Author Archives:

October Gardening Tips

by Stephen Gent, Owner
McDade’s Nursery

Stephen has 14+ years of experience in horticulture as Publisher and Marketing Director for Nursery Management and Production, Greenhouse Management and Production and Garden Center magazine.

An avid gardener with a lifelong passion for plants, he enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience with customers.

The number one question we hear at the nursery this time of year is, when is the best time of year to plant? Without question, fall is the best time to plant – especially fruit trees, shade trees, shrubs and perennials. Here’s why.

The survival rate of plants is dramatically improved when planting takes place in October or November as the root system is established during the winter months. Even though above ground the plants appears to be dormant (and they are) underground roots are active, growing deeper into the soil to provide a strong anchor for the whole plant.

When spring arrives the plant is acclimatized to its new environment and is ready to put out strong leaves, new top growth and lots of flowers. Planting in the spring doesn’t always give the plant time to develop the roots necessary to support it fully during the heat of the Texas summers.

Now is also a good time to replace summer color plants with colors that are typically of the fall season – browns, reds, oranges and yellows. Cooler season annuals and perennials are just now becoming available. Check your local nursery for chrysanthemums, pansies, violas, ornamental kale, cabbage and peppers, dusty miller, dianthus, snapdragons, marigolds, alyssum, crotons, petunias to name just a few.

A quick note on chrysanthemums, they are perennials blooming in the autumn and then dying back in the winter. Cut them to a couple of inches above the ground and watch them come back strong in the spring to bloom again.

Remember there is still time to plant fall vegetables. Beets, broccoli, cabbage, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, peas, Swiss chard, lettuce, radish, spinach, turnips, onions, parsley, mustard and carrots are all crops that do well this time of year. Vegetables can be planted from seed or transplanted.

Also, make sure to adjust your watering schedule for the cooler temperature of fall. The recommendation is to water 2 – 3 times a week in the morning. Be sure to water long enough so the root system grows deep rather than staying close to the soil surface.

Check your irrigation system for leaks, clogs or breakages to make sure water is getting to all areas in your lawns and beds.

Check your garden regularly for insects and fungi. Plants that have suffered heat stress during the summer are more prone to disease. If you find a problem, take care of it as soon as possible using a recommended insecticide or fungicide. Both organic and non-organic products are available to stop and protect against insects and fungi. This year in particular around Cedar Creek Lake, oak trees are prone to wooly aphids that give a snow like appearance to the leaves.

Happy Gardening

Volunteer McKinney: Diverse Opportunities Abound

Leave a reply

Submitted by Volunteer McKinney

Volunteer McKinney offers several opportunities this week.

• Butterfly Garden Design. Vega Elementary has the perfect place to build a butterfly garden but needs a landscape architect to help with its design. To volunteer for this one-time opportunity, go to www.mckinneyisd.net/parents/volunteer/ or look for “Landscape Design . . .” on the Volunteer Opportunities page of the Volunteer McKinney web site.

• Advocate for Hispanic Victims of Impaired Driving. Bilingual volunteers are needed to develop educational programs to advocate for Hispanic victims of impaired driving. These volunteers might speak to community groups about preventing underage drinking or attend court with victims of impaired driving. Orientation and training is provided free of charge. Select How to Volunteer, then click on the link to volunteer
opportunities. Then select More Updated Listings and look for “Hispanic Court and Victim Advocate.”

• Gala Fundraiser. The Chrysalis Gala, scheduled for October 20, 2012, is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County. Thirty volunteers are needed the morning of the event to help set up for the evening auction. Shifts are 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will help display and stage auction items. During the event, a volunteer photographer’s assistant is needed to collect
the correct spelling of guests’ names as their photographs are taken. For either of these opportunities, click on “More New Listings” and scroll to Chrysalis Gala.

For more volunteer opportunities go to our website at volunteermckinney.org or contact our office at volunteer@volunteermckinney.org or phone us at 972-542-0679.

