How quickly the year 2013 has passed.
The annual Christmas lights of the downtown Blanco Square, November 29th, was exciting and beautiful. We had many out of town visitors.
“Crazy” weather this year. The second freeze in November, froze many things. It’s time for trimming and mulching. Use two to three inches of mulch on perennials and shrubs. Mulch your gardens and keep row cover nearby.
Poinsettias are still the number one potted flower. Growing operations sell as many as 50,000 in a season. One of the largest growers is Ellison Growers near Brenham, Tx. It’s worth the trip if you are going that direction. It is like stepping into a sea of red. There are 30 different varieties. Each year it is interesting to check out the newest flower. Give them as much light as possible, keep the soil damp but not wet, keep them above 40 degrees. Use constant feed each time you water.
House plants are being used to help purify the air. Some plants to use inside are; airplane plants, pothos ivy, sansevia, chinese evergreen and other house plants that do well.
Check houseplants regularly for insects and disease. Insects are Spider Mites, mealy bugs, aphids, and scale. Move outside and spray with Safer soap or Spinosad and ask the nursery person what is available. New products are introduced often. Stay with organics if possible then move your plants back inside.
Prune dead or damaged tree limbs, but never top the trees.
Trim perennials to firm tissue and cover with mulch.
Prune peach and plum trees to establish low, horizontal branching.
Apples should be pruned only to remove vertical water sprouts.
Pears, figs, and pomegranate doesn’t receive regular trimming.
Keep warm and safe: Have a Merry Christmas.
More from Keep Blanco Beautiful.