Frost protection measures

Here are ways to protect your tender plants from frost:

1) Water thoroughly before dusk. Watering provides insulation in the root system, when it dries it is displaced with air, which is also an insulator.
2) Cover before the sun goes down. Use the day's sun (and heat) by trapping it around your plant(s). A number of covering options exist:
   * Milk Jugs with the bottom cut off   * Old sheets draped over the top   * Create a teepee with sticks and wrap damp newspaper or towels around it.
3) Elevate your pots in a protected area. Frost is going to settle in the lowest places.
4) Paint your jugs or bottles black and fill with water. Place them around the plant and the heat they absorb during the day will translocate to keep the plant warm overnight.
5) Bring them inside! Obviously doesn't work for all plants...but I bring my Mandevilla in every winter to the garage and water it lightly once a week or so. Three years later it is still blooming for me in summer.

To get your plants Winter-hardy, stop fertilizing in September, and get your winter crops in by early October to establish a good root system early.

In the garden,
Lyn

Frosty morning to you!

Earlier this week, when I was dreading the coming frost, I came across this beautiful bit of writing from Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The American Notebooks". It changed my whole outlook...

"Last night, there came a frost, which has done great damage to my garden...It is sad that Nature will play such tricks on us poor mortals, inviting us with sunny smiles to confide in her, and then, when we are entirely within her power, striking us to the heart."

You who have a connection to your gardens will relate, I'm sure.

Awed by nature,
Lyn

Don't Miss It! This Saturday, Oct 23

Down-to-earth and witty, humorous writer, Renea Winchester is signing her book at the farm where the story unfolded. And you don't have to have a green thumb to love her stories! YOU ARE INVITED TO Celebrate the gift of friendship and the release of "In The Garden With Billy: Lessons About Life, Love, and Tomatoes" by Renea Winchester Saturday, October 23, 2010 from 2- 4 pm at the home of Billy Albertson located at 525 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell GA 30075 Please email Renea at renea(dot)winchester@yahoo(dot)com to RSVP and receive parking instructions. (Also on FB, look up the title) Billy and Renea will be on hand to sign copies of the book. Copies are also available at www.littlecreekbooks.com, www.reneawinchester.com, Barnes and Noble, and independent bookstores everywhere. Copyright 2010 ISBN: 978-0-9843192-5-1 www.Littlecreekbooks.com Go. You'll be glad you did :-) Lyn

Make and Take a Rainbarrel home

Hey Folks,

Wouldn't it be great to start the Spring out with extra water on hand? We get the highest percentage of rain in the month of February in Georgia. If you have a rainbarrel, you could be ahead of the weatherman!

Make one for cheap this weekend - details here:

http://watershed.cobbcountyga.gov/files/rainbarrels.htm

And here's another site to give you the low-down on rainbarrel use -- like, 1/2 inch of rain on 1000 square feet of roof area will yield 300 gallons of water!

http://www.rainbarrelguide.com/

I don't know about you, but my water bill just went up about 20% last month. Adding a rainbarrel to your yard is a no-brainer.  Get out there a get one for yourself, and catch some free water!

Lyn

Have you seen a lot of little round, brown bugs lately?

I have, and I am thankful my curiosity got the better of me.  I was thinking they looked like an undeveloped ladybug, but I had never seen these before. They are relatively new, first ID'd in 2009.

Today I checked out the ultimate guru's website, Walter Reeves, and found out a little bit more about the Kudzu bug...photos and more advice here:

http://www.walterreeves.com/gardening-q-and-a/kudzu-bug-identification/

They like to live in the walls of indoor spaces, and they congregate by the thousands, so be sure you have your exterior windows and doors well sealed and caulked!

Hope you are taking advantage of this cooler weather to plant some trees and shrubs.

More timely tips coming this week as we change seasons,

Lyn

Quiet stars of the Winter Container Gardens

Doesn't look much like a flower, does it? But that's ok, because this plants main function is to provide color and texture variation in a drab winter landscape.

Euphorbia hybrids are getting better all the time. This one, x martini "Ascot Rainbow" was trialed in Australia and withstands all kinds of sun and some shade, asking only not to sit in water. It is great for pots and will withstand the winter well in Atlanta.  Sometimes difficult to find, though.

Sedums also come in a wide variety of textures and leaf colors, to help bridge the gap to Spring. Many will trail over the pot as well. You are probably familiar with the perennial now blooming called Stonecrop. Saul's in Atlanta has a fabulous selection of over a dozen varieties. Most are drought-tolerant succulents that live through our winters.


Mix these two winners with some early and mid season bulbs, some kale and pansies -- and you have a colorful pot all winter.

Great day to garden,

Lyn

Will there be a Fall?

It almost seems like we went from Summer to the middle of the Fall season with a quick correction of temperatures over the last few days.

The good news is, the weather is looking ideal for pansy planting. And just for you, Pike's is having an October Fest celebration tomorrow from 5pm-8pm. Here are the details:

http://www.pikenursery.com/

I don't know if it is lucky timing or conscious fore thought, but who care...you are the winner here! Get in for a beer and snack sample and save 20% off your purchase.

If you are looking for specialty plants, like Daphne, Edgeworthia or miniature evergreens, I've got a few excellent connections. Some of these are only available for a short time in limited supply, primarily in the fall, so call me soon!

Chillin' my spring bulbs,

Lyn

Don't Be Lulled In by the Big Box Displays

HOLD ON!

