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January at the Nursery...
Happy New Year from all of us here at Collier's! We are back at the nursery after a holiday break- and a snow day!- and the greenhouse if filling back up with new stock for 2011! We have fresh, blooming pansies and violas, perfect for filling in containers and beds, as well as a new shipment of houseplants (be sure to check out the coupon!). Primrose varieties for outdoors and in arrive soon. Bright, blooming choices for indoors are also in- perfect for brightening up your home or giving as a gift! Stop in and see us this month- it may be cold outside but we have great choices to warm your gardening soul! |
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Houseplant Hints
Tips For Keeping Indoor Plants Healthy
Winter is a great time to enjoy plants indoors- reduce symptoms of gardening withdrawel and cheer up cold, dreary days with lush foliage or bright blooms. We have a great selection of houseplants and indoor blooms during January and February- let us help you find the right choice for your indoor environment and use these tips to keep your plants healthy:
- Select a plant appropriate for your light conditions. Southern exposures receive the most light and are the warmest, eastern and western exposures generally receive medium light and northern exposures receive the lowest light and coldest temperatures (even indoors!).
- Many houseplants can be damaged by temperatures below 50 degrees F. Keep plants away from chilly drafts as well as excessive heat from vents.
- Houseplant roots tend to congregate in the bottom 2/3rds of their containers- this means that even when the top of the soil dries out the bottom half may still be moist and adding additional water could cause problems. We have found that using a moisture meter when watering houseplants is quite effective, as many houseplant ailments are caused by over or under-watering.
- A few simple steps will help prevent insect infestations: Every once in a while, set houseplants in the tub or shower and hose off leaves and any hidden pests. Preventative use of an insecticidal soap or a ready-to-use systemic insecticide is helpful. Proper care and growing conditions are the best ways to prevent infestations.
- Winter is also a great time to re-plant houseplants. Many houseplants prefer to be slightly root-bound, so only re-pot if needed. Remove smaller plants from pots and study the rootball- if there are excessive roots or roots growing out the bottom of the pot it's probably time to move to a larger one. Re-plant to a pot about 2 inches larger.
- Try something different and consider planting a variety of houseplants together in a container- just make sure they enjoy the same growing conditions (light and water). Bring your favorite container in (with or without drainage holes) and we will be happy to help you design a beautiful houseplant arrangement!
- A little shine goes a long way and a quick spray with Plant-Shine is an easy way to make your houseplants look fresh and healthy!
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Fresh Winter Color with Primrose
 Brightly colored primrose blooms liven up cold, winter days and hint at the coming spring. In January and February we stock three types of primrose: English primrose (Primula vulgaris), German primrose (Primula obconica) and Fairy primrose (Primula malacoides). This January be sure to brighten your day, as well as those of family and friends, with the gift of a primrose! Fairy primrose will tolerate temperatures into the mid 20s but must be brought inside or protected from lower temperatures. You can also enjoy their blooms indoors for 6-8 weeks and then move them outdoors. With blooms of white, lavender and pink, Fairy primrose also need medium to bright light and for the soil to dry to the touch between waterings.
German primrose are not cold hardy and must be protected from temperatures at or below 32 degrees, however, they make excellent house plants and are a great way to brighten up indoor spaces during the winter. German primrose come in pastel shades of white, peach, lavender and pink. Place in a cool spot indoors in medium to bright light and allow the soil to dry to the touch between waterings.
English primrose are cold hardy to 20 degrees and below and can be planted outdoors in flowerbeds and containers. They are a perfect choice to liven up tired pansy plantings. With bright, jewel-toned blooms, English primrose can be enjoyed indoors for 1-2 weeks and then placed outside in part to full sun. |
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Cool Garden Link
The University Of Georgia Trial Gardens
Well, it's a little early to start planting your spring garden but it's not too early to start thinking about it- curl up with a cup of coffee let the dreaming begin! Each year the University of Georgia at Athens conducts a trial garden which tests and rates annuals and perennials for hardiness and performance in the southern climate. Check out the website and peruse trial results from the 2007 through 2010 seasons. Search by botanical or common name, view great pictures and best of all, learn about annuals and perennials that are available and thrive in our area. |
