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Last Month's Newsletter
Visit Us At Our Website
Great information and our weekly ads are there!
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Debbie Unser. Debbie was the first to submit the correct answer to our October trivia question: "What is the world's tallest grass?" The correct answer is "bamboo."
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Debbie won a $15.00 Wedel's gift certificate and you could too! Just be the first to respond with the correct answer to our monthly trivia question.
Congratulations, Debbie!!
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A Thought
from the Garden
~ Winter is an etching, spring a watercolor, summer an oil painting and autumn a mosaic of them all. ~
Stanley Horowitz |
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Calling All Ladies
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Come one, come all! Bring your mother, your sister, your cousin, daughter or friend but come to Wedel's for Ladies Night 2011.
Ladies Night will be Friday, November 18 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. and is sure to be the best Ladies Night yet. Somehow (through lots of planning and with your feedback) each one proves to be better than the ones before and we're confident that trend will continue this year.
We have the activities you've enjoyed in the past and some new ones that are sure to have you making plans to attend next year. Click here for information and remember, you can order your tickets ahead of time.
We DO hope to see you there! |
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Mark Your Calendar!
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Saturday November 12
10:30 a.m.
Birds: Fall
into Winter A seminar with
Roger Taylor about their changing needs in diet, habitat etc.
Saturday November 12
1:00 p.m.
Quality Bird Feed: More Bang For Your Buck
A seminar with
Brian Burge, Prince Co. bird feed and supply representative.
Friday November 18 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Ladies Night Out Click here for all of the info! Tuesday November 29 6:00 p.m. Design-n-Dine Create a Winter Porch Pot Thursday December 15 6:00 p.m. Design-n-Dine Christmas Centerpiece
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Just for Grins... 
"A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine."
- Carl Clept
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November Shopping List
Ladies Night Tickets Spring flowering bulbs and fertilizer Scotts Winterizer lawn fertilizer Systemic Insect Drench Grass seed Starter fertilizer Paper leaf bags Straw Gypsum Fertilome Weed Free Zone Repellex Mole Repellent Repellex Deer and Rabbit Repellent Suet Bird seed Rake Gloves
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| Did You Know? |  | |
1. The pin that holds a hinge together is called a pintle.
2. There are more than 10,000 varieties of tomatoes.
3. Watermelons are 97% water, lettuce 97%, tomatoes 95%, carrots 90%, and bread 30%.
4. Ice tea was introduced in 1904 at the World's Fair in St. Louis. |
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| Volume 4, Number 8 November, 2011 |
Let's Get Our Projects Finished Soon
by George Wedel
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 | | George Wedel |
October gave us great fall weather; sunny, blue skies, some clouds and rain here and there, warm temperatures and beautiful autumn tree, shrub and mum colors. Another season of rewards for our gardening diligence is just one of the things that makes Michigan a wonderful place to live. Now, as we Michiganders know, when the first days of November arrive we best be finishing our gardening projects soon. Before long it will be time to do our gardening on paper from the comfort of our easy chairs but that time isn't here yet.
Because of the warm weather recently, just like last year, we've still had 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.
The pesky dandelions that will bloom in lawns next spring are up and growing right now crowding out valuable grass plants. Here's the good news - dandelions and all other perennial and biennial broadleaf weeds can be successfully killed in cool autumn weather with Fertilome Weed Free Zone containing "carfentrazone." Weed Free Zone even kills hard to control weeds such as creeping veronica, ground ivy and wild violets among many others. Apply Weed Free Zone on a sunny day when temperatures are above 40 degrees in November and have a weed free lawn next spring.
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.
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 deep can do more harm than good to lawns.
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 in mid-November. Using a nice layer of mulch will help to keep the moisture in the soil and mulch helps to insulate the soil and protects roots during the early cold snaps.
