Now that the summer solstice has come and gone, it seems a bit sad that the days will become shorter day by day. The good news is that for at least the next two months, the temperatures and day length will be agreeable to the growth and thriving of gardens.
I’m looking forward to July 4th in the celebration of our democracy allowing for our pursuit of life, liberty and happiness, and while our democracy is based on majority rule, our enlightened forefathers were wise enough to put into place the protection of minority rights.
Many of our forefathers were gardeners and farmers and no more than Tom Jefferson with his orchards, vegetable and perennial gardens at this Virginia home, Monticello. Jefferson was so interested in botany that he spread plant samples sent by Lewis & Clark from the Louisiana purchase on the floor at the White House so that he could study these more easily.
Right now you should be enjoying some of the “fruits of your labor” from your own garden.
Another item to watch are your first early blueberries from a variety called Earliblue that you may have planted. When the berries begin to ripen, you must net the bush as the birds will out maneuver you to help themselves to the fruit! Be sure to peg down the net to the ground as the birds can become quite aggressive to feed on the berries.
Look on our gardening calendar and there you’ll find lots of things to do with your blueberries on our web link to allrecipes.com.
Japanese beetles can be a killer for July and sprays or dusts of Carbaryl (Sevin) are usually effective to keep the eating machines off your plants.
Don’t let the weeds get ahead of you.
Happy Gardening,
Tom
Friday, June 26, 2009
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' June 19, 2009
June 19, 2009
Right now you should be thinking about planting another patch of vegetables especially beans, corn, cucumbers and squash to get the garden “going” later into the summer and early fall.
I was surprised when an organization in Wadsworth to which we donated tomato plants for planting and harvesting by economically disadvantaged families had said that the man that would plow and prepare the ground was concerned about the “late” planting (June 15th) as it was already June!
I laughed when I heard this statement as I have planted many vegetable gardens between June 1 and June 21 with great success. Again, it is some ancient mentality that some of us have that everything should be done by Memorial Day in the garden.
A the nursery, we’ve been transplanting trees and shrubs for a while now but next to be transplanted are our “starts” of Azalea and Rhododendron from our greenhouse that we rooted from cuttings last summer. These transplants will be ready to sell in a small size next spring after they have over wintered at the nursery.
Again, please perform the root wash on Rhododendron, Azalea, Pieris japonica and Blueberries (just as we do when we transplant them) as it is a sure way to foster good root growth of the plants. For more detailed information as to what a root wash is, take a look under gardening tips and look up the instructions for Rhododendron-Azalea planting.
I’m excited too as our new crop of blueberries that we transplanted in March is growing like weeds!
These plants still need time to root out into the new soil and to branch out again after a final trimming we will give them in late June.
I recall my early years of gardening of hoeing, weeding, hilling up the rows of potatoes and waiting for the first harvest of warm season vegetables.
One of my fondest memories is when my grandmother and her friend from Barberton, Mrs. Postek were digging in one of my rows of Pontiac Red potatoes and started screaming. When I ran to them to see what was the problem, they had dug out a huge potato that weighed in at 2 3/4 pounds! My grandmother was no novice at gardening in that her city lot was like a food factory providing many meals of fresh and canned vegetables for the family table.
Its no wonder with the money she was able to save that she had $5,000 in the 1930’s to lend a close neighbor in order to keep the neighbor’s house out of bank foreclosure.
See you soon,
Tom
Right now you should be thinking about planting another patch of vegetables especially beans, corn, cucumbers and squash to get the garden “going” later into the summer and early fall.
I was surprised when an organization in Wadsworth to which we donated tomato plants for planting and harvesting by economically disadvantaged families had said that the man that would plow and prepare the ground was concerned about the “late” planting (June 15th) as it was already June!
I laughed when I heard this statement as I have planted many vegetable gardens between June 1 and June 21 with great success. Again, it is some ancient mentality that some of us have that everything should be done by Memorial Day in the garden.
A the nursery, we’ve been transplanting trees and shrubs for a while now but next to be transplanted are our “starts” of Azalea and Rhododendron from our greenhouse that we rooted from cuttings last summer. These transplants will be ready to sell in a small size next spring after they have over wintered at the nursery.
Again, please perform the root wash on Rhododendron, Azalea, Pieris japonica and Blueberries (just as we do when we transplant them) as it is a sure way to foster good root growth of the plants. For more detailed information as to what a root wash is, take a look under gardening tips and look up the instructions for Rhododendron-Azalea planting.
I’m excited too as our new crop of blueberries that we transplanted in March is growing like weeds!
These plants still need time to root out into the new soil and to branch out again after a final trimming we will give them in late June.
I recall my early years of gardening of hoeing, weeding, hilling up the rows of potatoes and waiting for the first harvest of warm season vegetables.
One of my fondest memories is when my grandmother and her friend from Barberton, Mrs. Postek were digging in one of my rows of Pontiac Red potatoes and started screaming. When I ran to them to see what was the problem, they had dug out a huge potato that weighed in at 2 3/4 pounds! My grandmother was no novice at gardening in that her city lot was like a food factory providing many meals of fresh and canned vegetables for the family table.
Its no wonder with the money she was able to save that she had $5,000 in the 1930’s to lend a close neighbor in order to keep the neighbor’s house out of bank foreclosure.
See you soon,
Tom
Friday, June 12, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' June 12, 2009
Now that the spring blooms have ended, June opens up with the splashes of color from the perennial garden which include Salvias, Shasta daisies, Dianthus, Delphiniums and so on.
A well-designed perennial garden will “move” with the seasons just as flowering shrubs will when properly arranged.
The well-designed perennial flower garden has a certain rhythym in which colors, textures and foliage all compliment each other in a kaleidoscopic display.
Perennial gardens can have many functions from attracting birds and butterflies to providing a fresh bouquet of cut flowers for the dining room or kitchen table.
In order to achieve success with a new perennial garden, preparation is everything:
* The area should be free of weeds before any preparation should begin.
* The perennial bed should be planned so that the area will be well defined whether it is a rectangular bed or irregularly shaped island.
* Raised beds of soil are excellent to provide drainage especially in winter when a too wet soil can cause damage to plant crowns.
*Incorporation of a compost of material such as Sweet Peet will greatly improve soil tilth and microbial activity so necessary for good plant health.
Sweet Peet in addition will supply the plants with an organic source of nutrients and is beneficial to use as a mulch when finished planting.
With these important initial steps completed before planting perennials and of course a well-designed plan, your enjoyment and success is all but guaranteed.
If you need help, come in and ask to see Maggie, our perennial expert, or better yet call ahead with an appointment if you need some extra help so that she can set aside the time for you exclusively.
June’s alive too with flowering shrubs from Weigelas, roses, Endless Summer Hydrangea and Maximum types of Rhododendron.
Again, when proper planning is involved, the landscape will move seamlessly from spring to summer to fall with sights that will delight and stimulate the mind.
Tom
A well-designed perennial garden will “move” with the seasons just as flowering shrubs will when properly arranged.
The well-designed perennial flower garden has a certain rhythym in which colors, textures and foliage all compliment each other in a kaleidoscopic display.
Perennial gardens can have many functions from attracting birds and butterflies to providing a fresh bouquet of cut flowers for the dining room or kitchen table.
In order to achieve success with a new perennial garden, preparation is everything:
* The area should be free of weeds before any preparation should begin.
* The perennial bed should be planned so that the area will be well defined whether it is a rectangular bed or irregularly shaped island.
* Raised beds of soil are excellent to provide drainage especially in winter when a too wet soil can cause damage to plant crowns.
*Incorporation of a compost of material such as Sweet Peet will greatly improve soil tilth and microbial activity so necessary for good plant health.
Sweet Peet in addition will supply the plants with an organic source of nutrients and is beneficial to use as a mulch when finished planting.
With these important initial steps completed before planting perennials and of course a well-designed plan, your enjoyment and success is all but guaranteed.
