May 2003
In
this issue:
Peterson's
Has Everything For Spring
A Look Back: Springtime is Planting Time
Greener Grasses and Pastures from Peterson's
Sound Advice for Controlling Crabgrass (in the Upper Midwest)
Exhibit at Peterson's Garden Gallery
Peterson's Country Mill has Everything for Spring
Breeze into Peterson's, where you will capture the sights, sounds and sensations of spring—all under one roof!
Springtime is the season when Peterson’s shines with items and essentials for your lawn, garden, patio and farm. Yet, just like a spring blossom, much of it is gone as quickly as it appears. Peterson’s new home living and garden center is something that you simply won’t want to miss! Feast your eyes on a kaleidoscope of color with creations from both nature and artisans of fine outdoor furniture, statuary, fountains, grills, accessories and more. Around every corner, you’ll discover another new way to brighten your heart and home. Here are just a few:
Perk up Your
Patio
Outdoor entertaining will be especially rewarding with the compliments
you’ll receive on your new casual furniture by Telescope. Stylish
and durable, Telescope has a pattern for every taste and budget. And,
for a limited time, Peterson’s is offering 10% off all patio furniture
in stock. There’s never been a better time to decorate your patio
or deck.
Get
Out and Grill
Peterson’s full line of Weber grills is sure to bring out the backyard
gourmet in you, even if you’re allergic to the kitchen! Nothing
tastes better than grilled lean meats and vegetables. Weber technology
enables you to choose exactly the grill that suits your style and taste,
from a sturdy charcoal kettle to a luxurious gas rotisserie.
Paint
Your Garden
Let the earth be your canvas and Peterson’s your palette as you
express yourself in floral pageantry and garden design. You’ll find
the perfect blend of healthy annuals, bedding plants, seeds and seed potatoes.
For a finishing touch, adorn your garden with creative accents from our
fine collection of pottery, statues and fountains by Henri and benches
by Berkley. Peterson’s also hosts a garden club, which will meet
Monday, May 19, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A Look Back: Springtime is Planting Time
One in a series of vignettes of the history surrounding Peterson's Country Mill.
In
the late 1800s, corn had not yet been established as a cash crop in the
Upper Midwest. At the time, it was used more commonly to supplement or
substitute hay. In addition, corn was found to be a better hog feed than
barley or rye, which were more plentiful. In fact, it became apparent
that every type of farm animal was able to eat and fatten on this cereal.
Planting corn was similar to planting rye or barley. Initially, fields were turned with a walking plow and team of oxen. As farms grew larger, horses replaced the oxen in front of the plow, since horses could cover large tracts of land more quickly. After the field was plowed, it was dragged with a harrow, which leveled the soil for the seed bed. The harrow was a wooden framework with metal spikes that the farmer fashioned by hand and would pull through the soil behind the team.
Before planting, the farmer would build a corn marker from 2 x 6 and 2 x 4 oak lumber. The marker was comprised of five runners that slid across the soil. The outside runner followed in the last track of the previous round, which resulted in four rows with one pass. The field would be marked one way and then the other, forming a checker-board pattern. Each intersection would occur at approximately 27 inches, marking the space in which to plant the corn.
At each marked intersection, the farmer would stab three or four seeds of corn into the soil using a hand-operated planter, which he would carry throughout the field. With practice, the farmer could plant nearly as fast as he could walk—about 10 acres per day. When corn was planted in this manner, it could be easily cultivated with one horse or ox and a walking cultivator.
Come
into Peterson’s Country Mill between May 3 and May 10 and plant
a FREE flower for Mom just in time for Mother’s Day.
(Supplies are limited.)
Value
Bin
Here are just a few of the exceptional values in store for you at Peterson's
Country Mill.
10% Off Telescope and Meadowcraft Casual Furniture
Delivery is available on our in-stock supply of beautiful and durable outdoor furniture.
Clean up on Spring Clearance Savings
Sweep up the bargains on quality outdoor benches, accessories and more from Bond, Berkley and DCAmerica.
