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to all of our
green thumber friends! |
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| Add Interest to Your Winter Landscape
by Shari Nielsen |
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In our Michigan climate, the garden landscape is dormant nearly half of the year so it makes sense to design with winter in mind. With a bit of luck, snow will soon begin piling up to cover withered, tired summer perennials. (Here's a bit of advice about those perennials; when it's brown, cut it down. When it's green, let it be.)
Mother nature provides us with a brand new, pristine white canvas for shrubs and trees with unique forms or growth habits. A few examples come to mind; Harry Lauder walking stick, corkscrew willow,  weeping trees such as weeping birch and weeping cherry, unusual peeling barks such as white birch, river birch and cinnamon colored paper bark maple trees. Plant shrubs such as red twig, yellow twig dogwood and green stemmed kerria for a colorful and interesting display of stems.
Ornamental grasses provide rhythm and movement in the garden. Bundles stand together with string and wave in the howling winter winds. Shrubs with blue, red and orange berries present brilliant displays, contrast sharply with the dullness of winter and provide food for our little feathered friends. Some suggestions are pyracantha, cotoneaster, holly and viburnum among others.
Evergreens, traditional and broadleaf, make sturdy and eye-catching windbreaks and focal points. Evergreen hedges provide a sense of integrity and weight to our garden design. They can form a windbreak, focal point or shelter for wildlife and a structure for Christmas lights.
Be sure to water your plants thoroughly before the ground freezes because they won't have access to water again before spring thaws. Resist the urge to dust snow off from junipers and cedars. Their  branches are flexible enough that they will return to their proper position once the snow has blown off or melted. It is a good idea to tie your arborvitae since heavy snow can weigh down and cause permanent damage to their branches. 
As you can see, there are many ways to add texture, color and form to your outdoor area, making it interesting in every season of the year. Now is a great time to enhance what will soon be your own winter landscape.
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| Congratulations! |
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Michele Sompels is our October Wedel's News trivia winner!
One of our featured plants last month was the Catherine Bateman clematis. Our trivia question was, "Who was Catherine Bateman's father and for what was he famous?"
Michele knew that James Bateman, Catherine's father, was a famous orchid grower. That was the answer we were looking for but Michele had even more information. James Bateman developed Biddulph Grange which is a National Trust house and landscaped gardens situated in Biddulph near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.
Congratulations, Michele! |
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Garden Party Gala Coming to Wedel's  It's almost here! Ladies Night Out at Wedel's will be on Friday, November 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. and it is shaping up to be an event we're sure you will look forward to year after year.
The first 200 ladies to arrive will receive a "goodie bag" full of coupons, free offers and samples. There will be yummy food samples from Wedel's Garden Party Cafe', Noodles and Company, Super Suppers, Spicy Pickle, Tastefully Simple and Bert's Bakery. Men in tuxes (from Libin's) will be waiting on us.
There isn't room to list all of the fun activities you'll have the opportunity to participate in here, at Wedel's, but here are a few. Have you ever admired the wreaths you've seen on front doors or lamp posts during the Christmas season? You will be able to decorate your own with the guidance of our wreath making experts. Our design professionals will be on hand to show you how to make professional bows for your wreath or gift packages. Interested in the craft of flower pressing? You'll be able to do that too.
While you are here, have a look at Wedel's Super Christmas Specials and get a sneak preview of what's new for Christmas 2008.
Get a hair cut and give the hair to Locks of Love for cancer patients. Cutting at Wedel's will be from 12:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Entrance fee? We ask that you bring non-perishable foods and/or blankets and coats for the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission to give to needy people in our area or a cash donation. A portion of the evening's proceeds will go to West Michigan Cancer Center's Patient Care Service Program.
Bring your mom, daughter and friends for a fun evening of pampering with a fashion show, shopping, creating and so much more.
Remember: Friday, November 14, 2008, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
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| Pretty Garden? |
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If you have a garden, a feeding station or bird pictures that you are proud of, send them to us. We'll share your picture with our readers. Send pictures to:
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Just for Grins... .jpg)
What do you get if you divide the circumference
of a pumpkin by its diameter?
