Archive for the ‘watering evergreens’ Category

Watering Newly Planted Trees And Shrubs

Proper watering of a newly planted tree or shrub starts the day it is planted.  This is the final crucial step! Dig a wide shallow hole that will accommodate the roots of the new tree. Adding soil amendments is generally not necessary unless the shrubs are moisture-loving, acidic-loving types such as azaleas (Rhododendron spp.), blueberries […]

Tips On Overwintering Outdoor Containers

Containers filled with shrubs and perennials, doesn’t necessarily ensure their winter survival. Without adequate cold protection plants may succumb to cold injury—turning them into dead annuals.     To over-winter perennials in containers, you need to know their root and shoot temperature hardiness. Often, plant hardiness ratings is listed on the label. Roots and shoots of several […]

Steps In Planting A Hedge

Why Plant A Hedge: Living privacy fence offers privacy from street traffic and neighbors Serves as a sound barrier to reduce noise A windbreak to reduce harsh winds Snow fence to reduce snow accumulation Wildlife protection and food for birds from berries and seed. Planning: Select vigorous disease and pest free trees and shrubs that suit […]

Fire Chief™ Arborvitae

Fire Chief™ Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Congabe’) is a compact, globe-shaped evergreen that grows 3-5 foot high and wide (in 10 years) (USDA hardiness zones 5-8). It is at its best in full to partial sunlight. Its soft scale-like foliage changes color seasonally. New spring growth emerges orangey-red, turns bright green in summer, and develops a […]

Dependable Conifer Trees For Southeast U.S. Landscapes

Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica var. glabra) is a southwestern U.S. conifer tree that is often underplanted. Soil drainage is an absolute must! Growth rate is moderate (15 feet high after 10 years) and eventually will reach 30-50 feet at maturity. (zones 7-9). I have seen multi-year specimens thriving in zone 6b. Deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara) is […]

Some Conifers Don’t Like Summer Heat And Clay Soils

Most conifers are best grown in deep, moist, well-drained, acidic loamy soils and in full sun. In the deep South evergreen conifers are challenged by warm soils, poor soil drainage, and humidity. Humidity increases their susceptibility to diseases. Once established they are drought tolerant, but most fail in poorly drained wet soils. Many pine species […]

Anise (Illicium) Shrubs Coming To Mid-South Gardens

There is lots of interest in this shrub group. Anise shrubs (Illicium spp.) are fast growing,  evergreen shrubs (USDA zones 7 to 10). They exhibit a multi-stemmed, upright, compact growth habit. The green foliage of Florida anise (I. floridanum) is quite attractive and aromatic, smelling similar to anise spice when crushed. Their shiny, leathery leaves are […]

Update On Boxwood Blight Disease

A decade ago, boxwoods (Buxus spp.) were the quintessential shrubs, particularly for formal hedges. Over the past half century, many new boxwood varieties have been introduced into nursery commerce, a boxwood variety that will work in most garden situations.  Just five years ago, boxwood production at U.S. nurseries was greater than for azaleas, hollies, hydrangeas, and arborvitaes. […]

Sun Or Shade –These Six Shrubs Don’t Care

A surprising number of flowering shrubs perform beautifully in either sun or shade, making them quite versatile where planning a landscape. All can be utilize around outdoor living areas such as decks and patios. Several good candidates are these six:   Japanese pieris, aka lily of the valley shrub (Pieris japonica) is a versatile shrub for […]

Rain Barrels Save Water!

The following is a guest blog from Joy Stewart, a good friend who gardens in Bristol, Tennessee. Photos taken at her garden. Regional droughts and potential water shortages are causing people to turn to a centuries old practice of collecting rain as an alternative source of water.   By collecting rainwater from your home’s roof, you have […]