The older and wiser (wink!) I get, I’m continually in awe of how life comes full circle. When I was young, growing up in Wisconsin, there was a small stretch of land that we affectionately called ‘Tree Island.’ The neighborhood kids would play for hours in and among these 5 gnarly multi-branched trees. We’d climb all over the trees, swinging like monkeys from branch to branch, sometimes successfully, sometimes not! I have one vivid memory of the ‘not so’ successful. I was climbing and one misstep caused me to fall out of the tree and land so hard, that I encountered my first experience with having the wind knocked out of me. Oh, how I cried as I ran home! Yet, as much as I remember that fantastic moment in time (note sarcasm!), I can’t escape the memory of feeling completely connected to my friends among those big old trees. Countless hours of entertainment coupled with secrets shared and friendships sealed made those 5 funky trees an exciting destination and treasured safe haven.
I feel lucky to have those wonderful childhood memories as a professional in the horticultural industry. I know the technical aspects of growing trees; proper pruning and growing practices. I tout the environmental benefits; trees produce oxygen, harbor wildlife, provide shade and wind barriers for our homes. Yet, to be honest, it’s the emotional sentiment that I gravitate towards every time.
Our gardens are a mirror of each of us and how we live. Larry and my gardens have been designed with several things in mind, but nothing more important than our sheer comfort and enjoyment. We’ve planted several trees over the years to celebrate our loved ones as they’ve passed. Celebrate being the key word. As each season unfolds, reveals itself and then revolves into something entirely different, you can’t help but feel connected to the person being remembered. The aesthetic beauty and function are just additional benefits!
I got started on this thought process today as I ponder the March weather. In past years we’ve experiences mild weather, but have also taken some severe hits via ice storms and heavy snowfall. It’s easy to delight in the anticipation of upcoming as tree buds begin to swell, signaling their desire to pop. Now however, I see the beautiful branching structure of the trees, appreciating the true splendor that lies beneath the leaves. Soon, the branches will be leafed out offering a completely different perspective.
Here’s a suggestion. Now, while we wait for nature to do her ‘spring thing,’ take a drive or stroll down Rochester’s East Avenue. You’ll find some of the oldest and grandest trees in our area; trees that have become finer with age (many 100+ years old). East Ave will take on a new perspective as you realize the incredible Beeches, Oaks and other trees that stand silently and majestically. As I have shared my small childhood memory with you, imagine the stories that these magnificent trees could tell as they have quietly witnessed years of history and happenings going on right beneath their beautiful branches. Little did I know that day as I ran away from Tree Island to the comfort of home (and mom’s arms), I would as an adult come to appreciate the undeniable beauty and majesty that trees bring to our world. Grow some beauty, memories and enjoyment in your world….
...Frances Grossman
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Teasing the Gardening Diva
Nobody likes a tease. We’re taught early on it’s best to (respectfully) be direct and say or do what you mean. Winter, for me, is just one big tease! Here’s why…
I love the simple pureness and sheer beauty of a fresh snowfall. I find myself looking out the window mesmerized by the textures and gentle movements on the other side of the glass. As a gardener, I view the changes in my landscape as remarkable. It feels like only yesterday that I was brushing the soil off my knees after planting in that very same spot. Today, I simply shake my head as I see Larry and the dogs tossing the ball around and running through my (snow laden) vegetable gardens when he doesn’t think I’m looking. Lucky for them; they’re cute and I’m in my winter tranquility mode. This would never fly any other time of year! I embrace winter as a time to refuel for the boundless hours of gardening that the longer days bring and to nurture my favorite cold weather pastime.
My passion for gardening goes hand and hand with my love for cooking. I must admit that I don’t spend as much time in the kitchen as I would like during the warmer months. But now, I take every opportunity to pour through cookbooks and search the web for new recipes. My free hours are now easily filled in the kitchen. This is where winter becomes a big ‘tease’ for me. I am so fired up to gather all of my fresh ingredients to add to my recipes. I love the taste of freshly picked tomatoes off the vine and the delightful flavor that my fresh herbs bring to the plate. Oh… the fresh cucumbers and eggplant and the scent of basil on my fingers as I pinch off a few leaves. WAIT! STOP! Screech… that’s the brakes as I remember that winter has stopped me cold in my tracks! Agh, I can’t just step outside my kitchen door and pick those fresh veggies & herbs that my taste buds are dying for. That’s the irony of winter; the old law that our good friend Murphy came up with. Now that I have the time to nurture my love of cooking, my timing, or my garden’s timing is way off.
