What?
Well the question really usually asked is real or artificial. Although Christmas is a Christian based holiday, people from many cultures that live here in the US have a tree, which actually was originally a German tradition.
If you are picking an artificial tree for your season, this author is no help...they are all plastic and .. well .. artificial.
A real tree gives you the beauty of the great outdoors indoors. Even if you are allergic to most evergreens, the Concolor Fir, with its long silvery blue needles and citrus fragrance, is safe and hypoallergenic.
Other fantastic options are Grand Fir (rich green foliage), Fraser Fir (awesome needle retention and fragrance), Balsam Fir (great fragrance), and Douglas Fir (good fragrance and 'fluffy').
So come out and visit us on Saturday and Sunday Dec 4th & 5th for our annual open house. Cool poinsettias, great trees, wonderful wreaths, and even Santa are her you YOU!
30 November 2010
07 October 2010
Ready for those Spring Flowers?
So are we!
And the first step is to get your bulbs and get them planted NOW. You see, those beautiful Tulips and Daffodils you admire each Spring are sold in bulb form and they need to planted in the prior fall for blooms in the next spring. So all the work is done now on a nice fall day and then you get the rewards of gorgeous colors in April and May...and you didn't even have to work in the cold weather to do it.
Tulips and Daffodils come in many different shades and colors and the Tulips even have various flower shapes!
But Tulips and Daffodils aren't the only flowers. You have Hyacinths, Crocus, Squills, Alliums, and Fritillarias are other great choices.
Planting a bulb is simple. Plant the bulb to the proper depth, usually 3-8" depending on the flower type (read the package), add Bulb-Tone and cover with soil and a little mulch.
Our Green Thumb Experts can guide you towards the hottest early spring flower display in your neighborhood. Stop by and get excited for Spring.
And the first step is to get your bulbs and get them planted NOW. You see, those beautiful Tulips and Daffodils you admire each Spring are sold in bulb form and they need to planted in the prior fall for blooms in the next spring. So all the work is done now on a nice fall day and then you get the rewards of gorgeous colors in April and May...and you didn't even have to work in the cold weather to do it.
Tulips and Daffodils come in many different shades and colors and the Tulips even have various flower shapes!
But Tulips and Daffodils aren't the only flowers. You have Hyacinths, Crocus, Squills, Alliums, and Fritillarias are other great choices.
Planting a bulb is simple. Plant the bulb to the proper depth, usually 3-8" depending on the flower type (read the package), add Bulb-Tone and cover with soil and a little mulch.
Our Green Thumb Experts can guide you towards the hottest early spring flower display in your neighborhood. Stop by and get excited for Spring.
26 August 2010
Flea Market for Charity
Van Putte Gardens has once again opened up a Flea Market here at the Garden Center. All sorts of neat bargains from garden supplies, holiday decor, tables, garden flags, housewares, toys and many other assorted items are on display and ready to go home with you.
The best part is that part of the proceeds are being donated to ARC of Monroe County. As with any charity organization, funding has become harder and harder to secure and Van Putte Gardens is thrilled to be working with this organization again this year.
So stop in for for all your normal garden needs and then stop by the Flea Market and help out the ARC.
The best part is that part of the proceeds are being donated to ARC of Monroe County. As with any charity organization, funding has become harder and harder to secure and Van Putte Gardens is thrilled to be working with this organization again this year.
So stop in for for all your normal garden needs and then stop by the Flea Market and help out the ARC.
24 August 2010
Emerald Ash Borer
This wonderful creature, Emerald Ash Borer (or referred to as EAB), has now been found up in the Western NY area. This finding has created a lot of panic and concern, some of it justifiably so.
Understanding what EAB does and how it moves is crucial. The insect is originally from Asia and came into the US through Ship Deliveries in the Detroit area. It has moved while 'sitting' or 'hiding' in wood material, namely Ash. It has moved through out the USA through movement of Ash Trees and Wood. Timber and Firewood are currently the main carriers as many growers no longer grow or ship Ash Trees to nurseries. The beetle can only fly 3km a year naturally, but through timber and firewood, it can go long distances quickly.
