General Garden Care
Mulch perennial beds once the ground has frozen hard. Apply 2 to 4 inches of shredded bark, composted manure or garden compost, if not done already. Evergreen boughs from seasonal wreaths or small sections of Christmas tree branches may also be used as winter protection on garden beds. Continue reading “Horticulture Report – December 2014”
Happy Holidays!
Horticulture Report – May 2014
In the Ornamental Garden:
- Plant summer-loving bulbs like Gladiolus, Elephant Ears and Caladium now.
- Plant dahlias after mid-May. They will start blooming in July until hard frost.
- Clematis need full sun but their roots need to be kept cool with mulch and preferably Continue reading “Horticulture Report – May 2014”
Wheaton Library Flowers
Spring Planters for Metropolitan Family Services
The Secret Garden
Horticultural Report – April 2014
What to Do in the Garden in April
In the Edible Garden
• Erect climbing material for vining crops like peas, pole beans, gourds and cucumbers.
• Add compost to soil.
• Plant fruit trees, grapes, raspberries and blackberries.
In the Ornamental Garden
• Place stakes around plants now so plants can grow through stakes. The cheap green tomato cages sold in most garden centers work well to support many plants.
• Divide perennials when they resume growth. Divide poppies, peonies and iris in late summer to early fall. 4-inch diameter sections work best. Rake back mulch around roses Continue reading “Horticultural Report – April 2014”
Horticultural Report – March 2014
The Ornamental Garden:
• Prune woody plants to remove any dead, weak, diseased or crossing branches.
• Trim back Russian Sage and Butterfly Bushes to a height of 6” – 8”.
• Prune yews (Taxus) in late March. Continue reading “Horticultural Report – March 2014”