Author Archives: GCS Dev

Choosing a Japanese Maple

We’re certain you’ve heard it numerous times: fall is the best time to buy your Japanese maple. Have you come into the garden center to pick one? Did the varieties overwhelm you? Let us make it easier for you by explaining Japanese maple differences. Then, when you come in, you’ll know exactly what you want.

The species Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, moderately grows to a 20′ by 20′ multi-trunked tree. The leaves have 5-9 finely cut lobes giving them a more delicate look than other maples. Red spring leaves turn to green in the summer and blaze with yellow, orange and red in the fall. All do best with protection from drying winds and hot overhead afternoon sun. During their centuries of use in gardens around the world, gardeners have discovered and propagated those selections with unusual growth habits and bark patterns, as well as leaf color and shape. With hundreds of Japanese maple varieties available at garden centers, we feel a little simplification is in order.

Leaf Shape
The variation Dissectum or Laceleaf Japanese Maple has leaves are deeply cut and finely lobed giving a lace cutout look. These varieties generally grow best in shady locations as the leaves easily burn or scorch. The leaves of non-Dissectum varieties are much less lacy. They resemble the leaves of native maples but are smaller and more deeply cut.

Leaf Color
The leaf color of different Japanese maples also varies. Many have red spring growth changing to green in the summer. However, some retain the red through the growing season. Some varieties have variegated leaves with white, cream, gold or pink. Variegated leaves burn easily in the sun but can revert to all green in too much shade. Green leaves tolerate more sun than red. Autumn is when Japanese maples really put on a show with a riot of blazing colors.

Tree Form
Non-Dissectum varieties grow more quickly into upright forms. Some varieties remain less than 10′ tall but others can grow to 25′ tall by 20′ wide. Laceleaf maples slowly develop a weeping form approximately 8-10′ tall and 8-12′ wide. However, ‘Seiryu’ is an exception, growing into an upright form.

	*Laceleaf (Dissectum)*	Non-Dissectum
Location	More shade	Less shade
Size	Smaller	10-25′ tall depending upon variety
Tree Form	Weeping	Upright
Leaf Shape	Lacy, fine cut	Lobed
Leaf Color	Red, green	Red, green, variegated

Now that you have identified a suitable planting location and the type of Japanese maple you prefer, come see us and let our friendly staff show you the varieties that meet your requirements. Autumn colors are blazing now so this is a great time to make your selection.

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Problems With Your Compost Pile? Fix Them!

A compost pile should be part of every gardener’s yard, since it adds so many benefits for recycling and providing organic material in the garden. There are times, however, when it can be tricky to keep a compost pile in peak condition and breaking down material most efficiently. If you encounter any of these common problems, you can easily correct them and keep your compost pile at its best.

Pile is Too Dry
Without adequate moisture, beneficial microorganisms cease to function and decomposition stops, turning a compost pile into a clumpy mess that does not decay into usable organic material. Keep the pile moist at all times, but not overly wet. A dampness like a squeezed sponge is ideal. It may be necessary to use a hose to water your pile occasionally, or a tarp or piece of plastic over the top of the pile can help keep moisture in the pile instead of evaporating.

Foul Odor
A stinky compost pile is no gardener’s friend, and over-watering the pile will compact the material. When air space is decreased, the pile becomes anaerobic, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Turn the pile frequently to increase aeration and add larger pieces of dry, porous, carbon-rich material such as wood chips or straw to absorb excess water and improve air circulation.

Pile is Cool
Check all the items required for a hot, quickly-decomposing pile: carbon, nitrogen, air and water. Correct any deficiencies. Another issue may be that a pile that is too small will have difficulty insulating itself. Increase the size of your compost pile by adding more material so it can generate sufficient heat from decomposition to keep itself warm.

Pests in the Pile
While insects and worms are welcome helpers in a compost pile, a poor pile may also be attracting mice, rats, squirrels, raccoons and other wildlife. This usually means that the wrong material was used for composting. Never add meat, fish, bones, dairy products or oily food to the compost pile, all of which can have strong odors that will attract unwanted wildlife. Similarly, no human, cat or dog manure should be added to the pile. Avoid adding weed plants or diseased plants as well, since those weed seeds or disease spores could be transmitted to your garden or landscape when the compost is spread.

Poor C/N Ratio
When planning the optimum conditions for compost decomposition, the standard recommendation is 3-to-1; three parts carbon to one part nitrogen. Carbon-based material is brown and nitrogen-based material is usually, but not always, green. Chopping or shredding additions to the compost pile will speed up the decomposition and help keep the pile balanced.

