Thursday, November 4, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Tips for Fall Plant Care
With fall in sight, there are a few projects which need to be done to move the garden and landscape into the next season. A little planning and some late summer maintenance can encourage a new burst of growth and color that will last for weeks, depending on where you are located maybe months, beyond the new equinox.
Here is what I do to extend my gardens energy:
• Deadhead- both annuals and perennials- if you have a hedge trimmer, it makes this so much easier, especially for wide spreaders such as Shasta daisies and lavender
• Pull out all annuals and perennials that have died or are on that path
• Stake all taller growing perennials
• Deadhead/prune knockout roses for gorgeous late summer growth
• Pinch blooms from herbs. After most herbs bloom, their leaves begin to lose flavor, so pinch the blooms to encourage last minute growth.
• Continue watering container plants regularly
• Apply a fresh layer of aged compost mix to enrich the soil over winter
• Weed- no one likes to hear it, but hand weeding is the best and safest way to control the situation in most gardens. Regular weeding walks through the area can help to keep them in check.
• Note what annuals, perennials and shrubs performed well over the season and what colors/plants would be good for next years gardening
Here is a listing of shrubs and perennials that perform at their best from late summer through fall. This is the time to mix a few of these into your garden or landscape for more color and texture. Plant coneflower, sedum, black-eyed susan, shasta daisy, Russian sage, Knockout Roses, Anemone, Ornamental grasses, asters, rose of sharon, herbs, salvia, yarrow, butterfly bush, carolina allspice, smoke tree, viburnum, american bittersweet, Japanese maples or chokeberry.
I clip tiny branches from my herb plantsto display in my tiny bud vases all during summer. With basil in the kitchen, rosemary in the bathroom and thyme in the bedroom, what a way to tickle the senses.
If you have herbs in your garden that will be maturing over a few weeks time, you will definitely want to harvest and dry or freeze the leaves for fall and winter cooking.
These are just a few chores to perform on a beautiful weekend. You'll get exercise, feel great and your garden will look amazing. Why not open the windows to air out the house while you work in the garden. Then the house will have that wonderful outdoor smell!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Top 7 Trees For Best Fall Color
After a long hot summer, it all begins to change. September reveals cooler weather. The air develops a crisp note. Leaves on the trees are just starting with their hibernation process, which will leave us with their magnificent fall color.
Here are my picks for the top 7 trees for the best fall color:
• Kousa Dogwood
• Sourwood
• Tulip Poplar
• Japanese Red Maple
• Birch
• Pin Oak
• Red Maple
Planting one or more of these trees in your landscape will provide you with great splashes of fall color.
The leaves on the Kousa Dogwood change from a glossy green to a purple/red shade. With its more compact growth, it is an easy tree to add to any garden or landscape.
The Sourwood is a U.S. native tree with gorgeous red to orange fall color.
When we think of fall foliage, many of us think of the orange and golden colors of New England. Need to add some yellow into your fall landscape? A poplar or birch will be the perfect addition.
For foliage in variations of red, plant Japanese red maples, scarlet red maples or a pin oak for the deepest red fall leaf color.
Share your favorite plants for fall color with your comments then visit Greenwood Nursery to purchase your fall color trees.
When we think of fall foliage, many of us think of the orange and golden colors of New England. Need to add some yellow into your fall landscape? A poplar or birch will be the perfect addition.
For foliage in variations of red, plant Japanese red maples, scarlet red maples or a pin oak for the deepest red fall leaf color.
Share your favorite plants for fall color with your comments then visit Greenwood Nursery to purchase your fall color trees.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Gardening with Allergies
Gardening with allergies can be a wonderful experience with some planning.
The low allergy garden is full of beautiful plants that have one thing in
common. They are insect pollinated plants which eliminates wind blown
pollen. There are many, many trees, shrubs and perennials that are
pollinated by insects that the low allergy garden is well rounded.
All herbs, including rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, mint and
chives, are welcome here as well as vegetable and fruiting plants.
Ground covers are used most effectively here. Covering the soil with
creeping plants reduces the dust in the garden and landscape. Wise choices
are creeping thymes, Corsican mint, ajuga, pachysandra, phlox and vinca.
