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Azalea
15 Mar, 2024
· Azaleas are a member of the genus Rhododendron. There are more than 800 species of Rhododendron and of these approximately 40 species are evergreen azaleas. There are also several specials of deciduous azaleas. · Deciduous azaleas are native to Asia, southern Europe and North America. The honey suckle azalea, or Rhododendron canescens, grows as a native in wooded areas here in Louisiana. The flame azalea, or Rhododendron austrinum, also is an indigenous azalea of Louisiana. · Azalea history: o Evergreen azaleas are native to Asia, particularly Japan where they have been hybridized for centuries. o They were introduced to North America in the 1800s. o Rosedown Plantation records evergreen azaleas planted in 1848. o Evergreen dwarf azaleas were introduced at 1915 World’s Fair (Coral Bells was the hybrid introduced.) · Common evergreen azaleas for Louisiana: o Rhododendron indicum- These azaleas are large, robust, spring bloomers. o Most common: Formosa, Pride of Mobile, George Tabor, Mrs. G. G. Gerbing, President Clay, Judge Solomon. o Rhododendron obtusum- This is dwarf or semi-dwarf. o There are many hybrids in this category: o Karume azalea- commonly planted are ‘Coral Bells,’ ‘Christmas Cheer,’ ‘Hershey Red,’ ‘Snow’ o Satsuki hybrids- These are bred for later blooming and for spreading growth habit. Often planted satsukis are: ‘Gumpo,’ ‘Chinzan,’ ‘Macrantha.’ o Robin Hill hybrids are bred for the variety of flower color and type, and cold hardiness. ‘Conversation Piece,’ and ‘Watchet’ are popular Robin Hill hybrids. o Glenn Dale hybrid- These are bred for cold hardiness. ‘Fashion’ is a good example. o Encore Azaleas are bred for extended blooming. o Encore began hybridizing in 1990 by horticulturist Buddy Lee. There are about 30 Encore hybrids today. ·Considerations when planting azaleas: o Amount of sunlight/ shade o Soil PH o Drainage · Azalea Care: o Fertilizing o Pruning o Mulching o Disease/Insect Control · Encore Azaleas bloom in spring, summer and fall! · Each of the many Encore varieties begins their performance with the spring flowering season. Once this "first act" of blooming concludes in spring, new shoots begin to grow and set buds. The Encore Azalea's "second act" opens when these buds begin blooming into full flower during summer. This unique bloom season continues through the fall, the curtain dropping with the onset of cold weather. But, the show goes on. · Planting & Caring for Encore Azaleas · Encore Azaleas are similar to traditional azaleas in that they require proper planting, watering and care to thrive. Here are a few simple guidelines to help your new plants grow to their full potential: · Sun Exposure · Encore Azaleas perform best in sites that offer anywhere from full sun to part shade. All day filtered sun or morning sun with afternoon shade are okay. A minimum of four hours of direct sunlight per day is required for proper blooms. Too much shade can result in skipped or significantly reduced bloom cycles. · Check Soil Drainage · Encore Azaleas grow best in a soil that is well-drained but moist. As with many other plants, they do not like a constantly soggy or wet soil, which can lead to root rot and other plant diseases. If you are uncertain about soil drainage in the area you intend to plant your Encore Azaleas, it’s well worth taking the time to test the drainage before planting. To test soil drainage, diiiig a hole 12" wide by 12" in the planting area. Fill the hole with water and let it drain. Then, after it drains, fill it with water again, but this time clock how long it takes to drain. In well-drained soil the water level will go down at a rate of about 1 inch an hour. A faster rate, such as in loose, sandy soil, may signal potentially dry site conditions . A slower rate indicates poor draining soil and could be a caution you might need to improve drainage , plant in a raised mound or bed, or look for plants that are more tolerant of wet or boggy conditions. · Spacing · How you intend to use your Encore Azaleas will determine how far apart you space them . When planting a hedge, space plants the same width apart as the mature dimensions specify. This measurement should be taken from the center of one plant to the center of the other. If you want space between plants separate them by more than the mature width dimensions. · Planting · Dig a hole at a depth equal to the height and two to three times as wide as the container your Encore Azalea was growing in. Turn and break up the soil removed from the planting hole. Mix some compost, such as Root Zone Organic Planting Mix with the soil. This is especially important iiiiiiiif you have heavy clay soil. Remove your Encore Azalea from its container and carefully but firmly loosen some feeder roots around the surface of the root ball. Set the plant into the hole you've prepared, making sure the top of the root ball is slightly above the soil level. Pull your soil around the plant, water thoroughly and cover with a 1- to 1.5-inch layer of shredded wood mulch or pine straw. . Water Water your Encore Azalea deeply when you first plant it. During the first growing season keep the soil moist, but not wet, until winter. New azaleas will die quickly if the soil dries