The benefits of applying dormant sprays.

 

Dormant spraying involves applying a preventative spray early in the spring while the tree is still dormant. Dormant spray is typically comprised of two products which can be applied together or separately.

One product is dormant oil and the other product is lime sulfur.

Dormant oils are highly refined oils that act to suffocate scale, aphids, mites and other insects which seek out shelter from the winter in the bark of trees.  Spraying now greatly reduces the impact these insects can have later in spring. Lime sulfur is a fungicide which kills dormant fungus spores on plants.

For example if you have aspen trees which suffered from black spot or roses with rust and/or black spot, now would be the time to apply dormant sprays to help control both of these situations.

Ideal conditions for dormant spraying would be on a day in late February through March when the temperature will be above 40°F for at least 24 hours, there’s little or no wind and no rain or snow. Wind will carry the oil away from the plant you’re trying to protect. You’ll want to spray early in the morning so the plant will be dry by evening. Spray just enough to cover the tree or shrub thoroughly. Dormant oil and lime sulfur can be applied with a hose-end sprayer, tank sprayer or hand held mister bottle. Mix with water according to label instructions.

For large jobs, get a no-mix hose end applicator. You set the dial to the right mix number, fill the jar and attach the hose and spray.

You may watch our video on our website for more information: http://www.theflowerbin.net/media.html.

Now is the Time for Dormant Pruning

 

Are you eager to get out in the garden? Take advantage of some of these warmer days and walk through your garden, paying particular attention to your crabapple, apple, pear trees and other deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are ones that lose their leaves in the fall and at this time of the year it’s easy to see the tree’s structure, because there are no leaves.  

You’re looking for obvious sign of winter damage such as broken branches and it’s also a good time to identify branches that crisscross, branches that point straight up or down or rubbing branches and obviously dead twigs and branches. Removing these branches will help open the center of the tree and improve air circulation within the canopy of the tree. Suckering branches will often appear at the base of crabapple trees. Sometimes called “water shoots”, the branches grow rapidly, usually straight up. These need to be removed also, by cutting the shoot as close to the base as possible. A product called Sucker Stopper can be applied during the growing season to help control suckering, without harming the tree.

With crabapple, apple, pear trees we’re also looking for signs of fire blight. Fire blight gets its name from the burnt appearance of blossoms and branches.

The flowers will turn brown and small branches and fruit will shrivel up and blacken.

Fire blight is a bacterial disease, spread by wind, rain, snow or insect activity, in the spring. Left untreated, fire blight can destroy the tree. We had a lot of fire blight problems last spring, because of the wet weather and now’s the time to remove these branches, while the bacteria are dormant and less likely to spread.

Another advantage of dormant pruning is you don’t have to disinfect your pruners between cuts, as you do during spring and summer pruning. For small branches, use a good pair of pruners, such as Felco®.  For larger branches, use a good set of loppers or a saw. If you’re not sure what to use, stop in and see us. We’ll help you select the right tool.

Colorful indoor plants for your Valentine

 

 A colorful indoor plant for your Valentine is a gift that will last more than a just few days. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and to say “I love you” than with a beautiful blooming houseplant. From amaryllis to zebra plants, these are incredibly beautiful plants that will surely make your Valentine smile. 

Azaleas mean first love and they should be kept moist and placed in a bright room, with no direct sun.

Bromeliads are low-maintenance plants related to pineapples. They don’t need much water and do well in low light conditions.

Cyclamen will tolerate lower light and cooler temperatures and likes to be kept moist.

Kalanchoe like to dry out a little between watering. Place them in a bright room.

Orchids come in a variety of colors and their blooms are long lasting. We can teach you how to take care of them.  

Zebra plants are known for their dark green foliage. They like to be in a well-lit place with no direct sun.

Check out our bulb gardens. Amaryllis, hyacinths and daffodils will make your Valentine think of spring.  

Can’t choose? Flower Bin Gift Cards are perfect for the person who loves to browse and shop.

 

We say the more you know, the better you grow.

For many years, February has been the month we kick-off our spring series of gardening classes. This year is no exception, as we present 11 classes over the next 6 weeks, leading into our annual Spring Begins festival.  This year's classes cover a variety of subjects, from blueberries to bonsai, companion planting to seed starting.  Who attends our classes? Our classes are attended by a diverse group of beginners as well as experienced gardeners, but mainly people interested in growing their gardening knowledge and skills. You’ll certainly want to come to hear the guest speakers, but also to listen and learn from your fellow attendees, as questions are encouraged during and after class. Sign up is simple. Call 303-772-3454 or stop in the store and visit the sign-up kiosk

Our class lineup for spring 2014 starts at 11:00 on Saturday, February 8 with Botanical Interests horticulturalist Ryan Schmidt. Ryan will be talking about seed selection, starting and growing seeds. Saturday afternoon, Richard Bender will lead a bonsai class. If you’re curious about the art of bonsai, bring your questions to Richard. He has a unique understanding of bonsai.

On February 15^th, at 11:00, Susan J. Tweit will speak about growing a healthy landscape that encourages birds and pollinators.


Saturday February 22 at 11:00, Don Anderson will explain how to integrate organic soils and fertilizers into your garden.

At 2:00 Don Eversoll, local gardener and author will teach you how to grow tomatoes and other vegetables.

March 1^st, at 11:00 am The Flower Bin’s own Perennial Manager Ann Hartman-Mahr will talk about designing and creating a healthy ecosystem in your own landscape.

At 2:00 March 1^st The Flower Bin’s Michael Morris will answer your spring gardening questions, including soil improvement. At 11:00 am Saturday March 8, Ryan Schmidt will lead on class on growing tomatoes.

If you’ve ever wanted to grow blueberries in Colorado, be sure come to attend Joel Reich’s class on Saturday March 8, at 2:00 pm.

On March 15^th, at 11:00 am, Deb Whittaker will talk about growing and using the top ten culinary herbs.

At 2:00 pm on March 15^th Todd McNulty will talk about incorporating summer blooming bulbs into your landscape