The Rutgers Reuters

Getting in the Garden in January!

2012-01-11T18:44:00.000-05:00

With the relatively mild winter weather in New Jersey, it seems that we are able to do more in the garden this January.

Here's a list of things you can do to help promote a better looking garden and landscape come spring!

•Spread winter mulch in beds- use leaves, branches from Christmas trees, wood chips or mulch to prevent heaving

•Go through your garden and inspect for winter damage

•Prune damaged branches and dead wood on woody shrubs and trees (test for dead branches by scratching bark and looking for green)

•Do some formative pruning on summer or fall flowering woody shrubs (butterfly bush, itea, spirea)

•Fertilize acid-loving shrubs, if not already done in fall

•Water evergreen and broad-leaf evergreen shrubs during warm spells

•Protect shrubs planted under the roof line from snow, remove heavy snow from shrubs to prevent damage

•Use sand, gravel, urea or kitty litter instead of salt on driveway or paths near gardens

Are you looking forward to spring? We are!

Today in the Gardener's Journal - December 13, 2011

2011-12-13T09:18:00.000-05:00

The leaves have only been off the trees for less than a full month and already I miss my garden. How quick we are to miss the presence of color, foliage and even the smell of a freshly cut lawn. However, without the winter, there would be no spring. I have come to the conclusion that winter is the time when we appreciate our landscape more. Would you agree?

Gardening can be a funny thing, we work hard in early spring to prepare for a season long of beauty, in mid spring we find ourselves adding more to our palate of colors, in summer we get caught up in the daily activities that we sometimes let our gardens do its own thing, then in fall, we begin the cleanup and savor the last bits of the show, only to drop the curtain during the finale of winter.

But wait! Winter brings on a new act for us to enjoy. It brings on new inspirations, new ideas, new varieties and sometimes a new purpose. There is something about the cold, winter mornings that brings promise to the landscape. When everything is frozen still, it forces us to rest just like our plants.

What we can do though is look with anticipation to what's ahead the following year. We can look at areas of the landscape where you've been thinking of revamping, you can read gardening magazines that introduce new and exciting plants.

Take a walk in your garden and look beyond the bare trees, look at their structure, their magnitude and strength. Look at the buds that are set in place for a grand opening next spring. There is plenty in the garden to enjoy in winter, you just need to look harder or be more creative.

What are you considering for your 2012 landscape?

December Landscaping Tips!

2011-12-07T14:39:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe that we are already into the month of December, especially when the temperatures have felt more like early fall in Zone 6, New Jersey, however, it only gives us gardeners more time to savor the last bits of the year with soil on our hands. Enjoy it while you can, and don't forget these helpful December landscaping tips!

•Apply winter mulches after ground freezes

•Bring in clay and cement pots and statues

•Use sand or kitty litter on ice instead of salt

•Water evergreens, especially newly planted ones, when ground is not frozen or during warm spells

•Protect shrubs under roof line from snow damage

•Make sure all broad-leaf evergreens have been sprayed (Wilt-Pruf)

•Plan your garden for next year!

How Did Your Garden Grow?

2011-11-16T19:34:00.000-05:00

Isn't fall a great season? It's the time when magic happens in the landscape. It's the time that most gardeners will enjoy the crisp, cool air, tend to their gardens without the hot sun beating upon their brow and it's also the time that color magically appears to an otherwise hum drum look at the end of a long, hot summer.

If you live in the Northeast, you deserve applause as it was a tough season for gardeners. A cooler than normal spring, then a few hot weeks of summer, followed by weeks of rain, add in a hurricane and a rogue Halloween snow storm, all sums up to a challenging landscaping year. But, here we are in mid-November enjoying a few higher than normal temperatures and finding ourselves planning our landscapes for 2012.

What did well in your landscape this year through the challenges set upon them? Perhaps you lost a tree or two in the snow storm during the end of October. Did it change your landscape? Did it open up an area that was previously occupied? In some cases, it may have even shed new light on an otherwise shady landscape. New ideas brought on by mother nature is what some are pondering now.

How did your vegetable gardens fair this past summer? More or less of a harvest? Did the heavy rains wash out areas of your gardens that perhaps needs amending next spring?

Gardening has often been considered a "Trial and Error" venture. Some years you win, some years you lose, but in the end, you always learn. No matter what, you learn what did well, what did not. What you should have paid more attention to, and sometimes, what you should have let acclimate on its own. You see what excelled, and what digressed, or literally what just stayed still. Naturally, we will always want more of the things that excelled, but perhaps it's a good idea to find out why the other things didn't do as well as had expected.

At Rutgers Landscape & Nursery our motto has always been "Where you always get the help you need" and that will never change. So, if you're looking at your current landscape and realizing that changes need to be made because of elements beyond your control, or because you simply want more - we are here to help. Perhaps you've been admiring your neighbors landscape where there always seems to be something in color, or you've been wanting to redo your current landscape to bring a four season level of interest, we can help.

After all, "if you've never experienced the joy of accomplishing more than you can imagine, plant a garden." ~Robert Brault

And, Rutgers Landscape & Nursery is here to help you accomplish just that..

November Landscaping Tips

2011-11-04T10:20:00.000-04:00

November is the month to prepare your garden for the following years beautiful landscape!

Here are some simple tips to help you acheive a healthy, beautiful start to next years garden.

•Adjust soil pH

•Rake leaves off lawn before snow

•Spray broad-leaf evergreens with Wilt-Pruf, water on warm days

•Fertilize trees and shrubs (that have been planted for at least a year) when dormant

•Finish cutting back perennials; mulch perennial garden after ground has frozen

•Plant spring flowering bulbs until ground freezes

•Transplant established trees and shrubs after they've lost their leaves

•Water broadleaf evergreens on warm days

Winter Is For The Birds!

2011-10-21T11:39:00.000-04:00

Are you a birding enthusiast? If so, you should be noticing an increase of your feathered friends surrounding your bird feeders. As the cooler days and nights approach, birds will look for food to store for the winter months.

It is important to start a regimen of keeping your bird feeders filled as we move into winter. It is the time that most foliage has defoliated thus limiting the natural foods that birds are used to eating.

While there are a number of different types of birdseed available, the number one type of preferred seed is "Black Oil Sunflower". Why not incorporate other types of food to your bird feeding practices as well such as:

Dried Fruit
Bread
Dry Dog Food
Cornmeal mixed in suet
Roasted or dried mealworms

If you're a true birding enthusiast, you may want to try making your own suet treats!
Here are two suet treat recipes to try:

Corn Nutty Bird Bites

A high fat mix which keeps birds warm. Birds attracted: Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, bluebirds, catbirds, wrens

Ingredients
2 cups whole grain crackers or unsweetened whole grain cereal or bread crumbs
1/2 cup canola oil
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter

Crush the crackers or cereal. Stir in the canola oil and peanut butter. If dry, add more canola oil to make the grain stick together more.

Offer the mixture in a feeder that suits the style of birds you want to attract, or you can spread it on tree bark or put in a feeding tray. Store the remainder in the freezer for future use.

Molded Bird Treats

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup water, plus another 1/2 cup water
1 ounce (4 packets) unflavored gelatin
5 cups black oil sunflower seeds
1 cup sunflower chips
1 cup pumpkin seeds
1 cup dried cranberries
Nonstick cooking spray

Boil 1 1/2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Pour remaining 1/2 cup of cold water into a large, heat-proof bowl. Stir in the gelatin, and let it sit for about one minute. Add the boiling water stirring until all the gelatin dissolves, about 2-3 minutes.

Stir in all the seeds and berries until they're coated with gelatin and the mixture sticks together. Let it sit for a few minutes and then stir again.

Scoop the mixture into a greased bundt or fluted pan or on greased tin foil pieces shaping into squares if putting in a suet feeder. Refrigerate, uncovered for at least 3 hours or overnight. Set it on a rack in a dry place for about three days to harden completely. Or, you can put in the freezer and offer when ready.

Thinking ahead long term there are several plants and flowers that one can plant in their landscape to encourage birds. Visit our website www.rutgersln.com and read the list of Berry Bearing Trees & Shrubs

Planting fruit trees for food and evergreens for shelter will make your landscape even more enticing, along with providing sale places for birds to hide.

Fall Clearance Sale with Three Great Events

2011-10-02T13:33:00.000-04:00

Don't miss this fantastic sale and three great events!

~Reservations are needed for all events~

Wine Tasting

10/14

Ages 21+

Fall Soups with Chef Paul

10/15

Fall Wreath-Making Workshop

10/16

Call Leslie Boss at (908) 788-2600 x234

or email LBoss@RutgersLN.com

to reserve your seat now!

October Landscaping Tips

2011-10-01T09:25:00.000-04:00

As the weather gets cooler, not only do the leaves change color, but subtle changes begin to take shape in your landscape. Many plants will begin to prepare themselves for the cooler months of fall and winter. What can you do in your garden during the month of October?

•Have soil pH tested, make necessary amendments

•Add leaves to your compost pile

•Transplant established trees and shrubs after they have lost their leaves

•It's the best time of year to seed new lawns, warm days and cool nights facilitate rapid weed free turf establishment

•Seed until frost; discontinue after frost

•Avoid planting flats of evergreen ground cover (pachysandra, ivy, myrtle) after frost

•Plant all trees, shrubs and perennials

•Clean up perennials beds after frosts (cut back, clean up what has died down)

•Plant hardy spring-flowering bulbs

•Dig and store summer-flowering bulbs and tubers

What to Expect This Fall, 2011

2011-09-25T14:10:00.000-04:00

Now that Autumn is upon us many are looking forward to a fresh start to a new season. If you're from the Northeast, more than likely you are hoping for a drier season as we've had more than our fair share of rain during late Spring into Summer.

The prediction of a beautiful fall color display is forecasted during the month of October here in New Jersey contributed to the significant August rains we've had. There are two factors that contribute to fall color on trees, temperature and moisture. A warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights produce the most brilliant autumn colors.

However, with all the rain comes other fall changes that can effect deciduous trees, especially newly planted ones. If you've planted a new deciduous tree this spring through summer, you may be noticing one of the following occurrences:

The foliage on your newly planted trees may be yellowing and spotting, and looking a bit stressed right now. Again, this is a result of the extreme amount of rain and moisture we've had. Not to worry though, the beauty of a deciduous tree is that it loses its leaves and next year, the tree will produce all brand new leaves again!

In some cases, newly planted deciduous trees may have even started to defoliate earlier than you may have expected. Why? The cooler nights and the onset of fall is one of the reasons, but again, the extreme amount of rain we had this spring and summer has a large influence on leaf drop this year as the tree is concentrating on setting a good root system for the following years. So, it sacrifices the leaves and refocuses its energy below the soil.

If you have a newly planted deciduous tree where you're noticing any of these occurrences, you can easily test the trees health if you're skeptical. An easy test is to take a pruner, your fingernail or a knife and gently scratch down the bark on a limb. A healthy tree will show a green color under the top layer of bark. Occasionally, you will come across a branch that may have die back on it and will not have green showing, that branch can be pruned off in most cases. Thus, performing the 'scratch' test in several places is a good idea.

How about "Lichen"? During a long rainy season, lichen is prominent on trees, especially on established trees. Lichen is a combination of green algae and fungal tissue. Is it harmful to your trees? Most often not. Lichens grow on the surface of the tree and do not harm the tissue of the tree nor do they cause plant diseases. In fact, some believe that it makes a tree more picturesque.

