Did you start plants indoors?

Many of us are now starting seeds and getting ready for the upcoming gardening season. However, time and time again I have lost plants due to what's known as "damping off". Damping off is a fungal disease. Plants wilt up and look look like they are to dry - even thoug tat's not te case. Various fungus in the soil root the stems at the soil surface, causing the seedlings to fall over and die. Getting good air circulation, such as having a fan blow on the plants. Other tips to help prevent damping off include:

Using good quality, sterile potting soil to start seedlings. Makse sure you select a neutral pH potting soil, since acid soils are ideal for fungus growth.

Before planting, make sure the soil is well watered.

Don't overcrowd your seeds! Crowded seedlings do not dry quickly after watering, resulting in humid, moist conditions, which is the perfect environment for fungus spores to germinate.

You can sprinkle a thin layer of sand or perlite on the surface of the soil. This helps keep stems dry at the soil surface where damping-off occurs.

Do not overwater. When you od water, water around the base of the plants and try to avoid getting the foliage wet.

Rock Gardening

Does your property have an area with a slope or perhaps with interesting rock formations? If so, then you have an ideal location for a rock garden. All you need to do is find a few loads of topsoil and some rocks - preferably rocks that have some interesting characteristics. If you end up having to bring in your own rocks and soil, start small and bring in a few loads at a time. The job might end up being bigger than you think.

When looking for rocks remember things will look more natural if you find rocks that are native to your area. Large rocks with irregular sapes add interest to a rock garden, but remember you will also need small rocks to fill in areas where larger rocks won't fit. Move rocks around to get the formation you are looking for, then shovel enough soil around the rock to anchor it firmly. After the rocks are in place let the soil settle for a few days and take a look at the garden from a distance to make sure your formation is the way you want it to be before adding plants.

March is time to trim back winter interest plants

Did you leave Ornamental Grasses or other perennial stems for winter interest? March is the time to cut back (if you can get through the snow).

Cut bck Ornamental Grasses before any new growth begins. Use hedge shears or hand pruner to clip the plants back to several inches above the soil. Smaller grasses, such as Blue Fescue and Blue Oat Grass can either be clipped back or left intact.

Also prune back plants such as Russian Sage or Lavender.

Basic priniples of landscape design

The basic principles of landscape design are those building blocks that influence the way in which all landscape components are used to create an overall pleasing design. If forms, structures and plants are organized according to these principles it is easy to achieve a landscape design that is pleasing to the eye. Following are the priniples that you should include in any landscape design:

1. Unity. This is achieved by grouping, placing or arranging elements in such a way that individual components appear to be "one". Remember a desirable appearance should be achieved from several points of view. Repetitive patterns are one way to achieve unity.
2. Balance - this refers to a sense of equilibirum - which can be either symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance means that there is a "duplicate" on either side of an imaginary line - such as on both sides of the front of a house - both sides would have the same types and sizes of plants. Asymmetrical balance still uses that imaginary line, but different plants and sizes are used. Plants are still used together to achieve that graphical balance. This tends to give a more relaxed and natural appearance.
3. Proportion. This means using sizes that are proportion to each other and the building you are landscaping around. For example, you wouldn't want very tall trees in front of a one story house or small shrubs in front of a two story home.
4. Harmony. This refers to how the different parts of a landscape work together.
   
5. Contrast. To provide some interest in the landscape you need some contrast, such as colors, textures and features.
6. Rhythm. This is the conscious repetition of equal or similar components in the garden. Slowly changing from one thing to another will create repetition and transition and give your landscape rhythm.
   

Think spring

With the new seed catalogues arriving in the mail its time to think SPRING. It's a great time to look around your yard before things start greening up. You can actually look at the overall design and see what's missing, what works and what doesn't work.

Holiday Plants

With the approaching of the holidays many people will be bringing home brightly colored plants to add to the festive atmosphere. Taking proper care of the plants will help to keep them looking good throughout the holiday season and with proper care your plants can last for several weeks or even a few months.

A plant that has been a traditional holiday favorite for years is the Poinsettia. They are now available in various leaf and flower colors. Make sure you start out right by buying a healthy plant. Select a poinsettia that has dark green foliage. If you choose a plant that has lots of color it will not develop much additional color after it leaves the store. The yellow flowers in the center of the colored bracts should be small and bright. Make sure to look carefully for any signs of insects and avoid any plants that have spotting on the leaves. Once you bring the plant home they need strong sunlight to develop their deep color. Blooming plants will maintain their color if in strong, indirect light.