Western NY is widely populated with Ash trees. There are currently no natural predators, but it is being studied. There are some preventive treatments that have been fairly effective. Sometimes these measures can be applied by the homeowner, but for big trees you need to get a professional tree service, with knowledge of EAB, involved.
We have an actual sample of damage to a tree (in Michigan) and the actual insect, both larvae and adult form, on display at Van Putte Gardens. Come see the display and we can answer your questions.
This website is also helpful: http://www.emeraldashborer.info
Understanding what EAB does and how it moves is crucial. The insect is originally from Asia and came into the US through Ship Deliveries in the Detroit area. It has moved while 'sitting' or 'hiding' in wood material, namely Ash. It has moved through out the USA through movement of Ash Trees and Wood. Timber and Firewood are currently the main carriers as many growers no longer grow or ship Ash Trees to nurseries. The beetle can only fly 3km a year naturally, but through timber and firewood, it can go long distances quickly.
Western NY is widely populated with Ash trees. There are currently no natural predators, but it is being studied. There are some preventive treatments that have been fairly effective. Sometimes these measures can be applied by the homeowner, but for big trees you need to get a professional tree service, with knowledge of EAB, involved.
We have an actual sample of damage to a tree (in Michigan) and the actual insect, both larvae and adult form, on display at Van Putte Gardens. Come see the display and we can answer your questions.
This website is also helpful: http://www.emeraldashborer.info
18 August 2010
Cool Evenings bring 'Cool' Colors
Ok, what a fantastic summer. The weather was hot, the skies were clear (most of the time), and the plants just grew and grew and grew. Add in the recent cool nights and what do you get?
Why...only one of the best crops ever of Homegrown Mums. This is such an awesome plant. Long lasting fall color, in rich & vivid hues that just make you dance.
Now even though the fall mums are just starting to show their color, now is absolutly the BEST time to plant them and have them survive the winters. These beauties will have almost 2 months to fully root in the ground. So if you have had issues of your mums not lasting in the past, it might simply be that they didn't have enough time to root into the ground.
But alas, don't NOT buy mums just because you are worried they wont survive. This can be used a fantastic Fall Annual Color display as well. Let's face it, by mid-September, those Geraniums and Petunias are looking pretty tired. So do what I do...rip out those tired spring annual flowers and put mums in simply for one fall color season.
Either way, whether you want them longterm or just 1 fall, Mums give your garden that pizazz in the fall. Don't forget Snow Angel Pansies and Purple Asters as well.
26 May 2010
Statuary Fountains and more
Our newest shipment of statuary and concrete fountains just arrived. They are the prefect accent to any garden or patio.
Our newest line of Fountainettes’ are perfect for any small space where a water feature is desired but space is at a premium. Featuring LED lights and several different designs, the Fountainette series is perfect for any home at $213.
We also are carrying several different contemporary statues for your garden or front yard, both bold and elegant. Several different designs are available to choose from.
Our newest line of Fountainettes’ are perfect for any small space where a water feature is desired but space is at a premium. Featuring LED lights and several different designs, the Fountainette series is perfect for any home at $213.
We also are carrying several different contemporary statues for your garden or front yard, both bold and elegant. Several different designs are available to choose from.
16 May 2010
Sun, no wind, and a Hydrangea
So...I'm looking out over my porch this morning at a gorgeous sunrise and realizing that the air is still. Today is a perfect yard day.
And an even better BETTER day to be at a Garden Center. One of the most stunning and gorgeous flowers is the Hydrangea. With so many color options and blooming styles, there is one for everyone.
I do have my favorites. 'Pia' aka Pink Elf is a dwarf long blooming variety that really doesn't get much taller than 15". it can tolerate some sun, but loves afternoon shade. The 'Cityline' series are compact mophead flower varieties that have large glossy foliage and long lasting, vivid colored blooms. Perfect for those areas that are only 3' wide.
Looking for something a little bigger? Try a hydrangea from The 'Endless Summer' or Forever & Ever' series. 3-4' tall and wide types, with a wide arrange of colors, including double petal types. If you have never seen a 'Forever & Ever' Hydrangea, you are missing alot.
