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Sneed's Nursery and Garden Center,
Landscaping and Irrigation |
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| Issue Number 3 | September/October 2012 |
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Fall is for Planting,
by Jenny Rash
Why? Because the cooler temperatures and (typically) increased rain amounts are a perfect environment for plants to thrive and become established. In addition, plants discontinue top growth with the onset of cooler temperatures and divert energy to root growth. A well-developed root system means a healthier, stronger plant for the followin g spring (and droughty summer). Finally, there are fewer pests and disease problems to interfere with plant development when the weather is cooler.
What is best to plant in the fall? Just about EVERYTHING!! Trees, shrubs, perennials, herbs, bulbs, and vegetables . . . is that enough to keep you busy?? Here are some of my favorites:
Shrubs: Beautyberry, Winterberry, Viburnum ('Winterthur' or dentatum'Chicago Lustre'), Smoke Bush, Camellia sasanqua, Pieris, Hydrangea, Crape Myrtle, Fothergilla (anything related to Witch Hazel).
Trees:
- Black Gum (Nyssa sylvatica)
- Dawn Redwood
- Japanese Maples
Perennials: Begonia, Muhly Grass Caryopteris, Anemone, Coral Bell, Plumbago, Autumn and Holly Fern, Asters
Bulbs: Allium, Daffodils, Tulips
Vegetables: Spinach, Lettuce, Cabbage, Broccoli, Beets, Carrots, Radish
Sneed's and the Chesapeake Bay encourage you to take full advantage of fall and PLANT MORE PLANTS. Visit www.plantmoreplants.com for information on how planting more plants reduces runoff and creates a healther bay!
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Tips on Harvesting and Drying Herbs 
In case you missed our workshop on harvesting and drying herbs back in the summer, never fear! The following is a recap of some of the info that was passed along that day, and now is a great time to put it to use so that your kitchen will be stocked with "fresh" herbs all winter long! Harvest your herbs before they've flowered for the season and early in the day before temperatures rise. Exceptions to this are catnip, feverfew, lavender, chamomile, and chives. Cut the plant one-quarter to three-quarters of the way  down, depending on whether it's an annual, perennial or evergreen. Once collected, brush them off, and do not rinse unless necessary. Soft-leaved herbs are ideal for FREEZING. They include basil, tarragon, coriander, lovage, chervil, savory, mint, sage, lemon grass, chives, parsley, dill, lemon balm, oregano, chamomile, and cilantro. Here are some simple freezing instructions:
- Strip thick-stemmed herbs of leaves (not necessary for dill, parsley or lovage).
- If you won't be using a freezing medium, spread leaves on a tray and put in the freezer. Once frozen, bag, label and date them. They keep for about six months, and when cooking, use an equal part fresh:frozen ratio.
- If you want to use a freezing medium (water or oil), herbs should
 be pre-chopped. There are several options for using a medium, including making a sauce/paste/pesto, an herb combo, or freezing herbs individually. - Some herb "combos" are: Fish combo, with olive oil, dill, lemon grass, chives and savory; Italian combo, with olive oil, genovese basil, oregano/savory, parsley; and Asian combo, with sesame oil, lemon grass, coriander and thai basil. You can also make tea ice cubes with water, mint/chamomile, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Herbs can be frozen individually for use in cooking. If you use water for herb "cubes", fill your ice cube tray only half way, keeping in mind that water dilutes flavor. If you use oil, drain it before use, or the oil will go into the dish you are cooking. Get creative with your oil: sesame oil, walnut oil, and grapeseed oil are delicious and preserve herbs just as well as olive oil!
 Herbs that can be DRIED (assuming you have no dehydrator or commercial dryer) include: rosemary, oregano, savory, bay, feverfew, dill, marjoram, sage, coriander, thyme, lavender, lemon verbena, chamomile, catnip, and lemon balm. There are two options for drying:
- Option 1: Strip leaves from cutting to one-fourth of the way (max)
 up the stem. Tie a rubber band around the bunch. Poke a few holes for air flow in the side of a brown paper bag, label and date. Put the bouquet top down into the bag and tie the bag over the original rubber band. Hang the bags in a dark, dry, airy place. Rosemary, coriander, and parsley can also dry in the fridge in a paper bag. - Option 2: Lay either stripped leaves or full stems on a screen with a cookie sheet underneath, cover, and keep away from light and moisture. This works well for small-stemmed herbs.
