Garden of Victory.

The staff of George Washington Carver National Monument cordially invites the public to a glass-etching workshop on May 3 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Park volunteer Cecilia Miller will introduce participants to Carver’s bulletin, "Nature’s Garden of Victory" and instruct the workshop. Each participant will have a keepsake to take home. All supplies are provided by the Carver Birthplace District Association. Reservations for the workshop are required due to a limited amount of space. Call 417-325-4151.

The monument is located two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, then ½ mile south on Carver Road.

Relay for Life in Carthage.

It’s time for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life!

When the sun goes down hundreds of luminaries light the way under the start to pay tribute to those lost to cancer .... and to honor those still fighting. This symbolizes the hope and preseverance with which we all continue to fight. Luminarias may be purchased for $5.00 each at; The Wright Gift & Antique Place 2303 South Garrison.

The Budget process is givin’ the new Council members an education.

One a the problems with changin’ Council member out ever two years is the lack of continuity. Now there are lots a good reasons for havin’ new blood on the Council, but there is some downside also.

All but four of the current members were not involved in the plannin’ of Myers Park for example. Only four or five of the current Council were involved in the approval of the traffic circle out at Airport Drive.

This doesn’t mean the new members aren’t able to be involved in the evolution of these projects, it just means the history they learn is mainly word of mouth. Like all oral history, the story is always somewhat skewed by the orator. Nothin’ more interestin’ than a skewed up history lesson.

This is some fact, but mostly,

Just Jake Talkin’.

by

Carthage Printing

THIS IS A HAMMER

By Samantha Mazzotta

First-Time Gardener

Q: I’d like to plant a small vegetable garden, but it’s my first try. What tips do you have to make gardening foolproof? — Jamie G., Springfield, Mass.

A: Well, I don’t have any expert tips, but I do have a small amount of experience to draw from. The most important advice I can give you is to not worry. Outdoor vegetable gardens do pretty well with a minimum of preparation, lots of sunlight, and just enough water.

That said, there are a few things you should do before running out back and tossing a handful of seeds into the grass (although that would be interesting, too). List what kind of vegetables or herbs you’d like to grow, and sketch what you want the garden to look like. Then, walk around the yard and pick a site that 1) gets sunlight throughout the day, 2) has good drainage (a consistently muddy area isn’t a good sign), 3) doesn’t block other activities, 4) is easy to reach with a hose, and 5) can be protected from nibblers like deer and rabbits.

Check your list of desired plants for the amount of sunlight and water they’ll need. Find out what climate they grow best in and when the best time of year is to plant them. These factors will determine what exactly you plant, when and in which section of the garden.

Once you’ve answered those questions, purchase seeds and, if necessary, topsoil. Mark out the perimeter of the garden with stakes and string, and then begin turning the soil over. Dig up the sod to the depth of the shovel blade. If you want to use the sod as part of the soil, break it up well and pull out the weeds. If not, place the sod in a wheelbarrow and either mulch it or save it to replace bald spots on your lawn. Remove rocks and large sticks (but not live tree roots) as you work the soil into a smooth, loose mix. Add purchased topsoil as a final step, spreading it evenly.

Plant the seeds (or plants) according to the directions on the package. At the end of each row, place a stake in the ground with the name of the vegetable written on it in black marker.

Once you’re finished, water the entire plot. (Just don’t soak the garden to the point where puddles form.) Then, water a couple of times a week, unless it rains. In a very short time, you’ll see green results!