by Gardens of Babylon | Dec 4, 2024
The holiday season is here, and that means seeing the classic festive plants roll into the shop – Poinsettias, Christmas Cactus, Norfolk Pines, and more. But these plants aren’t just holiday decorations! They can live for many years with the right love and care. With these tips, caring for all your holiday plants will be easy as enjoying a slice of your favorite holiday pie:
Poinsettias
Lighting: For the holidays, place your poinsettia in bright, indirect light.
Soil: Plant in a nutritious, well-draining soil.
Watering: Allow the soil to dry moderately between waterings so that the roots don’t stand in water. If your poinsettia came wrapped in colorful foil, punch holes through the bottom of the foil to allow the pot to drain.
Fertilizer: To encourage reblooming, fertilize in spring every 2 weeks!
Tips: Maintain temperatures between 70ºF and 75ºF during the day, with nights no lower than 60ºF—protect the plant from cold drafts.
Soil: Use a quality soil rich in humus and other nutrients.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, misting it frequently.
Light: Place the cactus in an east-facing window for moderate light and some direct sun.
Fertilization: Apply a high-potassium fertilizer every two weeks once buds form.
Cyclamen
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while your plant is blooming, but do not overwater!
Light: Place your cyclamen in a cool spot with bright light, but not direct sun.
Fertilization: Apply a houseplant fertilizer every couple months in the growing season.
Amaryllis
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Temperature: Maintain an optimal climate of 65 degrees.
Watering: Water enough to keep the soil moist, and avoid wetting the bulb that is above the soil.
Light: Place your amaryllis in the sunniest spot you can find in your house!
Fertilization: Apply an indoor plant fertilizer every 2 weeks to promote reblooming.
Norfolk Pine
Light: Indoors, Norfolk Island pine tolerates medium to bright light, but does best in brighter spots.
Watering: Like most houseplants, it’s best to water Norfolk Island pine when the top inch or two of the soil is dry. Avoid keeping the soil wet all the time, as this can encourage root rot.
Humidity: While these trees tolerate average household humidity, they really thrive with a little extra moisture in the air than you typically find indoors, especially during the winter.
Soil: Use a quality soil that is well-draining.
Fertilization: Apply a houseplant fertilizer every 2 weeks in the growing season.
by Gardens of Babylon | Dec 1, 2024
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If you’re in the Southeast like we are, you know how unpredictable the weather can be (especially this time of year). It might be snowing one day and 70 degrees and sunny the next! While the weather can be unpredictable, it’s still best to be consistent with your landscape maintenance – yes, even in the Winter! Here are some garden-related chores to tackle this month:
- Continue to mulch leaves from your lawn. Mulching leaves is much better for your yard – and the environment – than raking. Shredding up leaves enriches the soil as they break down, supports insects like butterflies and moths that overwinter in the leaf litter, and saves time (and your back!). While you can buy a leaf mulcher, it could save you time and money to simply run over the leaves with your lawnmower to chop them up!
- Plant shade trees, fruit trees and evergreen shrubs. While you can often continue planting even after the snow falls, some days might feel too cold for that. Get a head start this December before you freeze your fingers off! So, get a head start this December before you freeze your fingers off. Not sure what plants would go best in your yard? Check out our previous blog post all about native trees to plant this fall. If you’re still unsure or have more questions, reach out to us or visit our store in downtown Nashville. We’re happy to help!
- Plant tulip, hyacinth, grape hyacinth, and daffodil bulbs. Most people think of Spring and Summer as the times to plant. While these floral beauties bloom in the Spring, it’s important to plant them during the optimal window, which is about six weeks before hard frost freezes the ground. Need tips on planting bulbs? Check out our bulb-planting blog!
- Relocate established plants, and continue planting balled and burlapped trees and shrubs. This is the ideal time to move and plant trees and shrubs — they’ve gone dormant until Spring, which minimizes the risk of stunting their growth. Additionally, consider making a sustainable choice by repurposing your live Christmas tree after the holidays. Many cities, including Nashville, offer tree drop-off locations where the trees are repurposed, either as mulch or as habitats for fish in local lakes.
- Provide food and water to your area’s Wintering birds. Some common birds that stick it out for Tennessee Winters are the American Robin, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, and many more. Depending on the bird, they may enjoy seeds, nuts, mealworms, and a host of other foods. Take a look at the birds in your area and research what foods are most enjoyed by the birds you want to attract. If you have children or grandchildren, feeding the birds could be a fun activity to do together over the holidays.
Most importantly, sit back and enjoy the holiday season! Let your lawn take a breather while you spend quality time with loved ones. Once Spring rolls around, you’ll reap the rewards of your hard work. Plus, you’ll be the envy of your neighbors as your healthy, well-cared-for yard and garden spring to life, getting a head start on the growing season!
