“When is it safe to prune?” is a common question we hear from clients. The best time to prune depends both on what you’re pruning and why you’re pruning. By identifying and understanding your purpose in pruning, you can plan ahead for a lush garden next year. Flowering Shrubs & Trees Why? These plants need ongoing maintenance to ensure flowering in the next season, as well as to control their size. In this case, the…
It’s getting cold out there, but your garden still needs some attention! Follow these tips and you’ll finally be able to put your garden and your mind to rest. “Can we stop watering yet?” It depends! Because the ground is not yet frozen, new plantings definitely still need water to establish roots. New lawns likely also still need water so they have an opportunity to germinate during sunny days. Tip: be sure to water…
Indoor Tasks Decorate your interior with branches of witch hazel, pussy willow, and other spring-blooming shrubs that you can force indoors. Be sure to check on your stored bulbs for rot or mold. Read on for how and why to store tender bulbs over the winter. Planning is Key to a Beautiful Landscape Now is the right time to work with a designer to plan your landscape: quiet snowy days are wonderful…
The snow has arrived! Make sure you’re protecting your plants and lawn from the elements. Winter Plant Protection – Protect evergreens and sensitive plants from salt spray along roads and driveways by covering their bases with burlap. – Knock heavy snow off of evergreens like arborvitaes and boxwoods to prevent damage. – Wrap chicken wire around the trunks of trees and vulnerable plants to prevent rabbits from gnawing on their bark. – For roses,…
Daffodils, American blue vervain (native), tulips, lilies, crocuses, irises! For beautiful color in 2018, plant spring-flowering bulbs before the ground freezes. It may seem far away, but these spring beauties need to be planted before the end of December as soil temperatures cool off. First time planting spring bulbs? Follow these 5 simple steps. 1. Choose bulbs: If you’re overwhelmed by the options, try daffodils. They’re resistant to rabbits and squirrels! 2. Find a spot: Find…
It’s finally getting chillier, but don’t neglect your garden yet! Continue watering shrubs, conifers and anything planted in 2017 until the ground freezes. Consistent watering is the best way to protect your landscaping investment. Falling leaves Yes, rake your lawn! The grasses need exposure to dropping temperatures to prepare for winter, as well as enough sunlight to build strong root systems for next spring. Once they’re dry, grind your leaves up with the mower;…
When the leaves change and the kids are back in school, it’s time to divide, plant, and improve your soil! PLANTING & DIVIDING 1. PERENNIALS Be sure to plant your mums, asters, and other perennials asap; they need at least 6 weeks before the ground freezes to establish their roots. Protect your investment and keep watering any new plantings through the Fall. Are your plants outgrowing their beds? Expanding beyond their space and into your…
With all the heat and sunshine of summer, it’s critical to know when, how, and how much to water your lawn, trees, and plantings. Proper watering is the best way to protect your investment in your plants! Determining the needs of individual plants and parts of your property will take some time, so check out our watering guide for basic tips on your trees, shrubs, perennial beds and lawns. Remember that these guidelines are no substitute for regular observation of…