Pumpkin pi. |
A Thought
from the Garden
"Give me the end of the year an' its fun
When most of the plannin' an' toilin' is done;
Bring all the wanderers home to the nest,
Let me sit down with the ones I love best,
Hear the old voices still ringin' with song,
See the old faces unblemished by wrong,
See the old table with all of its chairs
An' I'll put soul in my Thanksgivin' prayers."
- Edgar A. Guest, Thanksgiving
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| Did You Know? |
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1. Botanically, there is no such thing as a pumpkin. Pumpkins are certain varieties of squash, which through local traditions and use, have come to be called pumpkins. Squash and pumpkins belong to the family 'Cucurbitaceae', which also contains cucumbers, melons and gourds.
2. If caterpillars are seen in late fall, expect a mild winter.
3. According to the Guinness Book Of Records, the largest apple ever grown weighed 3 lbs 2 oz and was picked in Caro, Michigan!
4. Apples should never be stored near potatoes because they give off ethylene gas which causes potatoes to sprout. |
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Lives to Fly Another Day
Every gardener and birder has stories to tell, some of which have sad endings. Not only does this story have a happy ending, but thanks to Yvonne Booth we've got pictures. One day early this spring an injured Red Tailed Hawk was found near Vicksburg. That's where Sharon Butler enters the scene. She is a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator and very quickly had the bird ready to return to nature.
Pictured above are Matt Mendocha on the left (his father found the injured bird) and Sharon Butler.
The red tail is on its way to freedom. | |
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| Volume 1, Number 8 November, 2008 |
November Possibilities
Abound
by George Wedel |
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 As November rolled in this year we enjoyed several beautiful days that felt more like late spring than early fall. That is one of the things that make Michigan a wonderful place to live. Seasons come and go, each with its own characteristics and surprises.
Because of the unusually warm weather early this month we still have opportunities to enjoy working in the fresh air and opportunities to do things this year that will make next year an even more successful one in our gardens and outdoor living areas. What is probably the most important project is applying a good winterizing fertilizer to our lawns. We recommend that Scotts Super Turf Builder Winterguard be applied now. Our goal, this time of year, is to encourage good root development which leads to stronger, more disease resistant grass plants next year. Of course, with stronger, healthier grass we will need to spend less time and money remedying problems that often plague weaker lawns.
What to do with leaves? As pretty as they are as they change color on the trees, they can be a nuisance once they are on the ground. Raking or collecting leaves with a power leaf blower can be a chore but it can add value to our gardens. Leaves are an excellent source of organic material and they do add nutrients to the soil as they are worked in. An alternative you might consider is composting. Gardeners have long called compost black gold because of its nutrient value as a source of rich, fertile humus for your plants whether in the garden or landscaping and leaves are an excellent component of any compost. Compost can also improve the structure of both sand and clay soils, protecting them against drought and erosion.
I recommend using Espoma's Bio-Excelerator when composting. Bio-Excelerator contains the most effective microorganisms coupled with the proper energy sources and pH balancers that assure your composting success. A convenient way to turn and contain your compost is using a tumbling composter. Wedel's carries a 7 cubic foot, tumbling composter that makes the process easy.
If you would rather not collect the leaves you have the option of mulching them where they fall. You'll need a good mulching mower with sharp blades to grind the leaves into fine particles that will naturally work their way into the soil. Be sure to do your mulching in stages and don't wait until all of the leaves are down. A covering of mulched leaf material that is too heavy can do more harm than good to lawns.
Homeowners who experienced snow mold damage in their lawn last winter should be ready to take preventative measures. Both pink and gray snow mold can damage turf when temperatures range from 32 to 50 degrees and the grass is damp, usually from November through April. Prevention of snow mold is the best way to control it. First, fertilize turf with Scotts Super Turf Builder Winterguard. Mow the lawn late into the fall if it is still growing; never allow the grass blades to remain long going into the winter. Tall grass will mat under snow loads which encourages snow mold. Set your mower for the last autumn mowing in November to one and three quarters inches.
Two fungicides applied alternately whenever thawing conditions allow will prevent mold damage. The first spray should be Halt Systemic Fungicide applied in mid-November. The second should be Banner sprayed on turf in December. Repeat these sprays in late February or early March.
