Spring Color

I think I love spring because of all of the color after winter. These are a favorite of mine in my landscape – creeping phlox. Every spring they are a carpet of purple white long before the leaves have even emerged on my shrubs or my other perennials have had a chance to grow. They come in other colors too. I’ve seen white and shades of pink as well.

If you need some bulbs for early color, try daffodils, narcissus, crocus, tulips or hyacinth. I have some hyacinth blooming right now too, but I think it is about done as it doesn’t flower very well any more. I must say the blooms it does produce still smell great!

Scale Insects on Trees

Scale insect on magnolia

Before the leaves emerge this spring, look around your landscape for scale insects. Although a wide variety of plants can be affected by scale, it is common on euonymus, oak and magnolia. Look for immobile adults like those pictured on the magnolia above or pin oak below. At this stage in their life cycle, scale can be treated with dormant oil. When eggs (located below this protective covering) hatch, the crawlers can be treated with insecticide.

Scale insect on pin oak

Learn more about scale insects by visiting Ryan Lawn and Tree's informational library: Scale insects.

Follow Up on Bradford Pears

As a followup to Wednesday's post, I wanted to show you this picture of a Bradford Pear that was damaged by the wind and ice a week ago. It really drives home the idea that if you REALLY want a Bradford Pear, you should plant it far away from your home and driveway, and your neighbor's personal property.

Are Dandelions a Sign of Spring?

I don't know if I would consider dandelions my favorite sign of spring, but once these little yellow guys poke out their heads, I start feel like baseball games and picnics are just around the corner.

I spied some this week for the first time, so of course, I took a picture. Most of the plants I saw were in bare areas and along the sidewalk. To me, this is further evidence that well-maintained lawns are the best defense against weeds.

If you have some little guys in your landscape, wait until temperatures are above 40 degrees to spray them. Products available to homeowners aren't effective below this threshold.

P.S. Don't tell my niece dandelions are weeds. She LOVES them and thinks they are SO PRETTY.

Bring the Outdoors Inside

I have a special event tonight and I needed cheap, festive centerpieces for the tables.

The party had a violet (the color, not the flower) theme and I found a great sale on pansies at Family Tree, a local garden center. I covered the 4.5" pots they came in with a pretty fabric and I was set.

I got several compliments and it was an easy project. Consider using potted plants at your next party. The best part? You can plant the flowers in your landscape once the party is over. You can bet that's what I'm going to do!

High Winds Damage Bradford Pears

Photo by Martin LaBar

A query on our local Q & A gardening blog asked if there are pear trees that are less likely to split during high winds.

All pears are weak-wooded and susceptible to damage. Bradford Pears are hit especially hard. In fact, tonight as I was driving down a street lined in Bradford Pears, I was reminded of a fabulous pair of high heels. They're pretty, but not exactly practical.

If you live in any area that routinely gets ice or high winds, it is best to avoid planting this tree. If you absolutely have to have one, prune it regularly and aggressively to keep it from getting too top heavy.

Were any of your pears damaged during last weekends storm?

Another Landscape Dream

Photo from Noel Zia Lee via Flickr

I have always wanted a saucer magnolia. (And by always, I mean since I got into the green industry a little over 3 years ago). My husband DOES NOT share this dream.

Why? Because the huge, beautiful flowers eventually become huge, pink blobs on the sidewalk and driveway once the blooms fall. He's a practical guy. (He did say I could plant a saucer magnolia if I promised to clean up after it every year, which, honestly, is a commitment I can't make.)

This scenario brings up a valid point--before planting your "dream" tree, think of the upkeep that might be involved. Cursing the previous owner of your home for planting a sweet gum? Perhaps they just didn't think of raking tons of spiky balls every fall when they put it in the ground. Not sure if there are hidden pitfalls of a certain tree? Ask your neighbor who has one, or, call the local extension agent and get their opinion.

What is your dream tree?

P.S. Had a minor glitch with automatic posting yesterday...which means TWO posts today!