 With the persistent hot weather hitting the 90's this week - it is still to hot to plant those the violas and pansies. Wait another week (or two) and use the time to clean out, and to scout the best deals -- and colors -- for your fall and winter garden.

Consider using Violas with a few Pansies. They are much more adaptable to our climate and conditions. Add Euphorbia and Hellebore to your list of considerations for evergreen plants that can extend your winter garden as well. Check varieties for appropriate sighting (sun/shade/etc) in the garden.

While I am waiting, I'm doing some cleaning and deciding what gets divided and passed along to friends. Anyone need a certain plant for their yard?

Lyn

Getting a Phalaenopsis Orchid to rebloom

While I wait out the next few weeks for better fall planting weather, I'm going to try something new - get my phalaenopsis Orchid to bloom.

Mine was a gift when I was in the hospital, and though it has grown many new leaves, it has never put out another bloom. My plant is very happy right now, because we are close to its optimum, normal temps of  high of 82º, low of 62º.

While I was at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens this weekend, I snagged an info sheet on how to grow this Southeast Asian native.

THE BASICS
Finding the proper light is essential - bright but no strong sun (indoors eastern facing window is best).
Potting mix should consist of fir bark, charcoal (natural charcoal - not and perlite.  The pot should be no more than 1"  wider than the roots on all sides. Watering when the mix dries slightly (th bark will lighten in color).  The ABG recommends using a balanced,half-strength fertilizer every two weeks year-round.

Knowing when it forms buds (fall) tells me a lot. Here is what I am going to do to initiate flowering:

1) I want to induce temperatures that will promote flowering; - daytime below 78º.  This is a challenge, as I do not keep my thermostat in this range and it is too warm outside. I will consider placing the pot in a cooler with ice at the bottom to create a mini micro-climate. First I will track the temperature in the cooler without the plant to see if this is feasible...

2) I am going to add a high-phosphorus fertilizer to enhance flowering. I know bone meal will add this, and it is organic as well.

I will report back with any progress. Let me know if you have tried this successfully in the past!

Lyn

Deer-proofing

A landscape friend recently reminded me of a successful formula for keeping the deer away from your plants.

This tends to be a real problem, particularly in the suburbs in a year or period of low rainfall. Although our year started off with lots of rain, the drier season of late summer is putting more stress on animals to find food and water (sometimes only through food).

A soil amendment and fertilizer, known as Milorganite, is actually made from sewage sludge. I know, you are turning up your nose -- but so are the deer! Actually, the filtering process makes this a very worthwhile organic fertilizer and top dressing. If you will cut the corner of the bag and spread 1-2" around the plant, it will repel the deer. Applying a light sprinkling of water will 'activate' the scent and add an extra level of protection.

If you are having trouble with rabbits, the dry version of Repels All is said to be an effective treatment.

Let me know your success with these products. It's been a while since I had to be concerned with the varmints...

Lyn

Insects on your tomatoes

About a month ago, I posted a notice to watch for the tomato hornworm on your plants. They are very hard to spot as they match the leaf color so well.

 Yesterday a friend asked me how to get rid of them. Really, the best way is to pick them off (watch out for the horns!) and dispose of them in the trash. You can try BT (Bacillius thuringiensis) dust (Dipel), but it is not very ineffective, particularly if they are full grown. I only recommend this if you have many plants and a severe infestation. The other major tomato pest out there right now (my own personal enemy at the moment!) is a black and red creature known as a leaf-footed or squash bug. The best treatment advice is to vacuum them up (or bag 'em and trash 'em). I had taken my plants out to the driveway and sprayed them when I first found them congregating and they were small. Wish I had just bagged them then...they (or others) have found their way back to my plant and are sucking out the beautiful red color of my tomatoes.

I really don't recommend the chemical treatment for either of these pests...you really don't want the byproduct in your food, do you? Check them daily, be vigilant and accept a slightly less than perfect tomato that is probably still better tasting - and better for your health - than the one you can buy in the store. simple may be better.

Soon time to start a fall garden with leafy veggies. Also, select your favorite seeds for fall flowers among the zinnias, cleome, marigold and cosmos. Don't forget fall crocus bulbs as well.

More later,
Lyn

ALERT! Armyworms in the Turf

Don't usually report this until late in August, early September, but lots of Armyworm sightings, especially in Bermuda grass this week. But don't think you are immune with Fescue or Zoysia.

 Generally, they do a little chewing and move on. But, if you have recently installed new sod or have new sprigs, they will be the first to be chewed up. The key is early identification, when they are still young...look for them early morning or very late in the day by pouring soapy water (1/2 oz dish soap per gallon water) over areas showing some skeletal leaves. If you find a population of young worms, you can still treat with a bio control like Bacillus thurengienses (Bt) product name Dipel. If they are advanced in size, you will need something stronger like Sevin.

 All the details are at this link:
  http://commodities.caes.uga.edu/turfgrass/georgiaturf/LandscapeAlert/Fall%20Armyworms%20(8-09).html

 Good hunting! Lyn

Lawns in our life

From the ridiculous to the sublime...here are some facts about lawns: 800 million gallons of fuel are used in the US per year to cut lawns which equates to 5% of the US's total CO2 omissions, because lawn mowers are so inefficient! 2.5% of that 800 million gallons of fuel is spilt while trying to fill the lawn mower tanks which is equivalent to one Exxon Valdez oil spill per year. (Statistics taken from a lecture by Alex MacLean, photographer and environmentalist, in March 2006) And on the lighter side, here is a bit of humor: http://www.comptechdoc.org/humor/garden/ Do we really need so much of it? What are your thoughts... Lyn

Butterflies!