Stock up on Seeds
Looking for seed, bulk seed, onion sets or seed potatoes? It's all here at Peterson's, priced right and ready for planting!
There
is still time to order your chicks from Peterson’s Country Mill.
Call Marvin McCormick or any one of our farm specialists to order from
a variety of chicks, ducklings, goslings and other young fowl. Plan your
order according to the following delivery schedule.
Order: For Delivery By:
April 28 May 13
May 12 June 3
June 2 June 17
If
you’ve been contemplating a pond for your backyard or garden, here
are a few tips to consider when deciding on a site:
-
Look for a sunny area. Water gardens need plenty of sun if they are to establish healthy fish and plants. A little shade during the day is fine, but avoid dark and soggy areas.
-
Seek optimal visibility. You’ll want to have every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of your pond, so choose an area near your home, deck or patio.
-
Avoid bushes and trees. Close proximity to trees and bushy plants may be hazardous to your pond, as roots may puncture the liner and leaves may clog the filtration system. However, some shelter from the wind, perhaps from a not-too-distant hedge, may be beneficial.
-
Select an area that is level and clear. Roots, pipes and other complications can take the fun out of installing your pond, so do your homework and find a clear space that is relatively level.
-
Have a water source nearby. Your pond may need topping off occasionally, especially during the late summer months when it is prone to evaporation.
-
Obtain access to a power source. If you wish to add lights or a fountain to your pond now or in the future, check out the availability of a GFI power source before you begin.
If you have any other question about pond installation or maintenance, Peterson’s has the answer—along with everything you need to build a beautiful Laguna pond.
Greener Grasses and Pastures by Peterson's
Peterson’s is the area’s leading authority on how to make lawns and pastures flourish. Peterson’s sells its own brand of premixed seed for shade or sun. In addition, Peterson’s has the ability to custom mix any special pasture or lawn seed blend. Stop in and talk to one of our specialists—Jeff, Ron, Joe or Monty—for solutions to your specific lawn or pasture problems.
Equipment Rental for Farm Acreage
The time is right to fertilize your pastures and hay fields for richer, more productive soil this summer. Peterson’s rents broadcast spreaders and, at your request, will provide delivery to your farm.
Sound
Advice for Controlling Crabgrass
If you want to determine whether to use a pre-emergent or post-emergent
treatment on crabgrass, look to the lilac bush. If the lilacs are not
yet in bloom, the ground temperature is still cool enough to apply pre-emergent
control, which is the best way to prevent crabgrass while preserving your
lawn.
Exhibit at Peterson's Garden Gallery
Look
forward to Peterson’s Garden Gallery! From June through August,
Peterson’s will display images of your pond, gardening or landscaping
talent within the store and on the Web at http://www.petersonscountrymill.com
Simply bring in a 4 in. x 6 in. or larger photo along with the title of your masterpiece and your name and address so that we my return it to you at the end of the season. As a token of our appreciation, exhibitors will also receive a discount certificate to apply toward their next purchase.
Peterson’s Country Mill is looking for a few neighborly friends to help us plan and promote upcoming exhibits, displays and events. The primary objective of this group is to gain insight into the wants, needs and interests of our community and clientele. We ask that our focus-group volunteers come prepared to share ideas, memories and opinions while having a good time at our monthly meetings. We’re looking for a variety of people to join us; people who are new to the community as well as long-time residents. This is a great way to get in touch with your creative side while you collaborate with colleagues and friends. We promise to keep topics light, cups filled and meetings brief. If you would like to know more about joining Peterson’s focus group, please complete the information and check the appropriate box on the subscription form below. Bring the form with you on your next visit to the Mill, or e-mail us at info@pnbmill.com
Pet
Nutrition Q&A
with Butch Hensley,
Royal Canin Pet Foods
10 am - 2 pm
Saturday, May 10, 2003
Butterfly
Gardens
with Michelle Dalquist, instructor,
6:30 - 8 pm
Monday, May 19, 2003