These are a few of our summer projects, call us with yours.

Check out the July newsletter to see some of the projects we have been working on.

http://myemail.constantcontact.com/These-are-a-few-of-our-summer-projects-call-us-with-yours-.html?soid=1104982944739&aid=9Gtg-hpwVhg

Water Me !

We had some much needed rain on Friday afternoon unfortunately it came in the form of a thunderstorm and not a long, slow, soaking rain.

For those of us that install and care for plants we are always telling out clients that this kind of storm does not provide sufficient moisture to "skip" a watering. I just went an pulled a few soil cores from the lawn area outside my office window to find the soil is like dust again, no moisture down about 6" .



Watching the weather yesterday they were discussing what could be our 4th heat wave this week and we are still in July. The only rain in the forecast is showers. Speaking for all of your plants they would appreciate some water. It is critical for plants that were planted this year as well as plants that were planted last year. I was reminded of this just last week when I noticed a number of azaleas that we planted last fall struggling because that had had no additional water this year.

We are recommending that you water your landscape plants. For well established plants a good soaking every two weeks or so is adequate. For new plantings without the extensive root system of established plants please follow the care instructions that may have been on the tag or provided by the installer. For evergreen plants it is beneficial to continue the watering operations into the early winter since they will continue to loose water through the needles or leaves all winter long.

If the idea of holding a hose is not your idea of fun there are other options ranging from a soaker hose to a fully automated irrigation system. If you have any questions or need any assistance please let us know.

Winter Plant Injury

The last ten years or so have seen normal to milder temperatures characterized by the absence of extreme cold like we have seen over the weekend to mid week, therefore there has been limited injury to ornamentals over this time period.

This year we are seeing temperatures that are running a few degrees below average and as noted an extremely cold snap that will last at least thru the day on Monday. In looking to spring what kind of damage can we expect from this colder than normal winter to date?

Typical winter damage can be seen as winter burn or physical damage from the weight of snow loads, damage that cant be seen is underground in the root zone. Damage rarely occurs on plants that are native to the area since they are well suited to the conditions. With ornamentals the damage will occur on plants that are at the northern edges of their hardiness zones.

Roots may be damaged or killed as a result of the extreme cold or they could be damaged by frost heave. Either way the best cure for root damage is to adequately insulate the soil with a thick layer of mulch. this will help to mitigate the extremes in temperature and limit any heaving in the soil.

To mitigate the effects of winter burn ensure plants have adequate moisture going into the winter months. If there is a time that the soil defrosts and you can water during the winter that will help as well. Applying an anti desiccant such as wilt proof prior to the temperatures staying in the low thirty's will also help to limit winter burn. Physical damage is generally caused by snow load on the branches of trees and shrubs. With colder temperatures the branches are brittle so be careful while removing the snow. Snow is actually a good insulator of the ground and plants during the cold months.

Some of the information included came from: The Effects of Cold January Temperatures on Landscape Plants. Ron Kujawski, Extension Educator UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program.

Happy New Year

Our January news from the garden is availible on line.

We have the top ten reasons to think about your garden in the winter

Removing snow and ice from pavers, concrete, brick, and bluestone.

A few good recipes that dont require a grill and standing out in the cold.

http://www.garrettchurchill.com/news/1_2011.htm

Winter Pond Care

With what could be the last days of January that are above freezing there are a few chores you should consider taking care of in the pond before it freezes again.

1. Remove as much organic debris from the pond as possible. Use a net to remove leaves. Cut back any plants that may still be in the pond. If this debris is left in the pond it will decompose. The decomposition process will give off gases that are toxic to the fish.

2. If you are keeping the pump running for the winter remove any filter media that may slow the water enough to allow it to freeze. If you are not going to keep the pump running now would be a good time to remove it.

3. If the pump is coming out make sure you install a heater or an aerator to keep a hole in the ice during the winter months.

If your pond is deeper than 18" there is very little chance it will freeze solid in our climate. Keeping the pump running will ensure that the pond only freezes on the surface.

Limiting the organic debris left to decay in the pond over winter and utilizing a method to keep a hole in the ice so any gases can escape will give your fish the best chance of surviving the winter.

PLEASE do not hit the ice with a hammer should your pond freeze over, it will cause a concussive force that may kill your fish.

December News From The Garden

The December News from the Garden is available on-line at

http://www.garrettchurchill.com/news/12.2010.htm.

Check out the holiday recipes provided by Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet.

Be sure to check the things to do article for ways to protect your home during the winter months.

This is the second consecutive news letter we have sent out. By the time spring roles around I may have done this enough tomes to actually role through the entire season. Wish me luck. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered in the news letter or specific garden questions please let me know.

info@garrettchurchill.com

November News From The Garden

Our most recent Newsletter is availible on line. The contents include
Fall Garden Care
Fall Planting Specials
Holiday Lighting
Landscape Lighting
Gift Certificates
You can access the newsletter at http://www.garrettchurchill.com/news/11.2010.htm