If you need help, come in and ask to see Maggie, our perennial expert, or better yet call ahead with an appointment if you need some extra help so that she can set aside the time for you exclusively.
June’s alive too with flowering shrubs from Weigelas, roses, Endless Summer Hydrangea and Maximum types of Rhododendron.
Again, when proper planning is involved, the landscape will move seamlessly from spring to summer to fall with sights that will delight and stimulate the mind.
Tom
Friday, June 5, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' June 5, 2009
Its been quite cold for this time of year and the cold nights will temporarily slow down the growth of annual flowers and heat-loving vegetable plants.
The good news is that rainfall is adequate to keep these growing and lawns lush and green.
Just a reminder:
* Apply a weed & feed to your lawn now if you have not done it yet
* Spray the lower branches of Dogwood and Rhododendron for borer now if you did not do it at the end of May
* Apply Merit to your lawn in mid-June through July to prevent grub damage this fall
* Deadhead spent blooms of Rhododendron by removing the whole stalk with your thumbs and forefinger
* Trim spring flowering plants to shape such as Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilacs and fragrant Viburnum
* Keep up sprays of fungicides such as Bi-Carb on tea roses to prevent black spot
* Use Osmocote fertilizer on your annual flowers for a constant feed all summer
* Use Neem Oil to combat bugs on flowers and vegetable plants
* Plant cucumbers and squash from seed until July 1st in order to get a continuous harvest as late as possible
* Watch out for slugs on your flowers and especially Hostas with the wet weather. Sluggo, which is nothing more than a salt (iron phosphate), is safe for pets and the environment.
Get going because June is the best growing month!
See you soon,
Tom
P.S. Check out our Knockout rose selection and the Knockout rose bed that we planted in November in our parking lot island. Even though I only threw them some fertilizer and trimmed them in March, they're blooming their heads off!
The good news is that rainfall is adequate to keep these growing and lawns lush and green.
Just a reminder:
* Apply a weed & feed to your lawn now if you have not done it yet
* Spray the lower branches of Dogwood and Rhododendron for borer now if you did not do it at the end of May
* Apply Merit to your lawn in mid-June through July to prevent grub damage this fall
* Deadhead spent blooms of Rhododendron by removing the whole stalk with your thumbs and forefinger
* Trim spring flowering plants to shape such as Azalea, Rhododendron, Lilacs and fragrant Viburnum
* Keep up sprays of fungicides such as Bi-Carb on tea roses to prevent black spot
* Use Osmocote fertilizer on your annual flowers for a constant feed all summer
* Use Neem Oil to combat bugs on flowers and vegetable plants
* Plant cucumbers and squash from seed until July 1st in order to get a continuous harvest as late as possible
* Watch out for slugs on your flowers and especially Hostas with the wet weather. Sluggo, which is nothing more than a salt (iron phosphate), is safe for pets and the environment.
Get going because June is the best growing month!
See you soon,
Tom
P.S. Check out our Knockout rose selection and the Knockout rose bed that we planted in November in our parking lot island. Even though I only threw them some fertilizer and trimmed them in March, they're blooming their heads off!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' May 29, 2009
With Memorial Day this Monday on May 25th, it almost seems too early as the traditional Memorial Day or Decoration Day as it was once known was celebrated the 30th of May.
You should be in full swing in planting your garden now, although it’s a good idea to think about gardening extending much later in the year by planting cool weather crops such as swiss chard, parsnips, turnips, lettuce and kale among others in mid to late August to harvest late in the fall and even in winter if the plants are covered with straw to keep their crowns from freezing such being the case with parsnips and carrots.
If your going to the cemetery to pay respect to your loved ones who have passed on, we have potted combination pots or potted blooming plants such as roses that you can take home later and plant. To save some money we’ll even show you how to make your own container of mixed flowers so that the combination has a center, a filler and a spiller!
We still have some vegetables and herbs that you may want to check out that includes the herb stevia that is a natural substitute for sugar and one that per unit of weight is much sweeter than sugar so that you use much less.
