The white powdery mildew sometimes seen on phlox, helianthus, lilacs, dogwoods, and the like at this time of year is rather unsightly. This fungus spreads, so be sure to avoid working with these plants during wet weather. Do not handle the leaves at all if you can help it! We have had success with soil…
I was working in my garden over the weekend and noticed that the small shrubs I planted last year showed the first signs of wilting! Sure enough, dry soil lay under the leaf mulch. So I got out the watering can and made the rounds, filling up the well around each plant. Please keep an…
Continue to deadhead and deadleaf perennials, making way for fall color Cut down any mildewed peony, helianthus or phlox and make plans to amend soil or transplant Stake tall aster, goldenrod, boltonia against wind and rain storms Freshen containers for fall, removing spent summer plants Continue to foliar feed annuals such as dahlias, lantana and…
Our crews are busy daily with fall tasks, including lots of planting and transplanting. Now is the time, as plants root best while soil temperatures are warm. We cut off fall planting at the end of October, as it is a risk to plant so close in time to the cold temperatures and bitter winds…
Speaking of soil testing time, one result that we often find in soil tests that come back from the lab is bound-up, high levels of Phosphorus. This mineral is very hard to unlock, so this work is undertaken over several seasons. The ideal level of Phosphorus is 75 ppm (parts per million). We often find…
We’ve prepared quite a fall checklist and stand ready to help you work through it. What we do now sets the stage for spring 2020. August is a great time to analyze various sections of the garden and make plans for updating. Here’s what we’ll be tackling as we move ahead into September: Transplant, divide,…
Start with the soil, as always. Phlox paniculata prefers a mineral rich, limy soil, with lots of organic matter. Moisture is preferred over droughty summers, and we certainly had a moist spring this year. Then be sure to site the phlox plants in full sun. My soil test showed low Potassium, as we find in many…
Finish pruning spring blooming shrubs and trees Enjoy the color of dahlias, native hibiscus, Rose of Sharon and phlox Plan changes to your garden this fall Keep watering anything newly planted last fall or this season Patrol beds for deadheading and weeding through the coming month Deadleaf daylilies as you cut spent stalks, removing yellowed…
Our compost tea program is now segueing into the summer season with applications of Summer Foods. This means we are quite literally providing food for the large colonies of microscopic life in your soil through the hot weather. These “good guys” are actively seeking sustenance so that they can fulfill their role as predators of…
You’re not alone. Munching on daylily flowers, hosta leaves, phlox, sedum, new growth on hydrangea, weigela, viburnum, witch hazel and more has been reported as we make our rounds. The deer seem to seek moisture and tender new tips of plants at this hot time of year. Cut back damaged stems and leaves on perennials…