THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
5 OUT OF 4 GARDENERS......SHOP AT GREENSCAPE GARDENS
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Sorry, the blogs aren't daily but the garden center is swamped. Today was the best day of the year for sales and the nursery, actually more than a weekend day to date. NOW THAT IS INCREDIBLE. Tomorrow (Saturday) will definintely beat that record. We are anticipating an incredilbe day. The garden center is packed. We will have 7 pallets of sod delivered overnight and I'll bet they'll be gone by noon. More coming for Sunday.
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ZOYSIA STILL DORMANT.....NORMALLY AVAILABLE IN EARLY MAY BUT IF EARLIER, WE'LL POST.
Zoysiagrass lawns are still dormant (bronze yellow color). However, with the arrival of warmer weather, zoysiagrass lawns will begin to green up. Mowing should start after the lawn turns green but prior to the turf growing above 1 ½ to 2 inches. The normal mowing height is ¾ to 1 inch with a reel mower, and usually set as low as possible with a rotary mower without causing scalping.
Zoysiagrass does not need a lot of nitrogen, usually in the 3 to 5 pounds per 1000 square feet per year. A spring application of nitrogen is usually applied 3 to 4 weeks after the zoysia greens up. The normal rate is ½ pound of nitrogen per 1000 square feet. If annual weeds like crabgrass, goosegrass, and foxtail are a concern a preemergent herbicide should be made during the spring prior to germination. Germination will usually take place once soil temperatures are consistently above 50 to 55 F.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!
FREE BEER TOMORROW
Spring unlocks the flowers..... To paint the laughing soil
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MORE TREES AND ZILLIONS OF ANNUAL FLOWERS ARRIVED TODAY
Yes, I thought we had enough but today another truckload of trees arrived from our incredible grower in Tennessee. More dogwoods, flowering crabs, over 200 burning bushes, 12' multi-stem Duraheat Birches. As we were unloading that truck a truck arrived from Maryland with "Plants that Work". These are smaller packaged perennials which retail at $6.99@. UPS brought several thousand additional perennials from our perennial source in Michigan and even more with another truckload of annuals from Michigan. Almost forgot the 2 truck loads of mulch, 2 truck loads of topsoil and a truck load of TROPICALS from Florida.
Somehow during the course of the day, we still give the best service in the garden center business.
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JAPANESE PAINTED FERN
The Japanese painted fern, cultivar 'Pictum,' is spotlighted as the perennial of the week. Though the plant is petite in size, Japanese painted fern provides outstanding texture and color in the shade garden. Japanese painted fern also can be grown in patio containers and hanging baskets.
Known botanically as Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum,' Japanese painted fern is native to Asia, but is hardy in the St. Louis area. The plant grows about 18 inches tall with metallic, silver-gray fronds accented with just a touch of burgundy red and a hint of blue.
Japanese painted fern will adapt to nearly any level of shade, but the most attractive foliage color is displayed in light shade. Like most ferns, a well-drained organic-rich soil with plentiful moisture and high relative humidity is ideal. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch each year will help maintain soil moisture and organic content. Minimal maintenance, such as pruning, deadheading and fertilizing is needed. The plant is easily propagated by division in spring or fall.
Check out all the perennial possibilites at Greenscape Gardens or check out the website for perennials.
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VEGETABLE GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Spring has sprung in the St. Louis area, and many gardening novices are taking their first treks to the garden center with tons of questions. Many of the questions and statements are in regards to their neighbor's garden. They turn green with envy while admiring the neighbor's garden but don't think their thumb is green enough? My typical answer is anyone can develop a green thumb, as long as you're willing to invest a little time, patience and BLISTERS.
Good planning is essential to successful gardening. Start your garden off right by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Check the site for good drainage by making sure water doesn't tend to stand after a rain or irrigation. Try to steer clear of trees and shrubs that would compete with your garden plants for water, light and nutrients.
Once you've selected your site, sketch your plans on paper. Decide how big the garden will be, what crops you want to grow and where to place them. Beginners have a tendency to go overboard, not realizing how much work lies ahead. It's best to start out small and gradually add to your patch each year as needed. A 100-square-foot plot should be plenty for your first venture.
Many different vegetables will produce well in St. Louis. Most new gardeners start out by picking up a few seed packets at their local garden center or grocery. Before heading out to the garden to plant, you'll need to gather some tools and properly prepare the soil. A hoe, rake, spade, sprinkler, string and stakes are about the minimum tool supply you'll need. It's a good idea to have your soil tested as early as possible to learn how much of what kind of fertilizer to apply.
