Yes, that sounds like movie title from back in the late 1990's. But in reality, it actually is the Spring of 2012 here in our area.
Now granted, the snow and cold the last 2 days may change a bit of what's happening, but this spring has so far been incredible for the arrival of garden pests Basically, many pest insects to our landscape plants are also showing up 4 weeks or so early. Aphids on a Japanese Maple back on April 6, Boxwood Leaf Minor in the larvae (caterillar) stage in the foliage on April 13, Juniper Scale in the 'Crawling Stage' (and that is one I've only seen once before in April), and multiple sightings of the dreaded Red Lily leaf beetle, which takes your fantastic Oriental Lily and renders it to look like a grass clipping after mowing.
Reports of Black Flies were heard a week or so ago and then it got cold again. Even though the temperatures dropped, don't think for a moment that insects and their eggs died. Nope! Most just went into a prolonged sleep (sorta like taking a long nap under a heavy afghan blanket in February).
With the mild winter (did it really happen?) we can expect an elevated insect pest situation on our landscape plants. The best way to prevent issues is to simply monitor your plants and as soon as you see something, bring a sample in to your nearest garden center for a positive identification. Spraying any insecticide just to spray is not a prudent decision and can actually prove to be environmentally destructive.
Not sure what that 'thing' is on your plant? Ge it identified and then the correct treatment can be done. This author is always happy to help.
Bring me your bugs!
24 April 2012
23 April 2012
"Not Just a finishing touch"
Why are we seeing so many people walking around with black, brown or red hands, and they aren't even wearing gloves?!! It's probably because Mulch Madness has arrived.
Now that Spring is here, we're all excited about refreshing our landscapes. Although most consider mulch to be the finishing touch, that's not its only benefit.
Mulch also acts as a weed barrier and provides moisture retention around plants. So no matter what color you choose(and its always a personal preference) Don't forget to dress up your landscape with the finishing touch!
Posted By Jodi Avery
Now that Spring is here, we're all excited about refreshing our landscapes. Although most consider mulch to be the finishing touch, that's not its only benefit.
Mulch also acts as a weed barrier and provides moisture retention around plants. So no matter what color you choose(and its always a personal preference) Don't forget to dress up your landscape with the finishing touch!
Posted By Jodi Avery
03 April 2012
Raindrops & Sunshine & Frost! OH MY!
Well, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...or the Rochester area we know either. Wow, what a roller coaster of weather. Warmer then normal February. A bit cool at beginning of March. Then extreme warmth for the rest of March and now to frosty evenings as we enter April. Many of our plants are basically 4 weeks ahead of schedule.
Are you confused? Think how your plants feel! We were set up for one of the most spectacular blooming seasons for Magnolias and then....BANG!....a 20-25 degree F night and all the flowers didn't just have black spots, they basically completely 'melted' into a yucky brown color. And the touch texture? Like a Hosta in November...Nasty!
But ornamental landscape plants are fairly resilient. Some lilacs were already in a tender stage as well as viburnums, forsythias, flowering pears, and flowering plums. There is burn on the foliage, but the plants will throw more new growth and rebound from the stunting...at least that is what has been the norm in late spring frosts.
But Fruit Farmers are in a bigger plight. Peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and even plums are well advanced in bloom stage and development. When many flowers are damaged by frost, its not always noticeable as in the case of the Magnolia. In the case of Fruiting Cherries and Peaches, the inner parts (the Pistol and Stamen) of a flower's reproductive system are damaged. If flowers are damaged in their pollination parts, they can't develop fruit. A Fruit Farmer depends on the FRUIT, not the looks of a tree. Bad buds or no flowers = no fruit = no product for sale = no income. Mother nature has a bad side....
So...what does it mean for your plants? I had the chance today to talk to the wife of a man who was essentially my first boss when I was a teen. It was a fruit farm. Great caring family that was grounded and I owe her, her husband, and their sons a great debt of gratitude for their nurturing as I started working with plants 30 years ago. She related to me a response her father-in-law would share, and one she believed in, when someone would ask "So how is your crop this year?". Her father-in-law would respond "I'll let you know when I get paid for it".
Translation - We don't always know the damage that mother nature can cause with extreme temperatures until the season finishes out.