What about deciduous shrubs? Many deciduous shrubs will begin to lose their leaves early this fall as well, including more established shrubs due to the excessive amount of rain and their root systems being smaller in some cases. However, if you have a healthy specimen of a shrub that you count on for beautiful fall color, you may start to see them turning their fall colors earlier than usual.

You can look at Autumn as a second Spring, where each beautiful fall leaf is like a flower..

September Landscaping Tips

2011-09-07T08:33:00.000-04:00

Here are some timely tips for your September garden!

•Plant roses, trees, shrubs and perennials
•Mow lawn frequently, fertilize, plant grass seed until soil cools
•De-thatch and aerate lawn
•Cut back spent perennials
•Divide perennials and peonies
•Plant spring blooming bulbs
•Remove spring blooming annuals - don't forget to compost them!
•Plant mums, asters, pansies, ornamental cabbage and kale for additional color
•This is the best time of year to seed new lawns, warm days and cool nights facilitate rapid weed free turf establishment

Sit back and enjoy the fall colors that your garden will provide!

Magnificent Milkweed!

2011-08-15T17:47:00.000-04:00

When it comes to the topic of intriguing plants, Milkweed (Asclepias) should definitely be included in the conversation. It also deserves a spot in your landscape as it is the only host plant for monarch larvaes which we all know turns into the beautiful monarch butterfly!

Why is milkweed so magnificent? The monarch larvae feed off the sap from the leaves, which is very toxic to most other insects, however to the monarch larvae it is what protects them from predators as it helps to make their bodies brightly colored, which says, "STAY AWAY" to predators.

While monarchs are the number one insect that feed off of milkweed, you may have seen another insect enjoying the sap from your plant as well. This is the "Red Milkweed Beetle". Again, a brightly colored insect that warns others to keep away.

In spring, Milkweed yields a beautiful bright flower that ranges from red, pink to orange.

Milkweed is easy to grow in well drained soil and in a sunny to partly shady location. It's an easily reseeded plant as later in summer, early fall, the plant will form a large pod that bursts open with large seeds that can be shared with your friends or simply spread to other areas of your garden!

August Landscaping Tips!

2011-08-05T09:25:00.001-04:00

•Continue weeding, watering during dry spells

•Stop pruning trees and shrubs

•Don't fertilize after mid-August

•Continue dead-heading flowers to prolong bloom time

•Cut hollyhocks down to ground after blooming

•Add fall perennials to garden

•Seed new lawns after August 15th. Best time of year to seed is generally from August 15th through October 15th.

Don't forget to take a step back and enjoy all your hard work!

With Humidity - Comes Powdery Mildew

2011-07-15T09:46:00.000-04:00

During the summer months humidity is expected, and along with this type of weather comes one of the most easily recognized types of fungus called "Powdery Mildew".

While no plant is immune to this disease, there are certain plants that are more susceptible than others such as:
- Honeysuckle
- Lilacs
- Monarda (Bee Balm)
- Roses
- Crab apples
- Phlox
- Eggplants
- Cucumbers
- Squash
- Grapes

Powdery Mildew looks just like the name suggests. It tends to look like someone sprinkled powder on the tops of your leaves. The color of the powder can be either white or gray and will either be in blotches or cover the entire leaf and stem of the plant.

The good news is while this mildew will make your plant look unattractive it rarely kills the plant itself, although in some cases on vegetable plants it can hamper the production of vegetables by aborting the flower that would normally produce the vegetable. Often times, a badly infected leaf will even fall off the plant.

How does it occur?
Often the spores are overwintered in plant debris and start producing in spring. They are then blown on to your plants most often by wind or even insects. The fungus most often gets worse when there is prolonged dampness or humidity, your plants are crowded which causes a lack of air circulation.

How can you control it?
-Remove infected leaves.
-Improve the air circulation by thinning out the plant.
-Do not fertilize until the problem is corrected, as the fungus prefers young growth.
-Water only the base of the plant and not the leaves, and only water in early morning.
-Apply a Copper Soap fungicide.

You can also try an organic homemade method following the recipe below:
Mix together the following ingredients:
1 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing soap
1 gallon water

Try this mixture on a small area of your plant first and avoid spraying it on your plant in full sun.

Promoting Growth on Group 2 Clematis

2011-07-09T07:36:00.000-04:00

Clematis is quickly becoming one of the most popular vines in the garden and with good reason.. They can easily be added into any garden theme, giving color, height and grace to any area in your garden. The vines can be grown over arbors, lattices, or even worked through other perennials.

Growing clematis is fairly easy but pruning them seems to be the most challenging for most gardeners but in reality, the answer simply lies in when your clematis blooms.

The three groups of clematis are:
1. Spring Bloomer
2. Summer or Fall Bloomers
3. Repeat Bloomers

In this post, we will discuss Group 2 which are the large flowering hybrids that bloom in Summer. While group 2 is further broken down into two sub categories, being (A) those that bloom in the spring and possibly again in the fall and (B) those that bloom in the spring then occasionally through the summer.

All of the clematis in this group start blooming on 'old wood' and should not be given a heavy pruning during its growing season, however, late season flowers can be promoted by pruning the seed heads off right after the first flowering and the blooms drop from their heads or tepals. While the flowers may be smaller and differently colored as well, when it pushes a new flower, a light pruning of seed heads will promote new growth on the vine as well.

Let's take a look at this Group 2 Clematis that was originally pruned back on its old wood in early April. Within weeks of its originally pruning it immediately generated new growth and healthy flowers.

After the flowers faded and the petals fell off, a light pruning was done in between a set of leaves being careful not to cut the main vine.

Then, within two weeks, notice the new growth in preparation of setting new flowers and further strengthening the vine itself.

Just like many other plants removing dead flowers or seed heads will only refocus the plants energy into growth and root system. All it takes is some commitment and common sense with most plants to encourage growth and general health.

July Landscaping Tips

2011-07-03T07:44:00.000-04:00

Here are some timely tips for your July garden!

•Continue weeding

•Water during extreme heat/drought

•Continue deadheading roses and flowering perennials to encourage new blooms

•Deadhead spring blooms, if not already done

•Turn compost pile

•Prune woody vines after blooming

•Prune birch, flowering cherries, lindens and maples

•Finish transplanting annuals into garden (finish EARLY July)

•Pinch back mums, asters, dahlias, cosmos and zinnias

•Cut back spring perennials and/or damaged and spent ones

•Begin to dig and divide spring-blooming perennials (iris, some early flowering daylilies)

And remember... your garden is the friend you can visit any time..

Today in the Gardener's Journal - A Walk in Hoffman's Park

2011-06-29T17:29:00.002-04:00

Sometimes it's good to take stock in nature and realize where the true beginning of landscaping comes from. Natural habitats remind us of where nature began and how far we have come. When manicuring your own landscape do you ever leave a space for natural gardens or habitat? Perhaps it's time to begin.

Today this writer took a walk in Hoffman Park in Hunterdon County. I have traveled past this park for five years never realizing the sanctuary beyond the aging sign in front of the park.

If you live in Hunterdon County you may want to take some time and walk this park as it truly brings you back to nature and all it holds. It gives you a different perspective on your home gardening and in some cases, its natural landscaping and photographic appeal will even shed new light on weeds that we so often are quick to pull.

Hoffman Park is located in Union Township, Hunterdon County. It is 354 acres and contains many natural surroundings. The park is named after the former owners, Albert and Joyce Hoffmann; Hoffman was the son of the founder of the Hoffman Beverage Company of Irvington, New Jersey.

When gardening, don't forget to stop and truly enjoy every single part of nature, whether it be the natural settings of your landscape, the insects that walk just above the earth, the weeds that can provide some unexpected color or the fallen trees that provide shelter and refuge to those without. Nature.. it's unexpected and peaceful and in the deepest of thoughts it can be an untouched beautiful refuge..

For more information on Hoffman Park click here.

Be a Steward of the Earth!

2011-06-26T16:38:00.000-04:00

Rutgers' Steward of the Earth Program consists of a number of initiatives that aim to bring awareness of environmental issues and funding for green projects throughout our community. Initiatives include beautification projects, customer participation events, garden competitions, sustainability projects, as well as fund raising and donations.

From June 18 -August 15, Rutgers Nursery

will donate 2% of all sales to the New Jersey Tree Foundation!

The NJ Tree Foundation is a state-wide non-profit organization dedicated to planting trees in New Jersey's most underserved neighborhoods. To learn more about the NJ Tree Foundation click here.

Thank you to all those that shopped at Rutgers Nursery during last years campaign as it was because of you that we were able to donate $4,195 to the NJ Tree Foundation.

You can read more about last years donation by clicking here!

Eggplant Flea Beetles

2011-06-23T07:03:00.002-04:00

Eggplant Flea Beetles - while they are a very small insect, they can cause a large problem in the garden.

Perhaps you have a vegetable garden and are noticing small holes in your eggplant leaves. Suddenly the leaf looks wilted and may eventually fall off leaving you to wonder whether it was a fungus or a bug? If you're seeing small pin sized holes first, no doubt it is the "Eggplant Flea Beetle".

They are very small black insects that live in the soil during the winter. They find leaf riddled soil the most comfortable living grounds and will hatch in early spring and feed off one of their favorite plants = eggplants. They have been known to feed on potato and tomato leaves as well, but their preference is definitely eggplants. They prefer the younger, more tender leaves.

While the flea beetles actions make the plant look unsightly they rarely kill the plant but their damage will stunt the growth and prevent you from retaining a bumper crop of eggplants.

How do you rid your garden of these pesky insects?

1) You can add Beneficial Nematodes into the soil.

2) You can plant a row of mustard plants near the eggplants as they will feed on the mustards before the eggplants.

3) Try hanging sticky traps that are near the vegetable plants being attacked.
4) You can even homemade sprays made from pureed garlic diluted in water, or a combination of garlic and hot peppers.

5) Lastly, you can use pesticides that contain pyrethrins or rotenone.

However, with any of the treatments a follow up application would be necessary to ensure a flea beetle free garden.

Pruning & Patience

2011-06-11T20:41:00.001-04:00

There are times that a simple pruning can make a big difference in the health of a tree. For example, let's look at three examples of trees that were pruned on recent Customer Service visits.

This River Birch suffered from losing its top branches. A simple cut back, albeit severe, will insure a healthy and very full, strong tree.

Result: This tree will now be thicker and grow to be a fuller beautiful tree.

These three River Birches, while very young, were just growing too fast. So much so, that they started to weep and look messy. First they were pruned for form, with a significant cut back prune all around the trees to shape them. Second, all winter die back (dead branches) remaining in the interior of the plant were pruned away and removed.

Result: These trees will now be thicker and fuller trees as they fill in.

This Japanese Maple has significant winter die back, losing several main branches. By simply removing the dead branches, and then pruning live branches back as well, for form, this Japanese Maple will surely grow back into a nice tree. Removing dead branches, which will be obvious as they appear grey, white and tan in color, vs. reddish in living color, will speed up the plants ability to thrive again.

Result: This tree will thrive as Japanese Maples are extremely resilient plants.

The key to pruning any tree is having patience!

What Are the Spots on My Pear Tree?

2011-06-11T16:29:00.001-04:00

Are you noticing brown to black spots on your Pear trees?

The spotting is called "Leaf Spot" caused by the fungus known as Entomosporium maculatum. Leaf spot is commonly found on Photina's, Indian Hawthorns, Pear trees and several varieties of roses.