excessively, and they can develop root rot if the soil stays constantly soggy. So just keep the soil moist during the first growing season. Your Encore Azaleas should not need regular watering after the first year unless there are periods of excessive drought. Wilting new leaves are a sign your plants need a good deep soaking. Fertilizer Fertilize with the recommended levels of azalea food or a "goof proof' organic fertilizer such as Nitroganic soon after planting . After, feed after the first bloom cycle in spring. To avoid damage from an early frost in fall, cease feeding after August. Fall & Winter Planting Care: Encore Azaleas do well and are easier to establish when they are planted in fall. New roots produced in fall will help the azalea benefit from an early spring root flush so it will flourish in the next growing season. During the first winter, it's a good idea to cover your young azalea with insulating covering when temperatures are forecast to drop below 20 degrees F. As your Encore Azalea matures, it will need less winter care. Although less watering is necessary when planted during the fall or winter seasons ; do not allow the roots to become dry. Pruning Encore Azaleas do not have to be pruned, or their flowers deadheaded .That being said, they respond very well to pruning and, in fact, will benefit from it. Encore Azaleas are unique in that they bloom in the spring, summer and fall. So when is the best time to prune them? Unlike most other types of azaleas, which only set flower buds one time a year during fall and then bloom in spring, Encore Azaleas produce buds every time new growth is produced. So, pruning Encore Azaleas immediately after the spring bloom cycle will encourage more new growth, and consequently more flower buds. When pruning a healthy Encore Azalea, use sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to cut back branches that have outgrown the rest of the shrub and are spoiling the shape of the plant. Cut these branches back to a point just a couple or few inches above the main form of the plant. Make your cuts about an inch or so above a leaf.
Mosquito
14 Mar, 2024
We are all aware that mosquito bites are painful and annoying, but they can be very dangerous as well. West Nile Virus and Zika virus are two of the more well-known diseases that are transported via mosquito bites. These diseases can lead to serious health problems that are sometimes incurable, so it is best to reduce our exposure to mosquitoes however we can. Adult mosquitoes are the biters, but of course, it is best to stop mosquito populations in the larval stage, before they grow to biting age. Banish Standing Water Mosquitoes lay their eggs in water or on very damp soil. That bucket catching rainwater underneath your gutter can hold hundreds of thousands of larvae. The best way to keep mosquitoes at bay is to eliminate their breeding sites. Check your entire property for standing water, paying particular attention to places where it's prone to collect: clogged gutters, pet bowls, kiddie pools, watering cans, tarps, trays underneath potted plants. Keep your lawn mowed and weeds under control to prevent water from pooling in foliage. Mosquitoes favor warm, shallow bodies of water, so water features should be designed to be at least 2 feet deep, and the water should always be circulating. Mosquito dunks containing the natural bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt are deadly to mosquitoes, but are harmless to other forms of wildlife. So if you have a birdbath or pond in your yard, consider treating it with this naturally occurring bacterium. Of course, addressing drainage issues is crucial to reducing mosquito populations in the lawn. We have been doing landscapes in Acadiana for 30 years, and can cater to any need including drainage. Blow Them Away If you can't enjoy a pleasant evening on the porch without being eaten alive, just turn the fan on (or install one if needed). Mosquitoes are fairly weak fliers, so they'll avoid your outdoor living spaces if there's a breeze. Treat Areas with the Right Products The newest weapon in mosquito control is the Spartan Mosquito Eradicator. It has been very recently discovered that mosquitoes actually track us and other prey by sensing the carbon dioxide in our breath. The Mosquito Eradicatoris as safe and non-toxic gets – it is simply an insect trap that releases an irresistible whiff of CO 2 . A pair of traps is capable of reducing mosquito populations by about 95%, on properties up to a full acre. Talstar is a pyrethroid insecticide that is very effective in killing ground-dwelling insects like mosquito larvae, as well as ants and fleas, but is non-toxic to birds and pets. Talstar is formulated on a special pellet that penetrates beneath grass thatch to the soil surface, making it more deadly to ants and mosquitoes, but reduces exposure for other wildlife. A single treatment lasts a couple of months, and a bag can cover a full acre. Bug Blaster is a similar product that is suitable for smaller yards. We also have lots of natural diffusers, incense sticks, and candles that can get that citronella smell in the air. This patio egg is made of porous ceramic, and diffuses a pleasant aroma without the use of fans or cords of any kind. One of these will