Fall into Fall
August 2008
It's mum time! We have 33 great varieties this year! Choose from bright yellows, deep orange, purples, reds, bronze and white. Mums are great for containers or plant them directly into the garden for weeks of color!
Dig the hole large enough so the entire root ball is about 1” below ground level. After filling in with soil, apply mulch on top such as Back to Nature Cotton Burr Compost. Keep plants well watered until early winter.
Traditional fertilizer is not recommended for fall planting; however Fertilome Root Stimulator will help plants become more established before winter.
In April when new growth starts, apply Fertilome Gardeners Special. After plants have grown to 8-10” tall, cut them back to 4-6”.
By July 10th the plants should be no taller than 12”. Some varieties may need a second shearing at this time to shorten them to 12”.
Do not trim after July 15th. A second application of Fertilome Gardeners Special should be made in mid July to maximize the flowers for fall!
What's New?
Ornamental Peppers
Beat the heat with ornamental peppers. These terrific plants grow well in all day sun and partial shade. The bright colored fruits add a festive touch to a container or plant them directly into a flower border. These peppers are also great for fall decorating!
Fall Asters
Butterflies flock to our fall asters! These great perennials are very winter hardy and drought tolerant when they are well established. We have eight varieties this year.
Marie III
Our new double aster variety is Marie III. These dark pink double flowers bloom on mounded plants.
Hazy Aster
Hazy is our other new variety of aster. The raspberry colored flowers are held on strong stems that hold up well in the wind and rain.
Dragon Wing Begonias
This amazing begonia is a spectacular plant. It has huge angel wing type leaves and large blood red flowers. It thrives in the heat and grows in sun or shade. Try it once and it will be on your must have list every year!
Alocasia Plumbae Nigra
This unusual plant has very shiny, dark green leaves and black stems. Use it in large containers as a single upright accent or as the center of a combination planter. Alocasias do well in part sun. Fertilize with Osmocote or Miracle Gro. $6.98 each
Rosemary
The blue/green needle-like leaves can be used to season casseroles, marinades, breads and meats. Crush or chop the leaves to release the most flavor. Rosemary is not winter-hardy, but will withstand cold temperatures.
Banana Tree
Plant Banana Trees to add fun and texture to your garden. These fast-growing plants will reach 6-8 feet tall. The burgandy splotching on the leaves add great contrast. Plant in a sunny spot, fertilize and water well for the fastest growth.
Poinsettias
Poinsettia production is already underway. Look for these beatiful plants to turn vibrant colors in the winter time.
Sweet Potato Vine
Ornamental Sweet Potato Vine thrives in the summer heat. Three varieties currently in stock are Margaurite (large, yellow-green leaves), Blackie (dark purple foliage) and Ace of Spades (dark purple leaves with splotches). All are $2.98 each.
Hanging Baskets
Come choose from a huge selection of blooming hanging baskets! We have many varieties for you to take home.