Next, you should prepare a good planting bed, but make sure the soil has dried sufficiently before you work it. Working wet soil will damage the soil's structure. Squeeze a handful of soil, and if it crumbles away easily, it's ready. If it sticks together in a muddy ball, you'd better hold off. When it's ready, work the soil at least 6 inches deep. The best recommendation is to add some soil amendments to our lousy clay soil. Compost or manure tilled into the garden will make your first garden a success. Then rake the soil surface level.
Most seed packages will list planting directions such as depth and spacing. When setting out transplants, be sure to dig a hole larger than the soil ball of the plant to aid root establishment. Most transplants are sold in containers that must be removed before planting. Score the sides of the transplants to encourage the roots to expand out of its previous packaged size. Transplants dry out and wilt rapidly, so be sure to get those transplants watered thoroughly as soon as possible.
The job doesn't end with planting. There are always weeds, insects and diseases to battle. There are numerous cultural types of controls and preventive measures along with chemicals. No one chemical will control all problems on all crops, so you'll need to identify your problem correctly and then choose the proper control. Your first garden will be a learning experience, the knowledge and fruits (vegetables) will be well worth the sweat and blisters. Good Luck!
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LYME DISEASE
Spring is the most important time to take precautions to avoid Lyme disease. Unfortunately, it's also the time gardeners are most anxious to be outside. The disease is common in or near woodlands of the midwest, including the St. Louis area. The peak time for infection is early May through July.
People get the disease from the tiny nymph of the black-legged tick. Formerly known as the deer tick because adult ticks congregate on deer, the tick nymph probably got the disease bacterium from a white-footed mouse. Antibiotics are the remedy once infected, but diagnosis is difficult, and too often cures are incomplete.
Avoiding tick bites is the key to preventing not only Lyme disease, but also other tick-borne diseases. Avoid areas where ticks are known to be present, especially in late spring. Wear light-colored clothing to make tick spotting easier; also wear long-sleeved shirts, pull socks over your pant legs, and use tick repellents. Around your house, discourage mice by eliminating hiding places and food sources. Make a ritual of inspecting exposed children for ticks, especially around the groin, navel, armpits, head, and behind knees. If you find ticks, remove them with tweezers, then watch for a circular rash around the bite. If one appears, see your doctor.
The FDA approved Lymerix, the first vaccine for Lyme disease. For maximum effectiveness, three injections at least a month apart are required. The vaccine is a good choice if you live in high-risk areas and spend a lot of time outdoors. It's approved for persons between 15 and 70 years old. A close friend of mine had Lyme disease and didn't realize he had a problem. Another friend, who is a phamasist saw the rash and diagnosed the inflammation as lame disease and he promptly received medical attention. The strange part of this story is; they were on separate vacations in Florida and by chance, ran into each other at Busch Gardens. If this unlikely meeting didn't occur the Lyme Disease may have caused a more serious medical problem.
FREE BEER TOMORROW
Spring unlocks the flowers..... To paint the laughing soil
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
MORE TREES AND ZILLIONS OF ANNUAL FLOWERS ARRIVED TODAY
Yes, I thought we had enough but today another truckload of trees arrived from our incredible grower in Tennessee. More dogwoods, flowering crabs, over 200 burning bushes, 12' multi-stem Duraheat Birches. As we were unloading that truck a truck arrived from Maryland with "Plants that Work". These are smaller packaged perennials which retail at $6.99@. UPS brought several thousand additional perennials from our perennial source in Michigan and even more with another truckload of annuals from Michigan. Almost forgot the 2 truck loads of mulch, 2 truck loads of topsoil and a truck load of TROPICALS from Florida.
Somehow during the course of the day, we still give the best service in the garden center business.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
JAPANESE PAINTED FERN
The Japanese painted fern, cultivar 'Pictum,' is spotlighted as the perennial of the week. Though the plant is petite in size, Japanese painted fern provides outstanding texture and color in the shade garden. Japanese painted fern also can be grown in patio containers and hanging baskets.
Known botanically as Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum,' Japanese painted fern is native to Asia, but is hardy in the St. Louis area. The plant grows about 18 inches tall with metallic, silver-gray fronds accented with just a touch of burgundy red and a hint of blue.