Another project that is often overlooked this time of year is watering. Don't let your plants go through winter in dry soil. Even though your hose might be stowed away for the season it will be well worth your while to get it out and give your trees and shrubs a good, deep watering around Thanksgiving. Using a nice layer of mulch will help to keep the moisture in the soil and, as I mentioned last month, mulch helps to insulate the soil and protects roots during the early cold snaps.
If you didn't get your deer and rabbit repellent applied yet, there's no time like the present. Deer and rabbit browsing begins after the first hard frost and continues throughout the winter months. It is so discouraging to come home one evening and find your prized and valuable shrub or tree either badly misshapen or gone entirely. I recommend Repellex Deer and Rabbit Repellent which can be purchased in a pre-mixed sprayer or as a concentrate. Spray on a day when the temperature is in the 40 degree range and no rain is expected for 24 to 48 hours. This gives the repellent time to dry which means your plants will be protected for 10 to 12 weeks. You've invested your time and money in your landscaping. A little insurance now will protect your investment.
It's not too late to plant spring flowering bulbs for a glorious display as winter fades and spring begins to bloom. Wedel's has a huge selection of bulbs, including tulips, narcissus, crocus, hyacinths, daffodils etc. to choose from along with everything you need to ensure success including tools, fertilizer and expert advice. Plant now for blossoms in March (or earlier) through much of May; just the time of year when our spirits sometimes need lifting. What could be better than brilliant colors after a time of gray days and the promise of a new spring after the quiet of a long winter?
Thanksgiving day will be here in less than three weeks! Who, among us, can't come up with a long list of things we are thankful for? At times, the list seems endless. We've had a wonderful growing season and a beautiful fall. Winter is coming when we can reflect on all that we've accomplished and plan for the next gardening season. And there is the promise of a new spring, just around the corner, when we can all dig in and get busy in our yards and gardens once again. On the top of my list are our green thumber friends who share my enthusiasm for all of the outdoor projects and chores that make home such a pleasant place to be. I wish you, each, a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
Whenever you have gardening questions, feel free to come to Wedel's Nursery, Florist, and Garden Center, your twelve-month horticultural center. The nursery is stocked full of beautiful trees, shrubs, and evergreens now and even after most other garden centers have closed and we've put our nursery stock "to bed" for the winter, we'll be able to help you. Our experienced Michigan Certified Nursery Specialists, Master Gardeners and Lawn Pros are always happy to help you any day, any season.
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Q. Are new bird species being discovered? My Dad says no.
A. Sorry Dad, but new bird species are discovered regularly. On average two new species are discovered yearly; this year is no exception.
In March a species of bird was confirmed in Northeast India. The spectacular new bird, Bugun Liocichla, has an olive body, black cap, orange-yellow lore (the area between the upper bill and eye) and patches of yellow, crimson and white on its wings.
Ornithologists, including one from Michigan State University, confirmed a new species of bird on Indonesia's Togian Islands. The Togian White-eye was confirmed in the March edition of The Wilson Journal of Ornithology.
"What this discovery highlights is that in some parts of the world there are still virtually unexplored islands where few ornithologists have worked," said MSU's Pamela Rasmussen, an internationally known ornithologist specializing in Asian birds. She went on to say, "The world still holds avian surprises for us."
Q. I had a flock of 15 or so Cedar Waxwings come into my yard right here in Portage. Are they common and what can I do to get them to come back?
A. Fruit makes up the majority of Cedar Waxwings' diet, approaching 90%. Much of their behavior stems from their food sources. Outside of breeding season the large flocks they form are nomadic, traveling widely in search of fruiting shrubs or trees.
As they wander in search of food, they may stay in one  place that provides a supply of berries and water for a few days or even few weeks in some cases. Then after you're used to seeing them in large numbers every day they disappear just as suddenly as they appeared. Even when you are seeing them they are still moving among various sites throughout the day.
Food and water are the only ways to attract waxwings. Supplying these needs will dramatically increase your chances of seeing them. Fruits attractive to waxwings include primarily berries such as cherries, mulberries, elderberries, grapes, blackberries and blueberries. For the winter months bittersweet, hackberry, eastern red cedar, crabapple and American highbush cranberry are attractive options for both you and the birds. Due to Cedar waxwings' predominantly fruit diet a ready water supply is critical, especially in winter.
