A wide variety of deciduous trees are now grown in containers, making it much easier to plant throughout the growing season with very little risk to the tree. To plant a container-grown tree, gently remove it from the pot. If it offers any resistance when you are trying to take it out, either squeeze the container to loosen or cut the container away.
Once out of the pot, examine the roots and trim off any that have been injured. If the roots appear to be circling, make several cuts 1/2 inch deep along the side of the root ball to break the pattern. Examine the trunk to find the root flare, where the roots begin to grow outward from the trunk. The root flare needs to be at or just above ground level even if it was deeper in the container. After planting, water thoroughly and apply a 3-4” layer of mulch. Do not apply mulch directly on the trunk of the tree, stay 3” to 4” away so the trunk will stay dry.
Rudbeckia and Echinacea
Looking for a great, easy, prolific summer-blooming perennial
that will grow in the baking hot sun? You can’t go wrong with Rudbeckia or Echinacea. Rudbeckia is commonly
called black-eyed Susan, and sometimes called coneflower. There are several varieties that grow well in any sunny location with well-drained soil. Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ (the 1999 Perennial of the Year) gives you incredible
golden daisy-like blooms that stand about 2 feet tall. Echinacea is commonly called purple coneflower and grows 3-4 feet tall. It offers flowers that are 4-6 inches
across with rose-purple, white and many new shades including yellow and orange. Look for new varieties of Echinacea like Fatal Attraction or Pink Double Delight. Both Echinacea and Rudbeckia make wonderful cut flowers and long lasting perennials.
Pots
There are so many different kinds of patio pots available, how do
you know which kind to buy? Now that pots of all types come in
such a wide variety of attractive shapes, colors, finishes and styles,
most people choose one according to the way it will look in the spot they have chosen for its home. But some materials are
best for specific uses.
Clay and concrete pots are porous so that roots can breathe better, but that means they can dry out more quickly too. They are best for container plants that need very good drainage. Concrete is the heaviest and should be chosen for very large, upright plants that might be top heavy. Plastic and resin are nonporous, so pots made of them do not dry out as quickly and are best for plants that can’t afford to get too dry. Since they are lighter in weight, they are best for window boxes and hanging planters. With these qualities in mind, choose the pot you like for your special place.
Clematis
Clematis is undoubtedly the most beautiful blooming perennial vine, flowering magnificently for weeks at a time. It is available in a wide range of colors, bloom times and bloom sizes. The large-flowered varieties such as Jackmanii are the most popular,
but don’t overlook some of the more
prolific varieties with smaller blooms.
It is important to plant clematis where there is plenty of sun, but be sure to shade the roots with other plants or a thick layer of organic mulch. When
planting clematis, you will get a
healthier, stronger vine if you plant it deep. Look carefully at the vine to see where the first pair of buds emerge from the stem, and then plant so those buds are below ground level. Almost all types of trellises are suitable for clematis
as long as there is room for it to wrap its leaf stems around
the supports.
Did you know? Thomas Jefferson first introduced French Fries to the White House during his presidency.
Tips
If it doesn’t rain, water the lawn once a week so that it receives
1” of water via irrigation.
The perennial Bleeding Heart goes dormant in late spring/early summer, mark the spot by carefully planting shade-loving
annuals like Impatiens around the root.
Check containers daily and water thoroughly. Containers are prone to leaching of nutrients so they need to be fertilized on a regular bases in order for them to thrive.
The size of foundation plantings is critical to the look and
maintenance of the landscape. Carefully look at the overall height and width of a plant before you select it for your landscape.
Flowers and gifts from Bachman’s make any day a special one. When you order your flowers or gifts online, you know you’ll be getting a beautiful fresh floral arrangement from a trusted florist known for outstanding floral design, plus quality and service.
If you’re sending flowers or gifts out of town, you can rely on us to choose the best florist from either the FTD or Teleflora nationwide flower network. Florists who can be counted on to deliver the best fresh floral arrangements and gifts, even when doing a same day delivery.