Yet as we know, one thing always leads to another. My discovery of new recipes has led me to daydream and ‘wander’ through my gardens. My mental checklist begins. Plant more snow peas & lettuce for an earlier harvest (√). Add a new savory eggplant variety (√). Place the tarragon near the end of the bed and locate another herb to the other side for easier access (√). Oh! And I need a new pair of gardening gloves and the purple hose nozzle leaks a bit (√). You know where I’m going with this… Still, I’m energized by thoughts of what else can be grown, how much, what can be harvested & preserved for next winter and on and on!
As I enjoy my time in our warm kitchen, flavorful scents all around, I enthusiastically anticipate getting back into my garden. Meanwhile, I satisfy my cravings for all things fresh and simple by growing herbs indoors for cooking and placing fresh lavender, my favorite herb, throughout the house. Most importantly, I continue to feed my senses, my soul, my husband and our waistlines this winter with homemade cooking! In fact, as I read another cookbook last night, Larry asked, “How much do I have to expand the garden this year?” I coyly smile (I would NEVER dream of being a tease) and think, ‘Hmmm…’
... Frances Grossman
I love the simple pureness and sheer beauty of a fresh snowfall. I find myself looking out the window mesmerized by the textures and gentle movements on the other side of the glass. As a gardener, I view the changes in my landscape as remarkable. It feels like only yesterday that I was brushing the soil off my knees after planting in that very same spot. Today, I simply shake my head as I see Larry and the dogs tossing the ball around and running through my (snow laden) vegetable gardens when he doesn’t think I’m looking. Lucky for them; they’re cute and I’m in my winter tranquility mode. This would never fly any other time of year! I embrace winter as a time to refuel for the boundless hours of gardening that the longer days bring and to nurture my favorite cold weather pastime.
My passion for gardening goes hand and hand with my love for cooking. I must admit that I don’t spend as much time in the kitchen as I would like during the warmer months. But now, I take every opportunity to pour through cookbooks and search the web for new recipes. My free hours are now easily filled in the kitchen. This is where winter becomes a big ‘tease’ for me. I am so fired up to gather all of my fresh ingredients to add to my recipes. I love the taste of freshly picked tomatoes off the vine and the delightful flavor that my fresh herbs bring to the plate. Oh… the fresh cucumbers and eggplant and the scent of basil on my fingers as I pinch off a few leaves. WAIT! STOP! Screech… that’s the brakes as I remember that winter has stopped me cold in my tracks! Agh, I can’t just step outside my kitchen door and pick those fresh veggies & herbs that my taste buds are dying for. That’s the irony of winter; the old law that our good friend Murphy came up with. Now that I have the time to nurture my love of cooking, my timing, or my garden’s timing is way off.
Yet as we know, one thing always leads to another. My discovery of new recipes has led me to daydream and ‘wander’ through my gardens. My mental checklist begins. Plant more snow peas & lettuce for an earlier harvest (√). Add a new savory eggplant variety (√). Place the tarragon near the end of the bed and locate another herb to the other side for easier access (√). Oh! And I need a new pair of gardening gloves and the purple hose nozzle leaks a bit (√). You know where I’m going with this… Still, I’m energized by thoughts of what else can be grown, how much, what can be harvested & preserved for next winter and on and on!
As I enjoy my time in our warm kitchen, flavorful scents all around, I enthusiastically anticipate getting back into my garden. Meanwhile, I satisfy my cravings for all things fresh and simple by growing herbs indoors for cooking and placing fresh lavender, my favorite herb, throughout the house. Most importantly, I continue to feed my senses, my soul, my husband and our waistlines this winter with homemade cooking! In fact, as I read another cookbook last night, Larry asked, “How much do I have to expand the garden this year?” I coyly smile (I would NEVER dream of being a tease) and think, ‘Hmmm…’
... Frances Grossman
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Gardener's Calm January
Did you feel that? It was the reverberations of the thousand pound holiday hustle and bustle weight that just toppled off my sagging shoulders and onto the floor! Can you feel it too? The sense & knowledge that just around the corner, you’ll be able to reclaim some sense of normalcy and structure. Did you hear that? The sound of the cork flying off the top of my 2002 Premier cru Red Burgundy & the slow ‘clug, clug, clug’ as the delicious aroma of the soaring plumy and violet infused nose replete with soft notes of earth, leather and smoke fills my favorite glass. ‘Ahhh…’ That’s me, falling back into my fluffy couch cushions, relaxing, savoring and loving this quiet moment.
