A Perfect Fit
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Gardening
Life Lived Outside
The Kerby's Nursery E-Newsletter
May 19, 2022
Planting and Caring for Plumeria  |   New Arrivals
A Perfect Fit
by Joey Bokor
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If you are a Harry Potter fan, then you may remember a quote from the wandmaker Garrick Olivander, 'The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter. It's not always clear why.' I'm reminded of that quote when I think of our dog Pearl. She couldn't be more perfect for our family. Like Harry Potter getting matched with the wand that properly fit his destiny, Pearl is just the perfect dog for us. She loves the yard, running with the girls, and chasing the endless supply of lizards on the patio, but she is equally content taking a morning, afternoon, or evening nap, or just relaxing in the room while we read books during a warm afternoon.

There is one group in our little homestead that she doesn't get along with. The Chickens. Pearl has a route that she runs in the backyard, checking on a prescribed set of nooks and crannies, in order, over and over. Along her route, she always stops by the coop, runs along the side of it and then tries to startle the chickens with a quick dash at the fence. They don't seem too bothered by her anymore, but she is determined to try to get a reaction out of them.

But now, she has found a new way to keep an eye on them. For a while, we weren't letting Pearl up the stairs. She hasn't been much of a chewer, but the amount of detritus that is regularly on the floor of the girls' room is just way too tempting, so we've kept Pearl out. Recently the girls did actually clean their room, and Pearl found a whole new world to discover and more importantly a new chair. She loves to look out windows, and she quickly found that she could see across the backyard from the upstairs window. It took her a little while to realize it, but she can also see the chickens. Since discovering this fresh perspective, we are constantly finding Pearl upstairs monitoring the fowl from above. At least from up there she isn't constantly startling them. She thinks she has found a whole new world.




When she isn't watching the chickens from her new vantage point, you'll find Pearl relaxing with us after a day of playing in the garden. We really did luck out with her. And now she's looking at me from her office chair telling me it's time to wrap up my computer time. She's ready to start another day of pets, plants, and poultry. Me too.

Happy Gardening,
The Kerby's Nursery Family


p.s. We are always looking for great people to join our team. Plant knowledge is a bonus, but not required. What is important is that you love talking to people and want to help spread Kerby's values of success, beauty, honesty, happiness, and fun. Click here to learn more.

p.p.s. Keep an eye out for details about an upcoming Plants and Pooches event in August. During the dog days of summer, we'll have a Saturday where you can bring your pets to the nursery, and we'll have some refreshment stations for them, as well as learning stations for you about which plants are pet-friendly, both indoors and outdoors. We're hoping it will be lots of fun for you and your furry friends.

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Planting and Caring for Plumeria


Plumerias are one of the most unique and gorgeous flowers around. The amazing colors and tantalizing fragrances make them the kind of plant that once you have one, you need them all. Plus, they are the flower used to make Hawaiian Leis. See below for our best tips on how to plant and care for your plumeria and come see the gorgeous varieties in stock at the nursery.

Choose the Location - Plumerias require full sun to part shade and at least four hours of direct sunlight. They aren't tolerant of freezing temperatures, so planting in a protected area is important as well.

Plant When Warm - Plant plumeria during our warm season, from spring to early fall. This gives them a chance to establish a root system before winter.

Plant with Good Soil - Plant plumeria in a rich soil, such as Black Gold Garden Compost. Drainage is important so make sure the area that you plant in is well drained and that the soil you use is as well.

Plant Properly - Dig a hole the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Be sure the root ball is level with the existing soil and backfill the hole with rich soil. Tamp down the soil to remove air pockets and water in thoroughly.

Watering - Water plumeria thoroughly just before the soil dries out. During colder months, when the plants are dormant, you can stop watering completely.

Fertilizer - Fertilize every two to three weeks during peak growing season (March to August) with Tiger Bloom by Foxfarm or a Bloom Special fertilizer. You can also supplement with Super Phosphate to help keep a compact size and increase blooms on your plumeria.

Pruning - Prune damaged branches off of your plumeria immediately, or if you wish to control the size, prune branches right where they meet the main trunk.

Pests - You may occasionally see insects such as spider mites, whiteflies or mealybugs on your plumeria. An organic insecticide such as Neem Oil or Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew will treat these insects.

Preventing Disease -Plumeria rust is the most common disease of plumeria and appears as an orange powder accompanied by blisters on the leaves. Treat with Thiomoyl or Liquid Systemic Fungicide.



New Arrivals
Lime Sizzler Firebush

Bright, Happy Color
Bromeliads

Create a Tropical Paradise

Summer Snapdragon

Flowers that take the Heat

The Kerby's Houseplant Shop

Send a living gift to your favorite plant person anywhere in the lower 48 states from the Kerby's online houseplant shop. Want your favorite person to be able to pick out what they'd like? Then you can also purchase a gift card to the online store. Happy Planting!

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Kerby's Nursery

2311 S. Parsons Ave.

Seffner, FL 33584
(813) 685-3265
www.kerbysnursery.com
question@kerbysnursery.com


Store Hours

Monday - Saturday
9am - 5pm
Sunday
11am - 4pm
Memorial Day, May 30th
9am - 2pm