Japanese painted fern will adapt to nearly any level of shade, but the most attractive foliage color is displayed in light shade. Like most ferns, a well-drained organic-rich soil with plentiful moisture and high relative humidity is ideal. Adding a 2-3 inch layer of mulch each year will help maintain soil moisture and organic content. Minimal maintenance, such as pruning, deadheading and fertilizing is needed. The plant is easily propagated by division in spring or fall.
Check out all the perennial possibilites at Greenscape Gardens or check out the website for perennials.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
VEGETABLE GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
Spring has sprung in the St. Louis area, and many gardening novices are taking their first treks to the garden center with tons of questions. Many of the questions and statements are in regards to their neighbor's garden. They turn green with envy while admiring the neighbor's garden but don't think their thumb is green enough? My typical answer is anyone can develop a green thumb, as long as you're willing to invest a little time, patience and BLISTERS.
Good planning is essential to successful gardening. Start your garden off right by selecting a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Check the site for good drainage by making sure water doesn't tend to stand after a rain or irrigation. Try to steer clear of trees and shrubs that would compete with your garden plants for water, light and nutrients.
Once you've selected your site, sketch your plans on paper. Decide how big the garden will be, what crops you want to grow and where to place them. Beginners have a tendency to go overboard, not realizing how much work lies ahead. It's best to start out small and gradually add to your patch each year as needed. A 100-square-foot plot should be plenty for your first venture.
Many different vegetables will produce well in St. Louis. Most new gardeners start out by picking up a few seed packets at their local garden center or grocery. Before heading out to the garden to plant, you'll need to gather some tools and properly prepare the soil. A hoe, rake, spade, sprinkler, string and stakes are about the minimum tool supply you'll need. It's a good idea to have your soil tested as early as possible to learn how much of what kind of fertilizer to apply.
Next, you should prepare a good planting bed, but make sure the soil has dried sufficiently before you work it. Working wet soil will damage the soil's structure. Squeeze a handful of soil, and if it crumbles away easily, it's ready. If it sticks together in a muddy ball, you'd better hold off. When it's ready, work the soil at least 6 inches deep. The best recommendation is to add some soil amendments to our lousy clay soil. Compost or manure tilled into the garden will make your first garden a success. Then rake the soil surface level.
Most seed packages will list planting directions such as depth and spacing. When setting out transplants, be sure to dig a hole larger than the soil ball of the plant to aid root establishment. Most transplants are sold in containers that must be removed before planting. Score the sides of the transplants to encourage the roots to expand out of its previous packaged size. Transplants dry out and wilt rapidly, so be sure to get those transplants watered thoroughly as soon as possible.
The job doesn't end with planting. There are always weeds, insects and diseases to battle. There are numerous cultural types of controls and preventive measures along with chemicals. No one chemical will control all problems on all crops, so you'll need to identify your problem correctly and then choose the proper control. Your first garden will be a learning experience, the knowledge and fruits (vegetables) will be well worth the sweat and blisters. Good Luck!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LYME DISEASE
Spring is the most important time to take precautions to avoid Lyme disease. Unfortunately, it's also the time gardeners are most anxious to be outside. The disease is common in or near woodlands of the midwest, including the St. Louis area. The peak time for infection is early May through July.
People get the disease from the tiny nymph of the black-legged tick. Formerly known as the deer tick because adult ticks congregate on deer, the tick nymph probably got the disease bacterium from a white-footed mouse. Antibiotics are the remedy once infected, but diagnosis is difficult, and too often cures are incomplete.
Avoiding tick bites is the key to preventing not only Lyme disease, but also other tick-borne diseases. Avoid areas where ticks are known to be present, especially in late spring. Wear light-colored clothing to make tick spotting easier; also wear long-sleeved shirts, pull socks over your pant legs, and use tick repellents. Around your house, discourage mice by eliminating hiding places and food sources. Make a ritual of inspecting exposed children for ticks, especially around the groin, navel, armpits, head, and behind knees. If you find ticks, remove them with tweezers, then watch for a circular rash around the bite. If one appears, see your doctor.
