Shlocky Talk

Recently I saw a television commercial for a tomato tree. It supposedly grows eight to ten feet tall in ninety days. Producing what appeared to be a bushel of grapefruit sized tomatoes each day. Wanting to know more about this botanical superhero I took to the Internet. What I found was telling in both what was written and was not written.

What I found was simply the same shlocky talk from the television spot. That and numerous complaints from purchasers of this product State side. Most of the complaints addressed the misleading language describing what you actually get for your fifteen dollar purchase price.

The commercial states you will receive three plants when in fact buyers received three seeds...ouch. What I couldn't find was any botanical or historical information on this plant...hmmm.

I've got an inkling this marketing campaign rides the leading edge of a particular temperate zone's planting season. Especially since the complaints are now piling up from the U.S.A. just south of us here in Canada.

Now to be fair I've not read any complaints about the actual growth claims. It doesn't mean there aren't any it just means I haven't read any. You'll have to decide for yourself.

Orange Someone

This year I vowed to get the majority of the garden up and running as soon as possible so I can actually enjoy it. I spent the weekend outside working on the back garden and will probably continue for at least three to four more days. Then it's on to the garden at the front of the house.

And while scouring Craigslist for freebies I came across a Mock Orange (Philadelphus Virginalis) someone had become 'bored' with. All they asked was for any interested party to dig it up and take it away. Though I did give the owner twenty shekels. The shrub now resides in my garden. Still an excellent deal for at least a four year old rootstock.

At this time of year those types of deals are very common. So if you're on a tight budget but have a garden to fill there's another great place to look. Here's a pic of the Mock Orange flower in bloom. It's a very fragrant flower reminiscent of Orange Blossom.