Friday, February 26, 2010

CREATING A NATIVE HABITAT

Do you want to draw more birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your backyard?  You could simply hang up a bird feeder, install a birdbath, and plant nectar producing flowers.  However, if you want to take it a few steps further, go to this recently created website for some ideas on how to make your landscape more inviting:  Going Native

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

PRUNING, Part II

Its that time of year when people start heading outdoors to do yard clean-up.  Before taking your pruners to your crape myrtle, take a moment to read these enlightening articles on CRAPE MURDER and TREE TOPPING.  Remember, just because you see something done in a commercial landscape or in your neighbor's yard, doesn't mean it is the best thing to do.   We've begun to do maintenance pruning on our shrubs and trees out at the Arboretum.   Come out and look at our gardens.  It may helpful to see how big things can grow.  Chosing the right plant for the right spot is a great way to curtail extreme pruning chores.  If you have any pruning questions, call the Master Gardeners' Hotline (see the hours and number posted in the right column).

Saturday, February 13, 2010

PRUNING BASICS

We receive many questions about when to prune and proper pruning techniques.  A brief summary can be found in this fact sheet:  Pruning Shrubs.  If you would like to receive an illustrated copy of pruning techniques, please call our Hotline Number listed on the right under the heading of 'Ask a Master Gardener' and ask for our 'Pruning Trees & Shrubs' handout.