NOT FOUND: 1101-january-nsn-final-new_Page_10_Image_0006.jpgFrost can be beautiful when the sun sparkles on it like tiny diamonds upon the winter sheet blanketed from Heaven, or frost can sneak in so rapidly and abrupt like a thief in the night taking with it all that it touches. Unfortunately, I, too, was robbed of some precious flourishing friends that I have had for many years. It wasn’t that first frost that got them either. It was the second one, two days later. Plants sometimes fall into the dangerous category “outta sight, outta mind”. That was just it. After a severe frost, if you go out midday when the blanket starts to lift as the sun slowly pulls through, water everything with the hose to melt the ice off the leaves. This allows the stomata in the leaves to catch a breath. It kind of opens their pores so they can breathe. If you can catch it in time you’ll find success in the effort.I did that at home and in the nursery at work. This works especially well with the citrus.

Birds of paradise, ferns, bogies, vines, etc. just have to be cut back. Once the leaves turn brownish to black it’s over, but not necessarily for the entire plant. Cut back and cover loosely next time trying not to have the cover touch directly on the plant. Put up some sticks or a wire frame then tent the covering over it. For some of the larger cut backs like the giant bird of paradise, etc., a card- board box turned upside down works great. At Christmas time, decorate the boxes to look like presents in the yard so they won’t appear unsightly.

NOT FOUND: 1101-january-nsn-final-new_Page_10_Image_0007.jpgIf you have a large bedding area, a cheap adaptation is the “cloth” - not plastic - weed block cloth. This comes in a 50 to 200 foot roll, usu- ally 6 feet wide ranging $13.00 and $15.00 on up for the larger rolls. You can also re-use it come spring when you garden new areas which you know you’re gonna do. Remember, when covering the plants, they still need the sun even if it’s dim; the
overcast sky still provides adequate photosynthesis. At night, definitely cover them. Midday (depending on weather), when it’s safe, uncover them. Allow them to breathe and let the branches and limbs get a good stretch and check to see if they need to be watered. We sometimes for- get and think just because it’s cold means it’s wet. The cold, drying winter winds and elements wreak as much havoc on our plants as they do on our own skin.

Speaking of watering, have you insulated your pipes and supply lines? Don’t forget. If you haven’t the pocket to buy pipe insulation, or if we run out, now is the time to take all those miss-matched socks, old towels, etc., and wrap them around the hose bibs or exposed pipes and enclose tightly with duct tape. You won’t be able to see what’s under the tape, and you can just cut it off when it’s time. Once a week, go out and give your sprinklers a run, test
your water supplies then you can run it through and turn them off. A lot of folks provide a slow steady drip to keep pipes from bursting. I’ve heard of many ways and wanted to share a few. Whichever you choose will be better than not doing any- thing. Check out the internet and see what’s going around. Bar-b-ques are a good one to forget if you aren’t using them. Remember to take the propane tanks off, close them tightly and put them in the garage or some- where (that is if you are not going to be BBQ’ing).

Last but not least, keep an eye on the brown spots in the lawn. They’re the weeds dying off or going dormant. Put Round Up on those areas and then dig them up. Place a layer of top soil in that area and re-seed in early spring. Also test your soil now in problem areas and begin to make the proper amendments.

Next month we’ll talk about tree trimming, heavy pruning, preemergents and bulb care. I’d like to add that we are of the garden as well. Give ourselves the same care and attention during our seasons so we may bloom where we are planted. Happy New Year. I love you all and wish you only the best life here on earth has to offer.
Your Plant Lady