The butterflies are swarming on the Butterfly Bush (more like a tree :-)
Lots of nectar for them...

As much as I dislike the size of this plant in my small yard, I relish the butterflies!

Lyn

Rain Barrels

These fast, fleeting summer showers are the perfect opportunity to be grabbing some free water for your garden...the only thing better is a deal on rain barrels!
Ran across this supplier, 2 for $80, all set up with a spigot, an overflow valve and a bug screen. Marietta at Sandy Plains Rd.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/grd/1885439370.html

As the AC bill goes up, at least there is something you can do about your water bill :-)

Lyn

Keep your roses blooming

August is the last month you should be applying fertilizer to your plants, so give them one last shot at blooms with an application this month of an organic such as fish emulsion. While you are at it, hit the container plants, too. I recently learned that is what they use at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC and they had the best looking containers I have ever seen! Be sure to water in well when first applied.

The other important ongoing chore for those of you with roses, is to keep the weeds and falling leaves out of the plant bed, and to deadhead the blooms. If you are having trouble with pests, try spraying with strong blast of water in early morning, followed by an insecticidal soap spray while the day is still young. (Never apply fertilizers or pesticides in the heat of the day.) If you need something stronger, try treating with Orthonex, which will work for both pests and fungus. I recommend using the organics first and if that doesn't work, move up to something stronger. Towards the end of the month, work in some Mills MagicTM to build up the soil quality before getting ready for fall and winter.

This is one of the beauties (Midas Touch, USA) from my recent trip to the northwest, where they have a lot of rain...a double edged sword with roses. Have a blooming great weekend! Lyn

Coffee or Tea for your plants

Use leftover tea and coffee grounds to acidify the soil of azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, gardenias and blueberries. Add about a quarter of an inch around the base to the outside width of the plant, once a month to keep these acid lovers happy. wise composting ;-) Lyn

Musical Slideshow, The Butchart Gardens

Personalize a photo album

First Video on Gardening TIps

With the help of my friends Dave and Suzanne Rimmer, whose front landscape we renovated early this summer, I am showing how to cut back select perennials and give them new life again. If your plants are looking leggy and weak, even if they are still flowering, it is time to take the shears to them and boost them with a little fertilizer. This will give them a fresh and healthy flush of new growth to take them through September looking great. Here is the link to the YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsBCUTU4BEM The variety of plant we are pruning here is the Veronica 'Goodness Grows'. In the garden, Lyn

Here come the photos

Kept wishing I had a better camera, but some of these are pretty good.

It doesn't hurt to have perfect conditions...they make for some beautiful plant material. Today's selection is Dahlias and antirrhinums (Snapdragons). Working on the album by shade and by sun.

Staying cool

I'll be staying cool this week in the Pacific Northwest. The heat will no doubt still be entrenched when I return.

When the temps start climbing above 90, it's time to pull out every weapon in your water-retention arsenal.
First, if you planted with well drained soil and organic amendments, you gave your plant the very best survival armor it could get. Weather conditions like these separate the strong from the weak. And some plants need babying. I am putting every potted plant I have, in or on the edge of, the shade. Other things you can do to help your potted plants include adding large saucers and make sure those are full, as well as watering the plant well first thing in the morning.

For inground plants, give them a good drink at least every other day. If you were smart enough to install a drip system, run it in the morning.  Add some extra mulch on the surface, particularly if yours has gotten thin over the summer. Plants also use their leaves for transpiration, and with high heat, can really use a misting. Consider doing this in the late daytime hours, between 6-and 8 pm.

I'm getting help to ensure my plants stay healthy while I am away, and these tips should help you with yours as well. I know it's hard to believe, but we will be planting pansies before you know it!

Butchart Gardens Bound,
Lyn

Correction! True Identity revealed...

Yesterday I had a call from my favorite grower at Blossom and Bloom on Birmingham Hwy in Alpharetta. It appears my inquiry about the unusual flower made its way to him through other plant friends...Turns out, what I earlier THOUGHT was a Toad Lily, is instead a Blackberry Lily.

Of course, it came from his nursery, so it was a snap for Reagan to identify my plant! This variety was hybridized, the name is x Pardancanda, its nickname; Lollipop (love it!) So, fellow horticulture fans, the mystery is solved. For more information on this flowering perennial, which is really easy to grow, check out the link.

http://www.goodnessgrows.com/id8.html

Reagan is working on his own version called Hello Yellow and he says mine is a reverted specimen of his cross with Lollipop. Beautiful mistake!


Here's to the unusual that makes our everyday lives special,

Lyn

P.S. If you have never been to this nursery, you are missing some of the best perennials, annuals and herbs in the area. Obviously you will find things here, you won't see at Pikes or Home Depot! Here's the mapquest link:
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=blossom+and+bloom+alpharetta&fb=1&gl=us&hq=blossom+and+bloom&hnear=Alpharetta,+GA&cid=13938087119255095717

Odd sightings in the garden..

I think this is a cicada. It appears to be mating with a wingless relative? 

There are some 3,000 species of Cicadas, some emerging in the dog days of summer. I'd say that's right about now...

Taking advantage of the rain and cooler temps to do a little easy weeding,

Lyn

New Exhibits at Atlanta Botanical Garden

A recent visit to see the new exhibits of edible gardens and the revived Storza Woods, oldest stand of hardwoods in the metro Atlanta area. Get a peek here, but definitely plan a trip to see it for yourselves!

http://picasaweb.google.com/wintercohen/AtlBotGardenJuly2010#slideshow/5492706177938820130


It's cooler in the woods!
Lyn

Bocce Ball

Here is a sport for just about every age group, and it takes very little space...

