Mulch is Mulch….or IS It?

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The short answer to that question is, NO.  There are many variables which determine the quality of a good mulch:  piece size, consistency, environmentally friendly dyes, penetrability and need, are a few things to consider when deciding which mulch to use.  At Suburban Lawn & Garden, we generate the majority of our mulches so we certainly make every attempt to insure you will get the absolute best quality for your money.

At our Yardwaste/Recycling Center we collect downed trees, limbs, shrubs and other sources of wood from the public to create our mulches.  We use two massive

Hogzilla tub grinders (the largest available on the market) which create the perfect consistency for our mulch.  It is light enough to easily provide thorough coverage, yet substantial enough to maintain placement, as well as, not be easily washed away.

Four of our mulches are enhanced with environmentally safe dyes to brighten your landscape; Dakota Black, Java Brown, Sedona Red and Special Dark.  Not only is colored mulch fantastic for aesthetic reasons but it is actually quite resistant to UV rays.  The colorant is a dye, so you will want to wear gloves and old clothes when installing, it can do a number on your fingernails!  More important than how it looks, it is entirely safe for children and pets.

Our Pine Bark Soil Conditioner is primarily used as a soil amendment, but many homeowners love the way it looks as a mulch.  The Pine Bark Nuggets can be used by themselves or even combined with the Soil Conditioner for added texture.  The Cedar mulch has a unique look all on its own and, initially, maintains a scent which is undesirable to many insects.   For your playgrounds or other large areas where children or people gather, the Playground Chips are the way to go.  The consistency is perfect to provide “a soft place to fall”.  The Cedar Mulch and Playground Chips are brought in via an alternate source.

We also stock a very nice Double Ground Hardwood which is a “naked” form of our dyed mulches and we have an inexpensive Estate Mulch for large areas when aesthetics is not as much of a concern.  All of the mulches listed are available in either bags or in bulk and can be delivered to your driveway (in KC and surrounding areas).  With bulk orders, you MAY even qualify for free delivery!

Once your mulch arrives, be sure to install it properly to get the longest life out of it.  Clean your beds of weeds, rake existing mulch if you are top dressing with an inch or two, and re-edge the beds to keep grass from encroaching.  For more info about installation, you can click here.  We have all of the tools that you will need to do a great job, but if you would prefer to not get your hands dirty, or become overwhelmed with the job, give us a call and we can professionaly install it for you.

If you have any other questions about mulch or how to install it, please give us a call or drop by our Facebook Page for a chat…we would love to hear from you!

Green Your Garden

by 1800mulchpro.com

The Garden that is Finished is Dead

True Survivors

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As the Summer season comes to a close (thank goodness!), it is time to take “inventory” of the plants who sailed through the heat and drought with relatively little damage. The drought was bad enough, but MANY plants can survive being deprived of water for an extended period of time. The heat is what caused many of the plants to “give up”.

Hostas took the combination of torment particularly hard, leaving many to wonder if they will re-emerge from the soil this year. While several types of plants seemed to either die or go completely dormant, let’s focus on which plants were tough enough to make it through.

 

In my yard,

Caryopteris ‘Summer Sorbet’ was a clear winner. This specific variety is variegated green/gold foliage accented with misty blue blooms. Other fantastic varieties include ‘Sunshine Blue’ and ‘Li’l Miss Sunshine’ (at left) which have a very similar appearance. Only requiring 2 supplemental soakings, this lovely creature even bloomed during our hottest days.

Many ornamental grasses performed “well”, but I did notice that they bloomed extremely early as if they were preparing for winter. In a normal season, most of varieties of Miscanthus will send up bloom stalks in August which persist through winter. My ‘Adagio’ Dwarf Maiden Grass only received a couple of drinks with the garden hose and has been blooming since mid-June.

Coming in at a very close third would be Weigela (well established plants). This plant did not bloom well, but other than that, it rarely sulked and received very little supplemental water. Now would be a great time to plant this shrub, it will have quite awhile before the ground freezes to become settled in.

