Horticulture Report – March 2019

Shrubs and trees

In most areas it is still possible to do dormant spraying of fruit trees until the 15th, after that date dilute the spray by 1/2. Spraying should be done on a still day with the temperature above 40 degrees F.

Late March and early April is a good time to transplant shrubs and trees. As soon as the soil is workable, but before buds have swelled or broken open, you can move shrubs and trees.

Fertilize shrubs and trees if this wasn’t done in February. Use an acid type rhododendron fertilizer to feed evergreens, conifers, broad leaf evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas and camellias. Use an all-purpose fertilizer to feed roses and other deciduous trees and shrubs. If you use granular type fertilizers, be sure to water it in thoroughly.

Finish pruning fruit trees this month – before the buds swell.

Perennials, annuals, and bulbs

There is often a strong temptation to start removing winter mulches from your flower beds…. WAIT!!! Pull the mulch off gradually as the plants show signs of new growth. The purpose of winter mulch is to act as a protector from sudden changes of temperature and chilling winds, so keep in mind that it is still winter. Acclimatize your plants by removing the mulch over a period of days, allowing the light and air to reach the new growth slowly. It is much better to remove the mulch a little later than to remove it to early.

Continue reading “Horticulture Report – March 2019”

Hurry Spring!

2 flats of seeds sown. Spring can’t come soon enough!

Plant Sale 2019

Welcome to the WGC Plant Sale

Please Submit your order no later than
Friday, March 1, 2019.
Thank you for your order and continued support!

ORDER PICKUP:
SATURDAY, MAY 18th 1:00-3:00 PM
0N650 COVENTRY,  WHEATON

(Please note this is a new pick up location)

Order Now

Direct questions to Rosanne Merrill at 630-681-9181
or Gail DaVall 630-335-4486.

Plant Sale FAQ

Need some gardening Inspiration?

Please note that plant pick-up is one day only.  If you cannot pick-up your plants on that day, please arrange for someone else to pick them up for you.  The Wheaton Garden Club cannot be responsible for the condition of plants not picked up on May 18th.

 

Day Lily

Day Lillies planted this afternoon in my garden. Both I won at our September meeting. One is from our speaker’s garden and one from LindaLee’s garden. I’m excited to see how they bloom next summer! I’ll post again when they bloom in 2019!

Horticulture Report – May 2018

May gardening 2018

Ornamental Garden

Prune spring-flowering shrubs such as forsythia that have already flowered.

Fertilize roses early this month or mid-month if you already fertilized last month. Use a 20-20-20 liquid solution when flower buds are set. Mulch around the plants to retain moisture.

Stake perennials before they reach 6 inches.

Pinch back fall-blooming perennials such as chrysanthemums, asters, and tall sedums once a week. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – May 2018”