Printer-friendly version

Oakham CE Primary School opens garden in memory of Kelly Bulmer

Leave a reply

The Kelly Bulmer Sensory Garden opened at Oakham CE Primary School. Kelly, who died aged 17 in a car accident in August, 2010, attended the school before joining Catmose College.

Kelly designed a garden while she was in Year 5 at the primary school and a garden has now been created in her memory is based on her design.

Kelly’s mother Pat, who works at the school as a teaching assistant, and father Keith were also at the opening.

Mrs Bulmer said: “I think it is just lovely that there is a permanent memorial of Kelly. She loved being at the school and part of her is still here.

“It makes it all the more special that it’s Kelly’s design and it is lovely how her drawings have been interpreted.”

Mrs Bulmer said it was it was only by good fortune that Kelly’s design survived a clearout of the school, before it was demolished and rebuilt.

She said: “Very few of the children remember Kelly but they remember the accident and they know I was Kelly’s mum so I think it will be a very special place for them.”

Mrs Bulmer had some input into the garden and specifically asked for purple flowers to be included as purple was her daughter’s favourite colour.

The garden has a quiet seating area with a water feature and is surrounded by flowers and a gravelled area. There are also vegetable beds for the children to plant and sculptures of birds hanging from the trees.

Mrs Bulmer said she was “overwhelmed” and “speechless” when she saw the completed garden.

Mr Bulmer added: “I haven’t seen it before and I don’t know what I was expecting but it is absolutely lovely. It was an emotional day.”

Headteacher Joan Gibson said Kelly had drawn a beautiful picture for the original sensory garden and it had been incorporated into the garden.

“But there is more than the shape of Kelly’s design here,” she said. “The garden is saying something about her, about how beautiful she was, her generosity and her kind spirit.

“It will help us to remember her and everyone we have lost. It is a very special place.”

The garden was opened by Canon Lee Francis-Dehqani, who read two poems in memory of Kelly.

The garden was funded by the Rotary Club of Rutland, after the club president Malcolm Mann, a friend of the Bulmer family, suggested contributing.

Mr Mann said: “It is a memorial to Kelly but it is also a place for the children to learn about growing plants and vegetables and it is something that is going to keep changing, which is nice to think of.”

The Oakham in Bloom committee also helped with planting and the garden was built during the summer holidays by Craig Piggot, whose wife Sarah is a teacher at the school. Palmers of Oakham also provided materials.

It will be maintained by the school’s gardening club and Mr and Mrs Bulmer also hope to add their own touch with flower-shaped seats, assisted by the parent teacher association.

Home & Garden: Blaine-area interior designer sets up shop

Leave a reply

Kathleen Hildebrand has always loved interior design. As a child, her friends were playing with Barbies, while Hildebrand was redecorating Barbie’s house with whatever accessories she could find.

Hildebrand believes that using her imagination and creativity at such a young age is what made her the resourceful, think-outside-the-box designer she is today.

Previously an interior designer in Massachusetts, Hildebrand moved to Washington state almost a decade ago, and last year picked up her paintbrush and measuring tape again to help area residents make their homes and offices beautiful.

Owner of Lily-Max Designs in Blaine, Hildebrand embraces a simple design philosophy – use what you have if you can, and turn it into something unrecognizably fabulous.

She also believes that it is just as important to have space that is purposeful and organized as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Hildebrand’s favorite part of the design process is the “after.” She enjoys the process of creating a space, but loves to see the client’s reaction to the finished product, especially since they often don’t know how to achieve what they want on their own.

“That’s what an interior designer is for, to help you make your space work best for you,” Hildebrand said. “I want people’s homes to be their refuge.”

Contrary to popular belief, interior design is not just for the wealthy. Hildebrand takes pride in being extremely budget-conscious, often reusing or repurposing existing materials. She recently redid a bathroom for $230 by making thoughtful choices and using what her clients already had.

If you are ready for a change, Hildebrand says there are two key things that will quickly make a difference in your space. “If you only have the resources to do one or two things, organize and paint,” she said. “Getting rid of clutter immediately improves the look and function of a space. Give everything its own place, and make sure it stays there.”