I have said it before, but I will say it again: Amsonia is a FANTASTIC plant! Although it “pouted” a little and sagged under the extreme heat, it never got crispy and perked right up after the first relief of rain. Try this plant when you get a chance, doesn’t look like much in the pot, but give it a year and it will start showing off!

Annuals also became divided into two categories: wimps and survivors. I believe I will begin to fill my pots with tough creatures in future years. There were quite a few plants which excelled for me (with regular watering) and a few which can be brought in for the winter months.

One of my absolute favorite annuals grown primarily for foliage is the Purple Heart Plant (Setcreasea pallida). Tough as nails and fantastically vivid purple foliage, this plant is a definite winner under any circumstance. Bring it in for the winter, too…it may sulk a bit without enough light but will quickly bounce back once returned to its spring hangout.

Another great filler plant is Plectranthus. While that is quite a mouthful to say, it is more than a mouthful of a plant!! Thriving in the heat, keep it watered and it will outperform most other plants. If it gets too crazy, just give it a pinch. Similar to Coleus (also a great heat performer), it responds very well to a bit of grooming. There are quite a few different varieties to look for…give it a try!

Last but not least, which annuals were happy enough to continue providing us much needed color? Low flower count is a sign of stress with any plant, and many annuals displayed discomfort. Not surprisingly, Lantana barely even noticed the change in the weather…continuously providing beautiful color, as well as, food for the occasional butterfly.

But, I would have to say that one of my absolute favorite blooming annuals is Angelonia. It simply doesn’t know the meaning of the word “quit”. Every week the plant is a little bigger and the stems are lined with beautiful flowers. Even though it seems to be on the delicate side, don’t let appearances fool you! This is one tough plant!

Other honorable mentions should go to Succulents and Pachypodiums (great fillers or centerpieces in annual pots), Zinnias and Shrimp Plant.

Next Spring (2013) will be the time to survey how well our trees fared.  I will be sure to update you with results.

I would love to know which plants performed well for you this year, so feel free to email me!

And PLEASE don’t forget about the birds this winter. Blooming and setting seed sank very low on the priority list of most plants and these feathered friends may need our help more than ever during the upcoming season of snow and ice.

Hope to see you at our upcoming Pumpkin Patch Festivities!  Come on out, it will be fun!

The Garden that is Finished is Dead

For the Love of Fall

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Finally!  Some much needed cooler weather has come upon us which makes me crave Autumn even more than usual.  We, hopefully, have survived the hottest July ever recorded but are still waiting for a few days of soaking rain which will break our lingering drought.  Now we can begin emerging from our summer hibernation and catch up with our gardening.  At the very least we can begin surveying the damage and decide which plants will need to be replaced.  If your garden looks anything like mine, I know how frustrating it must be to venture into.  Everywhere I look, I see suffering or dead/dying plants.  There may be many plants which appear dead, but check carefully, there may be live buds ready to push forth new leaves.  Just because the plant has 

abandoned all of the leaves, doesn’t mean it is dead.  It may just be resting and conserving energy that it will need to make it through the winter, so don’t be too hasty to dig up your beloved plants.

Luckily, I have not lost any trees yet.  I hope yours are hanging in there.  Do keep in mind that they are undergoing an extreme amount of stress and will need extra care and attention to make it through next year.  Preventative measures should be taken to keep them safe from fungal and/or pest invasions.  In their weakened state, they are very vulnerable to such an attack.  Contact our Garden Pharmacy or Services Department for information on how to safeguard your trees.  If you find yourself needing to replace a tree, please refer to How To Plant a Tree for Life for a very helpful guide in the process or just let us do it for you.

Last November I posted a “Fall To-Do List” which has several great recommendations in preparation for winter.  I would like to add in a few more ideas/suggestions.

