The progression of fall and then winter reminds me of the problem that many of us experience caused by grazing deer on a variety of plants especially certain evergreens.
Taking a proactive approach is the best way to avoid major deer damage by spraying valuable plants with Liquid Fence. Spraying the product about mid-November and again a month later will teach the deer that their food is elsewhere.
One evergreen deer love to chew is the Taxus (Yew) genus that otherwise is a wonderfully sturdy group for sun or shade.
I think it’s utterly strange that all parts of the Taxus plant except the red aril (berry) are poisonous to humans and cattle when ingested and yet the plant is a deer salad.
Another evergreen deer love is Arborvitae. They will strip the foliage as high as they can reach.
At the nursery, we are suggesting to customers that have deer problems to plant the Thuja plicata species or more commonly known as the Western Red Cedar.
This evergreen is perfectly winter hardy to climate zone 5 and has numerous advantages over the similar looking Arborvitae genus.
The benefits of using the Western Red Cedar as a hedge or screen are:
1. As stated before, deer won’t browse the foliage.
2. The plant has a single leader so that heavy snows or ice do not split it apart.
3. Western Red Cedars grow much better in moderate shade than Arborvitae as well as growing well in all day sun.
4. Growth on Cedars is rapid sometimes as much as 3 feet per year depending on the variety.
5. Plants for a screen can be planted 5-6 feet on center making the planting cost effective.
6. For a shorter hedge or screen without the burden of trimming the variety, ‘Can Can’ grows only to 8-10 feet.
7. Although the two conifers Arborvitae and Western Red Cedar are similar they are different in that the cedar will grow again from older mature wood when trimmed while the Arborvitae will not re-grow from old wood if trimmed hard.
Right now at the nursery we have the variety Green Giant in stock that will grow to about 20 feet in 5-6 years when planted at the beginning 5 foot hedge while only gaining a width of about 6 feet.
As I have stated many times before, fall is for planting about any tree or shrub as well as many perennials but Holland flower bulbs must be planted in fall so the cool moist soil will foster root growth so that the flower bulb can fulfill its spring promise of a flower.
See you at the nursery,
Tom
Friday, October 14, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - October 7, 2011
In my last blog I touched on the beauty of nature with the changing of the leaves of the trees with their different hues of red, yellow, orange and gold..
In the landscape, vibrant colors of Autumn are easy to create by the addition of native plants. The maples seem to be the favorite for brilliant reds such as the Autumn Blaze hybrid maple and red maples or the multicolored Sugar Maple that displays colors of red, orange and yellow frequently mixed on the same tree.
Red oaks have a more subdued red hue in fall than the maples although the Ohio and Pennsylvania forests come alive with the massive fall displays of so many oaks.
One of my favorite native trees for fall color is the Oxydendron arboreum or Sourwood tree in that its Lily of the Valley-like-flowers hanging on the tree in clusters in August through early October while the rhododendron-like leaves begin to change to shades of mahogany and finishing up in a brilliant red display.
The Aronia brilliantissima or Chokeberry shrub is noted for it’s white bloom in late April and early May and the rich dark green leaves of summer giving way to a brilliant red and yellow glow in October.
As I have stated many times, though the various blueberry varieties are brightly colored in red, orange or yellow leaves in fall depending on the variety. The clear yellow is well known from the compact variety called Bluegold which will attain a height of about 4-5 ft. I’m sure the advantages to using blueberries are evident as they bloom with clean white flowers in spring, have handsome foliage in summer, brilliant fall colors, winter-colored wood and lastly if not most important, delicious and nutritious berries to eat!
The non-native Euonymous alatus Compactus or Burning Bush seems to be on the wane as a favorite of fall color in the landscape. How many times have I heard the complaints of homeowners fighting to keep the size of this plant in check or fighting spider mites that defoliate this euonymus.
With a little research and planning, you can create another season of interest in your landscape using all native plants which for years have been undervalued and neglected in the landscape.
Tom
In the landscape, vibrant colors of Autumn are easy to create by the addition of native plants. The maples seem to be the favorite for brilliant reds such as the Autumn Blaze hybrid maple and red maples or the multicolored Sugar Maple that displays colors of red, orange and yellow frequently mixed on the same tree.
Red oaks have a more subdued red hue in fall than the maples although the Ohio and Pennsylvania forests come alive with the massive fall displays of so many oaks.
