Photography

My second Gallery Night exhibit is coming up fast. If you like flowers or art in general you really need to stop by. I will have 8 all new, very large canvas prints on display. Stop by and see me.

Pinch For New Growth

During this active growing month I am always pinching off new growth in areas that are full to let the areas that are a little lacking fill in. The more you pinch and prune the more you will get growth in areas that need it.

Keep your eyes open for larvae feeding on the candles (new growth) of Mugo Pine. They are very well adapted to hide there and very hard to see. When you do see them you'll be amazed at how many are there and how quickly they can clear a plant of it's growth. They are easy to kill though and any generic insect spray will work.

Water your trees.

Water, Water, Water

Plants need water. This is the time of year where damage begins that isn't seen till late summer and sometimes even fall. Established plants need an inch of water per week. An inch of water is not some rain one day last week. Next time it rains go out afterward and dig down a bit. You'll see how little actually gets to the roots of the plants. The best way to water is to soak the plants once or twice per week. A long slow soak.

New plants require a little more attention. Without an established root system they are more likely to be damaged by not enough water. If you aren't sure if they need water dig down a bit and feel the soil. It should be moist but not like mud.

Questions? Give me a call. 414-778-0104 or e-mail me jerry@mckaylandscaping.com

Lots To Do

We are in full spring in case you haven't noticed. I've been busy and not keeping up here. There is lots to do in your yard....besides cutting the grass.

All of your perennials should be up and growing. Some more than others. You should have cut off all of the old growth from last year to make room for the new stuff.

Roses should be showing new growth. Cut off all of the old stuff that isn't sprouting and died back over winter.

Mugo Pines are starting to candle. (that's the new growth) Now is a good time to prune the candles to control the amount of new growth. Take a good look at them.... a real close look. I saw my first little worms starting to eat away at them. They are small grey and black guys that need to be sprayed with insecticide.

Fluff up your mulch. Don't add more unless you are too thin in areas. Most of you can just take a rake and fluff it up to renew the color and make it last longer. It also helps keep some of the weeds from getting a foot hold.

Great time to plant. If you need help selecting plants or coming up with a great plan let me know.

Lots To Do

Lots going on in the yard now. Bulbs are popping in earnest, buds are swelling and opening, grass is growing. There is a lot you can do now to make the spring better and promote lots of new growth. All ornamental grasses should be cut back to the ground. The old top growth is just in the way. You should see the buds on your roses now. Cut them back to remove anything that died back over winter. If you don't see any buds cut them down pretty low and watch for new growth. Dead wood on roses is dark brown and not green like live wood. Spirea and Potentilla get a good cutting now too. You can cut them back to about 6 inches. Remove any dead branches on evergreens. If it's brown now it's not coming back. Last years perennials get cut back to the ground now too. It's also a good time to apply any pre-emergent to the beds. Doing this now will promote new growth, clean things up and make late spring more enjoyable.

Spring Has Sprung

From here on out it's fast and furious. If you were smart and planted bulbs last fall you will be starting to see things. In cooler areas of the yard they are just coming up. Warmer hillsides are full of colors. Every week things will change. It goes fast. Enjoy.

Exhibit Info

Artist reception: Friday, April 17th, 6-9

Saturday, April 18th noon-3

more info at www.lightideasgallery.com