If you’re ready for a landscape makeover, or want help with a seasonal clean-up or keeping your yard looking beautiful year-round, book a consultation with us!
by Gardens of Babylon | Nov 4, 2024
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We’ve all seen it — a once-beautiful Crepe Myrtle now cropped and chopped in a not-so-nice way. “Crepe murder” is often done because the tree is too big for its space or because people think it will make the tree bloom more heavily. But there are better ways — don’t commit a crime against a tree. Here’s how to prune Crepe Myrtles:
Why do people prune Crepe Myrtles poorly?
If you live in the Southeastern United States, you’ve probably seen hacked Crepe Myrtles while walking through your neighborhood. They’re chopped thickly, leaving large stubs instead of naturally tapered limbs. Some people prune their Crepe Myrtles harshly because they think it will promote more heavy blooming, while others may prune them this way simply because the tree grew too large. But chopping the limbs of your tree with a chainsaw to shorten it or to induce blooming actually produces “knuckles” on the tree. These knuckles lead to weak, drooping branches unable to support the tree’s beautiful flowers.
How should you prune Crepe Myrtles correctly?
You should only prune your Crepe Myrtles to maintain the tree’s natural form. As mentioned above, avoid severe pruning and focus on selective thinning. Here are some tips:
- It’s best to prune in Winter before new growth starts.
- Remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches.
- Thin out crowded branches to improve air circulation.
- Avoid topping or heading the tree, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduced flowering.
Check out Southern Living’s
guide to pruning Crepe Myrtles if you want to do it yourself!
How do I prevent poor pruning practices?
There are a few preventative measures you can take to avoid crepe murder. Starting before you purchase your tree, find out the mature height of your tree. Some Crepe Myrtle varieties only reach 15-20 feet while others can exceed 30 feet. If you have an existing Crepe Myrtle and you feel like it is getting too big, you can transplant it to give it some more room. Crepe Myrtles respond quite well to transplanting if done correctly!
Do your research, and remember that you can always cut more, but you cannot go back if you prune too much! And if you want the experts to handle your pruning for you, reach out to us! Our maintenance teams are highly skilled and can safely and accurately prune not only Crepe Myrtles, but all kinds of foliage. Book a consultation today!
by Gardens of Babylon | Oct 30, 2024
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As we move into November, many people overlook this time as an opportunity for planting. However, fall and winter can be excellent seasons for enhancing your outdoor space. During these cooler months, many deciduous trees, shrubs, and perennials enter a dormancy phase, making it an ideal time for transplanting. This dormancy period is beneficial for establishing new plants, as it minimizes stress and increases their chances of thriving come spring.
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The Winter Planting Advantage: Dormancy and Root Development
- Dormancy Unleashes Strength: Winter marks the dormancy phase for many plants, a time when they conserve energy by slowing down their above-ground growth. This dormancy is advantageous for transplanting, as it minimizes stress on the plant and increases its chances of successful establishment.
- Roots Get a Head Start: While the above-ground parts of plants take a breather during winter, their roots remain active. Planting during this time allows roots to establish themselves in the new soil, ensuring a strong foundation for robust spring and summer growth.
The Winter Chill: A Natural Pest Control Mechanism
In the winter landscape, the drop in temperatures serves as a natural ally in the ongoing battle against pests. As the cold sets in, many insects, fungi, and harmful microorganisms either become dormant or experience a slowdown in their activity. This seasonal dormancy acts as a deterrent, minimizing the prevalence of pests that could otherwise pose a threat to the well-being of your plants. The decreased activity of potential invaders during winter not only reduces the immediate risk of infestations, but also curtails the spread of diseases that might otherwise compromise the health of your fruit trees, shrubs, and perennials. Opting for winter planting strategically capitalizes on this environmental advantage, providing your newly introduced plants with a head start towards robust growth. By establishing themselves during a period of reduced pest pressure, your plants can channel their energy into building strong root systems and adapting to their surroundings. This stress-free initiation allows them to focus on fortifying their resilience, ensuring they enter the subsequent growing season with a solid foundation for vibrant foliage, blossoms, and, in the case of fruit-bearing varieties, a promising harvest. In essence, the winter chill not only bestows a seasonal reprieve on your garden but also sets the stage for a healthier and more flourishing landscape in the seasons to come.
Selecting the Right Plants for Winter Planting
Discovering the perfect plants for winter planting is the key to a resilient and beautiful garden. From apples to lavender, find straightforward insights to ensure a successful and thriving winter landscape.