“Secondly, don’t underestimate the transformative powers of a fresh coat of paint,” she said. “It’s simple to do, reasonably priced, and can make a drastic change in the look of a room.”

Hildebrand also recommends that your big pieces of furniture be neutral in color, as this allows you to change up your accessories according to season or your mood. She also firmly believes that spending a little extra time hunting a yard sale or making something yourself is worth the effort. “Your home should have things that are special to you,” she said.

For more information on Lily-Max Designs, visit lilymax.com or call 800/398-0610.

South facing gardens and the best position on site in Oranmore

Leave a reply

No 2 The Glen.

No 2 The Glen is situated in the popular Oranhill estate, a predominantly owner-occupied and extremely well presented estate with excellent landscaping and a family-sensitive site layout.

An attractive home with definite appeal, No 2 has been beautifully landscaped to the front and is not overlooked front or rear. A fantastic size living room has solid maple flooring, beautiful fireplace, and high ceiling, double doors lead to large dining area and splendid kitchen (complemented by granite worktop). A super size utility and guest wc are found also at ground floor while four bedrooms, master en suite, and principal bathroom complete the generous accommodation. It also has hollowcore flooring.

“No 2 has altered the standard design in the kitchen to present a much better layout,” said Shelagh McGann of Keane Mahony Smith auctioneers. “It also has fantastic privacy, which should be a huge factor when looking at a property’s long term potential, it also has wonderful light throughout. This estate has proven very popular with owner occupiers.”

For further details contact the agent Shelagh McGann at Keane Mahony Smith on 091 563744.

Professional landscaping plans bring new life to your yard

Leave a reply

Fall is officially here. Time to put the yard and gardens to bed for winter. As you dig, move and mulch, or just look about feeling hopelessly lost, are you a little wistful that you still haven’t achieved your dream of a stunning and rewarding outdoor space? Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s a big goal, and for most homeowners, even knowledgeable gardeners, a really beautiful property has a much greater chance of becoming a reality when you have a professional plan to work from. Certified Landscape Designer Susanne McKenzie, of Nesting Landscape Design, is masterful at developing residential and commercial plans that will take your property from ‘so-so’ to stunning. And autumn is the perfect time for McKenzie to assess what you already have in place, what’s working and what isn’t. Then she’ll create a plan that will achieve your dreams of fabulous exterior areas, and optimize your investment of time and money.

“A great design plan is the most important component of any project,” says McKenzie. “I believe designs should complement the house and blend harmoniously with the surrounding site, but must also reflect the taste and lifestyle of the owners and their unique vision.”

Becoming a certified landscape designer is a seven-year process, including a three-part written exam and development of three portfolio projects. With 13 additional years of experience, McKenzie continues to develop her knowledge and creativity, always excited by new properties and new opportunities to ‘think outside the box’. Her knowledge, skill, experience and attention to details make McKenzie’s designs invaluable.

With client input she develops comprehensive to-scale designs which define traffic flow, constructed elements, plantings and special features. Outdoor kitchens, pergolas, decks and patios, walkways and water features are very popular additions, but making sure they are suitable, and in the right places, is both science and art. While working to fulfill the client’s wish list of plants, trees and shrubbery, McKenzie’s extensive knowledge of horticulture guides her in determining the best locations for them to thrive.

“Wrong soil, wrong lighting, wrong drainage, wrong placement of plants, just as with constructed elements, may result in wasted time, labour and money, and great disappointment. A professionally designed project will avoid these costly errors,” says McKenzie. Her meticulous designs provide homeowners and/or contractors with virtually all they need in order to plan, schedule and install every step with confidence, and with a realistic budget.

One business success strategy she shares with other women entrepreneurs is “Keeping abreast of your industry or niche realm, including newest trends, materials and products through industry shows, publications and associations, is essential if you want to consistently be at the top of your professional and creative game.”

A long-time resident, and mother of two, McKenzie still makes time to volunteer with Grafton’s Horticultural Society, the 4G’s Junior Gardening Program and, periodically, to conduct inspiring and educational landscape/ horticulture lectures.