This fungus is most damaging to plants such as pear trees in the landscape during active growth periods while the weather is cool and wet.

Here is a list of do's and don'ts for controlling this widespread fungus:

Do's

If possible, space plants to improve air circulation and quicker drying of leaf surfaces.

If necessary to water, only water the base of the tree and not the foliage nor should you water after midday to reduce the time of moisture sits on the leaves.

Remove all fallen diseased leaves to reduce recycling of the disease throughout the root system through the decaying leaves.

Don'ts

Do not water or fertilize plant any more than necessary to avoid excess new growth which can lead to more leafs spotting.

Reduce pruning during summer which would promote new growth and possible further infection.

While this fungus is more of a cosmetic eye-sore on Pear trees, it rarely kills them, thus chemical treatments of fungicides would only be applied in severe cases where the majority of the tree is covered in leaf spot.

Making Moss is Easy!

2011-06-05T07:17:00.000-04:00

Did you know that there are over 12,000 different types of moss? Moss is born from a spore and looks like a soft green mat. It grows on damp soil, tree bark, rocks, concrete, or almost any other reasonably stable surface. While many find it problematic and want to rid their gardens of it you may want to think twice especially if you want to repurpose an old pot or container.

You can make a new pot look aged, or an old pot even more rustic simply by adding moss. How? It's easy!

Recipe for Moss

1/2 cup of garden moss
1 container plain yogurt
12 oz. can of beer
2 tsp granulated sugar
1 cup buttermilk

The garden moss acts like a 'seed starter'. Combine all ingredients in a blender to incorporate. Blend until a soupy texture is achieved. Brush the mixture on with a soft bristle brush or sponge brush. Be generous with the amount you are applying on to your growing medium (pot or container).

Set in a shady location. Be sure to check on your pot at least every other day misting it to ensure it does not dry out as moss needs moisture to grow. The key to growing moss is patience as it grows slowly but once it catches on your moss will gradually grow around your container creating a whole new look.

Moss can even be grown on cement statues or old pieces of wood to add interest!

June Landscaping Tips

2011-06-03T05:52:00.002-04:00

• Thoroughly water new plants and transplants, preferably early in the morning, and make sure they are well mulched (to retain water during heat/dry spells)

•Weed as necessary- for a plant to be truly healthy, it must be weed-free!

•Throw healthy grass clippings into compost pile and turn occasionally

•Prune spring-flowering shrubs, deadhead mountain laurel, rhododendron, azalea, lilacs (when done flowering) and shrub roses (to encourage continued blooms)

•Spray roses to prevent fungus; fertilize

•Continue planting shrubs, trees and perennials (especially containers)

•Prune evergreens

•Plant annual seeds

•Pinch back mums when they've grown 4-6"

Take the time to truly enjoy your garden!

Brown Needles or Bagworms?

2011-05-29T13:05:00.000-04:00

Are you seeing some brown needles on your pines and spruces? Stop and take notice as they may be 'bagworms'.

Bagworms prefer juniper, arborvitae, spruce, pine, and cedar but also attack deciduous trees. Treatment for bagworms should be started in May as that is when they start to hatch.

They survive the winter as eggs (sometimes 300 or more) inside bags that look like browning needles which serves as a cocoon for last year's females. The eggs hatch in late May into June when the tiny larvae crawl out to feed.

They feed for about six weeks swelling up the cocoon as they grow. Older caterpillars can strip needles off of evergreens or deciduous tree leaves.

What is the best method to get rid of them?
While birds do feed on them, sometimes the bagworm cocoon is hard to see under existing branches leaving the rest of the work up to you to remove. The most effective treatment for removal is handpicking them off your trees and discarding the egg sacks. If you have a large amount or see them higher branches of your trees you can use an insecticide that is effective on bagworm larvae. Treatment of this nature is best done in May while the larvae is still young.

Ferns for Shady Nooks!

2011-05-22T09:54:00.000-04:00

Do you have a shady nook in your garden? Try planting ferns in these areas to add texture and refreshing diversity!

Ferns are dependable plants known for their beautiful fronds and season long interest. They offer elegance to the garden and come in a variety of different leaf textures.

A trouble free plant that rarely suffers from pests or diseases and is deer resistant as well in most areas.

Ferns are often thought of in woodland areas as they thrive in moist, shady areas filled with rich organic material. Do you have an area covered by large shade trees? Ferns will do wonderfully as the trees will shade them during the heat of the summer.

While ferns are deciduous plants, they become more vigorous in growth year after year.

Ferns vary in texture and in height as some are low spreading, while others create bold upright fronds that will stand above a lower shade perennial or ground cover. Try them in shady rock gardens mixed in with hostas, astilbe's or coral bells.

If you're looking for that 'just so' plant that will fill the nook in a shady area, reward your garden with the magic of a fern. You won't be disappointed!

FUN for the Landscape!

2011-05-19T14:05:00.000-04:00

Whether your garden is formal or informal, we have some extraordinary plants that fit in any landscape!

How about some of these ornamentally *FUN* plants for your landscape?

Need an umbrella? How about a Wisteria Umbrella?

Why wait until night time to see stars in the sky when you can have one in your own landscape?

Are you an avid golfer or a baseball fan? Show your enthusiasm with these Arborvitae specimens!

Shoot for the moon and if you miss, don't worry you could always have one in your landscape!

A cactus is a lovely addition to a poolside landscape!

Maybe you're an equestrian lover?

Visit Rutgers Landscape & Nursery and add some FUN to your landscape!

Today in the Gardener's Journal - May 10th

2011-05-10T21:33:00.001-04:00

Today in the Gardener's Journal I am writing about pruning. Why Prune?

There are a variety of reasons why one should prune plants. For example, to maintain health, keeping a desired appearance or cutting out unwanted branches or those that have died back due to winter or disease. One can also regenerative prune plants to encourage leaf growth. By pruning plants you are regenerating or refocusing its energy on growing again instead of fighting a dead branch. I've always equated pruning to one getting a hair cut. Haven't you always heard that getting your hair cut makes your hair stronger and healthier? Similar right?

Let's take a look at some of the plants in my garden that I've pruned today.

Even though this dogwood is blooming beautifully when looking at it from the bottom up, you can see many dead small branches that are darker brown and visibly dead from winter dieback.

This dogwood is definitely a show stopper in my landscape this year and I can't wait to see what it does next year now that I've cleaned up the dead branches.

This butterfly bush was in bad need of a good pruning. Again, it suffered from the past winter and dieback. While it may not bloom this year due to it's small size and underachieved growth, a good pruning will regenerate its leaf growth and promote health in the general growth of the plant. Who knows! Maybe it will even surprise me and bloom too!

This branch wanted to push out new growth but with the dead wood on top it was taking longer than it should have.

My Itea's took a beating this past winter. Not only did it take longer than usual to show any signs of life, now that the leaves have started to appear again, it's easy to see what is dead from winter dieback. You can even hear the dead wood when you move it. It sounds like kindling, different than a branch that has life inside it.

Again, while it may look small now, we'll visit this shrub in a couple weeks and you'll be amazed how fast it regained strength.

Let's visit my Viburnums. Another shrub that although has leafed out very well despite the dead branching, a good regenerative pruning will only make this shrub look healthier, cleaner and more uniform. Note that I've only pruned off the branches and twigs that have no leaf growth or blooms on them and are visibly darker and dead compared to a branch that has more life.

I bet next year I'll be enjoying more of these fragrant flowers indeed.

Another Viburnum that has done well despite the dead wood that deters from its immediate beauty.

Same exact photo but without the dead branch at the end, isn't it beautiful?

Lastly, here is my Andromeda that I actually pruned back lightly a few weeks ago after the blooms had expired. Within two weeks, I was rewarded with these beautiful new leaves. This proves to me that pruning, when done correctly, and during the right time, can restore health and vigor in plants.

For more information on pruning, click on the link below:

The Philosophy of Pruning (Pruning with Purpose)

May Landscaping Tips!

2011-05-01T10:32:00.000-04:00

Here are some timely landscaping tips for the month of May!

Weed all beds thoroughly

Remove all winter mulch, compost & branches

Beds should be re-mulched

Keep watering new and transplanted shrubs (2-3x/week)

Prune back spring-flowering shrubs after they've finished blooming (forsythia, lilac, azalea) and any dead wood

Continuously prune clematis to cut out dead/weak growth

In flowering trees, remove dead wood only

Prune/hedge evergreens

Plant potted roses and fertilize

Finish dividing spring and fall blooming perennials

Stake peonies, delphiniums, and garden phlox early

Repair lawn patches, seed/sod

Plant annual seeds

Start planting annuals outside AFTER last frost - typically May 15.

Enjoy your gardening experience!

"Patience" Is The Key Word

2011-04-26T08:12:00.001-04:00

"Patience" is the key word after a winter that we just experienced. There are many landscape plants that take a cold, snowy and windy winter harder than others. In many cases, patience will be required to let these plants show their new growth and beauty in your landscape once again. For example, let's look at some plants that we've received many calls about that will require your patience and weeks of consistent warm weather to flush back out again (typically mid-June).

Otto Luyken Cherry Laurels

Note the wind damaged leaves on the left which will eventually fall off, but on the right we see that it is pushing out new promise of leaves and flowers as well. Once the temperatures stay in the 80's this plant will flush out with many new leaves and look brand new! This holds true for Skip Laurels as well.

Itea

Itea's took it especially hard this winter. Although a deciduous flowering shrub, in previous years they have flushed out new growth before late April. This year however, they have been slow to regain new leaves. You can see though on the right that given the patience it requires it is now beginning to show promise of new growth.

Ornamental Grasses

Ornamental Grasses typically do not show a lot of growth in early spring. This year is no different especially with the cooler temperatures we've had this spring. Given time and patience and much warmer weather, grasses will once again show new foliage. Have you cut back last years growth yet? If not, you will want to do this now to further promote the new growth to rise to the occasion once the temperatures remain consistently warm and the soil temperatures warm up as well.

There are other landscape plants that will require your patience as well this year for example:

Redbuds

Zelkova

Oaks

Honey Locusts

Are you seeing winter damage on other plants in your landscape such as Hollies, Rhododendrons, Andromeda's?

Click here to view common plants that will require patience and prolonged warmer weather to show improvement.

Today in the Gardener's Journal - April 26th

2011-04-26T06:15:00.003-04:00

April 26th, 2011 - Today in the Gardener's Journal

After a long winter it's about time we've stepped back out into our gardens and rediscover the magic of nature that we've missed so much.

Is it my imagination or have Magnolias really put on a show this year?

The rising temperatures in the past week have made the deciduous trees and maples start to leaf out in splendor!

The addition of leaves in my garden beds during winter has shown to be a worthy task as my perennials are producing much more foliage than the years prior when I have not amended their beds before winter.

It would appear that snow cover is indeed a great insulator as this PJM Rhododendron and the ferns mixed in with the pachysandra are producing many new flowers, leaves and fronds this year.

Surprises in the garden are always such a treat. For example this peony that suddenly appeared growing in a pachysandra bed!

Early spring is a great time to plant spinach and peas. Don't forget to buy extra packets for a fall planting too!

Last winter I pruned this Snow Fountain Weeping Cherry back hard as there were many branches damaged in a previous storm. It bloomed with a vengeance this spring looking beautiful with its new shape. A refreshed tree that is now leafing out after its show of beautiful white flowers.

