November is a time for gardeners to slow down and enjoy our outdoor spaces. Stroll through your landscape and soak in the cooler temperatures and Fall color. Trees and shrubs are headed into Winter dormancy and no longer need fertilizer. You may continue to pull weeds and refresh mulch – 2 garden chores that are always in season.
Many perennials die back to the ground after a killing frost. You may trim the spent leaves and stems at this time. These plants will store sugars and nutrients in their roots to sustain them during their Winter slumber. Supplemental water is needed to keep roots moist if we don’t get adequate rainfall. Provide water every 2-3 weeks if we do not get about 1 inch of rain. Mulch will help conserve soil moisture. Fertilizer is no longer needed and can be a detriment to these plants during our colder months.
A copy of our Planting Guide can be found on our website under the About Us button. Take a look at this informative brochure to help you with all your plant care needs. The section on watering is particularly helpful for most gardeners who are unsure when to water their plants. Remember that all plants are living things and require adequate water throughout their lives to grow and thrive.
Winter berries and seed heads on perennials and shrubs will feed birds during the dormant season. Consider putting shrubs that feed wildlife on your planning list. Bird feeders are another way to attract feathered friends.
Cool season annuals, like pansies, violas and snapdragons will perform throughout the Fall and Winter months if they receive adequate water and fertilizer. Water soluble fertilizers provide instant food for roots and Espoma Flower Tone is a slow-release product designed to release nutrients over time. Follow package instructions when fertilizing annuals.
Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs so roots have more time to develop before the heat of next Summer arrives.
Spring blooming bulbs, like daffodils, hyacinths, and tulips may be planted now. Cool soil temperatures are beneficial when planting these bulbs. Bulb fertilizer, like Espoma Bulb Tone, will help feed your bulbs and reward you with plentiful flowers in Spring. Consider planting bulbs in containers and in the ground for dramatic displays.
Our North Greenhouse is bursting with beautiful houseplants. Poinsettias bring a festive spirit to your indoor arrangements and we will have plenty of colors and sizes as we enter the Christmas season. Pop by and see our displays, pick up a combination container or get inspired to create your own. We are all thrilled to have this new space for houseplants.
Christmas Open House will take place on Thursday, November 6. We hope you will join us for this much anticipated holiday display. Our staff has been very busy decorating our barn and are eager to kick off the Christmas season with you. Check the events section on our website for details.
Later in November our Enchanted Christmas Tree Forest opens and we will have 5 beautiful varieties of 2’-13’ Christmas trees and many festive wreaths. Fresh Christmas trees will ship to us throughout the season to assure maximum freshness. Check our website for a list of family fun activities.
Enchanted Forest
Planting and greenery classes will be hosted during November and December. Please check our website to register. We are all looking forward to sharing this special time with our customers.
Stay warm out there,
Well see you in the garden center!