Okay, I’m going to have to publicize a discussion Shawn and Blinda have been having around here at Mirror Lake.  Check it out on the YLG Facebook page and chime in, because I am curious as to what folks think: http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=12548&uid=182406596567#/topic.php?uid=182406596567&topic=12548

Is good design something you can evaluate objectively?

I’m just so interested in what people think about this.  We don’t all agree about what looks good and what doesn’t, but we can often get a majority opinion.  Most women think Brad Pitt is attractive.  Well, maybe not with that little beard he’s been sporting lately.

So is it possible to look out at a waterfall that someone had installed on a pool and say, “Oh, that is objectively awful.”  Well, yes, it’s possible to say it, because I’ve been hearing it at work all week.  And a certain designer around here is personally offended when he sees poorly designed work, which makes sense: Shawn wants people to enjoy their yards while surrounded by the most beautiful design possible.  So he really hates it when people spend a lot of money on bad designs.

Anyway, check out the discussion, and tell us what you think!

And in the meantime, check out the show this week.  Shawn and Blinda stress the importance of having a plan for your outdoor designs (and this discussion is in the wake of them seeing a really ugly waterfall this week and wondering how they can help folks not buy bad designs).

They also have some really great interviews lined up with experts on dirt. 

Ahem, excuse me…experts on soil.

The first is with Karin Wallace of the Junior Master Gardeners’ Association. This association introduces children of all ages to gardening, community service, and volunteerism. They want kids to understand more about growing their own food and want this knowledge to help produce healthier adults in the future.  They organize simple, pre-made lesson plans that’s easy for kids and really helpful for teachers.  It’s probably always good for kids to know more about where their food comes from, so it sounds like this is a great organization!

They also talk with Nellene Harvey of Warren’s Southern Gardens in Kingwood. Warrne’s has the dirt, literally–and they even have it in bulk!  They offer potting soil, mulch, manure, compost, organic topsoil, and rose soil all sizes of bags.  And then they offer a great variety of materials in bulk, too.  And they deliver!  

Next up is John Ferguson with Nature’s Way. Shawn and Blinda ask him how to know what is right for the plants where soil is concerned.  Well, it turns out you don’t want really raw stuff in your soil, because your plants will be forced to give nitrogen to help break it down.  He also talks about how a bark mulch helps give nutrients back to the soil, and how a biological system is better for the soil than a chemical one.  Pretty cool stuff, and it’s all just dirt!

Dr. Joe Masabni of the Texas A&M Department of Horticultural Sciences talks to us about how soil is not just a physical support for plants, but the first thing you need to consider when planting, either at home or commercially.  He also answers some interesting questions, like: Are there any native soils left?  Why is clay bad for planting?  And then he reveals some interesting facts, like that the biggest fertlizing polluters are home gardeners, not commercial producers, because of their overuse of chemicals.

Dr. Joe explains that most soils have plenty of phosphorus and potassium–so test for them first!  Usually all you need in a fertilizer is nitrogen.  He is not for or against organics or synthetics, but rather in favor of a healthy soil.  

And then he shares this little pearl of wisdom: If your garden isn’t doing well, it’s probably because of the lack of your shadow.

Meaning spend some time in your own dirt if you want to see it produce something!

Finally, Shawn and Blinda speak with Chef Bruce Molzan of Ruggles Grill  .  Chef Bruce tells us about cooking pork with brine.  His recommendation?  One gallon of water to 1 cup sea salt to 3/4 c sugar.  (You can add peppercorns, onions, garlic, whatever; this is just the basics of the brine.)  Submerge the pork in water for 24 hours.  Then grill it–the brine increases the moisture of your pork up to 15%.  

Well, as usual, the end of the show has me salivating!  But really, I’m just chomping at the bit for spring to get here, because I’ve had enough of this silly cold weather!  I want flowers and warmth and butterflies again. 

Or maybe just a little romance in the garden…remember, this is one of Shawn and Blinda’s favorite radio contests!  Send in your most romantic garden experience and win a free design!  Just describe your romanic garden encounter in an email to shawn@mirrorlakedesigns.com in time for Valentine’s Day, and you could win!

Okay, that’s all the dirt for this week!