Eliminate damp areas and reduce the use of natural mulch (wood chips,
shredded bark, compost, manure mix, etc.) which produce wind borne mold
spores. Instead use creeping ground covers or gravel. Xeriscaping gardening
is a great alternative.
Choose perennials and shrubs that produce brightly colored blooms used to
attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. Selections
include yarrow, dianthus, Echinacea, hypericum, Russian sage, daylilies,
tiarella, heuchera, veronica, salvia, hosta, monarda, roses, sambucus,
weigela, viburnum, hibiscus (rose of Sharon), and hydrangea.
Low allergy trees include apple, plum, magnolia, dogwood, red maple and
cherry.
Mow the lawn area frequently keeping it shorter than normally required.
Grass that is mowed to 2 inches is less likely to produce seed. It is
generally too short to catch wind blown pollen.
Walk your garden or landscape regularly to pull or spray out weeds. Weeds
are often the cause of more allergy issues than garden plants.
Hedges can pose a problem for allergy suffers as they collect dust, mold and
pollen. Keep them pruned and thinned out to reduce such as build up.
Some plants that will wreck havoc with allergy suffers are ornamental
grasses, most lawn grasses (mow frequently), conifers, aspen, oaks, ash,
elm, birch, walnut, and willow, evergreen varieties and broad leaf
evergreens. One exception to this is boxwood. As long as boxwoods are pruned
hard so that they don't flower, they can be added as low allergy plants.
Visible pollen isn't irritating as it comes from insect pollinating plants
and is too heavy to be carried by the wind. The lightweight, invisible
airborne pollen is the pollen that causes allergies.
When in doubt about selecting plants for low allergy gardening, go with
plants that produce brightly colored blooms so that they attract birds and
insects. When plants are noted as being female, choose it. Male sexed plants
produce airborne pollen.
Here is a link to the University of Vermont Extension site with an article
on Gardening with Allergies. It may be short, but this article is full of
useful information for the allergy suffer who wants to garden.
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/pubs/oh71allergies.htm
Check out our videos on Youtube on Tips on Growing Lavender and Learn the
Basics for Planting Container Grown Plants.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
The low allergy garden is full of beautiful plants that have one thing in
common. They are insect pollinated plants which eliminates wind blown
pollen. There are many, many trees, shrubs and perennials that are
pollinated by insects that the low allergy garden is well rounded.
All herbs, including rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, mint and
chives, are welcome here as well as vegetable and fruiting plants.
Ground covers are used most effectively here. Covering the soil with
creeping plants reduces the dust in the garden and landscape. Wise choices
are creeping thymes, Corsican mint, ajuga, pachysandra, phlox and vinca.
Eliminate damp areas and reduce the use of natural mulch (wood chips,
shredded bark, compost, manure mix, etc.) which produce wind borne mold
spores. Instead use creeping ground covers or gravel. Xeriscaping gardening
is a great alternative.
Choose perennials and shrubs that produce brightly colored blooms used to
attract hummingbirds, butterflies, bees and other insects. Selections
include yarrow, dianthus, Echinacea, hypericum, Russian sage, daylilies,
tiarella, heuchera, veronica, salvia, hosta, monarda, roses, sambucus,
weigela, viburnum, hibiscus (rose of Sharon), and hydrangea.
Low allergy trees include apple, plum, magnolia, dogwood, red maple and
cherry.
Mow the lawn area frequently keeping it shorter than normally required.
Grass that is mowed to 2 inches is less likely to produce seed. It is
generally too short to catch wind blown pollen.
Walk your garden or landscape regularly to pull or spray out weeds. Weeds
are often the cause of more allergy issues than garden plants.
Hedges can pose a problem for allergy suffers as they collect dust, mold and
pollen. Keep them pruned and thinned out to reduce such as build up.
Some plants that will wreck havoc with allergy suffers are ornamental
grasses, most lawn grasses (mow frequently), conifers, aspen, oaks, ash,
elm, birch, walnut, and willow, evergreen varieties and broad leaf
evergreens. One exception to this is boxwood. As long as boxwoods are pruned
hard so that they don't flower, they can be added as low allergy plants.
Visible pollen isn't irritating as it comes from insect pollinating plants
and is too heavy to be carried by the wind. The lightweight, invisible
airborne pollen is the pollen that causes allergies.