effectively treat about 200 square feet of patio. Repel Them With Plants Now that we’ve done everything we can to stop mosquitoes from breeding, let’s talk about deterring the adults. Mosquitoes start feeding at dusk, and continue for a couple of hours after dark, but where are they during the daytime, and why do we get bitten whenever we’re outside? Well, mosquitoes are resting during the day and avoiding the heat, like us. Basically, they are hanging around in our bushes and shrubs, and patio pots! We can use this tendency of mosquitoes to seek foliage to our advantage, by filling our patios and walkways with mosquito repellant plants. The citronella geranium is a fantastic container plant that gives a pleasant scent when crushed, and it can even be rubbed on the skin for a little extra protection. Dab a little on your ankles and wrists, and around the backs of your ears. Lemongrass also does a fantastic job, as to many strong-scented herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, and many others. There is no shortage of lists of plants that repel mosquitoes, and we have them all! Southern Wax Myrtle is an evergreen shrub or small tree that has been used by Acadians for centuries as a natural insect repellant. A hedge of these adjacent to the patio would seriously reduce the mosquito population. For a more potent solution, make these herbal bundles and toss them on the fire or BBQ during your next outdoor get-together. Natural Bug Repellent: Herbal Mosquito Bundles Repel mosquitoes by burning these lavender, sage and mint bundles. Gather Your Supplies On newspaper, lay out your fresh herbs. Be sure that they do not have any water on their leaves, if so they will mold. Cut the String Cut a 4 foot long piece of string. Cut the herbs to approximately 6 inches long. Lay the string on the newspaper. In the center of the string, form a pile of herbs from the sage, lavender and mint. Tie the Top Tie a tight knot in the string close to the top of the herb pile. Lots of Knots Flip the herb bundle over and tie another knot. Continue tightly tying knots on both sides until you reach the end of the bundle. Knot the End Finish the bundle by knotting off the end and trimming up any loose ends on the herbs. Just Add Fire Put out in a decorative basket at your next BBQ or outdoor gathering. Allow guests to toss the bundles on the fire or BBQ to keep mosquitoes away. So buy a Spartan Mosquito eradicator, put some lemongrass in your patio pots, drain those buckets and clean those birdfeeders, make a herb bundle they’ll hate, and enjoy your summer where you should be – outdoors, with us at All Seasons!
Hibiscus
08 Mar, 2024
We all love the tropics- the bright colors and inviting tones! Bring that feeling into your garden with two of the best-looking tropical bloomers! Bougainvilleas enjoy to be “root-bound”, meaning they are an excellent choice for a container or hanging basket! They flower the heaviest when the roots are slightly crowded in the container. If they are planted in the ground, you’ll notice they tend to stay more green.  If you have some from last year and want to encourage it to bloom, a simple tip is to “tip prune” off about ½ inch of the stem tips. This encourages more branching and ultimately more flowers! Another fact about Bougainvilleas is they flower the heaviest when they are water-stressed. This may not make much sense to you because we like to care for our plants and give them drinks often. However, there are some plants, like these, that enjoy being more drought-tolerant. Think of them like a desert plant: they are under water-stress, then water pours into them and BOOM- they bloom! Withhold water for extended periods to force the plant into bloom. Our advice would be to wait until you see the leaves slightly wilting. At that point, it’s ready to receive a thorough watering session so it can perform for you! Hibiscus bloom on new wood, so it’s always important to “tip prune” them back. Also, pinch off old flower buds to help the plant perform best with less “baggage.” Pests like aphids and white flies effect their blooms as well, so preventive measures work best. We can help provide you details. One of the most common questions we get from concerned customers is that their Hibiscus’ leaves are yellow. Yellowing leaves is an indication of overwatering or underwatering. In the summer, it’s usually underwatering. Just like us, plants need lots of water in the hot summer months. We have a homemade superbloom tonic when you want to kick-start your Bougainvillea and/or Hibiscus to bloom: 1 gallon of water 2 tablespoons of Fertilome all-purpose plant food 2 tablespoons of Fertilome Blooming & Rooting 2 tablespoons of Epom Salt Fertilize with this mixture every other week for results! When your Bougainvillea and/or Hibiscus are already blooming, and you want the blooms to continue, our recommendation is to maintain a slow-release fertilizer schedule, every 3 months during their growing season. Our best slow-release fertilizers formulated for these specific plants are HibisGain and BouGain. As always, we want to help you know it to be able to grow it! We are always here to provide the education and products to ensure gardening success and a green thumb you can be proud of! Please come visit us to DIG IT!