Most Hydrangeas prefer afternoon shade, so what to do if you have full sun? No problem. Plant 'Annabelle' (white flower) or 'Invincibelle Spirit' (pink). Both of these are large flower types, that once established need no care at all.
Mother's Day may have been last week, but the weather was cold and gloomy. I think I need to stretch my legs and get Mom a new Hydrangea...just to remind her that I know her love for me is 'Endless' and that we a family 'Forever & Ever'.
And an even better BETTER day to be at a Garden Center. One of the most stunning and gorgeous flowers is the Hydrangea. With so many color options and blooming styles, there is one for everyone.
I do have my favorites. 'Pia' aka Pink Elf is a dwarf long blooming variety that really doesn't get much taller than 15". it can tolerate some sun, but loves afternoon shade. The 'Cityline' series are compact mophead flower varieties that have large glossy foliage and long lasting, vivid colored blooms. Perfect for those areas that are only 3' wide.
Looking for something a little bigger? Try a hydrangea from The 'Endless Summer' or Forever & Ever' series. 3-4' tall and wide types, with a wide arrange of colors, including double petal types. If you have never seen a 'Forever & Ever' Hydrangea, you are missing alot.
Most Hydrangeas prefer afternoon shade, so what to do if you have full sun? No problem. Plant 'Annabelle' (white flower) or 'Invincibelle Spirit' (pink). Both of these are large flower types, that once established need no care at all.
Mother's Day may have been last week, but the weather was cold and gloomy. I think I need to stretch my legs and get Mom a new Hydrangea...just to remind her that I know her love for me is 'Endless' and that we a family 'Forever & Ever'.
25 March 2010
A Beautiful Site
What a gorgeous day yesterday was. The sun was shinning and and even though the wind was alittle chilly, inside our Marketplace it looked like spring. Easter plants are arriving and what beauties they are.
.
The Hydrangea, Mums and Tulips (above) are fantastic, as well as many, many other plants.
The Easter Lilies (pictured below) are just starting to open. I can already imagine their wonderful fragrance in my home.
Stop in and see us...these plants are easy to care for and give you that early color you desire.
23 March 2010
A Breath of Spring
Just a couple of weeks ago, I was noticing that I hadn't seen the usual abundance of Snowdrops emerging from their winter slumber. Always the first flower I notice, I became a custom to seeing the first blooms by early March. Mine were still covered in snow and the snow apparently had just melted off the other areas too. But to my glorious surprise, I had pansies in another garden in full bloom! Very Cool!
Our greenhouses are just emerging with that same colorful eunthusiasm. Perennials and hanging baskets are potted and growing. The sunlight last week was a wonderful blessing, for both the plants and our souls. We need out of the winter greys. These are a few of the sights in our greenhouses from last week.
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Easter is right around the corner. Plants should be here today and we'll post pics tomorrow.
03 March 2010
Grow Time
If you go by a calender, Spring is still over 2 weeks away. But our greenhuses are showing spring life already. Some annuals have already arrived in plug form and we are preparing to transplant them, so that they are ready for you in May.
We also recieved our first shipment of Perennial Plugs today. We will grow these beauties with tender loving care and will be ready to make your landscapes 'fantastic' this spring & summer.
Spring is coming....it always does. We will help you Color Your World.
02 March 2010
28 February 2010
New Colors
With new technology and more propagation techniques, comes new improved plants.
A summer trip to the Ohio State and Cornell University Annual Test Gardens shows some great new plants. So let's take a moment away from the snow and look toward spring and summer.
A summer trip to the Ohio State and Cornell University Annual Test Gardens shows some great new plants. So let's take a moment away from the snow and look toward spring and summer.
Supertunia® Pretty Much Picasso™ (Proven Winners)
Photo Supplied by Proven Winners
Shock Wave™ Denim (Pan Am Seed)
Photo at Ohio State Test Gardens
Voltage™ Yellow Osteospermum (Ball Seed)
Photo at Cornell University Annual Garden
08 February 2010
Snow is not really a nasty four letter word.....
Whew!