Personally, January restores a sense of ‘calm’ back in my life. The nursery isn’t as busy as warmer months & my garden is taking a well deserved break; I can actually slow down for a short while. I embrace this time to reflect on the past year and feel boundless optimism about the upcoming year. Based on the media rush of goal setting articles & ‘sticking to it’ initiatives, I know I’m not alone! The true question is… How many of us really end up achieving those goals? So here I am, standing tall (okay, sitting quietly with my wine, but feeling tall!) vowing to make this year different... Better… I’m recruiting (or encouraging) you to stand tall with me. Do something beautiful in your life, something beautiful for you.
Not many of us grew up learning how to garden, me included. Unless our parents gardened, it wasn’t high on the priority list of what we needed to know before going off on our own (such as how to wash clothes, cook, and check the oil in your car.) Let’s face it, when put in the same light as basic survival tactics; gardening doesn’t seem as fun or en vogue. We don’t need to talk about staking your tomatoes or why your hydrangea isn’t blooming. You can easily grab that info via Google or your iphone.
We’re going to talk about the Gardening of today. Easy. Fun. Rewarding. Gardening can be done anywhere, on any scale and within any budget. We’ll talk short cuts or ‘aha moments’ that will make gardening and outdoor living all about your personal adventure towards beauty. I sometimes hear women say they don’t know how to garden. Yet, I’ll bet these same women have a colorful potted plant in their window or a few potted herbs in their kitchen. Let me be the first to say… That’s gardening, girlfriend and You Are Doing It!
....Frances Grossman
Personally, January restores a sense of ‘calm’ back in my life. The nursery isn’t as busy as warmer months & my garden is taking a well deserved break; I can actually slow down for a short while. I embrace this time to reflect on the past year and feel boundless optimism about the upcoming year. Based on the media rush of goal setting articles & ‘sticking to it’ initiatives, I know I’m not alone! The true question is… How many of us really end up achieving those goals? So here I am, standing tall (okay, sitting quietly with my wine, but feeling tall!) vowing to make this year different... Better… I’m recruiting (or encouraging) you to stand tall with me. Do something beautiful in your life, something beautiful for you.
Not many of us grew up learning how to garden, me included. Unless our parents gardened, it wasn’t high on the priority list of what we needed to know before going off on our own (such as how to wash clothes, cook, and check the oil in your car.) Let’s face it, when put in the same light as basic survival tactics; gardening doesn’t seem as fun or en vogue. We don’t need to talk about staking your tomatoes or why your hydrangea isn’t blooming. You can easily grab that info via Google or your iphone.
We’re going to talk about the Gardening of today. Easy. Fun. Rewarding. Gardening can be done anywhere, on any scale and within any budget. We’ll talk short cuts or ‘aha moments’ that will make gardening and outdoor living all about your personal adventure towards beauty. I sometimes hear women say they don’t know how to garden. Yet, I’ll bet these same women have a colorful potted plant in their window or a few potted herbs in their kitchen. Let me be the first to say… That’s gardening, girlfriend and You Are Doing It!
....Frances Grossman
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Trees of My Life.
The older and wiser (wink!) I get, I’m continually in awe of how life comes full circle. When I was young, growing up in Wisconsin, there was a small stretch of land that we affectionately called ‘Tree Island.’ The neighborhood kids would play for hours in and among these 5 gnarly multi-branched trees. We’d climb all over the trees, swinging like monkeys from branch to branch, sometimes successfully, sometimes not! I have one vivid memory of the ‘not so’ successful. I was climbing and one misstep caused me to fall out of the tree and land so hard, that I encountered my first experience with having the wind knocked out of me. Oh, how I cried as I ran home! Yet, as much as I remember that fantastic moment in time (note sarcasm!), I can’t escape the memory of feeling completely connected to my friends among those big old trees. Countless hours of entertainment coupled with secrets shared and friendships sealed made those 5 funky trees an exciting destination and treasured safe haven.
I feel lucky to have those wonderful childhood memories as a professional in the horticultural industry. I know the technical aspects of growing trees; proper pruning and growing practices. I tout the environmental benefits; trees produce oxygen, harbor wildlife, provide shade and wind barriers for our homes. Yet, to be honest, it’s the emotional sentiment that I gravitate towards every time.
Our gardens are a mirror of each of us and how we live. Larry and my gardens have been designed with several things in mind, but nothing more important than our sheer comfort and enjoyment. We’ve planted several trees over the years to celebrate our loved ones as they’ve passed. Celebrate being the key word. As each season unfolds, reveals itself and then revolves into something entirely different, you can’t help but feel connected to the person being remembered. The aesthetic beauty and function are just additional benefits!