Garden Geranium
29 Feb, 2024
Geraniums, with their bright colors and flower formation, have been a gardener’s favorite for well over a century. They are popular bedding plants and borders in the garden, and are also ideal for containers. They enjoy full sun to partial sun, matures to about 3’x 3’ and blooms repeatedly through the season in many colors depending on the variety. It is considered a tender perennial, and grown as an annual. Growing geranium plants is easy as long as you can give them what they need. When growing geraniums, they require moist, well-draining soil similar to that of indoor potting soil with equal amounts of soil, peat and perlite. Locate your geraniums in an area with at least six to eight hours of sunlight. Space plants about 8 to 12 inches apart and around the same depth as their original planting pots. Mulching the plants is also recommended to help retain moisture. In addition to watering, which should be done deeply and at least weekly outdoors (though potted plants may need daily watering in hot weather), fertilizing is usually necessary. Note that potted plants may require repotting once they become overgrown, usually noted by wilting between waterings. Regular deadheading of spent blooms will also help encourage additional blooming. When watering outdoor plants, it’s best to avoid overhead irrigation, as this can lead to pests or disease issues. Spring now for Garden geraniums!
March Gardening To Do List
28 Feb, 2024
We've missed you! Now it's time to head out to visit us, make your plant purchases and get them properly planted in your yard or in containers! The sooner the better. Click here to Watch our Spring Clip Tips! In our tropical climate with the extreme heat and humidity that will occur June through September, it is very important to get all plants established and stable before it gets too hot. These plants will have a much better chance of making it through their first summer, which is the biggest challenge for new plantings in our area. Even a few weeks of time can make a big difference in whether these new plants can stabilize from the shock of being transplanted, and have ample time to start growing new feeder roots. One product that will definitely help with these two essential aspects for success is a product called Root Stimulator by Fertilome. This is an easy to use product. Just mix with water and pour over the roots of the plant. It helps with transplant shock and gives the plant nutrients, but most importantly, it stimulates new feeder roots. Proper watering throughout the first summer is also essential. Did you know that potting mixes and soils are not the same? Most commercial plants are grown in a soil-less mixture. Bark, peat, perlite and vermiculite are common components of this type of mix. To determine if a mix or soil is suitable for most plant growth, place that soil or mix in a container and water. Rather quickly, the water should drain from the bottom of the container. If it doesn't drain, it must be amended with coarse items to encourage drainage. Adding a premium bagged compost or planting mix to outdoor containers adds weight and will hold more moisture to facilitate blooming and hold the plant upright. MARCH TO DO LIST: -Plant perennials in the ground so they will be well established. -Restore color to beds and borders by replacing cool season annuals with summer bedding plants. -Summer vegetables can be planted now! Amend and feed the soil with the proper mixes. We can help! -All types of summer bulbs can be planted now such as: caladiums, canna lilies and elephant ears. -Now is the right time to plant citrus and avocado. Fertilize them when planting. -As the weather warms, move tropical plants (such as bougainvilla, crotons, hibiscus, etc) back outside gradually to reduce sun damage. -Fertilize the area where you planted spring bulbs using a bulb food. -Fertilize a light application to roses. -Fertilize houseplants and re-pot if necessary. -Protect plants from hungry snails & slugs. We can help! -Feed the hummingbirds! Put out at least one feeder, keep it clean and full to attract the hummingbirds. They begin arriving around March 21!
