Kerry VerMeulen
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Author Archives: Kerry VerMeulen
Studies Show Antidessicant Sprays Not Effective
“Anti-desiccant and anti-transpirant sprays are often recommended to prevent winter burn. Most studies, however, have shown them to be ineffective,” say University of Minnesota researchers Bert T Swanson and Richard Rideout in their article Protecting Trees and Shrubs Against Winter … Continue reading
Should I prune now?
NO!! With a few exceptions. To remember what and when to prune, ask yourself these questions first: Will the plant have time to put out new growth before winter arrives? If you answered yes to this question then No, don’t … Continue reading
Wrapping a trellis for winter
As you can see in the photo, trellises covered in vines are easy to wrap, provided you have the right tools. I’m using a handy ShrubJacket custom sheet ( http://www.plumstone.com), which is long and wide enough to protect this lovely … Continue reading
Posted in beautiful gardens, winter burn, Winter Prep
Tagged no more deer damage, prevent deer, stops deer
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What to Wrap in Winter?
Wondering what’s worth the effort? Anything that gets chewed on by d*#! (yes, that stands for deer, what else?) Boxwoods, hydrangea, lilac, rosebushes, Arborvitae, any broad leafed evergreen like rhododendrons and azaleas, fig trees, camellia, larch, and many more Anything … Continue reading
To keep roses healthy, protect them from Winter
The rose has long been considered the most beautiful flower in the world. According to myth, the lovely Rhodanth was so pursued by suitors that she fled to the temple of Diana, the huntress, who turned her into a rose … Continue reading
Fuschias!
Wow, I thought peonies were pretty great until I checked out the new varieties of fuschias at my local lawn and garden center. These shade plants are so pretty up close that each bloom is a work of art. They … Continue reading
Rhododendrons/Azaleas Not Blooming?
First of all, I feel your pain. Take a deep breath and count to ten. I know, I know, you’ve been looking forward to them all winter long and now they’re just green and what you thought were buds turned … Continue reading
That’s What?! How to ID your Spring Growth
Beware the early spring garden and all it’s mysteries. Although a straggly assortment of green tips may be emerging from your beds, resist the temptation to pull everything “weedy-looking”. Most of what you see you have probably planted on purpose! … Continue reading
Posted in Enough Sunlight, plant ID, Rhododendrons, Spring plants
Tagged bearded iris, daffodil, iris, ladys mantle, new growth, peonies before bloom, poppy, thistle, what do weeds look like?
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Growing in Less Than Great Soil Part I-Sand
Sand=tiny bits of stone. Soil is alive with so many creatures its an ecosystem unto itself, something that little bits of stone will never achieve. Sand does add structure-water winds its way through easily to drain and oxygen can get … Continue reading
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