Horticulture News and Tips

"EYE on HORTICULTURE"
(A monthly horticulture column from the CF NEWS)

February Shows in Hartford and in Your Garden

When I think of February, I always think of the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show in which each and every one of us can participate. It’s really fun and you meet with so many members from across the state.  Even if your club is not involved, you can come and enjoy.  I assume you have a houseplant or two that would like to be exhibited in the show, February 23-26.

February for me is the time my small bulbs begin to bloom. My snow bells, Galanthus nivalis, are the first to bloom around Valentine’s day; then I know that spring is really on its way. I also force Hamamelis, witch hazel.  I have several varieties, all of which have wonderful scents to fill a room.

The Ilex verticillata Winter Berry Holly, are bright spots of red, coral and yellow; and they provide wonderful color spots in the garden to enjoy from September through April if the birds don’t get them first.  In February, the berries are becoming quite tasty; they begin to sweeten up like raisins, and the birds know it! I have enjoyed their color in fall and winter so I really don’t mind the birds’ invasion.  In fact, I originally planted Winter Berry so the birds would have fresh fruit in the winter. Remember, water is of utmost importance for the birds in the winter, both for drinking and bathing.  Failure to keep the birds’ feathers clean can lead to their demise.  February is also a time when, if we have very little snow or rain, you might have to do some watering of your winter containers or newly planted trees and shrubs.  By the way, Blue Jays are the most fun to watch in the garden birdbath; so keep an eye out for them.

Years ago I came across a very old book, A Witch’s Guide to Gardening, by Dorothy Jacob. In the 15th century the majority of the population did not read, so rhymes were used to help gardeners and farmers remember how to be successful in planting their herbs and vegetables.  Jacob offers some rhymes that I thought you might enjoy. They are really hints you can use in your garden and to predict the weather.

Here is a prediction about the coming weather: “Oak before Ash, only a splash. Ash before Oak in for a soak.” I know we had unusual weather this past fall, but do I remember who lost the leaves first the Oak or the Ash?  I sometimes think these old sayings are about as accurate as the Doppler weather forecasts.  You can test out this rhyme next fall.

Here is another saying with advice about vegetables: “One to rot and one to grow, one for the pigeon and one for the crow.”
Translation: when sowing beans, always  set four times as many as you need to feed yourself.

Some plants are horrible telltales. For example, Rosemary, in spite of its excellent properties, is a sneak liable to cause domestic dissension, for “Where rosemary grows’ (flourishes) ‘The Misses is master’.”

It’s fun to see how accurate this folklore is. See you and your hort specimens at the Connecticut Flower & Garden Show!
— Kathrine Neville, Horticulture Chair

What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

"In the Garden"
(Monthly horticulture tips for gardeners)

In JUNE…

• Time to plant the vegetable garden
• Tend and enjoy your roses!
• Use organic fertilizer
• Use watering can so foliage won't get wet
• Remove leaves with fungus or black spot immediately
• Plant garlic, chives and rue near to ward off Japanese beetles
• Stake tall perennials

In JULY…

• Stake tomatoes and beans
• Tend newly planted perennials

In AUGUST…

• Decide the plants you have enjoyed
• Tie a colored ribbon around ones you'd like to give another home
• Stop deadheading plants with good seed heads for the birds to feed on in winter

In SEPTEMBER…

• Put down compost and/or organic fertilizer
• Take cuttings of impatiens, coleus or begonias for flowers in your home all winter
• Prepare houseplants to bring inside
• Do this when outside & inside temperatures are the same
• Check and spray for insects
• Select bulbs for fall planting