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December 17,
2003 |
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The Countdown
Has Begun...
Four more days until the arrival of winter, 8 more days until
Christmas and just 15 days remain in the year of 2003. Funny to
think that winter has not even
officially begun and already we have had several inches of snow.
Hopefully it is a sign that Winter 2004
will be white and wet. The need of precipitation has not
diminished so if it has to be cold outside there might as well be
snow on the ground. Not a bad attitude for someone who is not
crazy about cold winter weather. I guess I am not too old to
change my ways!
Kevin and I
just returned from a short stay in Las Vegas where the weather
was in the mid 50's. We actually ate lunch outside on Friday and
the sun felt magnificent. Even though we had jackets on it was a
delicious treat to be outside feeling the warmth of the sun. Once
again we visited the famous Conservatory at the Bellagio Hotel
(photos).
Wow! What a tremendous display of greenery, poinsettias, roses
and cyclamen. Kevin took some really great pictures so that we
could share this spectacular sight with you. Enjoy!
If you are
still in need of a wreath or garland stop by
The Sweet Onion where they are now half price! Don't forget
that gardening tools, books and decorations make great Christmas
gifts!
~
Shelly
Bulbs... Better Late Than Never
Our recent lament over not yet having our spring bulbs planted
sure struck a chord with readers! We've
been inundated with kindred spirits asking when it's "too late"
to get bulbs in the ground. Good news! As long as you can
dig the soil it's safe to plant your bulbs - even into January.
We can't remember a recent December/January period where the
ground was frozen solid the entire time. Look for us to
plant our bulbs the next chance we get!
Guy-Wire
Guidelines...
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.
Goin' Buggy...
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.
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.
Hey Bud, What Are You Doing Here?
Until this last cold snap hit last week
there were some signs of seasonal confusion among area trees and
shrubs. Many had mistaken our mild November for spring an
started to produce buds. This can be a little scary but it
need not be. Keep in mind:
- 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°
there should not be any additional development of the buds.
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Winter Wisdom...
Despite (or due to) the recent wintery
weather, there's been no shortage of curious callers on the
hotline this week. Questions concerning watering top the
list followed by pruning and cutting back. Get the scoop in
this
week's
Winter
Wisdom...
Preventing Snow Mold...
The last two snows caught us a bit off
guard. We still had a fair amount of unraked leaves on the
ground and they are now covered with what's left of last week's
wintery mix. First on our "to do" list once the snow melts
- rake up those leaves. It's just not healthy for the turf
to have wet leaves smothering it all winter. Snow mold is
the most likely possibility and it is best avoided.
Finally...
"I
heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.
'We are
nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,'
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December." ~
Oliver Herford, I Heard a Bird Sing |