Feeding rose bushes in late autumn is the secret for more vigorous plants and blooms next season. Fertilize rose bushes the first week in November with one-third cup Super Phosphate and five pounds of composted cow manure. Cultivate this mixture in three inches deep around each rose bush.
When winter temperatures drop to zero, the winds are brisk and the sun shines brightly, many valuable landscape plants will dehydrate or "winter burn." Protect valuable plants in November for the rigors of a harsh Michigan winter. Dogwood trees, rhododendrons, azaleas, boxwood, holly, yew and hemlock evergreens are a few plants that often need protection. Wedel's has the products to help protect your plants: rolls of burlap, Cloud Cover spray, rose cones and mulches. Visit with our plant experts for helpful assistance.
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 mid June; 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 just under 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.
As always, whenever you have gardening questions, feel free to come to Wedel's Nursery, Florist, and Garden Center, your twelve-month horticultural center. 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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Garden Natives
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 | Michigan Holly
Afterglow Winterberry |
The garden native we are featuring this month is Michigan Holly (Ilex verticillata). Michigan Holly is a medium sized shrub that produces densely branched stems and small, yellow-white flowers in May and June. Also known as Winterberry it is dioecious which means both male and female plants are needed for fruit production which occurs on the female plant only. The male plant produces flowers in clusters while the female produces flowers singly or in 2's or 3's.
 | Michigan Holly
Jim Dandy Winterberry |
Michigan Holly is a deciduous shrub that produces brilliant scarlet berries that can be seen throughout most of the winter which makes it an excellent choice for attracting birds. It is often found naturally at the edge of woods and near swamps. A female variety called has dark green foliage throughout the season and develops a shapely oval form. Afterglow Winterberry is best pollinated with Jim Dandy Winterberry. Usually one male for every 3 to 5 females results in good pollination. Ilex verticillata does well in full sun to partial shade and more sun means more fruit on the females. It is easily transplanted, tolerant of poorly drained soil and prefers moist, acidic soils. It is useful for fruit display in fall and winter, in wet soils, in mass plantings, along water and as a shrub border. Pruning and maintenance needs are minimal: check the plants in the early spring for dead, damaged or crossing branches. Never shear Winterberries.
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Store Hours
Monday - Friday
9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
To Do In November
Feed your trees.
Get your spring-flowering bulbs.
Plant and fertilize your spring-flowering bulbs.
Make lawn improvements and repairs.
Apply Scotts Winterizer at month's end.
Make an application of Repellex
Deer and Rabbit Repellent.
Protect your lawn with Repellex Mole, Vole
and Gopher Repellent.
Apply George's Mix to perennial beds.
Clean up vegetable garden and lawns. Discard debris.
Apply insecticide drench to trees and shrubs.
Transplant trees and shrubs.
Decorate your home for fall.
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Special Announcement
We have developed a third newsletter to be a companion to our Wedel's News and Wedel's News Extra Edition. The new newsletter is Wedel's News Special Offer. As a subscriber to Wedel's News you will continue getting that newsletter along with the Extra Edition free of charge. We have used the Extra Edition to alert you to special offers and information e.g. special prices, events, offers for newsletter subscribers only, weather warnings and such things as the first sightings of hummingbirds in our area. You need to do nothing to continue receiving Wedel's News and Wedel's News Extra Edition. In the future all special prices, promotions, offers will be sent to Wedel's News Special Offer subscribers only and will also be free of charge. This change will take place sometime after the first of the year so you have some time to subscribe to the Special Offer newsletter before you will no longer receive that information. The simplest way to subscribe is to go to our website, scroll to the bottom of the left hand column and, under the "Extra Extra," enter your e-mail address, click the "GO" button and check the "Special Offer" box on the page you are taken to. Click the "Join" button and you're all set! We appreciate every subscriber/member of the Wedel's Community and we don't want to appear in your in-box with sale information, offers etc. if you aren't interested in receiving them but if you do want money-saving information it is easy to subscribe.