When in doubt about selecting plants for low allergy gardening, go with
plants that produce brightly colored blooms so that they attract birds and
insects. When plants are noted as being female, choose it. Male sexed plants
produce airborne pollen.
Here is a link to the University of Vermont Extension site with an article
on Gardening with Allergies. It may be short, but this article is full of
useful information for the allergy suffer who wants to garden.
http://www.uvm.edu/pss/ppp/pubs/oh71allergies.htm
Check out our videos on Youtube on Tips on Growing Lavender and Learn the
Basics for Planting Container Grown Plants.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
Bringing Balance to Your Garden
Bringing the four elements to the garden can open up many avenues into
oneself. Just as Feng shui corrects the positive and negative influences of
interior placement, incorporating the elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth
can bring balance and peace to the garden.
The first element of Fire, representing the South, opens the flow of chi to
the head, neck, shoulder and arms. Its color is commonly red and can be
found in the fire from a fire pit or candles, Knockout Double Red Roses,
Japanese Red Maple, Weigela Red, Red Echinacea,
Gaillardia Burgundy, Monarda Fire Ball, Pineapple Sage, Arctic Fire Dogwood, and
Nishiki Willow. Presence of Fire in the
garden can increase Productivity.
The second element of Water, representing the West, opens the flow of chi to
the abdomen and human emotion. Its color is commonly blue which can be
applied to a water fountain, bird bath, blue reflection ball, Russian Sage,
Nikko Blue Hydrangea, Aster, Veronica Royal Candles, and
Hibiscus Azzuri. The presence of Water brings Serenity.
The third element of Air, representing the East, opens the flow of chi to
the chest and lungs. Although yellow is the color commonly used, air can
also be found through the use of whirligigs, wind chimes, windsocks and
fragrant plants such as Lavender, Lemon Thyme, Rosemary Arp, and Mock
Orange. Yellow can be found in the plants Daylilies, Yarrow
Moonshine, Forsythia, Knockout Sunny Roses, Angelina Sedum,
Echinacea, and Black-Eyed Susans. The presence of Air in the
garden brings Happiness.
The fourth element of Earth, representing the North, opens the flow of chi
to the feet, legs and lower abdomen. Earth is green; the color of nature,
but can also be found in objects taken from Earth such as rocks/stone for a
path or wood from a fallen tree might be used to build a bench. Green can be
found in plants such as Heuchera Lime Ricky, Ornamental Grasses, Hostas,
Ferns, Spartan Juniper, Emerald Green Arborvitae and Boxwood Wintergreen.
Build Confidence with Earth in the garden.
The fifth element, and most forgotten, is Akasha. This element will open the
flow of chi to the human aura and the brain. Akasha, the center of the
universe, is the only element that we can't see, feel, smell or touch. It is
energy or inner spirit. The colors of white and/or purple are the associated
colors for Akasha. Center your garden with Mock Orange, Rose of Sharon Shrubs,
Hydrangea Incrediball, Shasta Daisy, Echinacea, Black Knight Buddleia, Old Fashion
Lilac, Persian Lilac, Buddleias, Viburnum Japanese Snowball
and Lavender. Akasha in the garden creates harmony with the mind, body and
spirit.
Yes, I do have Russian sage in the Western area of my garden, Moonshine
Yarrow in the East, ornamental grasses in the North, Japanese Red Maple in
the South along with Mock Orange for Akasha and those are just the
beginning.
Whether you get your compass out and place the elements to their
corresponding colors and directions or just include these colors within your
garden or landscape, you can still reap the benefits of their presence. To
keep the positive/negative balance, place at least one corresponding plant
in each of the corresponding elements direction. This will allow the
elements to work together in unity.
Other ways to make your garden magical is to bring in plants that provide
fragrance and plants whose leaves or blooms will reflect the moonlight.
Fragrant plants will include: Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Oregano,
Spice Bush, Roses, Mock Orange, Old Fashion Lilac, Persian Lilac and
Sweetbay Magnolia. Plants whose leaves or blooms will reflect moonlight will
include: Variegated Solomon's Seal, Japanese Painted Fern, Limelight Hydrangea,
Incrediball Hydrangea, Russian Sage, Pink Muhly Ornamental Grass, Pee Gee
Hydrangea, Heucheras, Fire & Ice Hosta, Patriot Hosta, and the
Nishiki Willow.
