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©2002 Gay Gardener
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- Keep Christmas trees away from heating source
- Place tree in a holder that can hold water-water daily
- Fasten all lights and decorations securely
- Make sure all outdoor wiring is waterproofed
- Seek help when stringing lights
- Keep poinsettias out of drafts
EVERGREEN PROTECTIONBroadleaved evergreen foliage can be sprayed with an anti-disiccant spray any day the daytime temperature is above 40 degrees. The spray is colorless after drying and envelops the foliage to protect it from the winter sun and harsh winds.
If you don't spray, evergreens are prone to moisture loss on sunny, windy days. Any moisture that is lost now can't be replaced because the roots are in frozen soil, and will result in bronzed, burned leaves. If weather permits a second application should be made in mid-late January.
DID YOU KNOW ???Pine cones are great to burn in your fireplace, for a quick added glow. If you collected any that are not suitable for your crafts or decoration, do not throw them away. They can also be treated to burn in a few different colors. Soak them in:
copper sulfate - will glow green
potassium permanganate - for purple flames
calcium chloride - for orange flames
NEEDLE DROPIt is a natural occurrence for needled evergreens such as pines, spruces, and yews to drop a few needles every fall, since the plants are continually putting out new growth every spring. These droppings should be allowed to remain so that over the years, they will form a nice airy mulch that holds moisture and discourges weed growth.
FRESH FRUITIf you were planning to mix any fresh fruit in with the greens for your decorations this year read on. Seems that apples and pears give off ethylene gas, which can defoliate various evergreens that are used in some of todays holiday decoration and arrangements, especially holly.
If using either of these two fruits in your arrangements is a must have, it is recommended that you use artificial fruit to insure a long lasting designs.
PLANTIN' TIMEDid you know that there are some annuals that can be sown outdoors now? These are whats known as hardy annuals and can be sown on cold, frozen soil or even on top of the snow. The seeds will work their way down into the soil and germinate as the ground warms in the spring.
Some of the favorites for winter sowing are: candytuft, bachelors buttons, nigella, calendula (pot marigold), California poppy and sweet alyssum. Be sure and mark any sown areas so as not to disturb that area next spring before the seeds have had a chance to germinate.
OVER THE FENCEDuring a snowstorms the wind whips the snow around forming drifts, which can pile up quickly. Snow is a natural protection for plants, but when heavy drifts pile up on your evergreens, just the weight alone can cause the brittle stems and branches to snap.
If your home is adjacent to any vast open areas, you should try putting up some kinda snow fence even if you live in the suburbs. Snow fencing should be placed in a manner that it blocks the prevailing winds, thus causing the snow to pile against it and not on top of your shrubs or home.
FOR THE BIRDSBirds have a wide choice of materials that they use when nest building. Many species have specialties for which they show a preference.
Select Nesting Materials:
Wren.......................feathers and moss
Phoebe....................mud, moss, lichens
Chipping Sparrow......horsehair, roots
Purple Finch.............horsehair
Robin.......................grass and mud
Baltimore Oriole........milkweed bark, long moss
Hummingbird.............fern wool, leafdown, spiderweb
To Do List
- December -
- Cut off daylily flower stalks and cut foliage back to 6 inches
- Mulch any newly planted roses, shrubs, or trees...ASAP
- You can prune grape-vines anytime now
- As soon as ground freezes hard, you can cover perennial borders
- If ground isn't frozen, tulips and lilies can still be planted
- Put wire or protective wrap on tree trunks to deter mice and rabbits
- Be stingy with water so buds don't fall off your Christmas cactus
- Any broken or split limbs should be taken care of immediately
- Cover gladiolus bulbs with naphthalene flakes-eliminate thrips
- Net tree peonies and cover with leaves
- Keep all birdfeeding stations well filled
- Gather some lily-of-the-valley pips to use for indoor blooms
- Be sure to stake and guy wire all newly planted shade trees
- Peat moss makes a fine storing medium for Dahlia tubers