PLANTS TO PROTECT FROM LATE FREEZES
Dixie Speck, author
Hydrangea macrophylla
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In recent years (including last year) Atlanta has experienced night-time temperatures in the 30s in the first week of April. The plant that has suffered most noticeably from this is our beloved Hydrangea. When temperatures near freezing occur after the Hydrangea leaf buds begin to open, the result is no or little blooms for the entire season.
The warmer daytime temperatures this week have triggered our Hydrangeas to start opening their buds already. Therefore, we need to be ready to protect them over the next few weeks in the event of a late freeze.
The best way to protect Hydrangeas and other vulnerable shrubs from a late freeze is to cover them with a light-weight sheet. A sheet is better than plastic since it does not trap the air and daytime heat. Cover the plants at night and be sure to remove them the next morning, especially if you have covered them with plastic.
Some other popular Atlanta area plants that may need protection from late freezing temperatures:
Gardenias
Japanese Maples
Azalea (flower buds)
Fatsia (new growth)
Spring/Summer annuals
Newly planted vegetables
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SPRING PLANNING 2010
Most of us know that Spring is a great time for installing new landscaping. Cool weather aids plants during their vulnerable transplanted phase. For the same reasons, any planned transplanting of existing plants needs to happen now while the temperatures are still cool.
If you have warm season turf grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia, help them out this Spring by scheduling an aeration service. It is helpful to aerate at a minimum of every other year. Every year is even better. Aeration (where a machine punches alot of soil plugs in the turf) helps the turf by opening up compacted soils which helps turf roots to receive more water, nutrients, and sunlight. Aeration also improves drainage and loosens the soil making it easier for new grass roots to grow.
And if you are looking to make improvements to your landscape this Spring, add an inviting outdoor dining or relaxing area, or interested in recreating the look and feel of your favorite vacation spot, we can help you with the design and installation.
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