That's what most of us are saying regarding the major snowstorm that went through the Mid-Atlantic states, completely staying south of Western New York.
Phrases like "Hate that white stuff", "So happy I didn't have to shovel", "Let somebody else deal with that mess", were tossed all about the past couple of days. Granted, I am very happy we didn't receive 2-3' of snow also, but......what are your plants thinking?
"BRRR, its cold, where's my blanket, I'm freezing" might exactly be what your beautiful perennials and shrubs are thinking (ok, plants don't think, but imagine if they did). Snow, when it naturally falls and is left undisturbed, is the best winter protection your plants can have!
What? Is this writer nuts? Well, that could be a topic for another day, but on this topic I'm perfectly grounded. Snow is nature's insulation blanket on plants and their root systems. When we have bare ground and those cold temperatures, and more importantly those sub-zero wind chills, many plants become stressed. Without the snow blanket, the soil surface is exposed to all those cold, drying winds. And even with mulch, the roots of your plants are more exposed to damage. Shrub stems and branches are equally vulnerable to the winds. Come Spring, the winters where we have prolonged open ground and snow cover bring the most visable die back, and even fatality, with plants vs. the winters of "the good ole days" when we had a snow blanket the entire winter season.
So, while I'm not wishing a storm of 30" of snow all at once, a good 6-12" snow, 3 or 4 times, with no thaw in between, is exactly what was on your landscape plants' Christmas wish list. I guess now that wish is on their Valentine's Day wish list.
That's what most of us are saying regarding the major snowstorm that went through the Mid-Atlantic states, completely staying south of Western New York.
Phrases like "Hate that white stuff", "So happy I didn't have to shovel", "Let somebody else deal with that mess", were tossed all about the past couple of days. Granted, I am very happy we didn't receive 2-3' of snow also, but......what are your plants thinking?
"BRRR, its cold, where's my blanket, I'm freezing" might exactly be what your beautiful perennials and shrubs are thinking (ok, plants don't think, but imagine if they did). Snow, when it naturally falls and is left undisturbed, is the best winter protection your plants can have!
What? Is this writer nuts? Well, that could be a topic for another day, but on this topic I'm perfectly grounded. Snow is nature's insulation blanket on plants and their root systems. When we have bare ground and those cold temperatures, and more importantly those sub-zero wind chills, many plants become stressed. Without the snow blanket, the soil surface is exposed to all those cold, drying winds. And even with mulch, the roots of your plants are more exposed to damage. Shrub stems and branches are equally vulnerable to the winds. Come Spring, the winters where we have prolonged open ground and snow cover bring the most visable die back, and even fatality, with plants vs. the winters of "the good ole days" when we had a snow blanket the entire winter season.
So, while I'm not wishing a storm of 30" of snow all at once, a good 6-12" snow, 3 or 4 times, with no thaw in between, is exactly what was on your landscape plants' Christmas wish list. I guess now that wish is on their Valentine's Day wish list.
04 February 2010
Plants Deliver Reasons To Believe
Its a sunny February afternoon. Forget it's winter. Forget it's February. Take note that it's Sunny! Time for an imagination journey.
Turn off the TV.
Turn off the radio.
Open your favorite magazine.
Now don't read the articles, just flip through and look at the pictures for a few moments........................
I'll bet the pictures you viewed varied in types. Food, nature, buildings, people. Now do you remember your favorite picture(s)? It's very likely that the common theme on those pictures were that were full of color and you really felt like you could touch the objects in the picture or transport yourself right into the middle of the setting.
This past weekend, Garden Center and Landscape Company Owners and Managers met in Louisville, KY and one of the events was a review of many of the new plants that were going to be available for our customers this summer. The plants in the NMPro Plant Pavilion were in all category types: shrubs, perennials, trees, tropicals, and annuals. The 30+ plants on showcase all had a common theme...they were special because of their fantastic colors! We oohed and aahed while reviewing them and could imagine their glory in our gardens.
What does this event have to do with you? Well, just like the Garden Center and Landscape Industry professionals, you also dream of a brighter time of year. The Spring with its glorious displays of color. By dreaming now, you also plan for the planting season.