New items are being added to our Monthly Value Page this week for the month
of February. Be sure to check them out. If you are looking for great new
perennials to add to your garden or landscape, you will want to take
advantage of these new specially priced items.
You will find a great selection of trees, shrubs and perennial plants to place in your Serenity Garden.
oneself. Just as Feng shui corrects the positive and negative influences of
interior placement, incorporating the elements of Fire, Water, Air and Earth
can bring balance and peace to the garden.
The first element of Fire, representing the South, opens the flow of chi to
the head, neck, shoulder and arms. Its color is commonly red and can be
found in the fire from a fire pit or candles, Knockout Double Red Roses,
Japanese Red Maple, Weigela Red, Red Echinacea,
Gaillardia Burgundy, Monarda Fire Ball, Pineapple Sage, Arctic Fire Dogwood, and
Nishiki Willow. Presence of Fire in the
garden can increase Productivity.
The second element of Water, representing the West, opens the flow of chi to
the abdomen and human emotion. Its color is commonly blue which can be
applied to a water fountain, bird bath, blue reflection ball, Russian Sage,
Nikko Blue Hydrangea, Aster, Veronica Royal Candles, and
Hibiscus Azzuri. The presence of Water brings Serenity.
The third element of Air, representing the East, opens the flow of chi to
the chest and lungs. Although yellow is the color commonly used, air can
also be found through the use of whirligigs, wind chimes, windsocks and
fragrant plants such as Lavender, Lemon Thyme, Rosemary Arp, and Mock
Orange. Yellow can be found in the plants Daylilies, Yarrow
Moonshine, Forsythia, Knockout Sunny Roses, Angelina Sedum,
Echinacea, and Black-Eyed Susans. The presence of Air in the
garden brings Happiness.
The fourth element of Earth, representing the North, opens the flow of chi
to the feet, legs and lower abdomen. Earth is green; the color of nature,
but can also be found in objects taken from Earth such as rocks/stone for a
path or wood from a fallen tree might be used to build a bench. Green can be
found in plants such as Heuchera Lime Ricky, Ornamental Grasses, Hostas,
Ferns, Spartan Juniper, Emerald Green Arborvitae and Boxwood Wintergreen.
Build Confidence with Earth in the garden.
The fifth element, and most forgotten, is Akasha. This element will open the
flow of chi to the human aura and the brain. Akasha, the center of the
universe, is the only element that we can't see, feel, smell or touch. It is
energy or inner spirit. The colors of white and/or purple are the associated
colors for Akasha. Center your garden with Mock Orange, Rose of Sharon Shrubs,
Hydrangea Incrediball, Shasta Daisy, Echinacea, Black Knight Buddleia, Old Fashion
Lilac, Persian Lilac, Buddleias, Viburnum Japanese Snowball
and Lavender. Akasha in the garden creates harmony with the mind, body and
spirit.
Yes, I do have Russian sage in the Western area of my garden, Moonshine
Yarrow in the East, ornamental grasses in the North, Japanese Red Maple in
the South along with Mock Orange for Akasha and those are just the
beginning.
Whether you get your compass out and place the elements to their
corresponding colors and directions or just include these colors within your
garden or landscape, you can still reap the benefits of their presence. To
keep the positive/negative balance, place at least one corresponding plant
in each of the corresponding elements direction. This will allow the
elements to work together in unity.
Other ways to make your garden magical is to bring in plants that provide
fragrance and plants whose leaves or blooms will reflect the moonlight.
Fragrant plants will include: Lavender, Rosemary, Lemon Thyme, Oregano,
Spice Bush, Roses, Mock Orange, Old Fashion Lilac, Persian Lilac and
Sweetbay Magnolia. Plants whose leaves or blooms will reflect moonlight will
include: Variegated Solomon's Seal, Japanese Painted Fern, Limelight Hydrangea,
Incrediball Hydrangea, Russian Sage, Pink Muhly Ornamental Grass, Pee Gee
Hydrangea, Heucheras, Fire & Ice Hosta, Patriot Hosta, and the
Nishiki Willow.
New items are being added to our Monthly Value Page this week for the month
of February. Be sure to check them out. If you are looking for great new
perennials to add to your garden or landscape, you will want to take
advantage of these new specially priced items.
You will find a great selection of trees, shrubs and perennial plants to place in your Serenity Garden.
