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'.
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