Be Careful Out There

The Farmer’s Almanac says today is a good day to prune for growth, I therefore set out to do just that to the numerous roses, ornamental grasses, trees and shrubs taking up root in our front, side and backyard. My neighbor obviously doesn’t put much stock in the gardening advice of the Farmer’s Almanac as he was out doing his pruning last week. Of course this is the same neighbor that mows his lawn three times a week beginning in February and running through November!  Interestingly as I watched my neighbor working laboriously in the top of his maple tree I noticed he wasn’t wearing safety gear of any kind other than a pair of work gloves, which got me to thinking about safety and health in regards to gardening and farming. Eye and hearing protection as well as wearing the right clothing for the right job could save your eyesight and hearing as well as your life. My neighbors may get a good chuckle as I walk out in my pruning gear, consisting of safety goggles, leather gloves, long sleeved shirt, knee and elbow protection and hat, but at least I know I will more than likely have the same number of digits I was born with in order to go on and prune another day.