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The Benson Letter - May 2022

The Benson Letter - May 2022

The Benson Letter
May 2022

Another month has passed and our flora in 2022 just keeps getting better and better. This month we will cover the cascade of blooms from the dogwoods to the peonies. While it is difficult to pick the best of 2022, there have been no losers. We will witness moss popping from its tight ground location just like popcorn so the grass can shine. But most importantly this month, our newsletter is dwarfed by our pet of the month shared by Odus Brown and Rosanna Sikora, Mr. Wicks. Mr. Wicks will forever have a big corner of our hearts. He is Superfly in and out of his raincoat.


Pink Dogwoods are Our Pick for Most Beautiful 2022 Bloom

We all have opinions but since this is our newsletter, we get to pick the winners. After witnessing the azalea bloom, that was magnificent, the rhododendrons popped,excellence following excellence. Imagine my surprise this week when I noticed that every peony in town was exploding in color and scent. They are in bloom today so do not miss this opportunity to encounter nature dancing.

Ok so you might say if all this is true, how can the pink dogwoods be the winner. It's because after 3 weeks we can remember their grace and majesty. I like to think with my stomach of course, so say you are eating your mom’s favorite meal right now in the present but your mind is remembering a meal from 3 weeks ago. The pink dogwoods were that good in 2022.

 

 


That Old Moss is a Popping

We have written several articles pointing out that moss is a pointer not a problem in our lawns. It occupies a need when conditions are not appropriate for grass. The soil in Morgantown doesn’t like laying there as dirt, so if grass won’t grow, then it can be moss. The question always was: "when this is such a tight-fitting plant, how can the grass grow through it?"

That question was answered last week when I walked into a mossy area between some shrubs and postage stamp chunks of moss where laying there in disarray. I never saw one actually leap but they had to separate violently because they are separate little wafers of dead moss and grass. What was solid moss is now mostly grass and from a distance all grass. Nature existing in nature's harmony.


Mr. Wick

Mr. Wick comes to Morgantown on Christmas Day 2016, and then into Odus and Rosanna’s world 8 weeks later. As each photo shows Mr. Wick was created out of a family that included a poodle, and maybe a terrier, with a little Pomeranian and Shih-zhu thrown in. Such a proud young dog could be made of nothing less than a merger of the best attributes of several breeds.

Look carefully at each photo and you will notice his presence and awareness, his focus on everything around him. Rosanne calls him a spotter in that he will bring every bunny, squirrel, and cat to their attention but he’s not a chaser. It is their obvious loss if they don’t take advantage of this moment to play with him. Mr. Wicks is on the move so he’s watching for the next one already, there’s no time to wait.

Mr. Wicks understands how to structure his environment. A perfect day starts with a walk with mom, followed by a guitar concert performed by his dad. Mr. Wicks loves the way Odus plays and can listen patiently for long restful sessions. How can a busy young guy just take some time off? Well, it's because on those perfect days it's lunch at the patio of the Terra Café followed by a trip to Lowes to improve the environment and culture there. Mr. Wicks only leaves friends behind every visit. They have to be home in time to catch the news with dad, and then of course that night walk. Mr. Wicks has met everyone but today there may be someone new.

Diane wants to thank Mr. Wicks for making this month’s selection such a joy. She also wants to thank Rosanne and Odus for being such wonderful clients for so many years and sharing their special kid. See you next month.


There's a corner on the website that features the many pets that are a blessing to Jay's clients. Jay's wife, Diane, loves pets so much that she becomes their dogmother.

Benson's Lawn Systems, Inc.
3360 Collins Ferry Road • Morgantown, WV 26505
(304) 599-6611BensonsLawnSystems.comjay@bensonslawnsystems.com
With his monthly newsletter, The Benson Letter, Jay answers questions about Morgantown flora.
 
Through his Around Town video library, Jay talks about lawn and landscaping problems in our area.

Find out what makes Morgantown flora unique in Wisdom Unencumbered by Facts. Jay's stand on flora initially developed as a hobby, followed by over 42 years of growing Morgantown.

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Call Jay to talk about any issues you face in your home. He can help.
For most of our pest treatments we can start any time a crisis comes up, no matter the time of year. In this case, though, the snow covering on the ground makes this a not-great time to address ticks. Let’s look forward to spring instead and get serious about addressing the problem as early as we can.