Landscape

 Newly planted shrubs require more water than established shrubs that have been planted for at least one year. During the first growing season, a small sized shrub transplanted from a 1-5 gallon container will require 4 to 6 gallons pe

One of my favorite tabletop planting ideas are succulents.  They are an easy plant to care for in the hot sun without the constant watering.  Unlike annual pots, these can last up to a week without watering.  I like to plant mine in a cactus planting media and put rock over the soil to form base, much like mulch.  Mexican pebble cobbles are a good color contrast with the foliage.  There are several varieties in a range of foliage color.  Some will even produce blooms!

No need to worry, it is simply a harmless fungus triggered by all the recent rain we've had.  It's harm to your lawn or plants is purely aesthetic!  Yes, it looks pretty gross, but that's as bad as it gets, we promise.   
Slime molds are frequently observed when they form large colonies on mulch around trees or shrubs. They may initially appear as a slimy mound or mass, come in a variety of colors, and are often unsightly. Treatment is not necessary.   

The seed packets on the end of the aisle might seem like a good deal, but they are actually creating you more work down the road.  Do not plan your low maintenance garden around planting seeds if you are looking for less work in the garden.  The tedious watering schedules and separating seedlings will keep you occupied for weeks.  Besides the waiting.....  The garden starter plants are already developed and all you need to do is plant them straight into the soil.

'Sedona' is the newest member to the Ultimate Rose Collection at Jackson Perkins.  It has been selected as the 2010 Hybrid Tea Rose of the Year.  The blooms have shades of red, orange and coral in the day and cool to a coralish-pink at night.  It comes in the shrub size growing approximately 5 foot tall or in tree form.  The Rose of the Year is selected among many contestants--representing a good growing, disease resistant and prolific blooming variety.

 Want to be the talk of the neighborhood?  Try these black tulips.  Might sound crazy, but they are a statement maker!  I have planted them at my place for the pop in color against the white tone of my house.  Greenhouses are marketing a "tuxedo mix" by combining these with white tulips.  Try mixing them with hot pink bulbs to have a unique flair that you won't see anywhere else!

Roses and Ornamental grasses should be pruned now to ensure healthy growth this spring.  We recommend pruning Knockout shrub roses to 12-18".  Ornamental grasses should be cut down to a mound.  A good method to avoid cleanup is to wrap the plant with tyne or tape before cutting them with gas powered shears.  Cut and haul away the bundle.

Many gardeners are under the impression that mums are perennials, which is true!  However, there are many varieties that are not hardy.  Even if they are sold as perennials in our area, the plant usually has to little of growing time to become established in order to survive the winter temperatures.  If you are willing to give it a try, plant your mums earlier in the fall season giving it more time to acclimate.  Make sure the variety is hardy in Zone 5.  Install a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate roots.  Plant them in full sun

Does your garden lack interest in the fall months?  Right now is a great time to start adding in key plants that can create great focal points during this time of year.  Start with anchoring your beds with some evergreens.  Spruces, pines and other evergreen plants will remain vibrant while other plants are fading to dormancy.  Grasses create great texture in both fall and winter.  Even after the green hues fade away, they are always a great contrast against other plantings.  Choose plants that are known for the fall leaf color.  Burning bushes, viburnums