Houseplant of the Week 1/21/20 - Succulents

Succulent Plants

   In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants that have some parts that are more than normally thickened and fleshy, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. They have the ability to thrive on limited water sources, such as mist and dew, which makes them equipped to survive in an ecosystem which contains scarce water sources. Succulents are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance.

       Many desert-adapted succulent plants thrive and flower well on a sunny window ledge, tolerating the dry atmosphere in centrally-heated homes and offices. They have become widely popular in recent years due to their unique appearance and hardiness. They work great in combination plantings and miniature gardens because of their slow growing nature.

       When growing succulents, use a cactus and succulent potting mix that will drain well and a container that will drain excess water at the bottom. Place succulent plants in an area that receives bright light from a window. Some varieties will do well with direct sunlight. However, some varieties need indirect light to avoid sun scorch on the leaves. These will do best with the use of a sheer curtain to filter direct sunlight.

       Be sure not to over-water your succulents. Let the soil dry out between watering times. They do not need much fertilizer. A light treatment in spring or summer is sufficient.

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20% OFF
Succulent Plants 

Good through 1/28/20. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print this coupon or mention this offer at the checkout counter.

Code: 004

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Bird of the Week 1/21/20 - Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebird

Basics: Eastern Bluebirds are the Missouri state bird. Male bluebirds are a brilliant royal blue on the back and head, and warm red-brown on the breast. Blue tinges in the wings and tail give the grayer females an elegant look. This species of bird is one of our favorites along with the Cardinal.

Housing: Eastern Bluebirds don’t often visit feeders, but they are a great prospect for nest boxes if you have the space to put one up in your yard, and if your yard isn’t too hemmed in by trees or houses. Bluebird houses that are available in the garden center or one built to suit them are best. They need a smaller entryway and a deeper nest box. The houses should also be cleaned out before each nesting season. The bluebird houses should be placed 4-7 feet above the ground. Face the houses on fence posts or tree trunks that face south to protect them from the prevailing northern winds.

Food: Their feeder favorites are mealworms and small pieces of fruit or berries, including raisins. When insects and other natural food supplies are scarce, they will also eat small peanut and sunflower kernels, as well as suet. Bluebird feeder types range from dish-style to the predator-resistant, house- style.

How to attract: Offer mealworms, (available dried or live). Put a birdbath out in your yard (a heated birdbath in winter)! Blue birds are quite attracted to water, especially running water. Above all, patience is required when learning how to attract bluebirds. Bluebirds are very loyal visitors if they find what they need for survival. They are social birds as well, and travel in pairs.

Fact: The oldest recorded Eastern Bluebird was 10 years 5 months old.

Tip: Discourage feral cats, and keep pet cats indoors to decrease the threat to the bluebirds.

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Bird of the Week Special:

20% OFF
Dried Mealworms

Good through 1/28/20. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print this coupon or mention offer at the checkout counter.    
Code: 004

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Houseplant of the Week 1/14/20 - Orchid

      Orchids are a diverse and widespread family of flowering plants with blooms that are often colorful, showy and fragrant. The showy orchids favored by most people are usually either phalaenopsis hybrids or dendrobium hybrids. Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid) is the most common of the Orchid family. The golden rule for orchid success is to duplicate the plant's natural conditions as closely as possible.

       Orchids prefer bright light, but no direct sun. Water them thoroughly once or twice a week - more when it's warmer, less when it's cooler. A pencil or a wooden skewer inserted into the soil will come out almost dry, indicating it’s time to water again. Make sure the water drains completely out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. Never leave the plant sitting in water! Placing ice cubes on the soil surface, to provide slow even watering as they melt, works great for watering. Provide some humidity for the plant; most do not like very dry environments. Gentle air circulation is also good for orchids.

       Keep the daytime temperature between 65°- 75°F /18°- 24°C with a nighttime temperature drop of just a few degrees. In nature, most orchids are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other objects, clinging to rough bark or even stone. With that in mind, the growing media can be made up largely of bark chunks. Most garden centers offer Orchid soil mix that will work well. Orchids also tend to prefer smaller pots. If a pot is too large, the orchid will expend most of its energy rooting, and show no real new growth or foliage for months, so keep the containers small. They prefer being somewhat root-bound with their roots protruding from the top of the media (or aerial roots should simply hang free). However, as plants produce more new canes or spikes, they can eventually outgrow their pot.

       Orchids can be fertilized once a month - or when they are blooming only. Look for fertilizers that contain nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K), plus trace elements like iron (Fe). Do not over feed orchids - this can damage them. If you're growing your orchid on bark, use a fertilizer that's significantly higher in nitrogen (in a ratio of 30(N)-10(P)-10(K)). The bacteria in the decomposing bark will consume a lot of nitrogen. Water your orchid thoroughly before feeding.

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20% OFF
Orchid Plants  

Good through 1/21/20. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Mention this offer at the checkout counter.