Bocce, from the Italian for 'bowl' (boccia).  It's a lot like bowling, but the object of the game is to throw your ball closest to another ball called the pollino or boccini, which is smaller and white. There are all kinds of options for finished size and foul lines, as well as surfaces.

We decided to stick with a soft, easy surface and adapt to the surroundings. Our court was built by excavating about 3" deep and filling a trench with sand and rock before placing the landscape timbers on top. Timbers were secured with 12" spikes around the circumference.  (see slide show right for more photos)

This is a quick and easy installation. If you want the serious competitive version, you will be installing something similar to a clay tennis court. Lots of options in between exist as well, from crushed shale to oyster shells.

Here is a link to all the basics - if you want to learn more:
http://www.sportsunlimitedinc.com/boccecourt.html

More photos when the game is in full swing next week at the party!
Lyn

Treasures in the garden

I have had this small, but growing clump of what appeared to be iris (judging by the leaves) that has not produced a flower - until this summer. All of a sudden it is covered in buds and I just happened to find one open this afternoon...

Not your run-of-the-mill Toad Lily, but that's the identity I am best able to come up with. Mine has grayer leaves, runs more pink/orange than the standard purple, and has flatter petals. Still...a beauty!

Thank goodness for the rain,

Lyn

Coping with the heat outside

Here comes the heat wave...water tonight, deeply, at ground (root) level. Most plants need the water BEFORE it gets hot and dry. They are better prepared to resist disease, pests and decline in general health. 
Not too different than us, really. We should also be hydrating BEFORE we exercise or exert ourselves in this type of heat. Proper hydration actually cools our systems, reducing the intensity of the heat we feel.
So, protect yourself and your plants - drink up BEFORE you're thirsty! 
In the shade this week,
Lyn

Latest Design Work for "Active Adults"

Many of us are looking for something easier to maintain and smaller in size as we get a little older. If you are looking to move to a great, low maintenance community with all the amenities and a location that is part of a larger residential development of family homes as well, Windsong may be your destination.

I recently completed a design for the active adult community, Windsong, located at Seven Hills in Paulding county. It sounds far, but in reality it is just outside of Cobb County, with nearby accesses to the East West Connector and Hwy 41.

Of course, I am partial, but their outdoor spaces are wonderful, while being low maintenance. Many models have covered patio areas and 'just enough' yard to garden if you wish. Grass is not mandated, so there are many options to finishing your space as you like.

Here is the design for the model home.

Windsong, LLC has numerous active adult communities in the metro Atlanta area. Check them out if you're considering a change in lifestyle:
http://www.windsonglife.com/

Lyn

Sports Tough Turf

Try saying that three times fast!

All you soccer fans out there - did you know some of the grass at the World Cup this year was developed right here in Georgia? The turf at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban (where the semi finals will be played) is known in the trade as Tiftsport.

http://georgiafaces.caes.uga.edu/index.cfm?public=viewStory&pk_id=3851

This rugged grass adapts well to many growing conditions and came out of the 1997 breeding program at the UGA facility in Tifton. Science professor Wayne Hanna gets the bow for leading this and other similar breeds used around the world today.

Got your own soccer players at home tearing up the lawn? Maybe this should be your turf of choice.

Kickin' it,
Lyn

Whole Foods makes a connection

While I was looking for information on the newest WF store, slated to open on Johnson Ferry early 2011, I checked out the organic and locally-produced suppliers.

Did you know, not only do they buy and sell our local farms produce, they often provide loans to help them expand? Now that is a good corporate partnership!

Here is a page from their blog on Basil and recipes for summer.

http://blog.wholefoodsmarket.com/2010/06/a-bounty-of-basil/

Yum!!!! High in antioxidants and very easy to grow:

* Start with soil with excellent drainage, lots of sun and ample water.
* Harvest often!
* Remove all flowers, always. These take the flavor out of the leaves.

Why not add some to your garden? Happy eating

Lyn

Have you seen this garden critter?

One of my tomato plants was becoming the full course meal for this finger-sized green monster!

Known as the Tomato Hornworm, this fella can strip a plant of its leaves in short order. And without leaves, we have no photosynthesis to create food for our tomato's growth...

Hard to spot, so keep a wary eye out for this chomper! Want more details? Go here:
http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/cimg308.html

Bug season has arrived,
Lyn

Community Service

It's always great to be able to share our time and talents to benefit others. Such was the opportunity for a new landscape for a returning Marine, stationed in Afghanistan for the past year.

Details can be seen online at this link in the Neighbor Newspapers:

http://www.neighbornewspapers.com/detail.html?sub_id=160926

Hats off to all the suppliers that came through with free or at-cost matierals and labor:
Dirt Tech Landscaping - dirttechlandscaping @yahoo.com, Robert Hattersly, 404-934-3478
Stovall Supply - Nick, 404-391-5037
Woodtech - 770-975-3279
Home Depot

Yours truly put the landscape design together and choose the plant materials. I dug a few holes too. Nothing better than the appreciation Nate and his lovely wife Kate had for their gift. Not that it would ever match the one Nate gave all of us by his selfless service. Thanks Nate!

Lyn

First Day of Summer?

You wouldn't know it by the date -- it's been "summer" hot for a few weeks now!

