Lawn And Garden Tips

I have received many questions lately regarding winter damage on evergreen shrubs.  The hardest hit in our area seems to have been the smaller hollies such as Dwarf Yaupons, Soft Touch and Helleri.  The larger Ilex compacta hollies seem to have tolerated the winter a little better. 

After surviving record temps and snowfall accumulations this winter, we are finally moving towards spring "green-up".  And none too soon, according to most people in our area. 

Did you know?  A typical backyard bird barely weighs as much as two nickels!  Birds spend most of their waking hours in search of food...without the help of "hands and fingers".  They need to consume as much as 15% of their body weight during the day just to stay warm enough to survive the winter weather for one night.

As cold or wet as January can be, spring is right on its coat-tail, and there is much that can be done in the garden now.  So with the new year comes another chance to get your lawn and garden started out right. 

Poinsettias continue to be a widespread Christmas tradition for both gift-giving and holiday decorating.  Being one of the most easily recognizable plants, the Poinsettia brings an unmistakable cheer to the holiday season.

Borrowing a recent quote from a friend's Facebook post..."Noah? You there?  Float by and pick us up!"...well, it's not quite that bad yet, but we have all had more than enough rain the past few weeks.  At 27 inches above average rainfall for the year, we are ready for some drier weather conditions. 

I am often asked a variation of the same question; either by a customer at the Nursery or via an email from a reader at Ask The Expert.  And sometimes, the question just goes unasked by those who don't want to appear un-informed. 

The Question Is:  "How do I plant a tree?"

Well, that's it then, right?  Summer is as good as over.  The annuals look leafy and leggy, the slug and insect damage is starting to show, and even the tireless daylillies are dwindling down to their last few buds for the season.

Due to the increase of interest this season in planting vegetables, I have had increasing numbers of questions regarding growing tomatoes in the home garden. 

"What happened?  Summer already"?  One of the most frustrating things for a meticulous gardener and homeowner is for their lawn to have problems with fungal diseases.