One of my favorite native trees for fall color is the Oxydendron arboreum or Sourwood tree in that its Lily of the Valley-like-flowers hanging on the tree in clusters in August through early October while the rhododendron-like leaves begin to change to shades of mahogany and finishing up in a brilliant red display.
The Aronia brilliantissima or Chokeberry shrub is noted for it’s white bloom in late April and early May and the rich dark green leaves of summer giving way to a brilliant red and yellow glow in October.
As I have stated many times, though the various blueberry varieties are brightly colored in red, orange or yellow leaves in fall depending on the variety. The clear yellow is well known from the compact variety called Bluegold which will attain a height of about 4-5 ft. I’m sure the advantages to using blueberries are evident as they bloom with clean white flowers in spring, have handsome foliage in summer, brilliant fall colors, winter-colored wood and lastly if not most important, delicious and nutritious berries to eat!
The non-native Euonymous alatus Compactus or Burning Bush seems to be on the wane as a favorite of fall color in the landscape. How many times have I heard the complaints of homeowners fighting to keep the size of this plant in check or fighting spider mites that defoliate this euonymus.
With a little research and planning, you can create another season of interest in your landscape using all native plants which for years have been undervalued and neglected in the landscape.
Tom
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - September 16, 2011
The crisp cool nights have made it ideal for fall festival time. Tomorrow is our big day for family fun from hayrides, crafts, animal shows, live bands, balloon tricks, etc. I will, as always be driving the hayride around the nursery and Wolf Creek Gardens. Our annual fall festival is an extra incentive to keep the grounds clean and neat as many of you will be able to view the “behind the scenes” areas of the nursery.
I don’t want to forget the food that will include various hot sandwiches, hot dogs and my favorite, roasted corn on the cob that in my opinion tastes so much better then boiling the corn.
The Owl Barn will be open for business as always with local produce from the Seiberling Farms, Bauman Orchards and other local growers. The other addition’s are ‘fall things” like gourds, pumpkins, corn stalks and mums, mums and more mums.
Entrance to the festival is $10 that will buy tickets that may be used at each particular event and should cover all events. I’m excited about Bobbie that will play in the Celtic music band as she is the moderator on our radio show Get Ready, Set, Grow that airs live every Saturday morning from 8 am - 10 am on WAKR 1590 AM.
The nursery still has a good selection of trees and shrubs in which many are on sale for 50% off the regular price.
If you don’t want to join in the festivities and just want to shop the nursery or Owl Barn that’s fine but you might find the hayride enjoyable and don’t have to buy the whole package of tickets and of course it costs nothing to enjoy the music from the Dulcimer Band or Bobbie’s Celtic Music Band.
The festival begins at 10 am and I’ll be there as soon as I can drive from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street in Akron.
See you at the nursery!
I don’t want to forget the food that will include various hot sandwiches, hot dogs and my favorite, roasted corn on the cob that in my opinion tastes so much better then boiling the corn.
The Owl Barn will be open for business as always with local produce from the Seiberling Farms, Bauman Orchards and other local growers. The other addition’s are ‘fall things” like gourds, pumpkins, corn stalks and mums, mums and more mums.
Entrance to the festival is $10 that will buy tickets that may be used at each particular event and should cover all events. I’m excited about Bobbie that will play in the Celtic music band as she is the moderator on our radio show Get Ready, Set, Grow that airs live every Saturday morning from 8 am - 10 am on WAKR 1590 AM.
The nursery still has a good selection of trees and shrubs in which many are on sale for 50% off the regular price.
If you don’t want to join in the festivities and just want to shop the nursery or Owl Barn that’s fine but you might find the hayride enjoyable and don’t have to buy the whole package of tickets and of course it costs nothing to enjoy the music from the Dulcimer Band or Bobbie’s Celtic Music Band.
The festival begins at 10 am and I’ll be there as soon as I can drive from the Akron Radio Center on West Market Street in Akron.
See you at the nursery!
Dayton "Dirt" - September 23, 2011
The fall festival last week seemed to be a success in that there was plenty to see and do for adults as well as children. The chef carving food into beautiful shapes and the making of carmel apples seemed to be a big hit with adults while the Bouncy House, balloon man and animal show was a hit with children. The hayride was equally liked by young and old.
The mums at the nursery are just gorgeous including the reliable Igloo mum types. We’ve just received shipments of more nursery stock so that if your landscaping your home we’re sure you’ll find a good selection of trees and shrubs with many at 50% off.