The FDA approved Lymerix, the first vaccine for Lyme disease. For maximum effectiveness, three injections at least a month apart are required. The vaccine is a good choice if you live in high-risk areas and spend a lot of time outdoors. It's approved for persons between 15 and 70 years old. A close friend of mine had Lyme disease and didn't realize he had a problem. Another friend, who is a phamasist saw the rash and diagnosed the inflammation as lame disease and he promptly received medical attention. The strange part of this story is; they were on separate vacations in Florida and by chance, ran into each other at Busch Gardens. If this unlikely meeting didn't occur the Lyme Disease may have caused a more serious medical problem.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
Time is the longest distance...... between to places.
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BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL MANAGEMENT
Identify the weed and determine why it has become a problem is the first step in dealing with lawn weeds. Some weeds are good indicators of underlying problems. Crabgrass typically invades lawns that are mowed too short or watered too often. Clovers may be a sign of low fertility. Dandelions may adapt to a range of conditions. An assortment of weeds may indicate overall poor conditions for lawn grasses and/or poor management.
After identifying the weeds present, step two for controlling weeds should be to review lawn care practices and make adjustments as needed to assure a good stand of grass. Sound lawn care practices should promote a healthy, vigorous turf able to prevent and compete with weed invasions. These practices include proper selection and establishment, fertilization, watering, mowing, thatch management, and related practices.
The third step is removal of existing weeds. Pulling by hand is one option; be sure to get as much of the root system as possible. There are a number of herbicides available for weed control, specific to the type of weed to be controlled.
Broadleaf Weeds
Dandelions, plantain, clover, chickweed and henbit) are among the common broadleaf weeds appearing in lawns. Selective broadleaf weed herbicides are available for use on lawns. Broadleaf weed control products with two and three-way herbicide combinations are recommended. Only apply to actively growing weeds.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for a few days before and after application. Consider selective treatment of weeds rather than broadcasting weed control over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait four mowings before treating newly seeded lawns and 30 days before seeding areas treated with broadleaf herbicides.
Early to mid-fall can be a good time to control perennial broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. Control may be good as weeds prepare for winter dormancy and lawns fill-in bare areas created by the weed dying readily in the cooler weather of fall. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. Warmer temperatures also increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for the herbicides to work.
For additional information concerning lawn care, check out the Greenscape Gardens website on lawn care.
Time is the longest distance...... between to places.
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BROADLEAF WEED CONTROL MANAGEMENT
Identify the weed and determine why it has become a problem is the first step in dealing with lawn weeds. Some weeds are good indicators of underlying problems. Crabgrass typically invades lawns that are mowed too short or watered too often. Clovers may be a sign of low fertility. Dandelions may adapt to a range of conditions. An assortment of weeds may indicate overall poor conditions for lawn grasses and/or poor management.
After identifying the weeds present, step two for controlling weeds should be to review lawn care practices and make adjustments as needed to assure a good stand of grass. Sound lawn care practices should promote a healthy, vigorous turf able to prevent and compete with weed invasions. These practices include proper selection and establishment, fertilization, watering, mowing, thatch management, and related practices.
The third step is removal of existing weeds. Pulling by hand is one option; be sure to get as much of the root system as possible. There are a number of herbicides available for weed control, specific to the type of weed to be controlled.
Broadleaf Weeds
Dandelions, plantain, clover, chickweed and henbit) are among the common broadleaf weeds appearing in lawns. Selective broadleaf weed herbicides are available for use on lawns. Broadleaf weed control products with two and three-way herbicide combinations are recommended. Only apply to actively growing weeds.
Thoroughly read, understand, and follow all information on herbicide labels. Avoid windy days, as these materials can damage many landscape and garden plants if they drift (spray droplets land off the lawn). Also avoid hot days (over 85 degrees F). It's best to have adequate soil moisture, but no rain for 24 hours after application. Don't mow for a few days before and after application. Consider selective treatment of weeds rather than broadcasting weed control over the entire area. Use caution on newly seeded areas; wait four mowings before treating newly seeded lawns and 30 days before seeding areas treated with broadleaf herbicides.
Early to mid-fall can be a good time to control perennial broadleaf weeds, such as dandelions. Control may be good as weeds prepare for winter dormancy and lawns fill-in bare areas created by the weed dying readily in the cooler weather of fall. Spring and early summer applications may not provide as good of control as fall. Warmer temperatures also increase the chance of lawn injury. Regardless the time of the year, weeds need to be actively growing for the herbicides to work.
For additional information concerning lawn care, check out the Greenscape Gardens website on lawn care.
Monday, April 04, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY!
