December/January 2006 Landscape Calendar

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

• Tall arborvitae often split in the winter when snow gets between the branches. Prevent this by loosely tying arborvitae branches together with twine before the snow flies.

• When removing ice from paver patios, walkways and driveways, avoid using salt. Use plant-friendly deicers instead. These can include calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate.

• Keep fresh Christmas trees in cool temperatures as long as possible, and keep your tree container full of water.

• If you set up a cut Christmas tree, make sure the tree’s trunk is freshly cut before placing it in the tree stand. Get the freshly cut tree in water within an hour of making the cut, and make sure the tree always has water.

• Enjoy the season by adding color to your indoor space with bright poinsettias that last all winter. Keep them out of cool drafts and be sure they are not standing in water. They like being on the dry side.

• Recycle your Christmas tree. If in need of extra mulch on your perennials, cut the branches off and apply to the tops of your gardens. Otherwise, you can contact your local Extension office and find the nearest tree-recycling center.

• Take up bird watching as a winter pastime. There are several kinds of birds found in our area only during the winter. In addition to a bird feeder or two, add a heated birdbath or a birdbath deicer. Liquid water is a scarce resource for winter birds. Once they find yours, they will stick around.

• Plant amaryllis bulbs now, around Christmas, for Valentines blooming.

• Most houseplants need more humidity than our homes offer in the winter. Consider placing potted plants in a shallow dish filled 1 inch deep with pebbles. Maintain a layer of water in the pebbles and as it evaporates the water will provide supplemental humidity.

Contributors:

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery
507-289-0022

Sargent’s on 2nd
507-289-6068

Wagner Greenhouses
612-922-1262

Linder’s Garden Center
651-488-1927

The Mustard Seed, Inc.
952-361-9954

Lotus Lawn & Garden
952-949-0726

Scenic Specialties
320-363-7479

Villa Landscapes
Burnsville
952-894-1553
Maple Grove
763-425-9277
Oakdale
651-773-7440

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