 |
|||
|
|||
 |
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||
Pleasingly pretty parsley! Parsley, a member of the carrot family, is native to the Mediterranean. Two ever popular varieties - curly parsley, formally known as Petroselinium crispum, and Italian flat parsley, Petroselinium crispum var. Neopolitanum - are commonly planted in Long Island gardens.
Growing parsley from seed is a long process as seeds are slow to germinate (4-6 plus weeks). To jump start things, soak seed in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the last average frost (approximately April 20th on Long Island) or directly in the garden after that date. Not interested in growing from seed? Fortunately, transplants are readily available in spring and summer.
Parsley is typically grown as an annual on Long Island (it is tolerant of light fall frosts), but can overwinter (a word of warning - overwintered parsley plants will have a bitter taste).
How to grow: Parsley enjoys full sun (6-8 hours/day), and moist, yet well-drained, slightly acidic soils. A good companion plant, intermix parsley with other sun-loving herbs or annuals in planters, baskets or beds and borders. (Edible and attractive - a real win-win in the garden.) Harvest the outermost stalks regularly to encourage new growth for long harvests.
Uses: as a garnish, in salads, butters, spreads, sauces and more. Parsley is rich in anti-oxidants and Vitamins A, C and K. And you thought it was just a pretty garnish.
|
||
|
|
||
Long Islanders like to create walls of green on their properties. Whether it's for privacy from neighbors, buffers from wind or noise, or to provide shade in the yard, hedges can accomplish all of this. Looking to add some hedges to your landscape? The following are just a few suggestions for plants to use as evergreen screening. All are available at Martin Viette.
Cryptomeria japonica - Japanese Cedar
Japanese cedar, a hardy, elegant evergreen, is an ideal specimen or accent tree in the landscape or for screening. It is considered an excellent replacement plant for hemlocks. The needle-like leaves are bright blue-green during the growing season and bronzy-green in winter. Pyramidal in shape, Japanese cedar can grow 12-24" a year and reach a height of 40+ feet. Over time the bottom branches can begin to disappear but reveal an attractive reddish brown bark. The cultivar 'Yoshino' is preferred over the straight species for screening. Cryptomerias are best planted in full sun, but will tolerate medium shade. Soil should be acidic with adequate moisture, yet well drained. Heavy, clay soils should be amended with organic matter - compost or composted manure - prior to planting. Fertilize with Holly-tone, according to label directions, in early spring or Thanksgiving.
Prunus laurocerasus 'Schipkaensis'- 'Schip' Laurel
'Schip laurel', as it is commonly called, has grown in popularity as a hardy screening plant thanks to its dense form and ability to grow in shade. Prized for their dark glossy green leaves, Schips can grow to 10-12' tall by 4-6' wide. For best growth, provide rich organic soil that is moist but well drained. Clay soils should be amended with organic matter - compost or composted manure - prior to planting. Avoid soils that are slow to drain or frequently wet. Schips will produce flowers in late spring and blackish purple berries in early fall making it a great plant for attracting wildlife in the landscape. Avoid planting in open, windy or exposed sites due to tendency to wind burn or summer drought.
|
||
|
|
||
Roses are adored for their incredibly beautiful flowers! But, how many of us have been disappointed when leaves become yellow, spotted and fall off the plant? Black spot, the biggest problem for certain rose types, is a garden spoiler!
Understanding Black Spot: Black spot overwinters in fallen rose leaves or on diseased canes; spores germinate in spring and are carried to leaves by splashing water - rain or irrigation. Humid, cloudy and/or rainy weather can spread the disease in rose plantings. Wet leaves (more than 7 hours of wetness) allow for infection to occur. The fungus develops and new spores continue to form and travel to 'clean' leaves, further spreading the disease.
What You Can Do: Good sanitation is critical to reduce infection so remove infected leaves when the plant is dry and throw out. Avoid overhead irrigation whenever possible; use a soaker hose to apply water. Space plants properly to improve air circulation, encouraging wet foliage to dry. Buy resistant varieties; ask us about roses that are resistant to Black Spot.
