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Springtime, time for starting plants, exercise, yard cleanup

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow”– Audrey Hepburn, British actress, humanitarian. When each tomorrow seems busier then the day before, the advantages of growing plants in containers continues to grow. Plants can thrive on patios, decks, porches, and on windowsills in pots, baskets, teapots, pitchers, and even old chamber pots serving as planters. A variety of clay and plastic pots, and wooden floral holders are offered in the Mailbag to folks with ‘growing interests’.

Pots and planters provide accessible, mobile gardening

“I have flowerpots in a variety of sizes, both clay and plastic, three tall wooden vases/flower holders, and baskets which would work well to display plants growing in and out-of-doors” says Bert the Picker of Nashua (LTR 1,775). “In addition to a light-brown, oval basket, with a handle (11 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches tall); a round basket with tall handles (12 inch diameter, 5 inches tall; a deep oval basket, 10 inch x 9 inch oval with tall double handles (20 inches tall counting the handles); and a square, slightly-tapered basket, 9 x 9 x 9 inches, with small handles, I have three, 21 inch tall, wooden, black flower holders, and a large oval basket, measuring 20 inches across, which will easily hold three five (5 inch tall) flower pots. Hope someone can use these pots, flower holders, and baskets.” Growing plants in containers  makes gardening easier for seniors and people with limited mobility, and to introduce children to growing and nurturing flowers and homegrown veggies, an edible incentive to watch what’s ‘growing on’. Anyone interested in the pots and/or the baskets should give Bert a call at 603-883-0990 and leave a message. He always calls back!

Spring…good time for indoor exercise, walking outdoors

“I have a stationary exercise bike to give to someone who can’t walk outside” says Jim C. of Nashua (LTR 2,500). “It is a DP Airgometer Model, an exercise bike that utilizes two independent arm handles in addition to pedals, allowing the rider to pedal the bike with his/her legs or use their arms to pump the handles to exercise. The electronic portion of the bike has gone missing, that’s the part that tells you distance, heart rate, etc., however, the heart, lungs, and blood vessels will all still benefit from the cardiovascular exercise. it will have to be picked up since I don’t drive. Also have a four-wheel Rollator, for the asking.” Sometimes called a ‘wheeled walker’, a Rollator consists of a frame with wheels, handlebars, and a built-in seat with a crossbar for back support, ideal if your condition requires you to stop and rest often. Jim can be reached at 603-889-0686. FYI: Rollators also have accessories that can be purchased in stores and on-line, such as baskets to hold groceries, etc.

‘Got leaves?’ …Leaf shredder available

“I have an electric leaf shredder for someone who can use it” writes Al J. of Nashua (LTR 2,020). Springtime is a good time to tackle any leftover leaves from last fall that aren’t still frozen to the ground, and new additions guaranteed to be ‘coming down’ next fall. A leaf shredder is a handy mulch maker since leaf mulch, applied on top of soil, helps to insulate plants and enrich the soil in gardens and containers. Interested parties should give Jim a call at 603-888-0744. Let me know how things work out.

Looking for an electric clothes dryer

“I am still hoping someone might have an electric clothes dryer available, 110 or 120 voltage” says Lisa T. of Nashua (LTR 2,452). “I am able to pick up. Thank you.” Hanging out with friends can be lots of fun, hanging out clothes…not so much, especially when threatening rain clouds loom on the horizon! If anyone has an electric clothes dryer to help Lisa, she can be reached at 603-820-2814.

Contact Chris’ Mailbag by emailing christine.graham33@gmail.com or sending mail to Chris Mailbag c/o The Telegraph, 110 Main St., Suite 1, Nashua 03060. Include full name and complete address, along with telephone number or email address for publication, if applicable. Items eligible for publication are for donation, trade or barter only; requests of items for sale or purchase will not be included.