FREE BEER TOMORROW
SOMETIMES ITS MONDAY.......ALL WEEK
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WWW.GREENSCAPEGARDENS.COM
Numbers are jumping, just like the temperatures. 34,xxx web site views, 123,xxx web page views to date and over 5300 web page view this past week.
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Kirkwood in BLOOM is pleased to announce the premiering, today, of a website for the Kirkwood Garden Club. Via a special financial gift received by Kirkwood in BLOOM, KIB has donated the development and hosting of this website (www.KirkwoodGardenClub.org) to enhance public awareness of this important community service organization.
The past and present efforts of the Kirkwood Garden Club contribute significantly to the appearance of the plantings around the Kirkwood Train Station, a key component of the downtown Kirkwood landscape.
In addition to presenting the Club's mission, history, purpose and summary of activities, the site features a section outlining upcoming Kirkwood Garden Club meetings (go to the "Garden Club" tab). A Club membership application is also accessible via a pdf attachment.
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Horticulture Gardening Institute and Whole Foods Market® Present SMARTGARDEN® Environmentally Friendly Gardening Practices Event
Gardeners throughout St. Louis are just a ‘click away’ from learning new ways to protect their environment while they take care of their gardens this spring and summer.
Wednesday evening, April 6th, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Whole Foods Market®, 1601 S. Brentwood Boulevard in St. Louis, will feature a special event “SMARTGARDEN® Environmentally Friendly Gardening Practices.”
Pasty Hobson, garden writer and speaker, will share a presentation on organic gardening and environmentally friendly gardening practices. Ms. Hobson’s gardening success has inspired the many recipes that have been published in Southern Living Magazine, Woman’s Day and Herb Companion, Southern Living Annual Recipes Cookbook, and The Best Of Country Cooking Cookbooks. She holds a degree from the College Of The Ozarks, is a Master Gardener emeritus and is retired from the University Of Missouri Extension.
Following Ms. Hobson’s presentation, participants will experience a demonstration of the Horticulture Gardening Institute’s new online program, The Art and Science of the SMARTGARDEN®, developed with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) and sponsored by DK Publishing.
This self-paced program is based on the AHS 10 Tenets of the SMARTGARDEN® and AHS 400-page Northeast Regional Guide. It teaches gardeners to re-assess gardening skills, lifestyle, daily gardening practices and landscape plans while becoming a steward of the earth. It also features a discussion board that connects participants, which encourages them to share ideas and exchange experiences.
All participants who complete the online program earn a certificate from the Gardening Institute and AHS. Missouri Master Gardeners are encourages to contact their state Master Gardener program coordinator to find out if they can received educational hours for attending the event and for completing the online program.
The cost of the event is $25 per person. Space is limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration is currently being taken at Whole Foods Market®. Please call the store at (314) 968-7744 to reserve a seat.
Event participants will also have the opportunity to purchase the SMARTGARDEN® online program and 400-page Northeast Regional Guide for a special price of $79 per person – a $99 value. (Note: Gardeners who cannot attend the event can also sign up for The Art and Science of the SMARTGARDEN® online program and purchase 400-page Northeast Regional Guide for the retail price of $99 per person, plus shipping. Go to http://www.gardeninginstitute.comto register.)
For more information about the Horticulture Gardening Institute contact info@gardeninginstitute.com.
FREE BEER TOMORROW
SOMETIMES ITS MONDAY.......ALL WEEK
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WWW.GREENSCAPEGARDENS.COM
Numbers are jumping, just like the temperatures. 34,xxx web site views, 123,xxx web page views to date and over 5300 web page view this past week.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Kirkwood in BLOOM is pleased to announce the premiering, today, of a website for the Kirkwood Garden Club. Via a special financial gift received by Kirkwood in BLOOM, KIB has donated the development and hosting of this website (www.KirkwoodGardenClub.org) to enhance public awareness of this important community service organization.
The past and present efforts of the Kirkwood Garden Club contribute significantly to the appearance of the plantings around the Kirkwood Train Station, a key component of the downtown Kirkwood landscape.
In addition to presenting the Club's mission, history, purpose and summary of activities, the site features a section outlining upcoming Kirkwood Garden Club meetings (go to the "Garden Club" tab). A Club membership application is also accessible via a pdf attachment.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Horticulture Gardening Institute and Whole Foods Market® Present SMARTGARDEN® Environmentally Friendly Gardening Practices Event
Gardeners throughout St. Louis are just a ‘click away’ from learning new ways to protect their environment while they take care of their gardens this spring and summer.