Q. I saw this bird on Lake Michigan at Muskegon, can you tell me what it is?
A. The bird you saw is a Double-crested Cormorant and the September time frame suggests it was migrating. The Double-crested Cormorant is fairly numerous and is the only North American cormorant that occurs inland as well as along the east, west and gulf coasts. Cormorants due to  their fish diet have been blamed for playing a part in the decline of some fisheries, although there is little data to support these claims. Double-crested Cormorant is now thought to be growing in numbers throughout its range.
Nest sites are frequently in direct sun. Adults shade the chicks and not only feed them but bring them water. In breeding colonies nests are placed on the ground, young cormorants leave their nests and gather together into large groups with other juveniles. As soon as they see their parents arrive at the nest site with food they quickly return to the nest.
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| Autumn Pond Checklist |
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Here are a few end-of-the-season suggestions to help you prepare your pond for the coming weather and to make start up and maintenance easier next year.
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Continue feeding your fish in the early fall with high protein enhancing foods but switch to low protein, high carbohydrate foods as winter approaches. Color enhancing foods aren't necessary now, but they won't hurt either.
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Once the pond water temperatures drop to 50 degrees, discontinue feeding your fish. Use a pond thermometer to help guide you. It is always a good idea to purchase more submerged plants to give fish grazing material throughout the winter. This allows your fish to eat what they need when they need it during the winter months.
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Keep lilies well pruned since they produce fewer and fewer leaves; cut back frost killed foliage.
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Consider a pool cleaning. If a thorough cleaning isn't necessary, remove as much bottom debris as possible.
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Biological clarifiers help break down debris in the bottom of the pond and may allow you to skip an annual pond cleaning.
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After two or three freezes, check tropical lilies for tuber production. Store tubers in plastic bags, filled with water, in a cool place.
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Remove pumps, clean and store for winter in a 5 gallon bucket with water up to pump level. Do not store dry!
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Remove falling leaves from the pond as soon as possible. If leaf drop gets ahead of you, try step #5 above.
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As winter approaches, move lilies to the deeper area of your pond or to a cool but not freezing protected spot.
A little effort now will help to ensure you have a beautiful, healthy pond next year. |
| Tips on Growing Paperwhites
(with news on how to keep them from stretching)
by Kay Wedel |
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Paperwhites are perhaps the easiest bulbs to grow indoors. They do not require a cooling period and they are fragrant. To force paperwhites you will need a container without drainage holes and pebbles or small rocks.
First place a layer of rock in the container. Put the bulbs on top of this rock and place more pebbles around the bulbs to secure them in an upright position. Add water to the container so that it is just under the bulbs. You do not want to cover the bulbs with water as this will cause them to rot.
Place the container in a dark location for 1-2 weeks so that the roots can develop. After that time move the container to a location with bright, indirect light and water as needed. They will usually bloom in about 3-4 weeks.
NEW NEWS: Are you tired of staking paperwhites if they get too tall and floppy? Here may be the answer for you! According to a study from Cornell University using dilute water with a solution of 4-6% alcohol will stunt the stem growth of paperwhites. The study found that it did not affect the size of flowers. Pot up the paperwhites as normal. After the roots are growing and the green growth on the top reaches 2 inches, pour out the existing water. Replace the water with the alcohol solution and continue to use this solution for future watering needs.
To Make the Alcohol Solution:
The simple way is to use rubbing alcohol that contains 70% alcohol. Mix 2 tablespoons to 1 ½ cups of water.
Formula for those who love math: Divide the percentage of alcohol by 5 and then subtract 1. This tells you how many parts water to mix with your 1 part alcohol. Example: 70 divided by 5 = 14. 14 subtract 1 = 13. 13 parts water to 1 part alcohol. Please use rubbing alcohol and not beer or wine since they are too high in sugar. |
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Forcing Bulbs Indoors (other than Amaryllis or Paperwhites)
by Kay Wedel Can't wait for spring? Here are some tips on how to force spring flowering bulbs in your home.
First you will want to make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand. Pick out your favorite bulbs. Place them in a paper bag in the refrigerator with the name and date. The chilling temperature should be between 35-45 degrees F. Hyacinths should be chilled for 6 weeks. All other bulbs (tulips, narcissus, etc.) should be chilled 8-10 weeks.