For landscape trees and shrubs, I'm optimistic tho. I still believe a lot of the damage is cosmetic and the plants will recover throughout the season. For the Fruit Farmers....I hope damage is minimal also. We will know as the next couple of months progress.
Are you confused? Think how your plants feel! We were set up for one of the most spectacular blooming seasons for Magnolias and then....BANG!....a 20-25 degree F night and all the flowers didn't just have black spots, they basically completely 'melted' into a yucky brown color. And the touch texture? Like a Hosta in November...Nasty!
But ornamental landscape plants are fairly resilient. Some lilacs were already in a tender stage as well as viburnums, forsythias, flowering pears, and flowering plums. There is burn on the foliage, but the plants will throw more new growth and rebound from the stunting...at least that is what has been the norm in late spring frosts.
But Fruit Farmers are in a bigger plight. Peaches, cherries, apricots, nectarines, blueberries, strawberries, grapes, and even plums are well advanced in bloom stage and development. When many flowers are damaged by frost, its not always noticeable as in the case of the Magnolia. In the case of Fruiting Cherries and Peaches, the inner parts (the Pistol and Stamen) of a flower's reproductive system are damaged. If flowers are damaged in their pollination parts, they can't develop fruit. A Fruit Farmer depends on the FRUIT, not the looks of a tree. Bad buds or no flowers = no fruit = no product for sale = no income. Mother nature has a bad side....
So...what does it mean for your plants? I had the chance today to talk to the wife of a man who was essentially my first boss when I was a teen. It was a fruit farm. Great caring family that was grounded and I owe her, her husband, and their sons a great debt of gratitude for their nurturing as I started working with plants 30 years ago. She related to me a response her father-in-law would share, and one she believed in, when someone would ask "So how is your crop this year?". Her father-in-law would respond "I'll let you know when I get paid for it".
Translation - We don't always know the damage that mother nature can cause with extreme temperatures until the season finishes out.
For landscape trees and shrubs, I'm optimistic tho. I still believe a lot of the damage is cosmetic and the plants will recover throughout the season. For the Fruit Farmers....I hope damage is minimal also. We will know as the next couple of months progress.
17 March 2012
MARCH MADNESS-2012
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
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
02 February 2012
Not Normal Groundhog Day
Today is Groundhog's Day and I can only think of the movie that starred Bill Murray. In the movie, his character relives February 2nd over and over and over. Well, many times are weather in and around February 2nd is the same each year. Cold, snow, clouds with maybe a quick peak of sunlight.
Not in 2012......
This entire winter has almost bordered on the unbelievable. The winter snowfall total up to the end of January was just over 25". We were on track at point to break the record for the same winter time period in 1941-1942 (just under 18"). So what about the plants?
Well....saw a Fragrant Viburnum trying to bloom in mid January when it was 55 degrees. Buds on Maples and Roses started to swell. It's hard to say whether the recent colder (35 degrees) weather will be a hinder. The longer we stay above 40 degrees, the more likely for plants to start thinking spring. But it's still possible for cold snaps and heavy snows, which could cause damage.
All though snow is a great insulator for plant roots, we have been blessed that we have not had long periods of below 0 windchills. Frigid windchills and no snow has been very detrimental to plants in a few of the past February's. On the flip side, the rain has been beneficial for the plants.
So, as Bill Murray's character relived the same day over and over, this year we have experienced a reprieve from the cold. It will be interesting to see how our landscape plants react this spring. And if Punxsutawney Phil is right that we have another 6 weeks of winter, many of us like THIS winter so far.
Not in 2012......
This entire winter has almost bordered on the unbelievable. The winter snowfall total up to the end of January was just over 25". We were on track at point to break the record for the same winter time period in 1941-1942 (just under 18"). So what about the plants?
Well....saw a Fragrant Viburnum trying to bloom in mid January when it was 55 degrees. Buds on Maples and Roses started to swell. It's hard to say whether the recent colder (35 degrees) weather will be a hinder. The longer we stay above 40 degrees, the more likely for plants to start thinking spring. But it's still possible for cold snaps and heavy snows, which could cause damage.
All though snow is a great insulator for plant roots, we have been blessed that we have not had long periods of below 0 windchills. Frigid windchills and no snow has been very detrimental to plants in a few of the past February's. On the flip side, the rain has been beneficial for the plants.
