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February 2014 -Newsletter
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In this newsletter, we will discuss how to protect your frost-sensitive plants since t he famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil,emerged from his lair on February 2, 2014 and saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter......
Don't forget to complete our 2014 Customer Satisfaction Survey. If you have already done so, click here to complete the 2 minute survey. (survey closes February 28, 2014) Next month, we'll cover topics relating to Spring planting along with our Spring Specials. If you have any suggestions or ideas, we'd love to hear them. If there is a special topic you would like to see in our upcoming issues, please feel free to let us know. email: webmaster@AllisonLawn.com
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How to Protect Frost-Sensitive Plants
Helpful Tips to protect your outdoor plants
In the midst of cold winter weather, keeping frost-sensitive plants alive can be a challenge. Although this year has been a warn wet winter so far, we expect some cold weather over the next couple of months so here are some helpful tips to guide you through those frosty nights.
- Plants should be thoroughly watered, especially those in containers, several days in advance of the frost. However, do not saturate the plants while the temperatures are extremely low, as this will result in frost heave and ultimately injure the plants. Light watering in the evening hours, before temperatures drop, will help raise humidity levels and should help reduce frost damage.
- Do not fertilize with quick-release nitrogen in the winter months. Actively growing plants are more susceptible to frost damage.
- When possible, cover tender plants. Frost blankets can be purchased and, depending on thickness, can add 3 to 7 degrees of warmth for plants. You can also create tents over plants with space between the protection barrier and the plants.
- Passive solar protection may help. Place jugs of warn water or dark plastic objects near plants to absorb warmth in the day and then let off that heat at night.
- Mulch will protect some frost-sensitive plants. When mulching, try to keep it at a depth of 2 to 3 inches. Call Allison Lawn & Landscape Services to add or refresh your mulch.
- If plants are damaged by the frost, we will wait to prune them until spring. They need to remain dormant, rather than expend energy to heal pruning wounds.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email us so we can help guide you. |
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Groundhog Day
About Groundhog Day
Groundhog Day is celebrated every year on February 2nd. The official groundhog lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. His name is Punxsutawney Phil.
According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow (the day is bright and sunny), there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow (the day is overcast), there will be an early spring.
The celebration of Groundhog Day began 128 years ago with Pennsylvania's earliest settlers. It stemmed from a combination of religious beliefs and facts associated with hibernating animals.
On February 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of his burrow at Gobbler's Knob - in front of thousands of followers from all over the world - to predict the weather for the rest of season. This year, the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil,emerged from his lair on February 2, 2014 and saw his shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter. To watch the actual 2014 ceremony from the Wall Street Journal on YouTube, click here |
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Professional Life
10 tips for increasing your professional visibility and exposure 
Being recognized in your field can make you more valuable in your current job and more marketable if you decide to change jobs. The tips below can help you gain that visibility and exposure. The first four are aimed primarily at the employee of a company, while the rest apply either to the employee or to the independent consultant.
- Develop your elevator talk
- Talk to bosses during office social events
- Introduce yourself when in another location of your company
- Volunteer for company events
- Speak to outside groups
- Write for professional publications
- Serve as a source for news media
- Mentor or advise a student group or club
- Moderate a panel discussion
- Serve as board member or officer of a professional association
To read the full article by TechRepublic, please click here
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We hope you enjoyed our newsletter and feel free to email us ideas on topics you would like us to cover. Please feel free to forward this email with the link below.
Sincerely,
The Team at Allison Lawn & Landscape Services
Office: (813) 435-3112
Website: www.AllisonLawn.com
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