Stevia derivatives have now been approved by the Federal Government for use as a sweetener in soft drinks!
It’s still not too late to plant your favorite trees or shrubs as we have them already dug up or potted and ready to go so that their root systems are not disturbed by digging out of the field.
The Korean Lilacs are still in bloom with their heavenly fragrance permeating the whole nursery so that they are the tail end of the strong, sweet fragrances of spring until the Sweet Bay Magnolias come into bloom with Clethra, known as the Sweet Pepper Bush, making itself known in July with its heavenly scent.
Stop in to look around and to say hello.
Always gardening,
Tom
Friday, May 22, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' May 22, 2009
It’s time or just about time (depending on your local conditions) to set out your frost sensitive plants from tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and annual flowers.
You may not know it but some flowers such as petunias are resilient in that they can actually survive and soon thrive after being exposed to temperatures as low as 28ºF. Other annual flowers such as
In the garden you can use Preen for Vegetable Gardens Weed Preventer but in the landscape, including your annual flowers, the original Preen works great especially if you slightly work it in or water it in well as you water your newly set out plants.
You can start putting out pots of tropical plants as long as you can keep an eye on the weather for cold frosty nights which will require some action on your part. Just be sure to place them in partial shade for a week before putting them in the bright sun.
Osmocote 14-14-14 works well as a fantastic slow, easy feed for annual flowers in pots, the ground or hanging baskets. In fact, our rose expert, the rose lady, loves to use osmocote on her roses to push growth and blooms.
Our next batch of perennials will be ready soon that will include a new bright yellow Coneflower called ‘Mac-n-Cheese’ that can be planted next to it’s bright red sidekick ‘Tomato Soup’! Where do "they" come up with these names?
Our roses including the new Knock Out Rose called ‘White Out’ are starting to bud up to bloom shortly.
However, as I have previously stated in earlier blogs, the Rhododendron alleé is my favorite area of the nursery with ironclads like ‘Boursault’, ‘Nova Zembla’ and ‘Boule de Neige’ displaying large flower trusses that look like jewels sitting on top of an whorl of leaves.
Come on in and get some ideas for your home and we’ll do a quick sketch for you to scale so that you know what to put where. We do ask that you try to come in on a weekday if possible and set up an appointment with one of our designers so that we may give you our undivided attention.
For the most part, the weather now reflects the Goldilocks Principal: not too hot, not cold, it’s just right! Enjoy!
Tom
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Dayton "Dirt' May 15, 2009
Mountain Laurels, Rhododendron, Azaleas, Enkianthus and Blueberries are all of the same ericaceous family that we grow right at the nursery in Norton!
I’ve been hooked on rhododendrons since I’ve been 12 years old when I remember seeing in
I think our perennial plant varieties expanded by at least another 30-40 varieties in addition to our standard fare.
In our annual greenhouses, hanging baskets, combination pots, flats of flowers and heirloom vegetable plants abound.
I can’t quite figure it out but spring has a certain smell that excites the mind even if one were unable to see all its radiance of color and life.
When you plant your heat loving plants such as tomatoes and peppers in your garden, I want you to try a newer product called Preen Vegetable Garden Weed Preventer as it definitely helps with those pesky weeds. Make no mistake, this is not the regular Preen that I have advised you to use in your landscape and around annual flowers but a Preen product that is made with corn gluten!
Organic and safe, this vegetable garden Preen prevents weeds in your garden by inhibiting the root development of a germinating weed seed - the little devils just don’t have a chance!
Not only do we market things like organic Preen but we have organic insecticides that will kill aphids, spider mites, thrips and well, you get the picture. Don’t forget to do a second spray of the organic Spinosad on the trunks and lower branches of your more mature rhododendron and dogwoods to kill the borers trying to eat the live bark of your treasured plants. A third spray at the end of May is all you should need to finish up.
It’s time to start working hard in the garden so get off your computer and get going!
Tom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