I got started on this thought process today as I ponder the March weather. In past years we’ve experiences mild weather, but have also taken some severe hits via ice storms and heavy snowfall. It’s easy to delight in the anticipation of upcoming as tree buds begin to swell, signaling their desire to pop. Now however, I see the beautiful branching structure of the trees, appreciating the true splendor that lies beneath the leaves. Soon, the branches will be leafed out offering a completely different perspective.
Here’s a suggestion. Now, while we wait for nature to do her ‘spring thing,’ take a drive or stroll down Rochester’s East Avenue. You’ll find some of the oldest and grandest trees in our area; trees that have become finer with age (many 100+ years old). East Ave will take on a new perspective as you realize the incredible Beeches, Oaks and other trees that stand silently and majestically. As I have shared my small childhood memory with you, imagine the stories that these magnificent trees could tell as they have quietly witnessed years of history and happenings going on right beneath their beautiful branches. Little did I know that day as I ran away from Tree Island to the comfort of home (and mom’s arms), I would as an adult come to appreciate the undeniable beauty and majesty that trees bring to our world. Grow some beauty, memories and enjoyment in your world…. Frances Grossman
I feel lucky to have those wonderful childhood memories as a professional in the horticultural industry. I know the technical aspects of growing trees; proper pruning and growing practices. I tout the environmental benefits; trees produce oxygen, harbor wildlife, provide shade and wind barriers for our homes. Yet, to be honest, it’s the emotional sentiment that I gravitate towards every time.
Our gardens are a mirror of each of us and how we live. Larry and my gardens have been designed with several things in mind, but nothing more important than our sheer comfort and enjoyment. We’ve planted several trees over the years to celebrate our loved ones as they’ve passed. Celebrate being the key word. As each season unfolds, reveals itself and then revolves into something entirely different, you can’t help but feel connected to the person being remembered. The aesthetic beauty and function are just additional benefits!
I got started on this thought process today as I ponder the March weather. In past years we’ve experiences mild weather, but have also taken some severe hits via ice storms and heavy snowfall. It’s easy to delight in the anticipation of upcoming as tree buds begin to swell, signaling their desire to pop. Now however, I see the beautiful branching structure of the trees, appreciating the true splendor that lies beneath the leaves. Soon, the branches will be leafed out offering a completely different perspective.
Here’s a suggestion. Now, while we wait for nature to do her ‘spring thing,’ take a drive or stroll down Rochester’s East Avenue. You’ll find some of the oldest and grandest trees in our area; trees that have become finer with age (many 100+ years old). East Ave will take on a new perspective as you realize the incredible Beeches, Oaks and other trees that stand silently and majestically. As I have shared my small childhood memory with you, imagine the stories that these magnificent trees could tell as they have quietly witnessed years of history and happenings going on right beneath their beautiful branches. Little did I know that day as I ran away from Tree Island to the comfort of home (and mom’s arms), I would as an adult come to appreciate the undeniable beauty and majesty that trees bring to our world. Grow some beauty, memories and enjoyment in your world…. Frances Grossman
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Working on my own garden design ... the most difficult of all projects!
Here's my response playing out in my mind. Sometimes you have to live with something for awhile before it hits you and you say "That's it! Now I know what to do!" I lived with the garden through the fall; now through the winter and believe it or not spring is right around the corner.
Tomorrow I'm going to do a walk through the area and take some more photos. Let's look at the surrounding gardens and how to tie them in to this make over. Gotta sleep on this some more...
Sunday, December 27, 2009
I'm dreaming of a green garden.
What else does a gardener's dog dream of? Long walks, running through the trees, and just being with me. What more could I want? Family, thoughts of warm spring days to come and my friend Lucy always by my side.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Thanksgiving Garden Workout!
Did you enjoy lots of turkey? I sure did and then some! So to make sure the lbs don't stick to my ribs like that scoop of stuffing I did some end of year garden chores today. Mow your lawn one last time short to prevent spring snow mold. Rake/blow out the rest of those fallen leaves out of the garden to elliminate hiding places for moles and voles. Drain, roll up and hang in the shed all the garden hoses.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs Jewelry Party at Grossmans Garden & Home
Grossmans Garden & Home presents: Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs Jewelry Party and Holiday Preview, tomorrow November 20th, 4-7pm! Victoria has just made available two NEW Jewelry Pieces to be unveiled tomorrow night. These pieces have never before been publicly shown.
Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs at Grossmans Garden & Home Video.
Party Details @ Grossmans.com
Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs at Grossmans Garden & Home Video.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Help Me Design My Garden!
