Lilacs are actually related to the Olive family and other scented plants including privets and jasmine. But the flowers of the Syringa species are the showiest. In fact, sometimes the stems are so heavy from the weight of the blooms that they nod, giving the plant an arching, graceful appearance.

Many Lilacs are hybrids between the common lilac and other species. The subtle differences such as size, color and flower shape allow gardeners to use them in almost any situation. In cold regions, Lilacs do best in full sun locations, while in hot summer areas they perform best shaded from the afternoon sun.

Lilacs are deciduous and come in a variety of colors that will please even the most discriminate gardener. Flower colors range from true lilac, red lilac, and lavender-lilac to blue, pink, purple, white, creamy yellow and even variegated selections.

Most lilacs don’t need to be pruned at all, but if they require a little shaping its best to prune them immediately after they bloom. Lilacs do best with regular watering although once established, don’t usually require water more than once per week. They are fairly pest and disease resistant and look their best when fed every two months starting after the blooms are finished until the end of summer.

We have a great selection of lilacs available in the nursery now. We invite you to click on the gallery link below to view our selection and then visit us and select your plants before they find a home in your neighbor’s garden!

Aubretia, with its delicate-looking flowers, is surprisingly hardy. These flowers grow no higher than 6 inches tall and cascade and spread with vigorous determination.

Aubretia is a classic spring-blooming perennial for rock gardens, since it prefers full sun and well draining soil. Its low, spreading leaves form a mat about 18-24 inches across that is covered with a carpet of purple blooms in springtime, so it is suitable for planting for erosion control on a slope or bank, against a rock wall, or in between paving stones.

Aubretia is also a perfect choice for planting borders, edging paths and filling containers and planters. It requires maintenance, however. After it has flowered, the blooms should be trimmed back to keep the plant healthy.

Creeping Phlox is a rapidly spreading perennial that grows to no more than 6 inches in height. The foliage is soft, needle-like, and remains lush spring through fall. Small pink flowers bloom on this ground cover in early spring, and are quite brilliant. It is a good plant to use with your spring flowering bulbs such as tulips and daffodils.

Since creeping phlox are low-growing plants that spread quickly to form a dense cover, they can also solve many planting problems in difficult sites. They like full sun and look great growing over rocks and curbing or in baskets. They add beauty to the landscape as an edging plant or for planting in cracks and walls, and creeping phlox is good for naturalizing an area or providing erosion control on steep banks or slopes.

Plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Fertilize every 4 months with slow-release Osmocote or fertilize every few weeks with Espoma Plant-Tone or Miracle Gro.  Prune it back after flowering for a healthier plant.

Phlox will benefit from a two-inch layer of mulch, to help retain moisture and keep roots protected until they become established. Mulch, of course, also aids in weed control. We have a great selection of creeping phlox in stock. We invite you to come in and discover this wonderful flowering groundcover for your own garden.

Product Spotlight: Concern Weed Prevention Plus

Concern Weed Prevention Plus is a natural weed pre-emergent composed of 100% granulated corn gluten meal. Since Weed Prevention Plus kills only the root of sprouting seeds, it can be used with confidence around established plants, including transplants, flowerbeds, shrubs, roses and vegetables up to the day of harvest. When used as directed, Weed Prevention Plus will not harm beneficial insects, soil organisms, pond, or stream life. Children and pets can play on the lawn immediately after application. Weed Prevention Plus is also easy to use. Simply tear off the bottom of the bag at the perforation and pull apart the re-sealable closure to expose shaker holes. Hold bag by handle and shake to dispense. When finished, simply zip the seal at bottom for easy storage. One 5 lb. bag covers 300 square feet.

How do I get sweeter fruit on my fruit trees?

Answer:

First, fruit trees need a minimum of at least half a day of sunlight each day during the growing season. The more sun, the sweeter your fruit will be. If your trees are in a bad location, consider transplanting when they are dormant in winter.

That said, many times the fruits on trees are not as sweet as they could be, because the soil they are planted in is lacking phosphorus and potash. It is important to apply a 0-10-10 fertilizer such as Espoma Triple Phosphate and Hi-Yield Potash to the soil around your trees in November and again in January to provide these vital nutrients.

During the growing season, feed once after the blooms are finished, again in June and one more time in September with a complete fruit tree food such as Ferti-lome Fruit Citrus and Nut Tree Food . Make sure not to overwater, either. Allow the soil to dry out a little between waterings.

Established fruit trees respond best to deep and infrequent watering.