Germination time for grass seed varies from 7-21 days, depending on soil temperatures and seed species.  Patience and attention after planting are important.  Start the watering process immediately after planting.  Soil moisture levels must be maintained to ensure uniform emergence. 1. Water lightly several times per day, until the seedlings have emerged and are approximately […]

Like a child being born, your newly planted ’defenseless’ garden requires special attention. Here are some tips to help you move smoothly through this infant stage.  Building a sturdy root system during the first  year of your garden’s life will create a strong foundation whence  with a little maintenance you will be able to enjoy […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Remove snow and ice from evergreens by gently tapping the underside of branches with a broom soon after the snow has fallen, before a few days of freeze and thaw. Check fall-planted and shallow-rooted perennials for heaving during thaws. Press plants back into ground and replace soil around the roots to prevent desiccation […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Remove any protective evergreen tree boughs, before growth begins. Remove extra layers of winter mulch from marginally hardy plants and Roses. Deadhead pansies regularly to prevent seed formation and promote flower production. Liquid feed pansies with fish emulsion, monthly if soil is not frozen. Protect emerging bulbs, especially tulips and lilies, from deer […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Continue to deadhead Pansies regularly to prevent seed formation and promote flower production. Liquid feed pansies with fish emulsion weekly. Set over-wintered Canna rhizomes outside in a protected location. Divide and re-plant summer and fall flowering perennials and ground covers when new growth reaches three to four inches. Apply a thin band of […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens The last frost date in our area is May 15; annuals may be planted after this date. Say goodbye to Pansies which were planted last fall. Although they can brave the winter blasts, they will not thrive in our hot and humid summers. Pull them up and replace them with summer loving annuals. […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Maintenance is key! Stay on top of weeding and watering. A rule of thumb for watering is 1 inch of water a week if not provided naturally with rain. Purchase a rain gauge to get an accurate measurement and empty the rain gauge regularly! Plant summer flowering bulbs like tuberous Begonias, Caladiums, Dahlias, […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Weed and Water! A rule of thumb for watering is 1 inch of water a week if not provided with rain. Purchase a rain gauge to get an accurate measurement and remember to empty the rain gauge regularly! Watch for signs of drought stress: Wilting Blossom and fruit drop Upward curling or rolling […]

Flower/Landscape Gardens Maintenance is key! Stay on top of weeding and watering! This is the time of year when watering for one hour between 6-8am is worth 3 hours of watering the rest of the day because of evaporation. A rule of thumb for watering is 1 inch of water a week if not provided […]