“Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle…a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the lights, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream.”
~ Barbara Winkler
We have passed the meteorological midpoint of winter. Groundhog’s Day marked the midpoint day with Punxsutawney Phil not seeing his shadow. According to folklore this means an early spring is due to occur this year. Will that happen? Who knows? Regardless of six more weeks of winter weather or not, now is a great time to take note of your landscape. The bones of your garden are drastically visible during the winter while most plants are dormant. Are you happy with the trees and shrubs in your space? Maybe you notice that you have a large empty space that is yearning for something to be planted there. New nursery stock arrives in early March at the garden center. Visit us early for the best selection of trees and shrubs. Do you have any winter-blooming plants? Some hellebore varieties are budding and blooming this time of year (photo above). Snowbell (Leucojum) and Winter Aconite (Eranthis) bulbs are beginning to bloom. Rhododendrons, Witch Hazels (Hamamelis), Forsythias, and other spring-blooming trees and shrubs are loaded with swelling flower buds. Take a close look at those dormant trees and shrubs. Are there any broken or damaged limbs? If so, go ahead and prune those back. If you did not cut back your perennials and ornamental grasses in the fall prepare to cut them back at the end of February and early March. Don’t fret if you notice daffodil bulbs sprouting. This happens almost every year. Warmer air and soil temperatures encourage the plants to grow. If we have a hard freeze you may lose a few blooms this year, but the bulb itself should be fine. Think back on last year in the garden. Was there a particular plant that did not perform how you expected? It may need to be moved to a different area in your landscape. Perhaps last year was the best year for your landscape (kudos to you!) Now is the time to take stock of any adjustments or additions your space requires. Planning and designing a landscape takes time and is easier accomplished before planting season commences. Grab a thermos with a hot beverage and go outside and explore your space. Take notes, be realistic about what (and how many) plants work in each area, and begin to dream and plan the garden you want. We are here to help you achieve that dream.
Valentine's Day
"Flowers are love's truest language." —Park Benjamin Sr.
Love, amore, adoration, infatuation, fondness, devotion, passionate, tenderness, enamored, smitten, zealous, or whichever word describes your feelings we will help you put a smile on your Valentine’s face.
It’s February. Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching. It is hard to beat a traditional bouquet of long-stemmed red roses to show your love and affection. Not a rose fan? How about an arrangement of tulips or peonies? Don’t know what flowers to get your Valentine, let our team of professional floral designers decide. If your Valentine prefers plants we have you covered. New orchids, air plants, cacti, succulents, and blooming plants will be ready for you to pick up and gift to your love.
Don’t forget Galentine’s Day on February 13th. Gift your gals gorgeous flowers and plants this year. Order in store, online, or call to place your order. Click on the below links for some of our popular arrangements for Valentine's Day. We are here and ready to make your Valentine’s Day floral-tastic.
The Winter Lawn
Sowing grass seed in the winter can be a tricky subject. It requires patience, attention to weather forecasts and timing. An advantage of sowing grass seed in the winter is that the regular freezing and thawing has already loosened up the soil. However, if the soil is too wet and seed sits in it too long it will rot and you will lose your grass seed. Soil needs to be relatively dry before sowing grass seed. It is best if you sow before a cold spell or snow. Once you sow grass seed you must be patient. Seed germination starts when soil temperatures reach 65-70℉. You may not see grass sprout until April. The weather can be quite unpredictable this time of year. If you aren’t ready to sow now, wait until late February or March to seed your lawn. If you are planning on putting down a pre-emergent that will change the timing of sowing seed. Take that into account. We are here to help you with any questions you have on growing and maintaining a healthy and lush lawn.
To learn more about lawn care read our previous blog here.
Let's think about seeds.
Botanical Interests seeds have arrived and are ready for you to start growing. We are still waiting on another shipment of seeds, which should arrive any day. To learn more about starting seeds read our previous post here.
New Products
A new year and a new season means new products! We have been busy unpacking and stocking new items that range from pottery to garden tools to whimsical decorative garden adornments. We have also received more "standard" pottery and are expecting more items to keep arriving. Visit us often to see what is new in the store.
Upcoming Dates
Check your calendars and be prepared for the hustle and bustle that late winter and early Spring bring. It is not too early to order fresh cut arrangements and blooming plants for Easter. To place an order visit us at the store, call 859.331.0222, or order flowers online.
Below are a few well-known and lesser-known upcoming holidays.
February is National Bird Feeding Month (We carry bird fee and houses.)
Tuesday, February 13th Galentine's Day
Wednesday, February 14th Valentine's Day
Wednesday, February 28th Floral Design Day
Thursday, February 29th Leap Year
Early March trees and shrubs start arriving at the store! (A very exciting day for us.)
March is Gardening, Nature, & Ecology Books Month (We can recommend a few great reads.)
March is National Celery Month
Monday, March 11th National Johnny Appleseed Day
Tuesday, March 12th National Plant a Flower Day
Sunday, March 17th St. Patrick's Day
Wednesday, March 20th First Day of Spring/Vernal Equinox
Tuesday, March 26th National Spinach Day
Thursday, March 28th Respect Your Cat Day (Blackberry says that is everyday.)
Thursday, March 28th National Weed Appreciation Day
Sunday, March 31st Easter
We hope you celebrate at least a few of these lesser appreciated holidays.
Stay safe and be well.
Happy gardening,
Your friends at Jackson Florist & Garden Center