Looking back over past posts and reminded that April was a good month to install a drip irrigation system. Lots of people are tired of the hose and ready to let the plants go and (hopefully) the weeds too.

The reality is, when there's ample water, everything grows...when there's not, it's usually just the weeds that survive. Guess what -- it doesn't have to be this way! If you choose the low-maintenance plants and cultivars, keep your beds well mulched, and treat for weeds BEFORE they get out of hand, you CAN have a lovely landscape -- even when it's hot and dry. A lot of it is in the timing of your activities, to maximize the return on the hours you invest in your yard.

For now, grab a cool drink and plot how you are going to win the water war. Here are couple of links, so called 'food for thought'...

Drip Irrigation - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SSHimq_J33I&feature=related
Low Maintenance Plants - http://ggmp.uga.edu/
Grass Alternatives (jump right to the 2:36 time mark to get to the good stuff on this video) -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj05btwgbwg&feature=related

Looking for the shade,
Lyn

A Sneak Peek

I'm often asked what my own backyard looks like...since I live in a cluster home community, I have to cram a lot of what I like in a very small space. And as the saying goes, ("the cobbler's children have no shoes"), my own space is the last to get attention.

Still, it's looking pretty these days with lots of blooms (tho the clematis are gone :(

A few photos here and more on the slide show to the right.

I am a happy gardener,
Lyn

Watch for Aphids!

We have had the perfect weather conditions to bring out the bugs this spring. While many roses look hardy, a close inspection may reveal a heavy population of aphids lunching on the next set of buds.

Take a few minutes and carefully examine your roses and flowering shrubs for these hungry creatures. Aphids may be green, yellow, brown, red or black depending on the species and the plants they feed on. A few species appear waxy or woolly due to the secretion of a waxy white or gray substance over their body surface. All are small, pear-shaped insects with long legs and antennae. Most species have a pair of tubelike structures called cornicles projecting backwards out of the hind end of their body. The presence of cornicles distinguishes aphids from all other insects.

A simple sharp hose down first thing in the morning will go a long way toward eradicating them. Keeping your nitrogen use down to the minimum when fertilizing is another approach to take.

Always start with simple measures first, least chemically invasive. Ladybugs and parasitic wasps are both natural predators of the aphid. They will help lower the population. You don't want to kill them too!

This year, also because of the rain, I have been using Bayer Rose and Shrub systemic to treat for bugs and for black spot - another temperamental condition that comes with a lot of rain. You also get a dose of fertilizer with this water-it-in treatment.  If you are not having success the natural way, this is a product to consider:
http://www.bayeradvanced.com/rose-flower-care/products/all-in-one-rose-flower-care

Keeping them growing,
Lyn

Backyard Renovation, 95% complete

We're still working on finding a match to some old bricks to create a small patio off the back stairs, but the hard work is done. This landscape went from total shade with 30-50 foot pines, poplars and maples, to 80% sun, using some very substantial tree specimens, including (2) Forest Pansy Redbuds, (2) Dogwood, (1) Brackens BB Magnolia, a Nellie R. Stevens Holly, and a beautiful Deodora Cedar. Nick at Stovall came through for us on the arbor front. Call Nick for outstanding service and stock at 404-391-5037. After a few dozen quality shrubs from Twin Branch Nurseries, and the icing on the cake: 2500 sq. ft. of Meyer Zoysia sod delivered at 2 am in the morning. My clients didn't even hear the truck!

Happy homeowners. Glad I talked them into the larger specimens... the homeowners are glad too.

Special thanks to Robert Hattersly at Dirt Tech for a superior grading job. Robert also came through for us with a good sod broker. With 25 years experience and a positive attitude, he was a pleasure to work with. Call him at 404-934-3478 for just about anything that has to do with landscaping.

Also, a big thanks to the crews that did the hard work - those trees were heavy! (Freddie, Jose, Cruz and Eric).

Having designed and renovated the front and rear landscape at this residence - we just get to watch it grow! For more photos, view the slideshow to the right.

Thank you Tom and Shelia!

Grow on,
Lyn

Backyard Renovation

What a treat to design with a clean slate. This weekend we began work on a backyard that formerly had been a large stand of pines. Having removed these revealed a potentially beautiful backyard...in need of new trees! This is where I apply the adage "the right tree in the right place".

What this landscape also needed was a step frequently skipped by homeowners in the desire to save money. A professional grader was brought in to fill and smooth out the surface so that water would drain properly off the property, thus minimizing any plants or grass sitting in standing water. Dirt Tech gave a us a great smooth surface to work with and helped get those giant trees in
position for planting.

Stay tuned for the 'After' pictures!

Lyn

Discovering Old Beauties

While doing some research on heirloom plants, I discovered this terrific resource for plants that are dated with their introductions.

http://www.oldhousegardens.com/display.aspx?cat=WebOnly

Here is a 1902 Canna grown by Gertrude Jekyll (who introduced Munstead Lavender), named 'Richard Wallace' with glossy green apple leaves.

The website also has old-timey Peonies - one of which I saw on my recent walk through the Norfolk Botanical Gardens. They have Gladioulus in many colors, and Dahlias dating back to 1789.

Their collection consists of Spring flowering bulbs; Tulips, Hyacinth and Daffodils, including the 'Empress' introduced just after the Civil War


And don't forget the Iris! Though I was disappointed they were sold out of this beauty - 'Blue Rhythm', one of several varieties from the early to mid 1900's.

