Chilly Night Ahead

We have a could night ahead or just did depending on when you get this but in any case it will be cold again. Don't let it worry you. Soil temps are still great. Perfect for planting landscape plants and new lawns. There is a lot in full bloom like this Knockout Rose and lots still to come. Sedum are starting to flower and I've see Asters starting to get some color. I have been seeing lots of powdery mildue and the Asian Beetles are out in force. Mildue is something to address. Remove the affected leaves and get rid of them. The beetles are kinda cute. Controlling them is tough. Need help? call me at 414-778-0104

Late summer is here

Feel that nice cool air at night? The next 8 to 12 weeks are awesome for getting things done in the yard. Lawns take really well. Plants respond incredibly well and then pop up early in spring. It's a great time to take care of plant problems and corrective pruning.

August Notes

Well it's nearly mid August. Have I mentioned that you need to be watering? There is a lot being done right now. Planting is in full gear. Lots of projects going in. With proper watering there is very little to worry about. You may see some stress but once the plants get going they will soar.

A little pruning can be done any time. Dead heading will encourage new flowers. Also people, if you have a plant or tree with some ugly out of place branch, cut it off. Don't listen to the "you can't prune now" people. Don't worry about cutting off some nice roses. In my opinion better to have a nice shaped plant and a couple fewer flowers.

Summer is in full swing

Summer is here and we just got some much needed rain. Not enough though. This is not a bad time to be planting and working in the yard. As a matter of fact it's a great time to get some plants established and enjoy the last half of summer. Proper mulching and watering are critical though. The mulch will keep water in the soil and keep soil temps more even. To water there is no substitute for hand watering. Sprinklers and irrigation systems just won't do it. Don't believe me? Set your sprinkler out and water for a good half hour. Then go out and see just how deeply the water has penetrated. Or after a rain do the same thing. The best way, and the most water efficient way, to water is to walk around with a hose and water each plant individually. Another way is to invest in soaker hoses. They will put the water just where it's needed. Plants need deep watering to establish deep roots. Water well at least once or twice a week and keep it up through fall.

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