Another gardening season is rapidly coming to a close. Although we have had a fair amount of rain in the last couple of months, the summer was a very very dry one. Many trees that were not irrigated are very stressed. Now is the time to give them a good watering before the ground freezes up. Evergreens are particularly susceptible to succumbing to the harsh winter winds. The trees continue to lose moisture through their needles but are unable to replenish the water when the ground freezes. Rhododendrons, boxwoods, Yews and other newly planted evergreen material fall into this category.

It is not too late to plant your Spring blooming bulbs now.

As long as the ground is not frozen the bulbs can be planted. Things to remember. Work the soil to a depth of 8",  Plant at the right depth, use bone meal as fertilizer, plant them the right side up and give them plenty of water. If squirrels are a problem place 6" to 8'" of leaves on the top.

 Other tasks you will want to consider over the next 2 to 3 weeks.

1) Lawn Fertilizer

 2)Planting Evergreens (Cedars, Yews, boxwoods )

3)Protecting Rhododendrons and newly planted evergreens with burlap

4)Wrapping Upright evergreens with string    

5) Hilling roses with soil    

6) Cleaning Eavestroughs  

7) Placing mulched up leaves on your garden beds

Happy Gardening   -James-

The warm weather seems have to finally arrived. Although the Spring was quite cool it allowed for a fantastic bulb showing that lasted for many weeks.

Most people by now have their annuals and vegetables planted. Don't forget to keep them well watered until they are established. If your flowers and or annuals are starting to look a little thin it could be caused by insects.  Some of the worst offenders such as slugs, snails and earwigs are nocturnal so you won't see them during the day. They can devastate new plants in a very short time. Check your plants about an hour after sundown. You might be surprised at what you find. Don't forget if you have any flowers in pots they often require two waterings per day during warm weather.

Other tasks you will want to consider over the next 2 to 3 weeks.

1) Lawn Aeration

2) Planting perennials

3) Trimming Privet hedges and Euonymus

4) Staking your Peonies

5) Herbicide spray for weeds
 

Happy Gardening!    -James-

Although the winter has come back with a vengeance, warmer temperatures are being forecasted for the end of March. We can think about the happy days of gardening!

During the next 2 to 3 weeks there are several tasks you will want to consider undertaking.

1) Pruning your fruit trees

2) Dormant oil spray

3) Lawn fertilizing

1) Prune your fruit trees now, removing any dead or crossing branches and the water sprouts. Water sprouts are those shoots that grow vertically from the trunk and branches. Not only do they divert energy away from flower producing buds, they also greatly detract from the over all appearance of your tree.

2) A dormant oil spray is very effective in controlling numerous over wintering insects on many trees and shrubs. It also has the least impact on the environment compared to other traditional pesticides. When using dormant oil sprays it is important to read the label as not all trees and shrubs can be sprayed. Remember to spray before bud break!

3) Fertilizing your lawn soon after the snow has melted will give the needed nutrient boost to get it going after the winter.

Look for our next newsletter towards the end of April.

Until then let’s pray for warm weather!    -James-