Wednesday evening, April 6th, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Whole Foods Market®, 1601 S. Brentwood Boulevard in St. Louis, will feature a special event “SMARTGARDEN® Environmentally Friendly Gardening Practices.”
Pasty Hobson, garden writer and speaker, will share a presentation on organic gardening and environmentally friendly gardening practices. Ms. Hobson’s gardening success has inspired the many recipes that have been published in Southern Living Magazine, Woman’s Day and Herb Companion, Southern Living Annual Recipes Cookbook, and The Best Of Country Cooking Cookbooks. She holds a degree from the College Of The Ozarks, is a Master Gardener emeritus and is retired from the University Of Missouri Extension.
Following Ms. Hobson’s presentation, participants will experience a demonstration of the Horticulture Gardening Institute’s new online program, The Art and Science of the SMARTGARDEN®, developed with the American Horticultural Society (AHS) and sponsored by DK Publishing.
This self-paced program is based on the AHS 10 Tenets of the SMARTGARDEN® and AHS 400-page Northeast Regional Guide. It teaches gardeners to re-assess gardening skills, lifestyle, daily gardening practices and landscape plans while becoming a steward of the earth. It also features a discussion board that connects participants, which encourages them to share ideas and exchange experiences.
All participants who complete the online program earn a certificate from the Gardening Institute and AHS. Missouri Master Gardeners are encourages to contact their state Master Gardener program coordinator to find out if they can received educational hours for attending the event and for completing the online program.
The cost of the event is $25 per person. Space is limited to 30 participants. Pre-registration is currently being taken at Whole Foods Market®. Please call the store at (314) 968-7744 to reserve a seat.
Event participants will also have the opportunity to purchase the SMARTGARDEN® online program and 400-page Northeast Regional Guide for a special price of $79 per person – a $99 value. (Note: Gardeners who cannot attend the event can also sign up for The Art and Science of the SMARTGARDEN® online program and purchase 400-page Northeast Regional Guide for the retail price of $99 per person, plus shipping. Go to http://www.gardeninginstitute.comto register.)
For more information about the Horticulture Gardening Institute contact info@gardeninginstitute.com.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
THE OLD SIGN PHILOSOPHER, THOUGHT FOR THE DAY!
FREE BEER TOMORROW
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Happy Birthday Matt
Matt is celebrating his 21st birthday. Matt has been an employee at Greenscape Gardens for one year. If you come by the nursery....surprise him by wishing him a Happy Birthday.
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The garden center has really been busy since the sun has peeked out from behind the clouds. Since this past Tuesday, the gardeners and landscapers have been visiting Greenscape Gardens. On Saturday, the parking lot was packed numerous times. Twelve years ago we had six parking spots at the nursery now we have 50.
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UNEVEN AND BUMPY LAWNS
Uneven or bumpy lawns are common this type of year in the northern United States. This bumpiness may be caused by freeze/thaw cycles that cause some heaving. However, the most common explanation are mounds formed by earthworms. There are several species of earthworms that are found in landscape situations but the one that is causing the bumpiness through the production of castings is the “night crawler”.
Interestingly, this species of earthworm is not native to America but comes from Europe!
Earthworms are beneficial to lawn ecosystems, because they help degrade thatch and organic matter. The downside however is the bumpiness they cause. There is no viable mechanism for controlling casting in lawns. Rolling is one possible mechanism for smoothing out the lawn. However, the potential exists that this practice down under wet or moist soil conditions could result in soil compaction in the surface layer.