Hibiscus
28 Feb, 2024
Heat Loving Annuals South Louisiana is synonymous with a hot summer! When temperatures rise, there are several heat-loving annuals and perennials that can take the heat such as: Zinnias, Pentas, Angeolina, Lantana, Marigolds, Cosmos, Black Eyed Susans, Celosia, Vinca, Portulacca, Salvia, Coreopsis, Blanket Flower, Verbena and more! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Container Gardening DIG container gardening by planting a thriller, fillers and spillers for eye-catching containers! Use a powerful blend of soil ideal for container gardening such as Happy Frog, Ocean Forest or Strawberry Fields. All of these are rich in nature’s treasured ingredients like bat guano and earthworm castings. Watch your pots explode in color! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Blooming and Rooting Fertilizer for Plants GROWTH You’ll really grow this Spring by planting your favorites paired with Blooming and Rooting Soluble Plant Food! This special blend promotes vigorous blooming and root development by simply adding to water, mixing, and applying. Use every time you water for big and beautiful flowers all season! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Tropical Plants DIG the tropics by planting a tropical beauty to brighten up your season! Tropical plants love our South Louisiana heat and humidity so they do well in ground or containers when planted in the full sun. They prefer warm to cooler temperatures, therefore will need protection come winter. Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Hibiscus and HibisGAIN A treasured and recognizable tropical plant is the Hibiscus. Most people want to know the best way to ensure it keeps blooming all summer. The HibisGain fertilizer is specially formulated solely for Hibiscus. Simply water your hibiscus, add this to the top soil, water it in and let the blooms begin! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Bougainvillea and Bougain A treasured tropical plant is the Bougainvillea. The BouGain fertilizer is specially formulated for this vining plant’s unique growing habits and promotes beautiful blooms to your benefit! Simply water your bougainvillea, add this to the top soil, water it in and let the blooms begin! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Pollinator Plants Plant for pollinators! Milkweed feeds the monarchs, and other colorful favorites attract butterflies, which benefit all of us. Plants like Lantana, Butterfly Bush, Coneflower, Zinnias, Pincushion flower, Salvias and Lavender, among many others, ensure your garden is on the butterfly’s radar! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Happy Frog Fertilizers Fertilizing your plants ensures they leaf, bud and bloom their best life. Select fertilizer by reading the bag’s 3 numbers: first is the nitrogen content; second is phosphorous; third is potassium. From an all-purpose blend to an acid-loving formula, the goal Happy Frog fertilizers is to make all your plants GROW! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Freeze Replacement Plants Wondering if your plants will recover after the freeze? Try scratching the bark with your thumbnail. If the tissue underneath is green, it’s still alive! If the tissue is tan or brown, it’s unfortunately dead. Start at the top and work your way down to see how far back the plant was zapped. Replacement plants can be a fresh new start to this new spring season! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Veggie Gardening with Soil Conditioner When planting a vegetable garden, mix Happy Frog Soil Conditioner with in ground soil for optimal results. This will help enhance root efficiency, and enable your plants to take up nutrients. The results are enhanced production for a more delicious harvest! Top your garden off with Happy Frog Tomato & Veggie Fertilizer! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip St Augustine Weed and Feed for Lawn The best control of your St. Augustine, Zoysia, Centipede and Carpetgrass lawn is the easy application of Weed & Feed! It’s a fertilizer and controls several weeds in your grass. It’s easy to apply- spread and water in! It’s a one and done lawn control for springtime! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Sedghammer for Controlling Weeds in Flowerbeds Control Weeds in your Flowerbed with Sedgehammer! This safe, easy and effective product is ideal for eliminating coco grass in your flowerbeds. Drop it in a gallon of water, mix and spray. You’re done…and so is the cocograss! You may need to do 2-3 applications as more immerge. Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Celsius Control weeds in your lawns with Celsius! This is easy-to-use and effective against 120+ types of pesky and ugly weeds crowding your turf! Among the weeds this targets are the common over takers such as Doveweed and Crabgrass. Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip Talstar Prepare for your events like graduations and memorial day by banishing the bugs! Talstar is ideal for controlling many pesky pests including fire ants for 6 months and mosquitos in the thatch for 3 months! Simply broadcast this granular out and water it in! Click Here to Watch the Clip Tip
Citrus
28 Feb, 2024
