How To: Pruning Shrub Roses

Now is the perfect time to get your shrub roses in shape for spring! During their first two seasons, allow the plant’s basic framework to develop, pruning only the small spindly shoots. In the third year trim off the top 1/3 of the plant allowing all branches to reach a uniform shape.

The ideal time to prune is late winter before new growth starts in the spring. Trim off weak, diseased or winter-damaged wood that looks brown and dry on the outside. Remove any branch crossing or rubbing against another. Always leave the newest, healthiest cane. Trim shrub roses back to 12” to 18”.

Pruning tools include shears or a lopper. Always wear gloves and a long sleeved shirt when trimming roses. Use pruning shears designed for roses. A 2” blade works best. A long-handled lopper may be used for larger, more mature canes (branches).
 

Time to Plant Spring Bulbs!

If you’re like me, you’re already dreaming about your early spring garden! Now is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

When to Plant
Spring flowering bulbs are only available in the fall, and you can plant them until the ground freezes. The roots will develop until the ground temperature drops to below 45 degrees, so planting now will give them a head-start.

What to Plant
Pick firm, unblemished bulbs. Bulbs that feel heavy for their size are the best choice. Keep in mind that bulbs are tasty treats for squirrels, chipmunks, deer and rabbits. If wildlife is an issue in your yard, consider planting only daffodils or hyacinths which are distasteful to animals.

How to Plant
The best method for planting is to dig and loosen the soil of the entire bed to a depth of 8 to 10 inches. Mix in some bulb fertilizer with the soil, press the bulbs into the planting bed and cover with soil. Plant with the nose of the bulb upward and the root basal plate downward.

A good rule of thumb is to plant the bulb 2 to 3 times as deep as the diameter of the bulb. Daffodils, tulips and hyacinths are some of the larger bulbs and are typically planted 6 to 8 inches deep while the smaller bulbs like crocus or grape hyacinths are planted 4 inches deep.

Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the bulbs and provide the moisture needed to begin rooting.

Where to Plant
Bulbs can be planted neatly in clumps or rows, or in a random manner to give the appearance of naturalizing. Large bulbs are impressive in clumps, and small bulbs look best when they can be planted next to a pathway for close viewing.

*Note: To help you remember where you planted your bulbs, plant a single grape hyacinth bulb with each clump of bulbs. It produces foliage in the fall to mark where your bulbs have been planted!

Remember that for bulbs to perform well year after year they should be planted in full sun to light shade. Bulbs planted in full shade may bloom well the first year but seldom return. The last bit of advice is to allow the foliage to yellow and die in late spring so the bulb stays healthy and maturing.

Happy (fall) planting!

-Ella

Preparing Young Trees for Winter

Young trees need a little extra protection during the chilly winter months – the trunk is actually the most susceptible to problems. “Sunscald” is when the trunk is actually burned by the sun and can put the tree in danger of developing frost cracks which can harm the tree. No worries! Applying tree wrap is a quick, easy and inexpensive method to protect your tree investment this winter.

Installing Tree Wrap
• First, pick up a tree wrap product at the Garden Center. Begin by wrapping the base of the trunk and working your way upward, overlapping the wrap as you go. This allows the wrap to shed water away from the trunk and prevent water from running down the inside of the tree wrap.

• Continue to wrap tightly until you reach the first horizontal branch. Cut the wrap and secure with twine at the top. Avoid using nylon twine or wire.

• When spring arrives and warm temperatures return, carefully remove the tree wrap. Don't forget! Leaving it on during the warmer months can provide a habitat for harmful insects.

Protection from Animals
Trees are also susceptible to harm from rodents, rabbits, and deer throughout the winter. To prevent problems from small animals, be sure to wrap young trees tightly. Deer love to rub their antlers on the trunks of small trees, so create a barrier of chicken wire around the trunk, and secure it to T-posts in the ground at a height of 3 to 4 feet.

Liquid Fence
For a little extra help, apply a chemical repellant called Liquid Fence to your young trees. This liquid spray can be applied all winter when the temperatures are above freezing, and it will guard the tree against animals.

Take a little extra care to tuck your young trees in for the winter, and they will thank you for it in the spring!

Ella