The site has been praised by gardeners across the country:

“I just wanted you to know that the bulbs we ordered from you are absolutely beautiful! The gardens look superb and it is great to know that we once again have the heirloom bulbs that those from 200 years ago once enjoyed.”
        — Dean Norton, Director of Horticulture, Mount Vernon

So, if you have an interest in something new, that's really very old, try an heirloom plant or two. You're guaranteed not to see it in everybody else's backyard!

Bloom on!
Lyn

The Gardens of Barrington Hall - Roswell, Georgia

Tucked away behind the big house on the corner of Roswell Road and Lower Roswell is possibly the only historic gardens in the Atlanta area. Efforts are progressing nicely towards the restoration and conservation of plants and original plant beds.

Find some time to stop in (it's free!) and smell the roses...among the sweetest this nose has experienced in ages. Beautiful iris are in bloom now,  with peonies and other perennials just around the corner from showing their fancy fare.

Scuppernong Grapevine Arbor

The history of the gardens are being discovered among the photos and archives. Completed in 1842, this Greek revival style antebellum home is on the Historic Register. Barrington Hall is listed as one of 50 most beautiful homes in the area by Atlanta Magazine.


Find out when to visit:

http://www.barringtonhall-roswell.com/

Spending lots of time in the garden,
Lyn

Cobb Rain Barrel Clinic Cancelled

If you were planning to attend this event, my sources have just informed me that the clinic scheduled for April 23 has been cancelled. If you have a confirmed registration with the Cobb County Water System for the Rain Barrel Workshop, please call 770-528-1482.

 If you are interested in a rain water catchment system, drip irrigation, pond, mister, or outdoor lighting for your garden, call me. Georgia GardenScapes can install these for you!

Glad I have some spare water in my rain barrel this week...

Lyn

Chattahooche Technical College is #1!

The annual Student Career Days event was held this past weekend on the Chattahooche Tech campus, with the school just nudging out University of Idaho, Provo for the top spot. Over 70 schools from across the country participated in events from Woody Plant ID to Irrigation Troubleshooting, to Exterior Landscape Design. In over 20 separate events -- many with two or three team members -- students showed their competitive spirit, educational know-how, and talents for the experts to judge.

Team Stihl, Ahrens, Gravely, Brickman and Valley Crest -- among the biggest names in the business -- sponsored, interviewed, tested and judged the next generation of landscape professionals. Prizes and scholarships totaling over $50,000 were awarded.

Shown here (blue shirts, bent over) is the Landscape Install team in action. Headed by Jessica Logan (Superstar of the 2010 event with the most individual points) they took a number one place.

Yours truly was bested by many talented Landscape Architect seniors - but still was able to make contribution points for my winning schools total, including those earned in a new event, 3D Computer Landscape Design. I hope to really hone these skills over the next few months...stay tuned.

Congratulations to the team for all their hard work, the many volunteers that made it all possible, and the instructors, staff, and leadership of Chattahoochee Tech for their outstanding commitment to the participants!

Hot enough for sprinklers?

This is Atlanta...and sure enough, we've gone from a touch of Spring to a full dose of what's to come this summer.

With highs in the 80's this week, it's time to think about your sprinkler system. I recommend Duane, from Eden Bluewater Technology. In fact, he's running a special, so call him now before he gets swamped (using the term loosely)

For $75, you get all this:

* Turn your system on and inspect all of the zones.

* Check all of the system components for proper operation.

* Check the operation and coverage of all of the heads and make necessary adjustments.

* Activate the zones with the controller to check the function of the valves.

* Program the controller for spring time irrigation.

* Make recommendations for improvements and give you a quote for needed repairs.

Call Duane Jones today at: 678-333-8081

Please tell him I sent you! And remember...it's never too late to install a rain catchment system or even a simple rain barrel.

Happy Spring and a Half,
Lyn

Sunday at the Garden

This picture slideshow customized with Smilebox

Green Wall Solution

Here's a newish product I came across at a recent home products show, called Deltalok.

Anyone out there interested, had experience with this, or even think it is a good idea? Would love to hear your thoughts!

www.deltalokusa.com

Lyn

P.S. Tripping to the ABG this afternoon. Tomorrow a post with a few good photos of Spring!

Roof Gardens

Do you have a roof garden or maybe, just a garden area that gets regularly exposed to wind and hot sun? There are plenty of options for your containers or plantings.

First you want plants that are drought tolerant, period. Not just after being established, but from the get-go. Plants that are used near the beach often work well...Lantan camaran, Miss Huff or New Gold, for instance.

Secondly, whether you are planting in a container or the ground, be sure to use an additive like Permatil or Perlite to keep the soil mixture from hardening when it dries. Permatil will provide air pockets that will hold water for an extra reservior.

Another concern is to keep the roots cooler. Do this by raising your pots on feet .This is particularly important if your pots are sitting on a cement pad or tiles.

Let larger plants shade and protect the smaller ones. Isn't always possible, but evergreens do help with this. Make them interesting, shape them in a spiral!

from downtown Atlanta,
Lyn

Battery Recycling Program

More Eco-friendly news!
Residents of Cobb County can now recycle their old rechargeable and single use batteries at any Cobb County Library Branch. Keep Cobb Beautiful is partnering with the Library system to offer this free recycling program.
What to put in the Container
Nickel Cadmium (NI-CD); Nickel Metal Hydride (NI-MH)
Lithium Ion (LI-Ion) with Cobaltate Technology
Cell Phones
Cell Phone Batteries
Power Tool Batteries
Laptop Batteries
Digital Camera Batteries
Video Camera Batteries
Any type of Ni-Cd, Ni-MH, & Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery!
Alkaline (household batteries), Lithium Primary batteries are also accepted.
Dry sealed-cell and power-pack batteries are accepted.
NO WET CELL BATTERIES
BATTERY TERMINALS MUST BE TAPED OVER, OR PLACED IN INDIVIDUAL BAGGIES.
For more information you can visit Keep Cobb Beautiful at http://kcb.cobbcountyga.gov/

Free Rain Barrels!

