Winter Tips

Get Ready For Winter

• Clean, oil and store tools for the winter.
• Prepare snow-blower for winter use. Consider a tune-up and servicing.
• Apply winter fertilizer on lawn after the last mowing. This can be done around the same time as your lime application.
• Consolidate all your garden notes for the year-favorite varieties, successful new plants.

For The Holidays & After

• This is a great time to make gifts from your garden. Wreaths, herb bouquets, herbal vinegars, pressed flowers are just a few ideas.
• Keep that bird feeder well stocked for the winter. Your birds depend on you.
• Have a happy holiday season!

For Your Flower Bed

• Shred and compost freshly collected leaves. Alternate layers with the last of the grass clippings from your lawn.
• Apply a final mulch to foundation beds, perennials and roses. Make sure ground is frozen. This additional mulch layer prevents heaving during periodic thaws in January and February.
• Apply boughs from spent Christmas trees and wreaths as a mulch layer for perennial beds. Wait until ground freezes.

For Your Trees and Shrubs

• Apply WiltPruf, an anti-dessicant, to protect broad-leaf evergreens as well as your holiday greens, wreaths, even your fresh cut Christmas tree. See our staff, or visit the WiltPruf website, for details and further instruction. Now is the time to apply it to your evergreens, including hollies. It acts as a "chap-stick" for your plants, protecting them from moisture loss due to drying winter winds.
• Pre-dig hole if you're planning on purchasing a live Christmas tree.