HAPPY FALL ... IT IS HERE! The days are truly getting shorter. That is the ONLY thing I do not like about fall. The lack of humidity and the cool, crisp days are a welcome feeling.

       The timing is still perfect to aerate and over seed your lawn. We have specialty lawn mixes for our area. In addition, we have been receiving tree and shrub shipments weekly ... fall is Nature's time to plant. The cooler weather gives the roots systems time to grow even after the tops of plants are going dormant. This is great for the plants to get better established for our hot, dry summers.

       Let's decorate!! Below you will see a small gallery of fall combo pots we can help you create. Come plant here and leave the mess with us, or take a ready made creation home. Another neat thing included below is a video from a friend of mine in the Portland OR area. I hope you enjoy!

Sandi 

     

Because it's fun...

By Jonn Karsseboom, The Garden Corner, Tualatin, OR

       We would like to congratulate Scott Hillermann and all the recipients of the "Outstanding Young Professional" award for 2014. The award program is sponsored by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and Missourian Media Group. Scott and others in the "Class of 2014" are in the photo below.

Autumn is the Second Spring!

By Patty Lunch

       The landscape around us is obviously winding down as the days grow cooler and the nights get longer. Mid to late fall is the best time of year to add plants in the landscape and to work in the garden. The reason is simple, fall weather. It is kind to human beings as well as to newly planted trees, shrubs and perennial plants. In fall, the soil still holds summer's warmth, which encourages root growth up until the ground freezes. This gets perennials, shrubs, and trees off to a faster start for the following spring. Also, plants that are planted in fall don't have to deal with heat and drought early in their young lives. By late next spring, when things begin to heat up, the plants roots will be ready for their job of absorbing and circulating nutrients and water.

       The following is a list of newer and unusual plants that we would like to introduce to you. Visit us for help with your questions on these and other plants for your yard and gardens.

Click here for more.

Bulbs...
Dig, Drop, Done! 

       Get the rewards of planting bulbs in fall then having your gardens pop with color in early spring! Visit us for quality flower bulbs and help with your questions.

Join us for this fun bulb panting event!

Hillermann's
Website Updates 

       We are super excited about some NEW changes that are coming to our website! Check out the feature that has been added, the Product Calculator, so that you can calculate your mulch, soil & stone as needed for your specific landscape job. "Coming Soon" we will add the Plant Finder feature! This will allow you be able to select the plants that you like and would be interested in putting in your landscape with a printable feature that you can bring into the store with you when shopping. We have many more changes coming for 2015.

Click here for the Product Calculator.

Lawn Aeration

       September is the perfect lawn renovation month for our area. Aeration is a key step in the renovation process. Aeration is one of the most important cultural practices available for your lawn. Aeration is the process of removing thousands of small cores of soil 1" to 3" in length from your lawn. This process helps control thatch, improves the soil structure, helps create growth pockets for new roots, and opens the way for water and fertilizer to get to the roots of your lawn.

       Thatch on your lawn's soil works like a thatched roof. It sheds water and prevents fertilizers and insect controls from moving freely into the soil. Thatch that has become too thick can require a major lawn renovation. Aeration helps thatch to break down naturally by mixing the soil cores into the thatch and speeding up the decomposition process of the thatch.

       Call our Landscape Division at 636-239-6729 for professional help with Core Aeration and all your fall lawn maintenance.

Smart Lawn Care Choices 

By Dale Groenke   

       Our area's hot, dry summers often force us to include over-seeding as part of our routine fall lawn maintenance. Making smart choices on lawn care this fall can mean better results next summer.

       First you should choose the proper seed mix which will provide the best chance of year-round success. Some types and varieties of grass are better for sun and some are better for shade. Don't be afraid to use a combination of seed if you have both types of exposure. Using a mechanical slicer will guarantee good seed-to-soil contact leading to a much higher percentage of germination.

Click here for more.

