Beautiful autumn days mean comfortable working temperatures and hopefully time to continue prepping for winter. The more you do now, the easier things will be in the spring! Put things away, organize, protect, and enjoy the remaining fruits of your hard labor throughout this past year!
EARLY NOVEMBER
Deciduous trees, shrubs, and spring bulbs can be planted until the ground freezes.
Keep fallen leaves from piling up on your lawn. This will prevent smothering this winter.
Outdoor planters, baskets, etc. should be emptied and washed before storing for next year.
Mulch in roses with 8 to 10 inches of soil or shredded bark.
Water all evergreens before the ground freezes to keep them from drying out over winter.
Spray plants with repellents to protect them from rabbits, deer, and mice.
Harvest cole crops as long as possible since they are made sweeter by frost (Common cole crops include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi).
MID NOVEMBER
Cut the lawn short (2-2.5 inches) once the leaves are off the trees to discourage snow mold and mice tunneling.
Protect strawberries with a 6-inch layer of clean, loose marsh hay. (We use marsh hay because it contains fewer weed seeds and stays “fluffier.”)
Protect tender perennials with a 2 to 3 inch layer of fresh balsam boughs.
Protect tree trunks from pest damage by surrounding with plastic or wire 1-2 feet higher than expected snowfall.
LATE NOVEMBER
Stop fertilizing houseplants since they will use less water and nutrients due to lower light levels.
Move pesticides and equipment to a place where they will not freeze.
Wash off garden tools and dry completely when storing for winter. Use a rag dipped in oil to wipe down metal parts of tools. Wipe down wooden parts with linseed oil to keep the wood from drying out.
Cover cole crops to prevent them from freezing solid.
Cut down and discard asparagus stems and leaves that have yellowed to reduce disease and insect issues next year.
Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner – the fruits of your labor.
The weather is cooling and, for many of us, we find ourselves moving increasingly toward indoor hobbies and activities. If you’re an avid gardener, though, this can be a tough transition that leaves you itching to dig in the soil, quietly nurture your garden, and watch your plants grow and thrive. A growing trend in home decor (and rightfully so) has been houseplants: they’re a perfect way to get your gardening fix, and bring a wealth of health benefits to your home!
Did you know that including living plants in your home’s decor improves your air quality, minimizes headaches, reduces fatigue and eases dry skin during the winter months? Additionally, for anyone struggling with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) houseplants can improve your mood, relieve stress and anxiety, and provide a calming effect through tangible interaction. All of these benefits come down to one simple concept: biophilia. Simply put, plants make us feel good! When we are out in nature, surrounded by plant life, or just in a room with living plant material, we are more happy, content, and relaxed. All the reason to introduce a bit of fresh greenery to your home! Houseplants are becoming increasingly popular and there are more varieties available than ever before. Below is a quick guide to a few of our favorites; be sure to stop in to our garden center to check these out in person, along with a wide selection of other varieties, and bring that positive biophilia home with you for the long winter!
Pilea- Pilea peperomioides is an easy to care for, cute little plant that’s been growing in popularity quickly. Native to Asia, its generally considered to be an easy-going plant, preferring medium to bright indirect sunlight. Water your pilea every one to two weeks, depending on how bright of light its in, and making sure it dries out in between waterings. Dry, curled leaves indicate too little water, while yellow leaves and black stems indicate too much. Your pilea will also produce “pups” or “babies” on its own, which will pop up in the surrounding soil!
2. Spider Plants– A long-time houseplant staple, spider plants are making a comeback in the design world! These hardy hanging plants aren’t fussy, and can survive in a variety of conditions. A perfect spot for your spider plant is in bright, indirect sunlight, but they can tolerate a lower light setting, too. Water well during during the summer months, then cut back through the winter and mist occasionally year-round. Spider plants prefer fast-draining, well-fertilized soil, particularly during the summer months. Make sure to watch out for pests, though: spider mites, mealybugs, aphids and whiteflies can be attracted to spider plants!
