Surgical Tools in the Greenhouse

It is said the work of a gardener is never finished. This old dictum certainly applies to the greenhouse of the University of Minnesota Conservatory, where I've been volunteering. Since space in the greenhouse is limited, and the number of plant species large - 3000 or so - there is the necessity of keeping plants at a size able to fit the space. Cutting and tying the plants to control their growth is a bit similar to surgery in the sense that some parts get cut off, and some parts get tied back.

Today, one of my tasks was prepare all the shears and handsaws to be sent out for professional sharpening. The blades all had to be scrubbed free of debris and sticky sap, then wiped with alcohol to disinfect the surfaces. The tools will be delivered to a local shop where garden implements are sharpened.

Another task was to control the direction of growth of a couple of small trees in the desert room of the greenhouse. These small trees (the frankincense tree Boswellia sacra, and Moringa peregrina both from Africa) have a tendency to slump down toward the ground. The goal of my task was to support their stem-like trunks in a more upright habit. I used rope ties to attach the stems to either stakes or metal railings. I used surgical knots I learned decades ago while in medical school. I'm grateful to be able to use the knowledge again, but in a different setting.

Although many of the spring blossoms are now gone, there are a few plants still in full bloom. I noticed a plant endemic to Costa Rica: Cavendishia melastomoides in the family Ericaceae. Members of this family often have tube-shaped flowers.

Cavendishia melastomoides, native to Central America.

Now clean tools ready for professional sharpening

Series of square knots, supporting the branch of this frankincense tree

Series of interlocking square knots I learned 4 decades ago

Sinched-up square knots, a pattern common in surgical ties

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