Now in Spring is the best time to plant a citrus tree. Why? When new trees are planted now, they have the best chance of establishing in time for summer. When planted in fall, unestablished plants may not fare well through winter. The many varieties we carry are proven performers in our area’s weather and native soil. We carry several dwarf root stock, such as satsumas, lemons and oranges. These are excellent choices for container planting. The container size should be a 7-10 gallon size. This allows enough space for the citrus. Click here for Planting Citrus in Containers. All citrus enjoy well-drained soil with regular watering. In general, citrus is ready for harvest and enjoyment beginning in late summer through early fall. Many gardeners like to pick off after the first light frost of the season. They say it makes the fruit sweeter, and we tend to agree! However, make sure to pick all fruit after a hard freeze because it could damage the crop if left on. A fun fact about citrus trees is they are a host plant to the giant swallowtail butterfly, North America’s largest butterfly. This is a fluttery beauty you will be thrilled about having around your garden in Spring/Summer. When they are feeding, they may damage some of the leaves of your citrus, but your plant is fully capable to send out the new foliage as replacement! Citrus trees do well in our area whether planted in the ground or in containers. Generally, dwarf citrus trees grow 8-10 feet tall & wide, and standard can be up to 20 feet. In a container, dwarf citrus will stay even smaller, especially with pruning. Where to plant? Plant citrus trees in a sunny, frost and wind-free location. Many citrus trees are frost-sensitive and southern exposure is best. Reflected heat from sidewalks, walls, driveways or other structures can also help to create a warmer “microclimate.” Avoid planting citrus in lawns as they do not like frequent, shallow watering. Don’t crowd the citrus or cultivate around them, as their root system is near the surface and can reach far beyond the drip line. When to water? Young trees need more frequent watering than older, more established ones. Watering will be more frequent during the warmer weather. Ideally, the top 2 inches of soil should be dry between watering. Deep watering is much more beneficial than frequent watering. Check soil moisture with a meter to make sure it stays barely moist 3-6’’ down. When & what to feed? Because citrus is evergreen, fertilizing can be done year-round. We recommend Dr. Earth Fruit Tree Fertilizer. If the leaves are yellow and the tree is being fed and watered correctly, it may be a trace element deficiency. Apply Espoma Citrus Tone to provide iron and other needed trace elements. Citrus does not like alkaline clay soil. Help them by using a bark mulch every May over the roots, leaving 6’’ clear around the trunk. We offer cypress/cedar mulch as well as pine needles. Regular applications of mulch will keep roots cooler and better functioning, break down & provide nutrients, and acidify the soil to make iron and other trace elements available to the plant. Mulch also keeps weeds down. If you see anything “weird” on your citrus, bring samples in a plastic Ziploc bag to our staff, so we can help you with our best advice for success with your citrus.
Planting citrus in containers
28 Feb, 2024
Living in Louisiana has many advantages, including our subtropical climate that supports the growth of many different types of plants that require warm, humid temperatures. This includes citrus trees, which are native to subtropical and tropical climates and are winter hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9a through 11. Louisiana USDA hardiness zones cover 8a through 10a. In our southern part of the state citrus trees thrive outdoors with few problems when it comes to temperatures. In central and northern Louisiana, which are in zones 8a and 8b, citrus must be grown in a greenhouse or brought indoors during cold months when there is a threat of frost. Growing citrus in containers can help with this. Cold-hardy citrus such as satsuma, sweet oranges, grapefruit and kumquats can grow well outdoors in Louisiana. Less cold-hardy types such as lemons and limes can survive when protected during hard freezes outdoors once they are older, larger and established. Many home gardeners have lost more tender trees in extended freezes. Some recommended citrus for containers are Improved Meyer lemon, limes and kumquats. These are naturally smaller trees that will last longer in containers. One benefit of growing citrus in containers is being able to bring the plants indoors during extended freezing temperatures. Standard citrus is too big for indoors, but dwarf varieties grafted onto rootstocks that limit their size help make them easier to grow in containers and speed up the fruiting process. Container size and material type is one of the most important factors for success of container-grown citrus. If you buy a 3-gallon-size plant and want to bump up the size, don’t go too large. A 3-gallon pot is 10 inches in diameter. You want to double that size to 20 inches for the next container and allow for growth of roots as well as the tree. Light-colored pots on wheels with drainage holes make great selections because they are portable, and the lighter colors do not heat up as much in the summertime. The wheels make moving the plant indoors in freezing temperatures much easier. You may want to place them on plant dollies for easier movement because if they are heavier. Citrus are active year-round. They do not go dormant in wintertime but do slow their growth. Most citrus will go into active growth in late winter and early spring, followed by flower production that gives way to fruit in the fall and winter. For the best fruit production, place in an area that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight. Make sure the pots stay evenly watered. Use a potting mix that has both good water retention and drains well such as a lightweight potting mix with inorganic ingredients such as perlite, vermiculite, coconut coir and peat moss. Citrus benefits from annual fertilizing that increases with each year of age. Young trees should be fertilized with light but frequent doses of 10-5-5 fertilizer or one specific for citrus throughout the growing season from spring to early fall. Apply fertilizer in a 3-foot-diameter circle around the tree directly under the tree canopy by spreading. Do not mound fertilizer around the trunk. Stop applying in late fall and winter. Limit the size of your trees and promote bigger fruit by pruning after they have produced and you have harvested. Be sure to remove rootstock suckers that have thorns with pruners. Most importantly, protect citrus in freezing temperatures by moving them inside until the danger of frost passes. Citrus offers interest year-round with evergreen foliage, highly fragrant flowers and, best of all, tasty, nutritious fruit that can be picked from the comfort of your home patio. Article by LSU Ag Center. Visit online here.