Keep the plant evenly moist, but there should not be standing water in the plant's saucer. This might require watering two to three times a week. Water the plant thoroughly and after 15 minutes empty any water that is standing in the saucer. Poinsettias prefer temperatures in the range of 60 to 70 degrees once their color has developed, but they do not like drafty areas. Once the flowers start blooming give them a liquid fertilizer once very two weeks.

One thing to know is that poinsettias are not poisonous. This is a folk tale that has been around for over 70 years. The plants are not meant to be eaten, but studies show they are not poisonous to humans or animals. Another mistaken belief is that the red leaves of the plant are the flowers. These are actually brightly colored leaves and the rather insignificant yellow buds in the center of the plant are the actual flowers.

Another plant that can add some color for the holiday is an Amaryllis. This plant is typically bought as a bulb. The bulb should be planted in a pot that is just slightly bigger than the bulb, just make sure that the pot has good drainage. Use a good potting soil, but only cover about 1/3 of the bulb. Once planted make sure you water thoroughly. Once the plant starts to actually grow place it in a sunny window. Water whenever the soil is dry to the touch. After the plant has bloomed, cut back the flower stalk, but not the leaves. You can then continue to grow the plant as you would any other house plant.

Paperwhite Narcissus is also a holiday plant that starts out as a bulb. Narcissus bulbs should be planted in a pot with good drainage. The bulbs should be placed close together with their pointed end up. Leave the top half of the bulbs uncovered. Once planted, water the bulbs thoroughly. Place the pot in a well lit, but cool room. Once the shoots are about an inch tall the plant can be moved to a warmer room.

For a different twist on a holiday plant try a Christmas cactus. These plants are easy to care for and can have flower colors that are shades of pink, yellow, salmon or white. The cactus can adapt to low levels of light, however, it will bloom more in higher light levels. Christmas cactus is not a true cactus and is not quite as drought tolerate as other cactus plants. The plant should be watered thoroughly when the top half of the soil is dry. Feed the plant every two to three weeks. Plants that are exposed to drafts, overwatering or are too close to a heat source may drop their buds.

And a note about the most traditional of holiday plants, the Christmas tree. When bringing home a freshly field cut tree it should have a new cut about one inch from the old base. Having a fresh cut will remove any clogged wood that may not readily absorb water. Depending on the size of the tree, it may absorb up to a gallon of water the first day you have its in the tree stand. Always make sure there is plenty of water in the tree stand. To keep the needles fresh longer you may want to consider spraying the tree with Wilt-Pruf or another type of antiranspirant. These are clear films which slow water loss from the needles. Insects can hitch a ride on your tree. To prevent bugs from coming into your home, shake the tree and bounce it on the pavement a few times before bringing it indoors. If you see signs of insects, spray the tree with a insecticide containing pyrethrins before bringing it indoors.

Plants add color, texture, and smells to your holiday festivities. Spending time to get to know what your plants need will add to your enjoyment throughout the holiday season.

Xeriscaping

A xeriscape is a landscape that consists of plants with minimal water requirements which can withstand long periods of drought. These plants typically are natives and therefore compatible with your local environment.

I would encourage forum members to give this approach consideration rather than using bluegrass, ornamentals and installing irrigation systems.
It makes a great deal of cents and is very rewarding.

Here is a great website

Following is a nice website on environmentally friendly landscaping. I would encourage you to check it out. Many of their tips are very useful for any part of the country. I hope you enjoy it.

www.clemson.edu/cyn/nine.html

Lakeshore landscaping

I wanted to post something here about a client of mine because I am so pleased with his lakeshore ethic. We always harp on this forum about people coming to the lakes and then wanting to establish bluegrass lawns that are irrigated and then mown right to the lake's edge. This gent has a property on Mary Lake just east of Emily which he recently purchased. It has some erosion problems that he hired me to help him with. The gravel road just behind his home is five ft. higher than his property so water runs off the road toward his house. Like many of the lakes in this area wave action from large boats and jet skis is eroding his lakeshore. For most people riprap seems to be the answer. Thank goodness this chap is not interested in damaging the lake further. Here is what we are doing.