HELP! Here' the action and reaction. ACTION: I cut down deseased Austrian Pines that looked ugly. REACTION: Frances couldn't beleive the massive view she could now see of the YMCA. REACTION: Whats my plan? Darn it! I dont have one. i thought i could wing it! I always say "Plan, Prepare, Plant " I Prepared by cutting down dying trees I hated to see. I did not Plan to Plant until spring 2010. What am I to do? Let me know what you think? HELP ME CREATE since that is what I do for you my customers everyday. The best idea gets a free consultation from me!
grossmans.com
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Kill Weeds in the Garden
www.grossmans.com
Grossmans Garden & Home Facebook
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Victoria & Richard MacKenzie-Childs at Grossmans Garden & Home
You are personally invited to attend
An Extraordinary Private Appearance by...
An Extraordinary Private Appearance by...
MacKenzie-Childsfor a Private Appearance for you, and only you, our special customers. This is a golden oppurtuntity to experience the whimsical spirit of these two world renowned artists launching their brand new company. Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs' new creations include dinnerware, pottery, urns, candles, lamps, rugs & more. Thier new jewelry line features unique designs infused with fun, fancy & color! Victoria and Richard are also making available very special 'one of a kind' creations from their personal collection. This is your chance to be 'up close & personal' with Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs while they sign purchases made only at this event.
Open to the public Saturday May 2nd at 9am
1801 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd, Penfield, NY 14526
585.377.1982
Mon-Fri: 9 to 7. Sat & Sun: 9-6
www.grossmans.com
585.377.1982
Mon-Fri: 9 to 7. Sat & Sun: 9-6
www.grossmans.com
Thursday, April 23, 2009
What do I feed my lawn?
Do you want to know what I feed my lawn? The answer: Jonathon Green products; Organic or 4-Step Programs. The reason: Frances and I love a lush lawn. The real reason: we look at our grass and feed it the right percentage of nutrients at the right time to grow a great lawn the whole year.
Quick information about the numbers on the bag; they represent three nutrients and the percentage of each in the bag. Nitrogen for top growth, Phosphorous for root growth and Potassium for general health. So let's take a look at the ingredients in the bags of Scotts and Jonathon Green.
Scotts Lawn Pro 4 step Program.
32-3-8
29-3-3
29-3-4
31-3-10
Nitrogen 32,29,29,31% Roughly the same amount in every application. Does your lawn grow at the same rate all year; or does it slow down in the summer and fall? If you say it slows down read below.
Phosphorous 3,3,3,3% The same amount in every application. Roots need to be be fed and grow differently during the year; read below.
Potassium 8,3,4,10% More plant health provided at the beginning and end of season. If you want a healthier lawn all year; read below.
Jonathon Green Lawn Program
22-4-4
26-3-6
18-0-3
10-18-20
Nitrogen 22,26,18,10% My grass starts to grow in April 22%, speeds up in May-June 26%, slows down in July-August 18% and goes to sleep in October-November 10%. See the numbers go up and down? If your grass grows like mine; use Jonathon Green.
Phosphorous 4,3,0,18% My grass grows some roots in April 4%, grows about the same in May-June 3%, goes dormant (green, not brown) in July-August 0% and in the fall I push roots to grow deep to prepare the grass for the winter 18%. If you want your grass to withstand summer drought and produce deep roots to carry the lawn through the winter; use Jonathon Green.
Potassium 4,6,3,20% My grass wakes up with good plant health in April 4%, needs a bit more when it is growing the fastest in May-June 6%, needs less when it is hardly growing in July-August 3%, and is incredibly healthy when it goes dormant in the fall with 20%. If you want your grass to be strong and healthy as it prepares for winter; use Jonathon Green.
If you want better control of crab grass; use Jonathon Green step one with Dimension. And as an added bonus Jonathon Green is less expensive than Scotts.
Stop in and talk to Barry Green, the owner of Jonathon Green this Saturday April 25th, from 9am-3pm. Talk turf, get in the know and grow a great lawn!
see you in the nursery...Larry G
Quick information about the numbers on the bag; they represent three nutrients and the percentage of each in the bag. Nitrogen for top growth, Phosphorous for root growth and Potassium for general health. So let's take a look at the ingredients in the bags of Scotts and Jonathon Green.
Scotts Lawn Pro 4 step Program.
32-3-8
29-3-3
29-3-4
31-3-10
Nitrogen 32,29,29,31% Roughly the same amount in every application. Does your lawn grow at the same rate all year; or does it slow down in the summer and fall? If you say it slows down read below.
