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'Checkmate' gets a Check Plus!
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 | Rhodo. 'Checkmate' loaded with buds for next spring!
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Last week we wrote about the compact form of Hydrangea paniculata 'Little Lamb'. Well, here's another compact plant that earns its keep year round: Rhododendron 'Checkmate'. It will slowly grow to about 2' high x 3' wide - one of the most compact PJM Rhododendrons available.
The small leathery, dark green leaves turn to a dark mahogany in winter and as with other PJM types, the leaves have a spicy scent when rubbed. An early bloomer, it will be covered in lavender-pink flowers mid-April.
It's great for smaller gardens or tucked in along the front of a multi-layered foundation planting. It mixes well with conifers, grasses, perennials and other broad-leaf evergreens - so be creative!
Part-shade is best in a somewhat protected site away from winter winds. Wind-burn can be a problem if too exposed. Amend soils with compost if there is too much clay or sand. It's a very low maintenance plant, especially as far as pruning is concerned. If you need to prune, do so right after it has flowered.
It's a terrific plant to know so ask your salesperson about 'Checkmate' the next time you're in! Maybe it's time you added it on to your checklist!
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| Spotrete F + ClearSpray...Working Together
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 | | Clearspray (left) and Spotrete F |
Arguably one of the most effective deer repellents is Spotrete F (Thiram). While this material works well as a deer repellent, it can be a challenge to work with, but its effectiveness makes it worth it. First, the obvious, it leaves an unmistakable white coating on everything. A few customers find this to be intolerable but most accept this when they realize how well it works, and besides, the new growth in spring tends to cover it up.
According to the Spotrete F label, mix 1 qt Spotrete in 7 qts water and add 1pt of latex sticker. Then spray to drip. The following are a number of tips that will make it almost as easy as it sounds:
Invest in and use a backpack mist blower. This mix tends to create real problems with pressure regulators and spray guns because of Thirams graininess and all the sticker in it. These problems can be avoided with a backpack mist blower.
In addition with a mist blower, because air is being used as a carrier, you can use less water. When you blow the mix on to the plants it won't run and drip as readily providing better repellency and control. Also leaves can be quickly blown off plants before applying the Thiram.
Make sure you use a latex sticker as stated on the label such as Clearspray T/O. If you don't use latex you will likely be faced with "burned" plants in the spring.
Use warm water for mixing. Mix the Thiram well first then add the sticker. Make sure you mix in the correct proportions as once the sticker is in the mix it can be difficult to add more Thiram and have it mix well.
If you mix ahead don't fill containers full, leave space for shaking and use an insulated box on the truck to keep the mix warm. This makes it easier to shake up towards end of day.
Keep some hand can sprayers or backpack sprayers with clean water on the truck for wetting/washing windows, siding, stone etc. in areas where you know overspray may hit. In some spots a long tarp with 2x2's nailed to both ends will roll out quickly to slip behind plants and will stand up and protect siding and walls, taking up little space on the truck.
As always please read and follow all label instructions and if you have any questions, give us a call!
Thanks Mark - These were great tips!
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Introducing PHC's Healthy Turf...It's Organic!
|  Here's a product that many of you have been waiting for...Healthy Turf 8-1-9. A 100% Organic Turf Fertilizer!
Take a look:
- It will improve soil structure by adding organic matter that will improve aeration, moisture retention and the nutrient holding capacity of the soil.
-The 9% Potassium will promote disease resistance by thickening the plant cell walls and will increase cold hardiness.
-NO sewer sludge, NO manure
-100% Organic!
-50 lb. bags cover roughly 4500 sq. ft.
Produced by one of the best - Plant Health Care!
Ask for it the next time you're in!
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| NOW |
 | Oramental Grasses...Fall is their time to shine!
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In This Week:
Azaleas 3ga Assorted Pink and White
Buxus m. 'Justin Brouwer's', B. suffruiticosa (Dwarf Boxwood)
Ilex glabra (Inkberry)
I. x messervae (Blue Holly)
Taxus (Spreading Yews)
Perennial Hot List!
Looking Good and in Good Supply:
Ornamental Grasses! Many, many varieties to choose from.
Gypsophila 'Alba' (Baby's Breath) Creeping, white flowers in summer, 4-6" H. Full sun. 'Rosea' is the pink form.
Helleborus 'Royal Heritage' (Lenten Rose) Soft purple-pink-cream flowers, March to April, long lasting. 15" H, evergreen leaves hold through winter. Deer resistant - a must for early spring.
Heuchera (Coral Bells) 'Carmel' Golden-caramel foliage with red undersides and cream flowers, 10"H. 'Palace Purple', Purple leaves, small white flower. Full sun to part shade.
'Plum Pudding' Purple ruffled foliage, small white flower. Full sun to part shade.
'Stormy Seas' Ruffled silver-purple foliage with small white flower. Full sun to part shade. 24" H.
Don't Forget the Bulbs!
Give your customers something to anticipate next spring... waves of mixed Narcissus along the edge of the woods, masses of crocus near an entryway and groups of mixed tulips in view from the kitchen window.
NOW is the perfect time to plant bulbs! We are well stocked with Daffodils, Crocus, Hyacinths, Tulips and more! Try some of the lesser-known varieties like Narcissus 'Cheerfulness' seen here!
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 Happy Halloween!
Stop by for some Brew!
Coffee and served Saturdays 7-11 am!
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 Planters' Choice, LLC
Visit our two locations:
140 Huntingtown Rd. Newtown, CT 06470 Tel. 203-426-4037 Fax 203-426-8057
496 Bunker Hill Rd. Watertown, CT 06795 Tel. 860-945-6588 Fax 860-945-9282
Hours:
March 15th - June 26th Mon.- Sat. 7 am - 4:30 pm
June 28th - Nov. 20th Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 4:30 pm & Sat. 7 am - 1 pm
Winter Hours Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm | |
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