Would you like to harvest rain water, reduce your ecological footprint and save money?

Make your own 55 gal. rain barrel at one of the Cobb County Watershed Stewardship rain barrel workshops!

This workshop is free of charge for all Cobb County residents! Be ready to spend one hour outdoors and to use power tools. You will need a 4-door sedan or larger to carry you barrel home.

We have four sessions scheduled for April 7 and 23. Keep checking our website for new dates.
We are looking forward to seeing you!

For more information and to register:
http://watershed.cobbcountyga.gov/files/rainbarrels.htm
Please, no phone calls or emails.
Limit of one barrel per household.

The end result

We've been trading "ark jokes' lately and even complained a bit about the amount of rain we are getting now. While we are waiting for the dry, hot summer days to come, I hope you are planning where to install your rain barrel or a water catchment system. I am compiling a list of sources for you in a future blog...

Meantime, the flowering varieties are treating us to a beautiful sight this spring. Enjoy the lovely camellias, cherries and specialty magnolias that have popped this past week!

Lyn

Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata

Favorite Links

I have posted some of my favs at the bottom right of blog page...feel free to share yours in Comments (click on the pencil).

Hope you are staying dry out there!

Lyn

Can you believe this was just one week ago?

 

Hard to believe we had three inches of snow less than a week ago! Use these warm days to clean out your weeds, see what's coming up, and plan your new plants for the year. Top Trends this year include:

1. Grow-it-yourself (or GIY for short!). Start something from seed this year. Easiest seeds for first timers include zinnias and radishes.

2. Blended gardens - kinda like blended families, this includes adding fruits and veggies to your garden, right in there with the perennials and shrubs. Strawberries, blueberries, peppers and beans all mix up well with your 'regular' garden varieties.

3. Be a Locavore. No, that's not a new kind of dinosaur... it means to buy locally made supplies, use native plants, forego the cypress and peat (they come from far away and their harvest is hurting our environment). Make your own compost -- try a worm farm!

Later this week, more on seed starting, worm farming, and preventing insects in order to eliminate use of harmful chemicals. Meanwhile, I hear the rains are returning...at least it is staying above freezing!

Will the real Spring, please return to Atlanta, soon?!

Lyn

Free Plants!

My last quote found the client a bit surprised by the price of plants. March and April are the highest priced plants of the year, mainly because they are new inventory for the busiest planting season of the calendar. You will also find the healthiest stock now, in plentiful supply.

But what about free plants, you ask??? If you are willing to do the work, and like using native species in your landscape, the Georgia Native Plant Society may be for you. Each year they schedule several "Digs" where you get to go on property to find and remove plant material that you can take home.

If this sounds like something for you, here's the link:

http://gnps.org/geninfo/Plant_Rescue_Schedule.php

Good luck and good digging!
Lyn

Hydrangea Pruning

This has been a popular question from friends and clients this week.

Hydrangea pruning falls into two main groups:

Group One: Mopheads (such as Endless Summer), Lacecaps, and Oakleaf
This group blooms on OLD WOOD. Pruning should take place in June or July, soon after spring bloom, so as not to lose next seasons' blooms. Remove dead blooms at any time, long stems before August, short stems after.

Group Two: H. arborescens (Annabelle-Large Leaf) and H. paniculata (Limelight, PeeGee types). Prune these any time EXCEPT spring for arborescens, summer for paniculata.

For a great reference sources and more details, see:

http://www.hydrangeashydrangeas.com/pruning.html

As with all plants, prune any dead stems when you discover them to keep your plant healthy!

Next week, I'll focus on new plants to consider this year. Happy pruning!

Lyn

Spring Daydreaming

I would rather


daydream of a warm spring day,

watching birds from a porch ledge in the mountains,

breathing in the sweet air,

feeling like a bud pushing through the bark

to emerge from its winter hiding

and become something new.

Warmer days ARE coming!
Lyn

Comments on this Blog site

Great Wednesday to you all!

Hope you enjoyed the hint of Spring we had this past weekend. Judging from the response I received, seems a lot of you visited your local Home Depot with your used paint cans -- thank you!!!

If you tried to make a comment before, you were not able to unless you registered on the site. I realize a lot of people don't want to do that for various reasons, so it has been removed.

I look forward to reading your comments and including your questions with answers in future postings.

Watch for early spring frosts and add a little extra mulch for protection!

Lyn

Time to cut those Butterfly Bushes down to size

Brought the Black Knight down about 2/3 of original size. Planning to move this fella to a new location shortly.
BEFORE

and

AFTER

Feeling great after tidying up a bit in the garden,

Lyn 

Is there a blueberry bush in your future?