Not only did my viburnum survive the tough winter but it was saved from the hungry deer that seemed to have tried everything this past winter due to the prolonged snow cover that hid their normal vegetation.

Finally, a sure sign of spring! A nesting Robin in the rafters!

What's going on in your garden?

This Just In!

2011-04-22T14:51:00.001-04:00

Here's a beautiful specimen of an evergreen shrub. Can you guess what it is by the following photos?

Almost looks like a rose flower doesn't it?

Would it surprise you to learn that this beautiful evergreen shrub is a

Camellia Japonica

This particular variety, "National Arboretum Pink" is a hardy pink flowering Camellia. A naturally compact variety with green glossy leaves. Camellia's are naturally slow growing broadleaf evergreens that will enjoy part sun and rich, moist soil. Plant Camellia's in a protected area in your landscape and enjoy the beautiful flowers this specimen produces in spring and the rich, green foliage the rest of the year!

Magnificent Magnolias

2011-04-18T10:56:00.001-04:00

Have you ever considered adding a Magnolia tree to your landscape? They are among one of the most beautiful landscape plants available. Why plant a magnolia? There are several reasons to consider.

- They have spectacular flowers (many are fragrant).
- Many have unique, brightly colored fruits
- They have attractive gray bark
- Virtually disease and insect resistant
- They serve as a focal point in the garden

Magnolias are best suited in areas of the landscape that offer:

- A sheltered area away from strong winds
- Full sun to part shade
- Well-drained, moist soil, rich in organic matter

Among the many types of Magnolias available at Rutgers Nursery, we've spotlighted a few that will catch your eye!

Leonard Messel

Magnolia x loebneri

A slow growing magnolia reaching 15-20' in height and width. Has beautiful star like pink spring blossoms with excellent disease resistance.

Royal Star

Magnolia stellata

A double flowering magnolia. Lightly fragrant star-shaped, white flowers. A slow grower reaching 12-20' tall by 12-18' wide. These magnolias have multiple trunks which grow in an oval, upright fashion when young, as it matures the branching forms more of a mounding shape.

Vulcan

Magnolia X Vulcan

A show stopper of a magnolia bearing purplish-pink, fragrant, showy flowers. When young, this tree is more upright but will mature to a more rounded form growing 15' tall by 10' wide.

Bracken's Brown Beauty

Magnolia grandiflora

No doubt you've admired this particular magnolia before as it bears dark green and cinnamon brown leathery like leaves. Not only is this magnolia known for its rich foliage, but its creamy, white flowers are exotically fragrant as well. This evergreen magnolia will do well in a protected area of your landscape and requires full sun. A moderate growing magnolia reaching 30-50' tall by 15-30' wide. The Bracken's Brown Beauty will also do well in wet areas of your landscape.

With all the beautiful choices of magnolias how can one resist not to find a perfect location in your landscape?

Let's Plant Lettuce!

2011-04-10T14:47:00.000-04:00

Growing lettuce is a snap!
It's one of the most versatile early spring vegetables. Not only does it look great in the garden, but it's delicious on the table as well. Growing lettuce is best when the weather is cool and sunny. It also grows well in containers of any shape or size.

Let's plant lettuce following these handy tips..

- Plant lettuce plants or seeds when nighttime temperatures stay above 30 degrees. Choosing a site that gets full sun in spring. If planting later in the season, plant in partial sun.

- Till your garden thoroughly, breaking up soil clumps. Dig in compost or well matured manure.

- Plant in well-drained soil yet moisture retentive soil and rich in nitrogen which will be necessary for good leaf development and growth.

- Depending on the variety, generally you should plant lettuce 8 to 16" apart.

- Avoid watering at night as this can lead to disease. Lettuce will not tolerate drying out, thus keeping a good watering schedule will help to keep your lettuce productive.

- If planting in containers, use a good potting soil or mix and fertilize every three weeks with fish emulsion or a compost tea.

- You can start harvesting lettuce as soon as it's big enough to use in your salads. Pick lettuce in the early morning when it's cool and the leaves are crisp. Cut leaves from the outside of the plant leaving the inside leaves to flourish. When harvesting head lettuces, wait until the head is firm and fully formed then slice them off at ground level with a knife.

Start your garden today with a nice crop of early spring lettuce and let us help you!

April Landscaping Tips!

2011-04-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Get ready! April is officially the month that kicks off the spring gardening season! Are you ready? Here are some landscaping tips to keep you ahead!

When the ground has thawed out, start digging/prepping new beds

Remove all winter mulches and composts

Start weeding, where necessary

Water all new plantings frequently (2-3x/week) and thoroughly (30+ min)

Plant trees, shrubs and perennials, containers or ball and burlap

Replant shrubs, trees and perennials that have "heaved" out of the soil

Finish all transplants (must be done before buds have pushed out)

Finish cutting back ornamental grasses

Formative prune all summer and fall blooming shrubs

Cut dead wood out of hydrangeas, cut all live branches back to 2 buds

Transplant and divide summer and fall blooming perennials

Re-mulch all beds

Add compost to perennial beds

Plant annual seeds

Repair lawn patches that need seed/sod

Deadhead spring flowers, prune when done flowering

Are you ready to get your hands back in your garden?

Take the Rutgers Rejuvenation Tour!

2011-03-29T17:45:00.001-04:00

Are you ready to get "Rejuvenated" after the long winter?

Take the pictorial tour of Rutgers Nursery!

Rutgers Nursery.. it's a FUN place to shop! Take a seat in our award-winning chairs, bring your camera too!

The minute you walk up to our entrance you are greeted by the reminder of spring!

We've rejuvenated our store by creating wonderful,

natural displays..

Including gifts for all ages!

Fun color for your gardening experience..

Heirloom seeds, potato and onions are ready to be planted!

Our greenhouse is bursting with colorful pansies..

Our ornamental section is like no other, including rare, hard to find specimens..

To add to your personal oasis, we've included a new product line to our Nursery. Top of the line mahogany-shorea wood furniture. Come in and see our fantastic display!

When you walk through the nursery you can't help to be rejuvenated by all the rich, green color!

Our seminar area is getting ready to host our exciting 2011 seminars & workshops!

The fun doesn't end at the chairs, we bring it throughout the nursery!

Aisles and aisles filled with lush, green and

beautiful plants..

Acres of almost every flowering & shade tree you could ever imagine! Many grown in our own fields!

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff will help you get rejuvenated as you think about your next landscape project!

Have you enjoyed the "Rejuvenation Tour"? If you liked the pictorial, you'll love the nursery..

Stop by and say hello!

This Just In At Rutgers!

2011-03-20T15:46:00.001-04:00

This past week we received some beautiful trees and nursery stock that deserves to be spotlighted. Take a look at these fabulous finds!

Royal Star Magnolia
Magnolia stellata. Boasts glorious large white, fragrant flowers in early to mid-April. A slow grower, maturing at 15-20' tall by 10-15' wide. Plant in protected area, in rich, well-drained soil. Full Sun.

Weeping Oriental Spruce
Picea orientalis 'Nutans'. This beauty has shorter and darker needles than the typical orientalis. Thin shoots and a compact habit. Wider than tall when young. Developing into a broad upright specimen with age.

Moonglow Juniper
Juniperus scopulorum. This broad pyramidal form reaches 15' high by 5-8' wide. The dense compact branching habit displays intense silver-blue foliage. Very attractive tree, perfect for screening.

Covey Lavender Twist Weeping Redbud
Cercis canadensis. This outstanding Redbud has weeping branches covered with mauve-pink blooms. Grows 5' high and 8' wide. One of the most beautiful early spring blooming trees.

Oregon Green Austrian Pine
Pinus Nigra. A semi-dwarf specimen pine. Dwarf branches resemble an Umbrella Pine from a distance. An outstanding selection with long, stiff, green needles. New growth of candles have a furry white coating adding to its interest. Full Sun. Fast growth to 10-15' high by 8-10' wide.

Franklinia Tree
Franklinia alatamaha. An excellent specimen tree. Fragrant, white, camellia-like flowers that bloom from July to late summer. The bright green foliage turns a vivid orange-red in fall. It is somewhat pyramidal when young becoming more rounded with age. Matures to 15-20' high. Full to Partial sun.

Cryptomeria
Cryptomeria Japonica Yoshino. This striking evergreen forms a loose, open, pyramidal shape with dense, short, light green to blue/green, fragrant needles. Reaches 30-40' high by 6' wide. Trees develop a somewhat oval canopy with age. Grows 50' high by 30' wide. Sun to light shade.

Mountain Laurel
Kalmia latifolia. This variety "Collected" Mountain Laurel is a beautiful native broadleaf evergreen with large clusters of pink and white flowers in mid-June. Grows 5-6' high. Full sun to shade.

Stop in and see our many fine plant selections that are
arriving daily!

This Just In!

2011-03-15T12:01:00.001-04:00

Need a Walking Stick? How about a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick to be exact? At Rutgers Landscape & Nursery we have some beautiful specimen Harry Lauder's that just arrived!

Our climate is most favorable for growing this unusual shrub. Harry Lauder's Walking Sticks reach a height of 8'-10', with an equal spread.

They produce a 'yellowish-brown' catkin early to middle spring. However, while some will consider this their flower, it's usually the unusual growth pattern of branching that peeks the interest in gardeners. The Harry Lauder's Walking Stick, Corylus avellana - cultivar being 'Contorta' is also referred to as a Corkscrew filbert and Contorted hazelnut. Harry Lauder's grow best in well-drained soil and in full sun to part shade.

Have you ever wondered where this most unusual specimen got its name from? According to Adele Kleine of "Flower and Garden Magazine," the shrub's "appealing common name derives from the old Scottish comedian Harry Lauder who performed using a crooked branch as a cane."

Stop in today and let us help you choose your own Harry Lauder's Walking Stick!

March Landscaping Tips

2011-03-03T11:41:00.000-05:00

Spring is just a couple weeks away! During the month of March, there are several items you can be doing in your landscape.

*Know the last spring frost date for your area* In Zone 6, we are May 15 for most tender annuals.

Beware of frosts after thaw; make sure any unprotected plants are mulched

Plant seeds indoors that need 8-10 weeks before transplant

Continue pruning deciduous trees, Regenerative prune shrubs and vines that flower on new wood / have colorful branches

Do not prune spring-flowering shrubs except to correct problems (this will be done after they've bloomed)

Transplant un-established shrubs before they bud out

Cut back ornamental grasses

Fertilize early-flowering bulbs

Apply Weed Pre-emergent if not done already in February

Weeks Away From Showtime

2011-02-18T11:58:00.000-05:00

At Rutgers Landscape & Nursery we are just weeks away from showtime! It's a time for "Rejuvenating", looking ahead to warmer days and outdoor pleasures.

Whether it's a new coat of paint, visions of color in your landscape, new growth on existing plants or redesigning your garden, spring is one of the most refreshing times of the year.

At Rutgers Landscape & Nursery we are setting the table for a wonderful season ahead to better serve you and your needs. Trucks are arriving daily with beautiful selections of trees, new product lines are being set in place and plans are underway for an exciting spring!

Recently, we were chosen as one of the Top 100 Revolutionary Garden Centers within the U.S. by the "Today's Garden Center" Magazine. We are honored to accept this award and share our excitement with you, our valued customers.

Spring is the time when we find pleasure in the new colors that arrive in our gardens, the new growth that promises to please and the buds that burst open with joy. Why not join the party and rejuvenate this spring!