Fantastic Flowers for Beginners
28 Feb, 2024
In this case, 13 is a lucky number! Don't say you have a brown thumb! Try these 13 easy-to-grow, can't-kill beauties and watch your beginner's thumb turn green. Sunflowers Sunflower seeds are large and easy to handle, so they're great for children or beginner gardeners. You can find sunflower seeds in many different sizes and colors; they grow happily in sunny gardens. Plant a few seeds at a time over the course of several months to have nonstop blossoms from early summer through first frost. Even if you don't want to start from seed, we will be stocked with sunflowers for Spring and Summer! Zinnia Look for zinnias in almost every color except blue; they're also available in a variety of heights. The flowers may look like daisies or dahlias- even pom poms! Plant them in the sun and space them as directed on the seed packet or label; good air circulation helps prevent disease. These are also a butterfly magnet as a bonus! Marigolds Cheerful marigolds are easy to grow in sunny spots, brightening your garden with shades of yellow, red and gold as they bloom all summer long. African or American type marigolds grow 3 to 5 feet tall, but you can find shorter and more compact varieties. Vinca Vinca are the workhorse of the summer garden, outperforming all others in challenging, hot beds. The key to success with Vinca is knowing when to plant them. Those that are planted early while days are cool may be prone to root-borne fungus. Wait until daytime temperatures are in the upper 80s and at least 70 at night before planting to prevent infection. If a bed of Vinca does get fungus, plant something else there the next year to end the cycle. Impatiens Impatiens ask little more than a shady spot and enough water to keep them from wilting. Plant these pretty annuals when the weather is reliably warm. In recent years, many impatiens have succumbed to downy mildew. Begonias Tough, can't-kill summer begonias are great for hanging baskets, containers or garden beds. Give them partial sun or shade and they'll reward you with lots of lush color. Pentas Bring butterflies to your beginner's garden with Pentas in red, white, pink and/or purple. Pollinators absolutely love the blossoms, and the plants are absolutely trouble-free in full sun. Taller varieties are more vigorous and free-blooming, and look good in the back of flowerbeds for some height. Daffodils Plant daffodil bulbs and stand back. They'll burst into bloom each spring, filling your garden with color and fragrance. Give these hardy bulbs a sunny or partly sunny home in the garden or in containers. Cosmos Add cosmos plants to your garden or grow these daisy-like flowers from seeds. These annuals are so undemanding, they'll bloom even in poor soils. They like full sun (but appreciate afternoon shade in our hot climate) and tolerate drought once they're up and growing. Geraniums Great in window boxes, hanging baskets, pots or the garden, geraniums are low-maintenance plants. Grow these perky flowers for color from spring until frost; they prefer full sun, but may need some afternoon shade in our hot region, especially when we get "cookin" from June-August. Morning Glories To help morning glory seeds sprout, soak them in tepid water the night before you plant or file the hard seed coat to open it. Once they're started, morning glories can take care of themselves. But because they drop their seeds and self-sow readily, be careful where you plant them or you'll be pulling volunteers for years! To help control unwanted seedlings, mow, rake or heavily mulch the ground underneath the plants. Blanket Flower (Gaillardia) Blanket flowers (Gaillardia) are native wildflowers in parts of the U.S., and they grow robustly in full sun. These butterfly magnets bloom almost nonstop. They are aptly named, as a mass planting will so envelop the earth with blooms you won’t be able to see what’s beneath! Daylilies These sun-loving perennials bloom dependably in almost any kind of soil, as long as it drains easily. Best of all, you can divide them after a time and expand your garden. The dwarf, re-blooming ‘Stella’ is very popular, but the varieties of size and color they come in are staggering! Please note- All Seasons may or may not have these plants in stock available to purchase at the time you come to purchase these. If you're ever looking for something specific, please call the garden center at 337.264.1418 or send an email question via this link prior to your shopping visit!
