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.

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!

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.