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SHRUBS AND TREES
Now is the time to finalize any trimming of shrubs, as well as pruning trees. If large trees require pruning requiring equipment to drive on your lawn, it might be a good idea to wait until the ground is frozen to avoid possible damage. It is acceptable to prune trees throughout the entire winter.
PRUNING AND CARING FOR HYDRANGEA
Hydrangea pruning can be very intimidating. There are four types of hydrangea. The most common is the "macrophylla" or "big leaf" hydrangea. This variety, which includes the "Endless Summer", produces flower on both old and new wood. Pruning old wood now will reduce the potential flower next season, which is not recommended. If pruning, it is recommended to prune from the new growth, as well as pruning out any dead stems. If, however, dramatic pruning is needed to control the size, flowering would only be affected for one season. Pruning off old flower heads can be done either in the fall or spring.
The next, most common variety is the "paniculata", which blooms later in the season. Some common hydrangea within this family are the "Limelight" and "PeeGee". This variety can be determined by the shape of the flower being more elongated instead of rounded. This variety produces flower on the new stems only. Therefore, pruning and shaping can be done in late fall or early spring without affecting new flower.
The "Oakleaf" hydrangea can only tolerate very little pruning without affecting the new flower. Only prune to remove buds after flowering is complete.
"Smooth" hydrangea or "Anabelle" have hardy roots and very delicate stems and foliage. This variety should be cut down to 6-12" in the fall. This cutting back will encourage flowering next season.
In summary, the worst case scenario, if you are not sure, or have to cut your hydrangea back, is that flowering for only one season will be affected.
(You-Tube Hydrangea pruning video)
WINTER KILL PROTECTION SPRAY
This important spray application, also referred to as "ANTI-DESICCANT SPRAY", will help safeguard plants from "winter kill". When plants lose moisture through their foliage during warm sunny winter days, and the ground is frozen, there is no available moisture to re-supply the plant through the roots. This loss of moisture and drying out is the underlying cause of "winter kill" injury. If the plant is deprived long enough, it will die. The protection spray coats the foliage and stems with a wax like coating to seal in the moisture and preserve the plant. This low cost protection usually costs less than replacing one shrub! To safeguard your landscape, consider ordering a professional application this fall and early winter.
NOVEMBER'S RECIPE ...
BROCCOLI CHEESE BAKE
1 CAN CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP
1/2 CUP WATER
1/4 CUP CHOPPED ONION
1 TSP. SALT
1/2 TSP. POULTRY SEASONING
1/8 TSP. PEPPER
1 PACKAGE(10 OZ) FROZEN CHOPPED BROCCOLI, THAWED
6 CUPS ENRICHED DRIED BREAD CUBES (ABOUT 8 SLICES)
4 SLICES AMERICAN CHEESE
COMBINE SOUP, WATER, ONION AND SEASONINGS. STIR IN BROCCOLI. FOLD IN BREAD CUBES. POUR MIXTURE INTO GREASED 2 QUART SQUARE BAKING DISH. TOP WITH CHEESE.
BAKE IN PREHEATED 350 DEGREE OVEN FOR 25 TO 30 MINUTES.
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