While the trees are dormant and they have no leaves, Cupid’s arrows fly around with ease. Somebody somewhere loves you. No matter who you are, what you’ve done, where you’ve been, where you’re going, or what you’re going thru at this very moment in your life, somebody somewhere thinks YOU are precious. Yes YOU!!! And you ARE loved. I love you and we may not have even met yet! So stand tall and stand proud and let that humbling arrow in, don’t try and run cuz them little suckers can getcha in the wrong place. Well, Happy Valentine’s Day anyway. Bring on the love, Right! It’s the flaming arrows we need to watch out for. I cannot believe we are at the end of another winter and spring is just around the corner. My Pastor said “fail to plan” then “plan to fail.” So let’s all have our plans.
First, I want to encourage everybody to join the Home Depot Garden Club. It’s free. I wouldn’t want to start ANY season off without it. You can join
from home or come in and see me at the Antelope Home Depot at Roseville Road and Antelope and fill out the membership card and put it in the mail box in the garden section of my store. You’ll have 24 hour online access to the garden calendar, clinics, “how to“ classes taught at my store, and awesome coupons for free stuff. It’s like having me all to yourself 24/7. Hey Cupid, shoot me one of those humbling arrows would ya?!
All aside, from last month, welcome Lisa. I am here for you!
Lisa Williams wrote:
I am a first time homeowner and I purchased a home in North highlands in April 09 and I really need some advice on plants and gardening and I found your article in the North Sac News! I have had the worst luck in growing anything in the past and have a question regarding the winter. I have a large Geranium in a large pot in the front yard, Should I clip the plant back? I know that it was damaged by the frost. And if I do cut it back should i also cover it? Should I cover all outdoor plants? I also have questions on pruning trees, and I will wait for the next article and see if I can get answers from there, I also have a peach tree in the back that needs pruning and I have never had a fruit tree.
So, for Lisa and everyone else, I want to cover pruning or heavy trimming. Mid-winter is the best time to do any heavy cutting. First, you can see what you are doing. Second, the tree loses less sap, thereby reducing the chance of fungus. Third, insects are dormant during the winter and you won’t be scattering them all around spreading them to nearby trees or plants. Fourth, which is my favorite, naked sticks are easier to pick up and dispose of than branches covered with messy leaves.
First I want you to look at your tree. Does the shape of your tree resemble anything? Most deciduous (lose their leaves) trees should resemble a crown of broccoli or a lit torch. Meaning, branches should go out or up, or both. Branches that are twisted or gnarled, or that hang downward, need to be removed. Before you start, notate the size of the tree BEFORE for adequate comparison after.
Never remove more than one third of the crown at one time, and make sure the branches provide at least two thirds of the tree’s heighth. Trees are not roses you can over prune. All pruning causes some amount of stress on a tree, so it’s better to error on the side of caution. Small limbs are no problem. For the larger limbs, do a collar cut, that is a small cut just into the tree branch, not all the way thru, on the underside of the branch, then about 2 inches out on the top side, cut down and thru. The cut below keeps the skin of the tree from hanging and tearing like a hang nail. Ouch! The branch falls down and does not rip and cause damage to the tissue of the tree. I can visualize this as I write it so I hope this makes sense to y’all.
It is also good to drive around and look at trees in parking lots (such as mine). These are trees that have already been done by professionals and you can see how they have been cut and SHAPED. Shape is huge, especially for shade and fruit trees. Come see me if more info is needed. I’m here for you.
Bulbs are inexpensive and easy. Choose your area or container filled with the proper soil and do some designing. What would you like to see? Look in your yard right now. Yes, bring me out there with you. I’m already in your hand. While all the summer color is asleep, what areas would you like to see some color in? Year ‘round? Where would be a nice spot for a splash of color? Then note that area and choose your design. Rule of thumb when planting multiple bulbs, tall ones in the back. Remember those awkward class photos? On the package of the bulbs is the time to plant and the heighth at maturity. Most bulbs need to be planted at three times their own length and the tip pointing upwards. Always check the instructions. Remember bulbs, tubers and rhizomes are all energy cells that flowers grow from; however, they are all unique as well.
March's article is somewhat undecided at this point. So if you have anything you’d like covered, or have any questions, email them early on so I may have the time to include them. Oh yeah, we finally have composting units and raised garden kits in our garden this year. So come on in and let’s get started.
P.S. if you’ve sprayed Round Up per last month’s article, now’s the time to dig them all up and spray again where needed. And apply your pre-emergent fertilizer Scotts with Halts or Vigoro Weed Stop on our lawns.
The Plant Lady, That Garden Chick
Rene
By the way, Lisa, some plants require protection from the frost, some don’t. My geranium was also damaged. I removed the brown and put it under my porch until all frost had passed. Usually, they are hearty enough to withstand.