Phosphorous 3,3,3,3% The same amount in every application. Roots need to be be fed and grow differently during the year; read below.
Potassium 8,3,4,10% More plant health provided at the beginning and end of season. If you want a healthier lawn all year; read below.
Jonathon Green Lawn Program
22-4-4
26-3-6
18-0-3
10-18-20
Nitrogen 22,26,18,10% My grass starts to grow in April 22%, speeds up in May-June 26%, slows down in July-August 18% and goes to sleep in October-November 10%. See the numbers go up and down? If your grass grows like mine; use Jonathon Green.
Phosphorous 4,3,0,18% My grass grows some roots in April 4%, grows about the same in May-June 3%, goes dormant (green, not brown) in July-August 0% and in the fall I push roots to grow deep to prepare the grass for the winter 18%. If you want your grass to withstand summer drought and produce deep roots to carry the lawn through the winter; use Jonathon Green.
Potassium 4,6,3,20% My grass wakes up with good plant health in April 4%, needs a bit more when it is growing the fastest in May-June 6%, needs less when it is hardly growing in July-August 3%, and is incredibly healthy when it goes dormant in the fall with 20%. If you want your grass to be strong and healthy as it prepares for winter; use Jonathon Green.
If you want better control of crab grass; use Jonathon Green step one with Dimension. And as an added bonus Jonathon Green is less expensive than Scotts.
Stop in and talk to Barry Green, the owner of Jonathon Green this Saturday April 25th, from 9am-3pm. Talk turf, get in the know and grow a great lawn!
see you in the nursery...Larry G
Friday, April 10, 2009
Roll me another...in the Garden
No matter what they say, my wife loves a lush lawn and don't I know it. So if I can stay ahead of the curve and get the yard work done I believe she will love me even more.
To roll or not to roll...that is the question. We roll and aerate the lawn every year. It smooths out the winter mole/vole tunnels and freeze thaw bumps. The aeration allows for the lawn to cycle soil to the surface while loosening up the soil to allow the roots to expand again.
Next, I love Jonathon Green 4-step products. They feed the lawn the right amount of nutrients when the grass need them. None of this 29-32% nitrogen level in each bag all the time like the national Sc_tts product slams out. J Green provides the right ratio of N-P-K at the right time that makes my life easier by growing grass the way it wants to grow.
So if I love Jonathon Green lawn products and my grass loves the results and my wife sees the results of a lush lawn, I know she loves me too.
Bottom Line: A lush lawn,,,gets me a lot of lovin' too.
To roll or not to roll...that is the question. We roll and aerate the lawn every year. It smooths out the winter mole/vole tunnels and freeze thaw bumps. The aeration allows for the lawn to cycle soil to the surface while loosening up the soil to allow the roots to expand again.
Next, I love Jonathon Green 4-step products. They feed the lawn the right amount of nutrients when the grass need them. None of this 29-32% nitrogen level in each bag all the time like the national Sc_tts product slams out. J Green provides the right ratio of N-P-K at the right time that makes my life easier by growing grass the way it wants to grow.
So if I love Jonathon Green lawn products and my grass loves the results and my wife sees the results of a lush lawn, I know she loves me too.
Bottom Line: A lush lawn,,,gets me a lot of lovin' too.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Woodpecker Valentine in the Garden
How would you like to wake up on Valentines Day to "Happy Valentines Day Honey! Can you do something with that woodpecker of yours"? Groggy eyed I said "Now that's what I'm talking about!" She said, "Hold on mister". I said "OK". And then I woke up... If only I heard what I thought I heard, what a glorious start to my day it would have been.Our conversation went something like this: "Did you hear that little pecker pounding on the house"? "No. I was having a great dream". "When it got done with the house it moved over to the tree. Did you hear it peck on the tree'? "No. I was still in the middle of that great dream". "Well look outside. Look what that little woodpecker did to our house and tree! Can you get rid of it"?
So out the door we went ... hoping dreams to be finished later. "Show me what you are talking about"? There was the damage with no bird in site. Nice job. Oval shaped holes coming to a point on the inside. Uggg! Just what I wanted to do today; plug some holes with wood putty. Sand, stain and seal the molding. Fill the hole in the tree and let the wound heal over on its own. Lastly the solution; hang an Owl from the eve of our log home to scare off the Woodpeckers.
And yes, the romantic dinner, wine and dessert were out of this world. Some men thank their lucky stars ... I thanked my little woodpecker friend instead. For if you peck, you will receive....
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mud, Moles and Mess in the Garden...