Remember that tomorrow and Sunday are very busy days with three events:
The Cider Festival in Norton
Mum Fest in Barberton
Horticulture show at the Akron Art Museum featuring Horticulture as an art.
With all the events going on, you’ll have to get an early start or you may not have time to go to all events!
On our program Ready, Set, Grow on Saturday morning beginning at 8 am on WAKR 1590 AM, I will be conducting interviews with the Barberton Mum Fest organizers and a representative from the Barberton Historical Society. Tune in to find out about the chrysanthemums and some of the behind the scenes activities that go on to put on the show.
Fall decorating is here with pumpkins, corn stalks, and gourds to make your home more festive. Be sure to check out everything on the market web site.
Happy Fall,
Tom
The mums at the nursery are just gorgeous including the reliable Igloo mum types. We’ve just received shipments of more nursery stock so that if your landscaping your home we’re sure you’ll find a good selection of trees and shrubs with many at 50% off.
Remember that tomorrow and Sunday are very busy days with three events:
The Cider Festival in Norton
Mum Fest in Barberton
Horticulture show at the Akron Art Museum featuring Horticulture as an art.
With all the events going on, you’ll have to get an early start or you may not have time to go to all events!
On our program Ready, Set, Grow on Saturday morning beginning at 8 am on WAKR 1590 AM, I will be conducting interviews with the Barberton Mum Fest organizers and a representative from the Barberton Historical Society. Tune in to find out about the chrysanthemums and some of the behind the scenes activities that go on to put on the show.
Fall decorating is here with pumpkins, corn stalks, and gourds to make your home more festive. Be sure to check out everything on the market web site.
Happy Fall,
Tom
Dayton "Dirt" - September 30, 2011
The short days and cool nights are the signal to the trees to start shutting down for winter. After the first hard frost the colors of the leaves will become more vibrant. In the Pacific Northwest, the season for brilliant Autumn leaves is muted due to a lack of frost until November when leaf drop is already occurring.
No where in the country are Autumns so brilliant as in the Midwest, Northern Atlantic States and New England.
Although it is still not too late for lawn renovation: thatching, reseeding and repairs, time is running out so that lawn chores should be accomplished as soon as possible. Other garden chores such as mulching to protect tea roses or digging up dahlias and cannas for winter storage are still a long way off.
On the subject of Chrysanthemums, the Mum Fest in Barberton was a huge success as the festivities were not spoiled by rain last weekend. Mums in bloom are the final hurrah before the perennial garden edges close to it’s winter slumber.
At the nursery, many varieties are in peak bloom while others will not be at their peak until the second or third week of October.
Don’t forget that Autumn is a great time to plant your favorite type of shrub as well as most perennials.
I am finished with my new plant “hunts” now which will result in dozens of new varieties of dwarf conifers, trees, shrubs and perennials being introduced next spring although I will give you hints of what’s to come in future blogs and on our radio program.
So long for now.
Tom
No where in the country are Autumns so brilliant as in the Midwest, Northern Atlantic States and New England.
Although it is still not too late for lawn renovation: thatching, reseeding and repairs, time is running out so that lawn chores should be accomplished as soon as possible. Other garden chores such as mulching to protect tea roses or digging up dahlias and cannas for winter storage are still a long way off.
On the subject of Chrysanthemums, the Mum Fest in Barberton was a huge success as the festivities were not spoiled by rain last weekend. Mums in bloom are the final hurrah before the perennial garden edges close to it’s winter slumber.
At the nursery, many varieties are in peak bloom while others will not be at their peak until the second or third week of October.
Don’t forget that Autumn is a great time to plant your favorite type of shrub as well as most perennials.
I am finished with my new plant “hunts” now which will result in dozens of new varieties of dwarf conifers, trees, shrubs and perennials being introduced next spring although I will give you hints of what’s to come in future blogs and on our radio program.
So long for now.
Tom
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - September 9, 2011
Our Labor Day sale was success even though on Friday I was wondering if it could get any hotter and more humid!
Now with the sale open to everyone you don’t have to belong to our garden club to receive the sale prices but I think it is to anyone’s advantage to be a member in order to be informed about special events, sale promotions or products before non members.
View our website for all the items in our sales listing. Our specialty, blueberries, are quite numerous in a 1½ gallon or 3 gallon size and make a nice addition to the landscape especially with the coming fall colors of reds, oranges and yellows frequently mixed on the same plant similar to a Sugar Maple.