The best materials to add to your compost pile include…

Brown Material (Carbon-Based)
– Dried, dead Leaves
– Shredded paper, including newspaper
– Wood ash
– Sawdust
– Eggshells
– Chipped brush and wood chips
– Straw and twigs

Green Material (Nitrogen)
– Grass clippings and sod scraps
– Vegetable and fruit peels, scraps and rinds
– Disease and insect-free plant material, such as clippings and prunings
– Horse, cow, chicken and rabbit manure (herbivores)
– Coffee grounds and used coffee filters
– Used tea bags
– Used potting soil

No matter what issues your compost pile may be having, problems are easy to correct and you can quickly adjust your pile to be productive and efficient. Before you know it, you’ll have plenty of rich, nutritious compost to nurture your garden and landscape all year long.

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Over-Wintering Container Plants Outdoors

All containerized plants that are considered hardy in your zone can spend the winter outdoors, but you do need to take a little special care to keep them safe and comfortable as temperatures drop. Despite their hardiness, winter is still a challenging season, but it is possible to keep your container plants healthy until the days grow longer and warmer again.

Options to Overwinter Your Container Plants

In the late summer or fall, removed the plant from its container and plant it in the ground while the soil is still warm. Another method is to bury the pot, with the plant in it, in the garden and remove the pot following spring. Both of these methods will help insulate the root system, preventing it from freezing solid and killing the root system.
Place containerized plants in an unheated garage but along a heated wall. This is an excellent method for very large pots or porous pots that tend to break apart from the constant cycle of freezing and thawing, and so would not be very hardy if buried. For extra root protection and insulation, wrap the pots in plastic bubble wrap or wrap an old comforter or quilt around the pots.
Group pots together along the sunny side of your house or shed. If this area is windy, create a windscreen with stakes and burlap. Place bales of straw or hay around the perimeter of the grouping up against the pots to further protect plants from cold winds. Fill in areas between pots with mulch, shredded leaves, grass clippings or hay for insulation. Lay evergreen branches or place a layer of mulch on top of the pots for additional protection.
Use a cold frame covered with plastic or Reemay fabric to help control temperatures and reduce light as well, helping plants stay dormant in winter. It will still be necessary to use mulch, shredded leaves or hay around and in-between pots for insulation. Rodent control, such as Havahart traps, may be necessary when using this method.

Watering Container Plants in Winter

Make sure that plants go into the winter with moist soil so that there is water available to plant roots. Check soil moisture occasionally, never allowing it to dry completely. It is also a very good idea to spray needled and broadleaf evergreens with an anti-desiccant. This acts as a protective coating for plant foliage and stems as it helps them retain moisture.

With just a little care and forethought, you can easily prepare containers for winter without risking the plants and arrangements you have so carefully cultivated.

Caring for Your Plants During the Hot Summer Months

During the scorching summer months, it’s important to be proactive to protect and maintain your landscape. The intense heat and dryness can be detrimental to plants, grass, and trees, leading to wilting, discoloration, and even death if left unattended. Even sturdy trees, the backbone of your landscape, can succumb to the unforgiving conditions, with leaves turning crisp and branches becoming bare.

By implementing strategies like consistent watering, strategic mulching, and selective pruning, you can ensure your outdoor oasis thrives even during the most challenging summer conditions. Regular inspections can help identify problems early, allowing you to address them before they escalate.

Change your plant watering routines
During the hot summer months, it becomes crucial to adapt your gardening practices to ensure the health and vitality of your plants. Increased watering is essential, as plants transpire more rapidly, leading to quicker soil drying. Pay close attention to the specific needs of each plant, as some may require more frequent watering than others.

Provide some shade
Providing shade for delicate plants is another vital step to protect them from the harsh summer sun. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch leaves and cause wilting, ultimately stunting growth or even leading to plant death. Consider using shade cloths, strategically placing taller plants to cast shadows, or relocating sensitive plants to areas with partial shade.

Mulching around plants can help retain moisture in the soil, reducing the need for frequent watering and protecting the roots from excessive heat. Regularly monitoring soil moisture levels and adjusting your watering schedule accordingly is crucial during the hottest months.

The more you do the better
By taking proactive measures to address the challenges of summer heat, you can ensure your garden thrives and your plants remain healthy and vibrant throughout the season. Prevention is key, and adapting your gardening practices to the changing weather conditions will pay off in the form of a lush, flourishing garden.

Don’t let the summer heat catch you off guard. Invest the time and effort now to safeguard your property’s natural beauty, and you’ll reap the rewards of a healthy, stunning landscape all season long.

5 Compelling Reasons for Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental grasses are a versatile and beautiful addition to any landscaping project. They offer a variety of benefits, including adding texture, movement, and visual interest to the garden.

