Saturday, March 05, 2005

THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

YOU CAN BURY A LOT OF TROUBLES....DIGGING IN THE DIRT

THE ULTIMATE INSPIRATION....IS THE DEADLINE.

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THE NUMBERS CONTINUE TO CLIMB........30,000 WEBSITE VISITS AND WE ACTUALLY HAD MORE THAN 250 VISITS ON FRIDAY. OVER 104,000 PAGE VISITS. THE WEBSITE HAS BEEN ACTIVE FOR ONE YEAR. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE AND VISITS TO THE GREENSCAPE GARDENS WEBSITE. WE PLAN TO KEEP ADDING GARDENING INFORMATION TO BOTH THE GREEN BLOG AND THEN WE ENTER THE INFORMATION ONTO THE ACTUAL WEBPAGE. NORMALLY WE WILL ADD THIS INFORMATION TO THE "GARDEN TIPS" SECTION.

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Always wanted a caricature of yourself, check out this website and create a "Southpark" caricature.

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"Mr. Watson, come here, I want you!" Remember those famous words. Check out this telephone website of antique phones. NO, that doesn't mean your cell phone from 2 years ago, I talking about phones from 1876 to 1915 or so.

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On Friday, Jennifer and John sat in on the editing of several of the Greenscape Gardens television spots on KMOV. The editing job that Kevin and Tom produced was extraordinary in my humble thoughts. The technology which creates these mini-masterpieces is extremely high tech. Check out the advertising of days gone by at this website.

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We demand a recount..........The judging of the container gardening at the Saturday symposium should have been judged according to the rules which were published. Most homeowners can not move a 300 pound container plus what were the dimensions of the winning display? It wouldn't fit in the ballroom of the Titanic.
IN THE QUEST TO BRING THE UNUSUAL TO THE GREENSCAPE GARDENS BLOG, I HAVE ASSEMBLED SOME OF THE BIZARRE OUTHOUSE ART, WHICH CONSISTS OF THREE MURALS AT THE GARDEN CENTER AND SOME PICTURES OF SOME OLD FASHION OUTHOUSES STILL IN OPERATION. IF THAT ISN'T ENOUGH, HERE'S A WEBSITE DEVOTED TO THE UNTHINKABLE.

Friday, March 04, 2005

Wow......a double decker outhouse. I wonder how the plumbing works!

Greenscape Gardens
Not too many of these left today. Note Ma's shoes poking out of the grave.

Greenscape Gardens
A winter wonderland scene. Outhouse art is only available at Greenscape Gardens. Its actually worth the drive to visit the most unusual (maybe the only) outhouse in West County.

Greenscape Gardens
Somewhere under the rainbow outhouse. Do you believe that there really can be a pot of _ _ _ _ at the end of the rainbow?
A scene from the "GREAT AMERICAN OUTHOUSE" located at Greenscape Gardens.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

YOU CAN BURY A LOT OF TROUBLES......DIGGING IN THE DIRT

LANDSCAPE CLASSES 3 NIGHTS.....PARKWAY SOUTH 314-405-7001


MARCH 22 CLASS MEETS AT GREENSCAPE GARDENS AT 6:00 PM
We will tour the garden center, pointing out the best types of plants for particular areas. The garden center has several permanent display gardens for ideas (still to early for most greenery).
Tour until too dark.

APRIL 5 AND 12TH MEETS AT PARKWAY SOUTH AT 7:00 PM.
Slide presentations on designing the landscape or garden, brief descriptions of trees and shrubs plus where to plant. Highlighting the landscape with perennials and annual flowers. Crash course in lawn care and mole control. 2 hours each night.

Thursday, March 03, 2005

SITE AND SOIL PREPARATION FOR LAWN RENOVATION

Whether seeding or sodding, home lawn quality is closely tied into how well the soil and site were prepared prior to lawn establishment. Taking shortcuts often comes back to haunt the homeowner in the form of chronic lawn problems, such as thatch, weeds, and disease.

Eliminating weed problems existing on the site is an important first step. Perennial weeds, such as quackgrass, need to be controlled prior to seeding or sodding the lawn. One option is to dig them out by hand, making sure roots and stems are completely removed. Another option is to use a translocated (moves within plant) nonselective herbicide, such as glyphosate (sold as Roundup and other trade names). Glufosinate ammonium (Finale) does not translocate, so may only provide limited control of perennial weeds. Both herbicides don't leave active soil residues that would harm seedlings. Read, understand, and follow all label directions.

