THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 29, 1995 TAG: 9501270113
SECTION: HOME & GARDEN PAGE: G2 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GARDENING REMINDERS
SOURCE: Robert Stiffler
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
MULCH AROUND shrubs and trees is beneficial, but there can be too much of a good thing. If your mulch is more than 3 inches deep, you're asking for problems.
Here's what Roger Funk of The Davey Tree Expert Co. says: ``Mulch should be no more than 1/2-inch deep near the stem, and do not pile it on the plant's stem. That creates an ideal environment for decay fungi to grow. Rodents often nest in mulch piled against tree trunks, and they can injure the plant. Maintain mulch by adding 1 to 2 inches every two to three years as original mulch decomposes. Yearly mulching, using woody products and bark, is discouraged. It may suffocate shallow-rooted ornamental plants. Instead, each spring you should loosen the existing mulch to activate its desired properties.''
Many local landscape maintenance crews are ``over-mulching.'' If your mulch is deeper than 3 inches, remove it.
Get ready for Maymont
Time is close if you intend to go to the Maymont Flower Show in Richmond on Feb. 24. My wife and I are your hosts on the bus trip to benefit the Norfolk Botanical Garden Society. Participants will see the show in the morning, hear free lectures by Jim Wilson and Pam Harper or visit the Monumental Church Flower Show, at a slight extra fee. Cost for the trip, including lunch, is $89. Checks should be mailed now to Lynnhaven Travel, 2872 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach, 23452.
Unusual blooms abound
North Carolinian Thurman Maness specializes in growing unusual plants, especially new colors of Lobelia. In his 1995 brochure, here's how he describes Lobelia ``Ruby Slippers.''
``This is considered by many one of the finest new perennials in the past few years. I introduced this dark velvety jewel-tone ruby-garnet beauty with a long blooming season in 1989 and demand hasn't ceased. Some Eastern catalogs offer an inferior clone by the same name, but there is only one ``Ruby Slippers.''
Maness also recommends Phlox Buckley, with deep pink flowers, Helilanthus Tomentosus and several hydrangeas. For a copy of his ``Wildwood Flower'' plants, send a self-addressed envelope with 32 cents postage to Thurman Maness, Rt. 3, Box 165, Pittsboro, N.C. 27312.
Roses take root in spring
Spring is a good time to propagate roses. Cut stems that are pencil-thick, making sure the stem growth is solid and not new, soft-tissue growth. Leave 2 or 3 leaves on each stem with the bottom cut just below an eye bud. Stick cuttings in potting soil in a pot with holes in the bottom and place the pot in a warm area with lots of humidity and indirect light. Place a plastic bag over the pot and support the bag with sticks to prevent it from touching the cuttings. Mist leaves daily with water for the first week.
In three to six weeks, your rose should be rooted. Once rooted, remove the plastic and increase the light. Continue watering consistently. Once roots are established, plant the rose in your garden. Some varieties are more difficult to root than others, so have patience.
Get out dormant oil spray
Next month is an ideal time to apply dormant oil spray. It smothers insects and eggs that overwinter. Anytime the temperature is above 40 degrees, you can use it. Make sure you have some ready to use. If it's more than two years old, buy a fresh bottle.
Almost time to set seed
If you grow your own tomatoes, peppers, geraniums, petunias, snapdragons or other plants from seed, order the seed now and plant it indoors before the end of February. Make sure you have enough containers to start your seedlings. Round plastic tubs from margarine or whipped cream are ideal but punch several holes in the bottom for drainage.
Become a Master Gardener
A few openings remain in the eight-week Master Gardener Training Program in Suffolk, beginning Feb. 7 at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center near Holland. Classes, workshops and field trips will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays through March 30.
The Suffolk Master Gardener Association will admit 10 applicants from Portsmouth. Call 925-6409.
Please feed the pansies
Pansies should be fertilized every four to six weeks, because they grow nearly all winter. Use a long-lasting, organic fertilizer or a water-soluble one like Miracle Gro.
Remove brown blooms
Camellias have bloomed magnificently the last few weeks, because of the warm weather. But a freezing night or two and blooms turn brown. Remove brown blooms from the shrub and rake up and destroy those that fall to reduce the chance of petal blight disease. by CNB