There are many different types of ornamental grasses to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and growth habits. Whether used as borders, accents, or focal points in the garden, ornamental grasses can truly elevate the overall aesthetic appeal of any outdoor space.

Low Maintenance Elegance

Create a serene and elegant outdoor space with carefully selected landscaping elements. By incorporating elegant landscaping grass, low-maintenance plants, easy-care ornamental grasses, and minimal upkeep landscaping features, you can enjoy a beautiful garden without the need for constant maintenance. Choosing low-maintenance options allows you to spend more time enjoying your outdoor space rather than constantly tending to it.

Versatility in Design and Functionality

From tall and elegant grass varieties that sway gracefully in the wind to low-growing species that provide ground cover and structure, there is truly something for every garden style. Ornamental grasses are not only visually appealing but also offer practical benefits such as erosion control, water filtration, and habitat for wildlife.

Year-Round Interest and Texture

Ornamental grasses can provide movement and depth to your landscape, while winter interest plants like hollies or conifers add color and structure when other plants are dormant. Experimenting with different combinations of plants can help you achieve a diverse and captivating garden design that pleases the eye throughout the seasons.

Eco-Friendly Landscaping Choice

By incorporating native plants and utilizing organic gardening practices, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that is also beneficial for the environment. Using permeable paving materials can help reduce stormwater runoff and minimize erosion. Making eco-conscious choices in your landscaping contributes to a healthier planet but also creates a sustainable and attractive outdoor area for you to enjoy for years to come.

Cost-Effective Solution for Beautiful Landscapes

Investing in cost-effective landscaping solutions saves you money upfront but also adds value to your property in the long run. By choosing affordable ways to enhance your outdoor space, you can create beautiful, visually appealing and sustainable. Choose wisely and transform your outdoor space into a picturesque haven that you can enjoy for years to come.

Tips for Raised Bed Gardens

Choosing the Right Soil Mix and Adding Compost for Nutrient-Rich Growth

Selecting the appropriate soil mix for your raised bed is crucial for successful gardening. The best soil for raised beds should be well-draining yet moisture-retentive, providing a balanced environment for plant roots to thrive. Incorporating compost into your garden beds is essential to enrich the soil with nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth.

Using organic gardening practices in raised beds can further enhance the quality of your crops while promoting sustainability and environmental health.

Watering Tips, Pest Control Strategies, and Seasonal Care

When it comes to watering raised garden beds, it’s important to ensure that the soil stays consistently moist but not waterlogged. One effective strategy is to water deeply and infrequently, allowing the roots of your plants to develop strong structures. Additionally, using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system can help deliver water directly to the base of your plants without wasting any through evaporation.

Pest control is another crucial aspect of maintaining a raised bed garden. Elevated planters can sometimes be more vulnerable to pests like slugs and snails, as well as certain types of caterpillars and beetles. To combat these invaders, consider using natural deterrents or hand-picking pests off your plants.

Seasonal care is key for keeping your raised bed garden healthy year-round. In the spring, be sure to refresh your soil with compost or organic fertilizers before planting new crops. Summer maintenance may involve regular weeding and monitoring for signs of disease or pest infestations. As fall approaches, start thinking about winterizing your garden by cleaning up debris and protecting delicate plants from frost.

Choosing Plants for Your Raised Beds: Best Vegetables, Flowers & Herbs to Grow in Elevated Gardens

When it comes to choosing plants for your raised beds, you have a variety of options to consider. In terms of vegetables, popular choices for raised bed gardening include tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, and carrots. These plants thrive in the well-drained soil often found in raised beds.

For flowers in elevated gardens, you can choose from a wide range of options depending on your preferences. Marigolds, petunias, and geraniums are all excellent choices that add color and beauty to your raised bed garden.

When it comes to herbs, raised beds provide an ideal environment for growing aromatic herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, and mint. These herbs not only add flavor to your dishes but also attract beneficial insects to your garden.

Tips for Growing Healthy & Beautiful Roses

Understanding the Basics of Rose Bush Care
Caring for rose bushes is a rewarding experience that can lead to beautiful blooms and healthy plants. Proper care includes regular watering, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight, and pruning to promote new growth. Additionally, it’s essential to fertilize the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for the roses.

Choosing the Right Location and Soil for Your Rose Bushes
When planting rose bushes, selecting the right location and soil is crucial for their growth and blooming success. Roses thrive in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Choose a spot that receives ample sunlight, at least 6 hours a day, for optimal growth.

