- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Trees are so important and worth saving. I picked up a flyer from the International Society of Aboriculture. I divided the flyer into 5 easy to read segments. Here is part 1.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
With the rain (yeah) and the warm weather you may notice your weeds have grown a foot over night! Don't let them get ahead of you. Weeds are best controlled when they are young.
First you need to know what kind of weeds you have. Are they broadleaf or grasses? Are they annuals or perennials?
Here are several options for you.
Hand-weeding and hoeing
- Hoeing and pulling annual weeds, if the weeds are scattered throughout your garden then this can be an easy option.
- Hoeing and pulling perennial weeds are an option but you will need to remove the entire plant including all of the roots. This can be hard to do.
- Flaming you weeds is an option. Flaming is effective on perennial weeds. Of course, all precautions need to be taken with fire.
Mowing
- Mowing is a temporary fix and can be effective as long as the mower blades reach the plants. Low growing weeds are not affected. Mowing can spread weed seeds, so be careful.
- String trimmers are another option but like mowing it is a temporary fix. String trimmers can easily spread seeds.
Mulches
- Mulches are a preventative and effective way to control weeds. You will need 3-4 inches of mulch to be effective. Organic mulches (bark) do break down and will need to be replaced periodically.
Herbicides
- Preemergent herbicides are used before the weeds emerge. The herbicide prevents seeds from germinating. This is not a permanent fix but could work for several months.
- Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide. It kills the entire plant. Be careful where you spray.
- Broadleaf weed killer will kill broadleaf weeds. This could be used on your lawn to control broadleaf weeds without killing the grass.
- Grass weed killer will kill grass weeds. This could be used in your flower beds to kills grasses such as Bermuda grass.
Always read the label of any pesticide. Make sure the product is designed for what you want it to do.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
In the Garden:
- Plant rhubarb, strawberries, and cane berries. Plant seeds for broccoli, cabbage, parsley, turnips, peas, radishes, lettuce, and spinach.
- This is the time to plant bare root roses, trees, artichoke crowns, grapevines, and other vines.
- You can still plant pansies, violas, snapdragons, and fairy primroses.
- Plant gladiolus every 2 weeks for a succession of blooms.
- Later in the month you can divide Shasta daisies, daylilies, chrysanthemums, and other perennials.
NOTE: Beware of digging in soggy soils. All plantings should be well-drained; the new plants might rot if soil is soggy.
- Author: Gerry L Hernandez
Abutilon
FLOWERING MAPLE
Malvaceae
EVERGREEN AND DECIDIOUS SHRUBS
I was visiting one of my favorite nursery a few days ago and I had to stop and admire all the Abutilons that were blooming in many colors, from dark red to light yellow. I have grown one hybrid in my zone 9 yard for over 5 years now and it's always a bright spot in the winter garden. I have it where it gets some protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
They can get large 8 to 10' and can get a little rangy if you don't keep them pruned back each year. But growth habits vary widely by variety, so do your home work and you will be happy with this shrub for many years to come.
Features:
Attractive evergreen foliage.
Blooms come in many colors and look like bells or lanterns.
They like moderate to regular water.
Attract Hummingbirds and Butterflies.
Prune back hard in the spring for bushier plants.
Plant in Partial shade in hot areas.
Sherry Maltby