast says to expect wind, ensure that there's a good layer of mulch (shredded bark, compost, etc.) on your garden beds and that the soil beneath it is damp.

While you're out there, move your container plants out of harm's way, perhaps into the garage or shed, until it blows over. If they're too heavy to move, give them the extra water they'll need to weather the storm. Don't forget the hanging baskets!
No, Toto, we're not in Kansas, but the wild weather of Wind-bey Island can sure feel like a tornado in your garden.
Garden questions or comments? Call 675-6611; fax 675-2732, or wnt@whidbey.net. Mariana Graham is an Island County Master Gardener and member, Garden Writers Association of America.

MASTER GARDENER CLINICS (click on picture)
Master Gardener plant clinics are being held at various Island locations throughout the summer. On the North end, bring questions and plant samples to The Greenhouse Nursery each Saturday in July from 9 a.m. to noon, Cenex on Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or the Navy Exchange Garden Shop June 30th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In Central Whidbey, it's at the Coupeville Farmers Market each Saturday through the end of July from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. South end clinics include Freeland Ace Hardware from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on June 23, July 28, Aug. 25 and Sept. 22. You can also find Master Gardeners at South Whidbey Tilth on July 7, Aug. 4, and Sept. 1 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Clinics are held at Bayview Farm and Garden June 30th, July 7, 14, 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25. Clinics may be scheduled at other locations when volunteers and resource materials are available. 'Can't make it to a plant clinic? Call the Master Gardener hotline (360) 679-7327 each Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through the end of September.