Johnsons's Garden Centers Text File document - copyright 2004 
PDF file available at http://www.johnsonsgarden.com/newsletter/gardentips.html

Garden Tips
Sept/Oct 2004
Marty Johnson, President, Johnson's Garden Centers & 
                          Kansas Certified Nursery Professional

"Normal" Summer?
    Will we ever have normal weather during a Kansas summer? It's
either too hot, too cool, too wet, or too dry. I like it on the cool
side, some rain, or at least not when I have an outdoor activity
planned. But I do like some hot weather to make me appreciate it when
the cooler weather comes in the fall.  Did you follow all that?!

    The plants that we've installed in  our landscapes so far this year
should be off to a great start because of the cooler weather we've had
this summer. Your lawn may look great right now, but it's very important
to give your lawn the food it needs to help it during the winter and to
get it off to a great start next spring. Our Winterizer is specially
formulated for turf-type lawns in Kansas according to KSU's
recommendations for the nutrient balance needed in the fall.

Pesky Weeds
    The weeds that seem to invade my landscape really irritate me. The
best way that I've found to deal with the uninvited plants is to spray
them with Hi-Yield Super Killzall. This herbicide is safe to use around
desirable plants as long as you do not spray it directly on them. Super
Killzall is unique in that once it comes into contact with the soil it
is no longer effective, making it safe for the environment. By adding
Hi-Yield Spreader Sticker, the herbicide will actually coat the selected
weed's leaves and give you a weed-free landscape in about a week.

Time for Dutch Bulbs
    When the delivery truck arrives from Stuifbergen Bulb Co. each year
in late August, we quickly unload the truck to see what new things Piet
Stuifbergen has sent to us from Holland. Piet works with the world's
finest bulb growers to get us top quality spring-flowering bulbs. Piet
lives in the heart of the bulb industry in Holland and makes frequent
stops to inspect the bulbs. Be sure to come in soon and enjoy a little
bit of The Netherlands at Johnson's. Most varieties are unique and sell
out soon, so shop now and plant later in the fall.

Feed Trees and Shrubs
    Fall is the best time to feed your trees and shrubs to produce
excellent growth next spring. By using ferti-lome Tree & Shrub Food you
will give all landscape plants the proper feeding required for foliage
and flower growth. This product could not be easier to apply. Just
borrow one of our loaner spreaders and apply the fertilizer under the
canopy of the tree or shrub and water it in. Tree & Shrub Food adds the
basic nutrients as well as iron for that deep green foliage color.

Homegrown Mums
    As kids, our summer job was to tend to the field-grown mums. We
would fertilize, pinch, and care for each plant on an individual basis.
All three Johnson brothers (myself, Linden and Wes) learned to drive
"Bernice," Dad's mid 50s tractor. When we were in the 4th grade, we were
allowed to drive the tractor and cultivate the rows of mums. Many things
have changed since those days. We still care for the mum crop with the
same attention to detail, but today's crop is all grown in containers,
and much easier to transport. Come by to see what fall garden mums
really should look like!

    We have a lot in store for you this fall at Johnson's. Stop by to
see what we have that will make your garden come alive this fall.