Contact Nesting Landscape Design and have your plan ready to implement next spring! 905-207-2473, e-mail: nesting@xplornet.ca or visit www.womenwithoutoffices.com

Catherine Hawley, Certified Professional Organizer Home Stager, operates Downsizing Solutions in Northumberland. To be featured in this column contact her at 905-885-9088 info@downsizingsolutions.ca www.womenwithoutoffices.com

Gardens need some attention

Leave a reply

Leucanthemum (little angel) performs well.

WITH many Australians thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather, at the same time as praying for some rain, many gardens are in need of some attention to promote healthy growth, avoid the many problems that can spoil that growth, and start new projects.

So, let’s start with some preventative ideas to keep everything looking good and growing well.

Keeping pests away

Citrus trees can do with a good clean up at this time, so spray with PestOil to rid them of any remaining leafminers, which will also clean up scale and aphids.

Sucking insects cause so much damage to our otherwise healthy plants, so let’s stop them before they start.

We have found Confidor, both liquid and tablet forms, very effective in keeping aphids, azalea lace bug, mealybug, greenhouse thrips, hibiscus flower beetle, soft scale, sap-sucking bugs, psyllids and many more in their right place – out of our garden.

This is an excellent spot treatment for those pests, and into the bargain is perfect for indoor plants or those on the veranda or patio – and the aerosol container can be turned upside down to treat under the leaves and other awkward spaces, which is an enormous help, and as it has low toxicity is not hard on the good insects like ladybirds.

Whatever you do, don’t overlook the tablet form.

These can be used to protect azaleas both in-ground or pots from azalea lace bug (up to six months), lillypillies from psyllids (four months), potted palms from mealybugs (six months), magnolias from scale (three months) and more.

Plant of the week

If you love daisies, the delightful leucanthemum (little angel) will fill a special sunny spot in your garden, producing hosts of its starry, golden centred white flowers from late winter through spring and summer.

Little Angel is a recent new improved form of the popular shasta daisy that we all enjoyed for so many years, due to their hardiness and easy growing.

They are perennials here, make excellent cut flowers, attract butterflies, love a sunny situation, make good borders, and grow very well in planter bowls that can be moved around the outdoor living areas.

To read more lifestyle stories

Gardeners to share tips, fun

Leave a reply

WARREN – Jada Sisco began working with soils and landscaping while she was a student at Trumbull Career and Technical Center.

Today, the 22-year-old Warren resident is looking forward to attending the Garden 2012 Conference for Master Gardeners this weekend in downtown Warren. The conference’s theme is “Bloom Where You are Planted” and highlights the burgeoning popularity of urban gardening.

The conference will have an urban flavor and focus on re-imagining public and private space to include horticulture and agriculture.

Article Photos

Tribune Chronicle / Raymond L. Smith
Master Gardener intern Jada Sisco of Warren and Ava Mills, a granddaughter of a local Master Gardener, examine vegetables grown at the Victory Gardens on Warren’s west side.

Sisco is working toward her certification to become a Master Gardener.

“I love gardening,” Sisco said. “I am very hands-on and enjoy working in the soil. I also like introducing young people to gardening.

“You don’t see too many other kids like me gardening,” she said. “I want to bring it back to the neighborhood.”

Sisco spent this summer working with Warren City Schools children at the AGAPE School as a part of an urban 4-H program.

This weekend’s conference will provide workshops for Master Gardeners from the 88 counties around the state to learn about different aspects of gardening. There are more than 3,700 Master Gardener volunteers across the state. Some of these gardeners will be

be coming to Warren for educational training.

Fact Box

When you go

WHAT: Garden 2012 Conference for Master Gardeners

WHEN: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday

SPECIAL: Sessions for the public run simultaneously on Courthouse Square, Warren

More than 31 speakers will give presentations during the annual conference.

The general public will be able to participate in separate workshops Saturday on Courthouse Square in downtown Warren.