Growing Knockout Roses
What can you plant in your landscape that will bloom beautifully from spring
through fall? Hands down, the longest blooming period goes to the Knockout
Roses! Here in middle Tennessee, they start blooming around early April and
continue on to late fall. This past fall, my double reds continued with
blooms until Thanksgiving which was many weeks beyond hard frosts and
remained in leaf through early December.
Plant these gorgeous specimens in well drained, fertile soil in full sun.
With little attention, they will put on a spectacular show for months on
end. The Knockout Roses are smaller shrub plants maturing around 4 feet tall
with about a 3 foot width. They are easily maintained as an even smaller
size with regular shearing. Space the roses 3 to 4 feet apart for a dramatic
hedge.
To keep maintenance to a minimum, prune them back anywhere from 6 to
12 inches above ground in late winter or early spring while dormant making
certain to prune out any broken or damaged branches. Mulch with organic
matter such as aged compost or aged manure mix. Spread the mulch at least 3
inches deep around the plant leaving a welled area at the immediate base of
the plant of around 3 to 4 inches wide so the mulch doesn't touch the bark
of the plant. Apply an organic fertilizer designed for roses as directed on
the label.
As with other roses and plants with thorns, deer are not really drawn to the
Knockout Roses, so they do make dazzling color in areas where deer may be a
problem. The Knockout Rose Family has shown great resistance to the most
common problems of other roses such as black spot, mildew and rust.
At GreenwoodNursery.com, you can buy roses in varied sizes and budget; Knockout Roses, Drift Roses, Proven Winners Roses and Shrub Roses.
Looking for great new perennials to add to your garden or landscape? Then you'll want to check out our new arrivals. Visit our Weekly Specials and Monthly Value Pages for sale and specially priced plants!
Visit Greenwood Nursery on YouTube. You will learn the basics of planting
container grown plants and tips for planting lavender and other herbs. As we
progress into spring, we will be adding more instructional videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
through fall? Hands down, the longest blooming period goes to the Knockout
Roses! Here in middle Tennessee, they start blooming around early April and
continue on to late fall. This past fall, my double reds continued with
blooms until Thanksgiving which was many weeks beyond hard frosts and
remained in leaf through early December.
Plant these gorgeous specimens in well drained, fertile soil in full sun.
With little attention, they will put on a spectacular show for months on
end. The Knockout Roses are smaller shrub plants maturing around 4 feet tall
with about a 3 foot width. They are easily maintained as an even smaller
size with regular shearing. Space the roses 3 to 4 feet apart for a dramatic
hedge.
To keep maintenance to a minimum, prune them back anywhere from 6 to
12 inches above ground in late winter or early spring while dormant making
certain to prune out any broken or damaged branches. Mulch with organic
matter such as aged compost or aged manure mix. Spread the mulch at least 3
inches deep around the plant leaving a welled area at the immediate base of
the plant of around 3 to 4 inches wide so the mulch doesn't touch the bark
of the plant. Apply an organic fertilizer designed for roses as directed on
the label.
As with other roses and plants with thorns, deer are not really drawn to the
Knockout Roses, so they do make dazzling color in areas where deer may be a
problem. The Knockout Rose Family has shown great resistance to the most
common problems of other roses such as black spot, mildew and rust.
At GreenwoodNursery.com, you can buy roses in varied sizes and budget; Knockout Roses, Drift Roses, Proven Winners Roses and Shrub Roses.
Looking for great new perennials to add to your garden or landscape? Then you'll want to check out our new arrivals. Visit our Weekly Specials and Monthly Value Pages for sale and specially priced plants!
Visit Greenwood Nursery on YouTube. You will learn the basics of planting
container grown plants and tips for planting lavender and other herbs. As we
progress into spring, we will be adding more instructional videos.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
Growing Lavender
If you have never grown lavender in your garden or landscape, you are
missing out on the most fragrant plants available. My experience with
lavenders is that they are ever dedicated to making my garden a mysterious,
magical wonderland and me a better person because of it. This may sound
pretty far out there, but if you have lavender in your garden, you know what
I mean.
We have a small sitting area on the perimeter of my garden (next to the
house) where Steve and I sit looking out over our garden. I have lavender
growing along the fence (its amazing as a low hedge) and in groups on the
berm in front of the sitting area and lavender plants sprinkled throughout
the garden.
