Fertilize cutback shrubs (hydrangeas, butterfly bush, smoke tree, etc) with a slow-release organic fertilizer to jump-start growth and later bloom Stake peonies early Scratch in Pro Holly around broadleaf evergreens that are young or have off-color after winter Fertilize blueberries and raspberries to encourage fruit production Divide fall blooming perennials Transplant perennials before they get…
When the Mercury rises, please don’t forget about your plants. This is especially true for any woody plant that was installed in the past three years and any perennial, annual, or vegetable planted this spring. Linked is my handy reference chart linking air temperature to watering frequency. In short, the higher the temperature, the more frequently we water.…
This Asian dogwood comes into bloom in early June. It is resistant to many pests and diseases, including the anthracnose virus that has impacted our native white and pink dogwood trees. The bark of its trunk features exfoliated patches that provide year-round interest. Heart-shaped, dark green leaves are tough enough to withstand the summer heat. There are many…
Did you know that when the soil or air reaches certain temperatures, this triggers egg hatch on many insect pest species? Damaging larvae emerge to feed on our plants. Cottony camellia scale is a soft white scale that sucks sap from the leaves of many common landscape plants. Although it is most often seen on hollies, it…
Sometimes nature comes a little too close when there is disturbed ground. One of the common invaders is Japanese knotweed. This shrubby plant in the knotweed or buckwheat family was imported in the late 1800s as an ornamental curiosity and became a rampant escapee in our area. You may have seen it lining roadsides or stream banks. It spreads…
One of my favorite times on the garden calendar is ordering bulbs for spring bloom. That time is now through Labor Day! In fact, we had a lull in plant buying activity a few weeks ago, so we’ve already placed preliminary bulb orders based on notes and conversations from last spring. Let’s add to these…
What to do when your beautiful spring garden suddenly has a large empty space in August? Here are some perennial pairings that I’ve discovered over the years to hide declining foliage and gaps in the border. Lupinus perennis and Lobelia siphilitica Let the native lupine foliage “ripen” like bulb foliage in order to photosynthesize. The lupines will…
If you’re reworking your spring containers of pansies, primroses and the like – think about some summertime drought tolerant alternatives: succulents and sedums (see article below), petunias, dahlias, lantana, herbs such as thyme or rue, and geraniums (including scented ones) come to mind. These plants will need watering probably only every other day. Summer Container…
We will be carefully observing your landscapes and evaluating the timing of our pruning work that usually happens during summer. If a large amount of wilting is seen, we may choose to not prune this year if you lack in-ground irrigation. The spike waterer will be in use as we work, helping plants adjust to…
Your crops will appreciate a layer of straw or leaf mulch at their bases. Again, this helps retain water. And bare soil only means a spot for weed seeds to germinate and grow quickly! Vegetable crops are among the heaviest of water lovers in the plant kingdom. To get a good harvest, you will have…