As humans, many of us use plants as an escape into a world of peace and paradise. Plants are living things that don't care about what the different news organizations critique and write about. Plants don't care if people are grumpy on a certain day. Plants give us color and joy....and hope.
While thinking and planning on what new garden area (whether it's 1 new plant or 50) you are going to create, how about brightening your office or home? Just 1 plant, in a home or office, with a colorful flower can bring that warm feeling of spring one step closer.
So are you a pink person; or maybe a blush white; or lavender, blue, yellow or red? Bring a flower home now and watch your winter blahs 'bloom' into a pre-spring euphoria.
Oh, and you are wondering what plant was voted as the winner of The NMPro Plant Pavilion for 2010? It was the Candy Store Series of Garden Phlox. The variety 'Bubble Gum' is pictured below. Plant and photo credits to Novalis Group.
Turn off the TV.
Turn off the radio.
Open your favorite magazine.
Now don't read the articles, just flip through and look at the pictures for a few moments........................
I'll bet the pictures you viewed varied in types. Food, nature, buildings, people. Now do you remember your favorite picture(s)? It's very likely that the common theme on those pictures were that were full of color and you really felt like you could touch the objects in the picture or transport yourself right into the middle of the setting.
This past weekend, Garden Center and Landscape Company Owners and Managers met in Louisville, KY and one of the events was a review of many of the new plants that were going to be available for our customers this summer. The plants in the NMPro Plant Pavilion were in all category types: shrubs, perennials, trees, tropicals, and annuals. The 30+ plants on showcase all had a common theme...they were special because of their fantastic colors! We oohed and aahed while reviewing them and could imagine their glory in our gardens.
What does this event have to do with you? Well, just like the Garden Center and Landscape Industry professionals, you also dream of a brighter time of year. The Spring with its glorious displays of color. By dreaming now, you also plan for the planting season.
As humans, many of us use plants as an escape into a world of peace and paradise. Plants are living things that don't care about what the different news organizations critique and write about. Plants don't care if people are grumpy on a certain day. Plants give us color and joy....and hope.
While thinking and planning on what new garden area (whether it's 1 new plant or 50) you are going to create, how about brightening your office or home? Just 1 plant, in a home or office, with a colorful flower can bring that warm feeling of spring one step closer.
So are you a pink person; or maybe a blush white; or lavender, blue, yellow or red? Bring a flower home now and watch your winter blahs 'bloom' into a pre-spring euphoria.
Oh, and you are wondering what plant was voted as the winner of The NMPro Plant Pavilion for 2010? It was the Candy Store Series of Garden Phlox. The variety 'Bubble Gum' is pictured below. Plant and photo credits to Novalis Group.
26 January 2010
The cold winter winds brings thoughts of spring
Welcome to 2010!
Don't let the winter chill dampen your anticipation for Spring! Some of Staff Members recently traveled to a Trade Show to preview new plants and products. This week we are 'hunkering down' in the trenches to improve the Garden Center and your shopping experience.
What is truly amazing is the sheer enthusiasm the owners and management staff have for the upcoming Spring. The experience you have at Van Putte's should always be an excellent one, and we are fine tuning all the ways to assure that this year.
This winter and spring we'll bring you news and notes to help you with your new garden planning or the maintaining and brightening of your existing landscape.
The Garden Center is open, so don't forget the best bird food for your feathered friends.
Don't let the cold bring you down, think Spring!
Don't let the winter chill dampen your anticipation for Spring! Some of Staff Members recently traveled to a Trade Show to preview new plants and products. This week we are 'hunkering down' in the trenches to improve the Garden Center and your shopping experience.
What is truly amazing is the sheer enthusiasm the owners and management staff have for the upcoming Spring. The experience you have at Van Putte's should always be an excellent one, and we are fine tuning all the ways to assure that this year.
This winter and spring we'll bring you news and notes to help you with your new garden planning or the maintaining and brightening of your existing landscape.
The Garden Center is open, so don't forget the best bird food for your feathered friends.
Don't let the cold bring you down, think Spring!
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