CC on Hummingbirds

My turn…

I got interested in hummingbirds about 10 years ago when I spotted a pure white (albino) hummer in my yard. Of course, I had to “Google” it and found out that although rare, they do exist. I started investing in hummingbird feeders and planting their favorite flowering plants (they LOVE Black & Blue Salvia). I would get a Trumpet vine for them but the vines get pretty big and I have nowhere to put one. I have learned a lot from the little guys including:
• Get feeders that are easy to clean. In hot weather, they should be cleaned and re-filled every 4-5 days. We sell nectar here but sugar water works too.
• Watch for them at dawn and dusk – the most active feeding times. They will feed throughout the day as well.
• I bought a ‘mister’ that sprays a very light water mist which they enjoy.
• Although we only get one species in this part of the country (the Ruby Throated) they have different personalities – we even name them (Tiny Dancer is my favorite, she will “dance” in front of our porch screens (fly up, down, and in zigzag and cross patterns looking in at us.)
• They are very territorial – it’s a good idea to have feeders and plants on opposite sides of the house to avoid conflicts. It is fun to watch the competition among them as they chase each other away from food sources.
• Try not to use pesticides near their feeding areas – not only are hummers fragile, they eat the small insects.

So, get started and I promise you will be hooked! We have everything you need here at the Garden Center.

Thanks for listening!
CC Geist
Landscape office manager

Amsonia

There are a few perennials that I see in bloom and I think to myself "why don't more people plant this?" Amsonia happens to be one of those plants. True blue flowers (pretty much the Holly Grail to gardeners) in May and it doesn't matter what kind of landscape look you're going for there's a variety that will fit. Amsonia 'Blue Ice' is perfect for the front of the border with deep blue star shaped flowers on a shorter, slowly spreading plant. For formal landscapes, Amsonia 'Halfway to Arkansas' has a perfectly mounded habit (without any pruning or shearing) and sky blue flowers. If its a natural, wildflower look you're going for, then try Amsonia hubrichtii. This one has long, thin, needle-like foliage that sways in the slightest breeze. All varieties are free of disease and insect problems, deer & rabbit resistant, and turn brilliant gold in the fall. Plant them near Burning Bush or with Purple Flame Grass and Asters for a spectacular autumn display. ~ Heather

Smart Farms

Last month I attended my first Smart Farms meeting in Lake Barrington. What a great event. The topic was seed starting and I learned so much. If you have an interest in organic gardening, vegetable gardening or are looking for a fun outdoor volunteer opportunity for the whole family, Smart Farm is a great organization.

Here is an overview of their organization:
The Smart Farm is an educational garden for the Barrington area and nearby communities. Adults, children, and students learn about their agricultural heritage, organic gardening, the slow food movement, and best practices for living "green," sustainable lives.

Click here for more information on Smart Farms.

What's Your Garden Style?

Click here for a quick and fun 9 question quiz to help determine your garden style!

Grow a Row

We are really excited about our new vegetable garden at the Garden Center. Come see what we have growing!
After years of helping gardeners both experienced and beginner, we decided it would be a fun way to fill up a little extra space at our Garden Center. So this group effort, led by Heather, Albino and Marta has literally taken root! Our cold weather veggies and some seeds are in the ground. We will be posting pics through the spring and summer and would love to see your pics too! Send us pics to your bountiful veggie garden so we can show everyone the hard work our Barn friends have put in.

We are supporting the Grow A Row program this year, which encourages citizens to grow an extra row of vegetables to donate to local food pantries. For more information on this program, click here.

If you are at all like me you are just itching for spring. You want the warmth of sun on your skin, that wonderful smell of fresh green growth, and the feel of gritty soil in your hands. We can’t do anything about the sun, but we can bring on spring by starting some seeds indoors.

Step One – Stock up on supplies. Pots: Jiffy pots are made of a biodegradable fiber that drains easily and can be planted directly into the garden. Plastic seed trays also work well; if you are reusing trays from a previous year, be sure to sterilize them first. Soil: Most potting mixes are too coarse for starting seeds. To achieve the best results, use a soil labeled as Seed Starting Mix. Seeds: Some plants (like tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, mint, thyme, etc.) are best started indoors, while others (like carrots, lettuce, beans, etc.) do just as well when sown directly into the garden. Refer to the seed packet to determine if they should be started indoors.

Step Two – When to start planting. Decide when you would like to plant the seedlings in the garden; you can use the link below as a reference. Tomatoes will take 6-8 weeks to grow from seed to a transplantable size. Once you have chosen a tentative “plant in the garden” date, count back 6-8 weeks. This is the date you want to start your seeds. Peppers will take about 8 weeks to grow to a transplantable size, eggplant 8-10 weeks, and cucumbers 3-4 weeks. Again, refer to the seed packet.

Step Three – Get planting! Keeping the seeds moist (but not drenched) and providing them with lots of light are the two most important components to successfully growing seeds indoors. If using grow lights, put the lights about 4 inches above the soil surface and raise them as the seedlings grow. If using natural light, be sure to place the plants in a sunny south facing window where they will get about 14 hours of sun a day.

Step Four – Hardening the seedlings. Your baby plants have been growing in the warm, windless safety of your home. You can prepare them for the garden by placing them in a cold frame or window well about two weeks before planting them outside. You can also harden the plants by placing them in a shady spot in the garden on nice days, and pulling them inside at night. They will be sensitive, so be careful not to expose the seedlings to freezing temperatures or too much wind.

Step Five – Plant the seedlings in the garden. Protect warm season vegetables from cold winds and frost.

Here is a link to the seed packet.

HM

Warm Temps this weekend - stop by and see us!

It has been a long winter and we know all our gardening friends and family are eager for those first glimpes of bulbs poking through and that delicious smell of dirt!! If you are as ready as we are - stop in and see us. The Garden Center is bursting with seeds, equipment, tools, seed starting supplies, soil and fertilizer. We have everything you need to get started.

Last year, the number of customers starting vegetable gardens for the first time or expanding on the basic "Tomato, Cucumber, Pepper" style garden really grew. We were so excited to help everyone pick out new varieties to try and help the beginners get started. In anticipation of a bountiful 2010 season, we have increased the quantity and variety of seeds and garden supplies. Now is a great time to get started, especially for "newbies". Heather & Rich, our garden experts, are full of excitement and enthusiasm and can offer whatever assistance you need.