Snow and Ice on Plants
At this time of year, we receive calls from folks who want to know if they should remove snow and/or ice from landscape plants that have bent over due to the weight of the snow. The answer is YES, but CAREFULLY. Remember that the bending over probably occurred over a period of several hours and was gradual. Don't expect your plant to "spring" right back into its normal shape.
Be especially careful if you elect to remove ice that has formed on branches, as it is quite easy to cause more harm than good when doing this. Frozen branches tend to be brittle and are easily broken.
If your landscape plants do suffer breakage of some branches, they will need to be pruned, but NOT while the wood is frozen. Since very little activity is taking place in dormant plants, it is better to wait until outdoor temperatures warm into the 40's or 50's before even considering removal of broken branches. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and if there is a damaged branch blocking your door, more immediate pruning will be necessary.
If in doubt, give a us a call at 464-4941, or even better, send us a quick photo or 2 of the problem and we will do our best to give you sound advice based on our horticultural expertise.
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 PERENNIAL OF THE YEAR 2015
Geranium c. 'Biokovo'
Biokovo' is a cultivar of Cambridge Geranium and is a naturally occurring hybrid found in the Biokovo Mountains of present-day Croatia.
'Biokovo' does well in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. It is easy to grow and only requires deadheading (removing old flowers) to keep it looking good. "It forms an attractive mound that offers scarlet and orange fall colors to your garden. Cut away any dead foliage in the spring and 'Biokovo' is ready for the garden season.
Plant 'Biokovo' next to Japanese painted fern. Pick up color echoes between the pink flowers and maroon foliage tones that contrast with the silver streaks in the fern fronds. It is great as a groundcover or a front of the border plant.
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Our own George Brenn was a speaker at the Indiana Green  Expo in Indianapolis in late January! This is a trade and educational show sponsored by the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association. This group strives to increase the ethics, principles, and proficiency of the Green Industry through seminars, trade shows and functions, certification programs, and by acting as a promoter of the industry.
George's speaking topics were "Show Off Your Professionalism" and "Diagnosing Plant Problems".
George will also teach a class called "Ornamental Landscape Design" at Taltree Arboretum on Saturday February 21. Taltree class This is your chance to learn how to design your own landscape for a very small fee! Be sure to register soon, as the class size is limited.
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Our Garden Center will reopen for spring is just a few more weeks, on March 20 to be exact, and we predict glorious weather in the upper 40's to lower 50's for opening day of our garden center.
Celebrating our 40th year in 2015, and looking forward to seeing you soon!
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