We should not be ashamed of this. It is good. It’s like drinking water.

~Natalie Goldberg

So often I am asked by our clients how to care for their new landscapes. When to water . . . → Read More: Take Time for Refreshment!]]> Over and over, we have to go back to the beginning.

We should not be ashamed of this. It is good. It’s like drinking water.

~Natalie Goldberg

So often I am asked by our clients how to care for their new landscapes. When to water is always one of the most frequently asked questions… and for good reason!  Irrigation is extremely important and key to a healthy start and long life for your plants. So how do you know when your plants need a little refreshment?

Surprisingly, a new landscape is more susceptible to disease and insect problems than a mature landscape. Undeveloped root systems cause new plants to be very weak, making the first season of your new landscape critical. As a landscape designer and installer, it’s difficult to recommend a ‘standard’ watering program for new landscapes because of the variations in soil conditions, natural precipitation, temperature and a plant’s moisture. All of these factors MUST be considered. Oddly enough, though, over watering is the most common cause of death for newly planted trees and shrubs!

Rest assured that if you have correctly planted and watered a new plant, it shouldn’t need additional water for several days.  When in doubt, here’s a quick test to determine if you need to water your new gardens. Start by digging carefully six to eight inches near the root zone and squeeze a handful of soil. If it is damp enough to form a ball, no water is necessary. If the soil falls apart easily, it is definitely time to water! Don’t be concerned if the top few inches of soil are dry. Keep in mind that roots need just as much air as they do moisture. Over watering will saturate the soil and suffocate the roots.

Leaves that turn yellow and wilt may have too much water but appear like they are thirsty. Deep, infrequent watering encourages roots to grow deep into the soil for maximum plant growth and health! Remember, to prevent fungus and disease, always water the soil at the base of the plant not the leaves.

To keep soil moist, I LOVE mulch!  Mulch not only helps to retain moisture, it minimizes weeds and adds nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. All new plants should be mulched because it protects their young, shallow roots during the cold, harsh winter months.  Following are a few of our best “mulching” practices:

• Mulch is always layered 3″-4″.
• Never lay mulch against a tree truck or any woody ornamental shrubs. The mulch should be at least two (2) inches from the trunk.  It is best to create a “well” around the tree truck to capture and hold in water.
• Life & spread. Always lift the plant material so you can spread mulch under it.
• Do not let mulch sit on top of plant leaves, branches, etc. because it will burn them.

Use these handy tips to get your new plants off to a healthy start and remember: take time for refreshment in the gardens!

Superbells® Blackberry Punch by Proven Winners

packs a PUNCH in the GARDEN!

Heat tolerant & resistant to disease.

BONUS: No deadheading, no pinching. Full SUN!

✿✿✿

. . . → Read More: Superbells® Blackberry Punch]]> GROW it!

Superbells® Blackberry Punch by Proven Winners

packs a PUNCH in the GARDEN!

Heat tolerant & resistant to disease.

BONUS: No deadheading, no pinching. Full SUN!

✿✿✿

✿✿✿

On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth.

I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.

~Helen Hayes

Welcome to our Ultimate SPRING Fling!  . . . → Read More: The ULTIMATE SPRING Fling Give-a-Way!]]> All through the long winter, I dream of my garden.

On the first day of spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth.

I can feel its energy, and my spirits soar.

~Helen Hayes

Welcome to our Ultimate SPRING Fling!  WE are glad YOU joined US!

It may (or may not) feel like spring where you live, but our trusty calendar says TODAY is the first DAY of SPRING!

To kick off the SEASON, we are EXCITED to offer a wonderful Garden Give-a-Way!  SIMPLY tell us what YOU love most about SPRING by leaving a COMMENT below!

Using a random number generator on March 26th at 12 midnight EST, FIVE lucky GARDENERS will receive one of these special garden delights!

Our WINNER will be announced March 27th at 9:00 a.m. EST!

Good Luck, Friends!

Suit UP for the season in comfy GARDEN HOE™ gear!  A Two Women and a Hoe™ T-Shirt and Cap will get you started!

Get GROWING fast with the M Brace by Art of the Garden! Slide any standard 2” lumber into the braces and you are ready to PLANT. The best part? YOU decide the length and width that is just right for your space. 100% RECYCLED metal, made in the USA!

Pollinators play such an essential role in creating a HEALTHY eco-system for all species to SURVIVE.  Our Friends at BBB Seed are trying to do their part in supporting these important CREATURES by encouraging people to PLANT their GARDENS with pollinators in mind!

BBB Seed Heirloom Vegetable & Wildflower Seeds Pollinator Friendly Giveaway items include:

4 – 1 oz. Pollinators WILDFLOWER Mixes (Bee Rescue, Honey Source, Hummingbirds and Butterflies & Birds)

3 Packets of Garden Variety FLOWERS (Zinnia Mix, Cosmos and Pincushion Flower)

6 Packets of HEIRLOOM Vegetable Seed (Lemon Basil, Chives, Culinary Thyme, Italian Giant Parsley, Yellow Summer Squash, Zucchini)

Haven’s Natural Brew Tea conditions the SOIL so your plants’ ROOT systems can better absorb NUTRIENTS needed to build a strong, healthy ROOT base.   Place Haven’s Natural Brew Tea bag in a one to five gallon container filled with water, cover & allow to seep for one to three days.  Then WATER your plants, it’s that EASY!  Use every time you water or at least four times during the GROWING season.

You’ll LOVE this digital soil pH Meter OFFERED by Arbor and Vine. It holds a data base of over 350 fruits, flowers, vegetables, grasses and landscape plants. The numeric format is EASY to read on the digital LCD screen. It measures SOIL pH range from 3.5 to 9.0. Perform a quick and EASY pH test or use the advanced feature to select the PLANT to test, measure the soil pH and then compare it to the preferred pH of that plant. Create a ‘FAVORITES’ category and store a list of the last 25 plants tests. Batteries required and included.

Remember, tell us what YOU love most about SPRING in the comment section!

 Thank YOU for playing, Friends!

Have a GREAT day, Friends!