Code: 004

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Bird of the Week 1/14/20 - Tufted Titmouse

Basics: The Tufted Titmouse is a little gray bird approximately 6 inches in length with a white front and grey upper body outlined rust colored flanks. Other characteristics include their black forehead, and the tufted grey crest on their head. It is common in deciduous forests and a frequent visitor to feeders. The large black eyes, small, round bill, and brushy crest gives these birds a quiet but eager expression that matches the way they flit through canopies, hang from twig-ends, and drop into bird feeders. When a titmouse finds a large seed, you’ll see it carry the prize to a perch and crack it with sharp whacks of its stout bill. You’ll often hear the high, whistled peter-peter-peter song well before you see the bird.

Housing: Tufted Titmice nest in tree holes (and nest boxes), but they can’t excavate their own nest cavities. Instead, they use natural holes and cavities left by woodpeckers. Therefore, putting up nest boxes is a good way to attract breeding titmice to your yard. Make sure you put it up well before breeding season. Attach a guard to keep predators from raiding eggs and young. If you have a natural wooded area leave some dead trees for nesting titmice.

Food: Tufted Titmice are regulars at backyard bird feeders, especially in winter. They prefer sunflower seeds but will eat suet, peanuts, and other seeds as well. They also eat insects, which is a good reason to attract them to your yard.

How to Attract: Tufted Titmice will visit feeders year-round. Offer sunflower seed, a seed mix containing sunflower seeds, and/or suet in feeders. In addition, hang bird houses and leave some older dead trees in wooded areas so they can nest in old woodpecker holes and crevices. Don’t forget that a birdbath will also help attract these and other wild birds.

Facts: Tufted Titmice hoard food in fall and winter. Usually, the storage sites are within 130 feet of the feeder. The birds take only one seed per trip and usually shell the seeds before hiding them. Their nest (probably built by female) has foundation of grass, moss, leaves, bark strips, lined with soft materials, especially animal hair. Bird may pluck hair from live woodchuck, dog, or other animal, even from humans.

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Bird of the Week Special:

Bernie’s Blend Birdseed

25# Bag, Regular $19.99

Just: $15.99

Good through 1/21/20. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases. Print this coupon or mention offer at the checkout counter.

 Code: 004

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National Squirrel Appreciation Day - January 21!

SQUIRRELS! Whether you love them or loathe them, National Squirrel Appreciation Day, January 21st,  is a great time to take a few moments and learn about these nutty animals. We found some great articles on the National Wildlife Federation's website:

10 Nutty Facts to Make You Appreciate Squirrels
Dani Tinker, NWF.org

Nutty Ways to Celebrate Squirrel Appreciation Day This Year
Danielle Brigida, NWF.org

Visit us for this special offer in honor of Squirrel Appreciation Day:

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20% OFF
Whole Peanuts

Good through 1/21/20. Not good with any other sale, coupon or discount or on previous purchases.
Print coupon or mention at checkout counter.

Code: 004

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Tips for the Garden - January 2020

OUR NEWEST ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE

            It is hard to say who benefits more from backyard bird feeders - the birds or the people who feed them. Some of life’s more enjoyable moments include the songs and antics of the birds outside our windows. Watching them is so captivating that it can alter an entire day’s plans, turning a twenty-minute breakfast into a three-hour brunch. Activity at your feeders probably can hold your attention all day with its ever-changing pattern of form and color, from fluffed-up chickadees to sleek cardinals.  But yet I hear, where have all the birds gone?  I don’t have as many as I used to.

            Until recent years the brightest spot on the winter landscape, with the most activity, is the bird feeder in the backyard. No matter what size yard or garden you have, you can create your own bird haven. All you need are food, water, and shelter. Shrubs and evergreens are good, not only to offer cover during harsh northern winters, but also to protect birds from their natural enemies. I encourage you to look at your landscape and see what you can do to encourage wild bird habitat.

            Several years ago, there was a national call to ‘save the bees!’. The last two years it has remained bees, and the Monarch butterfly was added to the list. This year you will be reading quite a lot from the National Audubon society as well as other environmental groups that we should now be worried about the huge decline in our native bird numbers. Birds are very important to our ecological and environmental health. They too, are great pollinators, and help keep insects at bay.

            So, I ask you, to look around your neighborhoods and parks. Close your eyes and listen. Maybe not as melodious as it used to be? The ultimate bird songs so familiar as we were growing up, not as prevalent. Now is the time to act and plan to enhance your gardens and landscapes with beneficial plants such as native species that will feed our feathered friends. Let’s continue to increase the pollination process we need for good environmental health.

            Start this winter by offering food, water and shelter to our feathered friends. It is so easy to do, and we can help. Next spring add natives to the landscapes or containers, and we will be well on our way of enhancing our little piece of heaven here on earth.

            Happy New Year dear friends…

See you in the garden…
Sandi Hillermann McDonald