During summer and early fall evenings, we enjoy this enchanted world right
in front of us. A soft summer evening breeze brings entrancing smells of
lavender as nature comes to life. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are
all attracted to the lavender buds. If a garden were an amusement park then
lavender would certainly be the roller coaster.
Greenwood has lots going on with lavender this spring. We are offering some
wonderfully new varieties. In addition to our regular English Lavenders of
Munstead and Hidcote, we are adding the Jean Davis which is has blooms so
soft pink they almost look white. The Kew Red blooms look like tiny
pineapples which is typical of the Spanish Lavenders. Grosso and Provence
are amazingly fragrant French Hybrid Lavenders.
The English Lavenders are early bloomers beginning in mid to late spring.
Once they complete their first round of blooming, they begin again. So if
you want all season blooming, plant Munstead, Hidcote and Jean Davis. The
Hidcote Lavender grows especially well in cooler climates.
Spanish Lavenders typically bloom around mid to late spring. They are also
referred to as Rabbit Ears or Butterfly Lavender because of the petals at
the top of the bloom. The blooms are not as sweet as other lavender
varieties so they will not attract swarms of fliers, yet honeybees seem to
enjoy them. This variety is note worthy, also because it performs better in
humid areas than other lavenders.
French Hybrids are cultivars of Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) which are
cultivated mostly in France for their oils. Both Grosso and Provence are
excellent choices for strong fragrant buds and for craft projects such as
drying for bouquets and wands. Grosso is especially cold hardy.
The favorite edible varieties are Munstead, Jean Davis and Provence.
Here is a short video that I have put together with tips on growing
lavender. A little advance planning makes Lavender really easy to grow and
even easier to enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
What better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor once your lavender begins
blooming than to toast to your plants with a glass of wine. A red table wine
would be perfect as it also carries the taste of lavender in the wine.
Mmmmm, delish!
All of our lavender varieties will begin shipping the first week in March.
Book your order now and take advantage of our Lavender Preview Sale saving
you 20% off the regular member pricing. This offer is good through Sunday,
January 17th and available only to our Greenwood Gardener's Club Members
which means you do have to be a member to access the Monthly Value Page
section.
See you on Facebook.
Until next time.......Cheryl
missing out on the most fragrant plants available. My experience with
lavenders is that they are ever dedicated to making my garden a mysterious,
magical wonderland and me a better person because of it. This may sound
pretty far out there, but if you have lavender in your garden, you know what
I mean.
We have a small sitting area on the perimeter of my garden (next to the
house) where Steve and I sit looking out over our garden. I have lavender
growing along the fence (its amazing as a low hedge) and in groups on the
berm in front of the sitting area and lavender plants sprinkled throughout
the garden.
During summer and early fall evenings, we enjoy this enchanted world right
in front of us. A soft summer evening breeze brings entrancing smells of
lavender as nature comes to life. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are
all attracted to the lavender buds. If a garden were an amusement park then
lavender would certainly be the roller coaster.
Greenwood has lots going on with lavender this spring. We are offering some
wonderfully new varieties. In addition to our regular English Lavenders of
Munstead and Hidcote, we are adding the Jean Davis which is has blooms so
soft pink they almost look white. The Kew Red blooms look like tiny
pineapples which is typical of the Spanish Lavenders. Grosso and Provence
are amazingly fragrant French Hybrid Lavenders.
The English Lavenders are early bloomers beginning in mid to late spring.
Once they complete their first round of blooming, they begin again. So if
you want all season blooming, plant Munstead, Hidcote and Jean Davis. The
Hidcote Lavender grows especially well in cooler climates.
Spanish Lavenders typically bloom around mid to late spring. They are also
referred to as Rabbit Ears or Butterfly Lavender because of the petals at
the top of the bloom. The blooms are not as sweet as other lavender
varieties so they will not attract swarms of fliers, yet honeybees seem to
enjoy them. This variety is note worthy, also because it performs better in
humid areas than other lavenders.
French Hybrids are cultivars of Lavandin (lavandula x intermedia) which are
cultivated mostly in France for their oils. Both Grosso and Provence are
excellent choices for strong fragrant buds and for craft projects such as
drying for bouquets and wands. Grosso is especially cold hardy.