One of the easiest fruiting plants to grow in our area are blueberries. I have two -- in the pots I originally planted them in 5 years ago -- that provide me with weeks of fresh berries for my cereal nearly every June. (I say 'nearly', because two years ago a late freeze wiped out most of the blueberry crops in Georgia, a very rare occurrence for these hardy plants.)
Everybody know the health benefits to the blueberry. What you need to know about growing them is... you must plant two varieties to get cross pollination. I have Britewell and Austin, similar in size and shape. Blueberries like our native soils, and a wet location is great for them -- they don't mind a little sogginess...which we have a lot of from all this winter rain, huh?!
Where to get the best plants and bargains? I suggest you try the annual Pickens County Master Gardener and 4H Plant Sale. This is where I bought mine, which produced berries the first year because they bring in 3-year-old plants. It usually takes blueberry plants 3 years to set fruit, so you get produce from the get go. Sales benefit the educational programs the Master Gardeners provide through the Farmers Market and other venues in Jasper, and the 4H program in the county. It is a short drive and a very well-organized pickup for all their plants. Yes, they have lots of plants at great prices and outstanding quality! They even provide full description PDFs and growing instructions!

http://www.pickensmg.com/index_files/page0014.htm

Check back with me in June, let me know how you are enjoying your high antioxident berries!

Pruning away on a beautiful day,
Lyn

Pruning 101

This is the best time of year to prune, especially to rejuvenate old shrubs, or shrubs that have been sheared to the point that there is little or no growth on the inside of the plant.

Fortunately, most evergreens and flowering shrubs respond exceptionally well to hard pruning (18-24"), if done at this time of year. Some of these include: loropetalum, abelia, azalea, gardenia, hydrangea paniculata, buddleia (butterfly bush). In some cases you will sacrifice blooms (azaleas, for instance), but you will be returned with a much fuller bush within 4 to 9 months, and many more blossoms the following year.

If you have mophead hydrangeas (macrophylla), prune off the dead wood at this time. Oakleaf hydrangeas do not respond well to hard pruning. Neither do junipers.

Many hollies are attacked with hedge shears on a regular basis. Thinning these shrubs to the 'almost naked' stage allows them to regrow quickly, thickly and beautifully.

Of course, there is a right way and a wrong way to have success...absolutely clean, quality pruners to start with; Cut above the eye or bud swell. Always cut the angle away from the bud. If you are trying to keep your shrubs from extending out into the sidewalk, be sure your cuts angle up to the interior or side of plant, not toward the walkway.

Visual instructions:
http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/pruning_shrubs.htm

Or, you can always call Georgia GardenScapes to provide this horticultural service for you!

Snip, snip,
Lyn

A little reward in the middle of winter

It's nice to know that an effort begun several months ago has provided a reward in the bleak days of February.

This year I chose an Amaryllis with a fun color scheme. It reminds me of the pinwheels spinning in the wind from my childhood!

I hope it brings you a smile as well...

Lyn

Rainy days and Fridays....

Lots and lots of rain this Winter! The good news is the water table will be high, for awhile.

As you putter around the garage or shed (waiting for a MUCH better day to get into the yard work), think about what all this rain is doing for (to) your plants. The ground is loosening up for one. That can be beneficial. But there are signs I want you to look for that may need addressing:

1) Soil washing away from the base of your plant. If you have severe run-off in any areas, check that the upper roots are being exposed from repeated rain wash. If so, add some dirt, pack in lightly and remulch these areas.

2) Yellowing of leaves on evergreen plants. The repeated and mass volume of rain we have had has washed away loads of nutrients. Plants are suffering as a result. It will be doubly important that you add compost or fertilizer (preferably organic!) to your plants soon, so the roots can use this to boost the nutrients for production of Spring flowers and general growth.

The other good news is that February is typically our highest month of rainfall in the year. Drier days should be just around the corner!

From the indoors,
Lyn

A break in the weather!

When we get a beautiful, sunny warm day in February (like today!), it's the perfect time to clean out the clutter that has collected in the garden since late fall.

Rake back old mulch and particularly be sure to clean out the piles of leaves that tend to accumulate around the base of your plants. This wet and slimy area is the perfect place for bugs to hide and disease to develop.

While the surface is bare, throw down some organic fertilizer or compost - working it into the soil a bit, if you have time. The torrents of rain we've had this winter have washed away a lot of plant nutrients and they are hungry! Your plants will reward you with abundant growth in March and April.

Don't forget to add fresh mulch (2-3 inches) to protect from the frost that we know will return -- likely a few more times before April 15. Then we should be safely out of the woods from freezing temperatures.

More on pruning next week - February 15 is my kick-off date for spring pruning.

Snip, snip!
Lyn

Frost protection through the Winter

Hopefully the worst is behind us with the frosty weather. Mother Nature may have other ideas, however, this site will provide assistance to be prepared and minimize future damage:

http://www.garden.org/subchannels/care/techniques?q=show&id=403&page=1

Staying warm and looking at seed catalogs,
Lyn

Cold and Salt Damage to Plants

Hope everyone had a great holiday. On to a new year and some very cold temperatures and precipitation that flew through the Atlanta area this past week.

If you salted your walks and drive, I have gathered some information that may be of interest:

Avoid the use of rock salt for de-icing, to prevent injury to plants. Use Calcium Choride as a substitute, or better - sand or cinders.

If you have already used rock salt, adding water will not help, as the salt absorbs the water, robbing the plants and putting them in a drought-like state.

Buds and new twigs are especially at risk and can lose their hardiness against future cold spells. The effects on nearby plants from using rock salt late in the winter are even greater, as plants are emerging from dormancy and are the most susceptible to injury.

If your plants are already exhibiting frostbite, leave them until we are closer to being past extreme freezes. When they show signs of new growth in April and we are past frost (usually April 15 in Atlanta), you can prune the old, dead growth to encourage new shoots.

A few months yet of winter, but let's hope that was the worst!


Lyn