Hello Plant Lovers,

We saw this simple and elegant container planting at the MidAm show in Chicago last month. Nice textural and color contrast using Pseudoranthemum, Variegated Geranium and Mondo Grass.

Here's a positive thought - winter officially ends IN MARCH!

Get Ready.

It's time to start planning your garden and outdoor decor for 2009. By now, just about all the mail order catalogs should have arrived in your mailbox. You've identified those gotta have items. Check with us first before sending money out of the state. We're big fans of the "buy local" concept for obvious reasons. It's a win/win situation for everybody. Our 2009 plant lists are now posted on our website. If you don't see something listed give us a call at 920-869-2044 and we'll see if we can get it. We've just been to the regional trade shows and spent much time traveling last summer so we feel we've got a pretty good handle on what's new and exciting.

If you need a gift certificate for Valentine's Day, stop by between 8AM and 4PM weekdays to buy one, or call 920-869-2044 and we'll mail the gift certificate. We're still not officially open, but we're happy to offer a gift certificate your loved one will really appreciate.

Transplanting.

Late winter is a good time to divide and repot those plants you brought in last fall. The plants natural alarm clock will go off shortly and a growth spurt will take place. It’s at this time that the plant can quickly repair the damage sustained from division while rapidly sending out new roots that will help it establish in its new environs.

When transplanting, choose a pot that is at least 2" larger than the old

1. Choose a pot that's at least 2" larger than the old.
2. Trim roots from the old root ball to get rid of girdling roots (ones that circle around the root ball) This also promotes new root growth.
3. Firmly plant into its new home ( in good, fresh potting soil - like your garden center uses), keeping plant at the same level it was in the previous planter.
4. Water judiciously - keep soil moist but not water-logged. Those freshly cut or damaged roots can be subject to rot if kept too wet. Don't forget, your pot needs a hole or an aggregate material at the bottom to promote good drainage.
5. This is a good time to cut back the plant's top to make a fuller plant if desired. One exception is hibiscus. Do "not" cut hibiscus back a lot or you will wait a long time for blossoms.
6. Fertilize minimally at first so that plant can get established before new top growth commences.

Staycations.

Besides spring the other thing on everyone's mind is certainly the economy. At the trade shows we attended most vendors seemed to be cautiously optimistic. They feel, and I think rightly so, that gardening is one of those things that provides refuge in times of uncertainty.

Rhapsody in coral, blue and white. This composition is a classic partnering of blue Alyogyne and Angelonia, Geranium and Bacopa for a soft, harmonious and relaxing look.

Nothing makes the world go away better than getting lost in the planting and nurturing of a plant that provides beauty or nourishment or both. Industry people are also pointing to the concept of the "Staycation" where people are spending vacation at or near home to save money. If you're going to be spending more time around the house this summer - be sure to enhance the experience with a few well chosen color plantings.

Edibles.

And, if you want to reassure yourself that you can be somewhat self-reliant, there's nothing better than digging up part of your lawn for some easy-to-grow veggies. Mayflower will have increased inventory of all your tasty favorites including the area's largest selection of heirloom tomatoes, patio vegetables and herbs. See our selections in this year's "Edibles" plant list.

Veggies are back! Feed your soul and your stomach with a planting of wine-leafed beets like this one at the Ball Seed Trials last July. Love the way the concrete ball contrasts with the beet foliage and echos the globe bushes behind.

Happy Valentine's Day,

Jan Wos
Owner
Mayflower Greenhouse

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