We still have some large Maples and Flowering pears as well that are on a sales price of $40-$75 off the regular price.
This fall is starting out very moist. Seeding a new lawn soon as possible would be a capital idea if your thinking about it. Just make certain that the type of seed you use fits your situation as far as shade or sun, amount of wear the lawn might incur and whether a fine texture of a mainly bluegrass lawn or the more coarse texture of a tall fescue lawn.
Our chrysanthemums are mostly tight in the bud but many are showing color and will open beautifully as September progresses. The Mum Fest will be here soon on the weekend of September 24th and 25th with various vendors of arts and crafts, artists, food and even the display of mums around Lake Ann.
Years ago I remember seeing the Governor of Ohio, Bob Taft walking around the lake quickly to view the mums on a Saturday morning but I never even got the chance to just say “hello”.
Our own fall festival is Saturday, September 17th so of course we’re hoping for good weather.
We’re still bring in stock for fall in order that our selection is good of you’re considering landscaping or just planting your favorite tree.
Remember, fall is for planting!
Tom
Now with the sale open to everyone you don’t have to belong to our garden club to receive the sale prices but I think it is to anyone’s advantage to be a member in order to be informed about special events, sale promotions or products before non members.
View our website for all the items in our sales listing. Our specialty, blueberries, are quite numerous in a 1½ gallon or 3 gallon size and make a nice addition to the landscape especially with the coming fall colors of reds, oranges and yellows frequently mixed on the same plant similar to a Sugar Maple.
We still have some large Maples and Flowering pears as well that are on a sales price of $40-$75 off the regular price.
This fall is starting out very moist. Seeding a new lawn soon as possible would be a capital idea if your thinking about it. Just make certain that the type of seed you use fits your situation as far as shade or sun, amount of wear the lawn might incur and whether a fine texture of a mainly bluegrass lawn or the more coarse texture of a tall fescue lawn.
Our chrysanthemums are mostly tight in the bud but many are showing color and will open beautifully as September progresses. The Mum Fest will be here soon on the weekend of September 24th and 25th with various vendors of arts and crafts, artists, food and even the display of mums around Lake Ann.
Years ago I remember seeing the Governor of Ohio, Bob Taft walking around the lake quickly to view the mums on a Saturday morning but I never even got the chance to just say “hello”.
Our own fall festival is Saturday, September 17th so of course we’re hoping for good weather.
We’re still bring in stock for fall in order that our selection is good of you’re considering landscaping or just planting your favorite tree.
Remember, fall is for planting!
Tom
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Dayton "Dirt" - September 2, 2011
Today is the start of our annual fall sale for garden club members only before we open the sale to everyone after Labor Day, September 5th.
One of the benefits of being a garden club member is that coupons, notices of big sales and other good buys are always relayed to members first.
Please remember that not everything is on sale as some stock is meant for spring sales but can actually be sold now.
Be sure to take a look at our extensive listing of trees, shrubs, roses and perennials on our website.
Even though some items are numerous, inventory changes rapidly and you might want to call ahead before traveling a long distance only to find the plants are already sold out.
Mum is the word too at the nursery as they are in plentiful supply from 8 1/2" pots to large 14" pots that will dress up any deck, patio or front porch.
Note too that we have a good supply of Igloo mums that will display flushes of color in June and again in September when the plants are cut back severely in mid July.
The nursery will be open on Labor Day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and we open the doors early at 7:30 am on Friday, September 2nd for the start of the big sale!
See you this weekend!
Tom
One of the benefits of being a garden club member is that coupons, notices of big sales and other good buys are always relayed to members first.
Please remember that not everything is on sale as some stock is meant for spring sales but can actually be sold now.
Be sure to take a look at our extensive listing of trees, shrubs, roses and perennials on our website.
Even though some items are numerous, inventory changes rapidly and you might want to call ahead before traveling a long distance only to find the plants are already sold out.
Mum is the word too at the nursery as they are in plentiful supply from 8 1/2" pots to large 14" pots that will dress up any deck, patio or front porch.
Note too that we have a good supply of Igloo mums that will display flushes of color in June and again in September when the plants are cut back severely in mid July.
The nursery will be open on Labor Day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and we open the doors early at 7:30 am on Friday, September 2nd for the start of the big sale!
See you this weekend!
Tom
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