February Landscape Tips!

2011-02-01T12:05:00.001-05:00

We're getting closer to spring! In the mean time however, there are still some landscape tips that you can do.

Plant seeds indoors that need 10-12 weeks before transplanting

Continue looking for plant damage and pruning dead wood

Lightly prune the ends of spring-flowering shrubs to "force" them

Prune deciduous trees, except river birch, flowering cherries, maples and lindens

Continue removing heavy snow from shrubs

Formative pruning can be done on barberry & summer-flowering shrubs; regenerative pruning on shrubs with colorful branches, such as red or yellow twig dogwood

What is the picture?

Witch Hazel

Hamamelis virginiana

Witch hazel is relatively care free, rarely bothered by pests or diseases and will grow into an attractive shape with minimal pruning.

A must have shrub in the landscape especially in winter for fragrance and adding a sparkle of color!

Consider this selection when adding to your landscape in spring. Find a spot near the entry garden, walkway or patio so you can enjoy the fragrance of the flowers in winter.

It is also a wonderful plant that can be added in the back of a perennial border in order to add height or between more formal gardens transitioning to natural areas.

Witch Hazels enjoy evenly moist soils, and planted in areas that receive sun to part shade. They can grow anywhere between 12-20' high by 10-15' wide.

Do you have a Witch Hazel in your landscape?

A Breath of Spring During Winter

2011-01-21T14:48:00.000-05:00

Isn't it true that during mid to late January passionate gardeners find it hard to contain their desire to get their hands back in the earth? In reality, it's only been been three months since we've seen color in our gardens, but for some it's been a very long three months considering the recent snowfalls we've had in Zone 6.

There are ways that we can breathe spring into these long winter months inside without too much work in fact.

Of course, we can peruse through the umpteen seed catalogs that come our way, or find solace in forcing bulbs and tending to our houseplants. Some will even start new houseplants by cuttings taken from established houseplants.

However, there is another way we can fool winter into thinking it is spring simply by bringing a little of the outdoors - indoors! How? By forcing branches!

There are many branches that can be cut and brought inside to be forced such as:

Forsythia
Redbud
Flowering Quince
Flowering Dogwood
Witch Hazel
Hawthorn
Honeysuckle
Saucer Magnolia
Crabapple
Flowering Cherry or Plum
Pussy Willow
Lilac
Viburnum

All you need is a tall vase and a pair of pruning shears or a sharp knife. When temperatures are above freezing in late January and February, select the branches that have many plump buds. Then prune some branches off the shrub or tree.

Place the cut branches in a container of warm water. Remove any buds and twigs that may be under water.

Place your container in a warm room between 60-70 degrees. Then, all you have to do is watch your branches and the natural course of mother nature will take place. With some plants the wait time will be one to eight weeks, but with others, you'll be surprised much sooner. For example, this vase of Forsythia branches took five days to produce a green bud!

In the mean time, let's not forget two notes:

1) Snow is a wonderful insulator to plants and in some cases will make them prosper more come spring.

2) Without winter their wouldn't be a spring!

Plants for Inside & Out

2011-01-10T14:48:00.000-05:00

Two plants immediately come to mind when you're looking for choices to put outside in spring and summer and bring back inside during fall and winter. Both plants will grow nicely in part sun to light shade. What are they?

Boston Fern & Rex Begonia

Boston Ferns are one of the most popular varieties of ferns. They have frilly leaves or fronds, that unfurl into long hanging beautiful specimens. They are elegant, charming and are like no other houseplant around!

Boston Ferns are popular choices for hanging off decks and porches, sitting in a beautiful container nestled in the corner of an otherwise boring part of your deck or patio. They add a soft touch to a combination of other plants mixed together as well.

They grow beautifully in indirect sunlight and love humid, slightly cooler conditions. Keep in mind that Boston Ferns have very healthy root systems thus checking their soil for moisture is important as they do not like to dry out. Want to add a soft touch to your landscape bed, why not temporarily sink a potted Boston Fern in the landscape. Enjoy it outside all spring and summer, then come fall, wash off the pot and enjoy it outside.

When bringing your Boston Fern inside, remember to supply plenty of humidity, if even resting it on a plate filled with stones, adding water just below the line of the stones. Your fern will love it! Fertilizing Boston Ferns should only be done in spring, summer and fall applying a water soluble, nitrogen based fertilizer. Also, if the fronds start shedding their leaves, this is a natural occurrence as they will typically shed when brought indoors in fall.

Rex Begonias are another great "inside & out" plant. They are more known for the colorful, wild looking leaves than for their flowers. Technically, they are considered tropical plants but, imagine your landscape with these beauties tucked in between. Their leaves are always different and interesting to look at especially in combination with other colorful plants. Often Rex Begonia lovers will remove the flowers so that the plant can focus energy on the development of their leaves instead. Another interesting character about the Rex Begonia is that they typically have fuzzy, or hairy leaves.

Like the Boston Fern, the Rex Begonia can be temporarily planted in the garden during spring and summer and removed in fall and brought inside to extend the beauty it provides. They will thrive in full sun to partial shade, avoiding direct burning sun. Watering the Rex Begonia is easy as it should only be watered when the soil in the pot feels dry, but not waiting until the leaves begin to wilt. Another humidity lover, the Rex Begonia will thrive off of being placed on stone based tray only filling water just under the stones. Do not spray the leaves however as this will lead to rot and spotting. Like the Boston Fern, you can fertilize the Rex Begonia monthly in spring, summer and fall, and not at all in winter. They are somewhat picky about the temperature to which they will like, thus keeping them in a room above 65 degrees is beneficial.

As you can see, there are choices when it comes to finding a dual-purpose plant, which is even cost effective!

January Landscape Tips!

2011-01-04T11:49:00.000-05:00

Don't let the cold days of winter discourage your gardening habits..

Bundle up and take a tour of your garden and beds and take an observation of what can be done. Pay special attention to the following tips:

Spread winter mulch in beds using leaves, branches from Christmas trees, woodchips or mulch to prevent heaving
Go through your garden and inspect for winter damage
Prune damaged branches and dead wood on woody shrubs and trees (test for dead branches by scratching bark and looking for green)
Do some formative pruning on summer or fall flowering woody shrubs (i.e., butterfly bush, itea, spirea)
Fertilize acid-loving shrubs, if not already done in fall
Water evergreen and broad-leaf evergreen shrubs during warm spells
Protect shrubs planted under the roofline from snow, remove heavy snow from shrubs to prevent damage
Use sand, gravel, urea or kitty litter instead of salt on driveway or paths near gardens

Today in the Gardeners Journal - January 2

2011-01-02T08:58:00.001-05:00

After spending some time at home, I have become keenly aware of the amount of birds that appear during winter. Why haven't I noticed these beautiful creatures during spring, summer and fall? Perhaps it's because they are busy feeding on the natural beauty that surrounds my home? Whatever the reason, I'm happy to witness their visits during the winter and have taken great strides to welcome them!

Outside my kitchen window hangs a pole perfect for resting bird feeders on which gives me a "birds eye view" of my new friends. But, now I needed the feeders! Being a thrifty kind of person, I decided to try my hand at making my own. It was rather easy to do with just a few small purchased items. I made these bird feeders out of:

Soda bottles
Milk containers
Plastic storage containers

Tools I needed:

Wood burner (used very carefully to make the feeder and perch holes)
Wooden dowels for perches
Cooking spoons for perches
Shoe laces or twine for hanging
Screws to hold the saucers on

After I was done making the feeders, I filled them with a variety of birdseed. You'll notice that the one feeder has smaller feeding holes as finch food (Nyjer seed) is very fine and only requires a small hole.

It is important to match up the size of your feeder hole to the type of seed you will be using or else, your seed will flow quickly out of your feeder.

The next element I decided to add to my pursuit of welcoming my fine feathered friends was the addition of my "Feeder Tree". It is a Dwarf Alberta Spruce in which I added plumes of ornamental grasses, pyracantha cuttings and sprays of millet. It has been fascinating seeing the smaller birds fly in and out of this tree collecting the seeds and nestling in between the branches of the tree.

After I 'set the table' for the arrival of my new friends, I realized that they were one week in arriving as it was apparent that my new 'bird cafe' had to be watched carefully before being accepted as a four star restaurant. I'm happy to report though that they have finally started dining without reservation!

Another interesting lesson I learned is that woodpeckers especially love suet! They are not camera shy and they often travel in harmonious pairs. I think I'll investigate how to make homemade suet next! Do you have a recipe for suet you'd like to share?

2010 YEAR IN REVIEW!

2010-12-22T19:52:00.001-05:00

December is a great month to look back on our accomplishments, the things that made us successful, and even some things that we will want to change in the coming year. It was an exciting year for Rutgers Landscape & Nursery starting from January and all the way through the present.

For us at Rutgers, the winter months are a time to put back on our thinking caps and come up with ideas to WOW you! We did a great job at it during 2010 so we set the bar high for another fantastic year ahead! We hope you enjoy the following achievements we have accomplished this year and we thank you for being a part of our successes!

Here are our Top 10 Highlights of 2010!

Rutgers Landscape & Nursery joined FACE BOOK!
Click here to join in the fun today!

                Rutgers Celebrates its
                   25th Anniversary!
                   Click here to rediscover who we are and
                    where we started from!

We announced our newly designed website!
Bookmark our website as there's always something new happening at Rutgers!

We built several "FUN" additions to the Nursery!
Rutgers has, and always will be, a FUN place to shop! Click here to see why!

Rutgers kicks off their "Steward of the Earth" Campaign!
This year we promoted the New Jersey Tree Foundation by donating 2% of all sales from June 18 through August 15 to this foundation. Click here to find out more and how you can take part during 2011!

We announced our "2010 Best Garden Contest" winners!
Click here to see the gardens that caught our attention! Maybe you'll be next!

Rutgers announces it's a "Dog Friendly" Nursery!
You can't miss our larger than life 'green roof' dog house and our watering stations throughout the nursery. We welcome our four-legged friends! Click here to learn more!

We Won First Prize in the "Today's Garden Magazine" Steal This Idea Contest!
We entered our idea of the "BIG" yellow chairs into the contest & won 1st prize thanks to the many voters who found our idea to be top notch! We won some very exciting prizes thanks to you! Click here to see our idea!

Our 2010 Seminar program was a complete success!
This year we added many "hands-on" workshops to our seminar program which received raved reviews! We are grateful for our many returning customers who spread the word about our seminar program and welcome the many new faces we met over the year. We promise that our 2011 Seminar Program will delight you as we have an all new program in store!

Lastly, our Rutgers Reuters Blog receives more than 17,000 visitors!
It has been a great blogging year for us as we have continued to inspire and educate fellow gardeners in the passion of making the world a greener place to live in! We have received many fine comments on the quality of our posts and have been noted by several organizations and websites as having an "Outstanding Blog". We thank all the readers that have commented on our posts. Because of your comments and encouraging words we are continually motivated to provide more content that will help you in your labor love of gardening!

Stay connected with Rutgers Landscape & Nursery as we have an exciting 2011 planned!

The entire staff of Rutgers Landscape & Nursery

wishes you a safe & healthy holiday

and a happy New Year!

Your Composter Called - It's Hungry!

2010-12-18T17:14:00.000-05:00

Yes indeed if you have an established compost pile it is still willing and able to accept your contributions! If you've been composting your food scraps during spring, summer and fall, why stop now?

