North Haven Gardens

Stay Hydrated! Summer Watering Tips for Plants

 
This article was taken from our July-August 2007 Newsletter. Our archived newsletters here are an excellent resource as we try to offer fresh, timely information each year.

• Add 2"-3" of mulch to all plantings, including veggies, shrubs, trees, etc. Mulch retains moisture in the soil, regulates soil temperature (cooler in summer, warmer in winter), decomposes into the soil over time to increase soil health, and gives your garden a finished look. We have a variety of mulches available.
• Water every corner of your garden! Make sure you have the proper hose lengths to reach every area of your garden. Add a water want to the hose to get the water where it's needed most, at the base of the plants.
• The best time to water is during the early morning hours. A 6am start is ideal. Drink coffee...water plants!
• Water well! 1"-1.5" of water per week minimum. With our extreme temperatures, you will need to offer supplemental water every few days, and in some case daily (tomatoes!), to new plantings. Get out there and test your soil. If it's dry past 2 knuckles, you must water asap.
• Don't forget containers and hanging baskets. They will dry out much faster. A simple drip-irrigation will help. We carry Plant Nannies that can help and the Gilmore Plant & Deck sprinkler system as well.
• Use soaker hoses to provide a slow drip watering. These can be run any time of day.
• Tree Gator Bags  are a great drip irrigation bag that is perfect for newly planted trees.
• Planting new color containers? Add Soil Moist or KoKo Chips to retain moisture. Top off the container design with 2"-3" of mulch.

Need more help? We are here 7 days a week to help keep your plants hydrated.

 

 

 

Aggie Cotton in bloom...And in stock at NHG!

I'm not an Aggie, but I do love me some Aggie Cotton, Gossypium hirsutum. This great heirloom annual tends to come and go. Folks forget about it for a while and  you won't really see it in the nurseries for a few years, then it shows back up again in small quantities. Just like all that bad 80's fashion we're seeing right now! Well, except that's really really bad...Aggie cotton happens to be very, very pretty.

via growlively.typepad.com

 

In addition to lots and lots of sedum, heat loving color and gorgeous perennials, we got in Aggie Cotton and boy is she a head-turner!

Heat Stressing You AND Your Plants? We Have a Solution!

Is your turf tired and yellowing? Is water just sitting on top of your soil? We have two organic options in-store that will reduce heat stress on your plants, therefore easing your stress, too!  

 
Enviro Raindrops: We've all seen garden soil so dry that water literally rolls off the top without even wetting the surface. Or, container plants that have reached a state of dryness so severe that the media has shrunk away from the sides of the pot and water merely flows out the sides without actually watering the plant. When mixed with water, Enviro Raindrops overcomes the surface resistance of dry soil particles and allows water to seep in. Applied to a neglected landscape or to trouble spots in the yard, it reduces plant stress, enables and encourages root growth, allows for enhanced water uptake, and reduces runoff/waste.

 

 
Agrispon: A biostimulant applied to soils that are low in microbial activity. Agrispon forms a symbiotic relationship between the plant and the soils. This relationship assists in nutrient uptake, plant health, and resistance to environmental stresses such as heat and drought stress. Additionally, a biologically active soil has better granular structure, and better water absorption. Agrispon is a concentrate and can be easily applied using a hose-end sprayer. When added to an existing maintained landscape on a regular schedule, it enhances necessary nutrients in the soil, allows for better water absorption, encourages root growth, and promotes overall plant health.

Modern, Chic, Luminous Lanterns!

What are we in love with right now? Our new Soji Solar Luminaries. They are the perfect evening garden accessory, powered by the sun to make your evenings bright. Here at NHG, we all have different tastes, from traditional to modern to romantic. So, we brought in styles to fit all of your tastes as well. No matter what your style, you'll find a luminous lantern to fall in love with!

 
Traditional round lanterns come in red, yellow, blue and more.

 
For the Mid-Century Modern garden!

 
Romantic, shimmery, silk lanterns.

 
Unique, oval lanterns for something a bit off the cuff.

We’re growing our gift shop! Over the next few months, we're expanding and renewing our pottery and gift area. Be sure to stop by the in-store gift section at the back of the store and also the pottery in the greenhouse. We’ve gotten in some fun new terrariums, clothing, décor, and of course, the solar-powered soji lanterns in new shapes and sizes. Our selection will change and grow over time, so check back with us often between now and the holidays.

Reminder: Apply Organic Mosquito Control Now!

By Kato Crow, TCNP

 
I am often asked why my guests aren't eaten alive in my garden. I have an easy method of keeping my guests, family, pets and myself comfortable!  Starting the 1st of April I apply monthly applications of Yardsafe Cedarcide Granules to my entire garden.  These little coated granules repel mosquitos, chiggars, fleas, flies and no-see-ums.  Every two weeks I also shake Mosquito Bits in wet areas (birdbath, fountain, french drain, down spouts, moist fern areas, etc) to kill larvae before they are old enough to bite.  Finally, a once-a-week hose-end spray of either citronella or cedar oil repels the last of the little buggers. Now, I get to relax and enjoy my garden without being harassed and annoyed.  Hammock time, here I come!

Delicious, Homegrown Avocados for YOU!