Another important step in preparing for lawn establishment is to thoroughly work the soil with a rotor tiller before seeding or sodding. Amend poor soils, such as heavy clay, by adding organic matter such as compost, rotted manure, peat, and quality topsoil. Incorporate these materials into the existing soil, rather than layering them on the surface. Sand is NOT suggested as a material to improve clay soils for home lawns. Six inches or more of well prepared soil is suggested.

Soil testing is also suggested prior to establishment. Key information revealed by soil testing includes soil pH and amount of available nutrients such as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). If major modifications are needed, it is easier to make these prior to establishing the lawn and lawns will get off to a better start when soils are modified prior to establishment. Lawn grasses prefer soil pH values between 6.0 and 7.0 (slightly acidic). In St. Louis the soils are generally acidic, add lime to make the soil sweeter. Only add these materials when soil tests indicate a need and base the rate on soil test results.

Starter fertilizers may also be mixed into the soil surface prior to lawn establishment. Starter fertilizers typically have balanced ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N, P, K), such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. Soil test results may reveal nutrient shortages which would influence how much starter fertilizer is needed.

When preparing the soil, it's important to establish a favorable final grade. Rough grading should include removal of any rocks or other debris. Avoid burying any construction debris, as this could cause problems for the grass later. Eliminate any depressions or raised areas. Final slopes should be one to two percent away from buildings (one to two feet drop per 100 feet of run) to assure good surface drainage.

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GAS PRICE BLUES

Once again the price of gas at the pumps is going up. If only I could increase my prices by one dollar everytime a supplier raises his price by a time. How can the big oil companies get away with this? Check out their enormous profits.

Check out the good and bad gas prices in the St. Louis area.
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

BOLDLY GROW WHERE........NO ONE HAS GROWN BEFORE

Wednesday, March 02, 2005

The formal gardens of Iseli Nursery in Oregon. Note the neatness of the boxwoods and the manicured look of the junipers and the natural look of the ornamental grass. This is what landscaping is all about.

Greenscape Gardens
The possibilities for container gardening is endless.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!

FREE BELLY DANCING LESSONS.....JUST WATCH CHUBBY!

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'KARL FOERSTER' ORNAMENTAL GRASS

If you're thinking of adding ornamental grasses to your landscape, then Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster,' is definitely worth considering. This feather reed grass has been chosen 2001 Perennial Plant of Year by the Perennial Plant Association. This grass is always a good starting point for people unfamiliar with ornamental grass.

'Karl Foerster' is usually the first ornamental grass to start showing new growth in the spring. Most ornamental grasses prefer a growing condition with the pH between 6-6.5. A slow-release fertilizer (i.e., 18-6-12 formulation) can be top-dressed or incorporated into the planting area to stimulate additional growth.

'Karl Foerster' has dark-green foliage and forms a purple inflorescence during May, holding its color for six weeks. The inflorescence begins to turn a straw color at the end of June. This color remains for the rest of the season.
No specific insect attacks 'Karl Foerster.' Rust can be a problem on foliage in the spring under cold, wet conditions, rarely causing defoliation under severe infestations. Once temperatures increase and excess moisture is eliminated, plants usually outgrow the disease. Rust can be controlled by cutting back the foliage.

Calamagrostis is one of the few grasses that can be used in nearly any landscape site. It is a very adaptable plant, tolerating nearly any soil type and moisture level. The plant reaches 4-7 feet in the landscape, but averages 5 feet in most locations. 'Karl Foerster' can be used by itself as a specimen plant, in groups of three to five plants or in mass as a screening plant. It can also be combined with perennials or conifers.

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EYE TEST

Just when you thought you've seen everything, you realize that the internet can also save you money by taking an online eye test. Why waste your valuable time going to the eye doctor when you can do it online.

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MOVIE MANIA

The Academy Awards brought a new awareness about movies to the general public. This site posts movie reviews "by the general public" and by the national newspapers and magazines. Don't miss the Tomatometer, an "easy to read" scoring of movies "on a scale of rotten to fresh."
Color is the best attractant for butterflies in the garden. You will lure more butterflies to your garden with bright flowering plants in combination with nectar bearing flowers.

