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December 18, 2002 |
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Three Days 'Til Winter...
Well today is December the 18th and as I am writing this the
temperature outside is a warm 58º.
Hard to believe that winter is
only three days away!
The extended forecast shows the
temperatures falling back into the
normal range for the weekend. Normal
meaning low 40's and high 30's. Make
sure that all of your perennials are well covered by some type of
mulch to keep them from heaving as we continue to experience
these swings in temperature.
You'll find that if they are not
sufficiently covered they will begin to think that spring is
here. I
actually have a miniature rose bush that is in bloom.
It is located in a micro-climate
on the southwest side of the house and with these warmer
temperatures it just keeps blooming. Garden-grown
roses for Christmas, who would have thought?
Water,
water, water! Thirty-three days
without precipitation.
Need I say more?
I have been
frantically running around trying to get last minute shopping
done. My schedule has been a
little hectic so I am looking forward to slower times.
One of the things I love the most
about this time of the year is attending the children's Christmas
programs and parties. It is true
how the meaning of Christmas is easily found in the heart of a
selfless child.
P.S. Thanks
for all of the wonderful Birthday wishes!
~ Shelly
Hey Bud,
What Are You Doing Here?
Looking at last year's newsletter for this
date we were surprised to find that this mild weather is a near
perfect copy
of the conditions 12 months ago (for the record there was snow on
the ground two years ago). Like last year we were a
little surprised to venture outside to find our
magnolia tree full of buds. Surely this can't be good?
Last year's advice is true today as well:
- Plants
should be fine as long as any flower buds are protected by the
bud scales. Problems may arise if this (mild) weather
continues and the buds "plump" more.
- Flower
buds are more likely to be damaged in the spring by a late
frost when color is starting to appear in the flower.
- If
temperatures stay below 50-55 degrees there should not be any
additional development of the buds.
- A rapid
temperature drop could create more problems,
then a slow slide.
All we
want for Christmas is some steady rain and a gradual
decrease in temperatures toward normalcy!
Illuminating Houseplant Help...
To keep your houseplants healthy you may need to compensate
for the short days and long nights of winter. Try moving them
closer to windows but make sure their foliage doesn't actually
touch the cold window. Supplemental lighting is another option.
Light units containing special grow lights can be purchased from
mail-order companies or at garden centers. You can also build
your own lighting structure. A standard fluorescent unit
containing one cool white 40 watt tube and one warm
white 40 watt tube provides adequate light for most
houseplants. Plants should be placed within 6 to 12 inches of
the lights for maximum benefit.
Source
Acid
Test...
Mulching your perennials is very important in wintertime. If
possible mulch the root zones of your azaleas and rhododendrons
with oak leaves, shredded oak bark or pine needles. Each will
add a little bid of acidity to the delight of these acid-loving
plants.
Plants
Mite Need A Bath...
Most homes in winter become dry as bone meal. Keep an eye
out for spider mites on your houseplants - they thrive in that
dry air. Females lay about 200 eggs and the life cycle may be
completed in just 7 days. Do the math - it gets ugly fast!
At the
first sign of any insect infestation, isolate your plant.
Several thorough washings with soapy water (two teaspoons of mild
detergent to a gallon of water) should bring them under
control.
A
Supporting Role...
If you are using guy wires around newly planted trees make
sure hose sections (or other protection) are still covering the
supporting wires or ropes. Without sufficient protection the
recent windy weather could cause a young tree's bark to be
stripped away by bare wire or rope.
Winter Wisdom...
You don't have to be a new-age gardener to
appreciate the benefits of Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
This approach to pest and disease control combines
cultural, biological, physical, and finally chemical measures to
prevent and control garden problems.
Find out more in this week's
Winter Wisdom...
Winter
Water Wisdom...
Winter watering is the single most important thing you can do
to ensure healthy bulbs, perennials, trees, shrubs, and lawns
next spring. Take advantage of the mild temperatures now to
water as much as you can. It's not crazy to have a sprinkler
going in December - especially if it's been unusually dry. Also,
make sure to give evergreens a really good soaking once a week as
temperatures allow.
Finally... "All
the leaves are brown
And the sky is grey
I went for a walk
On a winter's day
I'd be safe and warm
If I was in L.A.
California dreamin'
On such a winter's day" ~
Mammas and the Pappas, California
Dreamin' |