So the snow is gone and Frances says "Hey honey check out our gardens". So boots on feet, hood on head, I'm out there looking in the gardens...and for what? She didn't have to tell me, I already knew. Moles and Voles in the beds and on the edge of the lawn. So like a good gardener I mush down the tunnels, check a few perennials where the tunnels have lead to, and push some mulch/soil/mud under a few plants to fill in the voids. Then it's off to the shed to break out the MoleMax. As a natural organic repellent, I spread it in the areas where I see tunnels never having to worry that the dogs might want to go snooping around there too.
So take a break from your favorite book or seed catalog. Check out your gardens before the next snow fall and spread a little MoleMax to fend off the moles and voles. Your plants will love you, you'll give your husband something to do (sorry guys), and you can go back to nesting for the rest of the winter.
See you in the nursery for a class or two.... stay warm....Larry
So take a break from your favorite book or seed catalog. Check out your gardens before the next snow fall and spread a little MoleMax to fend off the moles and voles. Your plants will love you, you'll give your husband something to do (sorry guys), and you can go back to nesting for the rest of the winter.
See you in the nursery for a class or two.... stay warm....Larry
Friday, January 30, 2009
Winter Harsh Gardener
Hey All! I had a follow up question asking more about zone 6 plants and what happens to them during this harsh winter...
Here are some zone 6 plant families that may dieback this winter:
Rhododendron
Azalea
Japanese Andromeda
Mountain Laurel
With in these plant families are specific varieties that are hardy for zones 5 and below. Grossman's Country Nursery tends to air on the conservative side and carry varieties that are hardy so that the gardener will be successful not only during mild winters but harsh ones (like this year) as well. Where a gardener can run into trouble might lie with in the ‘box stores’. A buyer for the box store is purchasing for their territory which could be made up of multiple plant hardiness zones. They tend to have general family and varieties of plants stocked on their shelves for their entire territory. Some varieties might not be suitable to sell in one store while others would be.
If a gardener experiences any of these plants dying over a period of 3-5 years; this is an indication the plant is not conducive to the micro-climate of which they are growing. This year’s cold weather will speed up the dieback process and shorten the life span of the plant. Gardeners should heed our advice before purchasing a plant and remember; “Right plant for the right growing conditions. Then buy the plant. Buying a plant on a whim without the right advice and having it die tends to make that plant the most costly of all plants”.
Here are some zone 6 plant families that may dieback this winter:
Rhododendron
Azalea
Japanese Andromeda
Mountain Laurel
With in these plant families are specific varieties that are hardy for zones 5 and below. Grossman's Country Nursery tends to air on the conservative side and carry varieties that are hardy so that the gardener will be successful not only during mild winters but harsh ones (like this year) as well. Where a gardener can run into trouble might lie with in the ‘box stores’. A buyer for the box store is purchasing for their territory which could be made up of multiple plant hardiness zones. They tend to have general family and varieties of plants stocked on their shelves for their entire territory. Some varieties might not be suitable to sell in one store while others would be.
If a gardener experiences any of these plants dying over a period of 3-5 years; this is an indication the plant is not conducive to the micro-climate of which they are growing. This year’s cold weather will speed up the dieback process and shorten the life span of the plant. Gardeners should heed our advice before purchasing a plant and remember; “Right plant for the right growing conditions. Then buy the plant. Buying a plant on a whim without the right advice and having it die tends to make that plant the most costly of all plants”.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Winter Weather Plant Concerns
Right now the is cold and snowy. Here's whats going on in the garden.
With the amount of snow on the ground, covered plants are well insulated which keeps them from coming out of dormancy prematurely. Bulbs for example.
If a garden was not raked out of leaves and debris in the fall; with the high amounts of snow cover, moles and voles will have a field day because of the snow cover. Once we get a thaw and can see the ground use an organic repellent to keep the rodent problem to a minimal.
Heavy snow loads are ok on shrubs that are properly pruned to hold the weight. Snow should not be removed, but let to melt naturally. Usually the shape of a shrub will ‘bounce back’ once the snow is off. If it does not, pruning will be necessary to eliminate leggy branches. Ideally, all plants should be pruned 2x per year to prevent leggy growth.