Chemical or Organic Controls: It's best to purchase two different classes of fungicides that are labeled to control Black Spot and never use the same one twice in a row. This prevents the fungus from developing resistance to the fungicides. Martin Viette has a number of different remedies - chemical and organic - to assist with control of Black Spot.
|
||
|
|
||
With Memorial Day behind us, the official kick-off to easy summer living is just a few weeks away!
Now is the time to enjoy your garden and outdoor living areas. Fortunately, it's not too late to get your property ready for summer activities - B-B-Q's, pool parties and family get-togethers. Ireland-Gannon Associates' expert designers and efficient, experienced crews can get it done in time for summer enjoyment.
A designer will be available every Saturday and Sunday in June from 10am to 3pm at Martin Viette Nurseries in East Norwich if you would like to stop in to discuss your project. Appointments are advisable - 516.922.4800. Our designers can also arrange appointments at your home, if you prefer.
Ireland Gannon's offices are located at Martin Viette Nurseries, Route 25A, East Norwich (516) 922-4800 or at the Israel G. Hawkins House, Route 25A, Stony Brook (631) 689-9725. Or, we invite you to visit us on the web: www.irelandgannon.com
|
||
|
|
||
Get your green thumb growing! Join us for one or all of these free informative Saturday lectures. The June 16th lecture is at 11am; the July lecture is 2pm, rain or shine. Please call ahead to reserve a free seat under the big green tent - 516.922.5530
June 16th: Easy Summer Landscape Solutions
Don't spend the entire summer stewing about your landscape (or lack of!) Join Peter Hogarty of Ireland Gannon Associates as he shares some useful tips that will transform your outdoor living space - just in time for summer enjoyment and entertaining.
July 14th: Heavenly Hydrangeas for Long Island Gardens 2PM
Surrounded by hundreds of hydrangeas in bloom, Vincent Simeone of Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park will talk about the best hydrangeas for Long Island gardens: the bluest of the blue, those that are new, and the tried and true! Growing tips, care and pruning for this heavenly grouping of shrubs will be covered.
|
||
|
|
||
Roll up the sleeves; it's time for kids to get their hands dirty! Join us every Saturday in May and June, from 9am to 11am, at the Potting Station at Martin Viette. Fun and informal, kids will learn the ABC's of how to grow their own vegetables at this free potting party. No reservations needed. |
||
|
|
||
The Long Island Rose Society will present its annual judging and exhibition titled "An American Beauty: The Rose" at Planting Fields Arboretum, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay, New York 11771 on Sunday, June 10, 2012, 1 -5 PM. Come see hundreds of roses of all colors and classes from minis roses to hybrid teas, climbers and old garden roses, all garden-grown on Long Island. While at the Show, have your questions answered by American Rose Society certified consulting rosarians. This event is fun for the entire family. There is also a plant sale and raffles. Admission to the show is FREE. Parking at Planting Fields is $8. For directions to the Arboretum, go to www.plantingfields.org.
|
||
|
|
||
Good taste never goes out of style! Our beautiful store at the Americana Manhasset captures time-honored accents and accessories for your home or as gifts that celebrate or mark an occasion.
It's time once again to enjoy our outside oasis at Martin Viette at the Americana Manhasset. New collections of beautiful outdoor furniture and accessories - pottery, statuary, plant stands, and plants - are artfully showcased on mahogany decking as you enter the store.
Just in time for summer entertaining, beautiful serving pieces from Vagabond House have arrived. Each piece is a work of botanical art with sculptured pewter accents - sure to make a statement at your next party or when given as a hostess or wedding gift.
Preserved boxwood topiaries have returned to Martin Viette at the Americana. These delightful indoor accents, in select styles and sizes, will add the finishing touch to your home.
Conveniently located only 7 miles west of our main store (6050 Northern Blvd./25A, East Norwich), Martin Viette at the Americana is located at 1984 Northern Blvd., Manhasset, NY 11030. Phone: 516.869.8020. Store hours: Mon, Tues, Fri & Sat 10am-6pm; Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm; Sun Noon -6pm.
|
||
|
|
||
Calling all gardeners! Follow Martin Viette every day on Facebook for the latest in gardening tips, trends and posts. |
||
|
|
|
|
Martin Viette Nurseries
email:
info@martinviette.com
|
|