       Fall brings the season of tree leaves changing to bright fall colors. Along with that comes a need for leaf clean up as those leaves drop from the trees. The fallen leaves can smother lawns and discolor patios and sidewalks. Which means it is a good idea to clean them up as soon as you can, and they often need to be cleaned up several times during the fall season. A leaf blower is a great tool that will make your leaf clean-up time faster and more efficient.

      See the video below about STIHL Blowers and finding the model that is right for your needs.

How to Select the Right STIHL Blower

       Cover crops, also known as green manures, are one of the cornerstones of sustainable agriculture. Weeding, harvesting, and even foot traffic can degenerate the soil of a home garden. Utilizing cover crops, such as fast-growing grains, legumes, and grasses, can improve the soil, suppress weeds, and aid in controlling pests.

     Crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum) is a new variety offered from Botanical Interests® this year. If the soil in your garden requires a little extra attention, sow crimson clover in the fall (six weeks before your average first frost). To sow, create a loose seedbed and spread the seed over the area. Gently rake the seeds into the soil so they are covered. This will ensure full contact with the soil and protect the seeds from hungry birds. You can till the crimson clover into the soil at any stage of growth but be sure to cut or mow it before seeds begin to form-just after flowering. In all but the warmest climates, the plant will be winter killed so you can also wait until the next spring to till it into the soil. Crimson clover not only adds nitrogen to the soil, which improves fertility for next year's garden, but it also attracts beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and bees.

     Don't throw those flowers away, though. Make crimson clover tea! Pour boiling water over 1-2 tablespoons of dried flowers. Steep for about 10 minutes and serve either hot or cold over ice. If you like your tea sweet, add a splash of clover honey.

Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Come shop our farmers' market for locally grown produce,

baked goods, and hand-made items!

New vendors are welcome - no cost for booth space!  

    

       Would you like to learn how to throw pottery on the wheel? Try taking a private or semi-private classes are available at the pot shop! We will work with you for classes to fit into your schedule. Classes consist of 6 classes that run 2 hours each. All materials (clay, glaze, tools, use of wheels, etc.) are included in the course fee. Most students complete at least 10 finished projects and are welcome to come in and practice anytime during Hillermann's business hours. Cost for the 6-class course is $225.00. If two or more sign up to take classes together, each will get a $25.00 discount!

Pot Parties

       Want to try something fun for a birthday party, home school activity, scout group or other group? Have a Pot Party at the Pot Shop! Pot Parties are just $25.00 per person and can host 3 - 12 people.

Call us for more information:

Noreen at 636-584-3169 or Carol at 636-221-5593

Send an email to potshopathillermann@gmail.com

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Pot Shop Special:

25% OFF Fairy Houses

Good through 9/30/14. Pot Shop pottery fairy houses only.

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         In honor of the 175th Anniversary of the City of Washington, the Urban Forestry Council, Washington In Bloom, Washington Parks Commission and the 175th Anniversary Committee would like to plant 175 trees throughout the parks in Washington. Donations are being accepted in amounts of $250.00 for a 2" caliper tree or $150.00 for a tree in a 7 gallon container. You will receive a coupon for 25% OFF a tree to help beautify your own property with your donation. Fill out a form and make your donation to the City of Washington Parks and drop it off at the parks office.

Celebrate Washington's 175th Anniversary and  

help add more trees in our city parks for all to enjoy!

Click here for the donation form.

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The Hillermann Tree Planting Program Challenge:

For every 25 trees donated by October 31, 2014,

Hillermann Nursery & Florist will donate one additional tree.

Featured Adoptable Pet 

       Hi, my name is Otto. I am a really pretty guy kitten. I am sort of white, sort of Siamese color with a gray tabby tail! I really am a unique fellow. I also am great with other cats. Tibbs is sitting next to me in this photo with his black tail curled around me, and I love it. I just lean up next to him. So, if you have other cats or you just have me, I will love to give all my affection. Purrs, Otto