Butterfly Plants
28 Feb, 2024
Start planting now to make sure butterflies have your garden on their radar! Butterfly Bush (Buddleia) Butterfly bushes (Buddleia or Buddleia) are large, fast-growing shrubs whose flowers are irresistible to butterflies. Buddleias are easy-care plants and have a fragrant scent, making them delightful for an outdoor gathering. Phlox Phlox is a low-growing, spreading plant that forms a blanket of blooms all summer. Perennial varieties are great for a year-round groundcover. Coneflower (Echinacea) Coneflower is one of the best flowers for attracting butterflies. It adds a flashy touch of color to the late summer landscape. Plant echinacea among a low growing perennial bed where showy flowers will stand above the rest. Lantana Lantana produces profuse color, showing off clusters of tiny, eye-catching blooms in a variety of hues. Typically grown as an annual, it's an excellent low hedge or accent shrub that you can also train as a standard. It attracts butterflies and tolerates our heat. Zinnia Zinnias are an absolute butterfly magnet. They are rich with nectar, and butterflies will gladly float around a large patch of zinnias for hours each day. Deadhead to promote rebloom, and consider planting a dwarf variety such as ‘Profusion’, so they don’t flop over later in summer. The "Double" varieties are gorgeous, resembling a lion's mane, but butterflies can have trouble reaching the nectar. Passion Flower Passion flower is an exquisite and beautiful bloom, and it is also the host plant of the beautiful Gulf Fritillary. Simply put, putting a purple passion vine in your yard guarantees heavy interest from butterflies, year after year. The caterpillars will eat the foliage before sprouting into butterflies, but passion vine is vigorous enough to regrow from any damage. This vine does like to spread; it would be better alone on a fence or trellis than in a mixed bed with other perennials. Black-Eyed Susan Black-eyed Susan is one of the great wildflowers of North America and was one of the first to become a domesticated garden flower. Its showy golden yellow flower head with black centers are a visual delight. Heliotrope Heliotrope has a sweet, pungent scent that some liken to the smell of cherry pie. It is large flowered yet compact and has attractive, dark green foliage and a bushy habit. Lavender Lavender is a perennial favorite for gardeners and butterflies alike, producing tall, fragrant spikes of purple blooms. Hailing from the Mediterranean, it's drought-resistant and can take the heat. Milkweed The only food source of Monarch caterpillars and a preferred source of nectar for many butterfly species, including the adult Monarch, there are over 100 varieties of milkweeds in North America. Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) A type of milkweed, drought-tolerant butterfly weed isn’t picky about growing conditions. Give it a sunny spot, and you’ll be on your way to a flowery summer. Butterflies, bees and other pollinators can’t resist these bright orange blooms. This perennial pushes through soil in late spring, well after other plants are up and at ‘em. Pincushion Flower Pincushion Flower is an annual that is a member of the aster family. The plants grow easily from seed and with enough water and a little shade, will bloom from midsummer to any frost. We also have them all spring in the transplant form. Agapanthus Agapanthus comes to life in late summer. It features large, elegant, deep blue bell-shaped blooms that are clustered together on tall, sturdy stems. These showy flower heads stand well above the plant's foliage. Aster Aster is an herbaceous perennial that comes in a wide variety of colors. Its daisy-like flowers bloom in late summer and autumn in a sunny site. Salvia Salvia produces fragrant foliage and tall spikes of flowers, usually in shades of purple or white. Its nectar attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Sunflowers Cheerful, colorful sunflowers attract both bees and butterflies to the garden. Goldenrod Goldenrod is a perennial with bright yellow flowers that add color to a late summer garden Penta Butterflies and hummingbirds can’t resist penta's flowers, which perch prettily atop deep green leaves. Plants grow 18 to 24 inches tall and 10 to 15 inches wide. Joe-Pye Weed This statuesque plant adds strong architectural interest to your flower border and attracts butterflies by the dozen. Because perennial foliage usually declines after the plants bloom, choosing a late-season bloomer such as Joe-Pye weed ensures you have lush, beautiful foliage all season long. Cardinal Flower This stunning American wildflower loves moist, shady woodland areas and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds for miles around. Please note- All Seasons may or may not have these plants in stock available to purchase at the time you come to purchase these. If you're ever looking for something specific, please call the garden center at 337.264.1418 or send an email question via this link prior to your shopping visit!
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