Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2003
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips
September/October 2003
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers & Kansas 
Certified NurseryProfessional
 
SEASONAL CHANGES
    One of the best things about living in the Midwest, or better yet,
Kansas, is the four seasons that we are fortunate to have. About the
time we are bored with one season and are wondering why we chose to live
here, another season arrives and all is well for a while. We do have
extremes in the weather. We have hot, cold, wet, dry, wind and 
whatever else nature seems to throw our way. Because we live in this
"transition zone" we are fortunate to have many opportunities when it
comes to gardening. Unlike only a short drive south of us, we do have
the cold winters to give us the beautiful winter landscapes. Go much
further north, and you get winter for 5-6 months. With this new season
upon us, let's make the most of it in our garden. Let's look at where to
start.

JUMP START YOUR GARDEN
    Because the soil is warm, and usually moist this time of the year,
almost anything we plant in our gardens will get off to a wonderful
start. We have an excellent selection of nursery stock ready now for
planting. By planting this fall you not only get great root growth, you
also get a jump on spring and those spring-flowering shrubs will really
perform for you next spring. By planting those shrubs now, there is very
little stress because of the mild conditions. The plants will love it.

    To really get a jump on the season, plant perennials this fall.
These hardy plants need a cold spell to help establish flowering buds.
By planting perennial plants now, you will have a well established plant
for next year's flowering season. Some of my favorites are hosta, peony,
iris and astilbe. There are many more to select from. Stop by, pick out
a plant that you have not heard of, and surprise yourself next summer
when it blooms.

    Stop by the nursery department this fall to select the perfect tree
or shrub for fall color. You will be able to select the actual fall
color that these plants provide year after year.

    I am always excited to see what special blend of tulips our bulb
supplier, Piet Stuifbergen, mixes for us. This year, Piet wanted to make
a blend that is called "Johnson's Prairie Mix". It consists of late
varieties that will do well in the Kansas climate. Unlike many plants in
the garden which we can see flower soon after planting, these
spring-flowering bulbs must be planted this fall for a spectacular show
next spring.

WEED-FREE LAWNS
    If you have some weeds in your lawn that you just can't get rid of
(like clover), ferti-lome has a new broadleaf weed control for
eliminating difficult-to-control weeds. (The old standby, liquid
ferti-lome Weed-Out is still available and works well on most weeds.)
Just introduced is ferti-lome Weed Free Zone. This product starts with
Trimec (same active ingredient in liquid Weed-Out) but has added
carfentrazone. This combination of weed killers works on over 80
troublesome broadleaf weeds. This product will provide rapid and
effective weed control with visible results within 24 hours of
application. Weed Free Zone also works in both cooler and warmer
temperatures than other broadleaf weed killers, allowing you more
flexibility when spraying.

ORGANIC PEST CONTROL
    Another new product introduced by ferti-lome is an organic product
containing cedar and juniper oils. Natural Guard Lawn, Plant & Pet
Insect Spray is a great mosquito repellant and provides chemical-free
insect control on lawns, ornamentals, fruits, vegetables and pets.

    Now get outside and enjoy this wonderful fall season!