After the chilling process has finished it is time to plant. You will need a shallow container that is about 6 inches wide with drainage holes and potting mix (not top soil). Keep a 2-3 inch layer of potting mix below the bulb for root development. Finish planting the bulbs. The top of the bulb will be peaking at the surface. Water and place near a sunny window. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, as the bulbs are actively growing. The bulbs should bloom in about 4-6 weeks.
Special Note: If you want to plant your bulbs into a container right away add 2-3 weeks more to the chilling time in the refrigerator. If you would like to plant pots that can be used outside, use a deeper container so that there will be at least 2 inches of potting mix over the tops of the bulbs. Sink that container in the garden and place some mulch over the top. After 10-12 weeks of out door chilling (when the weather is right) you can lift that container to the outdoor location of your choice. ENJOY! | |
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Saturday Mornings
Birdwatch 8:00
with host Roger Taylor answering all of your birding questions
Call in at 382-4280 or 800-742-6590.
(Mark your calendars! Over the Garden Fence returns March 21, 2009) Over the Garden Fence 9:07
with host Andy Wedel answering all of your landscape and gardening questions
Call in at 382-4280 or 800-742-6590. |
Note from the Editor
Don't get me wrong. I really do enjoy the seasons here, in Michigan. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. But when we get our yard ready for winter; when the perennials are cut down, the grass is mowed short, the patio furniture is put away for the season and the last rose of summer is cut and in a vase in the house, the word that comes to mind is "desolate." I know that winter has its own beauty; sparkling white snow in stark contrast to gray tree bark and, mostly, even grayer skies. There are days when the sky couldn't be bluer, the sunshine brighter and the air crisper but, by comparison, I prefer the tangible lushness of spring and summer when there is an endless variety of colors, scents, shapes and sizes. And the green of summer! What better signifies abundant life? If you know what I mean and maybe even feel a bit that way yourself, be sure to read Shari Nielsen's article, "Add Interest to Your Winter Landscape."
You could be feeling a little melancholy about the end of another growing season but don't give in to that feeling; have a look at what George has to say this month. Believe it or not, there is still plenty to do outside and there are projects enough to take us right up to and even into December. Remember to protect your landscape shrubbery and trees from the sometimes harsh and drying winter winds with Cloud Cover. Cloud Cover should be applied once a season, at the end of November or early in December when we have a couple of days of 40 degree temperatures. Stop by Wedel's and we'll show you exactly what you need and how to use it.
You know, being a green thumber isn't a seasonal phenomenon. It is a part of who we are. We have blue, brown, green or hazel eyes twelve months of the year, right? Well, there's no getting around it; our thumbs are green year around too. Kay Wedel has provided information for us, in two articles, about how we can enjoy our favorite endeavors during the time of year when we need to enjoy our favorite endeavors. Look at "Tips on Growing Paperwhites" and "Forcing Bulbs Indoors" and you'll find out how to have beautiful, fragrant blossoms indoors during the months when our outdoor plants are resting up for a new season of beautiful, fragrant blossoms outdoors. About the time paperwhites, amaryllis, hyacinths and many other bulbs have sprouted and are reaching their peak we are just a few weeks away from seeing the same thing happen outside. Wedel's is your twelve month horticultural center because gardening, whether outdoor or indoor, can be a twelve month pursuit so stop in and see what we have for you and let's get growing!
Are you ready for this month's trivia question? Birding is a hobby that has the most participants of any hobby in the U.S.A. Here's a birding question for you. What characteristic do cormorants and a few other birds have in common with humans that the vast majority of birds do not? This one might be a toughie but you can do it! As always, the first reader to respond at the address below with the correct answer will win a $15.00 gift certificate from Wedel's Garden Center. The gift certificate must be picked up at Wedel's Garden Center. You are eligible to win once every 90 days only. Have fun!
Don't miss the coupon at the bottom of this newsletter. It never hurts to have an extra string of Christmas tree lights on hand and here is a chance for you to get one for free.
We are on the doorstep of a busy and fun holiday season. I hope it is your best one ever and I'd like to echo George by wishing each one of you, our green thumber friends, a happy and blessed Thanksgiving.
'Til next time,
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
- Marcel Proust
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