So, as Bill Murray's character relived the same day over and over, this year we have experienced a reprieve from the cold. It will be interesting to see how our landscape plants react this spring. And if Punxsutawney Phil is right that we have another 6 weeks of winter, many of us like THIS winter so far.
06 December 2011
Treeous Christmasi 'Plasitca'
The debate that divides co-workers, friends, siblings and even spouses....A lovely real cut Christmas Tree or a 'Made in China' plastic beauty (tongue firmly in cheek). I've been in the Christmas Tree Selling part of the industry for over 20 years and have heard many reasons why for both sides. Here are the key points.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, by far, have many more redeeming qualities then an artificial tree.
Fresh trees allow you to bring a small part of our great Earth into your home. The fragrance of many varieties are just simply outstanding. From the great evergreen scents from a Fraser or Douglas Fir to the tropical citrus aroma of a Concolor Fir. You can buy the scent in a spray bottle for your your fake, plastic tree, but it smells just that...fake (and it only lasts for a short time).
Fresh trees are a recyclable commodity. The growers replant every year to keep the earth healthy - true sustainability. Once the Christmas Season is over, your tree can be taken to many Garden Centers to be chipped for wood mulch. Ever try to recycle an artificial tree? They don't fit in your bin and with all the processes needed to make it, who knows what type of plastic it is (if it's even plastic). And then there's the wire branches....
I have heard many a spouse say 'it drops needles and makes a mess'. Well, most of us use a vacuum once a week anyways, so that's a non issue. And, just for point, a fake tree 'sheds' too....ever try to glue the needles back on for the next year?
The fresh tree only takes up space in your home for about 4-6 weeks. The artificial tree takes up space in your closet, garage, or attic all 52 weeks a year!
'Real trees cost more and more each year' is another great comment. Stop being a Scrooge. I'm sure your Christmas Gift budget can handle that $30-$50 each year. It's likely you spend that much (at least!) on your favorite beverages each month. And each year the new tree is fluffy and full. I watched my father spend 1-2 hours a year trying to 'fluff' that plastic tree every year for 5 years...and each year the artificial tree started looking more and more like Charlie' Brown's!
Be Green. Love Mother Earth. Keep the tradition of having a Fresh Cut Christmas Tree each year.
Happy Christmas. Todd.
p.s. What does the title of this blog mean? Its the Latin name (all plants, like all living things are classified in Latin) given to Artificial Trees.
Fresh Cut Christmas Trees, by far, have many more redeeming qualities then an artificial tree.
Fresh trees allow you to bring a small part of our great Earth into your home. The fragrance of many varieties are just simply outstanding. From the great evergreen scents from a Fraser or Douglas Fir to the tropical citrus aroma of a Concolor Fir. You can buy the scent in a spray bottle for your your fake, plastic tree, but it smells just that...fake (and it only lasts for a short time).
Fresh trees are a recyclable commodity. The growers replant every year to keep the earth healthy - true sustainability. Once the Christmas Season is over, your tree can be taken to many Garden Centers to be chipped for wood mulch. Ever try to recycle an artificial tree? They don't fit in your bin and with all the processes needed to make it, who knows what type of plastic it is (if it's even plastic). And then there's the wire branches....
I have heard many a spouse say 'it drops needles and makes a mess'. Well, most of us use a vacuum once a week anyways, so that's a non issue. And, just for point, a fake tree 'sheds' too....ever try to glue the needles back on for the next year?
The fresh tree only takes up space in your home for about 4-6 weeks. The artificial tree takes up space in your closet, garage, or attic all 52 weeks a year!
'Real trees cost more and more each year' is another great comment. Stop being a Scrooge. I'm sure your Christmas Gift budget can handle that $30-$50 each year. It's likely you spend that much (at least!) on your favorite beverages each month. And each year the new tree is fluffy and full. I watched my father spend 1-2 hours a year trying to 'fluff' that plastic tree every year for 5 years...and each year the artificial tree started looking more and more like Charlie' Brown's!
Be Green. Love Mother Earth. Keep the tradition of having a Fresh Cut Christmas Tree each year.
Happy Christmas. Todd.
p.s. What does the title of this blog mean? Its the Latin name (all plants, like all living things are classified in Latin) given to Artificial Trees.
26 November 2011
Wreaths, Naturally!