 
Avocado trees are in stock now! We’re very happy to introduce ‘Joey,’ ‘Lila,’ and ‘Poncho.’ All are variants of the Mexican Avocado, with fruits about 6 to 8 ounces in size. Mature trees are 15’ to 20’ tall and as wide, so allow plenty of space. Avocados perform best with a partner for cross-pollination, so allow room for two (or get a tree for your neighbor). Provide a western or south western exposure to provide radiant heat in the colder months. In winter, mulch trees above the graft union on the trunk; mulch should be cleared away once danger of freeze is past. Trees should be covered once temperatures reach the 20s. Since the trunks are susceptible to sun scald, you’ll want to wrap the exposed portion of the trunks during summer months to avoid damage.

Plant Avocados in a hole as deep as the root ball and double the width in native soil. No need to amend the soil. It’s important to acclimate trees to our soils as quickly as possible. Remember when planting you’ll want to deeply water the newly installed tree, and monitor its water needs throughout the first year. A tree gator is perfect to keep it consistently watered for it's first summer. Give it root stimulator such as Superthrive at time of planting, and once each month for the first 12 months. After the first year, fertilize spring, summer, and fall with Espoma Citrus-tone to keep them healthy.

Try something different! Digitalis 'Gold Coast'

 

When Foxgloves are blooming in the garden center, there isn't a person that passes by who doesn't stop and ask about it. It is definitetly one of the most impressive blooms in spring. They brighten lightly shaded areas of the garden in spring and fall with spikes of bell-shaped flowers that rise above velvety green foliage.

Digitalis x ‘Goldcoast’ has lovely, peach-colored flowers. An asset to any mixed border, woodland garden, and container display; it grows more beautiful each year, blooming from mid-spring and again in fall. With blossom spikes 18” tall, it is the perfect companion to Columbine, Coral Bells, and Turk’s Cap. Like other Foxgloves, ‘Goldcoast’ prefers a rich, well-drained soil; amend garden beds with plenty of expanded shale and compost. Fertilize monthly with NHG Organic Bedding Food to encourage continuous blooming.

What's Pretty at NHG?

Well, I could say "EVERYTHING!". But, I'll narrow it down for you.

 
Japanese Maples. Every home lucky enough to have some shade should have at least one Japanese Maple. Feed with Espoma Holly-tone and it'll offer gorgeous color spring, summer and fall. Right now, my personal favorites are 'Coral Bark' and 'Bloodgood' (above). The color on these is gorgeous!

 

 
Roses. Right now, most of the roses are blooming. Get them in the ground this weekend and you'll still be able to enjoy the color. Especially if you plant any of the Knockout Series in red, pink and yellow. These are some tough roses that need minimal maintenance. Our best recommendation for all roses is to amend the soil with at least 2 bags of Vital Earth Ready Rose Mix and feed with NHG Organic Rose Food. Prune around Valentine's Day (we always offer a class on pruning right before then).

 

 
Purple Perennials. Purple is such a glorious color in any garden. It's a great contrast alongside oranges and yellows. Or, plant with pinks and whites for a softer palette. Right now, the Society Garlic (above) is blooming gracefully. Perennial Verbena is glowing. And, the Scabiosa is exploding purple! I have planted and loved all three of these. They perform especially well in the drought tolerant garden.

 

 
Achillea. This is one of my favorite plants! The first year I had it in the garden it was not the graceful plant I had imagined. But, the next year and each year since, it has gotten fuller and bloomed bigger. 'Pomegranate' is absolutely gorgeous and in stock now. Lots of colors and varieties.

We have a huge selection of perennials and annuals for sun and shade. Plus, shrubs, fruit trees, herbs, vegetables, trees, vines. Whatever space in the garden you want to enjoy more, we'll help you get there. Open 7 days a week for you! Including at 8am on Saturdays.

Happy Gardening!
Nikki

Exotic Summer Blooming Bulbs

 
Sprekelia
 

 
Calla Lilies

Looking for unique, pretty cut flowers from your own garden? Or perhaps you want to add a bit of extra color during the warmer months? Planting summer-flowering bulbs right now will offer color, texture, beauty and lots of conversation about your garden! Consider planting bulbs among your perennials or under your annuals for a burst of color. Combine early, mid-season, and late flowering bulbs to keep a continuous progression of color. For the sunny summer garden, plant Aztec Lilies, Gladiolus, Acidanthera, Belladonna and Cape Lilies, Hymenocallis, and Cannas. For partially shaded beds, plant Pineapple Lilies, Asiatic and Tiger Lilies, Freesias, and diminutive Rain Lilies. As with all bulbs and corms, amend your beds well with plenty of Back To Earth Expanded Shale and Vital Earth Compost for rich, well-drained soil. Plant all bulbs three times the diameter of the bulb. Fertilize at the time of planting and after blooming with NHG Organic Bulb Food to promote flowering, strong stems, and to build energy for next year.

Instant Serenity: Japanese Maples

 

Japanese maples are magnificent small trees to help create your zen garden along with water features, Buddha statues and shaded sitting areas. Japanese maples are slow growing, have many different growth habits, a huge variety of leaf shapes, and spectacular fall color that ranges from golden yellow to fiery red. They perform best as a unique specimen plant in well-amended beds where they will receive no more than 4 hours of morning sun. Plant into existing beds or build new ones amended with expanded shale and lots of acidified compost. Dig your hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball. Place into the hole and backfill with existing soil. Water thoroughly and apply a 2”- 3” layer of mulch. Add root stimulator when you plant and monthly thereafter for the first year. Apply Cloud Cover in May to prevent leaf scorch due to our warm summer temperatures. Smaller varieties of Japanese maples also work well in containers. We have a fresh, new selection of pottery in stock now.

Take a look at our Japanese Maple List here. Visit the store to see what varieties are in stock now. More arriving through spring.