Hot, hazy and humid seems to be the mantra for the Summer of 2010!

Be sure to monitor watering at this time of year, plants need that extra care with these temperatures and absence of rain.

Have you started your landscape wish list:

• Design
• New Tree & Shrub Plantings
• Pond/Waterfall
• Patio/Walkway/Walls

Give us a call or send an e-mail, our experienced design staff will be glad to assist you!

During the summer we are closed on Saturday's but are available by appointment if needed. Our Saturday hours will resume in the fall.

Enjoy your summer and come visit the Nursery for new additions and new ideas for your landscaping!

Other sites to visit:

www.growinghome.info

www.hgic.umd.edu

www.growingforyou.com

Garden Maintenance

Watering~ Water plant material three times a week for the first week after planting. After the first week, watering should be monitored depending on rainfall, soil conditions and temperature. The most effective way to determine if watering is needed is to pull the mulch away from the base of the plant and touch the soil. If it is dry you should water, if it is moist wait a day or two. Tree with water ring should be watered until the water ring is full. Proper watering through the fall will influence whether the plant survives the winter months. Be careful not to over water; this can be just as damaging as not enough water. As the plant matures be sure to water during drought periods.

Fertilizing~ Fertilizer should be applied only in early spring and late fall. Do not apply fertilizer during late summer months. Evergreen shrubs should be fertilized with an acidic fertilizer (Hollytone) at the manufacturers recommended rate. Deciduous shrubs, ornamental trees, ground covers, perennials and ornamental grasses will benefit if fertilized with a liquid 10-10-10 fertilizer in spring.

Weeding~ All beds should be weeded continuously through out the growing season. Mulching will reduce weeds but will not eliminate weeds completely. When applying mulch be careful not to cover the lower branches or trunks of the plant material. This can cause a build up of moisture and eventually decay. An annual mulching of 2" or less is sufficient.

Pruning~ Spring flowering shrubs should be pruned after blooming. Prune ornamental trees and summer flowering shrubs during dormant season as required. Hedges or shrubs requiring a formal appearance may be pruned as needed. Evergreen trees can be pruned after the new growth has hardened off. Ground covers may be pruned as needed to contain them within their borders. Remove any dead or undesirable limbs when appropriate. All pruning should be done to retain the natural shape of the plant material unless a formal appearance is desired.

Insect and Disease Control~ All plant material should be inspected periodically for insect and/or fungus damage. If damage is observed, follow the University of Maryland Extension Service recommendations. Their telephone number is 1-800-342-2507 in Maryland, out of state call 410-531-1757, their website is www.hgic.umd.edu.

Tree Stakes~ Tree stakes, wire and hose should be removed from the plant material one year after installation. Stakes, wire and hose left on the tree may restrict growth and girdle the tree eventually causing it to die.