Hoffmann Hillermann Blog
Informational Articles, Promotions, and more
Apply in the fall to both lawns and shrubs. It enables turf, tress & shrubs to withstand the rigors of winter better and easier. Its effects are similar to putting on an overcoat in the winter. Applying extra potash enables warm season grasses to come through winter better and be healthier in the spring. Builds hardiness, stem strength, and disease resistance insuring a healthy, stable plant to better survive winter.
If you find yourself reaching for Chap Stick because your lips feel dry, then it may be time to treat your broadleaf evergreens with an anti-desiccant spray like "Wilt Stop." This natural, non-toxic product, derived from the resin of pine trees, has the unique ability to form a soft, clear flexible film on plants. It protects plants from drying out, drought, wind burn, sunscald, winter kill, transplant shock and salt damage. Good for evergreens like holly, boxwood, magnolia, azaleas, rhododendrons, and laurel to help keep them from losing foliar moisture during winter season. Apply in mid-late fall and again in January when the weather permits. Wilt Stop also extends the life of cut flowers and Christmas trees.
You’ve selected the perfect shades of shrubs and perennials. Now bring them to beautiful light, alive in their natural tones. Our Kichler LED fixtures produce a pure, warm white light that doesn’t have a blue cast or yellow tint like other light sources.
We have solutions for every application – decks, patios, ponds, landscapes and more. A beam angle that can be precisely set and projected where intended. A fixture that doesn’t attract mosquitoes. A pure, warm white light that enhances your home and landscape’s natural tones. No light bulbs to change. A strong warranty. 75% energy savings.
While you may be tempted to clean up your yard by trimming trees and shrubs, now is not the time.
• Pruning stimulates new growth, which cannot be adequately supported with the falling temperatures and daylight.
• Any spring-flowering tree or shrub should not be pruned until after blooming next spring. These plants usually set their buds in fall - pruning now will mean no flowers in the spring!
• Pruning creates wounds, which can invite pests and diseases, such as Oak Wilt. Pruning while bugs are dormant can prevent infestations while the tree is vulnerable.
• The best time to prune a tree is in late winter, just before the tree breaks dormancy. The cut will heal quickly during vigorous growth in early spring.
• Do not prune in spring while the tree’s buds are developing. If the buds are beginning to swell, leave the tree alone until the leaves have grown to their mature size.
Here’s a quick gardening guide for the weekend…
1. Plant! You can plant until the ground freezes. We have a long way to go!
2. Tuck In! Plant spring blooming bulbs: Crocus, daffodils and hyacinths… Think of the colorful bouquets in March!
3. Clean-Up! Clear away debris and cut back plants that are done blooming.
4. Fertilize! Feed your trees, shrubs and perennials
5. Decorate! Think about fall touches that will carry through to Thanksgiving. Fun, festive and great curb appeal! Include regular and specialty pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, straw bales and a wide variety of plants. All available at Hillermann’s!
I am going to focus on trees and pumpkins for this month’s article. Quite a different combination, but both need attention this time of year.
There are Many Benefits of Planting Trees. Consider all the benefits listed below, and remember fall is the perfect time to plant trees for an increased success rate next spring.
· Trees are perfect for planting as living memorials, or to commemorate significant events in our lives.
· Tree lined streets have a traffic calming effect, moving more slowly and safely.
· Trees can be placed to screen unwanted views or noise from busy highways.
· Trees improve our air quality by filtering ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide from the air we breathe.
· Trees give off oxygen that we need to breathe.
· Trees reduce erosion and pollution in our waterways and may reduce the effects of flooding.
· Trees provide food, protection, and homes for many birds and mammals.
· Trees can reduce cooling costs in the summer by shading the south and west sides of your home.
· Evergreen trees on the north side of your home can act as a windbreak for winter warmth.
· The value of a well landscaped home with trees and shrubs can be as much as 10% higher than a similar home with no landscaping.
Now let’s change the focus to HALLOWEEN!!! What a great time to decorate and enjoy the season. Here are “Tips for Selecting and Preserving Your Pumpkin.”
When selecting a pumpkin choose one that does not have any bruises. Check for discoloration and soft spots. The size will not matter, however, to most children and some adults, bigger is better.
Look for pumpkins with a sturdy stem. Check the bottom of the pumpkin to see if the base is damaged. If the pumpkin feels heavy and sloshes, put it back
If you place a pumpkin in a washtub of cold water, it will absorb the water and become very firm. Cut open the top of the pumpkin and clean out the seeds. If you have fine detail work to do, you may want to let your pumpkin soak overnight. This will firm up the pumpkin flesh and allow you to do intricate carving. You can add a small amount of bleach in the water to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Once you have carved your pumpkin add a thin amount of petroleum jelly on the exposed cut edges. This will help seal moisture. If the pumpkin dries out you can try to revive it by soaking it in a bath of cold water for one to eight hours.
You can prepare your pumpkins ahead of time and keep them fresh for a future party or gathering. Wrap them in plastic wrap to hold and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for a very long time.
Once you remove a wet pumpkin for display, dry it off. This prevents mold from having a chance to grow.
Now, enjoy all that the month of October has to offer and I will…
See you in the garden.
Sandi Hillermann McDonald
