A super–surgence of spring blooms!

Here we are in the 90 degree range and the topic out there is still the Big Freeze! Have you seen this year’s cactus flowers, the roses and how many plants that did survive are coming back stronger than ever?!! I think we all need some rejuvenation and that is what the freeze has done. I am sorry for our losses but get out there and enjoy the new growth and ‘super – surgence’ of spring blooms!!’

A Different Way to Get Potted with The Contained Gardener

   A new client - let's call her Wanda had come to one of my potted gardening classes last fall. Last month she took advantage of the certificate I had sent her to have me do a consultation at her home for $100 instead of my usual fee of $125.
   During that visit, we talked about where she would like to have pots and pockets of color. I designed a pot layout for her and in our conversation, she said she would really like to do some of the work herself. Our next step was to go pot shopping!
   Yesterday we did just that. We went to Pottery Blowout and Glazed Expressions and Wanda chose and purchased eight new pots! While at my studio, we were discussing the design for the floral combinations for her pots and although she wants to do the planting herself, she had asked me to design the plantings.
   I suggested that I not only design the plantings for her new pots but that I obtain the flowers and she can pick them up from our yard when they come in, take them home with enough soil and with the written plan, have her family help plant them!
   I think Wanda is going to save quite a bit of money by "Getting Potted' with us this way. She and her family are not hesitant to put in the work and she will still end up with a designed patio worthy of her beautiful home!
Come back to visit and I will show you some pictures of the results!

2011 Arctic Freeze - Further information

What happened to our plants in our February, 2011 “Arctic Freeze’

   In our desert climate, we do not have cooling temperatures during the winter that put our woody plants (trees and shrubs) into a true state of dormancy. When a plant does go into full dormancy, it develops freeze tolerance. Just as we are not very tolerant of freezing temperatures, nor can our plants be tolerant!

   As our temperatures drop well below freezing and stay low for a period of time as they did in February, ice crystals form inside the cells. These intracellular ice crystals rupture cell membranes, resulting in leakage of the cell contents. Thus, tissues injured by low temperatures often appear water-soaked and are flaccid.

The Relationship between a Full Moon and a Frost – not science-based proof!

1.      If a warm air mass is on top of us, it holds the heat in and we typically will not get a frost.

2.      The heat of the sun is reflected by the moon.

3.      Frosts are more likely the closer we are to a full moon, because the heat reflected by a full or nearly full moon is enough to evaporate the water in the upper atmosphere that otherwise would have reflected the sun’s heat back to earth. When the water evaporates, heat escapes and the air gets colder.

   However, many of those on the Internet that have looked at this issue are known to say, when it's clear you're more likely to see them.

And now that you are getting around to reading this, I expect the danger of any substantial frost or freezing in the Tucson area is over. Before you know it, we will be talking about how hot it is!!!

Check back early next week for more information

Thank you for checking in - I hope you arrived here from my most recent Potted E-News! I am planning to complete all the added information that I spoke of in this issue early next week.

Can you do me a favor and check back on Tuesday? By then too, we will know the long range forecast and be ready to do some serious pruning!!

Thanks again! Have a great weekend!

Planting winter annuals in Tucson

I was at the NAWBO luncheon yesterday and Colette from Jonathan's Cork and Tucson Originals was lamenting how hot it had been and knew she needed to wait for lower temperatures to plant her winter flowers. I assured those listening that the end was in sight and that we usually have a hot week near the third week of October. Waiting a little longer is a good thing because then the plants don't struggle battling the heat when they are just beginning to grow.

I don't know about your garden but mine is still flush with summer blooms so there is no way I am taking them out. Yes, it is a fine balance in getting them in before it gets too cold and after it is too warm, but November into early December is just fine!!

Mid-September To do List

It is time, if not past time to fertilize your citrus trees and to cut back your roses by one-third.
If you need any help, we are only a phone call (520.733.3359) or email away!!

If you see any 'ickky' bird droppings on your citrus leaves, these are actually caterpillars that turn into great Swallowtail butterflies! You can pick them off or leave them if you do not have too many. They will chomp on the leaves but again, if not an infestation, I leave them alone. 
 

Fertilize your citrus this month - newly planted trees do not need fertilizer the first 1-2 years. You can use Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Phosphate or Citrus Food fertilizer. The amount of fertilizer need per year depends on the age, the size, and the type of tree. Read the instructions on the package for more information.

As temps cool down, reduce your irrigation

Roses  Tucson Rose Society

• Mid-September, remove the top 1/3 of your roses and dead canes and clean up all the dead/fallen leaves and debris.
• Keep up your watering schedule especially if it stays hot.
• If the weather continues to be hot, only apply organic fertilizer like Max Magic Mix, Mills Magic Mix. Hickman's compost etc. or a half strength liquid fertilizer.
• When it starts to cool down at least at night (temps in the 60’s,) apply full strength fertilizer.  At the same time, give your roses their fall dose of Epsom Salts. Use one half cup per standard rose bush and ¼ cup per miniature rose bush.
• Don't try to jump start your roses by giving them a big boost of fertilizer when it is still over 90 degrees.
• Water your roses well before and after fertilizing.
• Unless you have a bad case of bugs or mildew, don't start weekly spraying for pests and mildew until early October. Spider mites are still a possibility, so continue to blast your roses with your water wand two or three times a week.

Hang in there while the heat is still on!

I was (as always) watching the local forecast this morning and it looks like there is a chance we will escape the 100's this weekend. That will be a nice relief. I would love to begin to bring down my irrigation times but I know I need to wait still.

Let me know if you have any questions about getting your plants through the summer!