Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2002
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips
December 2002
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers & 
   Kansas Certified Nurseryman

COLORFUL FALL FOLIAGE
    What an autumn it has been for great color on fall foliage. It's
outstanding this year because we've had perfect conditions for fall
color--cool days, no freezes during October and good moisture (almost too
much). There are also genetic differences that will give us some
variation in color. Here is my list of top trees and shrubs for fall
color this year.

   Marty's Favorites:
     - Red Maple varieties--Red Sunset, October Glory
     - Sugar Maple varieties--Caddo, Legacy 
     - Chinese Pistache 
     - White Ash
     - Green Ash 
     - Dwarf Burning Bush 
     - Red Spireas--especially Magic Carpet--very nice! 
     - Amur Maples--tree and shrub forms 

FALLEN LEAVES
    With the leaves now making a blanket on our lawns, be sure to either
remove them by raking or mow over them with a mulching mower--a much
easier way to deal with the leaves. This will add valuable organic
material to the soil. Be sure to use Natural Guard Soil Activator which
will aid in the breaking down of the leaf material. Soil Activator adds
natural humates which naturally composts the organic matter in the lawn.

ENJOY DUTCH BULBS INDOORS
    Just for fun, plant an assortment of spring-flowering bulbs in to
some 6-8" containers. Water the bulbs well then cover the pots with
plastic to keep the bulbs moist. Place the potted bulbs in the garage or
any other place they will remain cool for 12-14 weeks. Bring them inside
in late February to enjoy an early spring!

KILL SPRING WEEDS NOW
    Those tiny weeds that are starting to grow in your lawn will be at
their peak next spring. Wait for a warm spell then use ferti-lome
Weed-Out (liquid or granular) to kill those weeds now.

PINON WOOD
    Be sure to stop by for pi–on wood to burn outdoors in your chimenea.
We have a good selection of wood for you to enjoy on those cool evenings
on the patio.

WINTERIZE ROSE BUSHES
    Late November--around Thanksgiving--is the time to start thinking
about winterizing your rose bushes. Wait until we have had temperatures
in the teens or low 20s. The soil needs to be cool to stop the growth of
the roses. My favorite way to protect roses is with the Warp's Rose
Collar. This easy-to-use collar holds the cottonseed hulls (also my
favorite mulch) around the graft to protect your rose bush until next
spring.

A BLANKET FOR YOUR PANSIES
    Cottonseed hulls also work well for helping pansies through the
winter. Yes, pansies are winter-hardy but our cold, sunny, winter days
will dry out the leaves.

    Apply 2-3" of cottonseed hulls to keep the plants from drying out
and to help them get a good start in the spring.