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PERENNIALS THAT BLOOM FOR 8 WEEKS OR MORE
Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
Asclepias tuberosa
Aster n.-b. 'Alert'
Aster n.-a. 'Alma Potschke'
Aster n.-a. 'Purple Dome'
Aster d. 'Professor Kippenberg'
Aster d. 'Wood's Pink'
Aster d. 'Wood's Purple'
Boltonia a. 'Nana'
Buddleia d. 'White Profusion'
Calamintha n. 'Blue Cloud'
Campanula p. 'Pink Chimes'
Caryopteris 'First Choice' PP11958
Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue'
Centranthus r. 'Coccineus'
Coreopsis r. 'American Dream'
Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee' PPAF
Coreopsis g. 'Early Sunrise'
Coreopsis l. 'Sterntaler'
Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise' PP9875
Coreopsis a. 'Zamfir'
Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine'
Corydalis lutea
Dendranthema 'Bolero' (Autumn Crescendo TM Series)
Echinacea p. 'Bright Star'
Echinacea p. 'Ruby Star'
Echinacea 'Sunrise' PPAF (Big Sky TM Series)
Echinacea p. 'White Swan'
Gaillardia 'Goblin'
Gaillardia 'The Sun'
Geranium 'Katherine Adele'
Geranium 'Brookside'
Geranium 'Claridge Druce'
Geranium s. 'New Hampshire Purple'
Geranium 'Nimbus'
Hemerocallis 'Buttered Popcorn'
Hemerocallis 'Daring Deception'
Hemerocallis 'Eenie Weenie'
Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals'
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Hemerocallis 'Janice Brown'
Hemerocallis 'Mini Pearl'
Hemerocallis 'Rosy Returns'
Hemerocallis 'Siloam Amazing Grace'
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy'
Hemerocallis 'Wineberry Candy'
Heucherella 'Dayglow Pink' PP12164
Heucherella 'Sunspot' PP14825
Kalimeris p. 'Hortensis'
Kalimeris y. 'Shogun'
Lamium m. 'Beacon Silver'
Lamium m. 'Orchid Frost'
Lamium m. 'Purple Dragon'
Lamium m. 'Pink Pewter'
Lathyrus latifolius
Lavendula a. 'Munstead'
Leucanthemum s. 'Alaska'
Leucanthemum s. 'Becky'
Leucanthemum s. 'Crazy Daisy'
Leucanthemum s. 'Highland White Dream'
Leucanthemum s. 'Snowcap'
Leucanthemum s. 'Thomas Killen'
Liatris s. 'Floristan Violet'
Liatris s. 'Floristan White'
Lysimachia p. 'Alexander' PP10598
Lysimachia p. 'Golden Alexander' PP13547
Nepeta f. 'Blue Wonder'
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Phlox divaricata laphamii
Rudbeckia f. 'Goldsturm'
Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida
Salvia n. Marcus TM ('Haeumanarc' PP13322)
Scabiosa c. 'Butterfly Blue'
Scabiosa j. 'Blue Diamonds'
Scabiosa c. 'Pink Mist' PP8957
Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' ('Herbstfreude')
Sisyrinchium bermudianum
Stokesia l. 'Honeysong Purple'
Tiarella 'Spring Symphony' PP12397
Tradescantia 'Bilberry Ice'
Tradescantia 'Concord Grape'
Tradescantia 'Red Cloud'
Trollius c. 'Golden Queen'
Veronica s. 'Blue Charm'
Veronica l. 'Eveline' PP14888
Veronica 'Giles van Hees'
Veronica s. 'Royal Candles' PPAF
Veronica 'Waterperry Blue'
Viola 'Painted Porcelain' (Cornuta Group)
THE MAJORITY OF THESE PERENNIALS CAN BE FOUND AT GREENSCAPE GARDENS. SOME VARIETIES ARE IN LIMITED QUANITIES.
CHECK OUT THE GREENSCAPE GARDENS PERENNIAL LIST.
FREE BEER TOMORROW
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Happy Birthday Matt
Matt is celebrating his 21st birthday. Matt has been an employee at Greenscape Gardens for one year. If you come by the nursery....surprise him by wishing him a Happy Birthday.
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The garden center has really been busy since the sun has peeked out from behind the clouds. Since this past Tuesday, the gardeners and landscapers have been visiting Greenscape Gardens. On Saturday, the parking lot was packed numerous times. Twelve years ago we had six parking spots at the nursery now we have 50.
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UNEVEN AND BUMPY LAWNS
Uneven or bumpy lawns are common this type of year in the northern United States. This bumpiness may be caused by freeze/thaw cycles that cause some heaving. However, the most common explanation are mounds formed by earthworms. There are several species of earthworms that are found in landscape situations but the one that is causing the bumpiness through the production of castings is the “night crawler”.
Interestingly, this species of earthworm is not native to America but comes from Europe!
Earthworms are beneficial to lawn ecosystems, because they help degrade thatch and organic matter. The downside however is the bumpiness they cause. There is no viable mechanism for controlling casting in lawns. Rolling is one possible mechanism for smoothing out the lawn. However, the potential exists that this practice down under wet or moist soil conditions could result in soil compaction in the surface layer.