“Residents will be able to hear the same people that the Master Gardeners will be hearing in their workshops,” Mike Paquet, a Master Gardener program coordinator from Warren, said. “This is the first time that residents will be able to participate.”

The program is being co-sponsored by the Ohio State University Extension, Eastern Gateway Community College, Warren City Schools, city of Warren, First Presbyterian Church and Trumbull County commissioners.

In addition to the seminars, The Ohio State University Jazz Band and the Warren G. Harding Jazz Ensemble will perform Saturday. There will be tours of local sites.

Trumbull Art Gallery will present “A Garden Like No Other,” artist representations of various items associated with gardening. The platform will be a patch of green with trees and flagstone pathways behind the courthouse. It will be installed between 8 and 11 a.m. and available for viewing until about 5 p.m.

In case of rain, it will be available for viewing in the TAG Galleries, 196 E. Market St.

TAG will be hosting a reception for the public at 4 p.m. Saturday. It will have an exhibit “Special Plants and Pots” by Gilmore’s Greenhouse, which will show cacti, succulents and vessels

“Our goal is to increase the environmental literacy,” he said. “We want to instill knowledge about eating safe and buying locally grown foods. It is reminding people of horticultural techniques that were around 50 to 60 years ago.”

“We are about empowerment through education,” Paquet said.

Will Allen, a former ABA basketball and now an internationally renowned expert on urban farming, will be the keynote speaker at the event. Allen is a McAurthur Genius Award winner for his work with urban farming.

Jackie Mills, a Master Gardener from Warren, will talk about the urban 4-H program that she helped set up in the city schools.

“When people talk about 4-H programs, they generally think about people in suburban or rural communities, not children living in inner city communities,” Mills said. “We introduced sewing, recycling, making hypertufa containers, and other items.

Approximately 400 students participated in the urban 4-H program. They taught the students about using fruits and vegetables, including how to make a tomato, corn and fruit salsas. Plants were grown at the Warren greenhouse.

Garden Calendar: Plant bulbs now for color next spring

Leave a reply

ORGANIC GARDENING: Bring questions about organics to this panel discussion at the monthly meeting of the Greater Dallas Organic Gardening Club. 6:30 p.m. Thursday. REI, 4514 LBJ Freeway, at the Dallas North Tollway, Dallas. Free.

SHOOTING ROSES: The Dallas Rose Society’s monthly meeting will include tips and techniques for photographing roses and landscapes. 6:30 p.m. Friday. Farmers Branch Recreational Center, 14050 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch. Free. 972-620-1131.

GARDEN EDUCATION: North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas, offers the following free events. Growing tulips, daffodils and more spring bulbs, 1 p.m. Saturday. Grow citrus, 2 p.m. Saturday.

FALL DISPLAYS: Learn how to combine classic harvest elements to decorate your home and garden. 10:15 a.m. Saturday. All Calloway’s Nursery locations. Free. calloways.com.

GARDEN TOUR: The Texas SmartScape Tour will feature homes in Coppell that use native and adapted plants that require less water and tolerate Texas’ conditions. 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Helping Hands Garden, 255 Parkway Blvd., Coppell. Free.

SPRING BLOOMS: Bud Hervey from Van Bloem Gardens will provide tips for planting bulbs for spring color. 11 a.m. Saturday. Covington’s Nursery, 5518 Bush Turnpike, Rowlett. Free. 972-475-5888. covingtonnursery.com.

HEIRLOOM VEGGIES: Free class will offer advice on growing heirloom vegetables. 10 a.m. Saturday. Redenta’s, 5111 W. Arkansas Lane, Arlington, 817-451-2149; 2 p.m. Saturday, 2001 Skillman St., Dallas. 214-823-9421. Free. redentas.com.

NATURE CORPS: Become a volunteer who supports the preservation of the Eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem at the Bob Jones Nature Center Preserve. Volunteers will complete a two-session training class, which includes a hike and orientation. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday and Oct. 7. Both sessions are required. 355 E. Bob Jones Road, Southlake. Free. 817-939-1110. bjnc.org.

