Discover the Fun of Gardening

November 10, 2011   

Abby telling everyone how old she is.

This is a special week at Kerby's Nursery. Abby and Tally turn one year old! It's hard to believe that a whole year has already passed since they were born. Pretty soon they'll be walking around the boardwalk helping customers and watering plants (and probably getting into a little trouble too). This past weekend we had a garden party to celebrate Abby's birthday and the weather couldn't have been more beautiful. It looks like the great weather is going to continue, which makes it a wonderful time to get outside. Lots of winter color has arrived at the nursery, so take advantage of the weather and freshen up your gardens before the holidays.

Tally trying out the hula hoop. She turns one today!

 

To make sure that you are ready for the winter,  don't miss the workshop this Saturday at 10am on Protecting Plants from the Cold and Winter Gardening. Florida is a great place because there is always something that you can do in the garden. See you there.

Happy Gardening,
Kim, Joey and Mark
 

In This Issue

Protecting Plants from Winter Frost

Upcoming Events
 

Frost Blankets
2 for $30

Protecting Plants from Winter Frost

All that hard work. The sweat, the backaches . . . don't let it go to waste by not preparing for the winter. Make sure you are stocked up on all of the essentials for protecting your plants, like frost blankets and anchor pins.  Follow these easy tips to make sure your garden comes into spring looking even better than before.

Protection - When frost or freeze approaches, the best thing you can do is be prepared to cover your plants. Have frost blankets and anchoring pins on hand so that you don't have to make a last minute trip to Kerby's and have a plan for covering up your most sensitive plants. Make sure that you cover plants all the way to the ground, resting the blanket lightly on the plant and then anchoring the blanket to the ground with the pins. Not attaching the blanket allows cold winds to creep under easily and either blow the blanket off, or push out the warm trapped air that is protecting the plant.

Water Well - The day before cold comes in, make sure you give your plants a good soaking. A lack of water when cold, dry winds are blowing can cause double the damage to your plants. Water plants at the roots only. Water on the leaves doesn't help and can cause more damage for landscape plants.

Stop Fertilizing - By now, you should have done your fall fertilization on all of your plants. At this point, you want to hold off on any general feeding until springtime. Too much fertilizer right now may encourage growth spurts during warmer days, and this new growth is extremely sensitive to cold, no matter how hardy the plant.

Avoid Some Pruning - On sensitive shrubs, you'll want to avoid pruning unless absolutely necessary. Pruning stimulates growth which can lead to weaker plants.  A plant that is a little taller or wider than you want can be a good thing, as it will provide a little extra insulation. Throughout the winter is a great time to prune roses, crape myrtles, evergreens, and any deciduous trees.

Double Protection - If you're a fruit nut and have exotic tropical fruit trees, consider doubling the protection by using multiple layers of frost blankets. For covering trees, have a few stakes on hand to prop the blankets up so they aren't pulling the leaves and branches down.

These are a few tips you can use to protect your garden this winter. The best protection is being prepared for whatever mother nature throws our way. For more preparation, come out this Saturday at 10am to Kerby's for our Protecting Plants & Winter Gardening workshop. 

Upcoming Events
 

Workshop: Protecting Plants and Winter Gardening
Saturday, November 12th at 10am

Florida is known for warm weather and sunshine, but even here in central Florida, the occasional frost or freeze comes our way. Be ready this year, by attending this workshop. You'll learn the best ways to protect plants from cold weather and we'll demonstrate the proper way to cover plants to make sure all of your favorite shrubs, trees and flowers are warm and snug this winter. We'll also talk about what to do in the garden at this time of year, after all it is Florida and we can play in the yard all year long!

Workshop: Herb Gardening
Saturday, November 19th at 10am

Without herbs, food would just be boring! And of course the best herbs come straight from your own garden. At this workshop, we'll show you the best ways to plant and care for your herb garden and we'll show you which herbs are great to plant now. Plus we'll share tips on preserving and storing herbs and we'll taste some Thanksgiving treats cooked with herbs from Kim and Joey's garden. Discover how delicious gardening can be! 

Winter Open House
Friday, December 2nd from 5pm to 7pm
Please R.S.V.P. if attending

As the holidays approach there is nothing like taking a little time out for friends, family, and flowers. Come share an evening under the lights with Kerby's Nursery. The shade house will be decorated with all the beautiful flowers of Christmas, Kim is making her famous ginger snaps and if we've all been nice this year Joey's mother Sharon will make more of those delicious Ricotta cookies. It will be a delightful evening to forget your daily stress and just relax.

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