The favorite edible varieties are Munstead, Jean Davis and Provence.
Here is a short video that I have put together with tips on growing
lavender. A little advance planning makes Lavender really easy to grow and
even easier to enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
What better way to enjoy the fruits of your labor once your lavender begins
blooming than to toast to your plants with a glass of wine. A red table wine
would be perfect as it also carries the taste of lavender in the wine.
Mmmmm, delish!
All of our lavender varieties will begin shipping the first week in March.
Book your order now and take advantage of our Lavender Preview Sale saving
you 20% off the regular member pricing. This offer is good through Sunday,
January 17th and available only to our Greenwood Gardener's Club Members
which means you do have to be a member to access the Monthly Value Page
section.
See you on Facebook.
Until next time.......Cheryl
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Growing Blackberry, Raspberry and Muscadine Plants
Blackberry and raspberry plants are self-fertile or self-pollinating.
Although they don't need a pollinator, planting another variety nearby will
increase their fruit production. Erect plants should be planted 3 to 5 feet
apart in full sun in soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Keep the root
collar or crown (where the root mass begins) no more than ½ inch below the
ground's surface. Trailing varieties need spacing of 8 to 10 feet between
plants and will need to be trellised. Our plants typically bear fruit in 2
to 3 years, after which they generally yield 2 to 4 quarts per plant.
Our erect or upright blackberry plants are the Apache (which is probably the
sweetest in flavor), Arapaho and Ouachita while our erect or upright
raspberry plants are Anne, Heritage (an ever bearing) and Nova Summer Red.
The Triple Crown and Cumberland are trailing varieties.
Without knowing which plant variety has been planted, it is often difficult
to tell raspberry and blackberry plants apart until harvest time. When ripe,
raspberries come off with the core remaining on the plant. This leaves a
hole in the top of the berry making it hollow and quite perishable. This is
why raspberries are pricey at the market.
Don't plant raspberry, blackberry or strawberry plants where potatoes,
tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, or other berry plants (including other
strawberry, raspberry or blackberry) have grown in the past 3 years. Fungus
disease and insect pests may still be in the soil in those areas.
Here is a quick link to our planting and care information for blackberry and
raspberry plants as well as links to recipes for the fruits, including wines
and jellies:
https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/planting-blackberry-and-raspberry-plants
A fun fact on muscadines is that all varieties bloom at the same time even
though they may bear fruit at different times. So, when you see them noted
on their description pages as early or late season, that means the time of
growing season that their fruit will be ready for harvest. Typical harvest
times often begin as early as late August (for early) through October (for
late).
Muscadines are either female or self-fertile. Female vines must be planted
within 50 feet of a self-fertile muscadine vine to bear fruit. The more
pollinators you have nearby the more fruit the female plants will yield,
although one self-fertile muscadine vine will pollinated up to 3 female
vines.
Quick info on the muscadines is:
• Black Beauty-female-late season-black berry
• Darlene-female-early season-bronze berry
• Ison-self-fertile-early to mid season-black berry
• Tara-self-fertile-early to mid season-bronze berry
• Late Fry-self-fertile-late season-bronze berry
Regardless of which self-fertile pollinator you choose, it will not affect
the color or other characteristics of the fruit from the female plant.
Muscadines, as with most fruiting plants, require full sun and a pH level of
6.0 to 6.5. Space muscadines 15 'apart with 10' rows for home gardens.
Muscadines will need to be grown on trellises. Sawdust, cottonseed mote or
peat moss will either slow down growth, damage or kill the plants. Do not
use manure of any kind around young muscadine plants.
Typical yields for female plants are 60 lbs. per vine with the self-fertile
varieties producing 80 lbs. per vine. Our plants should begin bearing fruit
in 2 to 3 years.
When reading the plant descriptions, you will see the term dry stem scar on
these plants. This refers to the plant varieties that are used in commercial
production. It means that the berries of these varieties do not tear or
separate easily from the cluster giving them excellent holding or storing
quality.
For complete growing muscadine instructions along with links to jelly, wine and other
recipes for muscadines, click here:
https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/muscadine-cultivation
You can still book your lavender plants for spring shipping as they will begin going out the first week in March. Here is our video on Tips for Growing Lavender:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to email me on the videos.
