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December 18, 2002

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.

 


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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.

 


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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'

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