One of the fun and unique attributes of this plant is how easy it is to propagate. Simply remove one of the small plantlets and place it in soil, then watch to ensure that it grows roots. Its a quick and easy gift, and one that’s easy to care for!
3. Croton– With its colorful foliage, the croton is a gorgeous accent plant for your home. Your croton will do best in a sunny location, with regular misting. If you notice that its new growth is dull in color and vibrancy, move it to a sunnier spot: this is a sign that its not getting enough light. Keep the soil evenly moist but not wet, and allow to dry a bit in between waterings. Crotons tend to attract dust, so you’ll want to wipe its foliage with a damp rag occasionally!
4. Zamia-Fully named “Zamioculas Zamiifolia” and often referred to as “ZZ”, this popular houseplant has a modern look and is easy to care for. The Zamia plant can tolerate low to bright, indirect light levels, and prefers to dry out in between waterings. Its a perfect plant for beginners, and is very forgiving if you forget a watering or two! The Zamia’s foliage can be considered toxic, though, so you’ll want to keep it away from curious pets or small children.
5. Sansevieria- Often called “Snake Plant” or “Mother-in-Law Tongue”, this hardy houseplant is one of the easiest to care for and, with its vertical shape, one of the easiest to incorporate into your space. Sansevieria will thrive best in bright light, but are well known to tolerate dim rooms with very low light, too. These plants prefer to dry out in between watering; one of the most common mistakes, in fact, is overwatering and root rot. As your sansevieria grows, you’ll want to continually rotate it to ensure that it is growing evenly (they tend to arch toward the light, so you can end up with a heavily leaning plant!). Sansevieria come in many varieties and sizes and tend to be slow growing, making them a great fit for just about any home or office!
Stop in at our garden center to check out these outstanding houseplants, plus plenty of others! Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you select the perfect plants for your needs and get you started on the right foot!
Winter is coming! Living in Wisconsin, we are accustomed to winter showing up early so, whether we like it or not, it is time to start preparing. Even light frosts can pose dangers for more tender plants like your begonias, tomatoes, and peppers. Be prepared ahead of time so you do not get caught off guard!
EARLY OCTOBER
Store bulbs of summer-flowering tender perennials (cannas, calla lily, begonias) if you haven’t already.
Spot treat broadleaf weeds. This is most effective after the first light frost or multiple nights in a row with temperatures into the 30’s.
Collect soil samples now for testing if desired to prepare for next year’s fertilization.
Protect tender vegetables if early frost is predicted by covering them just before sundown.
Dig up any frost-sensitive annuals and to bring them indoors for winter blooms.
MID OCTOBER
Finish planting tulips, daffodils, crocus, and hyacinth.
Begin winterization of plant material.
Remove and compost asparagus, peony, and rhubarb tops.
Individual garlic cloves can be planted and will result in full garlic bulbs next year.
Fertilize established trees and shrubs. Fertilization is especially recommended for more unique varieties and plants under stress.
Fertilize houseplants for the last time until March.
LATE OCTOBER
Wrap trunks of young or thin-barked trees such as green ash, honeylocust, maple, and linden with tree wrap.
Rake or mow leaves and make sure thick leaves are not left under the snow all winter. If leaves have fungus or disease make sure to remove them.
Continue mowing the lawn until it stops growing.
Note crabgrass areas of lawn after they are killed by hard frost and apply crabgrass preventer to prevent its return in the future.
Drain hoses and empty bird baths before the first hard frost.
Dreaming about fall colors, cool autumn temperatures, and pumpkin-flavored everything? As we near our colorful fall season and the temperature begins to drop at night, now is the time to start thinking about your fall containers! Keep an eye out for plants with a disposition toward fall blooming and a tolerance for cooler temperatures so you can dress up your front door or back patio with beautiful color and excitement that lasts! Here are our Top 7 Signature Fall Container Plants! These plants are “signature” fall plants certain to bring color, texture, and beauty to your fall containers.