The most frequent comment is about my garden cats. About 6 rescued kitties
make their home in my garden (and yes they have been fixed!). Two of them
are quite friendly and very outspoken as you can hear. I think they are
offering suggestions to the camera operator. What do you think?
When checking out the Lavender Tips video, be sure to view our other one as
well which will offer you the basics on planting container grown trees,
shrubs and perennials. It's so simple!
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
Although they don't need a pollinator, planting another variety nearby will
increase their fruit production. Erect plants should be planted 3 to 5 feet
apart in full sun in soil with a pH level of 6.0 to 6.5. Keep the root
collar or crown (where the root mass begins) no more than ½ inch below the
ground's surface. Trailing varieties need spacing of 8 to 10 feet between
plants and will need to be trellised. Our plants typically bear fruit in 2
to 3 years, after which they generally yield 2 to 4 quarts per plant.
Our erect or upright blackberry plants are the Apache (which is probably the
sweetest in flavor), Arapaho and Ouachita while our erect or upright
raspberry plants are Anne, Heritage (an ever bearing) and Nova Summer Red.
The Triple Crown and Cumberland are trailing varieties.
Without knowing which plant variety has been planted, it is often difficult
to tell raspberry and blackberry plants apart until harvest time. When ripe,
raspberries come off with the core remaining on the plant. This leaves a
hole in the top of the berry making it hollow and quite perishable. This is
why raspberries are pricey at the market.
Don't plant raspberry, blackberry or strawberry plants where potatoes,
tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, or other berry plants (including other
strawberry, raspberry or blackberry) have grown in the past 3 years. Fungus
disease and insect pests may still be in the soil in those areas.
Here is a quick link to our planting and care information for blackberry and
raspberry plants as well as links to recipes for the fruits, including wines
and jellies:
https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/planting-blackberry-and-raspberry-plants
A fun fact on muscadines is that all varieties bloom at the same time even
though they may bear fruit at different times. So, when you see them noted
on their description pages as early or late season, that means the time of
growing season that their fruit will be ready for harvest. Typical harvest
times often begin as early as late August (for early) through October (for
late).
Muscadines are either female or self-fertile. Female vines must be planted
within 50 feet of a self-fertile muscadine vine to bear fruit. The more
pollinators you have nearby the more fruit the female plants will yield,
although one self-fertile muscadine vine will pollinated up to 3 female
vines.
Quick info on the muscadines is:
• Black Beauty-female-late season-black berry
• Darlene-female-early season-bronze berry
• Ison-self-fertile-early to mid season-black berry
• Tara-self-fertile-early to mid season-bronze berry
• Late Fry-self-fertile-late season-bronze berry
Regardless of which self-fertile pollinator you choose, it will not affect
the color or other characteristics of the fruit from the female plant.
Muscadines, as with most fruiting plants, require full sun and a pH level of
6.0 to 6.5. Space muscadines 15 'apart with 10' rows for home gardens.
Muscadines will need to be grown on trellises. Sawdust, cottonseed mote or
peat moss will either slow down growth, damage or kill the plants. Do not
use manure of any kind around young muscadine plants.
Typical yields for female plants are 60 lbs. per vine with the self-fertile
varieties producing 80 lbs. per vine. Our plants should begin bearing fruit
in 2 to 3 years.
When reading the plant descriptions, you will see the term dry stem scar on
these plants. This refers to the plant varieties that are used in commercial
production. It means that the berries of these varieties do not tear or
separate easily from the cluster giving them excellent holding or storing
quality.
For complete growing muscadine instructions along with links to jelly, wine and other
recipes for muscadines, click here:
https://www.greenwoodnursery.com/muscadine-cultivation
You can still book your lavender plants for spring shipping as they will begin going out the first week in March. Here is our video on Tips for Growing Lavender:
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
I'd like to thank everyone for taking the time to email me on the videos.
The most frequent comment is about my garden cats. About 6 rescued kitties
make their home in my garden (and yes they have been fixed!). Two of them
are quite friendly and very outspoken as you can hear. I think they are
offering suggestions to the camera operator. What do you think?
When checking out the Lavender Tips video, be sure to view our other one as
well which will offer you the basics on planting container grown trees,
shrubs and perennials. It's so simple!
http://www.youtube.com/user/GreenwoodNursery
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)