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PERENNIALS THAT BLOOM FOR 8 WEEKS OR MORE
Agastache 'Blue Fortune'
Asclepias tuberosa
Aster n.-b. 'Alert'
Aster n.-a. 'Alma Potschke'
Aster n.-a. 'Purple Dome'
Aster d. 'Professor Kippenberg'
Aster d. 'Wood's Pink'
Aster d. 'Wood's Purple'
Boltonia a. 'Nana'
Buddleia d. 'White Profusion'
Calamintha n. 'Blue Cloud'
Campanula p. 'Pink Chimes'
Caryopteris 'First Choice' PP11958
Caryopteris 'Longwood Blue'
Centranthus r. 'Coccineus'
Coreopsis r. 'American Dream'
Coreopsis 'Creme Brulee' PPAF
Coreopsis g. 'Early Sunrise'
Coreopsis l. 'Sterntaler'
Coreopsis 'Tequila Sunrise' PP9875
Coreopsis a. 'Zamfir'
Corydalis 'Blackberry Wine'
Corydalis lutea
Dendranthema 'Bolero' (Autumn Crescendo TM Series)
Echinacea p. 'Bright Star'
Echinacea p. 'Ruby Star'
Echinacea 'Sunrise' PPAF (Big Sky TM Series)
Echinacea p. 'White Swan'
Gaillardia 'Goblin'
Gaillardia 'The Sun'
Geranium 'Katherine Adele'
Geranium 'Brookside'
Geranium 'Claridge Druce'
Geranium s. 'New Hampshire Purple'
Geranium 'Nimbus'
Hemerocallis 'Buttered Popcorn'
Hemerocallis 'Daring Deception'
Hemerocallis 'Eenie Weenie'
Hemerocallis 'Frans Hals'
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns'
Hemerocallis 'Janice Brown'
Hemerocallis 'Mini Pearl'
Hemerocallis 'Rosy Returns'
Hemerocallis 'Siloam Amazing Grace'
Hemerocallis 'Stella de Oro'
Hemerocallis 'Strawberry Candy'
Hemerocallis 'Wineberry Candy'
Heucherella 'Dayglow Pink' PP12164
Heucherella 'Sunspot' PP14825
Kalimeris p. 'Hortensis'
Kalimeris y. 'Shogun'
Lamium m. 'Beacon Silver'
Lamium m. 'Orchid Frost'
Lamium m. 'Purple Dragon'
Lamium m. 'Pink Pewter'
Lathyrus latifolius
Lavendula a. 'Munstead'
Leucanthemum s. 'Alaska'
Leucanthemum s. 'Becky'
Leucanthemum s. 'Crazy Daisy'
Leucanthemum s. 'Highland White Dream'
Leucanthemum s. 'Snowcap'
Leucanthemum s. 'Thomas Killen'
Liatris s. 'Floristan Violet'
Liatris s. 'Floristan White'
Lysimachia p. 'Alexander' PP10598
Lysimachia p. 'Golden Alexander' PP13547
Nepeta f. 'Blue Wonder'
Perovskia atriplicifolia
Phlox divaricata laphamii
Rudbeckia f. 'Goldsturm'
Rudbeckia fulgida var. fulgida
Salvia n. Marcus TM ('Haeumanarc' PP13322)
Scabiosa c. 'Butterfly Blue'
Scabiosa j. 'Blue Diamonds'
Scabiosa c. 'Pink Mist' PP8957
Sedum 'Autumn Fire'
Sedum 'Autumn Joy' ('Herbstfreude')
Sisyrinchium bermudianum
Stokesia l. 'Honeysong Purple'
Tiarella 'Spring Symphony' PP12397
Tradescantia 'Bilberry Ice'
Tradescantia 'Concord Grape'
Tradescantia 'Red Cloud'
Trollius c. 'Golden Queen'
Veronica s. 'Blue Charm'
Veronica l. 'Eveline' PP14888
Veronica 'Giles van Hees'
Veronica s. 'Royal Candles' PPAF
Veronica 'Waterperry Blue'
Viola 'Painted Porcelain' (Cornuta Group)
THE MAJORITY OF THESE PERENNIALS CAN BE FOUND AT GREENSCAPE GARDENS. SOME VARIETIES ARE IN LIMITED QUANITIES.
CHECK OUT THE GREENSCAPE GARDENS PERENNIAL LIST.
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