Considering that the average family produces 400-600 pounds of organics per year, composting can still continue during the winter months. In theory, the compost will not 'cook' like it was in the spring and summer, but you can certainly continue to build the pile.

Wintertime isn't the best time to 'start' a new compost pile, but adding to an existing pile is absolutely doable if you're willing to go the extra mile. For many, your compost piles are a distance away from your home, thus this means you'll have to shovel a path to your composter in order to 'feed it'.

During winter, adding food scraps will be your primary 'green' addition, but what about the 'browns'? Here's an idea! Get a covered container and fill it with leaves, twigs, dead plants now before the snow really covers everything! Put it next to your compost heap and after making an addition of greens, you'll have a convenient amount of browns to add afterwards.

There's no need to worry about adding water as snow cover will provide the moisture. What's next? In Spring, once your heap thaws, turn it over and your ready for the following seasons worth of compost.

Have you always thought about starting a compost heap but haven't yet? There are so many benefits of composting that it's worth investigating such an endeavor.

You can start by reading our previous post "The Dirt on Composting".

Happy Composting!

Pretty in Plumes!

2010-12-16T17:14:00.000-05:00

Ornamental grasses ... a truly versatile plant that deserves a place in the landscape. They are easy to grow, pest free and are available in a large variety of species.

Not only are they beautiful to look at and admire in spring and summer, but they add winter interest as well. Many have large white plumes or colorful seedheads that stand high above the dried foliage throughout winter. As an added bonus they also provide food for winter birds.

If you have already discovered the beautiful world of ornamental grasses by now you more than likely have fluffy plumes on your grasses. Why not bring the beauty inside? The plumes will last for years!

You can use grass plumes in wreaths, arrangements or simply put in a vase. If your plumes have not started drying yet, just cut the plumes to the desired length, bundle the stalks and hang them upside down to dry. You will be amazed how fast the plumes will puff out.

Ornamental grasses ... They add life, motion, interest and imagination into the garden - wouldn't you agree?

Tips on Caring for Your Perfect Christmas Tree

2010-12-15T18:32:00.000-05:00

Selecting the perfect Christmas tree is often a cherished family tradition. Many will make an occasion out of such an event or just simply stop by the local stand to pick up the tree that will stand with joy in their homes throughout the holiday season.

Whether you purchase a 'cut' tree or a live 'B&B' (Balled and Burlap) tree, there are important measures to take with both.

Did you know that the five most popular Christmas tree varieties are:
- Frasier Fir
- Douglas Fir
- Balsam Fir
- Colorado Blue Spruce
- Scotch Pine

If you have purchased a 'cut' tree here are some important tips to keep in mind during the holiday season:

- Before putting the tree in your stand, be sure to cut one-half inch from the bottom of the tree, or ask the tree seller to make a 'fresh cut' on your tree.

- Avoid placing your tree near a heat source which includes sunny windows, radiators, heating vents and fireplaces.

- Check the water level every day and refill the stand when needed. Use warm water when watering your tree as it will soften the sap on the bottom of the tree.

If you are planning on purchasing a 'balled and burlap tree' keep in mind the following:

- Dig a hole for the tree now where you expect to plant it after the holidays. Place the soil in an area where it will not freeze so you can plant it after without it being frozen.

- Keep your live tree in the house for as short a time as possible.

- Place the root ball in a galvanized container or another type of container that is large enough to sustain the size of the rootball.

- Keep the ball plenty moist while in your home without being soggy. To help you can add mulch around the ball to help contain the moisture.

- After Christmas move the tree outside as soon as possible and then plant it by placing it in the pre-dug hole and back fill with the soil you have saved. Make sure there are no air pockets in the soil around the ball. When planting make sure you do not plant the tree too deep as the top of the ball should be one to two inches above the ground level.

- Fertilize the tree in the spring with an organic material.

Regardless of what type of tree you decide on this Christmas, whether it be a cut tree or balled and burlap tree, or whatever variety of tree you decide, remember that the meaning of the Christmas tree has always been everlasting light and life, thus there is no right or wrong when selecting a Christmas tree.

Today in the Gardeners Journal - December 10

2010-12-10T07:36:00.003-05:00

While walking in my yard I heard a hammering noise high above me. To my surprise I saw this large bird perched on the tree hammering away with its beek. Upon doing some research I found it was a Pileated Woodpecker!

Have you seen these large birds in your yard? They are considerably larger than any other woodpecker I've ever seen.

Here are some facts about the Pileated Woodpecker:

- They are slightly larger than the American Crow with a wingspan of 26–29.5 inches

- These birds usually travel in pairs and will stay in their territory all year long. Once they mate, they will stay with their partner for life.

- They prefer large trees for nesting.

- They feed on insects, primarily carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae, fruits, and nuts. During winter, they will search out dormant insects nests.

To my surprise I found the proof of their continued existence in my yard as I found their typical way of forging for food in a nearby tree as they will make deep rectangular excavations in trees and logs to find their food then strip away long pieces of bark to further their exploration.

The next time you hear a 'knocking' sound high in the trees, be sure to look up as you will be surprised by this winged friend who by the way, was the original inspiration of the well known cartoon character called, "Woody the Woodpecker"!

Holiday Plants Sure To Please!

2010-12-07T14:29:00.000-05:00

There are two plants that are commonly available during the holiday season which will make for an excellent houseplant as well! Going to a holiday party and need a gift? You can delight the host or hostess with a beautiful Poinsettia or Cyclamen. Both of these plants are sure to please and will live long after the holiday decorations are taken down.

Poinsettia

Similar to many houseplants, poinsettia's are tropical plants. Interestingly enough, the poinsettia is a member of the spurge family and has small, inconspicuous flowers. What most people refer to as their 'flowers' being beautiful, they are actually leaf-like bracts.

They are one of the most popular holiday flowers and range in colors from White, Pink to Red and many other colors in between due to hybridization. Would it surprise you to learn that growers will start planting poinsettias in August and nurture them until it's time for them to fill the need for the holiday rush.

If you are the lucky receiver of a beautiful poinsettia the care is easy!

- Place your poinsettia in a sunny window.

- Poinsettia's enjoy temperatures between 65-75 degrees and will tolerate 60 degrees at night, just be careful to avoid drafty areas or their leaves touching cold windows.

- Water your plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Water until it drains out the bottom, but don't let it sit in water as this will cause wilt and can lead to leaf drop.

Are they poisonous? For years poinsettia's were mislabeled with an old wives tale that they were. However, research indicates they do not contain chemicals commonly considered toxic. Still though, eating poinsettias is not recommended and while most people are not sensitive to their sap, it can cause mild skin irritation.

Do they have a meaning? Yes. The ancient Aztecs considered the poinsettia to be a symbol of purity. For them, it was considered the "skin flower". Poinsettia's were used to produce red dye and also medicinally to reduce fevers. Today, poinsettias are the most easily recognized flower symbolic of Christmas. Poinsettias are also known as the "Christmas flower" and "Mexican flame leaf."

Cyclamen

While the term Cyclamen is a diverse group of plants, they are commonly referred to during the holidays as "Florist Cyclamen" as they provide vibrant colored flowers and will remain a beautiful houseplant. They have striking flowers that stand upright above their heart-shaped foliage. Cyclamen can be found in shades of pink, red or white.

Cyclamen are easy to care for but will require a different atmosphere than the poinsettia.

- Place your cyclamen in bright, indirect light.

- Cyclamen prefer to be cooler than in a hot, dry room. Avoid temperatures below 50 degrees. Have a cool, bright window with a sheer? This is the perfect spot for this plant!

- Water whenever the soil feels dry, avoid getting the crown and leaves wet as this will cause wilt. As with most houseplants, do not allow it to sit in water.

Although Cyclamen are a popular flower during the holidays, they are also popular gifts for those that need to say so-long or goodbye. This symbolism makes cyclamen especially appropriate for gifts for friends who are retiring or relocating.

Tree of the Week: Coral Bark Maple

2010-11-24T12:26:00.000-05:00

The Coral Bark Maple 'Acer Palmatum' also known as Sangokaku Japanese Maple is a tree worth having! It gives you three seasons of reasons to consider it a specimen in your landscape.

The Coral Bark Maple can grow up to 20-25' high and 15' wide and is best planted in full sun to part shade. It has a moderate to slow growth rate.

Common Uses:
Specimen planting
Feature plant

Requirements:
Sun to shade
Moist to well drained soils
Will tolerate heavy clay or sandy soil
Drought tolerant

Foliage:
Delicate yellowish green leaves tinged with red during spring
Lush green leaves during summer
Beautiful hues of reds, golds and apricot during fall

Winter Interest:
Coral red winter bark which intensifies in cold weather to almost salmon. To obtain the best bark color the Coral Bark Maple should be planted in full sun.

The Sangokaku "Coral Bark" maple is definitely a plant worth having in your landscape. Sangokaku means "coral tower or coral pillar" in Japanese. Avoid planting in windy locations.

Visit our online store for more information on the Coral Bark Maple

Are Deer Rubbing You the Wrong Way?

2010-11-17T16:48:00.003-05:00

Are you noticing more deer in your yard lately? Do they seem less cautious than usual? Why? Because deer are mating right now. This season is called "Rutting". It is the time that male deer are marking their territory to attract females and warning other males to stay away. They typically mark their territory by rubbing on the bark of trees.

Another reason deer will rub against trees is to remove the velvet from their antlers and even when the velvet is removed, they will still rub and scrape trees to polish their antlers.

Unfortunately, all this rubbing and scraping on trees can cause damage to the trees, especially to the bark. Trees favorable to deer can vary in size from just a little sapling to a mature tree 4" to 8" wide.

However, trees have a remarkable ability to naturally close the wound themselves. Once the tree is damaged it will form walls or calluses to slowly cover the damaged area.

Avoid the urge to apply any wound dressings as this will only seal in moisture which can promote further damage later or worse, encourage insects. It is much better that the tree has air and sun to heal on its own. If the damage is severe, gently cutting off the jagged pieces of bark around the edge will help the tree start to cover the wound.

Most often, if the damage has not gone to far into the "Cambium" layer of the tree it will survive by forming a callus over the damaged area thus, beginning to heal itself.

The cambium layer can be found just beneath the bark of the tree and it is responsible for the growth and physical structure that holds the tree up off the ground giving it its strength and flexibility.

What can you do to prevent deer damage on your trees? There are many options available.

- Install a vinyl or wire cage around the trunk of your trees. This method is highly recommended as it gives the trunk air and sunlight.

- Vinyl or gauze like tree wrap can be placed around the trunk of the tree.

- Deer spray can be applied.

In spring, the deer wrap can be removed as rutting season typically begins in November just as the days get shorter and lasts between 1-3 months. However, if you live in a very populated deer area, you may want to leave the tree protection on but check it every so often to make sure it is not hindering the growth habit of your tree.

A Little TLC Goes A Long Way!

2010-11-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

Winter conditions such as snow, sleet and icy winds can be harsh on landscape plants, especially those that have already been stressed by our recent drought.

The best time to protect your plants from harsh winter conditions is late fall. Give your plants a little extra TLC to ensure their health next spring! Here are some ways you can protect your plants.

Desiccation

The results of desiccation is the browning leaves of broad leaf evergreens such as Rhododendrons, Skip Laurels, Hollies and Andromeda.

During the coldest months when the ground is frozen, water can not be absorbed and the leaves can dry out. Cold winds can damage the leaves as well thus apply an anti-desiccant such as Wilt Pruf to protect the leaves from such drying effects.