My husband tells me I was born 100 years too late. My dream house throws out the notions of a 2-car garage and white picket fence in favor of a lofted barn and 19th century stone wall-like the very 1820 farmhouse of my childhood in Maine, the Pine Tree State.
My parents had eyes for antiques, and our house was designed around furniture and clocks they found in nooks and crannies of New England, and had reupholstered, refinished or restored themselves-with no 2 pieces matching- Early Attic decor, my Mom called it. Mom enjoyed gardening and taught me the basics, using methods which these days would be lauded as "green" or "organic". She just listened to advice from other Maine gardeners and farmers as to what worked and what didn't.
My mother was also a gatherer. Stopping on roadside with her trowel in the trunk she would dig up tansy or yarrow and transplant it to our yard. She and I would start collecting pinecones weeks before the holiday season to make wreaths. "Collect only the short,fat ones, Beth." I remember her neglect of the long,pitchy White Pine cones- I always felt badly for the ugly duckling left-behinds. Then we would scour the woods for anything else natural to use for accent:acorns,butternuts, teasel, milkweed pods, etc.. When all we had was collected then cleaned (heated in a warm oven for 30 minutes or so to kill any tag-along bugs) Mom would patiently wire each cone to a metal ring base for her Christmas wreath or white glue (glue guns are SO appreciated now!)our naturals to Styrofoam cones to form tabletop Christmas trees. The end result, we imagined lookingsimilar to pieces from Sturbridge VIllage or Colonial Williamsburg.
We lost Mom in 1986, but her love of all things simple stays with me , and each Fall as I get geared up for the garden center wreath season I fondly recall those times together with my Mom.
This year, perhaps you too, can create some memories as you design a natural wreath of your own. Start with a plain evergreen base. Then, think cones,grasses,nuts, hollyberries, rose hips, juniper and spruce greens. Dried apple and orange slices, dried yarrow, hydrangea blossoms, and other flower heads: twigs from grapevines, red twigged dogwood or curly willow also add a rustic flair. Either hot glue or florist-wire your items to the wreath. Bows are optional. Your wreath will sport its own personality.
So, this holiday season invite some family and friends over for an afternoon. Gather up some unique naturals, put the kettle on for tea or cocoa and make some good old-fashioned memories. Merry Christmas!
by Beth Warren
My parents had eyes for antiques, and our house was designed around furniture and clocks they found in nooks and crannies of New England, and had reupholstered, refinished or restored themselves-with no 2 pieces matching- Early Attic decor, my Mom called it. Mom enjoyed gardening and taught me the basics, using methods which these days would be lauded as "green" or "organic". She just listened to advice from other Maine gardeners and farmers as to what worked and what didn't.
My mother was also a gatherer. Stopping on roadside with her trowel in the trunk she would dig up tansy or yarrow and transplant it to our yard. She and I would start collecting pinecones weeks before the holiday season to make wreaths. "Collect only the short,fat ones, Beth." I remember her neglect of the long,pitchy White Pine cones- I always felt badly for the ugly duckling left-behinds. Then we would scour the woods for anything else natural to use for accent:acorns,butternuts, teasel, milkweed pods, etc.. When all we had was collected then cleaned (heated in a warm oven for 30 minutes or so to kill any tag-along bugs) Mom would patiently wire each cone to a metal ring base for her Christmas wreath or white glue (glue guns are SO appreciated now!)our naturals to Styrofoam cones to form tabletop Christmas trees. The end result, we imagined lookingsimilar to pieces from Sturbridge VIllage or Colonial Williamsburg.
We lost Mom in 1986, but her love of all things simple stays with me , and each Fall as I get geared up for the garden center wreath season I fondly recall those times together with my Mom.
This year, perhaps you too, can create some memories as you design a natural wreath of your own. Start with a plain evergreen base. Then, think cones,grasses,nuts, hollyberries, rose hips, juniper and spruce greens. Dried apple and orange slices, dried yarrow, hydrangea blossoms, and other flower heads: twigs from grapevines, red twigged dogwood or curly willow also add a rustic flair. Either hot glue or florist-wire your items to the wreath. Bows are optional. Your wreath will sport its own personality.
So, this holiday season invite some family and friends over for an afternoon. Gather up some unique naturals, put the kettle on for tea or cocoa and make some good old-fashioned memories. Merry Christmas!
by Beth Warren
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