Greenscape Gardens

Tuesday, March 01, 2005

Monarch butterfly on a butterfly bush at the gardens

Greenscape Gardens
HORTICULTURAL SYMPOSIUM THIS COMING SATURDAY AT MERAMEC COMMUNITY COLLEGE

This is a great opportunity to hone your gardening skills. Check out all the details.

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BUTTERFLY ATTRACTANTS

Wildlife gardening is one of those catchphrases that draws new gardeners into the hobby and energizes more experienced ones. By grouping and displaying plants that attract butterflies, you can show gardeners of all skill levels how to add the color and motion of butterflies to their garden.

Here are some points to remember:

* Butterflies are attracted to plants that offer an abundant supply of food in a concentrated area.
* Gardeners should include a range of different plants with varying bloom times so butterflies will have a reliable food source throughout the growing season.
* Showy displays with several types of flowers blooming at all times will be sure to capture butterflies' attention.
* Avoid windy sites, and be careful of insecticides that can harm butterflies.

The following perennials are butterfly attractants:

Clethra alnifolia 'Hummingbird'*
Common name: Sweet pepperbush, summersweet.

Description: Deciduous shrub that displays flowers with a sweet, spicy scent. It grows 4-10 feet tall with thin, strong branches forming a vertical pattern. Fall foliage color (golden-yellow to brownish) can last several weeks.
Flowering period: Mid- to late summer on new growth.
Garden requirements: Partial shade but adaptable; ample to regular water; no serious pest problems. Routine pruning is not necessary.

Aster 'Loke Viking'
Common name: New York aster.

Description: Low-growing and mound-shaped plants with spear-shaped, toothed green leaves and a profusion of delicate-looking, 1-inch daisylike flowers. Blooms are blue, red, purple, white and burgundy shades.
Flowering period: Late summer to early autumn, depending on location.
Garden requirements: Full sun, well-drained sandy soil. In colder regions, plants die to the ground in winter and return from the roots the next spring or summer.

Monarda
Common name: Beebalm. Description: Forms bushy clumps of erect stems and lance-shaped, medium-green leaves. Flowers are red, pink, burgundy and white. Flowering period: Summer. Garden requirements: Full sun, good well drained soil.

These perennials, as well as other butterfly attractants are found at Greenscape Gardens in the sun perennial section. These plants are all grouped in the same general area for your shopping convenience.

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WHITE HOUSE WEST WING VIRTUAL TOUR

Take a tour of the West Wing. Since 9-11 it is almost impossible for the general public to view the White House but here's your chance. Virtual West Wing Tour
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

I WISH THE BUCK STOPPED HERE.........I COULD USE SOME

DIETING IS MIND OVER PLATTER.

Monday, February 28, 2005

Thursday's snow at the garden center was short lived. Chris Higgins from KTVI Channel 2 interviewed Jennifer using this shot on Wednesday (before the snow) for broadcast on Friday's 5:00 News.

Greenscape Gardens
Healed in decidious trees at the garden center. Note that the snow makes a great insulation blanket.

Greenscape Gardens
Last weeks snow created a short lived Winter Wonderland. White pines in foreground and maples in the background.

Greenscape Gardens
Vegetable Trial Report Details Performance.

Check out this website for trial reports which are for the midwest. University of Missouri and Purdue were part of the Vegetable reports.

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A good friend of the family and the garden center has just returned home from a tour of duty in Iraq today. I have posted several blogs concerning the military men and women abroad because of our concern.

Today I received an email from a good Greenscape Gardens customer whose own son has served in Iraq and is going back for another tour, before the end of the year. Ron sent the following website HONORING OUR HEROES.
I must forewarn you---its a large file......... be patient....its worth the wait. There are several different pages. The volume is low, you may want to turn up your speakers.
Last week's snow fall helped insulate the daffodils which were emerging early. Note several plants have flowers which are beginning to bud. Check out the full story below.

Greenscape Gardens
COLD WEATHER AND EMERGING BULBS

This has been a perennial question asked by gardeners in the St. Louis area for the past two weeks. We have been fielding several calls a day via the phone and about one call a day on our website "Ask the Pro".

The canned answer is simply.......NOTHING. The warm weather that we experienced in February has warmed up the soil considerably and that has prompted the emergence of the bulbs. The bulbs are relatively cold hardy and the cold will not kill the plant but may injure the flowers.