Ornamental Kale and Cabbage. There are numerous varieties of kale and cabbage with various shades of green, pink, and purple. They are very cold weather tolerant, and the color will become even more prominent as the temperature continues to fall. While kale has a spikier texture and cabbage is rounder, both will bring delightful color and texture to your fall planters
2) Mums. Available in a variety of your classic fall colors including red, yellow, and orange, mums are a fall staple. Typically controlled by growers to encourage fall blooming, these dense plants display beautiful round blooms that are rich in color. While it can be overwintered as a perennial it functions primarily as an annual.
3) Coral Bells. A very hardy perennial plant, coral bells come in a large range of colors and leaf textures. While they can be beautiful on their own, they look gorgeous in the fall when paired with gourds, mums, and ornamental grasses. Be creative with how you organize your planter and the other fall decorations around it!
4) Hen and Chick Succulents. These hardy succulents provide unique texture paired with numerous colors both sharp and muted. They add extra interest to containers with their unique shape and color. The little “chicks” can easily be propagated to be planted in new containers and even in the ground. Leave them outside or bring them in… these plants are tough!
5) Mirror Plants. Known for their glossy leaves, these fall beauties bring stunning shades of pink, gold and burgundy. They are also very frost hardy, making them the perfect addition to your fall container.
6) Creeping Wire Vine. This dark stemmed annual with small green leaves makes a great spiller in your container or creeping ground cover. Pair it with some of the other fall plants in this list and watch it cascade over the side of your container, creating an arrangement full of texture and variety.
7) Ornamental Grasses. Grasses are a great way to add some extra height to your fall planters. They make a great “thriller” that can grab attention while bringing some color, texture and beautiful movement.
Don’t forget about the pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and corn! Pair your new containers with other signature fall decorations to create a hearty fall feeling that makes us all dream of grandma’s fresh baked pumpkin pies. Have fun, try something different, and do not be afraid to ask for help! We would love to help you design your fall container! Stop by today for gorgeous fall plants and expert advice!
As we enter into September, the heat of summer will finally begin to diminish as we enjoy cooler evening temperatures. The cooler temperatures create a great opportunity for some transplanting, sowing grass seed, and utilizing various herbicides as we continue to enjoy harvesting various fruits and vegetables. Let’s dive into our September Landscape Management 101.
EARLY SEPTEMBER
Divide spring and summer-flowering perennials. These include peonies, daylilies, irises, oriental poppies, phlox, and many others. However, if the plant is currently blooming then it should not be divided.
September is a great time to plant evergreen trees!
Trim “Bleeder” trees such as Birch, Maple, and Elm.
Control broadleaf weeds in the lawn with appropriate application. Either spot treat or apply weed and feed products.
Seed bare spots in lawn, sow lawn seed, and/or install sod.
Take cuttings of shade-loving flowering annuals and herbs for growing indoors throughout the winter if desired.
MID SEPTEMBER
Bring house plants back indoors. Keep an eye out for insects! One way to minimize insects is to give the plant a good blast of water before bringing it inside.
Continue to plant spring-blooming bulbs.
Aerate lawn if desired to smooth out bumpy lawns, allow air and moisture to penetrate root zone, and breakdown thatch layer.
Harvest tender vegetables before frost.
LATE SEPTEMBER
Many late apple varieties can be harvested.
Harvest dahlias and other summer bulbs after a killing frost – when plants turn black.
Collect dried flowers for fall arrangements.
While most trees will not start losing leaves quite yet, make sure to rake up and remove any leaves affected by fungal or bacterial diseases.
As always we are here for you! Stop by with your questions or to pick up necessary fertilizers and herbicides today!
One more month of heat to go before things start cooling off! Luckily, August brings a lighter workload with a focus on continuing basic upkeep and spraying your favorite plants regularly to protect them until the feeding frenzy ends. Once the night temperatures begin to drop later in September many pests will return to the ground and your battle against pests will diminish.
EARLY AUGUST
Keep garden weeds from going to seed.
Continue to monitor aphids as they will show up all season long. Combat with a strong blast of water or insecticidal soap.
