January 2016 Tips

Dear Gardening Friends,   Our unusual weather seems to have evened out into a more normal winter pattern. I’m almost afraid to comment about the weather because who knows what the rest of the winter will bring. The following are some tips for winter in the garden;   -If you haven’t spread any mulch or branches around the roots of tender or newly planted perennials, shrubs and trees there is still time. With the inconsistent snow cover we’ve had it is very important to protect the roots from freezing and thawing fluctuations. Discarded pine trees are still available along the roadside so it’s not too late to gather some free branches to use as mulch.   -I got mine down last weekend just before the snow arrived. You can also use straw, wood mulch or even soil and compost. For specific directions on particular perennials, like roses, you can check on line look specifically at educational research sites like Cornell and Penn State. They will be noted with “.edu”.    -Snow on conifers: When the snow forms heavily on conifer branches the weight can snap them. If the snow is light enough it can easily be dislodged by shaking the branch. This will not harm the branches. When the snow is heavy and somewhat frozen on the branch it won’t come off easily. The branches are brittle and can actually be damaged by trying to get the snow off. You can remove some of the weight by hand or with a broom but don’t be too aggressive as it could harm the tree. It may be better to just let nature take its course.   Now that there isn’t much to do outside, it’s a great time to give some attention to our houseplants:   -Remove any dead or damaged leaves.   -All houseplants could use a good bath or shower about now. Dust builds up on their leaves and restricts the ability to “breathe”.  Just take them to the sink or shower for larger plants and hose them off. Be sure to get the tops and undersides of the leaves.    -Let the water run through the pots a few times. This helps to remove built up of salts.   -If your plant has been in the same pot for a long time there may be white salt residue encrusted on the top of the soil. If this is the case you can carefully remove the top layer of soil and put in some fresh potting soil. If the salt in crusty on the outside of the pot you can simply scrub it off.   -For plants that are too big to move easily just wipe off the leaves with water and a soft sponge. Natural sponges work well. This may sound tedious, but your plants will thank you   -Seeds starting:   If you are starting vegetable, annual or perennial seeds pay close attention to the directions on the packets. The biggest problem people have is starting seeds too soon. You wind up with leggy, weak plans.   For more specific seed growing directions look on line on a site that is“.edu” as mentioned above.   Many of you belong to Garden Clubs or other groups that have gardening related speakers. Talking with gardeners is one of my favorite things to do and my presentations are very well received. I have attached a list of topics that I have developed on a variety of subjects over the last 11 years from native plants to pruning. The first 4 on the list are new this year. If your group would like to have me speak just contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.   UPCOMING GARDENING EVENTS:   MASTER GARDENER EDUCATION DAY: Saturday, March 12th at Classics V Banquet Center.   For the first time the annual Master Gardener Education Day will be open to the public. We are excited to announce our two noted speakers:   -Kerry Ann Mendez brings her vast knowledge, excitement and humor to gardening audiences in a “get real” approach to gardening that focuses on practical design tips, low maintenance plant care and plant selection. She uses spectacular perennials to maximize color and stresses a variety of sustainable garden practices. She is the author of many books. Her latest of which is The Right-Sized Flower Garden. She will give 2 presentations: 10 Tips for Growing as Beautiful, Sustainable Flower Garden and Three Seasons of Outrageous Perennial Color.   -Donald Leopold, nationally recognized author and speaker on native plants, will highlight native herbaceous and woody species that are no-maintenance, adaptable to extreme conditions, attract wildlife and are deer proof. Understanding the ecology of natural plant communities will help gardeners select the most appropriate plants for their gardens. Dr. Leopold is the author of several books including Native Plants of the Northeast. He will give a presentation on Native Plants for a Sustainable Landscape.   DETAILS: -The day will run from 8:30 to 3:00 and include a full buffet lunch. -Cost is $50 which includes lunch. -Participants will have the opportunity to order any 2 books of their choice at a 25% discount from Timber Press and/or Storey. When you register you will get the details. You can check their website at: (http://www.timberpress.com/) Books much be ordered by Feb. 12th. -To register go to (erie.cce.cornell.edu) or call the Cornell Cooperative Extension at 652-5400, ext: 177. -Registration is limited so register early. This is going to be a wonderful and educational day!   Erie Co. Soil and Water Tree & Shrub Sale: The annual Erie Co. Soil and Water Tree & Shrub sale is coming up. Order forms are available on line: www.ecswcd.org or by calling 652-8480. Orders must be placed by 3/18 and plant pick up is 4/23. There are 11 varieties of Transplants - 34 varieties of Seedlings, and Seedling Combination Packs: Native NY Wildlife plants for birds, & butterflies, and Nut Trees.     Happy Gardening! Lyn Chimera Lessons from Nature [email protected] 652-2432         Bringing People and Nature Closer Together     *~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*   Programs available through Lessons from Nature      Identifying Plant Problems:  Covers identifying the most common plant diseases and insects and what to do to control them.   Spring Garden Maintenance the Easy Way: An outline of what can be done to prepare your garden for the growing season; transplanting, dividing and planting as well as many tips on saving time and money during spring maintenance.   Native trees and Shrubs for the WNY Landscaper:   Help support nature by incorporating native trees and shrubs. Covers many native trees and shrubs that will thrive in a variety of growing conditions in WNY while improving the environment.   War on Weeds:  Learn to identify the most common weeds and what to do about them. An ecological approach to weed control.    5 Steps To Better Gardening - Covers the basics to improve your gardening including site assessment, tools, plant care and composting    Using Native Plants In Your Garden - A large variety of native plants that will grow successfully in our area including trees and shrubs, background on what is a native and the importance of including them in your landscape.      Site Assessment - A program from Cornell covering how to know what will grow successfully on your property and choose the right plant for the right place.    Eco- Friendly Gardening – How to garden without harming the environment. Covers lawn care, perennial gardening and composting.   Keys to Organic Gardening – What is organic gardening, why is it important, and what can you do to achieve it.    Pruning  - The how and why of good pruning technique and the tools you need. Includes a power point with pictures showing examples of pruning techniques and a demonstration of pruning tools.    Hypertufa & Concrete Birdbaths - A hands on workshop on how to make hypertufa planters @/or concrete birdbaths or stepping stones. It's too much to do both with a large group, so one or the other at a time is best. Each person gets to make one.   Sustainable Gardening for the Home Gardener– what it is and how to incorporate the principles into your gardening.   -Gardening On A Dime With Less Time -Saving Time & Money in the Garden – Many time and/or money savings tips for the home gardener.   -Container Gardening  - How to plant and care for  containers, plant choices and a power point presentation of creative ideas for containers.    Minimizing Critter Damage: Tips on how to be a more successful gardener when you have deer, rabbits and other 4 legged pests.   Planting and Caring for trees:  Most tree deaths and problems are caused by improper maintenance. Avoid these problems by planting and maintain your trees properly.   Turf Management for a Healthy Lawn: How to lower the maintenance and cost of your lawn while improving the quality. Includes information on common lawn weeds, pests, and diseases.   Soil is the Key: Understanding soil, what it is and how it affects what you grow. How to improve your soil and your garden.                     Copyright © 2014 Lessons From Nature, All rights reserved. You're receiving this message because you requested to receive Lessons from Nature newsletters. Our mailing address is: Lessons from Nature 37 N Union Rd Williamsville, NY 14221 Add us to your address book unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences