Living and working where the male: female ratio is approximately 3:1, I am well aware that we are at the height of college basketball’s March Madness. Buzz words and catch phrases like “bracketology”, “Sweet 16”, and “Final 4” resound from sports stations and enthusiasts everywhere.
In the Van Putte greenhouses this week, our buzz works have been “seedlings”, “transplanting”, “sunscreen”, and “shorts.” WHAT?! Shorts? In March? That is definitely March Madness!
The mercury has been climbing to unheard heights this spring. Forsythia is bursting, insects are getting active, and even dandelions have made their appearance.
With this unseasonably warm winter there are many unknowns. Will temperatures continue to rise and summer feel like we live in the south this year? Will the flowers be sharing their pollen when bees need it? Will mosquitoes carry us all off before June?
Some experts are concerned about this mild weather…I believe that all these “problems” will figure themselves out, and nature will eventually get itself back on track.
What I do know for certain is that people around me are LOVing this warm weather. My neighborhood woodwork has burst and is full of dog walkers, cyclists, and skateboarders. Anything that allows us to shake off the cabin fever cobwebs early and puts a smile on our faces can’t be all bad, right??
March Madness-Love it!!!
Happy Spring!
Written by Beth Warren
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spring. Show all posts
17 March 2012
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.
.
Easter is right around the corner. Plants should be here today and we'll post pics tomorrow.
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.
22 April 2009
Early Insect Control
Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs! Actually, we affectionately refer to them as insects. But whatever you choose to call them, many can be partially controlled this time of year.
Insects, such as Spider Mites, Aphids, Aldegids, Scales, and Viburnum Leaf Beetle, just to name a few, can be partially controlled with an application of Dormant Oil Spray. This refined petroleum product can be purchased in a pre-mixed bottle or in a concentrate to be used with a tank sprayer.
Dormant Oil (also referred to many times as All Season Oil) creates a covering over the existing insect egg sacks and prevents them from hatching. For some insects, such as Spider Mites and Scales, this is only Step 1 in a 2 Step process for full control.
With any chemical control, always read the label for full disclosures and information, such as application times, mixing rates, recommended clothing, and all other pertinent information.
Also, always know what insect your are trying to control. Dormant Oil is not effective on everything and you could simply be wasting time and money.
Stop by the Garden Center for more information or email us at vanputte@vanputte.com.
Insects, such as Spider Mites, Aphids, Aldegids, Scales, and Viburnum Leaf Beetle, just to name a few, can be partially controlled with an application of Dormant Oil Spray. This refined petroleum product can be purchased in a pre-mixed bottle or in a concentrate to be used with a tank sprayer.
Dormant Oil (also referred to many times as All Season Oil) creates a covering over the existing insect egg sacks and prevents them from hatching. For some insects, such as Spider Mites and Scales, this is only Step 1 in a 2 Step process for full control.
With any chemical control, always read the label for full disclosures and information, such as application times, mixing rates, recommended clothing, and all other pertinent information.
Also, always know what insect your are trying to control. Dormant Oil is not effective on everything and you could simply be wasting time and money.
Stop by the Garden Center for more information or email us at vanputte@vanputte.com.
20 April 2009
What is that white stuff on my lawn????
As the days warm and the grass begins to grow, many of you are finding white patches of 'stuff' on you lawn. It typically is Grey Snow Mold.
Snow mold appears as roughly circular bleached patches up to 60 cm in diameter. Soon after the snow melts, the infected grass may be matted and surrounded by a white to gray halo of fluffy fungal growth.
Control:
Avoid late fall applications of fertilizer that would stimulate succulent growth. Such growth is very susceptible to infection.
Where snow molds have caused damage, rake the matted grass in order to encourage new spring growth. Re-seed areas where these diseases have been a problem.
Applying a good quality fertilizer, like Van Putte’s 15+ will encourage new growth to help the area, and fill in any bare spots.
Avoid late fall applications of fertilizer that would stimulate succulent growth. Such growth is very susceptible to infection.
Where snow molds have caused damage, rake the matted grass in order to encourage new spring growth. Re-seed areas where these diseases have been a problem.
Applying a good quality fertilizer, like Van Putte’s 15+ will encourage new growth to help the area, and fill in any bare spots.