Continue controlling cucumber beetles that spread bacterial wilt with weekly dusts of insecticides.
Avoid pruning trees and shrubs because the new growth may not harden off in time for winter.
Enjoy harvesting your fruit and vegetables regularly to avoid attracting more pests with overripe fruit.
MID AUGUST
Disbud dahlias for extra-large flowers.
Prune out old raspberry canes to prepare for next year and avoid disease. Leave 3-4 canes per foot of row.
Divide Iris and check for rhizome rots. Destroy all infected plants.
Continue watering flower beds once a week in dry periods.
Harvest early apples.
Dig early potatoes as vines die down.
LATE AUGUST
Continue to maintain spray program on fruit trees.
Harvest pears as they become light green.
Divide spring flowering perennials.
Now is a great time to seed or sod new lawns or repair damaged areas in existing lawns.
Continue deadheading to prepare for a final late-season flower display.
Have questions? Not sure which insecticide to use? Call or stop by Vande Hey Company today and we can give suggestions, recommend products, and walk with you as you continue striving towards your backyard dream oasis. Call 920.788.6344 today!
Let’s take a moment to thank our hardworking honeybees (Apis mellifera) and their dedication to pollinating our flowers!
Bees are often considered the most important pollinators, with honeybees accounting for 84% of all insect pollination. These flying golden beauties are particularly good pollinators due to pollen-collecting structures on their bodies: the scopa (or pollen basket) which holds pollen balls on their hind legs; the corbicula, a fuzzy mat of hair that gathers pollen when traveling from flower to flower; and the crop (or honey stomach) which holds nectar as they travel from flower to flower.
Bee species also display floral constancy, staying within the same type of flower to collect pollen. This is important in orchards, where many farmers rely on bees to pollinate their fruit trees and vegetables’ flowers.
If you are looking to promote our favorite pollinators, consider the most attractive flower traits in the eyes of a honeybee. Of all colors, honeybees can see shades of yellows and violets the best, making yellow and blue-purple flowers a great addition to any pollinator garden. Like us, honeybees enjoy fresh, mild, and pleasant floral aromas, and flowers with plenty of nectar. Purple bee balm, coneflower, and New England asters are common honeybee favorites.
Pollinator decline is a major concern for all species of insects, bats, and birds which pollinate our flowers. The causes of Colony Collapse Disorder in honeybees is a combination of pests and pathogens introduced to the hive, poor nutrition, pesticide use, and habitat fragmentation. The best way that homeowners and businesses can help honeybee populations is to plant more flowers and reduce pesticide use on your property.
Luckily, the Vande Hey Company has plenty of perennials, annuals, and even flowering trees that your local honeybees will adore!
Things are heating up and summer is moving full force ahead. Along with the heat, keeping things hydrated and battling disease will be our biggest challenge. Don’t forget to keep yourself hydrated as well as you move forward with your July Landscape Management 101!
EARLY JULY
Stop harvesting asparagus and rhubarb.
Don’t neglect vegetable garden; continue weed control and watch leaves for signs of disease.
Water flower border once a week during dry periods.
Spray or dust tomatoes for blight control.
Spray or dust squashes, melons, and cucumbers to prevent bacterial wilt.
Deadhead annuals and perennials after flowering to encourage the plant to spend its energy producing more flowers or foliage and roots.
Fertilize flowering annuals to give an extra boost of energy.
MID JULY
Prune Yews, Junipers, and Arborvitae by mid-July.
Watch for rust on hollyhocks.
Renovate old strawberry plantings when bearing is finished.
Pick off dead flowers for attractive borders and blooms.
Keep an eye out for webs from webworm on woody plants. Cut out branches wrapped in webbing and spray with insecticide.
Keep plants, especially vegetables, evenly moist to promote good health as it gets warmer.
Harvest raspberries regularly to help discourage insects.
LATE JULY
Stop feeding roses and most perennials.
Tie Dahlias to stakes.
Keep lawn mown at 2 1/2” height.
Make last granular fertilizer applications on woody plants.