I would like to begin with a note about heavy pruning.  If your plants have been well irrigated and do not seem “set back” by the heat, you are more than likely safe to prune.  Otherwise, you may want to wait until the drought breaks or even until spring.  Pruning causes injury to the plant, thereby causing more stress.  The energy that the plant will use to repair the “damage” is energy they desperately needed to survive the winter dormancy period which is soon approaching.  Shrubs which can be pruned through the month of September are: Arborvitae, Boxwood, Euonymus, Juniper, Privet and Yew.  You should complete your pruning schedule on Roses by the end of August in a typical year.  Click here for more pruning information.  It would be a great idea to inspect your trees and shrubs for dead or split branches and remove them as needed.  Check the stakes around your trees to see if they are ready to be removed…we wouldn’t want the wire to become “a part of the tree” like this poor bicycle!

As you are perusing your gardens, watch for any seed pods that you can collect.  You may find far fewer this year than in previous years considering the fact that many plants shut down the blooming process as another way of conserving energy.  Winter Sowing is a fantastic project from December through Spring.  Kids will love it and it gives them something to do besides watch television or play video games.  Stay reconnected with nature even when there is a foot of snow on the ground!  All of the directions for this great project can be found here.  I have winter sown MANY different plants, believe me….it works and it is easy!

This is also a great time to begin repairing the lawn damage that the drought/heat may have caused.  Aeration and over-seeding will help your lawn spring back to life next spring.  Be sure to keep it watered and you will be greatly rewarded.  If you need help with this task, contact our services department and we will see if we can get you on the schedule!

Have FUN and I will catch up with you next month!

P. S. I want to remind you that P. Allen Smith will be joining us at our Greenhouse in Martin City on the morning of September 8, 2012!!  You will receive tickets with your 45 dollar donation to KCPT.  If you have not already reserved your spot to this awesome, intimate event, sign up now!!

The Garden that is Finished is Dead

On the Sidelines…

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There are many plants that are frequently overlooked either because they don’t get much exposure, they are new, their relatives have received a bad review, or simply because they don’t look very impressive in the pot.  There are 8 which I think deserve a little attention and I will start with one that has gotten a “bad rap” because of the habits of their not so distant cousins.  Hibiscus syriacus, aka Rose of Sharon has been around for quite some time.

#1 – Hibiscus syriacus CHIFFON SERIES

Stats:

8-12’ High by 4-5’ Wide

Bloom time:  June to October

Sun preference: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil Preference: Average to medium, Well-drained (also tolerant of clay)

A Hummingbird magnet, the double-flowering Rose of Sharon is highly under-appreciated as a staple in sunny beds.  The main (if not only) deterrent is their insistence on procreation via many viable seeds.  If only everyone knew that the plants which fall into the more current and hybridized Chiffon Series (double flowering varieties) rarely reproduce.  Very infrequently (in a good year) a plant may generate just enough for you to share with your friends and neighbors (3-4 at the most).  This is definitely a contrast to the 100 or more seedlings produced by the species plant.  These gorgeous shrubs also respond very well to heavy grooming in late winter, which makes them a great hedge candidate, as well.

#2 -  Callicarpa americana (American Beautyberry)

Stats:

3-6’ High by 3-6’ Wide

Bloom time: June to August (insignificant, but the name-worthy fruit follows)

Sun preference:  Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil preference:  Average to medium, Well-drained (also tolerant of clay)

This lovely shrub dies to the ground in Missouri, but rapidly generates the long arching stems in the spring.  This is one shrub that does not get pruned with the exception of cleaning the dead branches out.  The natural appearance will provide a lovely contrast to the overly manicured landscape.  Following the insignificant flower display, bright purple berry clusters appear along the length of each stem.  This is truly a sight to behold and photographs rarely do it justice.

 #3 – Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Boulevard’

Stats:

5-12’ High by 2-4’ Wide

Evergreen/Non-Flowering

Sun preference: Full Sun to Part Shade (preferred)

Soil preference: Appreciates moist, fertile soil.  Detests wet feet and poorly-drained soil.

A dense, pyramidal and semi-dwarf Evergreen for your shadier locations, the Boulevard Cypress with its striking blue-gray foliage fits the bill!  Adding some “stability” to your East or North beds, this soft-to-the-touch evergreen will tolerate a drought once well established.  Requiring about ten years to reach the 5-6’ height, choose a substantial specimen to begin with.  Minimal pruning can also keep this plant at a size you desire.