The next question is what can I do?.......BASICALLY NOTHING. The bulbs should have been planted DEEPER originally. The rule of thumb is to plant 3x deeper than the vertical height of the bulb. Tulips should be planted at least six inches deep. But because of hard soil they normally get planted three inches deep. The top layer of soil warms up and stimulates the bulbs emergence. The deeper depth may also eliminate any potential damage from moles and even squirrels digging them up.

Okay, I messed up, what do I do NOW?......ONCE AGAIN NOTHING. But if you feel guilty about planting shallow, you can apply mulch around the base of the plant.

WHEN YOU PLANT SPRING BULBS THIS COMING FALL.......REMEMBER TO PLANT THEM DEEPER---THREE TIMES THEIR VERTICAL HEIGHT.

For additional information concerning daffodils.
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

WELCOME HOME JOSH.......OUR AMERICAN HERO

A CLOUDY DAY IS NO MATCH......FOR A SUNNY DISPOSITION

Sunday, February 27, 2005

THE GRAND CANYON. When we were here in the fall of 2004, a cold front dropped the temperature 40 degrees, and a rainstorm developed. At 1pm you couldn't see 400 feet because of the cloud cover but at 4pm it cleared and I snapped this picture. TRULY AMAZING.

Greenscape Gardens
Cactus Garden at Auntie M's Chocolate Factory in Las Vegas. The garden is irrigated with recycled water from the candy manufacturing process.

Greenscape Gardens
Minature container gardening features in the foreground of a mature landscape garden at Iseli Nursery in Oregon.

Greenscape Gardens
Sculptured gardens at Iseli Nursery in Oregon.

Greenscape Gardens
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!

LAUGHTER IS THE SHORTEST DISTANCE....BETWEEN 2 PEOPLE

LIFE IS TOO IMPORTANT.....TO TAKE SERIOUSLY

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Now this is a scary fact. The U.S. "tax army" is bigger than the U.S. army in Iraq.

Income taxes are so complex that there are up to 1.2 million paid tax preparers in the country -- six times more than the number of troops in Iraq. The tax army includes legions of accountants, lawyers, and computer experts -- some of the best minds in the country. Unfortunately, their brainpower is adding little to the nation's standard of living. Will Rogers quote "Income taxes made more liars than golfers" can attest to this.

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War is hell and those wounded in defending our country should be given every possible health benefit. Those closest and dearest to these veterans deserve our respect for the impact that they have endured. Check out the Wounded Warriors website.

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Finding the right plant for a shaded area is difficult, the article on St. Louis Today is quite informative.

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CABIN FEVER BAD AND SPRING FEVER IS EVEN WORSE......GET OUT AND GO TO MERAMEC COMMUNITY COLLEGE THIS SATURDAY FOR THE HORTICULTURAL EVENT OF THE YEAR. THE ST. LOUIS GARDEN SYMPOSIUM IS A MUST FOR THE SERIOUS GARDENER.

ALSO CHECK OUT THE CONTAINER GARDENING FEATURES. GREENSCAPE GARDEN'S ENTRY IS THINKING OUTSIDE OF THE BOX.
WE'LL POST OUR ENTRY ON FRIDAY'S BLOG. IT WILL BLOW AWAY THE COMPETITION.
HONORING THE VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES

In our fast paced life, we sometimes don't reflect upon the true meaning of freedom. The War on Terrorism has brought new meaning to the word "freedom". It has put many of our heroes in harms way and too many have suffered the ultimate sacrifice and others have suffered serious injuries. The Fisher House Organization helps the families affected by assuring them lodging close by the hospitals similiar to the Ronald McDonald Houses.

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Once again in the pursuit of trival knowledge, the old philosopher has turned up another website. Do you remember the drive-in? Classics in St. Louis included Ronnies, South Twin, 66, North Twin, I-44, and how about the Manchester. Check out the drive-in website.

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A SOMBER THOUGHT FOR ALL US HARD WORKING TAX PAYERS..........This year it will take 173 days of work to pay taxes.
The Grand Canyon October 2004. I've been to the Grand Canyon four times and still find it the most breathtaking wonder of the world.

Greenscape Gardens
Sunset in Florida. It takes days to get a decent Sunset picture but its worth it.

Greenscape Gardens
Temperatures hovering around 32 this evening in St.Louis, this scene from Costa Rica looks very inviting. Jill's pics

Greenscape Gardens