Winter Mulch

Applying a winter mulch such as wood chips, shredded bark, compost or leaves will prevent the soil from heaving during freezing and thawing and will reduce root breakage. It is best to spread winter mulch on the ground after the ground has frozen being careful to avoid putting it too close to the trunk or crowns of trees which can hamper air circulation. In spring, winter mulch should be removed.

Salt Damage

Avoid using an excessive amount of ice melt that contains sodium or calcium chloride around your landscape plants, especially around walkways. Salt can damage plants in two ways. First by the spray of salt that it receives which kills dormant buds by penetrating leaf scars and second, in the soil where it breaks down into sodium and chlorine.

To learn more about salt damage and salt-resistant plants click here to read our "Salt Damage to Landscape Plants" blog post.

Ice and Snow Damage

There is no denying how beautiful freshly fallen snow can look on plants and trees however the weight of ice and snow can often break off branches of plants. While snow is an excellent insulator, this is primarily true only on perennials and low-growing plants, thus carefully brushing snow off larger plants, evergreens and trees will prevent breakage.

Rose Care

At Rutgers Nursery, we often receive questions regarding winter care of roses. Winter in our Zone 6 can often challenge rose bushes, but primarily only in hybrid tea forms of roses. Shrub roses are a much hardier plant and can survive winter with little maintenance other than cleaning up the leaves around the base of the plant. If you have hybrid tea roses, consider a little extra TLC this fall by protecting the graft of the rose. Protect the roots and the graft which should be at or just below the soil surface. Mound 6-12 inches of compost or mulch around the crown of the plant. Another method of protection would be circling the rose with wire and filling it with leaves or mulch. Avoid using soil to use as mulch as moving it in spring could disturb the root system.

Winter protection is a matter of common sense. By giving your plants a little TLC this fall, you'll reap the benefits next spring!

Today in the Gardeners Journal - November 14

2010-11-14T14:52:00.006-05:00

What a beautiful fall day! Temperatures in the 60's made it the perfect day to get more yard work done. More leaves needed to be picked up and blown away and by the looks of it, I'm far from finishing this task. Last year every leaf was down by Thanksgiving.

Judging from the amount of leaves that are still hanging on, it'll be December by the time the last leaf will fall.

I couldn't help but admire though the beauty that some of my shade trees are exhibiting this year. This maple, for example, is displaying the brightest red it has ever shown. It looks awesome and I can't get enough of it.

Isn't it amazing how the smallest of plants can surprise you! This pansy suddenly appeared within a brick patio standing tall and beautiful waiting for someone to say, "Wow.. look at you!"

I finally had the chance to plant the five heads of garlic I've been wanting to do for weeks. I was amazed that five heads = 80 cloves! Slow and steady she goes digging each hole. Yes, I could have made the job easier by digging a trench and planting them, but realizing that this would be the last opportunity to get my hands in the soil, I forged ahead and dug each hole. 80 cloves of garlic.. that's a lot of garlic you know! All the while I was thinking of the benefits I will reap next year, let alone the extra deer protection the foliage will provide next year.

If you notice, I dug the holes at least three inches or more deep and set the clove bottom side down and secured it into the soil. After I was done planting them, I covered the holes with a great layer of mulched leaves for winter. I will be patiently waiting for them next spring.

While digging each hole I couldn't help but gain a little satisfaction from the number of earthworms I found. Since this was the first year I've used this area for a vegetable garden and it is very sandy soil, I have been adding organic material monthly to further enrich the area. Seeing the earthworms I realized I must be doing something right!

To my surprise, the herb troughs I planted earlier in spring were still producing some last sprigs of parsley and oregano.

Indeed I snipped them and mulched them in well with leaves as well as the strawberry plants that were a late addition to my garden this year.

I gave my compost bin another stir and realized that these will be the final weeks for this endeavor.

The benefits the composter will serve next year will be welcomed, especially with the compost that will surely be ready for adding to the garden.

Just as I thought my day was complete, I was heading towards my house when I suddenly saw this surprise. It's the first time I've seen this friend in my yard and quickly snapped a picture of him. Low and behold it was a male pheasant! How stunning he was to look at and how funny it was to see him scamper away.. He must be camera shy! I'll consider his visit a special part of my day since pheasants may be wild on the outside, but quite tender-hearted and conservative on the inside. The pheasant asks that we honor our genuine selves, and not pretend to be something we are not. This incorporates the symbolism of protection of ourselves and our loved ones.

The pheasant animal symbolism also speaks to us about the value of balance in areas of spirituality. Being an air animal, the pheasant deals with thought, dreams, aspiration, spirituality, and things that lift us into higher states of consciousness.

Three Needles with Character

2010-11-13T10:47:00.003-05:00

There are three trees that are looked upon with distinction especially this time of the year.

They are White Pine, Norway Spruce and Colorado Blue Spruce.

All of these trees are in the conifer family and are capable of producing cones.

Conifers are planted for a variety of reasons including:

Windbreaks
Wildlife habitat
Erosion control
Screening
Specimen plantings

White Pine

White pine is a fast growing evergreen tree reaching 50-80' in height by 3-5' wide. Its fibrous root system does best in well drained to slightly moist soils and will tolerate most soil conditions including clay. Has beautiful long soft needles that range from 2-4" long. White pines are known to be long lived trees and will produce cones that peak in their production every 3 to 5 years. Are easily sheared to help maintain a more compact, dense like tree. Best grown in full sun.

Norway Spruce

Norway Spruces are moderate growing evergreens. They have strong branches covered with dark green needles 1/2" to 1" long. Mature trees reach 60-90' in height . Thrives in clay to loam soils. Prefers moisture in soil to maintain deep green color. They are noted for being one of the most disease resistant evergreens and while not as formal as other spruces, they have a beauty and character that makes them very noteworthy aside from being long lived trees. They are one of the favorite trees picked for Rockefeller Center's Christmas display in New York City. This conifer makes an excellent windbreak. Best grown in full sun to light shade. Deer resistant.

Colorado Blue Spruce

Colorado Blue Spruces are nicely shaped, moderately large trees. They are slow growing spruces, growing 6-12" per year reaching 50-80' tall. They have silvery, blue-green needles 1" to 1 1/2" long. Prefers rich, moist soils and is the least shade tolerant of all the spruces. Rated one of the most popular evergreens, they make beautiful specimen trees, windbreaks or screens. The pyramidal shape of this noted tree makes them a classic Christmas tree. Grows best if full sun and is deer resistant.

Image via Wikipedia

Why not consider one of these trees that will surely add character and distinction to your landscape. It's the perfect time as we are offering them at a wonderful discount of 50% off regular price! Visit our webstore for more information.

Today in the Gardeners Journal - November 8

2010-11-08T12:51:00.001-05:00

I've always considered November to be the 'transitional' month. Although it's still considered fall, there are mornings where frost can be seen on the grass, yet warm enough in the afternoon to still dig in the soil and be planting for next spring!

It's the month when we clean up our gardens, prepare for next years garden and learn from this years gardening experience and plan ideas for next spring.

What do you think about the fall foliage this year? Has the fall color show excited you or disappointed you?

For me, I believe the fall foliage has not been as lush. After doing some research I found that many experts believe the sun-filled, rain-free and long hot days from mid-June to early August weathered the leaves in the state before they could change to their brilliant orange, yellow and red hues. There's always next year!

Now that more than half of the leaves in my yard have fallen I'm noticing the yard art more that I've got scattered around. When my landscape is in full color, the art I have around seems to take second stage, however, now it seems they have their time to shine again. Do you have "yard art" in your landscape?

Yard art can mean anything from statuary, to antique objects, pieces of wood that have intrigued you to just being completely creative. For example, this CD hanging from the limb of this tree. When the CD is turning in the wind and it catches the sunlight it's just beautiful!

Yard Art may not be for everyone, but tastefully placed it can add some flavor, some pizazz and creativity in your yard.

November Gardening Tips!

2010-11-03T12:51:00.002-04:00

Take advantage of the cool weather to prepare your garden for next Spring! Here are a few tips for you to do in the garden during the month of November:

- Adjust soil pH

- Rake leaves off lawn before snow

- Spray broad-leaf evergreens with Wilt-Pruf, water on warm days

- Fertilize trees and shrubs (that have been planted for at least a year) when dormant

- Finish cutting back perennials; mulch perennial garden after ground has frozen

- Plant daffodil bulbs until ground freezes

- Transplant established trees and shrubs after defoliated

- Water broadleaf evergreens on warm days

Here's a Shady Idea! Plant shade trees this fall!

2010-10-19T17:27:00.001-04:00

Autumn Blaze Maple

If you're tired of suffering though long, hot summers there's no better time to plant shade trees and plan for next years cooling effect than this fall!

Norwegian Sunset Maple

There are so many benefits of planting shade trees for example, they add oxygen back into the air, they create beautiful visual screens and of course, they add color into your landscape! With so many benefits, every homeowner should have one or more!

Satin Shadow Linden

The logic of "Fall is for Planting" is especially true with shade trees because they enter a stage of dormancy, or as one would compare it to like a bear when it hibernates. Trees slow their growth functions and concentrate on building a strong root system which better supports the new foliage in spring.

While many shade trees have green leaves during their primary growing season in spring and summer, they will no doubt surprise you with beautiful fall foliage with hues of oranges, yellows, reds and every shimmering color in between this palate of colors!

What are the most popular shade trees?

Pin Oak

- Ash

-Maple

-Linden

-Oak

-Honey Locust

Making the investment this fall is the best time to ensure a shady, cooler, more enjoyable summer next year and at terrific prices!

Today in the Gardeners Journal - October 17

2010-10-17T18:50:00.002-04:00

Sunday, October 17

Although it was a stunningly beautiful fall day, perfect for doing yard work and fall clean up I decided to put my tasks aside for the day and enjoy nature at its fullest. I grabbed my camera and ventured into the woods behind my home.

It's the area that I've always only looked upon from the edge of my yard and not fully appreciated. Today was different though as I saw the sun shining through the trees I felt an uninhibited need to explore nature and appreciate what grows wild and lays quietly in the unsuspecting parts of my world.

There was no judgment, no thoughts of "I need to change this or that", only enjoyment and looking at nature from the ground up. What I found surprised me as I walked through the woods.

As I walked towards this part of my yard I found my first unexpected surprise, a woolly bear caterpillar crawling hastily through the grass as if he was leading the way!

As I entered into the heavily wooded area I came across another friendly creature, none other than one of the frogs that I hear singing every night. How perfectly he stood until I captured this picture. It was then that I realized that this was going to be a great exploration and looked with new eyes at the beautiful woods that edges my property.

It's amazing how tree trunks can present such stature in nature. I wondered if squirrels enjoy shelter in this old broken trunk and then noticed a nail on the side. Who put it there I wondered as these woods have not been touched in years?

Perhaps the same person that enjoyed this old bottle of soda?

As I walked throughout the sticker bushes and brush I realized what beautiful foliage can be found just by looking in the most unexpected places. Moss growing on logs sets a beautiful picture just waiting to be noticed!

Surprise! I found this salamander basking in the sun!

My intentions of this visit was to appreciate nature and view the day as simple as possible.

As gardeners sometimes we are so focused on the work in our gardens that we often forget about the beauty that comes naturally without the everyday labor or planning.

