TIMELY GARDEN TIPS FROM

OVER THE GARDEN FENCE

April 1, 2006

Just when it seemed that winter would never end; boom! Spring has suddenly arrived! Every gardener I know has adrenalin levels rising as fast as the outside temperature. Crocus, snowdrops, iris reticulata in full bloom, scarlet maples beginning to flower, early tulips and daffodils beginning to show color, and many plants in the perennial flower beds showing new green leaves; its no wonder green-thumbers are excited. The opportunities for garden projects are as numerous as the spring flowers.

Which way to turn first? If you haven't already, take a leisurely walk around the lawn and garden this morning. Make a list of all maintenance needs such as tree leaf removal, pruning dead and broken branches, weeds to be cultivated out, plants to be uncovered, lawn bare spots that need to be reseeded, and plants that need fertilizing. Next, list all plants that should be replaced, such as the overgrown evergreen that's too close to the house and the messy box elder tree in the fence line. Remember to list the perennial hollyhock, anemone, and monarda plants that have become too large for their allotted space and need to be reduced in size. Now list the dream projects that have been considered previously; a garden seating area, a new shade tree, a complete new entry-way garden, upgrading your lawn, or finally getting around to starting a vegetable and fruit garden. The fun part begins when we begin to prioritize all these wonderful opportunities. The possibilities to improve our outdoor surroundings, health, lifestyle, as well as property values, are endless.

Lawn fertilizers will not perform as expected if soil pH is too high or low. Lilacs won't bloom as well. Azalea and rhododendron leaves will turn yellow. Blue hydrangea flowers won't be blue, and pin oak leaves will be chlorotic. Check lawn, garden, and landscape soils every few years to be sure soil pH is correct. Bring soil samples into Wedel's Garden Center for free soil pH testing.

My next topic can't be purchased in a store, but it is nearly priceless. This requires no gas to bring it home, and can be produced on your own property. It's fresh fruits and vegetables harvested from your very own garden. Now everyone can enjoy from their own garden fresh strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, currents, gooseberries, onions, potatoes, green peas, asparagus, grapes, apples, peaches, pears, apricots, and cherries. All these plants and more are now available at Wedel's for immediate planting. Reduce stress, have fun, get some great exercise, and eat like royalty with your own garden this year.

This spring, Wedel's Nursery, Florist and Garden Center's buyers have found the end of the rainbow with a treasure chest of new and exciting garden, lawn, and landscape care products and decorating items.

The Scotts people are introducing Heat-Tolerant lawn seed. Heat-Tolerant Blue is a real break-through; it's a unique blend of rough and tough Tall Fescue that looks like bluegrass mixed with Thermal Kentucky Bluegrass. Heat-Tolerant is also more salt-tolerant than many grass mixes and should be considered for areas near walks, drives, and roadways.

Scotts has redesigned their Edge Guard lawn spreader. The new, better Edge Guard spreader, can spread any product right next to flower beds without fear of touching any prized plants with weed control. Also, many Scotts spreaders now have easy-to-read dials for accurate applications.

For spring 2006, Miracle Gro is introducing the all new Liqua-Feeder. The Liqua-Feeder takes the guesswork out of plant feeding. The feeder is attached to a garden hose then the pre-mixed bottle of fertilizer is attached and presto - it automatically applies a 12-4-8 plant food at an even, preset rate. No mixing, no mess, no measuring. That's the Miracle Gro Liqua-Feed system.

The Espoma people are now packaging Epsom Salt Plus Potash for plant vigor. Epsom Plus provides an all-natural source of three essential plant nutrients; potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. Epsom Plus aids in developing plant vigor, disease-resistance, root development, and winter hardiness. Epsom Plus is great for rose bushes.

Monty's Plant Food Company has made available to homeowners Liquid Carbon Soil Conditioner. Incorporating humic technology, Monty's Liquid Carbon does a great job of improving clay soil structure. Liquid Carbon helps separate clay soil particles for better water, air, and root penetration. Use Liquid Carbon on hard clay soils for gardens and lawns.

Garden fashions have really exploded this year with hot orange garden and pool shoes, hot pink gloves, flowered aprons, and sun hats. You'll never be lost in the garden again!

Be sure to browse the Suttons flower seed rack. Just in from England, Suttons have many unique and hard-to-find seed varieties.

New garden book selections, Smith & Hawken outdoor garden, pool, and deck furniture, new wind chimes, an expanded selection of water features for indoor and outdoor use, and a ton of new wild bird houses and feeders are just some of the new, exciting products you'll want to check out this season.There are two new weapons this year to help fight off the dreaded moles. One is the Tomcat mole killer, which is worm-like and mimics a mole's natural food source. Tomcat will kill a mole in one feeding. Also new this year is the Wire-Tek Easy-Set Mole Eliminator. The Easy-Set Mole Eliminator offers an easy-to-set feature on their mole trap. It just takes a foot stepping motion to set the trap safely underground.

These are just a few previews of the new garden products at Wedel's this spring. Stop in soon and catch the excitement of gardening.