Pruning and Deadheading Techniques to Promote Growth and Blooming
Pruning and deadheading are essential techniques for maintaining healthy and blooming rose bushes. Rose pruning involves removing dead or diseased wood, shaping the plant for better air circulation, and encouraging new growth.

Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers to promote continuous blooming throughout the season. A general rule of thumb is to prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Use sharp and clean tools to make precise cuts and promote healing.

Pest and Disease Management in Rose Bushes: Prevention and Treatment Options

Rose bushes are susceptible to various pests and diseases that hinder their growth and overall health. Some common pests that affect roses include aphids, mites, and caterpillars, while diseases like powdery mildew and black spot fungus can also be problematic. To protect your rose bushes from these threats, it’s important to practice good garden hygiene by regularly removing any dead or diseased foliage.

Additionally, you can use natural remedies such as neem oil or insecticidal soap to control pest infestations without harming the environment.

Tips for Winterizing Your Rose Bushes to Ensure Survival in Cold Months
Winterizing your rose bushes is essential to ensure their survival through the cold months. To protect your roses during winter, start by pruning them back to remove any dead or diseased branches. This will help promote healthy growth once spring arrives.

Next, provide a layer of mulch around the base of the bushes to insulate the roots and protect them from extreme temperatures. Additionally, consider wrapping burlap around the bushes to shield them from harsh winds and frost.

A Feast for the Eyes

Traditionally, when planning a vegetable garden, the focus has been primarily on function with aesthetics as an afterthought – a productive harvest has usually been more important than any visual appeal. This year, why not try a new approach? Thoughtfully combine beauty and performance to create an edible garden that will explode with a variety of color and an abundance of produce. It can truly be a feast for the eyes as well as the table!

Planning a Beautiful Vegetable Garden

Color, texture and form are characteristics we keep in mind when combining plants in the flower garden. We plan flowerbeds so that plants enhance each other, repeating colors and shapes for continuity and flow. We add a variety of texture and form for diversity and interest. Vegetables, herbs and fruits can be just as vibrant, exciting, diverse and easy to combine as annual and perennial flowering plants are.

To begin, provide structure. Placing a picket fence around your garden offers instant structure and visually sets it apart from the rest of the landscape. If you plan on planting along the outside of the perimeter, you will create the allure of a garden within a garden, with a hint of secret places. Place a straight pathway through the center, starting at the entrance. Divide the larger garden into smaller square planting beds using pathways to separate the beds. This will enhance the structure of, and provide easy access to, the garden beds as well as lead your eye through the garden. If desired, you can also used raised beds for this formal structure.

Next, focus on plant selection. Begin with a plant plan or layout. Initially, base your selections on what is pleasing to your individual tastes. Consider unusual varieties of vegetables and herbs that come in unique colors. Repeat colors, both horizontally and vertically, to add depth and dimension to the garden. Don’t forget to add brightly flowering annuals such as zinnias and marigolds to mingle amongst the edibles. Another consideration is edible flowers like nasturtium and calendula. Contrast colors for a striking, eye-catching effect. Keep in mind, also, texture and form. Bold textures add drama and are often combined with fine-foliaged plants for a softening contrast. Short, stout plants anchor the garden bed while tall, willowy plants raise the eye and lead you farther down the garden path. Take all these characteristics into account when planning and place plants in geometric patterns to create a quilt-like garden tapestry.

Finally, your spring edible garden will emerge invoking a feeling of calm, displaying a variety of cool greens, purples and blues found in peas, lettuce, cabbage and broccoli. Shortly after, the summer edible garden will be completely transformed at harvest time with an explosion of vibrant shades of red, purple, orange and yellow. With so many stunning options to combine, you can truly create a feast for the eyes that will be beautiful in every season!

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Growing Veggies in Containers

Do you dream of a delicious, homegrown harvest but don’t have the land to use? No longer should a shortage of garden space prevent you from growing your own fresh vegetables. As long as you have a sunny location you can have your own mini-farm on your porch, patio, deck, balcony, roof-top or doorstep!

Why Use Containers?

The benefits of growing containerized vegetables go beyond the issue of space. There are plenty of other compelling reasons to plant your veggies in pots, including…

Vegetables are amazingly ornamental and can be just as decorative as any other container plants or flowers.
There are fewer problems with pests such as groundhogs, deer and rabbits and soil borne diseases.
The soil in pots warms up more quickly in the spring allowing for earlier planting and an extended growing season.
Less bending, squatting and kneeling is required for gardeners with limited mobility.

Vegetables can be grown in any vessel that can hold soil, has adequate drainage and is large enough to hold a plant. There are endless options available on the market or you may recycle items that you already have as long as they meet these requirements. Use your imagination – try a wheelbarrow, wine barrel or just a plastic bin, and you’re ready to plant!