10 April 2009
Timely tips for April
April is the month that everyone gets excited about because we are finally seeing some color in the garden. As the blossoms of flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and others begin to fade, be sure to remove the seed head. By not letting the seed head form, the energy that would be used to make seeds will be reserved to benefit the bulb. Also, do not remove the foliage until it has begun to yellow. It must remain intact so the bulb can produce enough energy to bloom again the following year.
_________________________________________
Now is the time to apply an All-Seasons spray oil by Bonide to trees and shrubs to help control over-wintering insects and diseases. If you have fruit trees, it is especially important to begin the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray schedule to insure a high quality harvest free of fungal spots and insects. Please consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the use of these products.
________________________________________
OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:
* Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control before the forsythia blossoms drop. Read the label and consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the application of this product.
* Harden-off seedlings started indoors before planting into the garden. Do this by setting the seedling trays outside during the day in a protected area (water as needed) and then bringing back inside at night to protect from freezing temperatures.
* Houseplants are now more actively growing – the perfect time to transplant into a new pot.
* Monitor water for transplants and new seed beds – mother nature may not be enough!
_________________________________________
Now is the time to apply an All-Seasons spray oil by Bonide to trees and shrubs to help control over-wintering insects and diseases. If you have fruit trees, it is especially important to begin the Bonide Fruit Tree Spray schedule to insure a high quality harvest free of fungal spots and insects. Please consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the use of these products.
________________________________________
OTHER ESSENTIAL INFO:
* Apply pre-emergent crabgrass control before the forsythia blossoms drop. Read the label and consult with a VanPutte professional if you have any questions regarding the application of this product.
* Harden-off seedlings started indoors before planting into the garden. Do this by setting the seedling trays outside during the day in a protected area (water as needed) and then bringing back inside at night to protect from freezing temperatures.
* Houseplants are now more actively growing – the perfect time to transplant into a new pot.
* Monitor water for transplants and new seed beds – mother nature may not be enough!
02 April 2009
Spring Lawn Seeding
Right about now, the 'itch' is on to get the lawn repaired from the winter mayhem. Lets look at the 3 main components
First, Re-Seeding: Installing new grass seed always seems the simplest of tasks, but done improperly, the seed germination becomes less effective. Always prepare a lawn area by raking out any dead turf or stone debris. Make sure the soil surface is loose, or add some new soil. When you put down the seed, lightly rake it in to the loose soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until fully germinated.
Also important is seed selection. You need to know what the sunlight conditions are for the areas. This includes morning, afternoon, and evening. Be aware that an area can be sunny in the morning, but full shade in the afternoon and vice-versa.
Second, Fertilizer: When bringing a lawn out of winter dormancy or when reseeding, feeding is very important. The nutritional analysis of a fertilizer is important. Not only the N-P-K, but the Sulfur and Iron content as well. Consult your local Independent Garden Center (and for you in the Rochester area come see Van Putte Gardens) for what fertilizer is best for you. Here in the Rochester area, there is NO better product than Van Putte 15+. We are the sole distributor of this product and it has a loyal following as far away as Michigan. These can be put down on the lawn now, but be aware that if we have a lot of rain over the next few weeks, you may need to apply again, due to leaching from the excessive rains.
Third, Weed Control: The 'Step' programs have become very popular. The Crabgrass Preventer in the 'Step 1's' can disrupt your seeding schedule . There are different products on the market, so come see us first!
If you are reseeding an area, there is only 1 product that you can use. Crabgrass preventers can last from 2-4 months, which not only stops crabgrass germination, but turf grass types as well. Make sure you know the all the details about your products BEFORE purchase and application
Happy Spring!
First, Re-Seeding: Installing new grass seed always seems the simplest of tasks, but done improperly, the seed germination becomes less effective. Always prepare a lawn area by raking out any dead turf or stone debris. Make sure the soil surface is loose, or add some new soil. When you put down the seed, lightly rake it in to the loose soil. Keep the soil slightly moist until fully germinated.
Also important is seed selection. You need to know what the sunlight conditions are for the areas. This includes morning, afternoon, and evening. Be aware that an area can be sunny in the morning, but full shade in the afternoon and vice-versa.
Second, Fertilizer: When bringing a lawn out of winter dormancy or when reseeding, feeding is very important. The nutritional analysis of a fertilizer is important. Not only the N-P-K, but the Sulfur and Iron content as well. Consult your local Independent Garden Center (and for you in the Rochester area come see Van Putte Gardens) for what fertilizer is best for you. Here in the Rochester area, there is NO better product than Van Putte 15+. We are the sole distributor of this product and it has a loyal following as far away as Michigan. These can be put down on the lawn now, but be aware that if we have a lot of rain over the next few weeks, you may need to apply again, due to leaching from the excessive rains.