Alpine Currant shrubs infected with fungus will lose leaves and may defoliate completely. Fallen leaves should be removed and destroyed to reduce infection next year.
Watch for powdery mildew and leaf spot diseases on flowers and ornamentals.
Honeysuckles susceptible to aphids should be sprayed every 10-14 days with insecticidal soap.
As always, let us know if you have questions! We can give suggestions, recommend product, and help you create the beautiful backyard you’re striving toward. Call 920.788.6344 today!
On a hot and sunny holiday like the Fourth of July there are few things more satisfying than a light and fresh cocktail. We love to mix our cocktails with fresh garden herbs and fruits to make the perfect red white and boozy cocktail. Here are two of our favorites with a special holiday twist!
A whole month dedicated to a plant? You better believe it! Roses hold a special place in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Their striking beauty and lovely fragrance not only elevate your garden but also have come to symbolize love, war, history, shows like The Bachelor, and even movies such as Beauty and the Beast. While some view roses as difficult, we are here to tell you that roses, just like relationships, just need just a little extra love and effort. Here are our tips for bringing the elegance of roses and all they stand for into your backyard.
FROM THE BEGINNING
Planning ahead will not only impact the success of your roses but also help you highlight their beauty. When choosing where your roses will be placed, you want to look for a location with at least 6 hours of sun and good drainage. Planting next to a South or West facing fence or wall will help minimize the damage of our harsh Wisconsin winters. You also want to plan how your roses will be used whether it is as focal points, border shrubs, climbing vines, etc. Determining the use will help you choose the variety in addition to looking for disease-resistant and locally-hardy varieties.
When planting roses, mixing in leaf compost and adding root stimulator will help the plant get established and also create more even soil conditions which will lead to greater health and longevity.
GENERAL CARE
Roses do their best when the soil moisture is uniform so regular watering on hot and humid days can make a big difference. When watering it is best to water in the morning at ground level or use soaker hoses. Wet leaves, especially at night, are much more prone to diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot.
Hard pruning is best done in early spring (March/April). In addition to removing dead and damaged canes, we recommend cutting back 1/3 to 1/2 of the previous year’s growth until you find a healthy white center inside the cane. We also recommend light pruning throughout the season to keep your roses looking pristine!
Deadheading roses will encourage reblooming if your varieties do not develop rose hips. Leaving as much foliage on the canes as you can, cut back just below the first leaflet to encourage the foliage to continue drawing up nutrients all the way to the top.
There are multiple options for fertilizing roses, so we encourage you to stop by and ask us about your options. Whether it is a slow-release granular product or a liquid fertilizer, your roses are working hard to look beautiful and need the extra boost! You can fertilize throughout the growing season, but we recommend you stop feeding late in the summer to allow growth to slow and enter the dormant stage before winter.
BATTLING DISEASE AND INSECTS
Powdery Mildew will cause leaves to curl and twist leaving white powdery spots on the leaves. This is best prevented by proper watering as described in the general care as well as pruning to allow for air circulation.
Black Spot will leave circular black or brown spots on the tops of the leaves, starting at the bottom and working their way up. Eventually it will cause defoliation but is best prevented the same way as powdery mildew. Some basic rose care products can also take care of black spot and powdery mildew.
Insects including aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and sawflies are best controlled with basic rose care products such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Aphids can also sometimes be handled by blasting with water in the morning.
DISPLAYING
Roses can be the highlight of your garden, but also the highlight on your or your loved one’s counter. Roses cut for display are best cut right when the petals are opening using a sharp blade to ensure a clean cut and undamaged water channels. The best time is when they are well hydrated in the early morning or evening hours. To eliminate air bubbles and encourage water uptake, you should recut the stems at a 45-degree-angle just before putting them into the vase. Strip the leaves below the water line, add other flowers like baby’s breath if desired, and change water frequently to create a gorgeous and long-lasting display!
After all of this information you can probably see why roses need a whole month to be highlighted and celebrated! Show some extra love to your roses this month and they will continue to spread the love and beauty they manifest in your yard and in your home.