BE SUSTAINABLE: Learn what you can do to design and restore residential landscapes to minimize damage to vital ecological functions by reducing consumption, eliminating waste and nurturing healthy ecosystems. 6:45 p.m. Monday. Flower Mound Public Library, 3030 Broadmoor Lane. Free. Call 972-874-6165 to register. fmlibrary.net.

ROAD TRIP: The SFA Gardens at Stephen F. Austin State University will host its annual plant sale next month. Expect to find a variety of hard-to-find Texas-tough plants, including natives, heirlooms, shrubs and trees. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 6. SFA Pineywoods Native Plant Center, 2900 Raguet St., Nacogdoches.

Submit calendar information at least 14 days before the Thursday publication date to garden@dallasnews.com.

Tips on overwintering Begonia boliviensis

Leave a reply

Q: This spring, I bought a Begonia boliviensis. I don’t want to lose it so how do I overwinter it?

A: Years ago, a friend gave me some tubers from Begonia boliviensis. When the first slender, bright orange fluted flowers appeared in the spring, the hummingbirds and I both went gaga over it. Over the years my original boliviensis has flourished as I kept transplanting it into bigger pots and it is now a three-by-three florific mound.

In the past, Begonia boliviensis was almost impossible to find, but now it’s available in most nurseries labeled as Begonia “Bonfire.”

New varieties are showing up as well. At Bay Hay and Feed in Bainbridge, I discovered a beauty called “Million Kisses Elegance,” featuring pink and white flowers. Not long afterward, at the Lake Forest Garden fair, I scored a stunning unnamed variety featuring red foliage and dark red flowers!

None of the varieties of Begonia boliviensis is hardy outdoors in winter, but they’re easy to winter over if you grow them in a pot. Simply cut the stems off the plant when the foliage dies back in fall, and store it dormant in an unheated garage. In spring, you’ll notice the formation of little buds telling you it’s time to put it back outside. Keep it in a sunny location, water and fertilize regularly, and you and your hummingbird friends will enjoy a summer of gorgeous blossoms.

Q: How and when should I prune my fall fruiting raspberries?

A: Fall fruiting raspberries (or everbearing raspberries) produce fruit on both first- year and second-year canes. New shoots produce fruit on the top half of the cane in fall. Then, during the following spring, the bottom half produces a crop.

The easiest way to prune everbearing raspberries is to simply cut all of the canes right to the ground as soon as the fall harvest is over. You’ll sacrifice the spring crop by pruning this way, but the canes grow back much stronger, and you’ll get a plentiful fall harvest without having to trellis or stake the plants.

There is, however, one tough job you have to do to keep your raspberry producing until frost. That’s to keep harvesting and eating them as fast as you can. If you allow berries to become over ripe and form seed, your plant won’t keep producing and it’ll be the end of raspberry pie a la mode until next year.

Q: Japanese maples are nice in the fall, but I am looking for something unusual that will stay small. Any suggestions?

A: One of the challenges of gardening in the city is finding a tree that has great fall color, yet doesn’t end up too big for your space.

Disanthus cercidifolius has all the structural attributes of a tree including brilliant fall color, yet rarely exceeds 12 feet tall by 8 feet wide. This small tree grows in a vase-shape and features attractive shiny bluish-green heart shaped leaves. In early fall, you’ll notice that one or two of them have turned dark red. Then in a few days, you’ll notice a few others have changed to a different color. This is just a tease of what is about to come.

In mid-fall, the entire canopy suddenly turns magnificent combinations of dark claret red, rich deep purple, glowing yellow, and burnt orange. It’s so lovely, even squirrels can’t look at it without crying.

Disanthus prefers morning sun or dappled shade, but it will thrive in an open, sunny location as long as it receives adequate moisture. Give it ample room to show off its attractive form. Besides having an attractive tree, you’ll be entertained by your emotional squirrels.

Ciscoe Morris: ciscoe@ciscoe.com; “Gardening with Ciscoe” airs at 10 a.m. Saturdays on KING-TV