While walking further I found this incredible stump that provided a perfect back drop and shelter to the fern that gracefully leaned against it. I was taken back by the peacefulness that this area provided. A place that I will definitely visit again.

While walking back towards my home, my eyes were intrigued by this beautiful cluster of red berries. Alas! they were Arum italicum berries which appear after the flowers! As a young child I remember my mother showing me these plants in the woods and cautioning me not to touch the berries because they contain Calcium oxalate which is a poisonous substance that can produce sores and numbing when ingested. Did you know that Arums are members of the Araceae family along with native skunk cabbage?

While looking at my garden from the edge of the woods I realized I have beauty inside and out, inside my garden where I tediously plan, weed and harvest, and then out in the wooded natural area that I've always considered an area of future transformation. I've decided that this area will stay as it is so I can enjoy nature at its most untouched innocence.

How to Grow Mums as Perennials

2010-10-15T17:42:00.002-04:00

Mums 'Chrysanthemums' are a wonderful addition to the garden in fall! They are beautiful, colorful additions to a garden that has lost its pizazz from tired annuals.

While many will put mums in their gardens as a final burst of color and treat them as annuals they can absolutely be grown as perennials too!

It's easy to do in four steps!

1) Plant your mums in a sunny location in soil that has been amended with compost or other organic materials.

2) Once the mums have finished blooming at the end of fall, cut them back to the soil line. Mulch over the entire plant with leaves, mulch or even pine branches. By doing this, you are protecting the root system from damaging frost.

3) In late March, remove the mulch from the plant and water. Soon you should start to see the green foliage emerge.

4) Once the mum is more than 12" you should start 'pinching back' in May until July 4th. You should keep pinching them back to a height of 6" to 8" and do not allow the buds to form. Remember not to pinch after July 4th. This will ensure full and heavy flowering in September.

Just remember that mums will take up space in your garden and will only remain green for the spring growing season where you may have otherwise planted other colorful annuals. Bear this in mind when designing your garden beds and planting mums this fall!

Today in the Gardeners Journal - October 13

2010-10-13T17:21:00.000-04:00

Wednesday, October 13th

It was a good brisk morning to start my fall cleanup. I had four things to accomplish today. 1) Bringing in the Australian Tree Fern and the Passion Flower, 2) Cutting back the front perennial bed and 3) Cutting back and storing my tropical elephant ear and 4) Planting garlic in the vegetable garden.

1) Realizing that earlier this week we had our first frost I decided not to temp fate and bring in the tropical plants. While the Australian Tree Fern can take some cooler temperatures, the Passion Flower can not thus it was time to make room for them inside. The Australian Tree Fern enjoys a shady position in the home that has good air circulation. I decided on the perfect location, even though the room does get some sun mid day, for the most part it is a perfect spot for this beautiful fern. The Passion Flower was easy as that enjoys a very sunny window and constant monitoring as it will not tolerate going dry. The next time I water both I will be sure to apply some Bonide Systemic Houseplant Insect Control to ward off any insects that may have laid eggs in the soil. Task one complete!

2) The front perennial bed while seemingly small, holds a lot of perennials that each has their time to shine, however, with the recent cooler weather everything has looked rather tired and deserving of a long winter rest. Cutting back the perennials was easy and methodical. However, the mission I set forth on next was the most intriguing to me and so out of character. I am one of those 'neat' gardeners who likes everything neat and orderly, blows the leaves out of the perennials and garden beds as if they were litter. However, this year I decided to do something totally out of the norm for me. While looking at the beautiful yellow and gold maple leaves in a nearby bed I suddenly had an entirely new perspective and purpose on falling leaves. I decided to let nature help me with my chore and used the leaves from this particular area that is also riddled with pine needles and humus to help me mulch in this perennial area.

This particular perennial bed is always the area that I shovel all the snow on to so this year I figured, let me cover the bed with these wonderful leaves, pine needles and humus as I've always read that just these three organic items make a perfect winter mulch in protecting root systems. The perennials will thank me next spring I'm sure! Although more work than I had originally anticipated, I do think it will benefit me in the long run, besides, the yellow and gold colors are a welcome change from the browning, tired looking perennial leaves (at least for the time being). Task two complete!

3) My next project was tackling this enormous Black Magic Elephant Ear. While this plant started out small when planted in this container, it surely lent its ear to my beckoning of 'show me your stuff!'. By the end of summer this colocasia was enormous and triple this size. A show stopper indeed and a plant I am determined to welcome back next year.

I was fully prepared to empty out the container and find a large bulb inside, but rather, to my surprise what I found was very large, healthy root systems. I quickly did some online searching and did just what it described. I cut off the tops, shook out the soil around the large tuberous roots and laid to dry in a shady area. In a couple days I will put the roots in a box filled with peat moss then store it in a cool dry area until next year when I can plant them again. Task three complete!

After spending so much time on the unplanned leaf mulching I realized that the day went much faster than anticipated. Thus, my last project for the day did not get completed. Isn't it amazing how fast time can fly by when your gardening!

Well, there's always next week to plant the garlic as I have until the end of October to get them in the ground!

Tree of the Week: Autumn Glow Zelkova

2010-10-12T20:31:00.001-04:00

The Autumn Glow Zelkova Zelkova serrata is an elegant, deciduous shade tree that has a more compact growth habit than the Green Vase Zelkova. Growing 35' tall x 25-30' wide the Autumn Glow Zelkova is perfect as a street tree or an attractive addition to the landscape that needs shade.

Common uses:
Street Tree
Shade Tree

Requirements:
Full Sun
Well drained soil, but will tolerate moist soil conditions
Once established is drought and wind resistant

Foliage:
Serrated foliage
Green leaves during Spring & Summer

Fall Color:
Outstanding fall foliage with leaves that turn shades of purple to reddish orange

The Autumn Glow Zelkova is an outstanding, relatively slow growing shade tree that has beautiful autumn color, thus the name "Autumn Glow". Zelkova's are the number one replacement for Elm trees and an easily transplanted tree. They are valued for their stately wide spreading canopy and excellent fall color.

Visit our online store for more information on the Autumn Glow Zelkova

Why So Many Acorns?

2010-10-12T15:02:00.003-04:00

Have you noticed an increase of acorns this year?

If you have established oak trees in your yard surely during a windy day you've been tempted to walk through the yard with an umbrella over your head just to protect yourself from falling acorns!

It's amazing how many acorns have fallen this year and many have been much larger in size than in recent years!

But why? Mother Nature provided the set up of such a banner year for acorns.

One reason is because last year we had a very rainy season, which gave Oak trees a huge drink of water. Then, this year we had weeks of windy, sunny and hot days which is perfect for pollination and growing numerous, fat acorns.

However, there is also another phenomenon that happens with white and red oaks which is called "masting". Coincidentally, we happen to be in a masting year, which mysteriously occurs every four to seven years in cycles. During this time, oak trees churn out an abundant crop of acorns. Needless to say, this is an oak tree making sure that there will be future years of oak trees. They drop their acorns, which produce seedlings, thus the survival of their species. Clever!

Thankfully, the masting process lasts approximately 10 days where you'll see the most acorns falling. Afterwards, it will be a food festival for squirrels and deer as acorns are a major food source for them.

Did you just plant an oak tree? Plan on seeing acorns developing in about 20 years as that's how long it takes for an oak tree to produce an acorn!

Fall Wreath and Centerpiece Workshop

2010-10-09T19:00:00.001-04:00

Here's a sampling of one of our workshops! We have workshops and seminars throughout Spring, Summer and Fall! Would you like to join in on the fun and learn from knowledgeable staff? Sign up to receive our seminar emails by sending an email to LBoss@rutgersLN.com today!

Today's workshop was on Fall Wreath and Centerpieces! Rutgers Nursery is a FUN place to shop!

Click on the picture to see all the pictures from todays workshop!

The Top 6 Fall Foliage Shrubs

2010-10-08T16:13:00.002-04:00

Are you looking for a way to make your garden pop in fall? Perhaps you're looking to add a plant that will show its true beauty in fall when all the other plants have slowed down? Need some color to brighten up a dark corner of your home? Why not consider one or more of our "Top 6 Fall Foliage Shrubs"!

While many of these plants also have praiseworthy traits in Spring and Summer, during the Fall, they can add a powerful presence to your landscape as well.

Let's get started!

#1 Burning Bush
Euonymus alata Also known as Spindle Tree or Winged Euonymus
Mature height: 6-10'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full Sun
Soil: Well drained, will not tolerate excessive wet areas
Foliage: Green during Spring and Summer, vibrant red in fall

Noteworthy facts: Burning Bush is one of the most beautiful shrubs of the autumn season! Can be used in mass plantings, borders, hedges or as an accent plant.

#2 Gulf Stream Heavenly Bamboo
Nandina domestica
Mature Height: 3-4'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Full to Partial Sun
Soil: Well drained
Foliage: Green in Spring, new growth is scarlet maturing to blue green in summer. Intense red fall color is one of its hallmark traits.
Noteworthy facts: Heavenly bamboo is a beautiful evergreen dwarf mounding plant. All season interest hardy shrub that provides white flowers in spring and magnificent color in summer and fall. Ideal for use around foundations, hedges, or mixed borders.

#3 Leatherleaf Mahonia
Mahonia japonica 'Bealei'
Mature Height: 6-10'
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light Requirements: Partial Sun
Soil: Well drained
Foliage: Green, spiny leaves which turn yellow, orange and red in fall

Noteworthy facts: This attractive evergreen shrub is gaining popularity due to its year-round interest. Clusters of fragrant yellow blooms in spring are followed by powder-blue to black grape like clusters then, in Fall its leaves turn beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. A deer resistant specimen that is used in borders, containers, privacy screens and woodland gardens.

#4 Viburnum Opulus
Xanthocarpum European Cranberry Bush
Mature Height: 8-10'
Growth Rate: Average
Light Requirements: Part Shade to Full Sun
Soil: Well drained, will tolerate some clay soil conditions and moisture
Foliage: Dark green, turning yellow, red to purple in fall

Noteworthy facts: This attractive deciduous shrub blooms white flowers in late spring then produces a red-berry like fruit in fall. A great multipurpose shrub used in borders, groupings and accent plantings.

#5 Red Tipped Photinia
Photinia fraseri
Mature Height: 12-15'
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Requirements: Part Shade to Full Sun
Soil: Dry to moist, can tolerate clay soil
Foliage: Glossy green leaves give way to bright fiery red leaves, especially with new growth.
Noteworthy facts: Where ever you plant photinia the foliage is an eye-catching spectacle. To encourage the red leaves, pruning is recommended. Produces small, creamy white flowers in spring. Use as an extremely durable screen, hedge or in mass plantings.

#6 PJM Rhododendron
Rhododendron "PJM"
Mature Height: 4-6'
Growth Rate: Slow
Light Requirements: Partial to full sun
Soil: Moist, Well drained
Foliage: Small green leaves turning purple-plum in fall into winter.

Noteworthy facts: The PJM Rhododendron is the most adaptable and easiest rhododendrons to grow. It's a dependable early spring bloomer. Because PJM's are a group of hybrids, flower colors are unique to each plant but tend to be in the lavender-pink family. Avoid hard, dry windy locations. Use in group or mass plantings, shrub borders, woodland settings. A beautiful dependable evergreen shrub that will provide wonderful winter foliage color too!

Have we intrigued your fall foliage interests? Stop in the nursery and see all the other wonderful fall foliage shrubs and trees we have. Bring your camera as there's plenty of color to enjoy!