Agriculture

Farmer and land preservationist Frank Penn told a local farmland preservation group it needs to make allies with local citizens, business and farm groups to maintain support for farmland preservation.

Penn spoke at a fundraiser for Shelby Area Rural Conservation (SARC), a new organization hoping to establish preservation easements on farmland in Shelby and surrounding areas.

The group recently gained its non-profit status and is working on a donated conservation easement in Oldham County, SARC President Jim Ellis said.

When cutting grass, working in the yard or just milling around outside when a heat wave hits, most people can just step inside to cool off in the air conditioning. But what about Shelby's equine friends? There are not a lot of barns with AC pumping in.

In preparation for the heat wave settling on Shelby County this week, horse trainers and owners can take certain precautions for extra care of their horses during the dog days of summer.

Trainer and horse owner at RHC Riding Academy, Erin Reid said all of her horses have boxed stalls with their own fan.

If someone asked me what my favorite perennial was, I could only say that it changes with each passing year. This year the answer is the Hardy Geranium, known around these parts as the Cranesbill.

My fascination with Hardy Geraniums has grown steadily as I have discovered the countless varieties that exist. In European gardens they are as commonplace as phlox is in American perennial gardens.

This time last year, I had some healthy-looking tomato plants, which was a delight because in 2009 I had some disease issues.

Turned out that 2010 was a bust though because of all the crazy heat we had! This year the garden and the tomatoes look promising, but I am always on the lookout for emerging problems. So far the 2011 day-time and night-time summer weather, and temperature are absolutely perfect for tomatoes!