- Fruit Trees for Winter Delight: Explore the world of fruit trees that thrive when planted in winter. From apple and pear trees to peach and cherry varieties, discover which fruits are the perfect match for your winter garden aspirations.
- Shrubs: The Backbone of Winter Landscapes: Uncover the versatility of winter-friendly shrubs. Whether you’re aiming for vibrant blooms, evergreen foliage, or decorative berries, winter planting opens up a world of possibilities.
- Perennials That Brave the Cold: Not all perennials shy away from winter – some embrace the chill with resilience and grace. Learn about perennials like lavender, sedum, and ornamental grasses that thrive when planted during the colder months.
Winter Planting Tips and Techniques
- Prepare the Soil: Despite the chill, soil preparation is key. Understand the importance of well-draining soil, compost, and other amendments to create a welcoming environment for your new plants.
- Proper Mulching: Mulching isn’t just for summer – it plays a crucial role in winter too. Explore the benefits of mulch in retaining soil moisture, regulating temperature, and protecting roots during colder spells.
- Watering Wisely: Believe it or not, winter doesn’t mean plants don’t need water. Water only when air temperatures are above 40 degrees F. Apply water at mid-day so it will have time to soak in before possible freezing temperatures at night. A solid layer (persisting for more than a month) of ice on lawns can cause suffocation or result in matting of grass.
Ready to enhance your outdoor space? Let us do the heavy lifting! Our skilled maintenance and landscaping teams can tackle any landscaping project. Let us know what you’re looking and we can get started!
by Gardens of Babylon | Oct 9, 2024
Here’s good news for gardeners who feel they missed their chance to establish a garden in Spring: Fall is here.
While Spring traditionally opens the gardening season, many gardeners are aware that Fall is great for planting. In October, the soil is still warm from Summer heat while the air begins to cool, creating the perfect environment for healthy root growth. “This, combined with declining pest and disease populations is a recipe for success,” horticulture experts at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture explain. “Work and planning now will pay off in the Spring with strong healthy plants growing beautifully in a home garden.”
And after the long, sweltering Summer, cooler weather brings you back out to enjoy the outdoors again. Think of it as the garden’s “second season.” What to plant? You may be surprised at what thrives in a Fall garden.
Shrubs and trees
Fall and Winter months are a good time to plant shrubs and trees. Spring-planted shrubs need to be watched and watered regularly as the weather gets warmer and they establish themselves in the ground during the growing season. Planted when they are dormant, trees and shrubs can put their energy into establishing good root systems before they begin active growth again next Spring.
Water trees and shrubs at planting time and throughout the season while it’s still warm and dry, but decrease watering as the weather begins to turn cold.
Perennials
Those coneflowers, daylilies, peonies and other Summer-blooming perennials may not look their best in the garden center right now, and they certainly won’t bloom this year. But planting them now gives them a chance to grow quickly into the still-warm soil before frost arrives.
A layer of mulch at planting time will help keep the soil moist, and should protect the new plants from being pushed out of the ground during Winter’s freezing and thawing. Next Spring, Fall-planted perennials will emerge as strong, healthy plants.
Kitchen garden
In early fall, many kitchen-garden veggies begin to fade, but the opportunities for those garden beds don’t come to an end. As you pull out the declining squash and cucumber vines, you can make space for vegetables that thrive in cooler weather, allowing you to enjoy homegrown produce throughout the fall and, in some cases, well into winter. Consider the possibilities!
- Leafy vegetables: Lettuce, spinach, kale, chard and other leafy greens planted early Spring grow quickly when the soil is cool, and go to seed and die back as the weather warms up. Planted now, though, as weather begins to cool, these leafy greens will again thrive.
- Root vegetables: Once they sprout, carrots, turnips and radishes grow fairly quickly, and continue to survive even through frosty Fall nights.
- Cole crops, or brassicas: Broccoli, collards, cabbage, kale, bok choy, and others are among the cool-season vegetables that thrive in fall and are tough enough to withstand the colder weather ahead.
Tips for success
As we settle into October, the cool weather of fall is starting to take hold in Middle Tennessee. Ensure that new plants receive plenty of water at planting time and throughout the season to help establish their roots before winter. Mulch is also beneficial for retaining soil moisture and protecting plant roots (just be sure not to pile mulch around the trunks of trees and shrubs).
In kitchen gardens, be aware that the transition to cooler temperatures can still present challenges. Seed germination may be affected by lingering warm spells, and summer pests and fast-growing weeds can hinder your efforts. Stay vigilant and care for your fall-growing vegetables from planting to harvest.
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Ready to enhance your outdoor space this Fall? Let us do the heavy lifting! Our skilled maintenance and landscaping teams can tackle your Fall landscaping project. Let us know what you’re looking for to get started.