1. We will be working with the DNR to do aquatic vegetation plantings in the lake. This will minimize the wave action and provide valuable habitat for fish and other critters. Most people want to remove the natural vegetation which is the worst thing to do.
2. We will be establishing a no-mow zone ten ft. in from the edge of the gravel road. Nature will take its course with native plants like the interupted ferns and large leaf aster moving in. This will provide better root systems and reduce the velocity of runoff.
3. We will be establishing a no-mow zone back an additional four ft. from the lake. Again nature will take its course with native plants taking over.
4. We will be planting Pennsylvania sedge in areas that are now bare and sandy.
5. We will be establishing a defined walkway to the lake using turfstone to keep people from walking at random. The turfstone has large holes in it which allows water to pass through it.

Best of all this gent will spend more time enjoying the lake and less time mowing, while protecting his property and the lake at the same time.

Did you know

Minnesota state law requires that companies who install low voltage wiring as part of an irrigation system or landscape lighting system hold a Technology System Contractor license and that each company must have a licensed Power Limited Technician on staff.

If you are contemplating having one or both of these systems installed, ask your contractor if they carry these credentials. If they don't, find a different contractor. You deserve to have work done by someone with the appropriate experience and training.

Two very important items prior to landscape construction

Please remember these two items, as they might save money and a life.
Prior to any landscape construction do the following:

1. Check with your local governmental unit to make sure you are permitted for the construction you are undertaking. This might include more than one unit such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, county, township or municipality offices. I know of a case where steps were constructed down a bank and into a lake without being permitted. The city made the homeowner remove the steps. I know of another case where a paver patio and fire ring were installed far closer to a lake than permitted. The homeowner had to pay a large fine and triple the cost of what a permit would have cost. Do the correct thing and meet your local requirements.

2. Always contact your local "One Call" for a thorough utility locate. It normally takes 48 hours and might just save a life or at least a lot of money. I know of a fellow who purchased numerous hedge plants and went to work. Little did he know that in the planting process he cut the phone line in seven places. It is so easy to avoid these problems with one simple phone call.

I would love to hear other tips or experiences of interest from the rest of you. Please jump in.

A money saving tip

Most homeowners who purchase good topsoil, river rock and boulders do so through a local landscape nursery or gardencenter. I would suggest going directly to the source. Most areas of the country have sand and gravel quarries that will sell direct to homeowners. The landscape contractors get their soil, rock and boulders from the same source. By the time it is delivered to their site, they have to mark up the cost to make a profit. They then charge you a delivery fee to your home, hence the cost can be quite a bit higher. Avoid all of that and make your purchase at the source. The money saved can be put into plants or other landscape features.

A new article to review

Most recently we put together a short article entitled "A Rather Shady Affair". To read it please go to our main site www.gizmocreations.com
On the right hand side of the home page you will see it listed. It gives some good information on Brunnera. Incidentally, these are wonderful mass planted for a groundcover in shady areas.

Plants from early years as a kid

Have any of you in your fifties or older noticed that the plants we grew up with as children just aren't used today. That is rather sad, really. Some of them were wonderful and I still have fond memories of many.

Let's start a list of the plants we had as kids that are rarely used today that should be planted.

Here are my two contributions: Bridal Wreath Spirea and Lily of the Valley. Jump in here now with your additions.

Transplant Shock

I stumbled upon a product recently called Wilt Pruf that is terrific. I simply spray my perennials with it the night before I intend to transplant them. The plants don't seem to experience any wilting or dehydration. I highly recommend it to all of you gardeners.

American Bittersweet

We have several in pots and two of them are loaded with beautiful fruit. If you use them please remember that you need both a male and female plant withing 30' of each other for them to bloom and fruit. They are a great vine for trellises and fences. The fruit is commonly used for table displays at Thanksgiving time.

I purchased ten American Bittersweet vines from Cross Nursery in Lakeville, MN this spring. The Bittersweet (like Gingko Biloba) has both male and female plants, therefore the need to purchase enough to make certain that you end up with some that will bloom and fruit. The male plant can pollinate up to four or five female plants and should be located within 30' of the female plants. If you are looking for something a little different, this might be it.

Tips on trees

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If you are looking for information on trees, whether it be planting, diseases, identification or pruning here you go. I think you will enjoy this site. www.MNtrees.org

Avoid the locators blue's syndrome

Under Minnesota law, effective January 1st, 2006, excavators by any definition are required to: "use white markings for proposed excavation except where it can be shown that it is not practical; (see MN statute 216D.05 Precautions to avoid damage). Always call Gopher State One Call two working days before you dig for utility locates.