Best Vegetables for Containers

While all veggies can be grown in containers, some are better suited than others. Plants that grow particularly large, that sprawl or that must be grown in large numbers to ensure an adequate yield may take more effort and careful site planning with an adequate container. Similarly, vining plants need not be avoided. Trellis these plants up against a wall or fence or allow them to cascade down from a taller pot or a container placed up high like on a stone wall. For smaller selections, a hanging basket or window box may be used. Many sprawling and vining vegetables are now available by seed in dwarf, compact or bush varieties. These are bred specifically for small spaces and containers and are worth seeking out.

Tips for Container Vegetable Gardens

Growing vegetables in containers does take some unique thought and isn’t quite the same as planting in a traditional garden. When planning your delicious container garden, consider…

Containers: Size matters when planting in containers. The bigger the container, the more soil it can hold. More soil more and more moisture means less watering. Take note that porous containers like terra cotta dry out more quickly and will therefore require more frequent watering.

Soil: When planting, choose a good quality potting mix. Soil from the ground may contain insects or disease or may be too heavy. Add an all-purpose balanced fertilizer at time of planting. It is also good idea to mix water absorbing polymers into the soil. These granules can hold up to 400 times their weight in water and help reduce watering from 30-50 percent.

Plants: Some of the vegetables that you select may be directly seeded into your container; these would include peas, beans, radishes and corn. With most vegetables you may wish to transplant seedlings into your container, either home-grown or garden center purchased. You will generally find a wider selection of vegetable varieties and unique options available in seed as opposed to purchased seedlings, if you want to use your containers experimentally.

Supports: Supports should be placed at time of planting for large or vining plants. This will ensure the young plants are not disturbed or damaged with supports added at a later time. If the supports are outside the container, however, they can be added only when they are needed.

Location: Your vegetables will require at least 6 hours of direct sun a day. If this is not possible you may try placing your pots on dollies or carts and moving them to a sunnier location as the sun moves throughout the day. Note that good air circulation is important for disease control.

Watering: Test soil frequently for water to make sure that you keep it evenly moist. Water the soil, not the plants, to avoid the spread of disease. Check soil moisture more frequently during the summer months when evaporation is faster. Mulching your containers with salt hay or grass clippings will help keep soil cool during the summer months and reduce the frequency of watering. If possible, a drip system can be a great option for keeping containers watered.

Fertilization: Fertilizer leaches through pots quickly. Fertilize containerized vegetables at least once a week with a water soluble fertilizer. Always be careful to follow the directions on the fertilizer package and follow the recommended rate. Too much fertilizer may burn or kill your plants, but too little will result in undernourished, underperforming plants.

With appropriate care that caters to the needs of containers, your small-scale vegetable garden can be just as lush and productive as any larger, more intensive space, and you’ll soon have a bountiful harvest to enjoy.

Indoor Plant Care: How to Ensure Your Plants Thrive

Many of us are concerned about the survival of our green friends, be it a resilient snake plant or a delicate Peace Lily. This concern often stems from the belief that indoor environments are not suitable for plants and that they will inevitably die. However, with the right care and attention, it is possible to create a suitable environment for indoor plants.

Indoor environments can be challenging for plants, as they often lack the necessary sunlight and humidity that plants need to thrive. There are ways to combat this. Placing plants near windows to maximize sunlight exposure and using humidifiers or misting the plants can increase humidity levels.

Choosing the right plants for indoor environments is also crucial. Opt for plants that are known to be more resilient and adaptable to indoor conditions. For instance, the tongue snake plant and the Peace Lily are known for their ability to purify the air and improve indoor air quality. They are low maintenance and thrive in indoor spaces, making them a great choice for beginners.

However, it’s important to remember that all house plants require attention and maintenance to thrive. This includes providing the right amount of water, sunlight and nutrients, as well as regular pruning and repotting when necessary.

Overwatering can be detrimental to the health of house plants, leading to root rot and other issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to allow the soil to dry out between waterings and ensure that the pot has drainage holes.

Another factor to consider is the risk of burns on the foliage of plants. This can happen when a plant is not receiving enough light and tries to reach the source of light. However, this stretching can lead to burns on the leaves due to the intense heat and sunlight coming through the window. Providing adequate light is crucial to prevent this issue.

Lastly, don’t forget to regularly fertilize your plants to provide them with the necessary nourishment. But remember to reduce the frequency of fertilizing during certain periods to avoid void overnourishment.

Indoor plants can bring beauty and freshness to any indoor space. They require understanding, care, and attention. With the right practices, you can ensure the survival and well-being of your indoor plants.