Protect New York's Waters
Don't flush unwanted household medications or pour them down the drain. Please take the medications to the next collection event or follow the instructions on the website.
Care of Hydrangeas
All hydrangeas need watering during long dry spells. However, well-drained soil is important for the longevity of the plant. Below are common pruning recommendations.
Oak Leaf (Quercifolia) - Prune in late June or July before bloom buds are set in August for the next year. Plants five years or older can be pruned by removing a third of the older canes to the ground.
BigLeaf Mopheads and LaceCaps (Macrophylla) - Very little pruning and are best suited where there is no height restrictions.
Incrediball, Invincibelle, Limelight, Little Lime, Pinky Winky and Quick Fire (Paniculatas and Arborescens) - Prune any time other than summer but don't need to be pruned every year. Remove cross branches and shape as necessary. Blooms on new wood.
Climbing (Anomala) - No trimming required. May need tying to a study trellis or fixture when plant is young.
Blue Bunny (Involucrata) - Blooms on new wood. Prune anytime other than summer.
Oak Leaf (Quercifolia) - Prune in late June or July before bloom buds are set in August for the next year. Plants five years or older can be pruned by removing a third of the older canes to the ground.
BigLeaf Mopheads and LaceCaps (Macrophylla) - Very little pruning and are best suited where there is no height restrictions.
Incrediball, Invincibelle, Limelight, Little Lime, Pinky Winky and Quick Fire (Paniculatas and Arborescens) - Prune any time other than summer but don't need to be pruned every year. Remove cross branches and shape as necessary. Blooms on new wood.
Climbing (Anomala) - No trimming required. May need tying to a study trellis or fixture when plant is young.
Blue Bunny (Involucrata) - Blooms on new wood. Prune anytime other than summer.
Recycle garden plastic pots for plant credit at Lavocat's Family Greenhouse
Lavocat’s Family Greenhouse, 9855 Heroy Rd, Clarence Center, is open and ready to take garden plastics. Starting Sunday, May 1, they will take pots, plastic flats, and hanging baskets, but NOT the 4-packs and 6-packs. They pay in plant credit at 20 cents a pound, and will pay for up to 40 pounds per customer. You may take more, and they will recycle the surplus for you. Simply rinse your pots, load them into a bag, and take them to the checkout counter as you are entering the nursery. Driven both by economic and environmental reasons, they’re able to re-use half of the plastic items they receive, and they send the remainder to a local recycling plant. If you are a garden club member, you will also receive a 10% discount by showing proof of membership. You can find them online at lavocatsnursery.com, where you’ll find directions and a listing of their plants, or call them at 741-3976.
Reuse plastic bags from linens and blankets
How to create a mini-greenhouse from David Clark, Professional Horticulturist
How many times have you bought linen or blankets packaged in a plastic zipper bag? Clark says these bags make great mini-greenhouses for rooting plants or for recently transplanted plants. Just pop the plant into the bag and zip the bag up partway. This will help keep in moisture. Please do keep a small opening to allow for airflow to prevent growth of mold. These bedding bags can accommodate one large plant or several small plants.
Article reprinted from the Erie County Master Gardener Newsletter, April 2011.
Flower events
Novice or experienced gardeners should visit the Philadelphia Flower Show, the best show in the country. Several local organizations including AAA and Know How Tours have bus trips to the show. The trip I took was organized by Joe Manuel, Master Gardener. Our bus was filled with "gardening dignitaries" including gardening author Sally Cunningham, Teresa Buchanan, Manager of Lockwoods, several members of the WNY Orchid Society, Master Gardeners and members of the National Garden Walk. Perhaps in a few days I will also be able to plant my 'cinnamon snow' hellebore I carried home from Philly. The plants sold out in the first five hours of the show!
If you plan on adding deciduous trees, conifers, shrubs or woody perennials to your landscape, please shop at Turnbull Garden Center in North Collins. They have wonderful prices on bare root plants. I purchased a Service Berry and Chionanthus virginicus, the fringetree.
If you plan on adding deciduous trees, conifers, shrubs or woody perennials to your landscape, please shop at Turnbull Garden Center in North Collins. They have wonderful prices on bare root plants. I purchased a Service Berry and Chionanthus virginicus, the fringetree.
Please support your local nurseries, greenhouses and gardens. See my favorites list at the end of the blog. Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
April 15th Mischler's Greenhouse 45 cent perennial sale
April 23rd Easter Egg Hunt at the Botanical Gardens
April 29th Garden Sensations 45 cent perennial sale (Route 62S, Hamburg)
April 29th Garden Sensations 45 cent perennial sale (Route 62S, Hamburg)
June 11th Hypertufa workshop at Lockwoods
June 18th Hostas Large and Small with Mike and Kathy Shadrack at Lockwoods.
The Book of Little Hostas, by Kathy Shadrack and Mike Shadrack,
The Book of Little Hostas, by Kathy Shadrack and Mike Shadrack,
I'd love to hear about your gardening plans, wish lists, etc. Please tweet them to @whitecatgarden.
Happy Gardening!
Donna
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