Third, Weed Control: The 'Step' programs have become very popular. The Crabgrass Preventer in the 'Step 1's' can disrupt your seeding schedule . There are different products on the market, so come see us first!
If you are reseeding an area, there is only 1 product that you can use. Crabgrass preventers can last from 2-4 months, which not only stops crabgrass germination, but turf grass types as well. Make sure you know the all the details about your products BEFORE purchase and application
Happy Spring!
27 March 2009
24 March 2009
23 March 2009
Being Green and Receiving Green
Ever wonder how to harness the energy from the sun and put it to good use, but not want to put on those big solar panels? How about growing herbs in your sunny window.
Start with a Jiffy Seed Starting tray, complete with small pots. Add your growing mix, such as Pro-Mix, plant your desired seeds, and water. The sun beaming through the window will give you the heat and light needed to germinate the seeds. A bright, sunny window is best - usually a south or west exposure. The sun not only heats your seeds and plants, it also gives them the light they need for photosynthesis once they are actively growing
As the plants grow, you can transplant them to 4" pots or larger and enjoy homegrown herbs all season.
A simple way to get your spring started early and be beneficial to you and your family.
Start with a Jiffy Seed Starting tray, complete with small pots. Add your growing mix, such as Pro-Mix, plant your desired seeds, and water. The sun beaming through the window will give you the heat and light needed to germinate the seeds. A bright, sunny window is best - usually a south or west exposure. The sun not only heats your seeds and plants, it also gives them the light they need for photosynthesis once they are actively growing
As the plants grow, you can transplant them to 4" pots or larger and enjoy homegrown herbs all season.
A simple way to get your spring started early and be beneficial to you and your family.
19 March 2009
A Pot Is Not Just A Pot
While walking around the Gift Shoppe and Marketplace, I got a chance to preview some of the neat and really cool items for this spring. One display that caught my eye were the Self Watering Napa Pots.
I think what caught my attention first was the rich pastel spring (even Easter hued) colors.
The great thing about this pot, other than rich pastels and that they are lightweight, is that they have a built in self-watering system. No need for that ugly overspill tray under a pot. And if you're using this pot outside, you can remove the plug and overide the self watering system so that it can drain, in the event of overwatering due to rain.
For Easter, I'd use this pot and put in a cyclamen or hyacinth and use it for a table setting or a gift. It looks better than a pot cover.
The different possibilites for this pot are only limited by you imagination.
18 March 2009
Spring is coming.....
Optimism is a state of mind, a way of life so to speak. We find it so easy to be pessimistic about just about anything. That's just simple human nature. If 'The Happy Train' doesn't seem to be going your way, than we just sit waiting for it, instead of putting forth the effort to find where it actually is.
I recall a song from a Christmas Special I adored as a child. There was a Wicked Warlock who's only reason for being angry and mean was because he didn't know any better. Kris Kringle goes on to sing and teach the old warlock a song. "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking across the floor. Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door. You never will get where you’re going, if you never get up on your feet...."
Here at Van Putte Gardens, we are embracing the joy of the upcoming spring and endless possibilities. We are enhancing the Garden Center right now, to make your visit even more enjoyable and gratifying than in the past. New plants, new garden products, and new gift items...all starting to arrive or delivery dates are being set for their arrival.
Its time to plan and think outdoor beauty. Its time to get outside and plan. We've sold a number of trees in the last week already.
I am not taking part in this recession. Van Putte Gardens is not taking part in this recession.
And neither should you. You deserve better!
I recall a song from a Christmas Special I adored as a child. There was a Wicked Warlock who's only reason for being angry and mean was because he didn't know any better. Kris Kringle goes on to sing and teach the old warlock a song. "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking across the floor. Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door. You never will get where you’re going, if you never get up on your feet...."
Here at Van Putte Gardens, we are embracing the joy of the upcoming spring and endless possibilities. We are enhancing the Garden Center right now, to make your visit even more enjoyable and gratifying than in the past. New plants, new garden products, and new gift items...all starting to arrive or delivery dates are being set for their arrival.
Its time to plan and think outdoor beauty. Its time to get outside and plan. We've sold a number of trees in the last week already.
I am not taking part in this recession. Van Putte Gardens is not taking part in this recession.
And neither should you. You deserve better!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)