...the best spring ever!

We are basking in this spring-like weather and

getting excited for the 2012 planting season! 

New plant stock and garden goodies are arriving daily. 

We are also excited to announce three new opportunities

for our customers this spring:

CONTAINER GARDEN CONTEST

This spring, try not to contain yourself! 

The possibilities are endless...What will you create?

1st and 2nd prizes will be awarded in each of four categories:

Best Sun-Loving Combo, Best Shade-Loving Combo,

Best Use of Color and Most Unexpected Container

1st prizes will be $100 Collier's gift cards and

2nd prizes will be $50 Collier's gift cards!

Deadline for submissions is Saturday, June 2nd

so you have all spring to plan, plant and fertilize

to get your containers looking spectacular!

Stop by the nursery for contest rules and more info

or email us at info@colliersnursery.com.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

During March, April and May we will offer a weekly special

to our customers.  The special will be announced each

Sunday evening on facebook and by email and

will run Monday through Thursday.  This spring, in addition to the monthly e-mail coupon, save on a different plant each week!

ORGANIC HERBS & VEGGIES

For the first time ever we will stock

USDA certified organic herbs and veggies! 

Enjoy growing and eating your own food this year,

free of synthetic chemicals!

Find us on facebook and

stay updated on what's happening at the nursery this spring!

facebook.com/colliersnursery

Garden Checklist for March

• The average last frost in our area is March 23rd.
• Prepare garden beds: Clear out leaves, debris and mulch. Pull weeds and add a fresh layer of mulch.
• Fertilize trees and shrubs with Hi-Yield Grower's Special.
• Give your roses a boost with Bayer All-In-One Rose and Flower Care, a formulation of systemic insecticide, fungicide and fertilizer that will help protect against aphids, Japanese beetles and black spot.

• Un-earth containers from winter storage.  Empty old potting soil and decide if new moss or coco liners are needed.
• Lawncare: In late March or early April apply fertilome All Seasons with Barricade to zoysia and bermuda lawns.
• Control weeds in your lawn by spot-spraying with fertilome Weed-Out Plus for zoysia and bermuda, or Hi-Yield Atrazine for weeds in centipede and St. Augustine.
• In early March, finish winter pruning by snipping on plants that don't bloom (evergreens) and those that bloom in summer such as crape myrtles, all hydrangeas except the oakleaves, butterfly bushes, summer-blooming spireas and roses.

Grow the Berry Best!

The garden strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) was developed in 1750's France, and is a cross between two Fragaria species native to North America and the Pacific coasts of North and South America.  All Fragaria species are members of the Rosaceae (Rose) family.

The name "strawberry" possibly originates from straw having been used as a mulch to keep the fruit off the ground or it was originally "strewn berry," as the fruit is scattered among and under the foliage.  Strawberry lore abounds in history and culture.  In Victorian flower language, strawberries represent sweetness in life and character.  Follow this link to read the fascinating Cherokee story of the origin of strawberries.

Strawberries grow best in full sun and need atleast half a day of direct sunlight to fruit.  Plants grow 6-8" tall  or trail out of containers, and spread by runners to a foot across.  Strawberries do not ripen after harvest so pick them when they are plump and fully colored.  Wash them immediately before consumption (washing and storing can encourage mold).

Follow these steps for an easy and bountiful berry yield:

1)  If grown in containers or raised beds, make sure strawberries have atleast 12-14" of soil depth for root space.

2)  Strawberries need very well-drained, slightly sandy soil.

3)  Plant in as much sun as possible.

4)  Allow each plant plenty of space so air can circulate freely and ward of fungal infections.

5)  Avoid wetting the foliage when watering and water in the morning so the plants have time to dry before dark.

6)  Quickly remove dead leaves, debris or infected fruit.