Cold weather is great to finally have a hard freeze in the ground. As you can remember during the past few winters, the ground never froze. When high winds occur, trees were wind or top heavy and pulled out of the ground because the ground was water laden and soft. Roots right now are locked in and high winds should not be a problem at this time.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Pruning the easy way to a beautiful garden
Pruning is not a chore but one’s expression of living art. There are many reasons to prune plants. From a grower’s perspective, we prune plants to train them to have full, well branched structures. Generally shrubs should be pruned every 6-8” and trees are pruned every 12-15”. The result on the one hand will be a plant that has strong branches able to better withstand heavy snow and ice during the winter time. On the other hand, a well pruned plant creates a work of beauty during the rest of the year. Characteristics such as flower color, size, fragrance, leaf color during the season, or even fall color will all be enhanced with proper pruning. The end result will allow us to sell a plant that will perform brilliantly for years to come. From a homeowners perspective, we prune plants to keep them from getting out of shape, growing too tall, too wide or more simply put, so they don’t cover up the windows, grow over the walkway, or up against the house. Now whether you are a professional or a weekend gardener, pruning a plant should have the same results.
We need to get to know our plants and understand their strengths and weaknesses. For a plant that means we need to understand where do they grow best and under what type of growing conditions? Where will they provide the best effect, whether that is complementing the architectural details of the home or providing screening between adjacent properties? So before we take on how to prune plants, let’s make sure they are a good fit to the yard. Learn the maintainable size of the tree or shrub so you can place it in the best location. The bottom line is the proper plant for the proper location will allow us to grow the plant as it would naturally. Learning how to prune plants so that we maintain them in an area that is too small for them to grow can truly dampen out spirits as a gardener. So in the end, right plant right location becomes a thing of beauty…living art.
The first principle of pruning is to cut back to another branch or bud where there is healthy wood. When we clip the top off a branch the energy will flow to the bud or branch just below the cut. The result will be buds breaking open and producing new shoots. Most times after the plant is pruned we see it grow furiously. Over the years when trimming is done to the outer portion of the plant the canopy becomes very dense. As sun light is restricted from getting to the interior of the plant the inside branches die out. The second principle of pruning I call "thinning-out". This is the most important part of pruning that most people do not do. And without this step our plants grow out of shape having you ask 'Is it still salvageable"? By thinning, we reopen up the dense canopy by taking out sections to allow sun to get to the center again. Evergreens such as Yews are prime examples of a plant most of you would say looks great on the outside yet dead on the inside. If we were to thin the plant, we allow the shape to remain and allow sun into the center. The buds in the center will break open and develop branches that will begin to grow through our openings towards the sun. The result is a more open plant that does not stimulate excessive new growth. A lot of growth can be removed without changing the plants natural appearance. Yews, Hollies, Junipers are Evergreen Shrubs that can be maintained for years at a desired height and spread by thinning-out. Viburnum, Euonymus, Weigela, Dogwood, and Barberry are some common Deciduous Shrubs that will also benefit from this technique. This method of pruning is best done with hand pruners, not hedge shears.
Though this is a lengthy blog, save it as a general guideline to help keep you in tough with your plants. Or better yet, see you at my next class .
There is nothing like a little hands on... time in the garden... Larry
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Putting Your Garden to Sleep
Just take small steps.... That is what I said while looking from one side of the garden to the other. So much to do... So with small steps here is my list of accomplishments:
See you in the garden... Larry
- Cut back the sedum to the ground; even though they look great in the winter.
- Cut back all those great 'Knock Out' Roses to 18"; then thinned them out to create a uniform branching structure.
- Cut back Daylilies to the ground just before they turned brown. They are easy to cut back while they are standing up and the debris rakes off easily.
- Lightly prune shrubs so they keep their shape. In my next post check out an article about pruning that I wrote for a trade magazine.
- Pull all left over Annuals and rake out the debris.
- Gather, drain, wind up, tie up and hang all garden hoses in the shed.
- Drain the two fountains and cover them to prevent freezing.
- Prune shape and thin many shrubs.
- Apply Jonathon Green Organic Fertilizer to the planting beds. This will gently feed our plants and keep them in good vigor.
- Apply 'MoleMax' to keep Moles and Voles from tunneling in the garden. Remember to apply this product every 4-6 weeks. As an organic control it keeps the critters out by making their skin itchy.
- Start tree pruning....
See you in the garden... Larry
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Back to the Garden Blog...
After a long hiatus many of you have asked me to keep up with the blog posting. I appreciate the support and encouragement. As time has gotten away from me here I go again...and this time (I promise) to the best of my busy schedule to keep you in the loop about our gardens, timely garden advice for our area, and other interesting thoughts all relating to gardening.
Next week, Saturday October 25th at 12 noon, I am talking about 'Putting your Garden to Sleep'. The hour, and then some depending many questions I field, will help you understand the Who, What, Where, When, How and Why many of these tasks are important.
See you next week....in the garden.
Larry
See you next week....in the garden.
Larry
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