#4 – Hydrangea anomala subsp. Petiolaris (Climbing Hydrangea)

Stats:

30-50’ High by 5-6’ Wide

Bloom time:  May to July

Sun preference: Part Shade to Full/Dense Shade

Soil Preference: Rich soil with medium moisture.  Well-drained is a must.

It is extremely difficult to find a climbing plant which blooms AND loves shade.  This lovely creature both blooms and in full, dense shade, too!  A rock wall or extended trellis is the main requirement for growing one of these.  An alternative is using this plant as a groundcover.  One plant can cover up to 200 square feet!  That being said,  it is also manageable and, for that reason, is a no-brainer substitute for Ivy.  Exfoliating stems during the winter months add interest to the barren, sleeping beds.  It may take a few years for this plant to bloom for the first time, but the foliage is nice while you wait.

#5 – Buddleja davidii ‘Blue Chip’ LO AND BEHOLD

Stats:

1-2’ High by 1-2’ Wide

Bloom time:  June to September

Sun preference: Full Sun

Soil preference: Average to medium, Well-drained (also tolerant of clay)

One of the complaints about Butterfly Bushes has been the sheer size of the varieties in years past, many reaching 10-12 feet.  Another undesirable trait was the “leggy” appearance which was a visible trait on those plants which did not receive a proper spring grooming.  There are no more excuses, ‘Blue Chip’ is dwarf AND compact and still puts on a fantastic show of blooms which also serve as food for a kaleidoscope of butterflies.

#6 – Amsonia hubrichtii (Blue Star)

Stats:

2-3’ High by 2-3’ Wide.

Bloom time: April to May

Sun preference: Full Sun to Part Shade

Soil preference: Average to medium, Well-drained

An outstanding plant which has three seasons of interest.  This substitute for ornamental grasses emerges from the ground in early spring to eventually sport groups of star-shaped sky blue flowers.  The foliage is feathery and delicate which adds a much needed textural impact to the garden.  Gently swaying in the summer breezes, it is getting ready to put on a dramatic fall display.  As the cooler weather approaches, the foliage changes to a rich reddish-gold hue.  This magnificent plant is best planted in groups or rows and is extremely easy to grow.  A highly recommended addition to any landscape.

#7 – Ligularia dentata ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’

Stats:

2-3’ High by 2’ Wide.

Bloom time: June-July

Sun preference: Part Shade to Full Shade

Soil preference: Medium to wet, organically rich

This is a substantial plant in the garden, reaching maturity in just a few years.  Each year the lovely, large, purple-black leaves become bolder and more striking.  While it does put on a show with bright gold daisy-like flowers, this Ligularia is primarily grown for the foliage.  It provides a FANTASTIC backdrop for Hostas or other low growing or mounding perennials.  Commonly overlooked at the garden center because of the relatively non-showy appearance in the pot, give the Ligularia a chance and you won’t be disappointed!

#8 -  Deutzia gracilis ‘Duncan’ (Chardonnay Pearls)

Stats:

2-3’ High by 2-3’ Wide

Bloom time: April to May

Sun preference:  Full Sun to Part Shade (preferred)

Soil preference:  Average to medium, Well-drained (also tolerant of clay)

A gorgeous bright spot in an otherwise dreary landscape, this plant has a high tolerance for most conditions.  In consideration of this, Chardonnay Pearls is a great choice for the East side of the house.  The resonating chartreuse foliage will compliment any and all accompanying plants.  The cooler temperatures of autumn will trigger the leaves to take on a lovely reddish cast.  Delicate and cascading white “pearls” in the spring are simply an added bonus to this already lovely, but highly under-appreciated, plant.

These have been just a few of the plants which deserve a second look…they have been waiting patiently on the sidelines long enough…time to put them into the game!  Be sure to ask our knowledgeable staff at out Greenhouse what plants they might recommend, as well. Find everything you need to make your new plants happy at ANY of our three stores!

The Garden that is Finished is Dead