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Mom Tested And ApprovedThis month's dish is very easy to prepare and would make a perfect touch to add flavor and color to your Thanksgiving table.
Baked Squash
Pare squash. Cut in squares. Place in well-buttered casserole, with alternate layers of brown sugar and butter. Bake in moderate oven (400 degrees F.) 30 minutes. If desired, cut Hubbard squash in pieces suitable for serving. Do not remove shell. Place in baking pan. Add 1/2 cup cold water. Bake in moderate oven (375 degrees F.) until squash is tender. Serve in the shell.
See! I said it would be easy. When your kitchen is a flurry of activity it's nice to have a simple recipe for something colorful and, with butter and brown sugar, is delicious! Happy Thanksgiving and...
Enjoy!
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Saturday Mornings
Birdwatch 8:07 a.m.
with host Roger Taylor answering all of your birding questions
Call in at 382-4280 or 877-382-4280.
Over the Garden Fence 9:07 a.m. with host Andy Wedel answering all of your landscape and gardening questions
Call in at 382-4280 or 877-382-4280.
Visit our web site at www.wedels.com for archives of previous Birdwatch and
Over the Garden Fence programs!
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Note from the Editor
I began my note last November by saying, "Tempus fugit;" time flees and I'm even more convinced that it does more so with each passing year. It is always fun to hear the youngsters (those in their 30's and 40's) say, "Boy, it seems like time is flying by!" as if they had just discovered a new phenomenon. I remember old-timers getting a certain look in their eyes as they were about to impart pearls of wisdom to me, knowing that was their job and knowing also that I probably wouldn't listen or, if I did, I wouldn't really understand. Every once in a while I'll remember one of those pearls and try to recall some of the others I've lost along the way. I wish I had listened more closely and written them all down.
I've often discussed the passage of time with one of our garden center friends who stops by quite regularly and his impression is the same as mine; days go by more quickly with each passing year. His motto has become, "carpe diem," seize the day and wring everything out of it you can. I think that's why he is a gardener. He enjoys gardening from early spring through late fall and then enjoys the fruits of his labor well beyond the following spring. Gardening is his hobby but not his only one. But with gardening there are periods of activity and even when he's not in the garden it is growing and producing. From that stand point you could say he's doing 2 things at once while he's enjoying golf or whatever else it is that he likes to do.
He is grateful for the opportunity, ability and desire to spend time in the peacefulness of nature simply doing all of the chores that are involved in cultivating a garden. And there it is; another pearl. Be grateful for what you have. That was something I was told many years ago also and I'm sure I thought, "well, yeah, sure. I have a new bike, the 45 rpm record I wanted, a gas engine airplane...lots of stuff." That's not what the old guy meant but he knew that someday I'd understand and he had done his job by putting that pearl out there for me to find.
It's November. Thanksgiving is only a couple of weeks away; a time designated by decree that we should be grateful and I guess that's ok. It's a reminder that we all have something to be grateful about but that should happen more often than once a year, after a turkey dinner and before a nap during a football game. It is something we should be aware of daily because it's hard to not be happy once you realize all you have to be grateful for. As Bing said, "Count your blessings..." But that's from another season and we'll get to that one soon enough.
Here I go quoting myself again but, as I said last year, "One of the blessings we at Wedel's are grateful for, now and throughout the whole year, is you...the faithful reader of Wedel's News and loyal customer of Wedel's Garden Center. We hope you realize that but we wanted to take advantage of the spirit of Thanksgiving to remind you." Here's hoping you and your family have your best Thanksgiving yet!
Ready for another trivia question? Here's a fun one: Charlie Chaplin once took third prize in what contest? The first reader to respond with the correct answer will win a $15.00 Wedel's gift certificate. The gift certificate must be picked up here at the garden center and remember, you are eligible to win once every 90 days. Good luck and have fun!
'Til next time,
Jim
jimdavenport@wedels.com
~ The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured. ~
Cicero
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