- Once everything has dried, you can either strip the leaves and store in an air-tight opaque container (whole, crumbled or ground), OR you can keep on the stem and store in an air-tight opaque container or a new paper bag. If using a new paper bag, do
 not store anywhere near the stove.
For more information on harvesting, freezing or drying herbs, feel free to call our Garden Center at 320-7798, ext 306. Have fun, and enjoy! |
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Some Thoughts about Gardening,
by Bob Sneed 
There are lots of great reasons to develop your garden. They include the simple enjoyment of connecting with the outdoors, the creation of a shared family experience in some cases, and the added value, beauty and appeal of your home when it has an attractive landscape. Many people ask, "When is the BEST time for gardening? From a landscaper's perspective, there are some simple answers. The "best" time for rejuvenating a lawn is September. The most optimal time to transplant most deciduous trees is after the first major frost and before early spring. We always advise that you plan your garden in the "slower" seasons of summer and winter, but the best time to plant is spring and -- especially -- fall.
Gardening requires a substantial investment of time. Most successful gardens represent persistent experimentation on the part of the gardener, but also a tireless pursuit of knowledge about what works and why. You can take a shortcut to acquiring this knowledge by visiting the staff at Sneed's for some of the most expert advice in the city!
Remember that gardening is all about the seasons, and that timing the activities in your garden will optimize your outcome. There are many "bests" in gardening, but the best time for enjoying the fruits of your labors is always NOW! |
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Coming this Fall at Sneed's!
Week of 9/3: Our plants look great . . . fall is for planting, and we are still getting fresh shipments every week. Organic fall vegetables and herbs are in, and organic fall vegetable seeds are in.
Week of 9/10: Pumpkins are here! Halloween is just around the corner, and we have great items in the cottage for your "spooktacular" party: spiders, owls, rats, and more! We have lots of fun Halloween headbands too!
Saturday, 9/15: Workshop on "Cheap and Easy Garden Tips", with Tammy, on the landscape patio at 1 p.m.
Sunday, 9/16: Sundays at Sneed's -- our fall music series -- begins. For more details, see the article below.
 Week of 9/17: Pansies are here! Plant pansies now, so that in the dead of winter you have cheerful flowers to remind you that spring is just around the corner.
Saturday, 9/29: FALL FESTIVAL! We'll have demonstrations, Totally Tina's crafts for kids, and 98.9 Liberty Radio with music and prizes. More info to come!
Sunday, 9/30: Second performance in the Sundays at Sneed's series.
Sunday, 10/28: Third and final performance in the Sundays at Sneed's series.
Make note of our Fall hours . . .
Monday thru Saturday, 9-6, and Sunday, 12-5!
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"Sunday at Sneed's":
Fall Music Series
Due to the popularity of our first-ever spring music series, there will be music in the nursery again on select Sunday afternoons this fall!
Local vocal and instrumental groups from around the Richmond area will be performing from 1 to 3 p.m. on September 16th, 30th, and October 28th! Admission is free.
Performing this fall will be:
- 9/16: Glenn Habel, offering lively entertainment for children and families.
- 9/30: Cory & Amy Blake, a guitar and flute duo performing classical and world music.
- 10/28: The New Misty Centrals, a takeoff on the New Christy Minstrels, performing music with a Halloween/spooky theme. Don't forget to wear your costumes!
We hope to see you for singing-along, dancing and lots of fun on these Sundays! Feel free to bring lunch and spend the afternoon with us.
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Since 1975, Sneed's Nursery has provided Richmond-area residences and businesses with premier landscaping solutions.
Contact us at:
8756 Huguenot Road
Richmond, VA 23235
Landscape Office: 804-320-7798, ext 301 or 302
Irrigation Office: 804-320-1101
Garden Center: 804-320-7798, ext 307
Fax: 804-330-0185
Visit us on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/sneedsnursery
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BOO!! Bring this coupon in and receive
25% off any one Halloween item
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Coupon expires 9/30/12 |
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