Planters' Choice Weekly Picks! 

Archived E-mails
Friday, October 7, 2011   
Useful Links
In This Issue
Deer a Problem?
Holiday Gift-giving Idea!
Chainsaw Leture Recap
Perennial of the Week: Muhly Grass
NOW
Fall Reminders
Deer Spray
Hydrangea querc. deer ravaged
Oh, those darn deer.


It's that time of year! The deer are storing up in preparation for a cold, lean winter by eating everything they can. Protect your landscapes with a proven deer repellent such as Bobbex or Deerout. Use on Evergreens (Arborvitae, Hemlock, Japanese and Hybrid Holly) ornamental shrubs and the later blooming perennials susceptible to deer browsing this time of year. Follow directions on the labels for colder weather applications. Consider dipping bulbs in Bobbex-R to protect them against vole, mice and squirrel damage next spring.

 

Watering

 

Keep in mind that as you continue to plant through the fall, watering is still very important - even with all the rain we've had! And now that we've had a nice streak of sunny weather and warmer temperatures make sure you check your newly installed material for soil moisture.  

Need an Affordable 'Thank-you' this Holiday Season?

Amaryllis
We thought we'd try something new this year by offering pre-potted Amaryllis to give to your customers as the perfect gift for the holiday season. These are large, healthy bulbs (26/28 cm) that start blooming about 6 weeks after watering. Available in 3 colors; red, red/white and Apple Blossom (pink/white). Pricing will be very competitive and based on a minimum of 6 individual Amaryllis boxes per special order.

We will bring in a sample case so please stop by soon, check them out and place your order!

Please call the office for pricing next week  203-426-4037 Newtown
 Chainsaw Lecture Recap 

Chainsaw trioWe had a good turnout for Mark's lecture on proper chainsaw sharpening last Wednesday. He showed us the whys and hows of keeping the bar and chain clean, oiled and sharpened for quick, safe cuts.  

1.5 credits towards  your D.E.E.P.  license were earned in this informative talk. Some important points covered were: 

  • Have a dedicated toolbox for chainsaw maintenance that you can take out in the field with you
  • Make sure oil ports/channels are clean and clear
  • Follow original angles of the tooth when filing
  • File rakers minimally to maintain tooth cutting depth
  • Draw-file the bar once in a while to maintain square/true
  • Even if you're not confident - keep trying - it's better than doing nothing!

  Keep your eyes out for more lectures coming soon! 

Perennial of the Week:  Muhlenbergia capillaris 
Muhlenbergia
Muhlenbergia capillaris (Muhly Grass) 

common name: Muhly Grass
size: 30-36" x 36"
interest:  Silky pink inflorescens
culture: Full sun, light shade. Moist to dry soil
time of year: Late summer into fall
companion plants: Rhododendron PJM, Azaleas, 'Bar Harbor' Juniper, Asters

 

Fall is when the majority of grasses shine and Mulhy Grass is no exception. When in flower it creates a dusty pink haze that moves with the slightest breeze. The seedheads are at the ends of thin, wiry stems bringing the whole plant up to about 3 feet. As those mature their color changes to tan.
They are quite tolerant of a wide range of soil types. Plant in full sun for a big pink splash lasting late summer into fall. Once established they are very low maintenance - just cut back to about 3 inches in March, or when they begin to look messy late winter. 

NOW
Ilex Blue Princess
'Blue Princess' Holly 3 gallon

In This Week


Deciduous Trees and Shrubs
Rosa 'Flower Carpet' Pink 2 gallon

Broadleaf and Ornamental Evergreens
Ilex glabra 'Shamrock' 10 gallon

I. x meservae 'Blue Maid', 'Blue Prince', 'Blue Princess' 2, 3 & 5 gallon

 

Groundcover

Liriope 1 gallon

Pachysandra flats 

 

Hemlock Newtown
Canadian Hemlock

Looking good!

 

Evergreens for Screening

Picea abies (Norway Spruce) 5/6', 6/7' 7/8', 8/10' 

Pinus strobus (White Pine) 4/5', 5/6', 6/7', 7/8' 

Tsuga canadensis (Canadian Hemlock) 4/5', 5/6', 6/7', 7/8'


Larger Specimen Trees
Quite a nice selection of larger material available for your customers that need something with an instant impact. Look for Ed's favorite -  Japanese Katsura (Cercidiphyllum japonica)! In the larger sizes we have some 4-4.5" and 5-5.5"  as well as some beautiful Weeping Katsura  3.5-4". Beautiful fall color on this elegant tree! 

 

Montauk Daisy
Nipponanthemum nipponicum (Montauk Daisy) 

 

Fall Color

 

Asters, Montauk Daisies, Cabbage & Kale and Mums (many colors in 8 or 12"), Windflower, Ornamental grasses, Purple Cone Flower 'Magnus and much more! Stop in and see the color! 

 

BULBS!

Nice varieties of Narcissus, Tulip, Crocus and others. New stock arriving as needed.  Don't forget - we can still special order for you, but be prepared to be flexible as availability is waning!


Anemone 'September Charm'
Anemone x 'September Charm'

 

 

 

Enjoy the Sunny Weekend!

Please note:

We will be OPEN Monday 7am-4:30pm

(Columbus Day!)

 


pc logo greenVisit 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 14th - June 25th  Mon.- Sat. 7 am - 4:30 pm
June 27th - Nov. 19th  Mon. - Fri. 7 am - 4:30 pm & Sat. 7 am - 1 pm
Winter Hours  Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 4:30 pm